EDUC60452 Research Methods II Data analysis †Free Samples

Question: Discuss about the EDUC60452 Research Methods Data analysis . Answer: Framing the Analysis/Introduction In the present study the researcher has emphasized upon analyzing the ways in which the children in school experience the educational policies particularly the policies around uniform and behavior. This is mainly because; it has been observed that the policies in schools around uniform and behavior makes a significant impact on children in a different manner. Thus, the study aims at exploring the ways in which children policies in school and identifies the reasons for the same. On the basis of the research aim, the research question that has been chosen for the study is: In what ways do policies impact on young people? Analytical methods Taking into consideration the research aim and the research question, the researcher has emphasized upon conducting two focus group interviews. As per the studies conducted by Draper, (2007), focus group interview is a technique that facilitates the researcher in conducting an in-depth group interviews where the participants are selected mainly because they are purposive even though not necessarily representative. Thus, taking into consideration the above aspects, the researcher in the present study has conducted a focus group interview with the year 9 and 10 focus group between the age group of 13 15 years of the Kingswood Academy and Year 8 Focus Group between the age group of 12 13 years of the Kingwood Academy. The participants for the interviews was selected on the basis of the criterion that they had something to say on the topic that been undertaken for the study and lie within the age group range that has been fixed by the researcher and are characterized with similar socio-characteristics and are comfortable in putting forward their point of views to the interviewer and each other (Hennink et al., 2010). Another major reason for conducting the focus group interview was to collect relevant information from wide range of individuals who have been selected because of the fact that they have relevant knowledge and understanding of the study area (Taylor et al., 2015). Another major benefit of the chosen methodology was that it helped in achieving group dynamics and so the type and range of data that was generated through the social interaction of the group facilitated with deeper and richer information than that obtained with the help of the face to face interviews. The researcher emphasized upon adopting the qualitative analysis method of thematic analysis for analyzing the findings of the focus group interview with children within the age group of 12 13 and 13 15 years. The advantage of qualitative analysis lies in the systematic nature of analysis in addition to the coding to the analyzed as per the frequency. Both the focus group interviews were read carefully by the researcher and the data was coded in various themes that were deemed appropriate for the available interview data. In order to maintain the transparency in the qualitative research analysis, the researcher emphasized upon adopting set procedures (Service, 2009). The researcher in this context read through each of the responses and the focus group interviews separately without any preconceived ideas of themes. This helped the researcher in ensuring the fact that the conclusions that are reached are valid and trustworthy. Moreover, the researcher treated each of the interview tr anscripts with an open mind that allowed the analysis to be consistent. While carefully reading the each of the transcripts, the researcher noted the key areas of discussion and also highlighted the same to enable cross referencing with the other interview data (Ritchie et al., 2013). The first interview as coded through different colours for highlighting the different ideas and themes and the original coding was then carried through to the other focus group interview transcript and additional themes were also added as required. Moreover while determining the codes, the researcher emphasized upon using the words that were mentioned in the interview. The researcher while reading through the interview data came across themes that appeared naturally to be mutually exclusive and in this context, it has been put forward by Denzin Lincoln, (2011) that it is a desired outcome when analyzing the quantitative data. While taking the decision regarding excluding some data, the researcher emphasized upon focusing upon the research question and thus any data that was felt not relevant to the research question was excluded from the analysis. Thus the coding and themes can be presented as follows: Themes and coding from Focus Group Interview 12- 1 3 years Purpose to come to school Purpose of off-the track learning Quality of teaching Opinions about exams and testing Independence Stereotyping Importance of primary school education Involvement of parents Need for good education Themes and coding from Focus Group Interview 13- 1 5 years in addition to the above themes Engagement of principal with the students Student engagement School uniform Strictness regarding school uniform Behavior problems Equal treatment Difference between girls and boys Report on Findings from the Analysis The researcher in the present study has emphasized upon analyzing the ways in which the children in school experience the educational policies particularly the policies around uniform and behavior band thus has tried to find the answer to the research question: In what ways do policies impact on young people? The analysis has been based upon the thematic map presented below: From the analysis of the responses collected from focus group interview on the basis of the themes as illustrated in the above table taking into consideration the research aim and research question, it is observed that the students of Kingswood face various difficulties due to the policies of the school. As from the responses in context to quality, it is observed that the eagerness and motivation on the part of the students to learn depends upon the fact whether they like the teacher or not and this is evident from the fact where a student responded as: Moreover, it is also observed that the students complain about the fact that the naughty people are given more attention and more rewards in comparison to the students who are good at all times together with putting forward the fact that popular students are given more opportunities . So, from the above aspects it can be said these aspects are de-motivating factor for the students since the policy of the school should be such where the students are treated fairly without any biasness and should be facilitated with equal opportunities to learn. However, the response of the students between the age group of 13 15 years revealed that the quality of teaching at Kingswood is good and the teachers are friendly in nature and they treat the students as young adults and they try to be friendly that makes the learning a good experience. In context to stereotyping, the responses of the students within the age group of 12 13 years revealed that the teachers practice a lot of stereotyping and if a student commits a mistake, he is always blamed for the same. Thus, in this context the policy should be such where the students should be facilitated with opportunities to prove himself or herself as a better rather being stereotype. The group of students between 13 15 years also responded that if they hang out with students who are constantly getting in trouble then the teachers look upon the other who is hanging out with them as the same. So these aspects prevent the students to mix and communicate with the all in an equal manner since it is the teachers who are categorizing the students and not treating them fairly. In context to the school uniform policies, the student within the age group of 13 15 years responded that the school is strict that cause huge expenses on their part and even the uniforms are not comfortable. However some responded that the uniform is emphasized upon for a professional approach and look good. So, in this context, it can be said that the policies should be such where the opinions of the students should be taken while deciding upon the uniform. It is also observed from the responses of both the group of students that the policies of the school is not strict regarding the behavior of the students like at times the students are bullied, racism is also practised, there exist problems of rudeness, attitude lateness and most specifically drug abuse like weed consumption, verbal abuse and arguing and the involvement of school is less in these cases. Thus it can be said that the policies should be formed and actions need to be taken against these aspects to facilitate the students with a good learning environment. In context to equal treatment and difference between boys and girls, the response of the students provide much evidences that these are major problems. The students are not treated equally and even the gender discrimination also exists. So, it is important for the school to formulate policies to develop a learning environment that is free such discriminations. Conclusion Thus from the above discussions, it can be said that where school policies are formulated for the betterment of the students, at Kingswood it is observed that the students are facing problems due to school policies and the school is reluctant towards issues like drug abuse, discrimination not only on the part of the students but also on the part of the teachers. References Denzin, N. K., Lincoln, Y. S. (2011).The Sage handbook of qualitative research. Sage. Draper AK (2007) The principles and application of qualitative research. Proceedings of the Nutrition Society 63, 641646. Hennink, M., Hutter, I., Bailey, A. (2010).Qualitative research methods. Sage. Ritchie, J., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013).Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers. Sage. Service, R. W. (2009) Basics of Qualitative Research: Techniques and Procedures for Developing Grounded Theory . Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.Organizational Research Methods,12(3), 614-617. Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., DeVault, M. (2015).Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley Sons.