The influence of Physical activity on their Life satisfaction

Sample Solution

GCU Qualitative Core Designs for Studying the Influence of Physical Activity on Life Satisfaction

Understanding the Research Problem

The researcher aims to explore the subjective experiences and perceptions of college students regarding the impact of physical activity on their life satisfaction. Given the focus on subjective experiences and the need for in-depth exploration, qualitative research designs would be most appropriate.

Most Appropriate GCU Qualitative Core Design: Phenomenological Design

A phenomenological design would be particularly suitable for this research problem. This design seeks to understand the lived experiences of individuals and how they interpret and make sense of their world. By interviewing college students and having them journal about their exercise and life satisfaction, the researcher can gain a deep understanding of their subjective experiences and the meanings they attribute to physical activity.

Two Example Research Questions:

1. How do college students describe the impact of physical activity on their overall life satisfaction?
2. What specific aspects of physical activity (e.g., frequency, intensity, type) are most influential in shaping college students' life satisfaction?

Full Answer Section

Advantages of Phenomenological Design for This Scenario:

• In-depth understanding: Phenomenology allows for a deep exploration of participants' subjective experiences and the meanings they attach to physical activity and life satisfaction.
• Rich data: The combination of interviews and daily journaling can provide a rich dataset, capturing the nuances and complexities of participants' experiences.
• Flexibility: The phenomenological approach is flexible, allowing the researcher to adapt the data collection process based on emerging themes and insights.

Challenges of Phenomenological Design for This Scenario:

• Subjectivity: The researcher's own interpretations and biases can influence the analysis of the data. It is important to use strategies such as bracketing to minimize the impact of the researcher's preconceptions.
• Time-consuming: Collecting and analyzing qualitative data can be time-consuming, especially when dealing with a large number of participants.
• Generalizability: Phenomenological studies often focus on a small number of participants, which can limit the generalizability of the findings. However, the goal of phenomenology is not to generalize but to provide a deep understanding of specific experiences.

References:

• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.  
• Moustakas, C. (1994). Phenomenological research methods. Sage Publications.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative research & evaluation methods: From design to interpretation (5th ed.). Sage Publications.