Conducting Primary Research
Unfortunately, for many students the word “research” sparks flashbacks of countless hours spent completing note cards on Noodle Tools and submitting 5-10 page papers to Turnitin.com. As a result, most students greet the news of a research paper assignment with about the same level of excitement that they have when they hear their morning alarm. In fact, many students rank writing research papers below cleaning toilets, sitting in traffic, listening to other people snore, visiting the dentist, and doing dishes when asked which activity they’d prefer to do.
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Fortunately, this research paper is different. Although the “service” in service learning may be classified as direct service, indirect service, and advocacy, it can also involve research. By conducting primary research (i.e. interviews and surveys) you can begin to understand issues from the community members’ perspective. In addition to conducting research, you will also be beginning a community conversation about authentic needs that will ultimately impact the recommendations for reform that you suggest. Your research can lead to action. That action can improve your community.
Primary Research Options
You are required to include one (1) primary resource in your education reform proposal (although you may choose to include more based on your needs).
- Design a survey/poll, administer it to an appropriate audience, collect and interpret the data, and report the results in your research paper.
- Interview an individual who is appropriate and relevant in regards to your research paper, and use those conversations to address your argument and/or the counter argument in your research paper.
Survey Design Resources
Think carefully about the questions you want to include in your survey. Make sure your questions are clear and free from bias. For additional tips on creating survey/poll questions please consult Purdue's OWL and Survey Monkey's "10 Tips to Improve Your Online Surveys."
It is highly recommended that you have a teacher or trusted friend proofread your survey/poll before you administer it. Also, carefully choose the words you use when explaining why you are conducting the survey. Rather than, "I have to do this dumb survey for my stupid PSL class" consider using "Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on how to improve education in the Perry Local Schools. All responses will remain strictly confidential."
Choose the data collection tool that you believe will help you reach your target audience. A few suggestions include:
It is highly recommended that you have a teacher or trusted friend proofread your survey/poll before you administer it. Also, carefully choose the words you use when explaining why you are conducting the survey. Rather than, "I have to do this dumb survey for my stupid PSL class" consider using "Please take a few moments to share your thoughts on how to improve education in the Perry Local Schools. All responses will remain strictly confidential."
Choose the data collection tool that you believe will help you reach your target audience. A few suggestions include:
- Google Forms
- SurveyMonkey
- Polldaddy
- Twitter Poll
- Paper/pen survey
Once the data are collected, you can begin to analyze and interpret your results. Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, and Polldaddy offer free data collection tools that may help you to compile responses. Be sure to report the results in your research paper and use them to guide the reform proposal(s) you suggest. Be sure to acknowledge any flaws in your research methods.
To cite your survey in your research paper, please follow this format:
Last name, first name. "Title of Survey." Survey. Service used. Date survey was conducted.
Example:
Romeo, Olivia. "How satisfied are you at Perry?" Survey. SurveyMonkey. 20 November 2015.
To cite your survey in your research paper, please follow this format:
Last name, first name. "Title of Survey." Survey. Service used. Date survey was conducted.
Example:
Romeo, Olivia. "How satisfied are you at Perry?" Survey. SurveyMonkey. 20 November 2015.
Interview Resources
Consider individuals whose expertise, knowledge, and insight can contribute to your research paper. This person might be an education professional, or stakeholder in our community. Set up a face-to-face meeting with your interview subject(s). Make sure they know the purpose of your interview prior to the meeting, and a general idea of the questions you might be asking. As with the survey, think carefully about the questions you would like to address within your interviews, and prepare a list in advance.
During the interview, take notes, and (if possible) record the interview so that you can accurately quote within your paper. Once complete, review your notes/audio, and synthesize the resources into your research paper.
To cite your interview in your research paper, please follow this format.
During the interview, take notes, and (if possible) record the interview so that you can accurately quote within your paper. Once complete, review your notes/audio, and synthesize the resources into your research paper.
To cite your interview in your research paper, please follow this format.