Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of theory and practice for this level.
PG Research Design
PG Research Design
Argument/Analysis:
}Excellent critique of key research material resulting in clear, original and illuminating conclusions. }Demonstrates insightful, creative thinking solutions to complex problems }Produces excellent work that makes a contribution to the development of knowledge and understanding in the subject area.
Relevance:
}Directly relevant to title/brief. }Expertly addresses the assumptions of the title and/or the requirements of the brief.
Knowledge:
}Demonstrates an excellent knowledge of theory and practice for this level. }Expertly interprets appropriate concepts and theoretical models. }Demonstrates originality in conceptual understanding.
Presentation:
}Excellent presentational style & layout, appropriate to the type of assignment. }Effective inclusion of figures, tables, plates (FTP).
Structure
}Coherently articulated and logically structured. }An appropriate format is used.
Purpose Statements & Research Questions
Purpose statement
Why you want to undertake this study
What you want to accomplish (Locke et al, 2007)
Outlines to the overall intention of the research proposal is a sentence / several sentences
“…the purpose statement sets the objectives, the intent, or the major idea of the proposal or study…” (Creswell, 2009)
Qualitative Purpose Statement
Information about the central phenomenon, the participants and research setting
It conveys the central design and draws from the terms used in qualitative approach
Words such as purpose, intent or objective focus upon the statement
Tends to have a relationship approach / in terms of 2 or more areas influence one another
Use of verbs such as describe, understand
/ develop / examining meaning
Qualitative approach often uses terms which are neutral, such as, ‘experiences of individuals’. This is because qualitative approach looks for the participant to describe their own experiences
When defining terms there might be discussion about different options / flexibility (openness is central)
Strategies to inquiry are included: e.g. Grounded theory, case study, phenomenological
Research site is identified: e.g. classroom, organisations, geographical area
Boundaries of focus might be stated, e.g. Women / homeless people
Quantitative Purpose Statement
Different in terms of language and focus
Considers variables and their relationships to one another
Comes from a quantitative research ethos and deductive testing
Begins from the prospective of the major variable
Often based upon a model of comparison
Words to signal intent are used: Purpose, intent or objective
Identifies a theory, model or conceptual
framework
Identify the dependent and independent variables / as well as amy mediating, moderating or controlled variables
Use word which connect, such as ‘relationships between’ or ‘comparison of’…showing how one variable influences another
Specific strategy of enquiry e.g. survey
Mention participants / unit of analysis / research site
Define terms and variables
Mixed Method Purpose Statement
Overall intention
Information about both qualitative and quantitative strands, and rationale for choices
Signal words such as ‘the purpose’ or ‘the intention…’
Indicate the sequence of design planned
Triangulation / blending of approach
Include characteristics of both qualitative and quantitative / consider the phenomenon
(Creswell, 2019)
The Importance of Good Questions
The research question should be broad enough to incorporate the area to be investigated in a meaningful and flexible way
Research question are important to:
define the area of investigation
set boundaries of what will be covered
provide clarity and direction
A research question begins with a topic
This can be difficult and takes a while to refine
Most research topics relate to an area of interest
Research curiosity and the desire to understand is often the starting point
Interest might be generated from a personal or professional experience
Research Questions will also be influenced by:
Existing theoretical framework
Observations of a group / in an area of practice (your setting)
Contemporary issues which are covered
Engagement with the literature / reading and considering the work of others can be influential
Narrowing and Clarifying
Narrowing, clarifying, and even redefining your questions is essential to the research process
Forming the right ‘questions’ should be a process that is informed by reading and further information
You can refine what you have
as you go along
Open minded approach is important
Good Question Checklist
A research project is a significant investment to time and energy and so you need to know the question will hold your interest for the duration
The question needs to be broad enough to grow a research project / idea
Avoiding assumptions and pre-conceived ideas is important / an open mind
Time should be spend defining terms and
being clear / to show understanding