Public Opinion on Resources for Street People - Essay Example

 Critique of the Survey on Public Opinion on Resources for Street People Addressing Research Questions and Hypothesis Yes. The survey tool provided by the researcher is adequate to address the research questions. However, it does not indicate the specific research questions, thus may lead to confusion among readers making attempts to identify the research questions. On the other hand, the manner through, which the survey is presented is adequate to answer the research hypothesis, although, the researcher has not provided its readers with clearly stated research hypothesis, but rather begins by a general description of the background of study followed by statement of the research questions for qualitative data collection process. Strengths of the Survey The survey begins with a brief introduction, basically describing its overall purpose and the reasons. Stating the purpose of any study is an imperative facet that allows readers to have a general idea of what is expected in survey and the overall goals of the survey. In addition, the survey has a list of eleven questions that are going to be used during the data collection process, the questions are qualitative in nature: There are various benefits associated with the use of qualitative data such a; facilitating the process of understanding people’s experiences such by asking questions that answer, why, how and where; qualitative data is also less expensive as compared to quantitative data collection processes, which in most cases require tools of assessment and large research groups. Part A of the survey discusses a brief situation of the population to be studied in relation to their opinions of availability of resources and states the importance of undertaking this research. This information is imperative for persons, who may not get engaged in the survey directly, but those who may want to use this information for future references. On the other hand, the survey states the importance of undertaking this research, this does not only ensure that readers have a clear idea of the intentions of the survey, but also ensure that the information gained from this survey can be used to undertake development agendas. Limitations of the Survey In as much as the survey is characterized by various strengths, it also exhibits several limitations. To begin with, this survey tool does not indicate the research questions that were used during the study. This makes it quite complex for parties interested in knowing the objectives of the study to identify the specific driving factors for undertaking the survey. This could be considered one of the major weaknesses. A good and effective survey should have specific research questions that it intends to fulfill: These questions can also be used for future references by external parties interested in the results of the survey (Kumar, 2014). Additionally, the researcher in this survey seemed to have assumed that readers will figure out the introductory section of the survey, thus the introduction was not labeled. This could create challenges for persons making attempts to analyze the survey, specifically as they make attempts to figure out, which part of the survey is the introduction, background or even the discussion section. A good survey is usually divided into various sections that are properly titled. This ensures that information is written down in a coherent manner and does not cause confusion among readers as well as the surveyors themselves (Kumar, 2014). The introductory section of the survey does not provide comprehensive information regarding the background of the study, but rather provides a brief explanation of the need to take into consideration public opinion regarding availability of public resources as an imperative factor for development. It is important that surveyors provide comprehensive background information regarding their research as a back-up information supporting their surveys, this is imperative for purposes of references and justification of their studies. Another limitation of this survey is based on the fact that it does not specify, at the introductory section, whether the data collection process shall engage in qualitative of quantitative method of data collection. Here, the readers are left to figure whether the eleven research questions are qualitative or quantitative in nature. Consequently, the survey does not have a conclusive statement or paragraph summarizing the general information that has been provided in the survey outline. This could be important as it ensures that third parties that have access to the survey, properly understands its objectives as well as goals. Another limitation of the survey may be based on the fact that it involved use of qualitative data collection process. Qualitative data collection process is usually associated with various limitations such as: The data collected may not be used to make assumptions beyond the perceptions of the study groups involved; data collected through qualitative processes, may be subject to bias from the research participants (Kumar, 2014). How this survey Could be Improved Improving this survey begins by addressing its weaknesses. It would begin by providing a clear statement of the research objectives, research questions and a properly state research hypothesis. These are imperative structures of surveys that make them comprehensive for readers. In addition, the survey could be improved by providing background information about the study; this information is provided in a comprehensive and detailed manner for readers to understand the basis of the study. On the other hand, prevention or elimination of the limitations that may arise due to the use of qualitative data collection processes may be undertaken through application of the mixed-method approach that basically incorporates quantitative and qualitative methods. The survey could also be improved through provision of a conclusive paragraph that basically summarizes the overall information indicated in the entire survey tool. In order to ensure that readers are not confused as the strive to understand the entire process of the survey, the survey could be structured in a manner that each section is clearly stated and titled i.e. introduction, objectives, background, research questions as well as conclusion. This method ensures a coherent presentation of information and also ensures that the information indicated in the survey tool is presentable. Follow-up Research Question and Hypothesis that could be Answered using a Mixed-Method Approach The research question that could be answered using the mixed-method approach is: What resources are you aware of people living in the streets? In this research question, the mixed method approach could help in identification of the specific number of resources and find out the reasons why the participants think they are resources for people living in the streets. In relation to research hypothesis, the mixed-method approach could be used to answer an hypothesis stating that: There are public resources used by people living in the streets. Mixed Method Approach that would be used In order to undertake the follow-up effectively, I would apply the convergent mixed-method approach that incorporates the quantitative data collection and analysis as well as the qualitative data collection and analysis simultaneously. This is because it facilitates a comparison of the variables, while at the same time facilitating determination of the relationship between the elements of study. Reference Kumar, R. (2014). Research Methodology: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners. New York: Sage. Read More