Description
Week 2 – Assignment: Prepare Problem and Purpose Statements
Instructions
As you learned this week, most educational areas of topical interest can be the subject of either theoretical (basic/fundamental) or applied research, but the research must align with your degree program.
For this assignment, you will consider your area of interest from both theoretical and applied research approaches. In light of what you learned about the differential focus and scope of EdD and PhD dissertation research and the role of problem and purpose statements in research, write problem statement and purpose statement sentences from both research foci.
Then, make sure to use all of the information you have learned from the course, textbook, and the resources provided for this assignment to develop the statement of the problem into two complete paragraphs of no more than 250-300 words and cite the relevant literature that supports this ongoing problem of inquiry.
Organize your work as follows:
- Section 1: Find one dissertation in the library ProQuest database, find the problem statement, then assess the problem statement in one paragraph. Make sure your assessment includes the specific problem sentence and whether this sentence fits the requirements for a strong problem statement as indicated in the lesson materials and resources for the week; be sure to specifically discuss why or why not.
- Section 2: A one-paragraph summary of your topical area of interest
- Section 3: A side-by-side (example below) presentation of problem and purpose statement sentences for your potential study, from both a theoretical (basic/fundamental-PhD) and applied (EdD and EdS) focus.
Theoretical Focus |
Applied Focus |
|
|
First sentence of Problem Statement |
||
|
First Sentence of Purpose Statement |
||
- Section 4: Your full problem statement (2-3 paragraphs) and at least the first sentence of your purpose statement.
Note: This assignment is an exercise in writing a problem statement and purpose statement. Once you get into the dissertation sequence or capstone process, be sure to follow the templates and specific directions provided for that phase of your studies.
Issues to keep in mind as you write the problem statement:
- Begin the first paragraph with “The problem addressed by this study is….”
- Ensure that the problem statement reflects an actual and identifiable problem (i.e., not a purpose, observation, topic, solution, or assertion).
- The problem should clearly identify the problem to be addressed by the study (i.e., What problem is your study going to gain insight into?).
- Succinctly discuss the problem by providing evidence from current researchers (within the past 5 years) who have found through empirical inquiry its continued existence as a problem and cite those scholarly studies (these citations must be empirical evidence citing findings of the study, not author opinion of a problem) that has found evidence of the problem.
- A lack of research alone is not inherently problematic. An inability to find research on your topic might indicate a need to change your focus.
- It might be helpful to review the resources in the Northcentral University Library, including the Searching 101 video, or schedule a research consultation with a librarian to help you search the literature on your topic. Both resources are linked in your Books and Resources for this Week
- Make sure you identify: Who is impacted by the problem (e.g., individuals, organizations, industries, or society) as described by researchers in the scholarly literature? What is not known that should be known about it as described by researchers in the scholarly literature? What could the potential negative consequences be if the problem is not addressed in this study as described by past researchers in the scholarly literature? Be specific.
Length: 2-3 pages, excluding the title and reference pages.
References: This is a knowledge demonstration check and does not have a specific required number of references; please include references if they are in support of your problem statement.
The completed assignment should address all of the assignment requirements, exhibit evidence of concept knowledge, and demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the content presented in the course. The writing should integrate scholarly resources, reflect academic expectations and current APA standards, and adhere to Northcentral University’s Academic Integrity Policy.
When applicable, conduct a Turnitin pre-check and then upload your completed assignment and click the Submit to Dropbox button.
Signature Assignment Reminder
The culminating signature assignment for this course has two parts. Part I is a paper putting together a mini research proposal worth 15% of your final grade and Part II is a Research and Toolkit Journal worth 15% of your final grade. Although there is a reflection section intended to be completed in Week 8, there are weekly sections that you should complete each week while the information is still fresh in your mind. To ensure you are prepared and have adequate time to complete this assignment, please review the instructions by looking ahead to the signature assignment and download the template provided for your use in completing the assignment. Contact your professor if you have questions.
CITI Completion Reminder
In Week 7, you will be asked to upload your CITI completion certificate related to the protection of human research subjects. Completing the modules is a considerable assignment. We recommend that you complete them throughout the first 6 weeks to balance the work. Contact your professor if you have any questions.
