Instruments:
Chapter 3: Methodology
Introduction
The methodology incorporated in the study is aimed at collecting all relevant data for the purpose of a comprehensive analysis. The addressed problem in the study regards the current trend of low participation in e-forums by international students. Using various relevant instruments, the methodology of this research will be comprised of different questions articulated in a questionnaire sheet that aims to test the following hypothesis:
- Does the quantity and quality aspect of interaction with peers and educators have a positive or negative impact to e-forum participation among international students?
- Does technology advancement dictate the rate of e-forum participation among international students?
- Is there any chance that low e-forum participation impacts the quality of learning in all subjects for international students
Design
The study will adopt the quantitative research design with a questionnaire as the primary source of data collection. The various participants will take the initiative to observe all the study procedures in order to provide a highly comprehensive and realistic analysis. Participants will be asked to fill in the questionnaires. Once they are done, the data will be coded for the purpose of analysis and distinctive scales will be used to rate the data. The results from this analysis will provide a base for recommendations.
Participants or Subjects
The main participants of this research will be graduate and undergraduate international students who have volunteered for the study. First, a random criterion will be used to pick prospective participants who will then be asked about their willingness to participate in the study. The participants will also be required to fill an agreement form whereby they will affirm their commitment to comply with all protocols and procedures of the study. All participants involved will also have had a chance to participate in e-forum discussions. Each and every participant will fill the provided questionnaires independently.
Instruments
The main instrument of data collection that will be utilized by the study is questionnaires designed to address or collect different categories of information. The questionnaire will have ten questions. Two of these questions will be open-ended and will be aimed at giving the students a chance to provide open-ended information about e-forum participation. Questions three and four will utilize a Linker scale while the next two questions will require a Yes/No response. The remaining four questions will be rank-centered and will also asses the participants’ choice of design. A consent statement as well as a code of ethics comply form will also be available in the questionnaire sheet in order to inform participants about the expectations of the research study and also guarantee their observance of the set guidelines.
Procedure/Data collection methods
For this research procedure, the following information will be given to every participant for them to be familiarized with all the process’s requirements.
- The intention and purpose of the research will entirely be disclosed to each and every volunteering participant.
- All relevant authorities will be informed about the process requirements of the study to allow them create a favorable research environment that will enhance the conduction of the research.
- The research will only commence after an approval from the school’s Department of Humanities through a written consent of go ahead.
- When it comes to the questionnaires, participants will be allowed to give their opinion independently. Participants will be expected to provide answers from their experiences in the e-forum participation.
- Each and every participant will also have the chance to attend to each question since there will be no restrictions whatsoever. However, they will be highly expected to act in accordance with the research requirements.
The compilation of the questionnaire will be based on observation. As discussed earlier, every question will cover a unique category of information that concerns the decreasing trend of low participation in the e-forums.
Data Analysis
The results of the questionnaires will be gathered and coded for quantitative analysis. The incorporation of different scales will enable a comprehensive quantitative analysis. Scale measurement criteria will be in terms of percentages, mean, medium and different percentile measures. No single detail will be left out when it comes to the data analysis process so that accurate outcomes can be achieved from this process. All questions that score below 30% will have underscores that contain possible reasons for the low participation on e-forum among international students. The distribution of the scores will be charted in graphs in order to illustrate the findings in a better manner.
Summary
The study’s focus is to determine the factors behind the decreasing trend of low e-forum participation among international students. Presenting participants with the questionnaire will enable them to give their opinions based on their personal experience. The code of conduct as described by research proceedings will put each and every participant into a position that enables them to comply with the standards set. Handling of sensitive information is also taken care of in the course of the study’s methodology. Sensitive information includes the participant’s personal details. The personal details of the participants will be kept anonymous in this study, and this will be relayed to them way before the study commences. With the help and coordination of relevant authorities, the research environment will be as per the set standards and expectations of all stakeholders. Below is a draft of the questionnaire used in the research, which was presented to the respondents and from which information was extracted and coded for analysis.
Low Participation in e-forum Questionnaire
Ethics statement
I ‘am fully aware of the code of ethics and the expectations of this research. I will fully observe and comply with all aspects that contribute to the credibility of this research
Respondent’s Signature ----------------------
Consent statement
Having understood all details of the research, I am willing to participate in this research questionnaire.
Respondent’s Signature..
- What is your age? Mark appropriately in the age bracket as given below
- (16 – 20) years
- (21 – 25) years
- (26 – 30) years
- Above 30 years
- What is your current degree program? (a) Diploma (b)undergraduate (c) post graduate
- What is your e-forum participation experience? Describe in not more than 50 words.
- Are you contented with your educator’s attitude towards your participation in e-forum discussion? Why?
- What is your suggestion on the topic of e-forum participation? Can you recommend your institution to reinforce e-forum participation programs?
- How did the e-forum program cover your subjects?
- Was the content from e-forum comprehensive?
- Is technology advancement the reason behind the drop on e-forum participation for international students? Tick where applicable
- Yes
- No
- Has your participation on e-forum discussion improved your learning experience and outcome? Tick where applicable
- Yes
- No
- How do you rank e-forum participation in focus to your overall learning experience?
- How do you rank your institutions commitment to e-forum student engagement
- Very committed
- Committed
- Not sure
- Can you recommend a friend into the e-forum learning experience? Why?
