In addition to the ethnographic research you’ll need to do for your Empirical Research Project, you will need to include some quantitative data. This data will be used to supplement your observations, and to give you some insight into another research methodology. As you compile this data, keep in mind the following based on our class discussion on 3/20 and 3/27:

• Select a specific range of data to examine.
• Remember that you will most likely need to gather at least two different strands of data so that you’ll be able to make a comparison. (E.g. In order to say that there is a significant difference between likes and shares, you need to gather data regarding 1. likes and 2. shares.)
• Make sure the data you want to review for this part of the assignment is quantifiable – objective, not subjective.
• If you need to define any terms, make sure you do that very clearly in your Methods section.
• Any steps you take to gather quantitative data should be added to your methods section.
• As you begin gathering data (i.e. counting things), keep track of your results in a spreadsheet – either Excel or Google Spreadsheets works well for this.
• Once you have your data, begin thinking about the best way to visualize the data.
• Your visualizations should be included in your Results/Findings section, and used to supplement your discussion of your observations.
• Your analysis of your quantitative data should also supplement your analysis of your ethnographic observations in your Discussion section and in your Conclusion section.

• Quantitative Data Exercise, 3/20/17
• Reflective Writing, 3/29/17

Categories: Assignment Guidelines

Tags: data collection, empirical research project, primary research, quantitative data, visualizations