Using the business research scenario, variables, and research question that your learning team developed for the Week 2 Business Research Project Part 1 assignment, Prepare a paper of no more than 800 words that proposes a research plan to implement for this project. The plan should be written in such detail that another researcher could replicate the method.
Discuss the following:
(a) Define the population being studied. Why is this group being studied? Specifically relate the population to the proposed research question.
(b) Propose a Sampling method.
• What is the proposed sampling method (simple random, stratified, cluster, etc.) and why is it the best option?
• What is the desired sample size? Why? Can you use a calculation based on the desired confidence level and acceptable margin of error to determine sample size? If so, include the calculation in an appendix to the paper.
• Why is the method that you chose most appropriate?
(c) Propose a Data Collection method. For example, should you use a communication study or an observational study? Is a survey or focus group appropriate? Will you use an in-person interview, an email survey, or some other method? Should you implement data mining? Choose the best strategy to effectively answer your proposed research question.
In addition, make specific recommendations for collecting data. Give examples of questions that would appear on a survey or state the kind of data that you would collect via observation. (Include the sample questions in an Appendix. See the link below for how to format an Appendix.)
(d) Other topics to consider:
• Discuss how validity (and reliability) will be achieved.
• Explain how human subjects will be protected (if applicable).
• Explain how the data will be physically collected.
• Explain where data will be stored and how it will be protected.
Response should be formated in APA guidelines.
Include at least 2-3 reference that is not one of your course textbooks.
REMEMBER: You do not have to actually conduct the research that is proposed here. You are to write as if you work for the organization and have all of its financial and personnel resources at your disposal.
