Communication Strategies

Hypothesis
In proposing a thesis, it is important to have a solid hypothesis as a first step in beginning a scientific study.  In regard to the digital divide and limits to education, it is essential to acknowledge that not all people are given equal access to modern technology.  Notably, it is the poor and impoverished members of our global society who are the most limited in regard to access to resources, and therefore also modern technology and education.  The internet is the most valuable modern technological resource in providing instant access to information, and is therefore a key element in education.  Although there is much research surrounding the positive correlation between income levels and access to the internet, there is less research which is inclusive of educational success.  It is the hypothesis of this research that there is a positive correlation between personal income, level of access to the internet, and educational performance.  In other words, as the income of the individual increases, there is more of chance of having access the internet and also an increase in educational performance as demonstrated by student GPA. By analyzing an individuals socioeconomic financial level, access to internet, and educational performance together, one is able to identify whether or not there is a positive correlation between the three dimensions of higher income, higher internet access, and higher educational performance.

Survey
Please note that research study participation is confidential in that no personal identifiers such as name or address are required.
What is your net household income
What percentage of the net household income is spent on your own personal needs
(Note Household income will be multiplied by personal percentage in order to obtain personal income.)
How many hours per week on average are you able to access the Internet
What is your current or most recent student grade point average (GPA)

Population and Sample
The population size and sample of this study are somewhat limited, given that fact that this is a student led research project without any official funding.  However, it is the aim of this study to have the best population and sample size possible.  Engagement of a diverse population and a large random sampling size are ideal for significant research studies involving meaningful quantitative information.  It is the aim of this particular research project to involve 100 random adult individuals with various ethnic, educational, and income levels.  The research study is confidential in that no personal identifiers such as name and address are required.

Instrument Creation
How difficult did you find the creation of a good research instrument (your survey) to be
Given that the three factors being studied are rather precise in this quantitative research, the formulation of a good research instrument was not very difficult.

Population and Sample Determinations
How did you come to determining the size of sample most appropriate for your research What were some of the issues you needed to address to do this

The size and sample determination was decided upon via a mixture of realistic research resources and best research practices.  Some of the issues being considered are the level of access to a diverse population and ability to acquire random participants.

Validity and Reliability of Survey
In responding, consider why you think (or dont think) your survey is valid and reliable. Discuss what you could change to make your survey more valid and more reliable.

I believe that the survey instrument is valid and reliable.  By keeping the research thesis and survey very specific, there is a limitation to extraneous variables.  It is possible that more questions could increase the validity of the survey and that more participants could make the survey more reliable.