Applied Research Methods
Title: Applied Research Methods
Assignment Instructions: Module 1 – Case
Descriptive Research Methods: DSP Chapter 1 Applications
Case Assignment
Choose 1 of the 6 research samples listed in the Required Readings list
Quantitative Descriptive (non-experimental) Survey Design
Berry, J. W. (2016). Burnout, autonomy, and job satisfaction in full-time public community college faculty members: A regional survey and analysis. The University of North Dakota. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Craighead, A. (2017). A descriptive survey of advanced practice registered nurses’ preparedness for treating geriatric depression. The University of Arizona. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Lamb, L. C. (2010). Values and health care: The relationship between uninsured and insured status pursuant to the Rokeach value survey. Nova Southeastern University. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Quantitative Descriptive (non-experimental) Retrospective Design
Del Gazio, A. L. (2010). An analysis of the relationships among trauma, posttraumatic stress, health risk behaviors, and physical health using the National Comorbidity survey replication data. University of South Dakota. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Karimi E Asl, M.M.J. (2014). Exploration of racial and ethnic disparities in health care transition and quality for youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Analysis of 2009-2010 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. TUI University. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Lawhorn. J. C. (2019). Exploring parental resilience and the Autism Spectrum Disorder using the 2011 National Survey of Children’s Health. Texas Woman’s University. Published Dissertation (ProQuest).
Evaluate the selected study using the Checklist below:
The following list is a guide for you to organize your evaluation. It is recommended to organize your evaluation in this order. Be sure to explain why or why not the article addresses the point in question.
Introduction
Problem
Is there a statement of the problem?
Is the problem researchable? That is, can it be investigated through the collection and analysis of data?
Is background information on the problem presented?
Is the educational significance of the problem discussed?
Does the problem statement indicate the variables of interest and the specific relationship between those variables which are investigated? When necessary, are variables directly or operationally defined?
Review of Related Literature
Is the review comprehensive?
Are all cited references relevant to the problem under investigation?
Are most of the sources primary (i.e., are there only a few or no secondary sources)?
Have the references been critically analyzed and the results of various studies compared and contrasted (i.e., is the review more than a series of abstracts or annotations)?
Does the review conclude with a brief summary of the literature and its implications for the problem investigated?
Do the implications discussed form an empirical or theoretical rationale for the hypotheses which follow?
Hypotheses
Are specific questions to be answered listed or specific hypotheses to be tested stated?
Does each hypothesis state an expected relationship or difference?
If necessary, are variables directly or operationally defined?
Is each hypothesis testable?
Method
Subjects
Are the size and major characteristics of the population studied described?
If a sample was selected, is the method of selecting the sample clearly described?
Is the method of sample selection described one that is likely to result in a representative, unbiased sample?
Did the researcher avoid the use of volunteers?
Are the size and major characteristics of the sample described?
Does the sample size meet the suggested guideline for minimum sample size appropriate for the method of research represented?
Instruments
Is the rationale given for the selection of the instruments (or measurements) used?
Is each instrument described in terms of purpose and content?
Are the instruments appropriate for measuring the intended variables?
Is evidence presented that indicates that each instrument is appropriate for the sample under study?
Is instrument validity discussed and coefficients given if appropriate?
Is reliability discussed in terms of type and size of reliability coefficients?
If appropriate, are subtest reliabilities given?
If an instrument was developed specifically for the study, are the procedures involved in its development and validation described?
If an instrument was developed specifically for the study, are administration, scoring or tabulating, and interpretation procedures fully described?
Design and Procedure
Is the design appropriate for answering the questions or testing the hypotheses of the study?
Are the procedures described in sufficient detail to permit them to be replicated by another researcher?
If a pilot study was conducted, are its execution and results described as well as its impact on the subsequent study?
Are the control procedures described?
Did the researcher discuss or account for any potentially confounding variables that he or she was unable to control for?
Results
Are appropriate descriptive or inferential statistics presented?
Was the probability level, ?, at which the results of the tests of significance were evaluated, specified in advance of the data analyses?
If parametric tests were used, is there evidence that the researcher avoided violating the required assumptions for parametric tests?
Are the tests of significance described appropriate, given the hypotheses and design of the study?
Was every hypothesis tested?
Are the tests of significance interpreted using the appropriate degrees of freedom?
Are the results clearly presented?
Are the tables and figures (if any) well organized and easy to understand?
Are the data in each table and figure described in the text?
Discussion (Conclusions and Recommendation)
Is each result discussed in terms of the original hypothesis to which it relates?
Is each result discussed in terms of its agreement or disagreement with previous results obtained by other researchers in other studies?
Are generalizations consistent with the results?
Are the possible effects of uncontrolled variables on the results discussed?
Are theoretical and practical implications of the findings discussed?
Are recommendations for future action made?
Are the suggestions for future action based on practical significance or on statistical significance only, (i.e., has the author avoided confusing practical and statistical significance)?
Are recommendations for future research made?
Additional general questions to be answered in your critique.
What is (are) the research question(s) (or hypothesis)?
Describe the sample used in this study.
Describe the reliability and validity of all the instruments used.
What type of research is this? Explain.
How was the data analyzed?
What is (are) the major finding(s)?
Conclude the Case Assignment by evaluating the Purpose Statement and Significance [Rationale] of the Study with any recommendations for improvement or clarity as applicable.
Assignment Expectations
Assessment and Grading: Your paper will be assessed based on the grading rubric. You can view it under Assessments at the top of the page. Review it before you begin working on the assignment. Your work should also follow these Assignment Expectations.
Paper Format: APA
Answer preview to Applied Research Methods
APA
900 WORDS
