Research Methods in Education Assignment 2022

Running head: RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Research Methods in Education
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author’s Note:

1RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Table of Contents
Part 4................................................................................................................................................3
Article: Knowledge of Effective Educational Leadership Practices By Leigh T. Barton...............3
Research Area and Research Questions......................................................................................3
Methodology................................................................................................................................4
Findings and Discussion..............................................................................................................6
Part 5................................................................................................................................................8
1. Why do you think the researcher selected a quasi-experimental design and not a true
design?.........................................................................................................................................8
2. What is meant by random assignment?...................................................................................9
3. State TWO (2) null hypotheses for the study..........................................................................9
4. Discuss FOUR (4) threats to the internal validity of the experiment......................................9
5. Explain any TWO (2) techniques that the researcher could use to ensure the two groups are
equivalent in ability...................................................................................................................11
6. In order to reject the null hypothesis, it is necessary to analyze the data statistically. Explain.
...................................................................................................................................................12
Part 6..............................................................................................................................................13
Attitude towards the Death Sentence: Design a SIX (6) item attitude scale to measure the
above..........................................................................................................................................13
Purpose of the attitude scale and what is being measured.........................................................14
Attach your attitude scale..........................................................................................................19
Part 7: A Survey on Internet Usage among the People of Nusa....................................................20
Explain how you intend to select the sample to ensure it is representative of the population.. 20
Suggest THREE research questions for the study.....................................................................20

2RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Name THREE demographic variables you would include in your study..................................20
Besides the demographic variables write down TEN Questions you would include in the
questionnaire..............................................................................................................................21
Explain why you have chosen these TEN questions.................................................................21
References......................................................................................................................................26

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Part 4
Article: Knowledge of Effective Educational Leadership Practices By Leigh T. Barton
Research Area and Research Questions
The research by Leigh T. Barton focuses on investigating the knowledge of effective
educational leadership practices and is the continuation of the previous study conducted by
Barton and Cox in 2012. The current study focuses on assessing the administrative credentials
regarding the basic knowledge and experience of the candidates in school leadership activities.
The area of focus of the research has helped in determining how success for all the students or
the candidates can be promoted for the ones assuming the school leadership roles. The purpose
of undertaking the current study is the analyze the effect on the pre service school candidates
opting for school leadership roles after completing the administrative credential program that
includes required field works in accordance to their knowledge level and leadership practices.
The pre service school assessment on the candidates is investigated based on the pre and post self
assessment. Hence, the current study intends to know the co operation between knowledge and
experience in determining the effectiveness of pre service in shaping the experience and
knowledge of the candidates opting for school leader roles. However, on the contrary, the
research fails to shed light on which one is more effective, course works or field works for
gaining adequate leadership knowledge.
The study “Knowledge of effective educational leadership practices aims to answer the
three questions listed below:
What is the level of change that could be witnessed among the candidates before and after the
self assessment of their individual level of knowledge for each CPSEL’s followed by
investigating the similarity and difference among the six standards between the changes among
the candidates before and after the self assessment?
Has there been any difference noticed among the individual candidates regarding the loss and
gain of knowledge in terms of leadership competencies?

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In respect to the complete number of years of the corporate work experience of the students,
what is the similarity or difference in the changes in the level of knowledge from before and after
the self assessment that is conducted?
The variables investigated in this study are pre and post self assessment, school
leadership roles and the six standards namely CPSEL Standard 1, CPSEL Standard 2, CPSEL
Standard 3, CPSEL Standard 4, CPSEL Standard 5 and CPSEL Standard 6, leadership practices,
pre service school and administrative credential programs. Investigating the following variables
in the study helps in contributing significant knowledge in the study. For instance, investigating
the administrative credential programs provided an opportunity to know in detail about CPSEL
standards. Knowing about the six standards help to know the benefit of studying each of the
administrative credential programs and how it help in enhancing the existing knowledge among
the candidates opting for the school leadership roles. On the other hand, investigating the
variables also help in contributing the best of knowledge and experience when it comes to
investigating the before and after experience of the self-assessment where the students take part.
The theoretical perspective that underpins the study is to determine the effectiveness of
knowledge in terms of educational leadership practices for the students or the candidates
attending the administrative courses. Leadership is necessary in almost all aspects of life and for
school children opting for supervisor roles it is no different. The theoretical perspectives also
shed light on the several characteristics and practices for effective institutional leaders. In doing
so, over 300 literatures have been investigated in terms of school leadership as opted and applied
by the school principles. The literature research has also indentified twenty main categories of
the attitudes that have a positive influence on the achievement of the students. However, on the
contrary, the current study has not been able to determine the impact of individual behaviors or
responsibilities on the students opting for school leadership roles.
Methodology
The research method employed for the current study is the Candidate Inventory of
Personal leadership Competence that was formulated and developed for assessing the
administrative credentials in terms of the knowledge and experience in school leadership
activities. Six CPSEL was taken into account for developing The Candidate Inventory of
Personal Leadership Competence that highlights that the leader of the institution or the school

5RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
highlights the success of each student in this case. The instrument developed for the study is
based in 58 items that is further categorized into six major parts for individuals CPSEL standard.
Each CPSEL standard further contains 9-11 particular activities related to leadership for which
the students state their present their current level of experience and knowledge. The students
those took part in the study had to mark them on their existing leadership skills knowledge from
1 to 4 where 1 indicates little or no knowledge and 4 representing more knowledge. On the scale
of 1 to 4, 2 indicate minimum knowledge and 3 indicate knowledge that is considerable.
However, the research methodology of the study is questioned because detailed information
about the different methodological stances is not mentioned in the study in terms of the
philosophy, approach, design and strategy used for the study. Information on the aforementioned
aspects is vague in this study making the methodology difficult to understand.
The total sample size selected for the study is 82 pre-service school students. The sample
selected for the study have them enrolled in the administrative credential program at the
California State University Fullerton from years 2008 to 2012. Out of the 82 pre-service school
leaders candidates 35 of the candidates have the record of working in the high schools where as
30 pre-service school candidates are found to have attended the elementary schools. Moreover,
out of the 82 selected samples, five of them were the district employees known to be working in
the Teacher’s on Special Assignment (TOSA). On the other hand, 12 samples attended the
middle school campuses those have taken part in the study for answering the questions of the
research. Out of the selected samples, 40% of the samples had less than five years of experience
whereas 25% had experience for a decade or more. However, on the contrary, no detailed
information about how the samples have been selected is not provided in the research. The
research provides detailed information about the characteristics of the selected samples but no
information regarding the sampling technique and the steps of selecting the samples has been
mentioned in the research making it challenging for the readers to identify the one.
The data collection instruments used for the current study is an Excel spread sheet where
the relevant information about the 82 samples was input by a graduate student. As the input was
done by a graduate student, it was further verified by a second graduate student for eradicating
any chances for error. The data entered and the verification was evaluated and inspected by the
faculty to eliminate any chances or errors. The data collection instrument was developed based

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on the CPSEL standards that were developed across six groups. The data was analyzed by
descriptive method and for the descriptive analysis; the data gathered was coded firstly and then
put through SPSS version 19. However, on the contrary, the research fails to provide detailed
explanation about the data analysis instrument and the analysis technique that make it difficult
for the readers to know about the exact one by going through the work at once.
In respect to the current methodology, it would have been better if each of the
methodological aspects would be presented in a detailed manner. This would have made it easy
to find the different methodological tools those have been used for conducting the research.
Moreover, interviewing the students opting for pre service courses would have been another
option because in-depth and deeper in-sight can be gathered about the knowledge of effective
leadership before and after the self-assessment.
Findings and Discussion
Conclusions have been drawn for each of the three research questions that have been
developed at the beginning of the research. For the first question of the research, the conclusion
drawn indicates the summarization of average of before and after responses and the difference is
computed. The summarization highlights the mean change within the candidates about the self
reported knowledge of the activities those are associated with the CPSEL that is being developed
for studying the self-assessments of the students opting for leadership roles in school. The
analysis of the first question is supported by data that is presented below the explanation. From
the data presented below, it can be seen that the average difference between before and after the
self assessment belongs from .8 to .11. Hence, it could be stated that all the differences obtained
are significant in accordance with the paired sample T-test. There has been a congruence found
among the research questions, the methodology used and the findings obtained for the study.
However, on the contrary, it would have been better if in the findings section the data analysis is
supported by evidences from past literatures.
For the second question of the research, the conclusion drawn indicates the
summarization of the average differences that is useful for forming and developing comparison
between the groups. However, considering the current analysis technique used, explaining the
individual difference is not possible as only the average differences are mentioned. For
answering this research question, a matched score comparison was performed that is followed by

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computing the frequency distribution of the mean response difference of the students those took
part in the study. As the question aimed towards asking the loss and gain of knowledge by the
students in terms of leadership knowledge, measuring the growth by using one scale point that
has been developed restricted the discrimination. Hence, the rise was identified by .5 scale score
point and Table 2 present the results obtained for the second research question. There has been a
congruence found among the research questions, the methodology used and the findings obtained
for the study. However, on the contrary, it would have been better if in the findings section the
data analysis is supported by evidences from past literatures.
For the third question of the research, the conclusion drawn indicates the evaluation of
the findings that emphasized on the association between the gains and loss reports according to
the perceived level of knowledge in TYE that signifies total years’ experience. For answering
this question, the mean gains of the self reported data during the enrollment time in the principle
preparation that is compared with the range of total years’ experience. The third table presented
in the research highlights the mean average gains in terms of the knowledge for individual
standard by the total number of years in experience for the candidates or the students opting for
school leadership roles. There has been a congruence found among the research questions, the
methodology used and the findings obtained for the study. However, on the contrary, it would
have been better if in the findings section the data analysis is supported by evidences from past
literatures.

8RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Part 5
1. Why do you think the researcher selected a quasi-experimental design and not a true
design?
A research was conducted for determining the effectiveness of Phonics methods and the
Whole Word method in teaching reading among kindergarten children. For undertaking this
research, the researcher selected quasi experimental because quasi experiment enables the
researcher to set criteria for the assignment whereas for the true experiment, the participants are
assigned or selected to the treatment or the control randomly and the researcher does not have a
part to play in setting the criteria. The researcher has used quasi-experimental design because
this allowed the researcher to set up the experimental design when randomization is impractical
and unethical to assign (Ceritoglu et al., 2017).
The use of quasi-experimental design facilitates the manipulation of the independent
variables and observes the impact on the dependent variable. With a true experimental design,
manipulation of independent variable and analyzing its impact on the dependent variable cannot
be observed. In accordance with the research topic, the independent variable, Phonics method
and Whole word method can be changed accordingly for determining its effect on the dependent
variable, teaching reading among the kindergarten children. However, on the contrary, a true
experimental design lacks one of the two cardinal characteristics such as randomization and
control (Tumen, 2016).
The quasi experimental design has been used by the researcher because there is an
element of manipulation in this type of experimental design. The use of quasi-experimental
design is selected by the researcher because there is a scope of establishing the causality in
scenarios where the researchers are prohibited from assigning the subjects to the groups for
different reasons. A true experimental design is not used by the researcher in this case because
the results obtained are highly subjective due to the scope of probable human errors. The scope
of human error in true experimental design exists because particular levels of variable control are
required. Hence, any error whether random or systematic can highlight information regarding
other variables that can eradicate the validity of the experiment and while the research is being
conducted. Moreover, the use of quasi-experimental design is preferred rather than true

9RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
experiment because the selected experimental design is not time consuming. The true-
experimental design is time consuming and lengthy that incurs more cost and personal resources
(Zong & Zhang, 2019).
2. What is meant by random assignment?
Random assignment is defined as the primary technique that is used by the researchers
for achieving specific kind of control for extraneous variables across different conditions. This
indicates the selection of the random process for deciding the participants those are to be tested
in specific conditions (Lim & Meer, 2017). However, it needs to be kept in mind that random
sampling is different from that of random assignment. Random sampling is defined as the
technique of selecting a sample from a population and is hardly used for psychological
researches whereas random assignment is the technique for assigning individuals in a sample to
various conditions (Puy et al., 2018). Random assignment is said to be an essential element of all
the experimental researches in psychology. As the topic of the research intends to investigate the
effectiveness of Phonics method and Whole Word method in teaching reading among
kindergarten children, random assignment is appropriate, as the effectiveness is judged according
to the psychological perspective of the students.
3. State TWO (2) null hypotheses for the study
Two null hypotheses for the study are:
Phonics method does not affect teaching reading among kindergarten children
Whole Word method does not affect teaching reading among kindergarten children
4. Discuss FOUR (4) threats to the internal validity of the experiment.
Internal validity for research is important because this helps in conducting research for
determining the cause and effect relationship between the variables. Internal validity is important
because this enables in concluding whether the changes in the independent variable is caused or
observed by the changes in the dependent variable. As a result, it can be assumed whether the
evidence for the conclusion obtained is good or bad. Hence, if the study conducted indicates
higher level of internal validity, it can be assumed that higher degree of casualty is present.
However, on the contrary, low level of internal validity of experiment research indicates low or
no evidence of casualty. As a result, it can be inferred that threats to the internal validity

10RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
compromises the confidence is stating that the independent and the dependent variables are
related.
The four threats to internal validity are history, maturation, statistical regression and
selection.
History: History is considered to be a threat to internal validity because of the occurrence of
some unanticipated event while the experiment was continuing followed by investigating
whether the unanticipated event had an impact on the dependent variable. However, history
causes threat on either of the two variables, independent or dependent. For one group pre-post
test design, the impact of the treat is due to the difference between the scores of the pre-test or
post-test. The difference between the scores might occur due to the treatment or to the history.
As mentioned earlier, history does not impose threat to both the groups because the comparison
is between the comparison group and the treatment group. However, if history threat is imposed
on both the groups, the difference between the groups will not be due to the history of the event
(Orquin & Holmqvist, 2018).
Maturation: Maturation is another threat to the internal validity that imposes changes in the
dependent variable because of the normal developmental processes those operate within the
subject as the function of time. Maturation is a threat for one design and not two design as this
assumes that the participants in both the groups change or mature at the same time (Rooney et
al., 2016).
Statistical regression: Statistical regression is a threat to the internal validity because it is
supposed to be an effect that is caused due to the tendency of the subjects to be selected based on
the extreme scores for regressing towards the mean on subsequent test. According to this threat
to the internal validity, the measurement of the dependent variable is not completely reliable
hence, the possibility of obtaining extreme costs to regress and move forward toward the mean.
Hence, it can be said that the amount of statistical regression is inversely related to the reliability
of the test.
Selection: Selection is another type threat to internal validity that indicates selection of
participants for different groups in the specific study. Such threat arises because not all the
groups are equal during the initial phase of the study. During the selection process, if the subjects

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or the participants are chosen by using random assignment and random sampling, all the subjects
have equal chances of being treated or selected. The threat of selection arises during internal
validity when subjects are selected by themselves into the comparison or experiment groups
thereby, having an impact on the dependent variable. However, selection is a threat for the two
design group but not one group design (Zhou et al., 2016).
5. Explain any TWO (2) techniques that the researcher could use to ensure the two groups
are equivalent in ability.
The two techniques that the researcher can use for ensuring that the two groups are
equivalent in ability are random selection and random assignment. Both the techniques can be
used to ensure that the two groups within a research are equivalent when it comes to the ability.
Random selection is defined as the technique of drawing sample from a specific population
randomly. The use of random selection is the technique that is mostly used while conducting the
survey. The use of random selection helps in ensuring that each unit within the selected
population has the chances of being selected into the selected sample size.
Random selection helps in stating that the two groups are equivalent in ability because
the technique is independent of biasness. Absence of biasness is noticed because the individuals
those form the subset of the bigger group are selected randomly that assures same probability for
all to be selected. As a result, a balanced subset can be created that shows greater potential for
representing the larger group as a whole. Moreover, random selection is much simpler because
developing a simple random sampling is comparatively less complicated.
Random assignment is another technique that can be used for ensuring that the two
groups are equivalent in ability. Random assignment is defined as the opportunity in
psychological experiments for ensuring that individual participants has equal chances to be
allocated to ant given group. Random assignment is said to be the technique of how the samples
that is drawn from different groups in the study are assigned. For example, the current study
conducted is comparing the effect of the teaching reading among kindergarten children by using
Phonics and the whole word method. Hence, the current study has two groups of students to
compare, one with students where Phonics methods has been used whereas the other student
group where the Whole Word method is used. As a result, random assignment signifies that both
the groups are equivalent in ability in terms of affecting the teaching reading of the kindergarten

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children. However, some level of difference between the two groups can be still exists when
random assignment is to be considered.
6. In order to reject the null hypothesis, it is necessary to analyze the data statistically.
Explain.
Statistical tests are necessary in a research because these tests offer the mechanism for
developing quantitative decisions about a specific process or many processes. The ultimate
intention of the statistical test is to gather adequate evidence for rejecting a hypothesis or the
conjecture about the process. In a research, a conjecture is known as the null hypothesis. A null
hypothesis is said to be statement about a specific belief. Doubting the truthfulness leads to be
testing of null hypothesis using specific tests. The procedure of the statistical test is developed in
such a way that the risk of rejecting null hypothesis is less. The risk in the statistical test is
designated by α and is referred to as the significance level. Hence, having a test with less value
gives the feeling that something is actually proved despite rejecting the null hypothesis.
For the current study, the two null hypotheses are:
H0: Phonics method does not affect teaching reading among kindergarten children
H0: Whole Word method does not affect teaching reading among kindergarten children
Statistical tests are needed whilst rejecting the null hypothesis because a null hypothesis
can solely be rejected based on the p-value obtained. The p-value for rejecting the null
hypothesis is less than 0.05. Hence, until and unless the p-value obtained is less than 0.05 after
the required variables and responses in their regards are put through the regression test, a null
hypothesis cannot be rejected. As a result, the statistical value is mandatory for confirming that
the null hypothesis is rejected.

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Part 6
Attitude towards the Death Sentence: Design a SIX (6) item attitude scale to measure the
above
Use a 5-point Likert Scale: 1- Strongly Disagree, 2- Disagree, 3- Undecided, 4- Agree, 5-
Strongly Agree
The six item attitude scale for measuring “Attitude towards the Death Sentence” is listed
below:
Do you agree with death sentence punishment?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
Does death sentence be the punishment for all types of crimes happening around?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
Do you think death sentence is a brutal punishment?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
Do you think death sentence should be abolished?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
During death sentence punishment, do you agree that the individual’s last wish should be
granted?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree
Do you agree that individuals aged below 18 years should not be given death sentence
despite of performing the most heinous crime?
Strongly disagree Disagree Neutral Agree Strongly agree

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The aforementioned questions is used for determining the attitude of the individuals
about death sentence punishment and the opinion of the respondents are gathered based on the 5-
point Likert scale.
Purpose of the attitude scale and what is being measured
Explain how you selected each item: 3 negative items and 3 positive items? Briefly describe how
you would ensure that the attitude scale measures what it is supposed to measure
Attitude is a Latin word that highlights a particular way of thinking or the feeling an
individual possess about a particular phenomenon that can be understood by considering the
individual behavior. Attitude can also be said to be the tendency of responding either positively
or negatively towards a specific idea, person, object or situation. It is said that attitude cannot be
measured by using absolute terms. Instead, attitude can be measured in terms of observing the
opinion that an individual possesses that can be expressed either verbally or non-verbally. As
known, an attitude is a perceptual orientation towards a specific object or a group of objects.
Attitude is composed of three components, namely affective component, behavioral component
and cognitive component and for measuring the attitude of the individuals towards specific
object or group of objects, the scale used is known as attitude scale.
The term scale also originates from a Latin word that means ladder or flight of steps that
represents the series at fixed intervals that is used as a standard measurement. An attitude scale is
defined as a special kind of questionnaire that is designed for obtaining scores that highlights the
direction or the intensity of the attitude of an individual’s feelings about a specific object or
situation. An attitude scale is also defined as a tool that is developed with the purpose of
measuring the attitude of the individuals towards an issue. For the given scenario, an attitude
scale is needed for measuring the attitude or mind set of the individuals regarding death
sentences. The different dimensions included into a scale are direction, intensity and degree. In
an attitude scale, direction can be of two types, positive or negative. It is an essential aspect
while measuring an attitude. For instance, the first question, “Do you agree with death sentence
punishment?” can generate either positive or negative direction depending on the options they
choose from the 5-Point Likert scale. If the individuals agree with the question, it indicates a
positive direction whereas if the respondents disagree with the question, it indicates a negative
direction.

15RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
In the attitude scale, degree describes the amount of liking and disliking in respect to a
specific attitude. Individuals can have different degree of liking that can be measured from
moderate to strong to very strong. Similarly, the idea of degree in an attitude scale can also
designated for determining the attitude towards negative opinion. For example, the second
question “Does death sentence be the punishment for all types of crimes happening around?” can
generate both liking and disliking attached towards the attitude. If the individuals agree with the
question, the liking attitude of the respondents is highlighted whereas if the respondents disagree
with the question, the disliking attitude of the respondents towards the attitude is highlighted.
In attitude scale, intensity describes the strength of the feeling. Higher intensity about a
feeling indicates motivated behavior of the individuals whereas lower intensity about a feeling
indicates demotivated behavior of the individuals. For example, the third question “Do you think
death sentence is a brutal punishment?” can generate either high intensity or low intensity that
helps in determining the attitude towards the question for the respondents. If the respondents
strongly agree with the questions, high intention among the respondents is witnessed whereas if
the respondents strongly disagree with the questions, low intention among the respondents is
identified. Hence, the attitude of the respondents towards the question can be measured in respect
to the intensity.
For the current work, the attitude scale is used for measuring the attitude towards death
sentence by using six questions related to it and 5-Point Likert scale. The direction, degree and
intensity of the attitude in respect to “attitude towards death sentence” measured by
implementing suitable attitude scale. The purpose of the measuring scale is to determine and
investigate the opinion of the individuals regarding death sentence. As knowing about death
sentence from individuals is a psychological aspect and determines the feeling of a person about
an event that might vary from individual to individual, attitude scale is necessary. As a result, the
attitude scale will help in generating scores regarding the direction, intensity and degree about
“attitude towards death sentence” from the questionnaire developed.
Three positive and three negative items for selecting each item is mentioned below:
Do you agree with death sentence punishment?

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The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals about
death sentence can be known. Additionally, the number of people agreeing with death penalty
can be determined and finally attitude of the people towards death sentence can be investigated.
However, on the contrary, the three negatives of using this item are that individuals might share a
false opinion because close-ended options are given. Moreover, some people might not answer
the question seriously and opt for irrelevant attitude that will compromise the results obtained
from the attitude scale.
Does death sentence be the punishment for all types of crimes happening around?
The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals about
death sentence being the punishment for all crimes can be known. Additionally, the number of
people agreeing with death penalty being the ultimate punishment can be determined and finally
attitude of the people towards death sentence can be investigated. However, on the contrary, the
three negatives of using this item are that individuals might share a false opinion because close-
ended options are given. Moreover, some people might not answer the question seriously and opt
for irrelevant attitude that will compromise the results obtained from the attitude scale.
Do you think death sentence is a brutal punishment?
The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals about
death sentence being a brutal punishment or not can be known. Additionally, the number of
people agreeing with death penalty being the brutal punishment can be determined and finally
attitude of the people towards brutality of death sentence can be investigated. However, on the
contrary, the three negatives of using this item are that individuals might share a false opinion
because close-ended options are given. Moreover, some people might not answer the question
seriously and opt for irrelevant attitude that will compromise the results obtained from the
attitude scale.
Do you think death sentence should be abolished?
The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals about
death sentence being abolished or not can be known. Additionally, the number of people
agreeing with death penalty being abolished can be determined and finally attitude of the people

17RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
towards death sentence can be investigated. However, on the contrary, the three negatives of
using this item are that individuals might share a false opinion because close-ended options are
given. Moreover, some people might not answer the question seriously and opt for irrelevant
attitude that will compromise the results obtained from the attitude scale.
During death sentence punishment, do you agree that the individual’s last wish should be
granted?
The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals
whether the last wish to be granted can be known. Additionally, the number of people agreeing
with the last right to be approved can be determined and finally attitude of the people towards
last wish approval during death sentence can be investigated. However, on the contrary, the three
negatives of using this item are that individuals might share a false opinion because close-ended
options are given. Moreover, some people might not answer the question seriously and opt for
irrelevant attitude that will compromise the results obtained from the attitude scale.
Do you agree that individuals aged below 18 years should not be given death sentence
despite of performing the most heinous crime?
The three positives for selecting this question are that the opinion of the individuals about
death sentence being justified for people below 18 years can be known. Additionally, the number
of people agreeing with death penalty for individuals below 18 years can be determined and
finally attitude of the people towards death sentence can be investigated. However, on the
contrary, the three negatives of using this item are that individuals might share a false opinion
because close-ended options are given. Moreover, some people might not answer the question
seriously and opt for irrelevant attitude that will compromise the results obtained from the
attitude scale.
Both reliability and validity can be performed after collecting the required responses in
terms of attitude for ensuring that the attitude scale measures the attributes it is supposed to
measure. Conducting a reliability test based on the responses gathered on the attitude scale will
help in measuring the consistency and dependability of the work. Hence, if the same scale is used
for measuring the same attitude several times, more or less similar results are obtained each time
that assumes that the underlying phenomenon is not subjected to any changes thereby, making

18RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
the results highly reliable. The responses gathered can be put through Cronbach alpha for
ensuring that the points obtained from the attitude scale are reliable. On the other hand, validity
is another test that can be used for ensuring that attitude scale measures what it is supposed to
measure. As known, validity is defined as the technique that is used for measuring the adequacy
of the underlying phenomenon. Validity of the attitude scale can be assessed by using both
theoretical and empirical approaches that will help in determining the “attitude towards death
sentence.”

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Attach your attitude scale
Questions 5-Point Likert Scale
SD
(1)
D
(2)
N
(3)
A
(4)
SA
(5)
Do you agree with death sentence punishment? 5
Does death sentence be the punishment for all types
of crimes happening around?
3
Do you think death sentence is a brutal punishment? 2
Do you think death sentence should be abolished? 1
During death sentence punishment, do you agree that
the individual’s last wish should be granted?
2
Do you agree that individuals aged below 18 years
should not be given death sentence despite of
performing the most heinous crime?
5
My attitude scale 3
Hence, my attitude scale for “Attitude towards death sentence” is 3.

20RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Part 7: A Survey on Internet Usage among the People of Nusa
Explain how you intend to select the sample to ensure it is representative of the population.
In the context of this research, where internet usage among 18-30 years old are to be
found, the sample intended to be selected is by random sampling method for ensuring it is
representative of the population. As the population of 18-30 years is to be surveyed, random
sampling technique is the most appropriate one. As known, random sampling is defined as the
sub set of the individuals or the samples selected from a larger population or set. According to
the given research context, the population of Nusa is 120,000 people out of which one-third
people belong to age group 18-30 years. Random sampling is appropriate because from the large
population set of one third of the population, 100 responses will be selected for the determining
the internet usage. With random sampling, each individual within the large population set is
selected entirely by chance and randomly at any stage of the sampling process. The selection of
population in not biased when random sampling technique is used. As the selection of 100
individuals are unbiased with random probability sampling technique, any individuals within age
group 18-30 years can take part in the survey and relevant information can be obtained from
them regarding internet usage in Nusa.
Suggest THREE research questions for the study.
The three research questions of the study are listed below:
 What do you mean by internet usage?
 How the population of the Nusa Island are are using high speed broad band services?
 What are the positive and negative impacts of internet usage on the population of Nusa?
Name THREE demographic variables you would include in your study.
The three demographic variables that would be included in the study are age range of the
population, gender specification of the survey and the occupation of the survey respondents. The
three survey questions based on the selected demographic variables ate listed below:
Please specify your gender
Male Female Prefer not to say

21RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
Please select your age range
18-21 years 22-24 years 25-27 years 28-30 years
Please specify your occupation
Student Businessman/woman Professor Service man/woman
Besides the demographic variables write down TEN Questions you would include in the
questionnaire.
Besides the demographic variables, the ten questions that would be included in the
questionnaire are listed below:
1. How long have you been using internet?
2. For how many times, do you use internet in each day?
3. For what purposes do you mostly use internet for?
4. Do you think using internet have helped you in staying updated?
5. Do you use internet for work purposes or leisure purposes?
6. Do you think the use of internet in Nusa has increased compared to the past 10 years?
7. Have the increased internet use beneficial or detrimental in daily life?
8. Do you think internet use have a negative impact on the youth?
9. Do you use social media platforms due to high speed broad band services?
10. Where do you use the internet mostly?
Explain why you have chosen these TEN questions.
1. How long have you been using internet?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining the internet usage because with this question the opinion of the

22RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
respondents about the time they have been using internet can be known. In accordance with the
opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age
group and occupation have been using internet for the longest. If it can be seen that male
individuals belonging to a specific age group and occupation are using internet the most, then a
supportive interpretation can be drawn compared to if the figure and percentage obtained are
different. Once the figures are known, it can hence be known whether the duration of using
internet is having an impact on the individuals belonging to the mentioned age group in Nusa.
2. For how many times, do you use internet in each day?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know the number of
times the population ranging from 18-30 years are using internet. In accordance with the opinion
in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age and
occupation have been using internet the most number of times in each day. As the age group of
18-30 years is mostly youth, having an answer to this question will help to know how many
times the youths are using internet each day. From the figures, it can be obtained whether using
internet for several times each day is having an impact on the population belonging to age group
18-30 years.
3. For what purposes do you mostly use internet for?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know the main
purposes for which the population uses the internet from 18-30 years. In accordance with the
opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age and
occupation use internet mainly for which reasons. As the population belonging to age group 18-
30 years is mainly youths, it is necessary to know main purposes for which the internet is used
among the selected population. Knowing the purpose of internet usage will help in determining
whether internet is used for professional reasons or for leisure purposes that will further

23RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
investigate the positive and negative impact of internet usage on the population belonging to age
group 18-30 years.
4. Do you think using internet have helped you in staying updated?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether
internet usage in Nusa by the population is helping them is staying updated. In accordance with
the opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age
and occupation use internet for keeping them updated in this modern era. As the population
belonging to age group 18-30 years is mainly youths, extensive use of internet can be noticed
among them. The figures obtained from this question will help to know whether high speed
broad band have served the purpose well for the population belonging to age group 18-30 years
in keeping them updated with the rest of the world.
5. Do you use internet for work purposes or leisure purposes?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether
internet is used by the population in Nusa is mainly for work purpose or leisure purposes. In
accordance with the opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering
which gender, age and occupation use internet for work purposes and which percentage of
population use internet for leisure purposes. As the population belonging to age group 18-30
years is mainly youths, it is necessary to know whether internet is used for work or leisure
purposes so that their impact can be determined on the 18-30 years population in Nusa. If
internet is mainly used for leisure purposes by the specific age group, then further investigations
can be conducted for knowing the leisure purposes for which internet is used.
6. Do you think the use of internet in Nusa has increased compared to the past 10 years?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant

24RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether
internet usage in Nusa has increased over the past 10 years or not. In accordance with the opinion
in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age and
occupation agree that internet usage over the past 10 years have increased and what percentage
of population feel that the internet usage in Nusa have not increased over the past 10 years. As
the population belonging to age group 18-30 years is mainly youths, determining whether the use
of internet have increased or not will help to know the benefits of having high speed broadband
access in Nusa. This question will also help in comparing the increased use of internet in Nusa
among 18-30 years compared to the rest of the world.
7. Have the increased internet use beneficial or detrimental in daily life?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether
internet usage in Nusa by the population is beneficial or detrimental for them. In accordance with
the opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender, age
and occupation believes that internet is beneficial and which percentage of population believes
that internet usage is detrimental. As the population belonging to age group 18-30 years is
mainly youths, negative impact needs to be mitigated successfully. The population from 18-30
years needs to be aware of the good and bad that internet has to offer and should use it in such a
way that the negative impact of using internet can be avoided in Nusa.
8. Do you think internet use have a negative impact on the youth?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether
internet usage in Nusa by the population is having a negative impact on the youth. In accordance
with the opinion in the demographic questions, this question will help in filtering which gender,
age and occupation use internet feel that internet usage has a negative impact on the population
belonging to age group 18-30 years. As the population belonging to age group 18-30 years is
mainly youths, they do not have the ability to control them and generally goes with the flow. The

25RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
age group 18-30 years is crucial in shaping the future of the youths. As high speed broadband
services are available in Nusa, it is necessary to know whether the population belonging to age
group 18-30 years is affected negatively due to it.
9. Do you use social media platforms due to high speed broad band services?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know whether high
speed broadband services have facilitated the population to use different social media platforms.
This will help to know what percentage of population belonging to age group 18-30 years are
using social media platforms due to high speed broadband services in Nusa. As the population
belonging to age group 18-30 years is mainly youths, knowing the percentage of population
present in social media platforms will help to know what internet is used for mainly in Nusa.
10. Where do you use the internet mostly?
This question in the survey questionnaire is an important one in investigating internet
usage among 18-30 years population in Nusa. This question will help in contributing significant
information in determining internet usage because this question can help us know where the
population use internet the most that is, whether it is work, office, classrooms or while outing
with friends. In accordance with the opinion in the demographic questions, this question will
help in filtering which gender, age and occupation uses internet at which places. As the
population belonging to age group 18-30 years is mainly youths, it is necessary to know the
places where the population belonging to 18-30 years prefers using internet in Nusa.

26RESEARCH METHODS IN EDUCATION
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