EHRD 627 - Research & Development in EHRD

EHRD 627 - Research & Development in EHRD

EHRD 627 focused on research design, proposal development, literature synthesis, and methodological decision-making in Human Resource Development. The course emphasized problem framing, research question development, qualitative and quantitative design selection, and ethical considerations in applied research settings.

Analyzing How Social Media Usage Affects Anxiety and Depression Rates Among Adolescents

View Social Media & Adolescent Mental Health Research Proposal

Project Overview

This research proposal examined the relationship between adolescent social media usage and mental health outcomes, specifically anxiety and depression. The study aimed to move beyond simple correlation by exploring moderating variables such as active versus passive engagement and social comparison behaviors.

The project included:

  • Development of a formal problem statement

  • Literature review synthesizing peer-reviewed scholarship

  • Identification of research gaps

  • Mixed-method research design (correlational + case study approach)

  • Quantitative and qualitative data collection strategy

  • Positionality statement

  • Limitations and boundary considerations

Research Design Highlights

This proposal utilized a mixed-methods approach:

  • Quantitative Component: Correlational analysis examining frequency of social media use and reported anxiety/depression levels.

  • Qualitative Component: Case study design involving interviews with high school students in an after-school program to explore lived experiences.

The research design demonstrates my ability to:

  • Align research questions with appropriate methodological strategies

  • Distinguish between correlational and qualitative inquiry

  • Design questionnaires and interview protocols

  • Identify sampling boundaries and limitations

  • Anticipate threats to generalizability

Professional Reflection

EHRD 627 strengthened my ability to think critically about research design and methodological alignment. Before this course, I often focused on outcomes without fully evaluating whether the research structure appropriately supported the research questions.

This course enhanced my ability to:

  • Develop rigorous research questions

  • Conduct literature reviews that identify conceptual gaps

  • Select research methods aligned with inquiry goals

  • Recognize limitations and boundary conditions

These competencies directly support my professional work in HR, where program evaluation, policy development, and organizational decisions must be grounded in credible research design rather than assumptions.