Research Theory, Design, And Methods | Walden University 201

Research Theory Design And Methods Walden University 2016 Laureate

Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University © 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Use this checklist to evaluate an author’s purpose statement. Look for indications of the following: Does the statement begin with signaling words? Does it identify the research approach (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)? Does it clearly state the intent of the study? Does it mention the participants? Does it 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, and 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, and identify a theory.

If the study is mixed methods, does the purpose statement do as follows? Discuss the reasons for mixing both quantitative and qualitative data, include the characteristics of a good qualitative purpose statement, include the characteristics of a good quantitative purpose statement, and indicate the specific method of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data.

Paper For Above instruction

Understanding and evaluating the purpose statement within research studies is fundamental to grasping the aims and scope of scholarly inquiries. The purpose statement guides the reader in understanding what the researcher intends to investigate, how they plan to approach the investigation, and the relevance of the study within its broader context. In the field of research methodology, especially as articulated in Walden University’s 2016 educational materials, a well-constructed purpose statement adheres to specific criteria that ensure clarity, focus, and alignment with the research problem.

To begin with, the purpose statement should start with signaling words that immediately orient the reader. Words such as “aims to,” “examines,” “investigates,” or “explores” serve as indicators of the researcher’s intent. The statement should also clearly identify the research approach—whether it is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods—since this guides the methodology and analysis. For instance, a qualitative approach might be indicated via phrases like “a phenomenological study” or “an interpretive analysis,” while a quantitative approach references variables and their relationships, and mixed methods combine elements of both.

In addition to framing the research approach, a purpose statement must explicitly state the intent of the study. This involves describing what the researcher seeks to achieve, such as understanding a phenomenon, measuring variables, or exploring relationships. Mentioning the participants involved and the research site adds contextual specificity, thereby grounding the study within a particular population and setting. These elements are essential for replication and for understanding the scope of the investigation.

For qualitative studies, the purpose statement should focus on a single phenomenon. It should use action verbs that convey the process of learning or understanding—words like “explores,” “describes,” or “interprets”—but be non-directional in language to allow for open-ended exploration. Additionally, it should provide a general definition of the central phenomenon to clarify what is being examined. For example, “This study explores the experiences of first-generation college students in rural areas” clearly emphasizes the phenomenon under investigation.

Conversely, quantitative purpose statements should identify the variables under study explicitly. They need to provide a broad definition of each key variable, indicate how the variables relate to each other, and often include a reference to a relevant theory that underpins the hypothesized relationships. Statements such as “This research examines the relationship between student engagement (independent variable) and academic achievement (dependent variable), based on Bandura’s social cognitive theory,” exemplify this clarity.

Mixed methods studies are inherently more complex, combining qualitative and quantitative aims. Their purpose statements should articulate the rationale for mixing methodologies—such as triangulation or comprehensive understanding—and specify how both types of data will be collected. They should incorporate the defining characteristics of qualitative and quantitative purpose statements, ensuring clarity about the dual focus.

In practice, applying this checklist helps ensure that research purpose statements serve as precise guides for methodological execution and scholarly communication. A well-crafted purpose statement, aligned with the research problem and approach, enhances the clarity and credibility of the study, enabling readers and future researchers to understand its significance and how it was conducted.

References

• Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Sage Publications.
• Grinnell, R. M., & Unrau, Y. A. (2018). Social work research and evaluation: Quantitative and qualitative approaches. Oxford University Press.
• Leavy, P. (2017). Research Design: Quantitative, Qualitative, Mixed Methods, Arts-Based, and Community-Based Participatory Research Applications. The Guilford Press.
• Mertens, D. M. (2014). Research and Evaluation in Education and Psychology: Integrating Diversity with Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Methods. Sage Publications.
• Sklar, D. A., & McGaw, B. (2018). Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education. Springer.
• Yin, R. K. (2014). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Sage Publications.
• Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. Sage Publications.
• Clark, T., & Braun, V. (2018). The Qualitative Researcher’s Companion. Routledge.
• Kirk, J., & Miller, M. L. (1986). Reliability and Validity in Qualitative Research. Sage Publications.
• Babbie, E. (2010). The Practice of Social Research. Cengage Learning.