Research Methods Social Research

Question: Discuss about the Research Methods for Social Research. Answer: This exercise is worth 5% of the total marks available for this module. It is one of a series of four exercises that take place through the term, the total value of which is 20% of the module marks. The remaining 80% is assessed through an unseen examination. Purpose The purpose of this exercise is to think about how to design a quantitative study and collect quantitative data. You will need to think about important considerations that might affect the methodological choices you make. Instructions You are a business consultant who has been brought in to help a finance company called Moneypenny that is struggling with managing their employees. Specifically, despite hiring equal numbers of men and women at entry-level positions, Moneypenny has a large gender gap at higher levels in the firm, with women comprising only 10% of managers and executives. The CEO of Moneypenny wants you to design a study and collect quantitative data to try and figure out why the gender gap exists and how it could be remedied. The CEO has given you permission to contact employees and examine organisational records. Complete the table below, answering each question. Your answer should not exceed 300 words. You can write in bullet points as long as your meaning is clear. Where to go for help Look at the relevant chapters in either of the two textbooks and consult the Study Direct site. Exercise 3 Table 1 What type of quantitative methodology will you use to collect your data? Why is this the most appropriate methodology? I would use the survey design method to collect the data. I would develop an online questionnaire and mail the survey to all the participants. This is the most appropriate design as it is easy to use and it can be used effectively to collect the data within the firm. What are the advantages and disadvantages of your chosen methodology? Advantages: The survey design is relatively easy to administer and it can be developed and implemented in a short period of time. It is a cost effective method and time required is also less. Disadvantages: The participants may not provide the hones opinion and there is no way to check the honesty of respondents. Who will your sample be? How will you make sure your sample is representative? My sample would be equal to the employee strength of Moneypenny. I would float the survey to all the employees of the company. At the same time, I would ensure that the sample should not increase more than 200. If the employee strength of Moneypenny is more than 200 then I would use a random sampling method to select 200 respondents. How will you make sure the data you collect is good quality data? (e.g., how can you make sure your participants tell the truth?) To ensure the quality of data, I would use close-ended questions in my survey. It has been observed that people find it easy to answer the close-ended questions as compared to the open ended questions (Bernard, 2012). What questions should be included in the study and why? I would include the questions around the work satisfaction and gender equality of employees at Moneypenny. It is important that the questions should not be personal in nature and the employees should be able to answer the question without any discomfort. Few Questions: i. On a scale of 5 rate the work environment in the company? (1 being unhealthy and 5 being most healthy? ii. Do you believe that there is gender discrimination at workplace? iii. Do you think that the management should include the number of female workers in the organization? iv. Do you think that management should be more liberal and relax while recruiting the female candidates (yes/ no) v. Do you think that management should promote female candidates to improve the number of females in mid management? References Bernard, H. R., Bernard, H. R. (2012).Social research methods: Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Sage.