Applying qualitative research methodology to an educational problem Paper

Applying qualitative methodology to an educational problem - Research Paper Example roach is most appropriate using structured and semi-structured interview templates, observational research scenarios, or a blend of survey assessments designed to examine subject responses. Are the study habits of online versus traditional students different? This research question can be answered using the structured and semi-structured interview. First, an appropriate sample population must be determined based on researcher tools at his or her disposal and the feasibility of getting consistent results from students in the online environment. For this study, using interactive media tools, online interviews can be conducted using chat technology and similar social networking sites. Recruiting the population would involve achieving participation with the online college or university website to distribute a notice that interviews for academic study habits are available and to register for this event. This could achieve a potential sample population of 5 to 15 students, depending on willingness to participate in the online interview. Personal interviews with traditional, on-campus students could be conducted at any local college or university, with a recruitment sample of 5-15 students additionally who might be willing to be interviewed for this research study. The interviews will ask specific questions pertaining to study habits, to both the traditional and online students. Questions such as Do you prefer to study alone or in groups? and similar templates will spotlight behavioral responses regarding the performance of studying. These would be determined based on the available secondary literature on the subject and the professional/expert theories regarding previously-examined study behaviors of both groups. This secondary research could potentially create a template of potential interview questions which remove issues of researcher bias or other situations which may impact validity. The interview format is most appropriate for this study because it allows the