Welcome to Litsy!

“Many research questions are oriented to discovering whether there is a relationship between two variables and, if there is, how strong that relationship is. Even more to the point, the question is likely to be focused on whether one variable, in some sense, causes the other. Although the statistical methods of correlation cannot directly address this later question, they can provide evidence of a relationship between two variables.”

“The use of evidence gathered directly from preexisting documents or artifacts can greatly strengthen a study. In an appropriate sample can be gathered, this nonreactive approach to data collection can allow the researcher to see some aspects of a situation that could not be detected through more intrusive data collection methods such as interviews or questionnaires.”

“Focus groups can be a good choice for data collection if you believe that value will be obtained in the participants‘ interactions with each other, rather than through individuals responding to questions from you, the researcher. As several of the authors cited in this chapter have argued, people form their opinions in a social/group setting. Focus groups are not an ideal data collection method for every situation . . .”

Back to the grind - grilled cheese and cafe au lait for lunch while I do some reading for grad school (on surveys)

Very similar lunch to yesterday except having a vanilla latte instead of a plain one. Today‘s reading was about surveys.

Once again enjoying lunch (egg and cheese on a biscuit and a latte) while getting some of my grad school reading done 📖 ☕️

Enjoying a caramel latte and egg and cheese sandwich while doing some reading for grad school

Once again, I am bribing myself with Panera to get my grad school reading done for the week.

“If you want to use a longitudinal study design in your research, you can use the examples provided by Kelly and Wang to think through some of the challenges you will face. Always keep in mind that your goal is to understand on the individual level a phenomenon that occurs over time. As you select your sample, consider how you will hold on to all your study participants over the course of the study. . .”

Bribing myself with Panera to finish my grad school reading for the week. It‘s not that cold here, but I‘m still enjoying the cozy seat by the fireplace!

“Other public librarians can also learn from these results. One possibility is to replicate this study in their own community to gain an in-depth understanding of their role in developing community social capital. If that is not possible, other public librarians could analyze their services in relation to those that were found to be most significant in developing social capital within the community studied by Johnson . . .”

“As I was writing this book, I was envisioning a student or colleague sitting in my office, asking me questions about how to conduct a particular study using a particular method. Thus it is very conversational in tone. I am hopeful that it will answer some of the questions you have about how to conduct your own research.”

Last class of my MLIS began this week. Wish me luck!