Integrating and Writing Up Data-Driven Quantitative Research

In this chapter I present brief details regarding the ways in which data that arises from the use of a mapping sentence in research is analysed. This is an important aspect of research that is often covered somewhat sparsely in the facet theory literature. I break the chapter into two parts. The first of these deals with the analysis of quantitative data that comes out of the use of a traditional mapping sentence in a research project. The second part of the chapter addresses how the declarative mapping sentence is employed in analysing narrative or other forms of qualitative information that comes from a project that has used a declarative mapping sentence in the design of its research. In my consideration of quantitative analyses, I present the statistical procedures that are employed (smallest space analysis and partial order scalogram analysis) and consider what each of these statistics is able to reveal in the data. Both of these approaches are graphical data analysis procedures, and I also address how the resultant graphical printouts are interpreted. Declarative mapping sentences are not analysed using statistical applications but rather are subject to a structured content analysis, and in this chapter, I offer suggestions regarding the use of such a technique.

Using macroeconomic variables in the prediction of stock market indices:A theoretical and empirical assessment within BRICS and selected developed economies

The declarative mapping sentence is both a research methodology within qualitative social science and humanities research, and a way of thinking about such scholarship. In essence, declarative mapping sentences are hypothesised statements of an area of enquiry that guide a researcher’s thoughts, plans and designs, investigations, analyses and interpretations. In this brief essay I consider the often neglected considerations of the philosophical status of the components of the declarative mapping sentence. I suggest that considering the relationship between the parts of a declarative mapping sentence may facilitate a greater understanding of the investigated phenomena.

In this section of the research, I use POSA to facilitate more thorough comments upon how we perceive and understand three-dimensional abstract art. In my exposition of POSA, I take some time to delve into previous uses of the approach to reveal partial ordering of variables. I present examples of POSA’s previous theoretical deployment and I demonstrate its application using applied art-related examples. Specifically, in the chapter, I consider a partially ordered model of the eight characteristics from Crowther’s ontology. I assert the usefulness of POSA by referencing how I have used this approach in earlier research that incorporated Crowther’s characteristics within a mapping sentence which I analysed using POSA to facilitate greater understanding of two-dimensional abstract art. I conclude the chapter by considering how the mapping sentence models I have developed for two and three-dimensional art, and partial order analysis of facets from the mapping sentences for two and three-dimensional art, relate to each other.

Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the test–retest reliability of the career path appreciation (CPA) procedure in assessing current and potential levels of work decisionmaking capability. The study also explored whether different gender and race groups differed significantly in terms of these levels at two CPA assessments.
\n Motivation for the study: Limited recent test–retest research has been done regarding the
\n reliability of the CPA technique as a tool for measuring the work decision-making capability of professional and managerial talent in the South African context. Scholars and practitioners in the field of industrial psychology could therefore benefit from follow-up research into the reliability of CPA.
\n Research approach, design and method: The research followed an ex post facto correlational design using longitudinal data of a non-probability purposive sample (N = 527) within the Bioss SA database.
\n Main findings: The results showed that the participants’ first CPA assessment scores
\n correlated significantly and positively with their second CPA assessment scores. Gender and race groups differed significantly in their levels of current work decision-making capability at both assessments. Practical/managerial implications: The CPA procedure can be used with confidence as an assessment tool in the selection, mentoring and development of high-potential managerial and professional talent for diverse gender and race groups.
\n Contribution/value-add: These findings contribute valuable information regarding the
\n reliability of CPA and the differences between race and gender groups in the South African context.

This study aims to determine the effect of the use of synoptic learning model on the ability to write poetry of class V students in SD Negeri 49 Kota Bengkulu. The type of this research is quantitative research and the research design is The Matching Only Pretest-Posttest Control Group Design, taking the test twice before and after giving treatment (treatment) in the sample class. Population in this research is class V student amounted to 43 student. The sample in this research consists of two classes, namely VB as experimental class and VA as control class with sampling total sampling technique. The research instrument uses a description test (essay). The data of the research were analyzed using inferential analysis that is t-test. Based on the results of data analysis obtained tcount value of 2.39 and ttable value of 2.019 with a significant level of 5%. This shows that the tcount = 2.39 ? ttable = 2.019 and it is concluded that there is an effect of using a synoptic learning model on the ability to write poetry of class V students in SD Negeri 49 Kota Bengkulu .

The purpose of this research i.e. to analyze the ability of student’s mathematical representation in the course of geometry system based on the background of learning achievement of transformation geometry courses. This research is a quantitative research with the exposed facto method. The ex-post facto method is an empirical method of finding that is done systematically, the researcher does not control the independent variables because the manifestation has happened or those variables inherently cannot be manipulated. In this study, the attachment between the ability of mathematical representation and the background of learning achievement of the course of transformation geometry has occurred naturally, and the researchers with the setting want to trace back what are the factors causing it. The research design used is the basic causal-comparative design. Population in this research is all student of semester VI of the academic year 2016

Research Designs and Methodologies Related to Pharmacy Practice

Purpose – The study aims to show the successful application of Six Sigma in software companies for process improvement. Research design, data and methodology – A mixed methodology has been used which include both qualitative and quantitative research. In the qualitative research methodology part, a detailed and comprehensive literature study have been carried out. The literature study consists of articles, books, web materials, discussion forms and others. In the quantitative research methodology part, interviews have been conducted. Results – Six sigma is the practical application of a theoretical statistical measurement that equates to 3.4 defects per million opportunities -a position of practically zero defects for any process or service. Initially originating in Motorola Inc. in 1985 as a response to drastic quality improvement pressures from the threat of Japanese competition, it quickly gained many followers particularly G.E., Allied Signal, Ford Motor Company etc. and more recently attentions have shifted to service environments. There are still some problems and misconceptions existed about the applicability of Six Sigma in software companies. Conclusions – The paper concludes that Six Sigma can bring large benefits for software companies too. Furthermore, software companies have already started to implement Six Sigma approach, like Ericsson, Tata Consultancy Service, etc.

Research has the theme: Sharia Business Management. The research objective is: to examine the effect of product attributes on the interest in saving customers in Islamic banks. The research location is in West Sumatra Province, Indonesia. Research variables are: independent variables are product attributes (cost, function, location, information, image), and the dependent variable is interest in saving. The research population is all customers in Islamic banks operating in West Sumatra. The research sample was 250 customers. The research approach is a quantitative approach. The analytical tool used is multiple regression analysis. The results of the study are: product attributes have a significant influence on the customer's saving interest.

The purpose of this article is to use a facet theory research approach to provide a clear, coherent, and integrated model of international students’ experiences based upon the findings of psychological research into students when studying abroad. In research that employs a facet theory approach events are classified in terms of their constituent parts or facets and the sub-elements of facets. The specification of facets serves to allow accumulative knowledge and theory construction. A model is proposed in the form of a mapping sentence with three background facets and four content facets. How the mapping sentence forms a flexible template for designing, conducting and analyzing research into international students’ experiences is discussed, as is the potential in using facet theory to develop a cumulative body of knowledge about this student group.

Digestive disorders rank among the most common problems faced in Indonesia, especially for the Baduy people in Banten Province. Although the Baduy live in water-rich areas, their lack of sanitation facilities and unawareness of methods of disease prevention have prompted high morbidity and mortality rates in their communities, largely due to digestive system disorders that they continue to treat with medicinal plants. This survey was undertaken to document Baduy indigenous medicinal plants that were used to treat and prevent different types of digestive system disorders in their communities using quantitative ethnobotanical approaches. Ethno medicinal data were collected from 30 informants regarding their knowledge on medicinal plants. Quantitative approaches were used to determine the use value and informant consensus factor values of collected data. The results revealed that the Baduy currently use 54 medicinal plant species belonging to 30 families to treat digestive system disorders. Additional research is required, however, to validate the function of the medicinal plants and identify their active compounds.

India – more precisely specific states of India such as Maharashtra – are suffering from a particular burden as not only the general mortality rates but also the rates of farmers’ suicides rank among the highest in the world. Although reasons for suicides are considered to be multifaceted and shaped by wider social or cultural conditions, qualitative research on suicides is scarce. On the contrary, mainly quantitative research based on statistics is prevalent. With the aim of assessing the current state of research on farmers’ suicides in the state of Maharashtra, this thesis analyzes previous quantitative and qualitative studies on this phenomenon. In addition to a methodological examination of existing studies a thematic investigation is conducted in order to make recommendations on future research. The (systematic) literature review reveals that also in the context of farmers’ suicides in Maharashtra research is predominantly quantitative with only a few qualitative and hybrid studies (i.e. those studies using both quantitative and qualitative methods). Regardless of their approach these studies mainly analyze the reasons for farmers’ suicides, the characteristics of the deceased farmers and make suggestions for future improvements in the agricultural sector. Concordant with former studies on farmers’ suicides in India, this thesis’ analysis identifies young male and indebted farmers who cultivate cash crops and have no irrigation as the most vulnerable to commit suicide. The consideration of this thesis’ findings in a wider theoretical context illustrates that the old debate between quantitative and qualitative research dating back to Durkheim and Tarde is still prevalent. Even today and with focus on farmers’ suicides in Maharashtra, a lack of individual aspects in statistical calculations of suicide rates can be found. In addition, the performed analysis reveals that by employing a highly structured study design and statistical computations quantitative studies construct a phenomenon which might not reflect the real situation. Qualitative studies, on the other hand, are found to offer additional explanations but their results lack any validation and generalizability.

In 1992 Walter Lockefeer and Mick Eekhout designed an office for the Glass Association in Gouda with a flamboyant glass envelope, which ended as runner-up in an architectural competition. The design was classical in architectural sense and futuristic in technical sense: it contained a pre-stressed glass membrane. In 2002 Octatube introduced the use of twisted tempered glass panels in the realization of the City Hall of Alphen aan den Rijn NL. Since then further research of the structural behaviour of twisted glass panels has been carried out by Dries Staaks, leading to a profound knowledge about its quantitative behaviour as well as quantitative approach on stresses and stability. The latter is referred to as the “Law of Staaks”. On the basis of the developed theory the application of twisted panels has been extended and proven to be a valuable contribution in order to realise free form twisted glass envelopes. Although the theory was investigated and set up after the first application in Alphen, it was only after establishment of this very theory that several buildings could be provided with accurately engineered twisted roofs and flat roofs with twisted parts, where the glass panels were even insulated / laminated glass panels. The 1992 design, which was not chosen out of disbelief concerning the innovative state of its glass facade, could be entirely built today from the trustworthy glass technology. The integral innovation approach as a bridge between fundamental research, technical development and application design, each with its own habits and peculiarities, but in mutual understanding and support, shows that integral incremental developments on many levels pay off and produce new technologies for use in architecture. This contribution ends with the application of a glass roof for a warped glass roof surface, making use of the maximum cold warping possibilities of laminated glass panels.

Comparative research is generally defined either at the level of systems (often national), or as a process by assessing politics over time (often yearly). Both descriptions are generally considered to differentiate the comparative approach from other approaches within social science such as rational choice. In line with this definition of comparative research, this chapter focuses on comparative studies in which the nation-state is the unit of analysis and countries are researched at one point in time or over time. Both time and space are important dimensions in most research designs. Depending on the units of variation and the causal relationship under review, inter-temporal and/or cross-sectional variation will define the type of cases that are needed to organize the comparative data. This chapter discusses the strengths and weaknesses of two types of comparative research designs whose logic is closely related to the dimensions of time and/ or space: synchronic cross-sectional comparisons and diachronic (pooled) cross-time comparisons. We make an important restriction by focusing on quantitative research, in particular time series analysis and the use of pooled cross-section time series data sets. Global comparative methods enable us to compare many countries by using abstract concepts that can travel in order to discover universal factors that account for the phenomenon to be explained. These types of analyses are often characterized by a tradeoff between the level of abstraction and the scope (or number) of countries so that they have per definition both strengths and weaknesses attached to them. The focus on quantitative analysis might give the impression that theory is not considered to be important for comparative research. But the contrary is true. Theory, considered as a set of plausible research answers to a research question, always precedes comparative research. Often it consists of a number of causal relations that are to be confirmed by means of empirical evidence, which refute or confirm the tenability of the proposed relations. Without theory or by using flawed theory, quantitative comparative research becomes meaningless and cannot lead to valid results and insights. 2