Due Date Apr 21, 2018, 23:59:59 Max Points 50 Details In The

Due Dateapr 21 2018 235959max Points50detailsin The Prospectus

Due Date: Apr 21, 2018, 23:59:59. Max Points: 50. In the prospectus, proposal, and dissertation, there are 10 strategic points that need to be clear, simple, correct, and aligned to ensure the research is doable, valuable, and credible. These points provide a guide or vision for the research and are present in almost any research study. The ability to identify these points is essential in creating a viable doctoral dissertation.

In this assignment, you will identify and evaluate 10 strategic points in a published quantitative research study. Use the "Modified 10 Points Template" provided. Review the rubric prior to beginning to understand the expectations. APA style is required, and the assignment must be submitted to Turnitin.

Specifically, you'll identify each of the 10 strategic points in the dissertation, and complete the "Evaluation" section by addressing the following questions: How does the literature review highlight key points and identify the problem addressed? What are the variables studied, and how do they inform the problem, purpose, research questions, and data collection instruments? How does the problem inform the research questions? What is the quantitative design used, and why is it appropriate? Are the data collection instruments suitable to answer the research questions and address the problem? How does the problem statement influence the development of the purpose statement? Support your responses with peer-reviewed sources.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of developing a comprehensive and aligned dissertation begins with identifying and thoroughly evaluating the ten strategic points that underpin the research. These points serve as foundational pillars that guide the researcher's approach, ensure coherence among different sections, and contribute to the overall credibility and feasibility of the study. In examining a published quantitative research study, such as Casteel’s dissertation, it is imperative to critically appraise these points in terms of how well they are articulated and aligned with each other, supporting a cohesive research design.

Literature Review and Problem Identification

The literature review functions as the backbone of any research, providing a synthesis of existing knowledge and highlighting gaps that necessitate further inquiry. In Casteel’s study, the literature review establishes the significance of the research problem by summarizing previous work on the targeted phenomenon, such as the impact of educational interventions on student achievement. The review identifies gaps—such as a lack of longitudinal data or specific population focus—that the current study aims to address. The author effectively integrates peer-reviewed studies to outline the context, validate the significance of the problem, and assert the necessity for the present investigation. This framing ensures that the research problem is well-grounded in scholarly discourse, enhancing its credibility and relevance.

Variables and Their Role

The variables in the study are central to operationalizing the research questions and underpinning the quantitative design. Typically, the independent variables (e.g., instructional strategies, intervention methods) and dependent variables (e.g., student achievement scores, engagement levels) are clearly defined. In Casteel’s study, the variables directly relate to the problem and purpose by measuring the effect of specific interventions on educational outcomes. These variables inform the development of research questions, which aim to establish causal or correlational links between them. Data collection instruments such as standardized tests, surveys, or observational checklists are employed to quantify these variables accurately. While the researcher may not distinguish the theoretical differences between variables, recognizing how they operationalize key constructs and influence the research trajectory is essential.

Problem Statement and Research Questions

The problem statement succinctly articulates the issue derived from the literature review and contextual background. It highlights the significance of addressing this issue within the educational setting and frames the scope of investigation. In the study, the problem statement clarifies the need for examining the effectiveness of specific teaching strategies on student achievement. This directly informs the formulation of research questions, which are designed to explore relationships, differences, or effects related to the variables under investigation. For example, questions may include whether a particular intervention improves test scores or influences student engagement. The coherence between the problem statement and research questions ensures that the study remains focused and relevant.

Quantitative Design and Its Suitability

The choice of a quantitative research design, such as experimental, quasi-experimental, or correlational, must align with the nature of the problem and questions. In Casteel’s dissertation, a quasi-experimental design is employed, appropriate for assessing the impact of instructional interventions where random assignment may not be feasible. This design allows for statistical comparison of outcomes between control and treatment groups, providing robust evidence regarding causal relationships. The design's appropriateness is validated by the ability to control extraneous variables and establish temporal precedence, which are critical for credible inferences about effectiveness.

Data Collection Instruments and Data Quality

The instruments used to collect data must be valid, reliable, and suitable to answer the research questions. In the study, standardized achievement tests and validated questionnaires are used, aligning with the variables and enabling quantifiable measurement of outcomes. The choice of instruments is supported by prior validation studies, enhancing confidence in the data's accuracy. Proper instrument selection directly impacts the study’s validity, as it determines whether the data truly reflect the constructs under investigation and effectively address the research questions.

Linking Problem Statement and Purpose

The problem statement informs the purpose statement by clearly delineating what the researcher intends to investigate and the significance of the study. In Casteel’s research, once the problem is articulated—such as limited understanding of specific instructional strategies—the purpose statement explicitly sets out the aim to evaluate these strategies' effectiveness. This alignment ensures that the research objectives are rooted in addressing the identified problem, thereby enhancing the study’s relevance and focus.

Conclusion

Overall, systematically identifying and evaluating these ten strategic points ensure the development of a coherent, logical, and credible research study. Each component must align and support each other, facilitating a clear research pathway and enabling meaningful contributions to the field. Critical appraisal of each point, particularly in published studies, not only guides future research but also enhances one's ability to craft viable and impactful dissertations.

References

• Casteel, C. (2018). [Details of the dissertation publication to be properly formatted].
• Clark, V. L. P., & Creswell, J. W. (2011). Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Research. Sage Publications.
• Hancock, B., & Algozzine, B. (2017). Doing Social Science Research. Teachers College Press.
• Johnson, R. B., & Onwuegbuzie, A. J. (2004). Mixed methods research: A research paradigm whose time has come. Educational Researcher, 33(7), 14-26.
• Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2014). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Pearson.
• Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
• Ragin, C. C. (2014). The Comparative Method: Moving Beyond Qualitative and Quantitative Strategies. University of California Press.
• Yin, R. K. (2017). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
• Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research. Wiley.