Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Research Design

This research will adopt a qualitative descriptive research design. In this type of research, the researcher seeks in-depth understanding of the social problem that may be occurring within the natural setting. A researcher who opts for qualitative method is focused on understanding the “why” aspect of the phenomenon as opposed to “what” (Cropley, 2015). At the core of this research design is the ability of the researcher to rely on the experiences of human beings to explain the connections between the phenomenon and the underlying causes.

A descriptive research design can apply various qualitative and quantitative approaches to investigate the major variables in a phenomenon. One of the advantage of this approach is that the researcher does not concern herself with controlling or manipulating any of the variables but is only interested in observing and measuring their behavior and outcomes (Cropley, 2015). Descriptive research is most appropriate for this project because the researcher will be interested in identifying the reasons behind the ballooning student loan debts in the United States. The researcher will seek to tie together the reasons behind the increasing student debt among Americans aged between 25 and 45 years old.

The study will focus on identifying the effects of student debt on the personal and professional development of the debtors. By adopting this type of research design, the researcher will be able to identify characteristics, trends, and frequencies of the phenomenon.

Sampling method

This study will use stratified sampling method. In the stratified sampling methodology, the target population is usually divided into groups depending on certain characteristics (Cropley, 2015). A probability sample would then be drawn from each group using simple random sampling. Each strata exhibits certain characteristics that would be important for the general understanding of the phenomenon. In understanding the effects of student debts on Americans, the study will be conscious that not all students are indebted. It is against this backdrop that the researcher will seek to determine how other students avoided the crippling debts while other were not and the quality of life after college. The target sample size for this project is 50 participants aged between 25 and 45. The researcher will mail out 80 paperback survey to Americans with a return envelope with the expectations that at least 50 of them will mail back. If the number is less, I will email others until I receive the required number. The responses will be divided into two strata; those with student loan and those without student loans.

Data collection

The data collected will attempt to answer the research question- What are the effects on student loan on Americans aged between 25 and 45? To get this data, I will include questions such as “Do you have a student loan?”, “How is the loan affecting your personal life?”, “What haven’t you accomplished that you would do if you did not have the loan?”, “What circumstances informed your taking of student loans?”, “Why haven’t you paid off the loan?” The questionnaire will also allow participants to make individual comments in response to the questions.

Study Limitations

The major limitations in this study is that the phenomenon of student debts is seen like any other loan that Americans are struggling to pay off. However, it is important to differentiate the significance of this loan because it is usually taken at the transition point into adulthood and can influence the quality of life for the rest of the years.

Human protection Plan

The survey will disclose to the participants their right to privacy and confidentiality. The study will not disclose any personal identities. Participants will be informed about voluntary participation and the right to withdraw from the survey if they feel uncomfortable. I will also share the research findings with the participants upon completion of the study.