Answering Committee Questions on Research Details

Committee members ask detailed questions regarding the research design, data collection, analytical techniques, and specific interpretations of results. The student provides clear and concise answers.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

Committee Member 1 (Male)

Mr. Chen, thank you for your presentation. Could you elaborate on your rationale for choosing a qualitative case study approach over a quantitative, large-scale survey for your research on employee engagement?

Student (Male)

Certainly. The primary objective of my study was to gain an in-depth understanding of the nuanced factors influencing employee engagement within a specific organizational context, rather than to generalize findings across a broader population. A qualitative case study allowed for rich data collection through in-depth interviews and observations, capturing the 'why' behind behaviors, which a quantitative survey might overlook.

Committee Member 2 (Female)

That's a valid point. Regarding your data analysis, you mentioned using thematic analysis. Could you walk us through your coding process and how you ensured inter-rater reliability, given the subjective nature of qualitative coding?

Student (Male)

My coding process involved an initial open coding phase, followed by axial and selective coding. To ensure inter-rater reliability, a second independent researcher coded a subset of 20% of the transcribed interviews. We then compared our codes and discussed discrepancies until we reached a consensus, establishing a coding framework with clear definitions for each theme.

Committee Member 1 (Male)

Thank you. One final question regarding your implications. You suggest implementing a flexible work arrangement as a key recommendation. How do you foresee this being practically implemented in the organization you studied, given its current rigid structure?

Student (Male)

I acknowledge the existing structural challenges. My recommendation for flexible work arrangements is predicated on a phased implementation. Initially, I propose a pilot program within a specific department to assess feasibility and gather feedback. This gradual approach allows for adaptation and addresses potential resistance, demonstrating tangible benefits before full-scale integration.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

elaborate

To explain something in more detail. Use it when you want someone to provide additional information, like in a discussion or presentation.

rationale

The reason or logical basis for a decision or action. It's useful in academic or professional settings to justify your choices.

qualitative

Relating to qualities or characteristics, often involving descriptions rather than numbers. Common in research to discuss non-numerical data like interviews.

nuanced

Having subtle differences or shades of meaning. Use it to describe complex or detailed aspects of a topic, especially in analysis.

thematic analysis

A method of identifying and analyzing patterns or themes in qualitative data. It's a key technique in social science research for organizing information.

inter-rater reliability

The degree of agreement between different people who are evaluating the same data. Important in research to show that results are consistent and not subjective.

implications

The possible effects or consequences of something. Use it when discussing the practical outcomes or recommendations from your work.

pilot program

A small-scale test of a new idea or method before full implementation. Practical for suggesting safe ways to introduce changes in organizations.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Could you elaborate on your rationale for choosing...?

This is a polite question asking for more details on the reason behind a decision. Use it in academic or professional discussions to seek clarification. The structure uses 'could you' for politeness and 'elaborate on' for expansion.

The primary objective of my study was to gain an in-depth understanding...

This sentence states the main goal of a research project clearly. It's useful for introductions or defenses. 'Primary objective' means main purpose, and 'in-depth understanding' emphasizes thorough knowledge; past tense 'was' fits describing completed work.

A qualitative case study allowed for rich data collection through in-depth interviews and observations.

This explains a method's benefits. Useful in research talks to justify choices. 'Allowed for' means made possible, and the sentence lists examples with 'through' to show how data was gathered.

Could you walk us through your coding process...?

A request for a step-by-step explanation. 'Walk us through' is an idiomatic expression meaning to guide someone through a process. Use it in meetings or classes for detailed demonstrations; it's informal yet professional.

To ensure inter-rater reliability, a second independent researcher coded a subset of 20% of the transcribed interviews.

This describes a method to check reliability. Useful for explaining research procedures. 'To ensure' introduces purpose, and 'subset of' means a portion; infinitive clause shows the goal.

We then compared our codes and discussed discrepancies until we reached a consensus.

This shows a collaborative process. 'Discrepancies' means differences, and 'reached a consensus' means agreed. Use in team or research contexts; 'until' indicates the condition for stopping.

I acknowledge the existing structural challenges.

This admits problems politely. 'Acknowledge' means recognize, useful in defenses to show awareness. It's a simple present tense statement for current issues; helps build credibility.

This gradual approach allows for adaptation and addresses potential resistance.

This recommends a method with benefits. 'Allows for' means permits, and 'addresses' means deals with. Use in suggestions; parallel structure with 'and' lists advantages clearly.