Browsing by Autor "Mariana Tafur-Arciniegas"

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First Approach to Purposeful Sampling for Determining Key Factors on Outcome Bias
(2020) Mariana Tafur-Arciniegas; Andres Lara Contreras
Abstract It is common, in educational research studies, to select purposeful population samples. Independent of the selected method, there is an associated bias to the sampling process because of the subjectivity of the person or group of people who accomplish the task. This paper shows the pilot of a protocol development for observing how people approach purposeful sampling using a real research problem. Engineers and non-engineers were observed completing the task and were monitored for collecting the differences between both points of view, and for identifying possible bias in the purposeful sample. Five stages were conducted for piloting the protocol for gathering information in how purposeful sampling is traditionally performed. Two participants with knowledge in educational research performed the activity for the first iteration of the pilot. In addition, four participants (two engineer students and two non-engineer students) performed a second pilot using an improved protocol. Finally, a panel of experts was asked to review the process for a final protocol. For the activity designed, participants were asked to review 118 profiles of people with diverse academic and social backgrounds. The goal was to choose 3 profiles for each of four categories, aiming to identify those participants who were the best representatives of each of the categories: 1. Engineers with a low level of Lifelong Learning (ELL), 2. Non-Engineer with a low level of Lifelong Learning (nELL); 3. Engineers with a high level of Lifelong Learning (EHL), and 4. Non-Engineer with a high level of Lifelong Learning (nEHL). The time for the assignment was limited to 90 minutes, and a think-aloud protocol was followed for data collection. The iterative process design for the protocol allowed to improve the resources, time management, and activity logistics for the Purposeful Sampling Activity. The time for the whole activity was calibrated and defined as 90 minutes. The time alert was changed from 10 to 15 minutes, and 10 minutes were defined to be given to those individuals who asked for more time. After participants’ feedback, new resources such as pens, sticky notes, eraser, water, and digital database with the information were included. The activity allowed to identify bias in sample selection due to lack of usage of the complete data set. Likewise, each expert defined different criteria for selection, setting diverse start points. This bias was induced by variables such as age, undergraduate background, expertise in a specific field of study and degree of development of specific skills through the professional life. In conclusion, this study showed the design of a protocol for collecting information about how non-intended bias was present in a purposeful sampling. This analysis may guide the process of purposeful selection of samples for qualitative research and provides a tool for measuring the bias reduction between traditional and statistical purposeful selection of information-rich cases.
WIP: Exploration of Conceptions and Attitudes of Colombian and American Chemical Engineers about Chemical Engineering
(2020) Cristián Vargas Ordóñez; Mariana Tafur-Arciniegas
Abstract Background and Purpose: As a Work In Progress (WIP) study, we expect to identify and compare the conceptions and attitudes of undergraduate and graduate chemical engineers about engineering and technology, based on Colombian and American sociocultural and historical identities. In Colombia, chemical engineers’ perception of themselves and engineering is related to the utility that this professional has for the economic development of the country and for solving industrial challenges and problems. It seems that this perception is very appreciated for this community and for the universities which teach this discipline because these are abilities for securing a job. Nevertheless, this perception of engineering seems to be different from the idea that American chemical engineers consider, where, in addition to the previous conception, this agent is closer to normal science investigations. Methodology: A mixed survey questionnaire will be applied to undergraduate and graduate Colombian and American chemical engineers. For deeper information, a semi-structured interview will be done to a smaller population, based on the results of the quantitative moment. Responses will be analyzed employing a genetic-structural convergence approach about attitudes and conceptions. Findings/Conclusions: We expect to recognize the difference between Colombian and American undergraduate and graduate attitudes about engineering related to the socio-historical construction, use and actions around this concept. Implications: To compare with other countries, the conceptions and attitudes about chemical engineering and chemical engineering technology contributes to making visible the differences and similarities between these concepts related to the sociocultural and historical approach. Additionally, it is an opportunity to set up undergraduate curriculums and policies about engineering education taking into account the context in which they are developed.