The Impact of Chinese Students Studying in the UK

Introduction 

The purpose of the report is to provide a research outline discussing the research methodologies, research methods, research design, providing results from the pilot study, and the dissertation plan. All these factors are important in achieving main objective of the study, which is to assess the impact of Chinese student studying in the UK. The main change from assignment one is that that the research question is more clear and precise. Initially it was general, but now it specifically assesses the impact of Chinese students studying in the UK. 

Research Methodology 

Elements of Philosophy 

Ontology. Ontology tends to study things/information that already exists/observable (Halik, 2000). Ontology tries to answer the ‘what is it?’ Ontology tries to describe situations/social phenomenon based on what the researcher considers to be the reality. Ontological perspective can give biased information as the researcher only reports using the information assumed to be factual. That explains why this element of philosophy is not utilized in this study. 

Epistemology. This element of philosophy that deals with the justification of the knowledge (Gill & Johnson, 2002). It does not just describe the social phenomenon but tries to explain test the hypothesis to justify the knowledge. Epistemology asserts that knowledge is the product that is obtained through objectivity, particularly the scientific studies. My study focuses on making conclusions that are justified by a scientific study explaining why epistemology is a vital philosophy. 

Axiology. The element of philosophy that explains what is of importance/value in the study (Wilson, 2010). Some studies will want to explain a social phenomenon, while another will want to predict it. Other researchers will value positivist philosophies over others. Therefore, the researcher’s value/beliefs will determine the research strategies, philosophies, paradigms, and so on to be utilised in the study. 

Research Paradigms 

Radical Humanist. The argument is that knowledge is socially constructed. Therefore, the only way to determine what is considered to be true is by seeing the reality from the subjects’ perspective. Radical humanistic approach also focuses on factors such capitalism, socialism, communism and so on that affect the subjects view of reality and the resistance to change. 

Interpretivist. The research paradigm seeks to understand a social phenomenon from a subjective perspective (Wilson, 2010). This is because the researcher seeks to perform a deeper analysis of the subjects using unstructured interviews. The researcher is also empathic in the sense that he/she tries to gain knowledge from the eyes of the research subjects. In this study, the interpretivist paradigm is necessary in understanding the impact of Chinese students in UK. 

Functionalist . The assumption is that knowledge has to be obtained through scientific means (Tashakkori, 2000). As such, it is imperative for distance between the subjects of the study and the researcher. That is, the naturalistic observation of the subjects will yield scientific data. One of the weaknesses of this method is that it cannot be used to conduct a deeper analysis of human behavior. 

Major Philosophies 

Positivism. The positivism approach argues that the credible results are those that are obtained through observation of a social phenomenon. This could include the observation of subjects in their natural settings or in the laboratory. Normally, positivism recommends the use of a large sample to generate findings that are generalizable. The researcher is expected to have and test hypothesis before providing the correlation between variables. The philosophy usually applies the quantitative research techniques. This philosophy is not applicable in my research because it requires a larger sample, naturalistic observation, and testing of the hypothesis, which is not what I am trying to do. 

Realism. The philosophy argues that the only reliable information is that which has been obtained using scientific approach. The realism approach rejects information that is generated through human senses and not substantiated through scientific methods. The critical realism is imperative in research as it tries to understand the social phenomenon from a larger perspective, thereby generating information that is reliable. 

Interpretivism . The approach opposes the positivism philosophy arguing that in order to understand the human behavior, empathy is imperative. In order words, one has to understand the human behavior through the eyes of the actors/subjects being studied. As such, a qualitative study design that utilizes unstructured questions and interview technique, are used. Interpretivism normally requires a smaller sample. One of the main disadvantages is that information obtained though interpretivism approach is not generalizable. Nevertheless, the approach allows for deeper analysis of a social phenomenon, explaining why it is relevant in my study. 

Pragmatism. The pragmatism philosophy argues that no one single approach can provide an accurate interpretation of the social phenomenon. Pragmatisms argues that there are various ways of interpreting the world. As such, the philosophy accepts both the qualitative and quantitative strategies as well as the deductive and inducting reasoning. Since this approach is not very specific on strategies and reasoning, it cannot be applied in the study. 

Opposing Philosophies 

Subjectivism. The perspective in which the researchers’ knowledge is influenced by feeling, opinions, or bias. The researcher makes claims that are not substantiated by facts. Subjective findings are considered to be unscientific and unreliable. However, the debate of subjectivism and objectivism exists between the social and natural scientists. 

Objectivism. The perspective that argues on the need to use facts to support the claims. Knowledge obtained from observation is considered to be objective. In the studies, the goal is test hypothesis and make inferences. This study takes an objective perspective where the goal is to assess impact of Chinese students studying in the UK. 

Research Methods 

The research will use mixed method approach. The rationale is to provide more data, address the problem of bias, and allow the research to have a broader perspective. In a mixed method, the researcher is able to apply both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. While the qualitative methods are imperative in gathering subtle information and for in-depth analysis of a given social phenomenon, the results are not generalizable because of potential subjectivity. Therefore, under the quantitative study, it is difficult to demonstrate the relationship between variable. That explains why it is vital to use the quantitative method as well. The quantitative technique requires a larger sample, which addresses the challenge of representative sample bias in qualitative studies. The quantitative study aims at providing the correlation between the independent and dependent variables in the study. Normally, there are attempts to enhance the internal validity by avoiding the participant and sample bias. However, one of the major weaknesses is the lack of enough data due to the used of close-ended questions. Usually, the quantitative technique will use survey methods, where questionnaires are used to collect data. In the social sciences where the researcher requires more data, the interviewing technique (used in qualitative method) is preferred. Therefore, the mixed method will allow the researcher to minimize bias and provide information from a broader perspective. 

Research Designs 

Data Collection Techniques 

As aforementioned, a mixed method approaches will be used in the study. In other words, the researcher intends to apply both the qualitative and quantitative research methods. Therefore, the data collection techniques will be both the questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires are easy to construct and use. They enhance the objectivity of the study by limiting the responses of the clients, especially in the ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ answers (closed-ended questions). They can be administered one-on-one or online, which is an added advantage. However, the main limitation is that limited information is gathered. That explains why interviews are necessary, particularly in social sciences involving human subjects. Interviews allow responds to provide much information relevant to the study. The researcher also gets the time to clarify issues before data analysis is done. However, interview techniques can be costly and time-consuming. Since the researcher is interested in deeper analysis of the social phenomenon, more time is needed to seek clarification and acquire more information. Nevertheless, both methods will be vital in acquiring more data and fostering the objectivity of the study. 

Participant Sampling Strategy 

The population of study will be students and faculty in selected UK university. The sample size will be 30 participants, comprising of 25 students and 5 faculty members. The rationale is to broaden the sources of information to gather more information and enhance the reliability of the study. A random sampling technique will be used. The random sampling strategy gives an equal opportunity to every individual in the population to participate in the study. Therefore, the researcher is able to minimize the sample bias. 

Data Analysis Method 

The researcher seeks to use both the descriptive and inferential statistics for data analysis. One of the advantages of descriptive statistics is to organize, analyze, and present the data in a meaningful way. It summarizes the data and presents it in a way that is easier to understand, such as through the tables, pie-charts, graphs, among others. However, the descriptive statistics only provides information that is superficial and lacks any analysis. It provides the mean, medium, standard deviation, range, and frequencies. While this information is vital, it cannot be used to make conclusions from the study. That explains why inferential statistics is vital. The inferential statistics helps to compare, test, and to make predictions about the data. Inferential statistics help to make inferences about the findings and use theoretical explanations to explain the relationships between the different variables. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) software will enhance the descriptive and inferential statistics. The combination of the two methods will foster validity and reliability of the researcher findings. 

Research Ethics 

The research participants will be required to fill the consent form prior to filling in the questionnaires and responding to interview questions. The researcher aims at ensuring that the participation in voluntary. In the consent form, the participants will be informed of their prerogative to withdraw from the process any time. Attempts are made to protect the participants from emotional harm. Additionally, the participants will be informed about the objectives of the study and how the importance of the information they provide. The researcher also protects the privacy of the participants by only disseminating personal information after obtaining the consent and if it is necessary to do so. 

Results from Pilot Study 

Discussion 

In diagram 1, the results indicated a correlation between the presence of Chinese students in the UK learning institutions and the cultural effects. According to Junxia, Montgomery, Harrington, and McDowell (2010), the cultural occurs as the students interact with each other. The exchange program helps the UK students get an opportunity to learn the Chines culture. Likewise, Chinese students in the UK learn the cultural differences and adapt to facilitate the learning process. 

In diagram 2, about 45% of the students agreed that the increased number of the Chinese students in the UK has a positive impact on the economy. Additionally, 30% of the respondents strongly agreed on the correlation between the Chinese students and the economic impact. The findings are consistent with that of Junxia et al. (2010) that demonstrated a strong correlation between the presence of the Chinese students in the UK and the economic growth. 

The pilot study showed a positive correlation between the influx of Chinese students and the change in teaching methodologies. The instructors have been compelled to change the method of delivery for the purpose of accommodating the Chinese students. The changes include the student-centered approach to ensure that students learn. 

Diagram 1: Chinese Students and Cultural Impact 

Diagram 2: Chinese Students and Economic Impact 

Diagram 3: Chinese students and Effects on Teaching Methodologies 

Diagram 4: Chinese Students and Change of Teaching Methods in UK 

Conclusion 

The proposed changes include ample time to gather data and analyze. Time was a major limitation during the pilot study. Another change is that of sample size. A larger sample size will be important to ensure that it is representative of the population in the school. This will help to minimize bias in the final dissertation. The following will be the dissertation draft: 

Chapter 1: Introduction 

Introduction 

Background of the Problem 

Statement of the Problem 

Purpose of the Study 

Research Questions 

Significance of the Study 

Conclusion 

Chapter 2: Review of the Literature 

Introduction 

Search Description 

Conceptual Framework 

Review of Research 

Chapter 3: Methodology (Mixed) 

Introduction 

Research Design 

Setting and Sample 

Data Collection 

Data Analysis 

Conclusion 

Chapter 4: Research Findings 

Introduction 

Findings 

Conclusion 

Chapter 5: Conclusions, Discussion, and Future Research 

Introduction 

Summary of Findings 

Conclusions 

Suggestions for Future Research 

Proposed Timeline

Task	Start Date	End Date
Chapter 1	15/5	20/5
Chapter 2	25/5	10/6
Chapter 3	12/6	17/6
Chapter 4	20/6	30/6
Chapter 5	5/7	12/7

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