Aspects Of Quantitative Research Research Articles

An Examination of Consumers’ Subjective Views that Affect the Favorability of Organizational Logos: An Exploratory Study Using Q Methodology

This study used Q methodology to uncover the different perspectives that exist regarding the factors that affect the favorability of organizational logos. Studies that have examined the factors that influence consumers’ attitudes toward logos have largely used traditional research methods based on measures that have been prespecified by the researcher(s). Q methodology takes a fundamentally different approach—it is a mixture of both qualitative and quantitative aspects of research that allows participants to speak for themselves. In this study, we used unstructured sampling of 50 logos and had 40 participants rank-order the logos from “most appealing” (+ 5) to “most unappealing” (− 5). Three different perspectives emerged from the correlation and factor analysis. The first group preferred logos with bright colors, the second group thought logos with living creatures were appealing, and the third group was attracted to logos evoking a sense of movement. The findings and implications of this Q methodology study can help managers develop more effective communication strategies using organizational logos.

The Provision of Special Education in Zimbabwe: Realities, Issues and Challenges

The research study explored the issues, realities and challenges regarding the provision of special needs education in Zimbabwe. Specific constructs studied were parental involvement, the nature and scope of the curricula and the general strengths of specialist teachers. The study was qualitative in nature though certain aspects of quantitative research were used such as the questionnaire and descriptive statistics. Respondents were drawn from 8 of the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe. They included 65 teachers, 40 school heads as well as 26 parents. Questionnaires were used as the primary data collection tool. The results show that parents are fairly involved in school activities. However, parents were mainly involved in administrative issues rather than in making decisions about the education of their children. While the curriculum for learners with disabilities was found to be satisfactory it lacked components that ensure the smooth transition of learners with disabilities into adulthood and employment. Lastly the study found that there are challenges faced in the recruitment of specialist teachers; shortage of trained teachers; refusal by trained teachers to teach special classes; centralized recruitment system; and poor incentives. The study recommends that all teachers colleges train teachers how to deal with children with disabilities and that a retention allowance be reintroduced for teachers of children with impairments. It is also recommended that parents of children with disabilities be empowered to actively participate in valued activities such as the design of Individual Education Programmes. Schools sign contracts with parents in which the later undertook to participate in all the outlined activities. Lastly the study recommended that there must be a clear cut transitional policy which specifies the paths to be followed by children with disabilities in school to enable them to move swiftly into adulthood and employment.

Teaching Ethical, Experimental, and Quantitative (TEEQ) Biology through Problem‐Based Writing with Peer Review

Teaching Ethical, Experimental, and Quantitative (TEEQ) Biology is a project to enhance undergraduate students' understanding of bioscience research and thereby foster development necessary for entrance into dynamic careers. The target for this project is Biology 131, a large‐enrollment lecture course on organismal biology that serves biology majors. TEEQ engages students in critical review of scientific research by using the Calibrated Peer Review (CPR) program to structure writing assignments about experimental methods and quantitative approaches in biology. CPR delivers reading background information and a writing assignment that is followed by anonymous peer‐ and self‐ review of the assignments. Student gains were measured both qualitatively and quantitatively. The students completed a Participant Perception Inventory (PPI) to survey their knowledge, experience, and confidence about ethical, experimental, and quantitative aspects of research. Results pointed the way for improving students' confidence in their abilities to understand a historical continuum of changing theories, views, and methodologies in biology. The project also opened opportunities for faculty to interact with students in a way that should lead to better retention of students in the major and to students who are better prepared to make decisions about bioscience research and careers.

Aspects of Quantitative Research in Economic History

If we are successfully to relate our work with the main body of Economic History, we must be able to show the fundamental relationship between quantitative analysis and more conventional methods of economic historians. The historian reconstructs events of the past, and with them attempts to understand the institutions and modes of behavior associated with those events. He seeks to construct a consistent story revealing the fundamental nature and meaning to us of the past, thus creating insight into the past and understanding of it—something considerably beyond a mere account of what probably happened. However, this story must be based upon, and be consistent with, the reconstructed events of the past, “what probably happened.”