Abstract

COMPUTERIZED ENROLLMENT SYSTEM FOR BC

by
[your official name]

BS or BA, [name of college or university], 20XX

Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
[name of program]

Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX

Abstract
Insert abstract here; it should not exceed one page. Abstract text must be double-spaced
with no paragraph breaks. Theses can be divided into two groups: those that report a
proposal for a research study and those that report a completed study in which data were
collected and analyzed. Thus, the abstract for the proposal thesis should include the
elements for the proposal stage described in the abstract guidelines, available at
http://inside.waldenu.edu/c/Files/DocsWritingCenter/Abstract_guidelines.doc, whereas
the abstract for the completed study thesis should include all the elements described for
the final study. Here are some form and style tips: (a) Limit the abstract to one typed
page; (b) maintain the scholarly language used throughout the thesis; (c) keep the abstract
concise, accurate, and readable; (d) use correct English; (e) ensure each sentence adds
value to the readers understanding of the research; and (f) use the full name of any
acronym used again in the abstract, and include the acronym in parentheses. Do not
include references or citations in the abstract. Per APA style, unless at the start of a
sentence, use numerals in the abstract, not written out numbers. For more guidance on
writing this paragraph, consult the Abstract Primer (available at
http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/).

[Thesis Title]
by
[your official name]

BS, [university], 20XX

Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of
Master of Science
[name of program]

Walden University
[last month of quarter you plan to graduate] 20XX

Dedication
This is an optional page for a dedication. If you include a dedication, use regular
paragraph spacing as shown here (not centered, italicized, or otherwise formatted). If you
do not wish to include this page, delete the heading, the body text, and the page break
below the end of the text.

Acknowledgments
This is an optional page for acknowledgments. It is a nice place to thank the
faculty, family members, and friends who have helped you reach this point in your
academic career.
No page number appears on any of the pages up to this point. If you do not wish
to include this page, delete the heading and the body text; if a blank page remains, delete
the page break above but leave the section break that you see below this text.

Table of Contents
List of Tables ii
List of Figures iii
Chapter 1: Chapter Title (Level 0 Heading) 1
APA Level 1 Heading

APA Level 2 Heading..............................................................................................

Chapter 2: Chapter Title
First Heading

Chapter 3: Chapter Title

First Heading

Chapter 4: This Chapter Appears in Public Health and Some Psychology Theses
5
First Heading

Chapter 5: This Chapter Appears in Public Health and Some Psychology Theses
7
First Heading
References

Appendix A: Title of Appendix

Curriculum Vitae

10

Use this table of contents (TOC) as an example of what one looks like. When it comes
time for creating your own TOC, RIGHT CLICK anywhere in the Table of Contents,
select UPDATE FIELD, then select UPDATE ENTIRE TABLE or UPDATE PAGE
NUMBERS ONLY, and click OK.
i

The table of contents will be generated using the style tags from the template; you will
also be able to automatically update the TOC, both added headings and page numbers.

ii

List of Tables
Table 1. A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting.......................................................5
When you update the list of tables, the table number and title will come in without
a period between them; you will need to manually add that period after all table numbers,
as shown for Table 1. In addition, the title will retain the italics from the narrative when
the List of Tables is updated. Once your list is finalized, select the entire list and change it
all plain type.

iii

List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure caption goes here.....................................................................................xx
The List of Figures is not set up to automatically update. If you have figures in
your document, type them in manually here, following the example above.

iv

1
Chapter 1: Chapter Title (Level 0 Heading)
APA Level 1 Heading
Begin text here.
APA Level 2 Heading
Place your text here; when placing your cursor on this text, you will see in the
style menu that this paragraph is tagged Body Text. That means it will automatically
appear double-spaced with the first line indented, per Walden style. Note that in the 6th
edition of the APA manual, two character spaces are used between sentences.
You can find the style menu in Word 2007 by clicking on the Home tab on the
standard toolbar; Styles is one of the choices you will see. Click on the arrow icon on the
right side of the Styles bar, and the drop-down menu of styles will appear. In Word 2003,
look in the upper left corner of your screen, on the formatting toolbar, for the drop-down
style menu.
To apply this templates formatting to the text of your paper, simply highlight the
paragraph(s) or heading you want to format, and choose the appropriate tag from the style
menu. The list of style tags includes all levels of headings, block quotes, table and figure
captions, references, and body text.
APA level 3 heading. Text begins here.
APA level 4 heading. Text begins here. The following is an example of a block
quote:
This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that
needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote. Now is the time to

2
do the work that needs to be done. This is an example of a block quote.
Now is the time to do the work that needs to be done. This is an example
of a block quote. Now is the time to do the work that needs to be done.
(Author, date, p. #)
If you make a mistake and something changes that you didnt want to change, in
Word 2007, either type Ctrl (Control key) z or, on the Quick Access toolbar, next to Save,
click on the arrow icon for Undo. In Word 2003, go to Edit, Undo Typing.
As you continue to develop your thesis in this template, use the instructions in
Comments 10 to13 to add new headings and new text.
For guidance on the content of the thesis, go to the Research Center website
(http://researchcenter.waldenu.edu/Office-of-Student-Research-Support.htm) and look
under the thesis process documents for the appropriate rubric for your type of study.
For guidance on APA style rules, go to the Writing Center website
(http://writingcenter.waldenu.edu/APA.htm), or consult the Form and Style sections of
the Thesis Guidebook on the Research Center website or at http://catalog.waldenu.edu/.
The 2010 version reflecting the APA 6th edition changes will be posted in February 2010.

3
Chapter 2: Chapter Title
First Heading
Insert text here. Refer to the appropriate rubric for the contents of this chapter.
Report the literature in past tense, as in Jones (2003) argued, not Jones (2003)
argues. Refer to the rubric for guidance on the content of sections in this chapter.
Here are some additional tips for presenting data in vertical list form.
1.

In the body of your paper, use this format when presenting information as a
vertical list.

2. When the order of the items in the list is important, use a numbered list. Use a
bulleted vertical list when you do not need to indicate a certain order or
chronology.

This is an example of a bulleted list.

It follows the same format as for a numbered list, with the bullet point
indented the same as a paragraph indent.

4
Chapter 3: Chapter Title
First Heading
Refer to the appropriate rubric for guidance on the content of sections in this
chapter.

5
Chapter 4: This Chapter Appears in Public Health and Some Psychology Theses
First Heading
Refer to the appropriate rubric for guidance on the content of sections in this
chapter.
This is an example of a table in APA style (see Table 1).
Table 1
A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting
Column A

Column B

Column C

Column D

Row 1
Row 2
Row 3
Row 4
Note. From Attitudes Toward Dissertation Editors, by W. Student, 2008, Journal of
Academic Optimism, 98, p. 11. Reprinted with permission.

6
This is an example of a figure labeled per APA style. Note that the label is placed
under the figure itself. As with tables, refer to the figure by number in the narrative text
preceding the placement of the figure (see Figure 1).
[place figure here]

Figure 1. This is a sample of a figure caption.

7
Chapter 5: This Chapter Appears in Public Health and Some Psychology Theses
First Heading
Refer to the appropriate rubric for guidance on the content of sections in this
chapter.

8
References
Insert References here. Examples of some common types of references follow; see APA
6.22 and Chapter 7 for more details.
These sample entries are tagged with the APA Reference style tag, which means the
line spacing and hanging indent are automatic. Apply the APA Reference style
tag to your entries.
Pay special attention to italics, capitalization, and punctuation. The style tag does not
govern those aspects of the entry.
Periodical (journal)
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article. Title of Periodical,
xx(x), xxx-xxx.
Online periodical (journal)
Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (1994). Title of article. Title of Periodical,
xx(x), xxx-xxx. doi:xxxxxx
Nonperiodical (book)
Author, A. A. (1994). Title of work. City of Publication, ST: Publisher.
Chapter in a book
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (1994). Title of chapter. In A. Editor, B. Editor, & C.
Editor (Eds.), Title of book (pp. xxx-xxx). City, ST: Publisher.

9
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Sixth
Edition, Chapter 7, includes numerous examples of reference list entries. For more
information on references or APA style, consult the APA website or the Walden Writing
Center website.

10
Appendix A: Title of Appendix
Insert appendix here. Appendices are ordered with letters rather than numbers. If
there is only one appendix, the heading has no letter, just Appendix: Title of Appendix.
The appendices must adhere to the same margin specifications as the body of the
dissertation. Photocopied or previously printed material may have to be shifted on the
page or reduced in size to fit within the area bounded by the margins.
If the only thing in an appendix is one table, the table title serves as the title of the
appendix; no label is needed for the table itself. If you have text in addition to a table or
tables in an appendix, label the table with the letter of the appendix (e.g., Table A1, Table
A2, Table B1, and so on). These tables would be listed in the List of Tables at the end of
the Table of Contents.
If you include in an appendix any prepublished materials that are not in the public
domain, you must also include permission to do so.

11
Curriculum Vitae
Include a copy of your curriculum vitaeyour academic resumehere. The CV
may be done in either basic outline form or full-sentence form. The CV must conform to
the margin specifications of the rest of the document, be included in the pagination, and
be listed in the TOC.

Congratulations! This is the end of your thesis! Be sure to delete this text!

Chapter 3
Research Methodology
3.1 Overview of the Chapter
This study was conducted in order to assess the challenges post by the
new accounting rules and practices in HK with regards to real estate industry. To
be able to gather the necessary data, the researcher utilized the descriptive
method, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Herein, the chosen
responded were randomly selected from various real estate industry in HK. The
survey methods were the research instruments used for the data-gathering.
The employees of real estate who have been chosen in this study
accomplished a survey questionnaire to evaluate the challenges facing the real
estate industry in Hong Kong. The results of the survey were then processed by
computing the weighted mean of each survey item. The computed values were

12
compared to the Likert scale for data interpretation. Relevant literatures were
also used to support the gathered findings.
The credibility of findings and conclusions extensively depend on the
quality of the research design, data collection, data management, and data
analysis. This chapter will be dedicated to the description of the methods and
procedures done in order to obtain the data, how they will be analysed,
interpreted, and how the conclusion will be met. This section is to justify the
means in which the study was obtained and will help in giving it purpose and
strength as it will then be truthful and analytical. All these will help in the
processing of the data and the formulation of conclusions.
Specifically, this research will cover the following: the research design and
method, the respondents or subjects to be studied (which will include the
sampling method), the data collection instrument, and the data analysis. These
will be presented below.

3.2 Research Methods

This study utilized the descriptive method of research. As widely accepted,
the descriptive method of research is a fact-finding study that involves adequate
and accurate interpretation of findings. Descriptive research describes a certain
present condition. Relatively, the method is appropriate to this study since it aims
to describe the present condition of technical analysis as it is used in the stock
market. The technique that was used under descriptive method is the normative
survey approach and evaluation, which is commonly used to explore opinions
according to respondents that can represent a whole population. The survey is
appropriate in this study because it enables the researcher in formulation of

13
generalizations. Specifically, two types of direct-data survey are included in this
study.

These

are

questionnaire survey

and

interviews. Interviews

with

researchers, venture capital practitioners, and other colleagues in the academy

were conducted to provide further insight about the results of the survey. The
direct-data type of survey is a reliable source of first-hand information because
the researcher directly interacts with the participants. The questionnaire survey
respondents were given ample time to assess the challenges facing the real
estate in HK. Their own experiences with real estate in practice are necessary in
identifying its strengths and limitations.
The purpose of employing the descriptive method is to describe the nature
of a condition, as it takes place during the time of the study and to explore the
cause or causes of a particular condition. The researcher opted to use this kind
of research considering the desire to acquire first hand data from the
respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and
recommendations for the study. According to Creswell (1994), the descriptive
method of research is to gather information about the present existing
condition. Since this study is focused on the perception or evaluation of the
consultancy firm's effective human resource management, the descriptive
method is the most appropriate method to use.
Two types of data were used: the primary and the secondary
data. The primary data were derived from the answers respondents
gave in the self-administered questionnaire prepared by the
researcher. In addition, the information obtained from the interview
also provided primary research data that supported the study. The
secondary data on the other hand, were derived from the findings
stated in published documents and literatures related to the research
problem. These were based from the recent literatures related to real

14
estate in HK and the factors that challenge it and the accounting rules
and practices in HK and the concepts cited by the respondents.
In terms of approach, the study employed both qualitative and quantitative
approaches. The quantitative approach focused on obtaining numerical findings
was used with the survey method. The interview on the other hand, made up the
qualitative approach of the study as this focused on personal accounts,
observations, description and individual insights of the respondents. This study
employed the combined approach so as to overcome the limitations of both
approaches.

3.3 Direct-data Survey

Direct-data survey aims on collecting pertinent data about technical
analysis. Accordingly, direct-data survey is used to reveal the status of some
phenomenon within an identified class of people, organisations, or regions at a
particular time through questionnaire and interview to directly collect information
(Brubaker & Thomas, 2000).
The aim of the survey is to obtain pertinent data to achieve the research
objective. The site of the study was the prime real estate industries and
accountants. Representative samples were taken using a random sampling
approach. In this research study, the critical examination of the HK government's
accounting policy regarding was made. The responses, observation and approval
of the respondents towards these policies were gathered.
In this study, the chosen respondents will be selected from industries and
other people who are related to real estate and decision-making. Interview questions
will focus on the research problems and questions. The dissertation used self-

15
administered questionnaire as the main tool in collecting data from a large number of
respondents.

3.4 Respondents of the Study

The study will have respondents directly from the chosen real estate
industries in HK. This may include managers, accountants and other
knowledgeable employees. All of these participants were selected through
random sampling. This sampling method is conducted where each member of a
population has an equal opportunity to become part of the sample. As all
members of the population have an equal chance of becoming a research
participant, this is said to be the most efficient sampling procedure. In order to
conduct this sampling strategy, the researcher defined the population first, listed
down all the members of the population, and then selected members to make the
sample. For this purpose, a self-administered survey questionnaire in Likert
format was given to the respondents to answer.
Herein, there were 100 participants for the questionnaire survey and five
individuals for the interviews. The respondents were given 5 days to complete
the survey questionnaire upon request. After collecting the questionnaires, the
responses will be tallied, computed, analysed, and recorded.
One the other hand, for the personal interviews, most of the interviewees
were given time according to their convenience. Choices were given for the
interviewees who will answer the interview questions, through phone, email,
online conversation, chat or personal interview. There were only five participants
who were willing and/or had the chance to share their time and talk about their
experience in real estate.

16

3.5 Instrumentation
1. Content analysis
Content analysis was done to analyse communications in order to answer
two levels of questions the descriptive and the interpretive. Descriptive
questions focused on what the communication contains. Interpretative questions
focused on what the contents was likely to mean. The process entailed searching
through one or more communication to answer questions that an investigator
brings to the search (Brubaker & Thomas, 2000). Content Analysis was used to
analyze and interpret the interviews.

2. Statistical Treatment
The Likert scale was used to interpret items in the questionnaire. These
responses were based on the respondents' assesHK Real Estatent of the current
investment process model. There were instances that the respondents were
asked to rate the effectiveness of implementing the phases in the investment
process. The range and interpretation of the five-point scale are shown in Table
2.

Table 2
The Five-point Likert Scale
Scale

Range

Interpretation

4.01 5.00

Strongly Agree

3.01 4.00

Agree

17

2.01 3.00

Uncertain

1.01 2.00

Disagree

0.01 1.00

Strongly Disagree

Weighted mean was used to measure the general response of the survey
samples, whether they agree to a given statement or not.
The formula in computing weighted mean is as follows:
Where:
f weight given to each response
x number of responses
xt total number of responses
The survey result was analysed with the use of statistical approach and Microsoft
Excel spreadsheets.

3.6 Ethical Considerations

As this study utilized human participants and investigated on real estate
and accounting rules and practices in HK, certain issues were addressed. The
consideration of these issues is necessary for the purpose of ensuring the
privacy as well as the security of the participants. These issues were identified in
advance so as prevent future problems that could have risen during the research
process. Among the significant issues that were considered included consent,
confidentiality and data protection.

18
In the conduct of the research, the survey forms and interview methods
were drafted in a very clear and concise manner to prevent conflicts among
respondents. People who participated in the research were given an ample time
to respond to the questions posed on them to avoid errors and inaccuracies in
their answers. The respondents were given a waiver regarding the confidentiality
of their identity and the information that they did not wish to disclose. The
respondents' cooperation was eagerly sought after, and they were assured that
the data gathered from them would be treated with the strictest confidence, so
that they would be more open. This was done with the hope that this would
promote trust between the researcher and the respondents.

Chapter 3
Research Methodology
3.1 Overview of the Chapter
This study was conducted in order to assess the challenges post by the
new accounting rules and practices in HK with regards to real estate industry. To
be able to gather the necessary data, the researcher utilized the descriptive
method, using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Herein, the chosen
responded were randomly selected from various real estate industry in HK. The
survey methods were the research instruments used for the data-gathering.
The employees of real estate who have been chosen in this study
accomplished a survey questionnaire to evaluate the challenges facing the real

19
estate industry in Hong Kong. The results of the survey were then processed by
computing the weighted mean of each survey item. The computed values were
compared to the Likert scale for data interpretation. Relevant literatures were
also used to support the gathered findings.
The credibility of findings and conclusions extensively depend on the
quality of the research design, data collection, data management, and data
analysis. This chapter will be dedicated to the description of the methods and
procedures done in order to obtain the data, how they will be analysed,
interpreted, and how the conclusion will be met. This section is to justify the
means in which the study was obtained and will help in giving it purpose and
strength as it will then be truthful and analytical. All these will help in the
processing of the data and the formulation of conclusions.
Specifically, this research will cover the following: the research design and
method, the respondents or subjects to be studied (which will include the
sampling method), the data collection instrument, and the data analysis. These
will be presented below.

3.2 Research Methods

This study utilized the descriptive method of research. As widely accepted,
the descriptive method of research is a fact-finding study that involves adequate
and accurate interpretation of findings. Descriptive research describes a certain
present condition. Relatively, the method is appropriate to this study since it aims
to describe the present condition of technical analysis as it is used in the stock
market. The technique that was used under descriptive method is the normative
survey approach and evaluation, which is commonly used to explore opinions

20
according to respondents that can represent a whole population. The survey is
appropriate in this study because it enables the researcher in formulation of
generalizations. Specifically, two types of direct-data survey are included in this
study.

These

are

questionnaire survey

and

interviews. Interviews

with

researchers, venture capital practitioners, and other colleagues in the academy

were conducted to provide further insight about the results of the survey. The
direct-data type of survey is a reliable source of first-hand information because
the researcher directly interacts with the participants. The questionnaire survey
respondents were given ample time to assess the challenges facing the real
estate in HK. Their own experiences with real estate in practice are necessary in
identifying its strengths and limitations.
The purpose of employing the descriptive method is to describe the nature
of a condition, as it takes place during the time of the study and to explore the
cause or causes of a particular condition. The researcher opted to use this kind
of research considering the desire to acquire first hand data from the
respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and
recommendations for the study. According to Creswell (1994), the descriptive
method of research is to gather information about the present existing
condition. Since this study is focused on the perception or evaluation of the
consultancy firm's effective human resource management, the descriptive
method is the most appropriate method to use.
Two types of data were used: the primary and the secondary
data. The primary data were derived from the answers respondents
gave in the self-administered questionnaire prepared by the
researcher. In addition, the information obtained from the interview
also provided primary research data that supported the study. The

21
secondary data on the other hand, were derived from the findings
stated in published documents and literatures related to the research
problem. These were based from the recent literatures related to real
estate in HK and the factors that challenge it and the accounting rules
and practices in HK and the concepts cited by the respondents.
In terms of approach, the study employed both qualitative and quantitative
approaches. The quantitative approach focused on obtaining numerical findings
was used with the survey method. The interview on the other hand, made up the
qualitative approach of the study as this focused on personal accounts,
observations, description and individual insights of the respondents. This study
employed the combined approach so as to overcome the limitations of both
approaches.

3.3 Direct-data Survey

Direct-data survey aims on collecting pertinent data about technical
analysis. Accordingly, direct-data survey is used to reveal the status of some
phenomenon within an identified class of people, organisations, or regions at a
particular time through questionnaire and interview to directly collect information
(Brubaker & Thomas, 2000).
The aim of the survey is to obtain pertinent data to achieve the research
objective. The site of the study was the prime real estate industries and
accountants. Representative samples were taken using a random sampling
approach. In this research study, the critical examination of the HK government's
accounting policy regarding was made. The responses, observation and approval
of the respondents towards these policies were gathered.

22
In this study, the chosen respondents will be selected from industries and
other people who are related to real estate and decision-making. Interview questions
will focus on the research problems and questions. The dissertation used selfadministered questionnaire as the main tool in collecting data from a large number of
respondents.

3.4 Respondents of the Study

The study will have respondents directly from the chosen real estate
industries in HK. This may include managers, accountants and other
knowledgeable employees. All of these participants were selected through
random sampling. This sampling method is conducted where each member of a
population has an equal opportunity to become part of the sample. As all
members of the population have an equal chance of becoming a research
participant, this is said to be the most efficient sampling procedure. In order to
conduct this sampling strategy, the researcher defined the population first, listed
down all the members of the population, and then selected members to make the
sample. For this purpose, a self-administered survey questionnaire in Likert
format was given to the respondents to answer.
Herein, there were 100 participants for the questionnaire survey and five
individuals for the interviews. The respondents were given 5 days to complete
the survey questionnaire upon request. After collecting the questionnaires, the
responses will be tallied, computed, analysed, and recorded.
One the other hand, for the personal interviews, most of the interviewees
were given time according to their convenience. Choices were given for the
interviewees who will answer the interview questions, through phone, email,

23
online conversation, chat or personal interview. There were only five participants
who were willing and/or had the chance to share their time and talk about their
experience in real estate.

3.5 Instrumentation
1. Content analysis
Content analysis was done to analyse communications in order to answer
two levels of questions the descriptive and the interpretive. Descriptive
questions focused on what the communication contains. Interpretative questions
focused on what the contents was likely to mean. The process entailed searching
through one or more communication to answer questions that an investigator
brings to the search (Brubaker & Thomas, 2000). Content Analysis was used to
analyze and interpret the interviews.

2. Statistical Treatment
The Likert scale was used to interpret items in the questionnaire. These
responses were based on the respondents' assesHK Real Estatent of the current
investment process model. There were instances that the respondents were
asked to rate the effectiveness of implementing the phases in the investment
process. The range and interpretation of the five-point scale are shown in Table
2.

Table 2
The Five-point Likert Scale

24

Scale

Range

Interpretation

4.01 5.00

Strongly Agree

3.01 4.00

Agree

2.01 3.00

Uncertain

1.01 2.00

Disagree

0.01 1.00

Strongly Disagree

Weighted mean was used to measure the general response of the survey
samples, whether they agree to a given statement or not.
The formula in computing weighted mean is as follows:
Where:
f weight given to each response
x number of responses
xt total number of responses
The survey result was analysed with the use of statistical approach and Microsoft
Excel spreadsheets.

3.6 Ethical Considerations

As this study utilized human participants and investigated on real estate
and accounting rules and practices in HK, certain issues were addressed. The
consideration of these issues is necessary for the purpose of ensuring the
privacy as well as the security of the participants. These issues were identified in
advance so as prevent future problems that could have risen during the research

25
process. Among the significant issues that were considered included consent,
confidentiality and data protection.
In the conduct of the research, the survey forms and interview methods
were drafted in a very clear and concise manner to prevent conflicts among
respondents. People who participated in the research were given an ample time
to respond to the questions posed on them to avoid errors and inaccuracies in
their answers. The respondents were given a waiver regarding the confidentiality
of their identity and the information that they did not wish to disclose. The
respondents' cooperation was eagerly sought after, and they were assured that
the data gathered from them would be treated with the strictest confidence, so
that they would be more open. This was done with the hope that this would
promote trust between the researcher and the respondents.

Chapter 4: Methodology
Overview
This research was conducted in order to determine whether
personality questionnaire play a significant role in the recruitment and
appraisal of the employees. The advantages and disadvantages as well
as the reliability of this instrument were also part of the objectives. In
order to answer these research goals, the researcher opted to obtain
the view of human resource employees in line with this topic.
Specifically, a total of 60 respondents from 10 companies within London
were randomly selected to make up the sample. Selected participants

26

answered a survey questionnaire structure in Likert format. Data

gathered from this research instrument were then computed for
interpretation. Along with primary data, the researcher also made use of
secondary resources in the form of published articles and literatures to
support the survey results.
Research Design
The descriptive method of research was used for this study. To
define the descriptive type of research, Creswell (1994) stated that the
descriptive method of research is to gather information about the
present existing condition. The emphasis is on describing rather than on
judging or interpreting. The aim of descriptive research is to verify
formulated hypotheses that refer to the present situation in order to
elucidate it. The descriptive approach is quick and practical in terms of
the financial aspect. Moreover, this method allows a flexible approach,
thus, when important new issues and questions arise during the
duration of the study, further investigation may be conducted.
Descriptive research on the other hand is a type of research that
is mainly concerned with describing the nature or condition and the
degree in detail of the present situation. This method is used to
describe the nature of a situation, as it exists at the time of the study
and to explore the cause/s of particular a phenomenon. The aim of
descriptive research is to obtain an accurate profile of the people,
events or situations. With this research type, it is essential that the
researcher already has a clear view or picture of the phenomena being
investigated before the data collection procedure is carried out. The

27

researcher used this kind of research to obtain first hand data from the
respondents so as to formulate rational and sound conclusions and
recommendations for the study. The descriptive approach is quick and
practical in terms of the financial aspect.
In this study, the descriptive research method was employed so
as to identify the role and significance of using personality questionnaire
in recruiting and selecting employees during the time of research. The
researcher opted to use this research method considering the objective
to obtain first hand data from the respondents. The descriptive method
is advantageous for the researcher due to its flexibility; this method can
use either qualitative or quantitative data or both, giving the researcher
greater options in selecting the instrument for data-gathering. The aim of
the research is to determine the role of personality questionnaire in
human

resource

processes

as

well

as

the

advantages

and

disadvantages of using psychometric testing in the recruitment and

appraisal of employees; the descriptive method is then appropriate for
this research since this method is used for gathering prevailing
conditions.
The research is using human resource management employees
as respondents from ten companies in London in order to gather
relevant data; the descriptive method is then appropriate as this can
allow the identification of the similarities and differences of the
respondents answers. For this research, two types of data were
gathered. These included the primary and secondary data types. The
primary data were derived form the answers the participants gave
during the survey process. The secondary data on the other hand, were

28

obtained from published documents and literatures that were relevant to

personality questionnaire. With the use of the survey questionnaire and
published literatures, this study took on the combined quantitative and
qualitative approach of research. By means of employing this combined
approach, the researcher was able to obtain the advantages of both
quantitative and qualitative approaches and overcome their limitations.
Quantitative data collection methods are centred on the
quantification of relationships between variables. Quantitative datagathering

instruments

establish

relationship

between

measured

variables. When these methods are used, the researcher is usually

detached from the study and the final output is context free.
Measurement, numerical data and statistics are the main substance of
quantitative instruments. With these instruments, an explicit description
of data collection and analysis of procedures are necessary. An
approach that is primarily deductive reasoning, it prefers the least
complicated explanation and gives a statement of statistical probability.
The quantitative approach is more on the detailed description of a
phenomenon. It basically gives a generalization of the gathered data
with tentative synthesized interpretations.
Quantitative approach is useful as it helps the researcher to
prevent bias in gathering and presenting research data. Quantitative
data collection procedures create epistemological postulations that
reality is objective and unitary, which can only be realized by means of
transcending individual perspective. This phenomenon in turn should be
discussed or explained by means of data analysis gathered through
objective forms of measurement. The quantitative data gathering

29

methods are useful especially when a study needs to measure the

cause and effect relationships evident between pre-selected and
discrete variables. The purpose of the quantitative approach is to avoid
subjectivity by means of collecting and exploring information which
describes the experience being studied.
Quantitative methods establish very specific research problem
and terms. The controlled observations, mass surveys, laboratory
experiments and other means of research manipulation in qualitative
method makes gathered data more reliable. In other words, subjectivity
of judgment, which is not needed in a thesis discussion, can be avoided
through quantitative methods. Thus, conclusions, discussion and
experimentation involved in the process are more objective. Variables,
both dependent and independent, that are needed in the study are
clearly and precisely specified in a quantitative study. In addition,
quantitative method enables longitudinal measures of subsequent
performance of the respondents. Fryer (1991) noted that qualitative
researchers aim to decode, describe, analyze and interpret accurately
the meaning of a certain phenomena happening in their customary
social contexts. The focus of the researchers utilizing the framework of
the interpretative paradigm is on the investigation of authenticity,
complexity, contextualization, mutual subjectivity of the researcher and
the respondent as well as the reduction of illusion.
Contrary to the quantitative method, qualitative approach
generates verbal information rather than numerical values (Polgar &
Thomas, 1995). Instead of using statistical analysis, the qualitative
approach utilizes

content or holistic

analysis;

to explain and

30

comprehend the research findings, inductive and not deductive

reasoning is used. The main point of the quantitative research method is
that measurement is valid, reliable and can be generalized with its clear
anticipation of cause and effect (Cassell & Symon, 1994). Being
particularistic and deductive in nature, quantitative method is dependent
on the formulation of a research hypothesis and confirming them
empirically using a specific data set (Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias,
1992). The scientific hypothesis of a quantitative method holds no value.
This means that the researchers personal thoughts, subjective
preferences and biases are not applicable to this type of research
method.
The researcher opted to integrate the qualitative approach in this
study due to its significant advantages. The use of qualitative data
gathering method is advantageous as they are more open to changes
and refinement of research ideas as the study progresses; this implies
that qualitative data gathering tools are highly flexible. Moreover, no
manipulation of the research setting is necessary with this method;
rather than employ various research controls such as in experimental
approaches, the qualitative data gathering methods are only centered
on understanding the occurring phenomena in their naturally occurring
states. Aside from these advantages, researchers use qualitative datagathering tools as some previous researchers believe that qualitative
data are particularly attractive as they provide rich and well-grounded
descriptions and explanations as well as unforeseen findings for new
theory construction. One of the notable strengths of the qualitative
instruments is that they evoke a more realistic feeling of the research
setting which cannot be obtained from statistical analysis and numerical

31

data utilized through quantitative means. These data collection methods

allow flexibility in conducting data gathering, research analysis and
interpretation of gathered information. In addition, qualitative method
allows the presentation of the phenomenon being investigated in a more
holistic view.
Participants
In order to determine whether personality questionnaire does
play an important role in conducting human resource processes, a total
of 40 respondents were asked to participate. To achieve pertinent
information, certain inclusion criteria were imposed. The participants
qualified for sample selection must be staff or employees of their
respective companies human resource department. This qualification
ensured that the participants understand the nature of personality
questionnaire and its use for employment, making the survey items
easy for them to accomplish. The respondents were selected from eight
companies in London, thus, a total of five employees were selected for
every company; as the study also aimed to determine whether
personality questionnaire play an important role in conducting
recruitment and appraisal procedures, the researcher did not consider
choosing companies that are actually applying this mode of employee
selection or evaluation.
Simple random sampling was done for the sample selection. This
sampling method is conducted where each member of a population has
an equal opportunity to become part of the sample. As all members of
the population have an equal chance of becoming a research

32

participant, this is said to be the most efficient sampling procedure. In

order to conduct this sampling strategy, the researcher defined the
population first, listed down all the members of the population and then
selected members to make the sample. For this procedure, the lottery
sampling or the fish bowl technique was employed. This method
involves the selection of the sample at random from the sampling frame
through the use of random number tables (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill,
2003). Numbers were assigned for each employee in the master list.
These numbers were written on pieces of paper and drawn from a box;
the process was repeated until the sample size was reached.
Instruments
The survey questionnaire was used as the main data-gathering
instrument for this study (See Appendix A). The questionnaire was
divided into two main sections: a profile and the survey proper. The
profile contains socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents
such as age, gender, civil status, the number of years they had served
the company as well as their assigned job position. The survey proper
explored the perceptions of employees on personality questionnaire,
particularly on its usability and reliability as an employment selection and
appraisal tool. The questionnaire proper section also contains questions
that identify the advantages and disadvantages of using personality
questionnaires in the department. The questions were structure using the
Likert format. In this survey type, four choices are provided for every
question or statement. The choices represent the degree of agreement
each respondent has on the given question. The scale below was used to

33

interpret the total responses of all the respondents for every survey
question by computing the weighted mean:
Range

Interpretation

3.01 4.00

Strongly Agree

2.01 3.00

Agree

1.01 2.00

Disagree

0.00 1.00

Strongly Disagree

The Likert survey was the selected questionnaire type as this

enabled the respondents to answer the survey easily. In addition, this
research instrument allowed the research to carry out the quantitative
approach effectively with the use of statistics for data interpretation. In
order to test the validity of the questionnaire used for the study, the
researcher tested the questionnaire to five respondents. These
respondents as well as their answers were not part of the actual study
process and were only used for testing purposes. After the questions
have been answered, the researcher asked the respondents for any
suggestions

or

any

necessary

corrections

to

ensure

further

improvement and validity of the instrument. The researcher revised the

survey questionnaire based on the suggestion of the respondents. The
researcher then excluded irrelevant questions and changed vague or
difficult

terminologies

into

comprehension.
Data Processing and Analysis

simpler

ones

in

order

to

ensure

34

After gathering all the completed questionnaires from the

respondents, total responses for each item were obtained and
tabulated. In order to use the Likert-scale for interpretation, weighted
mean to represent each question was computed. Weighted mean is the
average wherein every quantity to be averages has a corresponding
weight. These weights represent the significance of each quantity to the
average. To compute for the weighted mean, each value must be
multiplied by its weight. Products should then be added to obtain the
total value. The total weight should also be computed by adding all the
weights. The total value is then divided by the total weight. Statistically,
the weighted mean is calculated using the following formula:

or
Ethical Considerations
As this study required the participation of human respondents,
specifically human resource professionals, certain ethical issues were
addressed. The consideration of these ethical issues was necessary for
the purpose of ensuring the privacy as well as the safety of the
participants. Among the significant ethical issues that were considered
in the research process include consent and confidentiality. In order to
secure the consent of the selected participants, the researcher relayed
all important details of the study, including its aim and purpose. By
explaining these important details, the respondents were able to
understand the importance of their role in the completion of the
research. The respondents were also advised that they could withdraw

35

from the study even during the process. With this, the participants were
not forced to participate in the research. The confidentiality of the
participants was also ensured by not disclosing their names or personal
information in the research. Only relevant details that helped in
answering the research questions were included.

The 3 Basic Types of Descriptive

Research Methods
One of the goals of science is description (other goals include prediction and
explanation). Descriptive research methods are pretty much as they sound
they describe situations. They do not make accurate predictions, and they do not
determine cause and effect.
There are three main types of descriptive methods: observational methods, casestudy methods and survey methods. This article will briefly describe each of these
methods, their advantages, and their drawbacks. This may help you better
understand research findings, whether reported in the mainstream media, or when
reading a research study on your own.

Observational Method
With the observational method (sometimes referred to as field observation) animal
and human behavior is closely observed. There are two main categories of the
observational method naturalistic observation and laboratory observation.
The biggest advantage of the naturalistic method of research is that researchers view
participants in their natural environments. This leads to greater ecological validity
than laboratory observation, proponents say.
Ecological validity refers to the extent to which research can be used in real-life
situations.
Proponents of laboratory observation often suggest that due to more control in the
laboratory, the results found when using laboratory observation are more meaningful
than those obtained with naturalistic observation.

36
Laboratory observations are usually less time-consuming and cheaper than
naturalistic observations. Of course, both naturalistic and laboratory observation are
important in regard to the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Case Study Method

Case study research involves an in-depth study of an individual or group of
indviduals. Case studies often lead to testable hypotheses and allow us to study rare
phenomena. Case studies should not be used to determine cause and effect, and
they have limited use for making accurate predictions.
There are two serious problems with case studies expectancy effects and atypical
individuals. Expectancy effects include the experimenters underlying biases that
might affect the actions taken while conducting research. These biases can lead to
misrepresenting participants descriptions. Describing atypical individuals may lead
to poor generalizations and detract from external validity.

Survey Method
In survey method research, participants answer questions administered through
interviews or questionnaires. After participants answer the questions, researchers
describe the responses given. In order for the survey to be both reliable and valid it
is important that the questions are constructed properly. Questions should be
written so they are clear and easy to comprehend.
Another consideration when designing questions is whether to include open-ended,
closed-ended, partially open-ended, or rating-scale questions (for a detailed
discussion refer to Jackson, 2009). Advantages and disadvantages can be found
with each type:
Open-ended questions allow for a greater variety of responses from participants but are
difficult to analyze statistically because the data must be coded or reduced in some manner.
Closed-ended questions are easy to analyze statistically, but they seriously limit the responses
that participants can give. Many researchers prefer to use a Likert-type scale because its very
easy to analyze statistically. (Jackson, 2009, p. 89)

In addition to the methods listed above some individuals also include qualitative (as
a distinct method) and archival methods when discussing descriptive research
methods.
It is important to emphasize that descriptive research methods can only describe a
set of observations or the data collected. It cannot draw conclusions from that data
about which way the relationship goes Does A cause B, or does B cause A?
Unfortunately, in many studies published today, researchers forget this fundamental
limitation of their research and suggest their data can actually demonstrate or
suggest causal relationships. Nothing could be further from the truth.

37