Analysis of quantitative research methods

Analysis of Quantitative Research

The research paper uses quantitative research to determine the causes of traffic in front of the Burton Barr Library and then tries to make connections to the causes of the problem and ultimately offer possible solutions to correct the problem if it does exist. This research was conducted because many disabled visitors, young children, and other people are interfered with by cars unnecessarily blocking the front of the Burton Barr Library. The research plan includes good information, but is lacking in connecting the strategy to the findings. The problem is made clear and the significance is concise and powerful. After reading the beginning of the research paper- the introduction, focus, purpose, and significance- I was a believer in the need for this research. However, after this there are some dilemmas which follow. For example, the topic and questions section appears to be thrown in randomly and more insight into their particular importance and value to the work should be noted. Furthermore, it would be beneficial if there was more detail on the research design. For example it said observations were made, but it would be of better if some of the thought process that went behind the observations was expressed. It is clear that observations were made by the very nature of the research paper, thus more adequate and extensive background into the observations would be serving to the project. On that note, the findings were not articulated very clearly. There is no data reported; the research report immediately begins to classify the data. Before data is broken down into categories for analysis, it would perhaps be better to explain the process which the data is evaluated. The original categories projected in the pre-research introduction are used. There should be a link connecting the two. However, the findings are articulated clearly and convincingly. After studying the research report, I believe that the categories that exist are likely the best possible categorization of the traffic in front of the library possible. Using the example of the post-man in front of the library helps to clarify the points and allow for the report to be applied to everyday occurrences that will help the reader to understand the importance of the research paper. For the most part the research report is well composed and very clear in its points. The writing is impressive and the content is understandable. There are no grammar or spelling errors, but something that should be pointed out is that the spacing between the end of sentences and the first word of the next sentence is not very clear. Perhaps two spaces after a period will help to separate the end of one sentence for the start of another. The research report includes unique findings. Many of the findings are not what people would commonly associate with at libraries and would not consider them to be a problem. Furthermore, given the data, the findings are reasonable and accurate. While the research paper could perhaps elaborate further on why some of the vehicles that interfere with librarian visitors are present, if considering that those vehicles identified are in fact problems, the paper does have a convincing design proposal. The design proposal of this report is very straightforward in purpose and procedure, and is complete in its scope. I found it particularly interesting that the solicitors outside the library were noted. This aids to a complete collection of data. It could, however, perhaps have been noted the cases of interferences or the number of vehicles that used the library drop off point that could potentially cause interference. But some of the proposals, like the ten minute drop off parking spots, can help to correct some of the problems and thus the research paper accomplishes its main goal. The strongest point of this research report is its clarity. It is very clear in its purpose, intent, methods, and findings. The second strongest point is the visual evidence. Pictures are presented to show the findings so there are no questions as to what is being described. Another strength is the clarity and proper grammar of the report. This contributes to impact of the report. A fourth strength is the significance. The one sentence is very strong and leads the read to believe the report is necessary. A fifth strength is the graphics created by the researcher. The graphics that help to illustrate the points being made, contribute to the understanding of the report. The photos are also well labeled with corresponding graphics and this contributes to the report's clarity and very professional appearance. There are also weak points to this research report. One weakness is found in the introduction. The introduction lists the types of traffic that come to the front of the library and it lists positive traffic. However, it then goes on to list negative traffic and it does so in the same manner it lists the positive traffic. There should be some sort of break between the two as the change is very abrupt. A better transition is necessary. Another problem with the research study is the time of the day the observations were made- they are all midday around lunchtime. The study would be more complete with a variety of times used to make observations. A third weakness is that the design concepts could be better articulated. Potential signs and graphics are presented, and further elaboration could help to make the points more clear. A fourth weakness is the aforementioned problem of connecting the research design to the findings to allow for better clarification on the categories chosen for the findings. The fifth weakness in this report is that the problem, while I was convinced that it is a problem, seems to become less of a problem after the research. The obstacles to the library entrance were not major.