Discussion: Evaluating Purpose Statements
USE THIS ARTICLE: LAST NAME DENNIS
Ibarra, P. R., Gur, O. M., & Erez, E. (2014). Surveillance as casework: Supervising domestic violence defendants with GPS technology. Crime, Law and Social Change, 62(4), 417-444. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10611-014-9536-4
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 studys potential for engendering positive social change.
As you know, social change is a distinguishing feature of Walden Universitys 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.
Masters and research doctorate (PhD) students
By Day 4
Post a critique of the research study in which you:
Evaluate the purpose statement.
The Purpose Statement Checklist serves as a guide for your evaluation. Please do not respond to the checklist in a Yes/No format in writing your Discussion post.
Analyze alignment among the theory, research problem, and purpose.
Explain your position on the relationship between research and social change.
Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the weeks Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.
Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University
2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 1 of 2
Purpose Statement Checklist
Use the following criteria to evaluate an authors 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
Purpose Statement Checklist Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University
2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 1 of 2
Purpose Statement Checklist
Use the following criteria to evaluate an authors 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
Purpose Statement Checklist
