Project 1: RESEARCH DESIGN
Key terms: research design, qualitative, quantitative, mixed, fieldwork, methodology, methods, theory, frame, lens, assumptions, worldview, data, collection, analysis, interpretation, problem, question, inquiry
DEFINITION
Research designs are plans and the procedures for research that span the decisions from broad assumptions to detailed methods of data collection and analysis. ... Informing [these decisions] should be the worldview assumptions the researcher brings to the study; procedures of inquiry (called strategies); and specific methods of data collection, analysis, and interpretation. The selection of a research design is also based on the nature of the research problem or issue being addressed, the researchers' personal experiences, and the audiences for study. (Creswell, 2009, p. 3)
GOALS
The goal of this project is to channel your specific academic, professional, and personal interests and passions into a research study by creating a research design: a plan that casts a vision for your research project-including the "big idea" (e. g., your "research brainstorm" exercise), your intuitions and assumptions about the subject, the nature of the study you would like to conduct, its components/pieces, and an initial research question and purpose-"What do I hope to learn?".
COMPONENTS
While the structure of the research design deliverable is flexible (we'll discuss this in class), it must include:
- a purpose statement, including your initial research question/problem
- a reflection on your worldview, assumptions, and past experiences (re. the subject)
- a tentative plan of actions (e. g., reading existing research, collecting data, etc.)
- a description of your general approach and methodology
- a list of possible research methods
- a discussion of what you hope to learn and why the project is significant
You may include a quote or two, if they connect to or have inspired your vision for this project, but secondary research and outside sources are not required at this stage.
EVALUATION
The project will be evaluated based on how effectively it addresses the components listed above, as well as how well it demonstrates your understanding of rhetoric, writing, and critical thinking in the context of research (the Biola Writing Competency rubric will be provided for this purpose). We may find out, through your exploration and my evaluation of Project 1, that your research project may need to change, and that's okay! This happens in research all the time-we learn, change our minds, and adjust our research topic and process accordingly. A change in plans will not affect how your projects 2-4 will be evaluated and will ultimately help your learning process.
Project 2: RESEARCH PROPOSAL
Key terms: research proposal, qualitative, quantitative, mixed, fieldwork, methodology, methods, theory, frame, lens, assumptions, worldview, data, collection, analysis, interpretation, problem, question, inquiry
DEFINITION
A research proposal is a formal document that outlines a specific structure of the plan, design, and strategies for a future research project. An effective research proposal is persuasive, purposeful, and detailed. In other words, the research proposal takes the "big idea" of the general research design and breaks it down into more precise and deliberate components, such as research questions, methods, and protocols.
GOALS
The goal of this project is to take your general research design and to make it more specific and strategic. At this stage, you will take each component of the Research Design, refine it, and build on it to research a topic in depth. (It is also okay to take your research ideas in a different direction-to use what you learned in the first stage, and to redirect your creative energy and efforts into a different area of interest or to shift your focus.)
COMPONENTS
Unlike the initial and more general Research Design exercise, the Research Proposal is more formal and structured. While formats and components vary depending on the field of study, almost every Research Proposal includes (as per Creswell, 2009; Spinuzzi, 2013) the following components:
Title: [Optional Subtitle]
Introduction:
- Background and assumptions
- Purpose (+ audience and you as researcher-think rhetorical situation)
- Research question(s)/problem(s)
Procedures:
- Theoretical framework/lens
- Methodology
- Methods (for data collection, recording, and analysis)
Conclusion:
- Anticipated result and expectations
- Significance and implications of the study
References/Works Cited*:
- An initial list of literature related to the topic
Appendix: Observation forms, interview questions, and other supplemental materials
For the purposes of our class, at this stage, at least 6-8 sources are required, of which at least 5 must be scholarly, peer-reviewed sources.
EVALUATION
The project will be evaluated based on how effectively it addresses the components listed above, as well as how well it demonstrates your understanding of rhetoric, writing, and critical thinking in the context of research (the Biola Writing Competency rubric will be provided for this purpose).
Attachment:- Assignment Files.rar