Module 3 Assignment 1: Course Project Task II / Annotated Bi

Module 3 Assignment 1: Course Project Task II/Annotated Bibliography

During Module 2, you identified four journal empirical articles related to your research question. In this module, select two more articles related to your topic, totaling six sources by this module. For the first assignment of this module, select two of those six sources and create annotated bibliographies following the guidelines provided on the Module 3 lecture page. Submit the annotations to the M3A1 dropbox. Each annotation must be no longer than words. This submission will be reviewed by Turnitin. Review the report to interpret matching text sections and revise accordingly, ensuring proper citation and paraphrasing. Submit your revised annotations to the M3: Assignment 1 Dropbox by Monday, July 14, 2014.

For Module 3 Assignment 2, select one of the six articles from Modules 2 and 3. Confirm that it is a clear quantitative or qualitative empirical study containing the five basic parts of a research article. Read the article and develop a critique based on guidelines provided in the course materials. The critique should reflect all key points from the resources “Writing a Critique of a Journal Article,” “Suggestions for an Organized Paper,” and the “Sample Article Critique.” Incorporate feedback from previous critiques. Submit a double-spaced, four-page critique in Microsoft Word to the M3: Assignment 2 Dropbox by Wednesday, July 16, 2014.

For Module 3 Assignment 3, prepare a brief reflection on a preliminary theoretical framework by Thursday, July 17, 2014. Consider Creswell’s metaphor of the rainbow arc connecting independent and dependent variables. Review Creswell’s definitions of these variables, and think about how a specific theory, such as Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences or Langer’s concept of reflection, could serve as the theoretical or conceptual framework linking your variables. Examine how a clear framework helps to focus a research question and interpret findings. Discuss the importance of theoretical frameworks in research and literature reviews, referencing the examples from Langer’s study and your critique article. Post your response directly to the discussion forum in a narrative format, and respond to at least two peers.

Paper For Above instruction

The significance of a well-defined theoretical framework in research cannot be overstated, as it provides the foundational lens through which variables are interconnected and interpreted. A theoretical framework elucidates the relationships between independent and dependent variables and guides the development of research questions, hypotheses, and methodology. It enhances the coherence and clarity of the study, allowing for better communication of findings within the scholarly community. Furthermore, the framework plays a crucial role in literature reviews by situating the study within existing theories and concepts, thereby guiding the synthesis of relevant research and identifying gaps that the current study aims to fill.

In the context of the examples provided, Langer's (2002) study utilized theories related to the concept of reflection within learning processes. By framing reflection as a theoretical construct, Langer was able to focus his research on how reflection influences adult learning and the use of journals as educational tools. His theory served as a conceptual lens that sharpened the investigation, ensuring that the key variables—reflection and learning outcomes—were connected in a meaningful way. This clear framework allowed Langer to interpret his findings within the broader literature on reflective practice and adult education, strengthening the validity of his conclusions.

Similarly, in critiquing the empirical article selected in Module 3 Assignment 2, identifying the theoretical framework is essential for understanding how the authors linked their variables. For instance, if the article examined student success in relation to classroom practices, the researchers might have employed Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences to explain how different cognitive strengths influence learning outcomes. Recognizing this theoretical foundation highlights how the variables are related and provides context for interpreting the results. A well-articulated framework helps researchers avoid arbitrary associations by providing a logical basis rooted in established theory.

When applying Creswell’s metaphor of the rainbow arc, the theoretical or conceptual framework acts as the arc that visually connects the independent variable—such as educational practices—and the dependent variable—such as student success. This connection is supported by theory, like Gardner’s or Langer’s, which offers explanations for how and why changes in one variable might lead to changes in another. The clarity provided by a theoretical framework facilitates not only more focused research questions but also more meaningful interpretations of data. It enables researchers to illuminate the mechanisms underlying observed relationships, thereby contributing to the development of theory and practice.

In sum, the employment of a theoretical framework is indispensable in research design and analysis. It underscores the logical relationships among variables, grounds the study in existing knowledge, and guides interpretation. Effective use of theory, exemplified in Langer’s emphasis on reflection and alternative theories like Gardner’s intelligence theory, enhances the depth and rigor of research. As students and researchers, recognizing and articulating the theoretical underpinnings in our studies ensures clarity and coherence, fostering meaningful contributions to the scholarly discourse.

References

• Creswell, J. W. (2009). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (3rd ed.). Sage Publications.
• Langer, E. J. (2002). The Concept of Reflection in Learning. Journal of Adult Education, 31(4), 338-347.
• Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Basic Books.
• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (4th ed.). Sage Publications.
• Schunk, D. H. (2012). Motivation in Education: Theory, Research, and Practice. Pearson.
• Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative Research: A Guide to Design and Implementation. Jossey-Bass.
• Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage.
• Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
• Glaser, B. G., & Strauss, A. L. (1967). The Discovery of Grounded Theory: Strategies for Qualitative Research. Aldine.
• Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.