Focus Area: Public Perception and Adoption
Topic: Exploring public understanding
Focus Area: Public Perception and Adoption
Topic: Exploring public understanding and trust of CBDCs.
Research Questions:
What are people’s initial perceptions of CBDCs?
What factors influence their trust in this new form of currency?
How do concerns around privacy and security play into their perceptions?
Topic: Understanding barriers to CBDC adoption among specific demographics.
Research Questions:
Are there differences in CBDC awareness and potential use between different age groups?
How does access to technology impact individuals’ willingness to adopt CBDCs?
What concerns prevent certain populations (e.g., the unbanked) from considering CBDCs?
Focus Area: Impact on Financial Systems
Topic: Small business owners’ perspectives on the potential benefits and challenges of CBDCs.
Research Questions:
How do small business owners believe CBDCs could change how they make and receive payments?
What are their concerns about potential transaction fees or technical requirements?
Do they perceive CBDCs as a tool for greater financial inclusion or a threat to their current business model?
Topic: The impact of CBDCs on financial intermediaries (banks).
Research Questions:
How do bank employees anticipate their roles changing with the implementation of CBDCs?
Do they perceive CBDCs as an opportunity for innovation or a disruption to traditional banking models?
What strategies are they considering to adapt to the potential rise of CBDCs?
Focus Area: Policy and Governance
Topic: Stakeholder perspectives on the regulatory framework for CBDCs.
Research Questions:
What do policymakers see as the key priorities in designing CBDC regulations?
How do financial industry experts propose balancing innovation with consumer protection?
What concerns do privacy advocates have regarding CBDCs and data collection?
Methodological Considerations
Since CBDCs are a relatively new phenomenon, qualitative research methods would be excellent for exploring in-depth perspectives:
Interviews: Conduct in-depth interviews with individuals from various groups (general public, specific demographics, business owners, financial experts, policymakers).
Focus Groups: Gather diverse opinions and enable discussion among different stakeholders.
Case Studies: Examine the early adoption of CBDCs in countries where they have been piloted to explore the real-world implications.
Assignment Descriiption: Students will have to develop a small project of qualitative research on a topic of their interest. The project should have four major parts as described below, including the preliminary pages (covering title page, abstract and table of contents, and References page; at least 10-15 references, and Appendices are expected). (205 points) Due 04/28/2024 (Drafts, in sections are expected earlier; as stipulated below).
• Part I: Review of Related Literature: Introduce the section, organize the review of literature in headings and sub-headings as you identify the research gaps that necessitated your study, and have a summary and conclusion sections. The emphasis is on reviewing empirical studies of a qualitative nature. (1500-2000 words). 20 points for the draft and 30 points for the final (You will post draft paper on Canvas for a feedback, due 03/19/2024)
• Part II: The problem and its setting: Suggested sections include Background to the Problem and Problem Statement, Research Questions, Purpose of the Study, Assumptions, Significance and justification of the Study, Delimitation, Limitations of the Study, and Operational Definitions of Key Terms. (This section should have 1500-2000 words in length). 20 points for the draft and 30 points for the final paper (Post Draft paper on Canvas for a feedback, due on 04/02/2024).
• Part III: Research Methodology. Suggested topics include research design, instruments for data collection, population and sample, sampling technique, researcher background and bias, data collection procedures, ethical issues, credibility/validity and dependability/reliability, and procedures for data analysis. (1500-2000 words). 20 points for the draft and 30 points for the final (Post draft paper on Canvas for a feedback, due 04/16/2024)
• Part IV: Data Analysis and Presentation: Suggested sections include Coding, Descriiption of Participants, Data Presentation (organize findings according to themes, Conclusions, and Recommendations. (1500-2000 words). 40 points. Oral presentation 15