Key to the assignments from Chapter 9

Assignment 1

The quality of the research conclusions is determined by:

• internal validity (drawing valid conclusions)

• construct validity (measuring what you want to measure)

• population validity (generalizability)

• replicability (reliability).

Furthermore, your answer could deal with the differences in the interpretation of quality in quantitative versus qualitative research, just like the steps you may need to take in order to improve the quality.  

Assignment 2

There is only one research unit in the instance of a case study. Nothing can be said about the population validity. Even its reliability (replicability) is debatable. Your answer will have to refer to the question of whether statistical criteria can even be applied here. Content validity, usability for an organization, accurate observation, registration and reporting are more important.

Assignment 3

• The opening of the article uses the conclusion of the research as a reason for writing a review. Presenting the conclusions first is intended to encourage the reader to read on, as a kind of shock effect.

• Increasing opportunities for women on the labor market by, for instance:

  • improving labor conditions: a signaling feature for salary scales, better pension plans, possible incentive premiums.

  • improving preconditions: child care, leave conditions, et cetera.

• Research into factors that at present determine participation in the workforce and level of income, checked for ‘gender’. For instance, background factors (age, gender, education, job experience), behavioral factors (choices, opinions), and circumstances (family pressure, family size, financial position, marital status, et cetera).

Assignment 4

1. The researchers’ criticism is that the subject ‘fatigue’ is receiving so little attention from the world of medical science. The subject is not very well demarcated nor is the operationalization optimal. This places the validity of the construct at stake.

2. The main conclusion from the research is that the Dutch are more tired than they were fifteen years ago. This is especially true for young, educated women. The ensuing discussion is twofold. On the one hand, it is about too little attention being paid to the problem (according to the researchers) and on the other hand, it is about the expected consequences for absenteeism, the inability to work, and related costs. In other words, a problem of society.

3. On the basis of the article nothing can be said about the reliability of the research. The (construct) validity leaves much to be desired. Because the operationalization was not accurate, it was not really ‘measuring what you wanted to measure’. The results are certainly usable for signalling the problem

4. As a recommendation for policy, you could mention the ‘gatekeeper role’, which is a signalling role in primary health care and in hospitals. In addition, acknowledgement through this kind of research is important.

5. Further research should determine how serious the problem is: what is ´fatigue´, when is it a health risk and what factors play a role? The research presented seems mainly descriptive. A new research study into the factors that form the basis for how fatigue can be predicted would be the next step.

Assignment 5

Various issues can arise from having a group discussion.

1. Apparently, the CBS (Dutch Census Bureau) has calculated whether any earlier policy measures for reducing the costs for higher education have had the desired effect. The aim of the government apparently is ‘to limit the duration of study because the costs per participant are high’. This was the case in earlier research and it seems to be the case again.

2. The central question can have different variants. An example: 'To what extent have policy measures for reducing the costs for higher education (or for limiting the duration of study) have had effect and what recommendations for a reduction of such costs could be made to the government at the moment?’ This research study evidently has a policy side!

3. The main conclusion is that the earlier measures have not produced the desired effect. In addition, it was found that, on average women take a shorter time to complete their studies than men do.

4. All kinds of recommendations are possible here. For instance, 'incentives’ instead of sanctions. Presently, student grants run out after four years, since if you take longer you will have to pay yourself or take out a student loan. Or what about giving a reward to those who have completed their studies within four years.

5. This is a question for discussion. Look at the use of the right arguments (for instance, the principle of equality).