TL4010 Research Methodology Theory and Practice

  • Subject Code :  

    TL4010

  • Country :  

    UK

  • University :  

    University of Central Lancashire

Answer:-

Introduction 

Poor diet and obesity are significant health challenges that students are facing in current times. According to research undertaken in British universities, students are not consuming the prescribed percentage of vegetables and fruits. Furthermore, they are also not doing the required physical activity, which has resulted in increasing obesity. The same trend is developing in other nations hence this research will concentrate on eating habits of student at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle (Acharya, Jin, and Collins, 2018).

Justification

Students can focus on weight fluctuations during their first years in university due to changes in their lifestyle. The start of academic life may also be a time of increased uncertainty, making students more vulnerable to weight fluctuation. One research discovered that a quarter of first-year participants gained at least 2.5 kg during their initial semester of research, while others discovered a medium losing weight for non-significant excess weight. One explanation for variability may be that depression has little bi-directional effects on weight and can lead some people to gain weight while others have reduced their weight (Agwu, et. al., 2017). Identifying the factors that lead to weight gain in academics can aid in the establishment of a mechanism for universities to encourage safe and healthier behaviours between students. As a result, this research would concentrate on the eating habits of a specific University of UCLAN to learn about their health, lifestyle, and the various psychological factors that influence their eating habits, alcohol intake, social media, academic pressure, as well as other factors (Hasan, et. al., 2018).

Research Questions 

  • What are the eating habits of the students at UCLAN staying at Halls International vs the UK?
  • What are the health conditions of the students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK?
  • What are the measures that should be taken for improving the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK?

Research Aim

To analyze the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International vs the UK. Finding out their daily eating schedule and diet plan.

Research Objectives

  • To examine the eating habits of the students at UCLAN staying at Halls International vs the UK?
  • To analyze the health conditions of the students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK?
  • To find out measures that should be taken for improving the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International vs the UK?

Literature Review

As per the view of Peterson et al. (2018), Overweight and obesity rates have risen sharply in recent years, posing a public health crisis in the United Kingdom. Obesity has been described as a serious health concern, with an obesity prevalence rate of 29 percent in the population of 22–39-year-old students. Unhealthy eating patterns, as well as physical inactivity, are among the leading factors that harm young adult weight and potential health. On the other hand, Sogari et al. (2018) stated that health risk behaviours like unhealthy eating habits begin throughout puberty. For example, the majority of the population in the United Kingdom does not intake the average daily amount of fruit as well as, vegetables, and consumption of processed foods, added sugar, as well as trans-fat, is exceedingly high, exceeds the specified daily intake guidelines.

In the view of Byrom et al. (2021), there has been no dedicated study into the food patterns of foreign students. With the recent rise in foreign student numbers, evolving source markets, as well as shifting receiving and origin communities, there is a strong need for more current literature that is related to modern circumstances. Nonetheless, both agreed that eating preferences and traditions are an important part of society and that it is to be expected that sojourners will fail to break free from their habitual food choices. This was reinforced in a more modern ethnographic survey of foreign student transition, wherein food appeared as a key research category.

In contrast to this, Baik Larcombe and Brooker (2019) demonstrated that the food students consumed was of considerable emotional and physical value, and therefore it was once part of college life that was least accessible to improvement. These observations are supported by sociological as well as nutrition analyses of migrants' eating habits, which record both the perception and effect of changes created by migrants in their eating habits as a result of moving to a new community. According to Cowley Kiely and Collins (2019), the beneficial correlation between familiar taste and sentimental feelings of home and belonging results in an emotional connection to home food. Perceptions of Halls International and UK foods, which revealed that home food is synonymous with family bonding, maternal affection, and cultural connection. Researchers concur there is a close correlation between cultural identity as well as food preferences.

Liu (2019) stated that in terms of physical fitness, findings indicate that increased intake of Western-style food is connected with worsened health (such as a higher prevalence of obesity and diabetes). Indeed, studies have shown that refugees are unlikely to be overweight and obese as they arrive in a Western world, but that they gradually converge to indigenous levels over time. It has been demonstrated that adjusting to a new culture will result in drug dependence, heavy alcohol use, altered lifestyle habits, and a rise in BMI. For instance, heavily acculturated Hispanics consume fewer fruits and vegetables than less assimilated Hispanics while eating much more than their non-Hispanic western people.

On the other side, Cowley Kiely and Collins (2019) evaluated that an early dietary acculturation transition involved adding butter as well as margarine to foods like bread and potatoes at the dinner. When cooking items like tortillas, the less acculturated use much less fat including oil than the heavily assimilated and non-Hispanics. Similarly, there has been a substantial rise in the intake of fats, salty and pleasant snack foods, and dairy products among Halls International and UK students. There was also a substantial decline in the intake of beef and meat substitutes, as well as fruits. Students went out less often, but when they did, they preferred American unhealthy food. Baik et al. (2019) illustrated that the changes in meal habits have been identified; for instance, Due to shifts in work habits and environmental concerns, Halls International and UK immigrants has reduced their meal routines from three to 1.5 healthy meals a day in order to meet the requirements of the host country. Halls International immigrants to the UK consumed slightly fewer meals than European immigrants; the former even ate their evening meal 2-3 hours later. Halls International and UK colleges and universities who had been here for at least 30 days prior to the beginning of their research had a decrease in the number of meals per day, with nearly half breakfast skipping more often than the other regular restaurants related to their school schedules.

Methodology

The quantitative approach will be used for primary data collection, as well as the survey questionnaire would be suitable for collecting preliminary data from UCLAN University students. Students who live in residence halls will take part in the research. The convenience sampling process would be used to attract participants to the university. All international and UK students who live in halls would be approached via a form, either online or written. The questionnaires would also be distributed in the library, classes, and cafeteria. Students residing in halls aged 18 to 25 will be involved in the study, and all forms of ethical consent will be obtained from the university. The questionnaire would include multiple-choice questions as well as open-ended and closed-ended questions ranging from the general definition of fitness to specific questions about past, current, and future eating patterns (Bell, Bryman, and Harley, 2018).

Research design

Justify the Research Design 

This research will select explanatory analysis since study will be required to address the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle. Explanatory research designs entailed developing a theory and gathering data on that subject, which led to the accomplishment of the research's objectives. Often, the investigator has to quantify success and its differences lead to distinct leadership types, so the quantitative approach is chosen because it is the best fit for the analysis. This will aid in statistically evaluating the details and assessing the effectiveness of the established goals (Hamilton, Cruz, and Jack, 2017).

Outline the Data Needed to Answer the Research Question

For the current research, primary data from students will be collected through a survey questionnaire method.

Methods of Data Collection

For the current research, primary data from students will be collected through a survey questionnaire process. The questionnaire would be used since it will make data collection easier and save time. Secondary data is evidence that was collected by inspector for other purposes. It is evidence from previous studies that has already been published. Secondary data for the UCLAN study can be collected from journals, books, blogs, the firm's website, as well as other databases (McAvoy and Butler, 2018).

Research Methods 

The researcher will use a quantitative research design for this study to achieve the study within the time frame defined. Since this study design is useful in determining respondents' answers. Besides, it is useful for evaluating the interaction among eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS UK and Diet and lifestyle. This study concept often helps the investigator to avoid research challenges and limitations that can arise during the evaluation process. Since this design is built on framing underlying concepts, it also extends realistic insight into discussing the eating intake of UCLAN students living at Halls International vs the UK, which affects their lifestyle as well as, diet (Quinlan, et. al., 2019).

Limitations of Approach

Some of the analysis drawbacks that have made it harder to complete the research are as follows:

Time Constraints

A researcher is given a time limit to complete the cross-sectional analysis. Because, the participant is supposed to attend classes and also complete two to three programs in study period. This concern further suggests that the researcher has postponed gathering study results (Hair Jr, Page, and Brunsveld, 2019).

Funding

The investigator has not sufficient finance because of working as a research scholar and getting a low salary and thus, does not have a sufficient amount to expend on travel in different areas of the UK to conduct a google form survey to gather the thoughts of 50 people. Residents who come in campus buildings will participate in the study as it relates to the research subject (Easterby-Smith, et. al., 2021).

Ethnocentrism

As an outsider in UK, a researcher found it very hard to gather responses from UK citizens because some were uncomfortable speaking with outsiders, some felt unsafe, and some thought the researcher used rude or uncultured approaches (Kurt and Kurt, 2020).

Primary Data Collection Method

Main Research Instrument

The researcher will conduct a survey questionnaire in this study to collect the opinions and views of research participants regarding the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS the UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle. The google form Survey approach would be advantageous for a researcher to collect information because it helps to reduce unfairness of work and increases research results by gathering appropriate information. While conducting a Google Forms survey requires time and resources, it provides more feasible outcomes and assists the researcher in increasing the reliability of research findings (Canestrino, et. al., 2020).

Method(s) to Collect this Data

The researcher employs all data collection methods when performing the dissertation on addressing the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS the UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle. In this case, the primary data method is useful for establishing direct communication with people as well as eliciting beliefs about the research subject. The secondary data collection method, on the other hand, is useful for creating depth and analytical knowledge about the study subject. Since this method allows the researcher to gather information from a range of sources, such as journals, books, and scholarly journals. As a result, it is successful in increasing the validity and precision of research results (Easterby-Smith, et. al., 2021).

Sort of Questions and Outline of The Draft Questionnaire 

The effective way to gather primary data is to administer questionnaires. A five-point Likert scale questionnaire would be created to make it easier for respondents to answer questions based on their level of consensus. The Likert scale has the following format: 1) Agree; 2) Disagree; 3) Neither Agree nor Disagree; 4) Agree; 5) Strongly Agree The questionnaire would be created about eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS the UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle (Hair Jr, Page, and Brunsveld, 2019).

Sampling and Sample Size

For this study, the researcher used probability sampling methods and a basic random sampling approach to select survey participants. Each representative of the population will have an equal probability of being selected as a sample variable under the basic random sampling procedure. The rationale behind basic random sampling is that it removes bias from the selection process, yielding representative samples. As a result, 50 UCLAN students will be chosen by a researcher. This is useful for gathering respondents' opinions and points of view on gathering topics (Quinlan, et. al., 2019).

Data Analysis

A methodological methodology will be included in this study, which would require the application of statistical techniques to analyse the information and data collected. SPSS is the software that is being used to analyse the collected data in order to draw clear conclusions. SPSS would be used to conduct reliability tests, descriptive analysis, as well as regression analysis, to assess the eating habits of students at UCLAN staying at Halls International VS the UK affecting their Diet and lifestyle (McAvoy and Butler, 2018).

Pilot Research Instrument

Pilot experiments are an essential part of the study process. A pilot project aims to determine the viability of a method that would be used in a larger-scale study. Conducting a pilot survey will increase the reliability in evaluating and validating the survey questionnaire before conducting a large-scale survey (Quinlan, et. al.,2019).

Ethical Considerations

It is necessary to obtain the consent of the interested participants before conducting a survey. Hence, a researcher will take the views of students to avoid problems. Furthermore, the researcher only survey questionnaires during breaks because obstructing participants during work time is unacceptable and may impair responses. Besides that, the researcher ensured that no breach of confidentiality (of sensitive information and responses) occurred. When planning questionnaires, the researcher will ensure that no name or other sensitive details are revealed. There could be also problems regarding respondents' trust; however, confidentiality would be ensured to prevent unnecessary issues (Easterby-Smith, et. al., 2021).

Conclusion

Based on the above interpretation, it can be concluded that this research will be extremely beneficial because it will focus on the eating patterns of UCLAN students. It will aid in changing the lifestyles and eating habits of the younger population, especially students, to protect them from various diseases as well as nutritional deficiencies. In this research, quantitative research would be used for obtaining numerical information regarding research concerns. It can be summarised that statistical data analysis would be used for analysing the collected data.

References 

Acharya, L., Jin, L. and Collins, W., 2018. College life is stressful today–Emerging stressors and depressive symptoms in college students. Journal of American college health, 66(7), pp.655-664.

Agwu, E.M., Draper, S., Croix, M.D.S., Egimot-Nwadiaro, R. and Onuoha, C.R., 2017. Health rating, obesity, and hypertension among university students in Nigeria by gender and ethnicity. World Journal of Public Health, 2(4), pp.131-143.

Baik, C., Larcombe, W. and Brooker, A., 2019. How universities can enhance student mental wellbeing: The student perspective. Higher Education Research & Development, 38(4), pp.674-687.

Bell, E., Bryman, A. and Harley, B., 2018. Business research methods. Oxford university press.

Byrom, A., Thomson, G., Dooris, M., and Dykes, F., 2021. UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative: Providing, receiving, and leading infant feeding care in a hospital maternity setting—A critical ethnography. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 17(2), p.e13114.

Canestrino, R., Ćwiklicki, M., Magliocca, P. and PaweÅ‚ek, B., 2020. Understanding social entrepreneurship: A cultural perspective in business research. Journal of Business Research, 110, pp.132-143.

Cowley, J.G., Kiely, J. and Collins, D., 2019. What makes young people tick? A qualitative analysis of the beliefs and perceptions of school-aged children towards PE and healthy living in “the sickest area of Europe”. International journal of adolescent medicine and health, 31(5).

Easterby-Smith, M., Jaspersen, L.J., Thorpe, R., and Valizade, D., 2021. Management and business research. Sage.

Hair Jr, J.F., Page, M. and Brunsveld, N., 2019. Essentials of business research methods. Routledge.

Hamilton, E., Cruz, A.D. and Jack, S., 2017. Re-framing the status of narrative in family business research: Towards an understanding of families in business. Journal of Family Business Strategy, 8(1), pp.3-12.

Hasan, H.A., Najm, L., Zaurub, S., Jami, F., Javadi, F., Deeb, L.A., Iskandarani, A. and Radwan, H., 2018. Eating disorders and body image concerns as influenced by family and media among university students in Sharjah, UAE. Asia Pacific Journal of clinical nutrition, 27(3), pp.695-700.

Kurt, Y. and Kurt, M., 2020. Social network analysis in international business research: An assessment of the current state of play and future research directions. International Business Review, 29(2), p.101633.

Liu, X., 2019. China’s Cultural Diplomacy: A Great Leap Outward with Chinese Characteristics? Multiple Comparative Case Studies of the Confucius Institutes. Journal of Contemporary China, 28(118), pp.646-661.

McAvoy, J. and Butler, T., 2018. A critical realist method for applied business research. Journal of Critical Realism, 17(2), pp.160-175.

Peterson, N.E., Sirard, J.R., Kulbok, P.A., DeBoer, M.D. and Erickson, J.M., 2018. Sedentary behavior and physical activity of young adult university students. Research in nursing & health, 41(1), pp.30-38.

Quinlan, C., Babin, B., Carr, J. and Griffin, M., 2019. Business research methods. South-Western Cengage.

Sogari, G., Velez-Argumedo, C., Gómez, M.I. and Mora, C., 2018. College students and eating habits: A study using an ecological model for healthy behavior. Nutrients, 10(12), p.1823.

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