(Research Methods Proposal for BA Dissertation on Google)
Evaluating different kinds of research methods to answer the following objectives:
1.
Identification of reasons why Google is, despite criticism, so popular
2.
Evaluation on the relationship between how Google works with user-sensitive data and in what way the company depends on these data for their business
3.
Critical analysis of Google‘s behaviour in relation to the European Data Protection Act and the United States Safe Harbor Act (among other laws, such as Human Rights Acts)
4.
Analysis of Google‘s customer awareness and behaviour
5.
Recommendations for Google‘s customers to protect their data
Table of Contents
2. Justification for Project
2.1 The Internet
2.2 Google
2.3.1 Google Street View
2.3.2 Governmental restrictions
2.4 Privacy
2.5 Conclusion
3. Methodology
3.1 Key Concepts of Research
3.1.1 Validity
3.1.2 Triangulation
3.1.3 Reliability
3.2 Research Families
3.2.1 Qualitative and Quantitative Data
3.2.2 Primary Data (Field Research)
3.2.3 Secondary Data (Desk Research)
3.3 Research Methods
3.3.1 Questionnaires
3.3.2 Experiment
3.3.3 Focus Groups
3.5 Ethical Issues
4. Research Timetable
Project Objectives and Focus Areas
This project aims to critically examine the criticisms regarding Google's privacy practices, evaluate the relationship between user-sensitive data and business operations, and assess customer awareness regarding these privacy issues.
- Analysis of legal compliance with the European Data Protection Act and the US Safe Harbor Act.
- Investigation of user-sensitive data collection methods in Google's ecosystem.
- Evaluation of Google's popularity versus widespread privacy criticism.
- Development of practical recommendations for Google users to enhance data protection.
Excerpt from the Book
2.3.2 Governmental restrictions
According to the EFF, data protection moved from a secondary concern to a contentious political system. (eff.org, 2008)
John Perry Barlow (2008), a member of the EFF is said that “Relying on the government to protect our privacy is like asking a peeping tom to install your window blinds.“ He argues that governments can only set general restrictions, such as the shut down of Google Street View in Europe, or introduce new ammendments to the law but they cannot give restrictions for each website. He says that people have to care themselves about their data and their privacy by trying to control it. (eff.org, 2008)
According to Blakley, B. (1999, p. 39), the flow of data is immense and cannot be controlled by people. He says that new software is needed in order to protect systems and sensitive data.
"Its not the search engine as such, it's the fact that they can put together lots of information from various services. It is from this that they have lots of information about you.“ (The Economist San Francisco, 2008)
Summary of Chapters
Justification for Project: This chapter provides the context for the research, discussing the rapid growth of the internet and Google's market position alongside the significant privacy concerns raised by critics and regulatory bodies.
Methodology: This section details the research approach, emphasizing the importance of validity, reliability, and triangulation, and outlines the planned use of questionnaires, experiments, and focus groups.
Research Timetable: This chapter outlines the project management schedule, documenting the sequential steps taken from initial topic selection to final proposal submission.
Keywords
Google, Privacy, Data Protection, European Data Protection Act, Safe Harbor Act, Internet, User Awareness, Search Engine, Surveillance, Ethics, Triangulation, Methodology, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Customer Behavior
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research project?
The project investigates the criticism surrounding Google's handling of user privacy and analyzes the validity of these concerns in relation to international data protection legislation.
What are the central thematic fields covered in this study?
The study covers internet privacy, data protection laws, corporate responsibility, and user data awareness within the context of Google's various service offerings.
What is the primary objective of the work?
The primary objective is to evaluate whether Google users are aware of privacy criticisms and to determine the extent to which these criticisms are valid through empirical and theoretical analysis.
Which scientific methods are utilized?
The research employs a mixed-method approach, including desk research (secondary data) and field research involving questionnaires, experiments, and focus groups.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body examines the evolution of Google's services, the specific conflicts with data protection authorities, relevant legal frameworks, and the methodological framework for data collection.
Which keywords characterize this paper?
Key terms include Google, Privacy, Data Protection, User Awareness, Surveillance, and Research Methodology.
How does the author define privacy in this context?
The author refers to privacy as a fundamental human right, citing the United Nations Declaration and the European Convention on Human Rights.
What specific experiment is planned in the research?
The researcher plans a field experiment where participants look up their own personal data on Google to analyze the transparency and accessibility of sensitive information.
What ethical considerations are mentioned?
The author highlights the need for anonymity, informed consent, and the objective handling of sensitive participant data throughout the research process.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Sven Elmers (Autor:in), 2009, Research Methods Proposal - Google, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.hausarbeiten.de/document/181279
