Research Methodology
Quantitative research, as the name implies, involves counting the results of observations. This kind of analysis should be used when something needs to be confirmed or verified, such as a theory or hypothesis. Qualitative research should be used if something needs to be understood, such as concepts, ideas, and experiences. Since it has previously been found out what the effects of particulate matter and dust on human health are, another question becomes key for the current study. It is important to find out if air pollution poses a threat to employees. Accordingly, a quantitative analysis will be more appropriate since the hypothesis has to be tested.
Research Design
Traditionally there are three types of research design: causal, exploratory, and descriptive. Exploratory research allows one to understand what is happening and to see a phenomenon or process in a new way. The purpose of descriptive research is to clearly characterize a person, event, or situation. It can be a continuation of exploratory research, or it can precede it. Studies that establish causal relationships between variables are called causal. Their main purpose is to examine a situation or problem in order to establish the relationship between some variables to others. For the purposes of the study, the casual type of research is the most appropriate since it is necessary to establish the dependence of some variables on others. Specifically, Sun Coast wants to determine whether particulate matter affects employee health and whether controls can improve the situation. The study would provide data on, for example, the correlation coefficient of the two variables, which would give a complete picture of the situation.
Research Methods
The most common research methods are experiments, descriptive statistics, and correlational or causal-comparative research methods. However, the non-experimental research design was chosen, so the choice becomes much more limited. Certain reputable researchers believe that causal-comparative research is the most convenient and frequently used method of obtaining information in the field of medicine (Olarte Parra et al., 2021). Therefore, it seems that for the purposes of the current study, this method would also be appropriate. This method is suitable for finding an answer to each of the formulated research questions.
Data Collection Method
The firm’s employees were asked to participate in surveys about how air pollution had affected their health to test the hypotheses. Next, respondents were asked how many days they had been sick and what kinds of illnesses they had. In addition, invited doctors analyzed the health status of employees. Therefore, for the purposes of the study, the most appropriate analysis is the records analysis. This is because the basis of the work is structured and recorded quantitative and qualitative data of authorized persons.
Sampling Design
Workers who were constantly exposed to particles of different diameters were selected for the study. However, it was equally important that these people worked in different positions or facilities. At the same time, the sample must have been large enough to guarantee the accuracy of the experiment. This choice of participants cannot be called random; on the contrary, only a clear choice of persons suitable for the conditions of the experiment can confirm or refute the hypothesis of the study.
Data Analysis Procedures
A correlation test will be needed to find out how safety training improvements will improve employee health. Moreover, the same test can also be successfully used to determine the relationship between employees’ number of sick days and the number of particulate matter. It also appears appropriate to use simple regression analysis to find the relationship between the cost of safety training and lost work time.
References
Olarte Parra, C., Bertizzolo, L., Schroter, S., Schroter, S., Dechartres, A., & Goetghebeur, E. (2021). Consistency of causal claims in observational studies: A review of papers published in a general medical journal. BMJ Open, 11, 1-7. Web.