Assignemnt: Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data Collection
Ethnology is the study of the division of humankind based upon race, ethnicity, origins, or characterizations as found in natural settings. Keeping this definition of ethnology in mind, create an observational checklist, containing at least 10 items, to examine people within a social setting while completing a qualitative ethnology study. Using this observational checklist, complete an observational data collection by visiting a community venue, such as a shopping mall, a library, or college campus social area, in which people are readily seen in natural surroundings. Conduct a brief observational research study using your checklist. Consider how this experience differs from analyzing numbers when conducting quantitative research.
Note: Students are NOT allowed to approach/communicate with people for this assignment. The only method to be used is simply observing people in their natural environment and taking appropriate notes. Contact and communication with observed subjects may result in a violation of Walden IRB policies.
Post your response to the following:
Describe your experience of conducting a brief observation and the experience of this form of data collection.
Compare this experience with your data analysis experiences in biostatistics.
Summarize the strengths and limitations of each type of data collection.
Which method of data collection and analysis are you most comfortable with?