RESEARCH QUESTION(S)
Karen is a director of human resources at a mid-size company. Her team has been exploring causes of turnover for new employees—employees that start with the company but leave within a year. Some of the research questions she and her team have developed include:
- What training and advancement opportunities might encourage employees to commit to long-term growth within the company?
- What benefits are new employees seeking in career-based employment?
For this Discussion, you will generate your own research questions, based on the dataset you chose in Week 1. You will create three different types of research questions (i.e., one descriptive question, one relational question, and one comparative question). Then, select an appropriate research design for each question.
RESOURCES
Be sure to review the Learning Resources before completing this activity.
Click the weekly resources link to access the resources.
To Prepare:
- Review this week’s Learning Resources, particularly the Onwuegbuzie & Leech (2006) article, Study Notes, Research Question Types Quiz Worksheet, and Research Questions Types Quiz (interactive media program).
- Complete the Research Question Types Quiz Worksheet. Then, take the Research Questions Types Quiz interactive media program, referring to the Worksheet as you complete the Quiz. (Note: As you take the Quiz, you will learn the correct answer to each quiz question. Update your Worksheet to reflect the correct answers, as needed, since you will need this information in order to complete the Week 4, Discussion 1).
BY DAY 4
Post one of your three different types of research questions (i.e., descriptive question, relational question, or comparative question) based on the dataset you selected in Week 1. Then, post an appropriate research design for the question you post. Explain how the research question might promote positive social change.
Descriptive Research Question: What is the demographic profile of employees who have been with the company for more than five years?
Research Design: This research question can be addressed through a cross-sectional study design. The researchers would collect data at a single point in time to capture the demographic characteristics of employees who have been with the company for more than five years. Surveys or questionnaires could be administered to gather information on variables such as age, gender, education level, job role, department, etc. Data analysis would involve summarizing and describing the demographic profile of long-term employees.
Promoting Positive Social Change: Understanding the demographic profile of employees who have stayed with the company for an extended period can inform HR policies and practices aimed at retaining talent. By identifying demographic factors associated with long-term commitment, the company can tailor recruitment strategies, training programs, and career development opportunities to attract and retain diverse talent. This can lead to a more inclusive and equitable workplace culture, ultimately contributing to positive social change by promoting equal opportunities for career advancement and reducing turnover rates.