Discussion: 1

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. You will switch your journal article assignment from Week 3. If your last name starts with A through L, use Article B. If your last name starts with M through Z, use Article A. Follow the prompt below for your program.

June 19,[email protected] pm

Resources:

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”

Forster, M., Grigsby, T. J., Unger, J. B., & Sussman, S. (2015). Associations between gun violence exposure, gang associations, and youth aggression: Implications for prevention and intervention programs. Journal of Criminology, doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2015/963750

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 Walden University © 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 2 of 2 • Include the characteristics of a good quantitative purpose statement (as listed above) • Indicate the specific method of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data

1. Applied Sciences
2. Architecture and Design
3. Biology
4. Business & Finance
5. Chemistry
6. Computer Science
7. Geography
8. Geology
9. Education
10. Engineering
11. English
12. Environmental science
13. Spanish
14. Government
15. History
16. Human Resource Management
17. Information Systems
18. Law

Using the GCU Library, locate a journal article about absorption and/or variable costing. In the subject line of your post, include the name of the article that you read. Post a link to that article with your initial post, and provide a summary and a reaction to the article. The summary should be approximately 250 words, and the reaction should be approximately 150 words. The summary should describe the major points of the article, and the reaction should demonstrate your interpretation of the article and how you can apply that knowledge. Do not choose an article that one of your classmates has already posted. To participate in follow-up discussion, choose one of the articles that a classmate has posted and provide your own reaction to it. Note: It will be challenging to find a relevant article if you do not use the library.

Please include proper citations in your discussion post. Points will be deducted if proper citations are not used.

Do not use any of the ones in the screen shots.

APA