Scientific and Mathematical/Analytical Perspectives of Inquiry Paper

The GE Capstone - Topic Selection and Processes The Written Communication Component - A Current Problem in Healthcare -Topic Options

Topic Area

• Choose a topic area of interst. Topic areas are not completed topics - they are broad areas of healthcare and health- related issues that will help you form a personalized topic of inquiry.

• Next, develop a problem- or issue-related topic within that area of interest. As you work toward developing this specific topic, keep in mind that your eventual goal is to formulate and present a solution to the healthcare issue or problem you identify.

Weeks 1-4

•

You will explain and describe the topic by composing TWO research papers based on the four “transdisciplinary perspectives” of the course (scientific and mathematical/analytic; cultural and ethical). Each of these papers should be at least 5 pages in length, with 4-6 scholarly, peer-reviewed resources used as references (each).

• Each of the two perspective or inquiry papers should demonstrate informative, explanatory, and descriptive writing, and should address the general topic by forming and answering two levels of research questions that are developed to provide specific and detailed inquiry, discovery, and understanding.

• The culminating 3 rd

paper presents a strategic re-ordering of the first two papers (presented as distinct “sections” of the cumulative paper), adding an introduction and discussion/conclusory section. The final discussion/conclusion (newly added material for the 3

rd paper) forms an argument revealing a “defensible

solution” to the healthcare problem or issue that you have researched and written about in the course, supported by the “evidence” explained in the first two papers.

• All papers must follow APA formatting standards (spacing, font, headers, titles, abstracts, page numbering, etc.)

Research Questions/Prompts - Used for each of the two Perspective of Inquiry papers:

• Choose one “Level 1 Research Question/Prompt” from the list below to begin the inquiry process for your papers. Note that these Level 1 questions are exactly the same for all topic areas and topics.

• Then compose a second, “Level 2 Research Question/Prompt” that provides detail, specificity, and focus to your inquiry, research and writing. Level 2 Questions/Prompts will vary greatly by topic (and they should be more focused on your problem/issue topic than the general topic area).

• For each of the two perspective of inquiry papers, introduce the research questions/writing prompts in the introduction of each paper, address each of them in the body of the paper, then review that process and the resulting understandings in the conclusion of the paper.

Level 1 Research Questions / Writing Prompts

SCIENTIFIC

What are the Anatomical, Physiological, Pathological,

or Epidemiological issues?

Which body systems

are affected?

What happens at the cellular

or genetic level?

Which chemical or biological

issues are most important?

CULTURAL

Which cultural values and/or norms influence

the issue?

How is the issue addressed differently in varying cultural

contexts and situations?

Which cultures or societies are most affected by the

issue and why?

Which cultural traditions

affect the treatment(s)?

ANALYTIC/ MATHEMATICAL

What are the economic

issues involved?

Which economic theories or approaches best explain the

issue?

What are the statistical facts

related to the issue?

Which statistical processes give the best explanation or

understanding?

ETHICAL

What laws govern or should

pertain to the issue?

What ethical obstacles affect how the issue is addressed

by the medical community?

How do ethical theories

apply to the issue?

How are money, power and control matters related to the

issue and its treatment?