NAME: SANELISIWE
SURNAME: NSINDANE
STUDENT NUMBER: 222057378
MODULE CODE: PSYC201
RESEARCH PROPOSAL ON UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF
LEARNING PRACTICES ON WORK DIFFICULTY IN THE WORKPLACE.
Research is a process that is done step by step and creates an understanding of concepts
through our understanding. It is a process of asking questions and finding answers (Keyton,
2001:2). We do research to identify problems, finding solutions and finding the relationship
between variables, etc. the kinds of concepts that are related to research include evidence,
observations, facts, and objectivity. Learning practices can have a significant impact on
perceptions of work difficulty in the workplace. Perception of work difficulty in the
workplace is influenced by various factors, including individual’s learning practices.
The aim of this research is to explore the impact of learning practices on work difficulty
perceptions in a call centre workplace. The aim is to also find ways to enhance support
systems in the workplace such as health and wellbeing programmes, regular training, and
development etc. and improve employee experience. We also desire to achieve improved
comprehension of how learning practices impact cognitive processes and behaviour.
Individuals can work more efficiently and creating a productive and professional work
environment.
It is imperative to provide valuable perception into how individual learning behaviours
influence work performance and perceived challenges. Previous research has shown that
individuals with great learning practices such as optimum engagement in learning and great
time management, these individuals often have better critical thinking skills and versatility in
the workplace. Theories like cognitive theory of learning and social cognitive theory
highlights the importance of learning practices in moulding cognitive process and behaviour
of an individual. “A cluster of beliefs and dictates which for scientists in a particular
discipline influence what should be studied, how research should be done, and how results
should be interpreted” (Thomas Khun). A paradigm is a perception different to an individual
about how they view the world. My paradigm in this study would be the epistemological
position as it accounts for how understanding and knowledge of technology and product is
shared among employees, managers, and customers. This would take place in training
programs, constructive feedback which would timely lead to increased job performance.
A hypothesis is a tentative statement about the relationship between variables. It is a testable
statement we show to correct or incorrect. It is an educated guess about how the social world
works (Neuman, 1997). My hypothesis is that a decrease in pressure to deliver a certain
number of sales on a deadline could decrease the amount of employee burnouts and their
stress management. I will use a deductive approach for my research proposal, a deductive
learning approach could improve the quality of training programs in place. Implementing a
deductive approach in learning practices in a call centre environment could lead to decreased
work difficulty for employees which will increase work performance.
The research objective of this research proposal is to scrutinize the relationship between
different learning practices such as formal and informal, and perceptions of work difficulty. I
will also investigate how giving employees’ opportunities to better their job knowledge and
skills can improve their work difficulty perception. The research questions that I have
formulated are as follows:
1. What are the long-term effects of learning practices on employees’ perceptions of
work difficulty and how do these effects impact job performance?
2. What role does organizational support for learning such as emotional support
contribute to the outcome of workers perceptions of work difficulty?
3. Do certain types of learning practices such as problem-solving and interactivity have
an impact on aspects of work difficulty?
The study will involve diverse employees from various industries and organizational
levels to ensure generalizability and neutral experimentation or survey. There are
various types of data collection methods namely, surveys to assess learning practices
or perceptions of work difficulty and work-related variables. Interviews include
chosen participants that will be interviewed to gain deeper understanding of their
learning experiences at the workplace and perceptions of work difficulty. The target
population for the study will be employees in lower level and middle level
management positions in various departments in a workplace. The research design
will be conducting interviews with sub-group employees to gather data.
The sampling method I would use for this research is stratified sampling which is
used to divide the population into different groups based on certain characteristics, in
this research it will be level of experience, department and individual characteristics. I
will do this to ensure accurate results. I plan to analyse the data by using a regression
analysis, which aims to recognize the relationship between variables and how a
change in the other could have an impact on the other variable which is the learning
practices and perceptions of work difficulty in the workplace. I will ensure reliability
by ensuring that I utilize reliable sources for my research such as participants and
google scholar for additional information that will produce accurate results or data.
Ethics are your moral or professional code of conduct that sets a standard for your
attitudes and behaviour (Rose-Marie ). Ethical considerations relating to the
participant informed consent is by providing the participant with a brief of what the
research is about, their rights as a participant and potential risks and benefits they
could encounter. I will ensure participant confidentiality by keeping their personal
information confidential and not sharing it with anyone outside of the research. Data
handling, participants who wish to remain unknown will be kept anonymous to
protect their privacy. I will emphasize that the participation in the study is voluntary
and that the participant can withdraw at any stage of the research should they feel so,
without ant reasoning. I will avoid being biased towards the data, misusing
information without consent for personal intention, and I will use appropriate research
method to ensure ethical conduct.
QUESTION 2: INTERVIEW SCHEDULE
1. How do you feel about working for this organisation?
2. Do you have enough time for a social life and family and friends?
3. Do you receive constructive feedback from your team leader?
4. How do you feel about the training development provided by the company, has it
impacted your perception on the work difficulty?
5. How do you cope with the stress that comes with the pressure of deadlines for
sales?
6. Are you familiar with the technology advancements that are driven by information
technology?
7. Do you have any support system in the workplace like an acquaintance?
8. How do you deal with a difficult customer?
9. How do you measure your success for targeted goals in the workplace?
10. Have you noticed a difference in your work difficulty since implementing
consistent feedback and training?
REFERENCE LIST
1. Bezuidenhout, R., Davis, C., & du Plooy-Cilliers, F. (2021) Research matters (2nd
edition). Juta & company (Pty) Ltd.
2. Bryman, A., (2012) Social Research methods. OUP oxford
3. Infinity learn NEET., (2020) introduction to inductive and deductive reasoning.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAjkQ1YqLEE
4. Keyton, J., (2001) Communication Research: asking questions, finding answers.
Mayfield pub.
5. Live Science, (2019) Deductive vs Inductive vs Abductive Reasoning.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=jX3OXwpEpl8
