Research Article Quiz

Selected Research Article Quiz

Reference

Mishra, S., Draus, P. J., Leone, G. J., & Caputo, D. J. (2012). Exploring underlying factors influencing daily usage of Facebook for undergraduate college students: a research model. Issues in Information Systems, 13(1), 350-360.

 

1. What is the title of the article? Briefly describe (100 words or less) the nature or purpose of the research.

Title of Research

“Exploring Underlying Factors Influencing Daily Usage of Facebook for Undergraduate College Students: a Research Model”

Purpose of the study

The purpose of Mishra, Draus, Leone, and Caputo (2012) is to investigate the factors influencing the frequency of Facebook usage among undergraduate students in a North Eastern University in United States of America. Religion/ethnicity, academic major, access device, and employment status are the major factors considered in this quantitative study to find how they impact the frequency of use of social networking sites. The study carried out statistical analysis of data collected from one hundred and twenty six respondents to draw inferences and present future research directions (Mishra et al, 2012, p. 350).

2. Is it a quantitative, qualitative, or mix method research (site page and evidence).

This research is quantitative in nature. Multiple characteristics classify it as quantitative with evidences with page numbers are provided below:

1. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect quantitative data from respondents.

“A survey was administered in a north eastern small private school. The survey consisting of 24 questions was administered in an introductory INFS course that is part of the university core curriculum. The survey gathered basic demographic information including participation in university clubs and sports teams. It also gather information of the students current work status and their social media experiences and expectations. 129 students in 7 course sections completed the survey. The age ranged from 17 to 29 with a mean of 19.2” (Mishra et al, 2012, p. 353)

1. Research followed a deductive process to test a pre-defined hypothesis

“Conclusions were statistically derived, resulting in the retention of three null hypotheses, and the rejection of the one null hypothesis.” (Mishra, et al, p.350)

 

 

• Findings and conclusions are drawn on numbers/frequencies as evidenced in figures and tables mentioned below:

Figure 2 (p.354), Figure 3 (p.355), Figure 4 & 5 (p.356), Figure 6 (p.357)

Table 1 & 2 (p.354), Table 3 (p.355), Table 4 (p.357)

1. Statistical tests were used for analysis of data

Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Shapiro-Wilk tests of normality were used in the study (p. 354)

3. What are the variables (independent, dependent)? Were there other secondary independent or dependent variables or confounding variables?  (site page or evidence)

Independent Variables: Academic Major, Religion/Ethnicity, Access Device, Employment Status (Mishra et al, 2012, p.352)

Dependent Variable: Facebook usage frequency (Mishra et al, 2012, p.352)

Note: There are no confounding variables

4. Briefly describe the research method or research design. (include sample selections, demographic, instrument, procedure; site page or evidence)

This is survey based research collecting data through a 24 questions survey questionnaire. Respondents included 127 students age range 17 to 29 years with a mean age of 19.2 years. Sample consisted of 60% male and 40% female students including only one fulltime student. The gender distribution was a close representative of the university’s overall gender distribution (56% males and 44% females). The study first formulated four null hypotheses, and based on those hypotheses proposed a model of the relationship between dependent and independent variables. The data collected from the selected sample was analyzed to conclude on the selected hypotheses and hence the proposed model (Mishra et al, 2012, p.352-353)

5. Were there hypothesis (es) stated or research questions? (site page or evidence)

H1: There is no difference in SNS usage due to academic interest as defined by students’ major

H2: Religion and ethnicity have no bearing on SN usage

H3: There is no difference in usage behavior of students based on the type of media they use for access (Tablet, smartphone or laptop)

H4: Students who work full time/part time would spend less time on SNS than ones who are full time students with no active employment

(Mishra et al, 2012, p.352-353)

6. What was the level of confidence for the hypothesis (es) testing? (site evidence).

Confidence Level of the hypotheses H1, H2, H3 is 95% (Mishra et al, 2012, p.355-356)

Confidence Level of the hypothesis H4 is less than 95% (Mishra et al, 2012, p.357)

7. What were the results of the study? (site evidence)

The study found significant difference in social networking sites usage based on academic interests as defined by students’ academic major. However, religion and ethnicity were found to have no impact on social networks’ usage of students. Similarly, there was found no difference in usage of behavior of students based on the type of media they use for accessing these sites. SNS usage was related to students’ employment status in the sense that full/part time employed students were found to spend less time on SNS compared to those with no active employment (Mishra et al, 2012, p.357, Table 5).

8. What recommendations did the researcher offer?

This research recommends other researchers to extend this work by exploring new dimensions of academic parameters in relation to SNS usage. The research suggests university administrators to re-evaluate their strategies to focus more students’ engagement in academic pursuits. Similarly, employers can direct this research towards impact of such activities on employees’ productivity (Mishra et al, 2012, p.358).

9. What limitations did the researcher state?

The researcher stated that the study was conducted with students of one specific university which may limit ethnic or religious diversity within the selected sample and thus these findings may not be generalizable to a larger population with greater diversity in terms of ethnicity and religion. Secondly, as the research is based on self-reported data collected through survey questionnaires, this data may not be able to provide a very reliable measure of the variables to conclude (Mishra, 2012, p.358)