Research Methodologies:Well-Prepared in Their Own Eyes

Research Methodologies:Well-Prepared in Their Own Eyes

Research Method Used

The article about “Well-Prepared in Their Own Eyes” was conducted by the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AACU) to evaluate questions revolving on the career preparations of the students in mid-level colleges and universities (Jaschik, 2015). The researchers used surveys to conduct this research. The study focused on the employers and the new graduates who enter the job market and what the employers think about their career preparations in the colleges and universities. The use of the survey was the most appropriate method of research in this work because it comprises raw views and ideas from various stakeholders of higher education (Geiger, 2017). In reality, data for sociological research require fresh information from the participants and the information should not have been subjected to increased scrutiny which may distort it, thus the relevance of the method of the survey in this research.

Strengths and Weaknesses of Survey Method

Survey method is one of the widely used techniques in research. The survey allows individuals some level of anonymity in which they can freely express their ideas and opinions. Additionally, surveys target a specific population of study; thus, this method avoids ambiguity which comes with data analysis (Farrelly, 2013). Survey method is of low cost since it only involves the payment for the survey questionnaires. The plans can be administered to participants in various ways hence convenient in data gathering. The results are precise because they originate from the first-hand respondents.

Nevertheless, surveys may have possible inappropriateness in sociological research because the method does not allow for the effective formulation of hypotheses (Jaschik, 2015). Surveys are inflexible. The survey used by the researcher from the beginning cannot be changed later in the research process.

Validity and Reliability of the Research  

The research by the AACU is valid and reliable. The study design encompassed statements of the research which were measured on the basis whether the respondents strongly agree or somewhat agree with the comments measured in percentages (Jaschik, 2015). In this regard, the research accurately examined what it was designed to study. The rates show how the sociological measures of the employee satisfaction about the students reflect the study topic (Farrelly, 2013). If a similar study is conducted, the trend on the employers’ perception of the college and university students will not change as evident in the previous research works. The pattern can be witnessed in various workstations; thus this research is reliable.

The research findings to some extent surprised me. The employers continuously give graduates low scores for preparedness in all the learning outcomes. These findings to some extent may negatively taint the US system of education because again, the system cannot fail in all aspects (Jaschik, 2015). If I look at what students think versus what employers think, I see wide ranges regarding the percentages. It is surprising that according to employers, no college or university is sufficiently prepared to fit in the work environment. Some students may not be well-equipped with critical thinking, creativity, and oral communication skills because they indulge so much in education handouts. Such handouts contain solved problems thus, prevents students from subjecting minds into fruitful thoughts which can bear answers. Working from already solved answers bars students from developing creative and critical thinking skills. Moreover, colleges and universities should minimize assignments issued in groups so that every student is charged with taking care of his or her work and become independent. In group work, some students do not directly engage in the academic work issued even during the presentation time. Such students will eventually lack the required levels of exposure regarding the oral skills.

This class will help me develop and improve my oral communication, creative, and critical thinking skills because I am in charge of all my research works and presentations. Additionally, the research methodology handout leaves more room for personal research and studies. Changes in the workplace and increased technology will require tech-savvy individuals who will create solutions to the institutional problems. The current expectation will, therefore, change because institutions will require individuals who are fully equipped with oral communication, creative and critical thinking skills to tackle and offer solutions to various challenges.