Hi fellow researchers.
I have collected data using a questionnaire (for students) and interviews (for lecturers), as such I would like to know, how could I justify my decision of collecting data the way I did and is it wrong to collect data this way?
One other thing, I had a disagreement with my study-promoter, he maintains that my questions are quantitative and they are mixed method questions and the worst of it all he threatened to withdraw from my study if I do not want to accept that it is a quantitative study. Who could best deal with this? kindly see the attached document.
Thanks in advanced I really appreciate it.
Vogt
Hello Emmanuel,
Ideally, one would adapt or develop a measure to address the specific research questions motivating the study, as well as identify s suitable sampling mechanism, and an analysis scheme before collecting data. That helps all parties involved to be in accord as to what procedures will be followed.
But, on the surface, it sounds as if you've used a convenience sample that had both students and lecturers (though it's not at all clear what sort of interview process you might have followed).
In your case, as the survey has both closed and open-ended questions, it could well call for what I consider to be a "light" mixed methods approach. The closed-end questions can be handled as simply as reporting percent of response for each option (or something fancier; again, it depends on the research questions). The open ended questions could be handled qualitatively, by identifying common themes, then reporting percents (again!) of the respondents whose answers fall into each respective thematic category. The analysis of interviews most likely would require heavier work on thematic analysis, and would likely benefit more from qualitative methodology.
To answer your final question, "..is it wrong wot collect data this way?" I'd say that the research question might be such that there could have been better ways to proceed, but that doesn't mean you were wrong. You are where you are, so make the best of it. Next time, however, look ahead!
Good luck with your work.
Thanks David but in your opinion and experience as a researcher would you say my questions are quantitative in nature?
Your attached instrument (student questionnaire) is primarily a quantitative survey that includes open-ended items. Your study could be mixed methods, depending on how you use both types of questionnaire data. For instance, you could use qualitative data to interpret the quantitative results (QUANT --> qual design). For insights on mixed methods research, you may refer to Creswell and Clark’s (2018) book, referenced below. Linking the findings of the student questionnaire and those of teacher/lecturer interview relies on your research questions, which should be in line with the purpose of your study. Simply put, the study instruments should be tailored to address the research questions, which should be derived from the study purpose.
Creswell, J. W., & Clark, V. L. (2018). Designing and conducting mixed methods research (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. https://us.sagepub.com/en-us/nam/designing-and-conducting-mixed-methods-research/book241842
Good luck,
@Emannuel Here is the pdf file of the book referred by Prof. @Mohialdeen
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