Abstract

Abstract

The following discourse entails the proposed experiments that will be applied in understanding the situation encompassing a personal observation. In social sciences, observation forms a significant aspect in the comprehension of events or circumstances that are accessible to the human eye. In this particular proposal, the experiment focuses on a student, Charles, who has gained the notoriety of being a persistent latecomer. Because of this, the proposed study attempts to understand the reasons behind his low academic performance by focusing on three possible causative factors, which may ultimately impose an effect on school performance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Name:

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Date:

Sociology Experiment

Description of the First Experiment

In the first experiment, the proposed causative aspect involves multitasking. Simply, the hypothesis asserts that multitasking is actually responsible for the low academic performance exhibited by Charles. The first implication of this factor comprises decreased attention as well as thinking processes. The second implication involves the occurrence of ineffectiveness particularly in the performance of obligations.

Data to be Collected

For the first experiment, most of the data that will be gathered will comprise information directly correlated to the respective causative factor. In this proposed study, the call for observational data is influenced by the insufficient amount of knowledge regarding the test subject’s behavioral fluctuations. Usually, the need for observational data is most eminent in situations whereby the subject matter is moderately unknown. Furthermore, in circumstances whereby little information is known in order to elucidate the mannerisms or behavior of an individual within a particular setting, observational data takes part as an imperative dimension (O’Sullivan and Strauser 45). In this respect, not much is known concerning the low academic performance exhibited by Charles. Hence, it may be possible for the proposed data to provide an idea of the student’s low academic performance. Aside from this, observational data is imperative in figuring out the real reasons for the participant’s unusual behavior.

Identifying and Operationalizing Selected Data Variables

The data that will be incorporated into the proposed study will be categorized into two respective variables. These constitute the independent and the dependent variables. An independent variable is normally solitary. Because of this definitive aspect, the independent variable is not subject to change by other variables positioned for measurement within a respective study (Taylor 56). On the other hand, dependent variables largely depend on the independent variable. Simply, a change in the independent variable or an occurrence of the same will definitely impose certain alterations on the dependent variable. In this respect, the independent variable constitutes multitasking. As such, the dependent variable will constitute decreased attention as well as reduced thinking processes. The second dependent variable will involve ineffectiveness in task performance.

Operationalizing the data variables will involve developing a measurement platform that will be used to ascertain the reality or validity associated with the implications of the independent variable (Ritter 101). Simply, operationalizing will constitute specifying the method that will be incorporated in measuring or manipulating the dependent and independent variables. For multitasking, which is the independent variable; operationalization will mostly involve measuring the exposure of the selected participant to the respective variable. More specifically, the participant may be questioned on the number of hours that he consumes while taking part in his array of daily activities while using a standardized open-ended questionnaire. Regarding the dependent variable, the participant may be asked to record a schedule of his daily activities and include the complicated nature of each task in order to understand impact on his attentiveness. Similarly, a performance review may be used in measuring ineffectiveness in terms of the required tasks.

Description of the Second Experiment

In the second experiment, the proposed causative agent for the participant’s current problem comprises personal issues. The proposed study assumes that the reasons for Charles’ low academic performance are due to the varying implications of the problems that he is currently facing on a personal basis. Accordingly, aspects such as illness, laziness, and alcoholism may actually impose a decreasing effect on GPA performance. In this respect, the main implications encompass the effect that personal issues impose on the performance of tasks required to be done by the participant within the study. As such, the first implication comprises the overall impact of personal issues and circumstances on task performance. The second implication asserts that non-resolution of the personal problems affecting the individual may pose a negative effect on the task.

Data to be Collected

As asserted, observational data is dependent on particular situations that involve gaining an understanding of a what- and how- type situation as well as attaining knowledge in a situation whereby the subject matter remains relatively unknown (Check and Schutt 34). In this proposed study, the data that will be collected will be used to inform the researcher on the variables that are particularly responsible for the unusual behavior exhibited by the test participant. In this respect, data that will be collected for the proposed experiment may comprise subject related to the participant’s personal life. Foremost, data arising from an enquiry on whether the participant takes part or indulges in the utilization of alcohol or other intoxicating substances will be gathered for the study. Following this, information concerning any tragic events that the participant may have encountered such as a loss of a loved one may be gathered. Such data will be useful in understanding the causative aspects that actually influence Charles’ low academic performance. However, due to the sentimental gravity of the situation, it will be imperative to attain consent.

Identifying and Operationalizing Selected Data Variables

Once the data has been gathered, identification of the dependent and independent variables will be significant in furthering the proposed study. Prior to this, it is imperative to understand the relationship that exists between independent and dependent variables. Usually, independent variables establish impact on the dependent variable (Kuniavsky 77). As such, they are perceived as the causative dimensions of any alteration. In respect to the second experiment, the independent variable constitutes personal issues experienced by the participant. More specifically, the independent variable may be grief or addiction due to indulgence in alcohol. On the other hand, dependent variables refer to the gauged result. Simply, they constitute the impacts of the alteration since their values are reliant on the exploitation of the independent variable. In this case, the main dependent variable comprises the level of performance in examinations.

Based on the recognition of the independent and dependent variables within the proposed experiment, certain measures may be used in operationalizing the respective components. For the component of grief or the aspect of addiction as an independent variable, a suitable approach for operationalization may involve the use of a standard questionnaire in order to understand the factors behind the participant’s considerable level of sickness. Additionally, the participant may be asked on the amount of time that he spends taking part in the use of alcohol using an alcohol percentage rating. Regarding the dependent variable, operationalization may involve using a standardized collecting paper for gathering the GPA performance of the participant in order to identify any downward trends.

Description of the Third Experiment

For the third experiment, the causative factor proposed comprises the specific implication on multitasking on the performance of other dimensions evident within the participant’s life. The proposed study assumes that the reasons for Charles’ low academic performance arise as an occurrence of the implications of multitasking on other imperative areas of his life, specifically school. Consequently, taking part in a miscellany of activities may impose a negative effect on performance. Hence, the first implication involves the effect of a range of activities on other activities that the participant assumes on a daily basis. The second implication asserts the possibilities that focus on a single task may impose on individual efficiency and performance.

Data to be Collected

The data that will be gathered for the proposed experiment will mostly revolve around the activities that the participant performs as well as the level of performance exhibited when participating in schoolwork. In this respect, the data collected may constitute the different types of activities that the test subject assumes within a single day. Additionally, further data for collection may involve the GPA scores that the participant exhibits within a certain schedule or period.

Identifying and Operationalizing Variables

The variables that will be identified will be categorized in the context of dependent and independent variables. Regarding the independent variables, the data will involve the different forms of activities that the participant assumes within a single day. Particularly, the main activity in this respective experiment may involve working in the school’s canteen during the night shift. On the other hand, the dependent variable may constitute the level of GPA performance, which will be used to assess whether the participant’s part-time work affects his schoolwork.

Findings and Results

Normally, in a situation whereby the disposition of the study question is concentrated on the verification of a what- or how-type question, it is imperative to collect observational data (Lave 23). In this respective context, the proposed research question involves determining the factors that are actually responsible for the low academic performance exhibited by the student over a given period. Since the proposed factor involves multi-tasking, then the data that will be gathered will mostly focus on correlating the aspect of multitasking to the implication of low academic performance on the part of the proposal’s test participant. Hence, one of the data components that will be collected will comprise the number of hours consumed by other activities that Charles participates aside from his formal schoolwork. Collecting such data will reinforce the assumption that multitasking may actually affect Charles’ low performance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

Check, Joseph W, and Russell K. Schutt. Research Methods in Education. Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications, 2012. Print.

Kuniavsky, Mike. Observing the User Experience: A Practitioner’s Guide to User Research. San Francisco: Morgan Kaufmann Publishers, 2013. Print.

Lave, Charles A, and James G March. An Introduction to Models in the Social Sciences. New York: University Press of America, 1993. Print

O’Sullivan, Deirdre, and David Strauser. “Operationalizing Self-Efficacy, Related Social Cognitive Variables, and Moderating Effects.” Rehabilitation Counseling Bulletin 52.4 (2009): 251-258. Print.

Ritter, Frank E. Running Behavioral Studies with Human Participants: A Practical Guide. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2013. Print.

Taylor, George R. Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Methods in Research. Lanham: University Press of America, 2000. Print.