Discussion: Evaluating Purpose Statements There is a link between understanding the purpose of one’s research and selecting the appropriate methods to investigate the questions that are derived from t

Discussion: Evaluating Purpose Statements

There is a link between understanding the purpose of one’s research and selecting the appropriate methods to investigate the questions that are derived from that purpose.

–(Newman, Ridenour, Newman, & DeMarco, G. M. P., Jr., 2003, p. 169)

For this Discussion, you will evaluate the purpose statements in assigned journal articles in your discipline and consider the alignment of theory, problem, and purpose. You will also explain your position on the relationship between research and social change.

Alignment means that a research study possesses clear and logical connections among all of its various components. To achieve these connections, researchers must carefully craft the components of their study such that when they are viewed together, there is a coherent interrelationship.

As you read the authors’ purpose statements, consider how well the intent of the study, and its connection to the problem and theoretical framework, is presented. Also consider if the purpose statement reveals the study’s potential for engendering positive social change.

As you know, social change is a distinguishing feature of Walden University’s mission. Positive social change implies a transformation that results in positive outcomes. This can happen at many levels (e.g., individual, family systems, neighborhoods, organizations, nationally and globally); and positive social change can occur at different rates: slow and gradual or fast and radical.

With these thoughts in mind, refer to the Journal Articles document for your assigned articles for this Discussion.

Professional doctorate (EdD) students

A critique of the research study in which you:

·         Evaluate the purpose statement using the Purpose Statement Checklist as a guide

·         Analyze alignment among the theory, problem, and purpose

·         Explain your position on the relationship between research and social change

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Learning Resources

Required Readings

Babbie, E. (2017). Basics of social research (7th ed.). Boston, MA: Cengage Learning.

·         Chapter 4, “Research Design”

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., & Crawford, L. M. (2016). The scholar-practitioner’s guide to research design. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Publishing.

·         Chapter 10, “Writing the Research Proposal

Document: Journal Articles (Word Document)

Journal Articles

Locate your program below for the assigned journal articles to use for the Discussion assignments in Weeks 3, 4, 5, and 7. Please follow the instructions in the week’s unit and find these articles in the Walden Library.

If your program is not listed, your Instructor will post an announcement with your assigned journal articles.

You will focus on one article in each of these weeks for your Main Question Post; however, you are expected to read and familiarize yourself with all of the articles listed to effectively participate in the discussion. Consult the particular week’s Discussion area for instructions on completing the assignment.

For quick access, press CTRL + left-click on your program’s link below.

EDUCATION

Week 4

If your last name starts with A through L, use Article B.

Article B:

Swan, B., Coulombe-Quach, X-L, Huang, A., Godek, J., Becker, D., & Zhou, Y. (2015). Meeting the needs of gifted and talented students: Case study of a virtual learning lab in a rural middle school. Journal of Advanced Academics, 26(4), 294–319. doi:10.1177/1932202X15603366

Document: Purpose Statement Checklist (PDF)

Purpose Statement Checklist

Use the following criteria to evaluate an author’s purpose statement.

Look for indications of the following:

• Does the statement begin with signaling words?

• Does the statement identify the research approach (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)?

• Does the statement clearly state the intent of the study?

• Does the statement mention the participants?

• Does the statement mention the research site?

• Is the statement framed in a way that is consistent with the identified problem? If the study is 

   qualitative, does the purpose statement do as follows?

• Focus on a single phenomenon

• Use an action verb to convey how learning will take place

• Use neutral, nondirectional language

• Provide a general definition of the central phenomenon If the study is quantitative, does the purpose

    statement do as follows?

• Identify the variables under study

• Provide a general definition of each key variable

• Use words that connect the variables

• Identify a theory If the study is mixed methods, does the purpose statement do as follows?

• Discuss the reason(s) for mixing both quantitative and qualitative data

• Include the characteristics of a good qualitative purpose statement (as listed above) Research Theory,

   Design, and Methods

• Include the characteristics of a good quantitative purpose statement (as listed above)

• Indicate the specific method of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data

Required Media

Laureate Education (Producer). (2016c). Purposes of research [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 14 minutes.

Dr. Patton discusses the five purposes of research.

Accessible player  --Downloads-- Download Video w/CC Download Audio Download Transcript

Laureate Education (Producer). (2009a). Doctoral research: Social change [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 10 minutes.

Walden University researchers/professors explain how and why they believe research can help bring about positive social change.

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