The study provides a detailed methodological approach, cross-industry standard process for data mining, for predicting at-risk students with an imbalanced class. The objective was to identify the best machine learning model for predicting students at risk of failing the course during weeks 2-8 of the semester. We encountered issues in the dataset,…

This case study analyzes the application of parametric and nonparametric statistical analyses with the multiple linear regression model in education and agricultural education research. The fields of education and agricultural education heavily rely on parametric analyses. We questioned the validity of the extensive use of such approaches after…

The research presented in this Case Study examines adjunct faculty satisfaction at an online public institution of higher education. Specifically, I analyzed student-, individual-, and institution-related factors of faculty satisfaction based on a previously constructed survey instrument found in the literature. While carrying out the research,…

This case study focuses on issues and dilemmas I faced when collecting data on a social networking site that enabled sociability, communication, and collaboration among teachers. To understand teacher online participation, I used an eclectic mixed-methods design with three phases to collect qualitative and quantitative data. This design allowed me…

The internet has had a vast and pervasive effect on many industries. It has resulted in the creation of new industries and has overhauled the dynamics that governed existing industries. One of the most traditional industries that is now struggling to cope with the changes brought on by the internet is the industry of higher education. Students can…

An advantage of well-designed survey research is that, typically, it yields large volumes of quantitative and qualitative data. A key challenge researchers face is mining and reporting these data appropriately and promptly to inform research publications and presentations. When mixed methods are employed, and researchers attempt to master computer…

This case study draws on my quantitative study of college entrance exam preparation (also known as "test prep") to illustrate how a researcher goes about setting up a quantitative project using existing datasets. I describe how I decided between two different datasets, a decision which required attention to how the research question was…

In 2014, I started working on the PhD project, which aims at understanding the causes and consequences of university graduates following different types of career pathways. On route to achieving this aim, I faced a challenging task of deriving a typology, which was theoretically meaningful and suitable for further quantitative analysis. As the…

Data is critical, but data has not always lead to success. If data is not communicated clearly, the results can be disastrous. Design lets us communicate data so it can be understood. Dr. Rankin believes that "when we're fluent in visualizing our ideas, we can communicate them across global boundaries, across spoken language barriers, and…

The research referenced in this methodological case study chronicles the journey of the researcher in identifying a research design that would utilize both quantitative and qualitative research strategies to explore education reform initiatives across two schools implementing the same whole school reform model. Challenges of selecting the…

This case study provides an account of my experiences and lessons learned in designing and implementing a survey research. The research was part of my doctoral thesis in educational measurement and quantitative methods. The purpose of the study was to examine the effectiveness of a Completely Structured Training compared with Partially Structured…

This case study considers how a non-equivalent control group design was used in a PhD study examining the impact of a multiple intelligence teaching approach on student engagement and learning. Two groups of second year undergraduate nursing students undertook the study: a treatment group (n = 26) and a control group (n = 18). The intervention for…

Exploratory Factor analysis is a research tool that can be used to make sense of multiple variables which are thought to be related. This can be particularly useful when a qualitative methodology may be the more appropriate method for collecting data or measures, but quantitative analysis enables better reporting. This case first gives a brief…

We present a case study of the process through which a methodology was developed and applied to a quasi-experimental research study that employed propensity score matching. Methodological decisions are discussed and summarized, including an explanation of the approaches selected for each step in the study as well as rationales for these…

Data in the social sciences often do not conform to what a researcher would like in order to have an unproblematic analysis using some form of linear regression. Especially, when data reflect counts, a number of potential problems arise. This case study discusses challenges that occurred when applying the models and examines the results. Finally,…