Avoiding Bias In Research
In qualitative research, topic choices are sometimes based on personal investment and a desire to solve a known problem rather than a desire to add to the scholarly knowledge of the issue at hand. Our humanness can have positive and negative impacts on the effectiveness of our research designs. Now that you have reviewed the interviews in attachment about addressing bias in research topic development, reflect on the potential for bias in your own topic development and describe how you might counteract it.(Instructor ineffectiveness with students)
Provide your organizational issue and purpose,( The area of interest was chosen because there is a shift in higher educational institutions globally, from the use of traditional face-to-face presentations to online and hybrid sessions.) including as many specifics about your sources of data and collection methods as you can. Include questions you would ask in a focus group or individual interviews to gather information to answer your research questions and identify the roles of the interviewees. Suggest possible literature review topics or theories.
Then, answer the following questions:
- What are your views on this topic, problem, sample, and research site?
Answer: My views on the topic of instructor ineffectiveness with students in online and hybrid sessions are that it is a relevant and pressing issue, as there is an increasing shift towards digital learning.
- How might your views create a bias in planning, conducting, and reporting research?
Answer: My views might create a bias in the research by potentially leading me to overlook alternative perspectives or solutions to the problem. For example, I might be inclined to focus solely on the shortcomings of instructors, rather than exploring other factors such as technology limitations or students’ lack of engagement.
- What strategies might you take to avoid imposing your bias on the proposed study and findings?Answer :To counteract my potential biases, I would employ a number of strategies:
- Conducting a comprehensive literature review: To gain a broader understanding of the issue, I would review existing research on the topic, including studies that present alternative perspectives and solutions.
- Using multiple data sources: I would gather data from various sources, such as students, instructors, and administrators, to ensure a more balanced representation of perspectives.
- Triangulating data: I would compare and contrast findings from different sources to increase the validity and reliability of my results.
- Seeking feedback from peers and mentors: I would solicit feedback from colleagues and mentors to help identify and address any potential biases in my research design and findings.
- Keeping a reflective journal: Throughout the research process, I would keep a reflective journal to document my thoughts, feelings, and reactions, which would help me identify and address any biases that might emerge.
In terms of questions for a focus group or individual interviews, I would ask about the challenges faced by instructors and students in online and hybrid sessions, and strategies used to overcome these challenges. I would also ask about their perspectives on the effectiveness of these sessions and suggestions for improvement.
Possible literature review topics could include online and hybrid learning, instructor training and development, and student engagement and motivation. Theories that could inform my research include adult learning theory, andragogy, and self-directed learning.
