Basic Concepts of Quantitative Reasoning - Assignment Example

Type of Study. The study was quantitative research made up of the use of a number of numeric indexes in the data collection and analysis processes (Packham et al, 2004). Hypothesis. The researchers hypothesized ahead of the study that persistent learners and their dropout counterparts have and exhibit different demographics, internal and external characteristics towards online learning. Procedure. In relation to the quantitative study, the researchers used an online survey questionnaire as the mode or method of data collection.

This enabled the researchers to collect close-ended data, which are easily analyzed by the use of quantitative software (Biggs, 1987). Statistical Tests Depending on the variable that the researchers were testing, different statistical tests were applied. Largely though, there was the use of chi-square and multivariate analysis of variance. Results or Findings. The results turned out that in terms of demographic differences, there were no significant differences between dropouts and persistent learners.

The area of differentiation was however with regards to the perception of family and organizational support where it was determined that persistent group displayed higher perception. Conclusions. The findings conclude that as far as online learning is concerned, external factors that have to do with the kind of support a learner gets influence the rate of completion of course than internal and demographic factors. Critique. The organization of the study made it highly easier to follow and understand (Osborn, 2001).

The study was also self-explanatory and did not contain any technicalities that are difficult to comprehend.