What factors motivate online students in the class?

Quantitative Research Question : How far does online student interaction with peers and instructors influence their grades

Hypothesis : Students grades correlate positively with the frequency of their interaction with instructors and other students

Null Hypothesis : Frequency of student interaction with instructors and other students has no relationship to their grades for the class

Qualitative Research Question : In what way does online student interaction with peers and instructors affect the depth of their understanding of course material

One of the main differences between the two approaches is to be found in the

type of data that is being probed in each . Since quantitative methods deal with countable material , it has been necessary to formulate the research question in a way that would prompt the production of enumerable data . Furthermore , hypotheses are formulated , as according to Hoepfl (1997 , quantitative research uses experimental methods and quantitative measures to test hypothetical generalizations ' The use of such terms as frequency ' how far ' and correlates positively presupposes the kinds of data analysis methods that will be carried out on the data . The methods that are able to generate such analytic results are quantitative and require input such as grades and number of times student participates discussion . This input might also be augmented by variables such as discussion length and regularity of the students presence . Grades are discrete entities that can be counted or otherwise quantified , as are the frequency and regularity of student attendance ' at forums . The types of terms used in the formulation of the research question and hypotheses , therefore , have a bearing on the type of data to be collected

Qualitative analysis strives to increase understanding of a phenomenon as opposed to generalizing data extrapolated from the sample to the population at large (Byrne , 2001 . This can be seen from the alternative formulation of the research question in a qualitative fashion . The quantitative terms are dropped in favor such terms that elicit ideas about the depth of knowledge gained from student interaction . They also indicate that the type (and not just amount ) of interaction will be probed . This will not be gauged by counting the number of times students log in or post to discussion boards . Rather the types of queries and comments made will be analyzed and inferences made from that information (Hoepfl , 1997 . Furthermore , although grades usually have something to do with the depth of knowledge students demonstrate , other factors (such as type of exam questions , evaluation methods , student grammar , errors , or even tardiness ) may influence these grades . The qualitative question indicates an intention to focus specifically on the student 's mastery of the breadth of being taught , regardless of the grade that the student might have received

The two types of research methods do have in common their design to compare the effects of one state of affairs upon a particular outcome Therefore , both questions have to do with the effect of participation upon student performance . However , while the quantitative question is followed by the enumeration of a hypothesis and null...