Discussion:
1 Over the last few weeks we were able to get a breakdown of research methods and all the details. With the information given we now have more knowledge of what it will take to complete a research study. We also will need to know when it is the best time to use the different research studies. In the resource for the week the idea of how to evaluate of the elements of the research study. This evaluation is breaking down in three steps. In the first part will focus on the design, the second part would include the how or sampling and the last thing is looking at the ethics of the study (Vogt, Gardner & Haeffele, 2012). Thinking of the research study in the three parts will keep the study on track and to make sure the right information is included in the study. When trying to figure out what research method will best fit the study is to have a purpose. The purpose of the study is what will help determine what layout will work to get the data collected, the results presented, and an understanding from those who are participating.
With all the information that was learned in the course it will allow us to narrow down our purpose to the social change. Once we have the purpose we will be able to focus on the area of study. Within that area of study, it would include collecting the data which will also get the information to those in the world to see. The information gain from the studies will be able to help with improvements and even start some new ideas for the social change. We must take the past information studies that are related to important social issues and improvement them to get better results in the end. My social change I have in mind is to be effective to those future police officers. With getting the information from this course I will be able to get a better understanding of what those new officers will need. The information will come in the form of interviews, observation, and surveys. This way I will be able to gather the real feeling of those who be part of the social change.
Resource:
Vogt, W. P., Gardner, D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012). When to use what research design. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
2 A research proposal generally contains two main elements: a study of rational and a study implementation plan. The rationale for a study is rooted in an exhaustive literature review that builds context for and established the need for the study. The rationale is further specified in the problem, purpose, research questions, and conceptual framework. The implementation plan identifies the overall framework, or design, of the study and the methods to be used for selecting participants, collecting data, and analyzing data (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
When deciding on research design, it is important to think about the purpose of your research. Quantitative research methods include prediction, extending knowledge, measuring change, and testing new ideas; qualitative methods include understanding complex phenomena, generating new ideas, examining the past, and having a personal, social, or organizational impact; and mixed-methods involves extending knowledge base, understanding complex phenomena, generating or testing new ideas, and having personal, social, or organizational impact (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
Study Rationale
The rationale begins with the literature review, which establishes context and the need for the study by presenting what is already known and what yet needs to be known or understood about a topic. The literature review may be summarized in a background and gap statement, which leads to a problem that the study is designed to solve. The rationale is further specified in a statement of purpose for the study, research questions and hypotheses, and the conceptual framework of study (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
Literature Review
The literature review is a systematic synthesis of prior research and knowledge on your topic. There are some purposes that are served by the literature review, and it is right for you to be aware of these as you begin the process of reading and synthesizing (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
Problem Statement
A problem statement is a description of what is not known or understood about your topic that is of interest to the profession. Personal experience alone is not sufficient to support research study. The problem must be reflected in the literature as well (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
Purpose Statement-the purpose statement describes the study
Design
The theory being tested( quantitative), central phenomenon investigated (qualitative) or both (mixed methods)
Intent
Variables(quantitative), definition of phenomenon(qualitative) or both (mixed methods)
Participants; and
Site or context (Burkholder, Cox, & Crawford, 2016).
Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods can be distinguished in the following ways:
Quantitative methods- are based on the hypothetical-deductive and postpositivist traditions of deductions from existing research and theory
Qualitative methods- are based on the constructivist and interpretive traditions and rely on verbal and visual representations (ex. narrative, observations, artifacts)
Mixed-methods-characterized by the mixing of quantitative and qualitative is intended to capitalize on the strengths of each of these traditions in order to extend your understanding of phenomena and to inform science, practice, and policy through the integration of emic and etic perspective (Burkholder et al., 2016).
The information I have acquired in this course has been very eye opening for me. It has helped me to be able to differentiate between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-method research designs. Knowing how to distinguish these designs and the type of questions each design answers, helps me to move forward in my goal of bringing positive changes in my community for young adults. It gives me directive in that I can find information to inform and fill the gaps to bring about social change. I am hoping that I can open a center similar to an after school program that would consist mostly of male mentors. My goal is to get everyone in the community to see the benefit of have mentors throughout middle and high school. My hope for the children is that they would pursue meaningful goals after graduation to enhance their life.
Reference
Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., & Crawford, L. M. (2016). The scholar-practitioner's guide to research design. Baltimore, MD: Laureate Publishing