Statistical Non-Profit Organization Project
I completed a quarter-long project in the Quantitative Research Methods in Social Psychology Course at Cal Poly SLO in which I created a hypothetical non-profit and projected its effectiveness. I learned essential skills in data analysis and gained new perspectives on conducting and presenting research that I will apply to future projects.
I began by conceptualizing a non-profit I deemed would be useful to my population of interest: the Cal Poly student body. My non-profit aimed to reduce stress through the integration of nature walks into student lives. The organization would educate the population on the benefits of exercise and exposure to nature on mental health and assist students in implementing these walks into their daily routines.
During this process, I conducted a literature review to highlight the relevant research relevant to the non-profit's design and need. I also conducted pilot surveys and preliminary interviews in order to further refine the organization.
Next, I quantitatively investigated student input on the feasibility of creating this non-profit. In crafting the survey I sent out to my class, I gained new insight into the psychology of gathering information. I became extremely perceptive to potential sources of bias and other details that could limit the objectivity of my research. Following the administration of the survey, I calculated descriptive and inferential statistics on data sets using SPSS statistical software. By applying the education I received on many different types of statistical tests and their implications to this project, I gained a strong foundation in data analysis. This process was challenging, as I pushed myself to explore complex relationships in my data using technology I was new to. On the note of personal development, this project reminded me that I am the type of person to seek out a challenge and push the boundaries of what I know I am capable of. It reminded me that I am driven, curious, and dedicated to accomplishing my goals.
I presented the findings of my research in the form of an APA-style research paper and orally to my class peers. The process of preparing for presentation allowed me to engage in the generation of corresponding graphs with my data. Working to visually represent my data, I engaged in a deep level of critical thinking in order to ensure quality comprehension of my work. In addition, watching others' presentations was also incredibly insightful, as I had the opportunity to see how others conceptualized their work and what their process was. Learning about how others think and overcome their own set of challenges introduced new processes of contemplation I integrate into my own. This allows me to approach new problems more creatively and critically.
Overall, this project was an incredible opportunity to exercise the technical skills I was learning in my course in a real-world fashion. I emerge from this project a more critical thinker and more capable of applying skills essential to data analysis and presentation.
I began by conceptualizing a non-profit I deemed would be useful to my population of interest: the Cal Poly student body. My non-profit aimed to reduce stress through the integration of nature walks into student lives. The organization would educate the population on the benefits of exercise and exposure to nature on mental health and assist students in implementing these walks into their daily routines.
During this process, I conducted a literature review to highlight the relevant research relevant to the non-profit's design and need. I also conducted pilot surveys and preliminary interviews in order to further refine the organization.
Next, I quantitatively investigated student input on the feasibility of creating this non-profit. In crafting the survey I sent out to my class, I gained new insight into the psychology of gathering information. I became extremely perceptive to potential sources of bias and other details that could limit the objectivity of my research. Following the administration of the survey, I calculated descriptive and inferential statistics on data sets using SPSS statistical software. By applying the education I received on many different types of statistical tests and their implications to this project, I gained a strong foundation in data analysis. This process was challenging, as I pushed myself to explore complex relationships in my data using technology I was new to. On the note of personal development, this project reminded me that I am the type of person to seek out a challenge and push the boundaries of what I know I am capable of. It reminded me that I am driven, curious, and dedicated to accomplishing my goals.
I presented the findings of my research in the form of an APA-style research paper and orally to my class peers. The process of preparing for presentation allowed me to engage in the generation of corresponding graphs with my data. Working to visually represent my data, I engaged in a deep level of critical thinking in order to ensure quality comprehension of my work. In addition, watching others' presentations was also incredibly insightful, as I had the opportunity to see how others conceptualized their work and what their process was. Learning about how others think and overcome their own set of challenges introduced new processes of contemplation I integrate into my own. This allows me to approach new problems more creatively and critically.
Overall, this project was an incredible opportunity to exercise the technical skills I was learning in my course in a real-world fashion. I emerge from this project a more critical thinker and more capable of applying skills essential to data analysis and presentation.
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