The researcher will use the PICOT framework to design the research question for the proposed study. The particular elements that will be considered in the framing of the research questions include the population of interest (P) which will be the students, and the intervention or phenomenon being studied (I). The phenomena compared (C) - student union politics and raising awareness regarding issues of diversity – will also inform the framing of the research question. The outcome of interest (O) and the timing of the study will also be considered. The hypothesis will be designed based on the research questions formulated.
Brief Literature Review
In their study, Fumasoli and Huisman (2013, p.155), observed that the issues of diversity in higher education have become the centre of focus for in the recent debates among academics. Diversity in universities emerges from the fact that the student population is characterized by differences in age, culture, place of origin, and gender. The study by Hye and Chan (2013, n.p) will inform the background of the proposed study in understanding the concept diversity in universities. Student union politics continue to play a critical role in raising awareness about various issues regarding diversity in campuses (Byrant 2014, n.p). The impetus of student union politics is to foster adherence to legislative demands regarding agendas, such as equality, disability, proactive activities on race, and acknowledgment of different cultures. The studies by (Byrant 2014, n.p) and Hye and Chan (2013 n.p) will help the proposed study find the impact of student union politics on sensitization of learners about diversity issues in universities.
Objectives of the Quantitative Social Survey
The primary objectives of the quantitative social survey will be to collect quantitative information from the research subjects (students), which will be used to ascertain the hypothesis. The key aim of the researcher in conducting the quantitative social survey will be to obtain opinions through responses from the students regarding the contribution of student union politics in enhancing their knowledge about the diversity factors in their learning environment.
Discussion of the Quantitative Social Survey Methodology
According to De Vaus nd de Vaus (2013, p.9), a quantitative social survey is a research methodology that involves administration of predetermined questions to a selected sample or entire group of research subjects. The approach is considered essential in cases where a researcher seeks to explain or describe the relationship between two phenomena or features that affect a large group. The research design will help the proposed study gain in-depth insights about the relationship between student union politics and awareness about diversity in campus through time-intensive methods including surveys and interviews.
The Rationale for the Quantitative Questionnaire
The interview questions which will form the basis for developing the questionnaires will be framed with respect to the research objectives. The framework for the questionnaires will cover the main subject topic and subtopic. Other criteria for designing the quantitative questionnaires include the purpose, how they will be filled and completed, as well as the anonymity and confidentiality of the data.
Procedure for Operationalising the Key Concepts
To effectively operationalize and conceptualize the key concepts in the proposed study, variables will be identified. Identification of variables will help in capturing the fundamental dimensions of the topic. Furthermore, the researcher will use previously conducted studies to define the key concepts and variables that will be used in the study. After identifying the variables and conducting a research to conceptualize them, it will be important to examine the indicators of the conceptualization. Indicators ascertain that the concepts are readily visible and are valid and reliable for use in the study.
Procedure for Operationalising Key Concepts into Questionnaire Questions
The integration of the key concepts into the questionnaire questions will be achieved by first defining the complex terminologies. Secondly, the variables that lead to the concepts will be briefly described in the questionnaire sheets for the respondents to understand. The concepts will be underlined and bolded to emphasize their importance in the research questionnaires.
The rationale for Questionnaire Closed Question Formats
The questions for the closed-ended questionnaires will be conclusive in nature. The demographic information segment incorporating age and gender will be framed to demand direct responses without explanations. The researcher will provide a limited space for the responses to other questions in the questionnaire form to prevent the subjects from providing more details. A set of response alternatives will be provided in the forms for clarity in terms of answers needed.
The rationale for Question Module Sequence
The first questions in the questionnaires will address the core objective of the study, which is establishing the impact of student union politics on increasing knowledge about campus diversity issues. The second set of questions will see to investigate the concept of diversity and its effects on the student learning environment. The last segment in the order of questions will seek to gain suggestions from the respondents on how student politics can improve sensitization of not only students but also other campus stakeholders in respect of appreciating diversity.
Sampling Strategy and its Rationale
The researcher will use random selection procedure in choosing the research subjects. In random selection, the researcher will first identify the target population before proceeding to create the sampling frame. Every student will have an equal chance of being selected. However, the researcher will ensure a balance of gender in the selected sample.
An anticipation of Ethical and Practical Problems
The fear and concern of information disclosure by the subjects will be expected. To avoid this ethical problem, the researcher will design informed consent forms that will guarantee the respondents about the confidentiality and privacy of their information.
The timescale of the Project
Research Activities
Timeframe
Planning for the study (identification of research objectives and aims)
1 week
Preparation of research materials (instruments of data collection)
2 weeks
Preparing the research subjects for the study
2 weeks
Gathering information
3 weeks
Organize results
1 week
Analysis of the outcomes
1 week
Preparing the final draft of the research paper
1 week
References
Byrant, A. (2014). Inclusive Students' Unions: Equality and Diversity in Practice. National Union of Students. Accessed April 23, 2018, http://www.ecu.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/external/inclusive-students-unions.pdf
De Vaus, D. and de Vaus, D., 2013. Surveys in social research. Abingdon: Routledge.
Fumasoli, T. and Huisman, J., 2013. Strategic agency and system diversity: Conceptualizing institutional positioning in higher education. Minerva, 51(2), pp.155-169.
Hye, S. and Chan, J. (2013). To what Extent does the Diversity of the Student Body Affect the Content Diversity of Student Newspapers? A Case Study of the LSE. International Journal of Undergraduate Research. Accessed April 23, 2018, https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/cross_fac/iatl/reinvention/issues/bcur2013specialissue/wi/
