Chapter 24 — Applied research methods
Lesson map
Lesson 24 published. Map, example, EX070.
flowchart TD
N0["Learning outcomes"]
N1["24.1 A practical question"]
N2["24.2 Ethics and consent"]
N3["24.3 Analysis"]
N4["24.4 Reporting"]
N5["Synthesis"]
N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4 --> N5
N5 --> EX["Worked example"]
EX --> Q["Exercise EX070"]
Logical drawing
flowchart LR
N0["Learning outcomes"]
N1["24.1 A practical question"]
N2["24.2 Ethics and consent"]
N3["24.3 Analysis"]
N4["24.4 Reporting"]
N5["Synthesis"]
N0 --> N1 --> N2 --> N3 --> N4 --> N5 --> Q["EX070"]
[Learning outcomes]
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[24.1 A practical question]
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[24.2 Ethics and consent]
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v
[24.3 Analysis]
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[24.4 Reporting]
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v
[Synthesis]
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v
[Worked example] --> [Exercise EX070]
Learning outcomes
You will (1) frame a small applied study; (2) collect data ethically; (3) analyse and report honestly.
24.1 A practical question
Ms Okafor asks each student to complete a small applied study. Tomás asks: does labelling alerts with a short response note reduce the time Gareth takes to handle them? The question is narrow, matters to the school and can be answered with data Gareth already records. He states the measure, time from alert to closure, and the comparison: four weeks without response notes against four weeks with them, during comparable term periods. He writes the question and comparison down before collecting any data, so the analysis cannot drift.
24.2 Ethics and consent
The study involves Gareth's work, so Tomás explains its purpose and asks for his consent, making clear that the study evaluates the process, not his performance. Data are anonymised before analysis and stored on college storage. The college's ethics checklist is completed and signed by Ms Okafor. Even small studies involving people need this care, because workers can feel judged by measurement, and trust is essential to a placement. Gareth may withdraw at any time, and the data would then be deleted without question.
24.3 Analysis
Tomás compares median handling times and checks the spread. Handling times fall from a median of 18 minutes to 11 with response notes. He looks for other explanations: were alerts in the second period simpler? He checks alert types and finds a similar mix. Was Gareth less busy? Ticket volumes were similar. These checks do not prove the notes caused the change, but they make other explanations less likely, which is as much as a small study can do. He reports the spread as well as medians.
24.4 Reporting
Tomás writes a four-page report: question, method, data, results, limitations and recommendation. Limitations include the small sample, one technician and the short period. He recommends keeping response notes and reviewing them each term. He presents the report to Gareth first, who adds context, then to Ms Okafor. Reporting honestly, including limitations, makes the study useful for the school and a good example of applied research for the course. The school keeps a copy of the report with its operational documents, so the evidence remains available after the placement.
Worked example
Median handling time falls from 18 to 11 minutes with response notes, with a similar alert mix in both periods.
Synthetic case. The study is synthetic.
Errors and limits
Studies of people's work without consent and clear purpose damage trust.
Exercises
- EX070 — Study measure. What does the study measure? Rubric: 3 = time from alert to closure;; 2 = handling time;; 1 = alerts;; 0 = none.
- EX071 — Alternative explanation check. Name one alternative explanation Tomás checked. Rubric: 3 = simpler alerts or lower workload;; 2 = one;; 1 = vague;; 0 = none.
- EX072 — Consent framing. How was the study framed to Gareth? Rubric: 3 = evaluates process, not performance;; 2 = process;; 1 = performance;; 0 = none.
Synthesis
Small, ethical, honest applied studies produce useful evidence for practice.
Continue studying — chapter 24 of 30
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