Call for projects to analyse the qualitative data from StudentSurvey.ie and PGR StudentSurvey.ie
The StudentSurvey.ie Analysis and Impact Group is delighted to welcome proposals from members of the research community within the participating institutions for the analysis of the qualitative data emerging from StudentSurvey.ie. Submissions which propose well-grounded methodologies, offer mechanisms for replication of the analysis in future years, and which are innovative and authentic will be particularly welcomed. Submissions from individual researchers and teams will be considered. The proposal may aim to analyse all qualitative data, or the 2020 data only.
A maximum number of three projects on StudentSurvey.ie and two projects on PGR StudentSurvey.ie will be funded. The amount offered will range from a minimum of €5,000 to a maximum of €10,000, depending on the scale of the proposed work. StudentSurvey.ie reserves the right not to award the contract in the event that no proposal is found suitable, or to award all funding to one project only.
StudentSurvey.ie
The data are generated by two questions; what does your institution do best to engage students in learning, and what could your institution do to improve students' engagement in learning?
In 2020, these questions were answered by approximately 26,000 respondents, amounting to approximately 500,000 words. Students may answer in Irish or English, with the majority choosing to answer in English. These questions have been in use since 2016, though the number of students who answer them has increased significantly over the years since then.
Significant quantitative data are collected by survey from 67 multiple choice questions, and numerous student and course characteristic variables are also recorded. These data could be made available depending on the nature of the project proposed.
PGR StudentSurvey.ie
The data are mainly generated by two questions; what aspects/ elements of your research degree programme are most valuable, and what aspects of your research degree experience could be improved? Nine additional questions seek additional comments to supplement answers given to quantitative multiple choice questions.
In 2019 (the last year the survey took place), these questions were answered by close to 2,000 respondents. Students may answer in Irish or English, with the majority choosing to answer in English. There are also qualitative data from the nationwide pilot survey in 2018.
Significant quantitative data are collected by survey from 81 multiple choice questions, and numerous student and course characteristic variables are also recorded. These data could be made available depending on the nature of the project proposed.
Response format
Applicants should submit a short proposal (no more than 5 pages) detailing:
- The proposed approach to the work to meet the StudentSurvey.ie data analysis needs;
- Samples of previous work which demonstrate your/ your team’s capacity to carry out this work;
- The qualifications, suitability and relevant experience of the person(s) who will undertake the work;
- Projected budget, in as much detail as possible.
Evaluation criteria
The StudentSurvey.ie Analysis and Impact Group will award the bursary/ bursaries according to a weighing system with reference to the following criteria:
- Interpretation of the analysis needs and appropriateness of proposed methodology (30%);
- Quality and innovativeness of previous work (20%);
- Skills, qualifications and relevant experience of those proposed to undertake the work (30%);
- Overall value for money (20%).
Expected project outputs
- An analysis of some/ all qualitative data emerging from StudentSurvey.ie since 2016.
- A written report on the results of the analysis.
- A coding frame, or equivalent, which could be applied to future StudentSurvey.ie/ PGR StudentSurvey.ie qualitative data emerging from the same questions (preferred but not required).
Project timeline
27 November: Deadline for project proposal
7 December: Notification of outcome of review
1 April: First draft of report
1 May: Delivery of all outputs
Timeframe and notification
Proposals should reach the StudentSurvey.ie Project Manager, Dr Siobhán Nic Fhlannchadha, by 17.30 on Friday 27 November 2020.
Email: siobhan@studentsurvey.ie
Proposals by email will be accepted and should be sent in PDF format clearly labelled and dated. StudentSurvey.ie regrets that any proposals which are received late or are incomplete cannot be accepted. Postal applications cannot be accepted at this time. StudentSurvey.ie will not be liable for any costs incurred in the preparation of responses to this call for submissions. Any conflict of interest must be fully disclosed.
StudentSurvey.ie welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people and companies regardless of gender, marital or family status, age, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation or membership of the Traveller community.
