Exciting Experience in Educational Life - Research Paper Example

REFLECTIVE ESSAY Introduction The reflective essay gives a detailed review of the research steps that were undertakenwith members of our group. The study was carried out in a step by step process where precise time frameworks were given to group members to complete the investigation in time as required by the University academic policies. The reflective essay outlines and explains in a detailed manner the entire research process. The article has been categorized into different sections. Each of the sections concisely addresses the roadmap taken to complete the research work. In the reflection essay, the research problem has been clearly stated. A research question forms the basis for conducting an investigation relating to a particular concept of evaluation. Coming up with a well-framed research is always a difficult process. The research question must investigate a particular issue. Most new researchers find themselves at a standstill because a majority of them may have a problem in designing a research question. It must be is researchable. In addition, to coming up with the question, the next stage of the research process involved finding the relevant sources that could be used to investigate the problem under investigation. After collecting the sources, the group evaluated the information from the sources before a detailed analysis was conducted. Finally, the reflective essay will also highlight some of the shortcomings that faced our research work. An overview of strategies that were used to resolves some of the impediments to the research work (Saunders et al., 2011). Research Question Formulation The group had to be careful in drafting the research question. In formulating our research question, the group had to come up with a general topic of interest. Each of the group members was given an opportunity to state their area of interest. Coming up with a topic of interest was a daunting task given that members of the group could not agree on a common research question. Consequently, the team had to meet frequently to consult on the most suitable research question. The frequent consultation consumed most of the time that we required to undertake the research. Hence, the study started later than it had been anticipated. After, a series of meetings and extensive consultation the group finally came up with an appropriate research question that was agreed upon by a majority of the members through a brief voting process. The decision to conduct a voting process was considered to ensure that all members were brought on board. Additionally, it was supposed to encourage all the members to own the entire process from its inception to its closure. The research questions were initially three in number, but the group agreed on one. Our research question was, “What percentage of students work while studying and what the main reasons for doing so are?” The research question was appropriate given that it met all the requirements of a researchable topic. Members were expected to come up with a research question that was within the area of our interest. Consequently, they were expected to come with three articles for the study. Research is a fascinating field that researchers are supposed to enjoy in trying to establish the validity of theories that exist. In order to promote a valid research study, the researchers are supposed to pick a topic that excites them. A decision to choose a question that may not of interest to researchers is likely to affect the outcomes of the work because of lack of seriousness. Additionally, the question was framed in a manner that could enable the group single down a particular group of interest that could participate in filling the questionnaires. Their responses were to be in the final analysis of the data that was collected. The research question was also comprehensive given that it paid particular attention to a specific group of people in the community. Although the research question was drafted, one of the shortcomings was that the group was unable to access the most recent peer-reviewed journals that were addressing the topic. A majority of the journals that were found seemed to be overtaken with current trends. It is appropriate to use the most current secondary sources because they contain updated information regarding certain theories (Nonis and Hudson, 2006). Sourcing, evaluation and analysis of secondary information Prior to the commencement of the research, group members unanimously agreed that the research should use secondary sources to collect information about the problem under study. The standard procedure recommended in undertaking an academic literature review involves finding appropriate sources, assessing and examining the secondary data. Naturally, the first step that involves gathering the relevant academic work required to undertake the study. The next step involves determining whether the literature work will have a positive contribution or add value to the existing studies. In addition, it is imperative to consider the origin of the sources that the researchers intend to use. Furthermore, an annotated bibliography is supposed to be used to give an overview of some of the references the research intends to use (Saunders et al., 2011). Another aspect that is in examining the sources that are designed to be used in research work is the credibility of the secondary source. Reliability is assessed by finding out the opinions of the author. The work of the author should be free from bias. The author is not supposed to take a particular side in the work; they are supposed to be neutral. In addition, only work written by outstanding scholars who have achieved remarkable marks in their field are supposed to be referenced. In assessing the sources to be used, the group was expected to have detailed information about the sources. Interestingly, the sources that were picked for the study were appropriate given that they address the fundamental question of research. Furthermore, most of the scholars have recommended the sources given that they address the issue under investigation in a more detailed approach. In addition, they provide the appropriate data that our research sort to complete the study (Saunders et al, 2011). Although the secondary sources were used as the primary sources for the research, primary data was also used to support the theory under investigation. Questionnaires were used to collect primary data. Primary data entails responses given by interviewees that are used to in analysing data so as to come up with the conclusion. In addition, the sources that were used to draft the question were academic in nature in order to make the research more convincing. Most importantly, the sources were relevant to the study because they provided the information that was necessary to complete the investigation (Saunders et al., 2011). Primary Data A questionnaire was administered to the target group to help in the collection of data. Given that the study was quantitative in nature, a questionnaire had to be provided to a sample size of 100 was used from the student population that took part in the study. The number of students who were interviewed face to face was 40 while 60 used the survey monkey. The group chose to use a sample population because of the benefits derived by using a sample that represents the views of a population. The group chose to involve a sample given that sampling has a number of benefits. Conducting a sample study helps in saving the time and cost spent in conducting a study. The findings of the sample were then used in generalizing the results of the study. Although a sample study might not be very expensive, it has its shortcomings. As a group, we feared that the sample might not give credible evidence since only a limited number of people will participate. In addition, the findings of a sample are very scanty given only a small group of people participate. The group decided to use a random sampling method so as to give all members of the population an equal opportunity to participate in the research. Each of the subjects was assigned a variable that was later on to be in the data analysis stage (Cooper and Schindler, 2003). The group collected data using a number of ways. We carried out interviews using the University library given that are much convenient than other methods of data collection. A questionnaire could enable the respondents hide their identity. One of the ethical practices in research is treating the information provided by a respondent with a lot of confidentialities. The researchers are not supposed to conceal the identity of their respondents. Revealing the information provided by an interviewee might compromise the findings of a research leading to unfounded findings. The questions asked in the questionnaire were structured where the respondents were provided with alternatives where they could pick on the appropriate answers. The main challenge that we encountered in collecting data is that some of the participants did not respond to our questions. In addition, some of them respond late hence undermining the credibility of our research work. The decision by some of the respondents to ignore the questionnaires delayed our time. It was a major setback to the group given that their decision was going to affect the final result of our study. The real picture of a research can only be when the sample involved in the study is significant (Joy, 2007). Data Analysis and Findings The data analysis and presentation of finding was one of the exciting stages in our research. In order to ensure our work was presented within the set timeframe, we decided to use the SPSS software in our analysis of data. By using the software, we could save time and get accurate data. Our study revealed that students decide to seek for employment because of a number of reasons. A majority of students were increasingly seeking for employment opportunities something that was affecting the education standards. Most of the students who were employed were finding it difficult to balance their education and work. Students are driven to seek employment so that they could afford to pay their school fees. Some were being frustrated in accessing higher education loans something that forced them to seek alternative means of funding (Curtis and Shani, 2002). In our research, we established that about 57% of students had been employed. The figure was a 7% increase from the year 2012.Our study targeted about 1000 university students who were part-time students. A majority of them decided to involve themselves in generating incomes so that they could comfortably meet their expenses while studying. In addition, others sort for employment so that they could have money for leisure activities. The group was represented by 62 % of those who were working. In addition, the escalating cost of living had pushed most of the students to seek for jobs so that they could meet their tuition fees (Berg et al, 2004). Conclusion The research we undertook proved to be an exciting experience in our educational life. We faced both interesting and tricky situations. We found both primary and secondary sources to be valid for the study. Our sampling method enabled us to provide an equal opportunity to all students who were working to take part in the study. The questionnaires proved to be a useful data collection technique. Although, our study was successful, there were a number of shortcomings that we came across. The decision by some of the respondents not to respond to our questionnaires affected the credibility of out outcomes. In case we intend to undertake a study in future, we will ensure that we inform our participants the benefits of participating (Curtis and Shani, 2002). Reference List Berg, B. L., Lune, H., and Lune, H. (2004). Qualitative research methods for the social sciences (Vol. 5). Boston, MA: Pearson. Cooper, D. R., and Schindler, P. S. (2003). Business research methods. Curtis, S., and Shani, N. (2002). The effect of taking paid employment during term-time on Students academic studies. Journal of Further and Higher Education, 26(2), 129-138. Joy, M. (2007). Research methods in education (No. 10). Innovation Way, York Science Park, Heslington, York YO10 5BR: The Higher Education Academy. Nonis, S. A., and Hudson, G. I. (2006). Academic performance of college students: Influence of Time spent studying and working. Journal of Education for Business, 81(3), 151-159. Saunders, M. N., Saunders, M., Lewis, P., and Thornhill, A. (2011). Research methods for Business students, 5/e. Pearson Education India. Appendix I Date/Location Task Tools and techniques Keywords 17th Feb 2015 Gipsy lane Introduction of group members Members come up with ideas before we started searching on Google and Emerald. An investigation on the percentage of students who work while studying. 24 Feb 2015 Discussion on the different types of research. Evaluation of the benefits and shortcomings of qualitative and quantitative data. Qualitative and quantitative research 4th Mar 2015 Discussion on questions that were supposed to feature in the questionnaire. The group decided to use a survey and interview for the purpose of data collection Carrying out an interview and a survey. 9 Mar 2015 The group carried out an online survey and later on went to Brooke’s library where students were interviewed. Questionnaires were administered to students. Questionnaires and online survey. 14 April 2015 The group took a brief break for the Easter holiday. Each member had analysed the interviews. PowerPoint presentations were prepared to illustrate the analysed data. PowerPoint presentation. 19 April 2015 The group took the time to prepare adequately for the final presentation. Read More