You will write a short paper applying skills learned from Modules 3-6 in order to describe the hypothetical methodology you would use to study your chosen research topic that you will need to complete your final research proposal. Your Variable Assignment Paper should be (3) pages long, and it should include all of the following topics:

1- Develop a hypothetical research design and methodology
2- Identify key aspects of methods sections
Target population
Sampling design/plan
Anticipated number of cases
Method of data collection
Evidence of reliability/validity, or how you would address those concerns.
3- Anything else that you feel is appropriate to defend your position

Be as detailed and specific as possible throughout, and justify your decisions based on information covered thus far in the course.

All of these assignments should be typed; double-spaced; with 12-point Times New Roman, Calibri, or Arial font; and with one-inch margins. Use a formal writing tone that reflects a thoughtful synthesis of the many principles covered in the course, and that exhibits a high level of professionalism. You need a strong thesis, clear organization, lucid points, a formal tone, conventional use of language, and formatting in the APA style. (You do not need to provide an abstract for Assignments 1-4, though.)

ANSWER

Variable Assignment: Methodology

In research, the methodology is the process and procedure of identifying, selecting, processing and analyzing information acquired about a specific topic to make an informed conclusion (Mishra & Alok, 2017). This study’s identified research design is a descriptive survey research design and involves a total target population of 10 automaking companies: Chinese and American, American consumers, and security agencies. It also integrates a random sampling plan and uses questionnaires as the primary data collection method. The SPSS tool will analyze quantitative data, while thematic analysis will analyze qualitative data.

Research Design

A research design refers to the overall strategy or plan adopted, indicating the necessary research activities necessary in addressing the identified research problem. This study’s identified research design is a descriptive survey research design used to explain the effect of Chinese security history on Chinese automakers’ failed efforts to sell Chinese-made vehicles in the American market successfully. A descriptive survey research design includes the discovery of existing variables and relationships between specific variables, hence do not seek to alter anything in the research environment. This research design determines the ‘what, where, and how’ of the given research problem or phenomenon, hence, seeks to establish what is happening to the shared variables (Vannette & Krosnick, 2018). The justification for using this research design is because it will help in describing, explaining the research problem, and validating the findings. Moreover, it allows for the use of quantitative and qualitative methodologies, thus maximizing credibility, comprehensiveness, and objectivity (Clark & Ivankova, 2015).

Target Population

A target population consists of elements, units, objects, or individuals with similar observable characteristics in which a study seeks to generalize the research or establish the sampling criteria (Mishra & Alok, 2017). This research’s target population consists of 30 respondents and a target sample size of 10, including American and Chinese consumers, staff in American and Chinese automaking companies, and staff in security agencies. Moreover, the target population is ten automaking companies and five security authority figures.

Sampling Plan

Sampling involves the process used in selecting a sample of participants from a target population in which a study seeks to generalize the research or establish the sampling criteria. It helps present a manageable sample, thus eliminating challenges associated with studying large populations (Datta, 2018). A sample is a set of elements drawn as representatives of a larger target population. In this research project, the target respondents are 30, and the sample size is 10. This research study integrates a random sampling method, meaning all elements have equal chances of being selected (Datta, 2018).

Anticipated Number of Cases

The anticipated number of cases in this research are two. The first case is a strong correlation that “it is due to the Chinese history on violation in intellectual property, online privacy, and personal data use that contribute to its vulnerability and disadvantage in selling Chinese made cars in the USA due to USA’s national security concerns.” The second is a negative correlation.

Data Collection Method

The study uses closed and open-ended questionaries as the primary data collection method. The research will integrate primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through the questionnaires electronically administered among anonymous respondents in a software system through the internet. The survey or questionnaire will be developed through the SurveyMonkey web survey tool and administered online to the target respondents. However, for the companies, the questionnaires will be emailed to the respective companies. The questions will be open and closed-ended to allow for the providence of comprehensive information. Secondary data will be acquired from corporate websites, journal articles, the internet, and other scholarly published sources.

Evidence of Reliability/Validity

Reliability and validity concepts in research evaluate the quality of research, whereby reliability measures the consistency while validity measures the accuracy of a measure (Leung, 2015). This research will ensure the research’s reliability and validity by seeking expert and supervisor’s opinions in the field of study and the thematic concepts identified (national security, personal data, privacy, and data violation. Moreover, it will carry a test to test the reliability status of the research instruments used and the internal consistency using the Cronbach’s Alpha Reliability Test (α). According to Price et al. (2014), a value of 0.80 or greater indicates good or acceptable internal consistency and reliability (Price, Jhangiani, & Chiang, 2014).

Data Analysis

Data analysis includes the inspection, cleaning, transformation, and modeling of data with the aim of acquiring adequate and useful information to enable informed conclusions. This process ensures that the collected data meets the developed hypothesis and addresses the variables developed (Vannette & Krosnick, 2018). This study will use the SPSS tool to analyze the quantitative data acquired, while content analysis will analyze qualitative data.

Ethical Considerations

Research ethics are essential since the procedures taken to conduct research require interaction with people and the acquisition of sensitive data. The researcher will observe research ethics during the research, including ensuring voluntary participation, ensuring informed consent, upholding confidentiality, privacy, and anonymity among respondents. This is important as the information will be sensitive; moreover, it will eliminate the respondents’ potential harm. Permits will also be acquired from the school to ensure the respondents the information obtained will be for academic purposes. It is expected, especially among the automaking companies, that they withhold information with the fear of their competitors as well as with the security agencies.

References

Clark, V. L., & Ivankova, N. V. (2015). Mixed Methods Research: A Guide to the Field. New York: Sage Publishers.

Datta, S. (2018). Sampling methods: Concept of sampling methods and different types of sampling. Bio-Statistics & Computer Application, DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.22856.57605.

Leung, L. (2015). Validity, reliability, and generalizability in qualitative research. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care, 4(3): 324–327. doi: 10.4103/2249-4863.161306.

Mishra, D. S., & Alok, D. S. (2017). HANDBOOK OF RESEARCH METHODOLOGY. Educreation Publishers.

Price, P. C., Jhangiani, R., & Chiang, I.-C. A. (2014). Research Methods in Psychology. Toronto: Open Textbook.

Vannette, D. L., & Krosnick, J. A. (2018). The Palgrave Handbook of Survey Research. New York: Palgrave Macmillan.