Discussion Question 2

Analyzing and Evaluating Introductions and Purpose Statements

"...there is a link between understanding the purpose of one's research and selecting the appropriate methods to investigate the questions that are derived from that purpose."

—Newman, Ridenour, Newman, & DeMarco, Jr. (p. 169)

This week, you will continue to analyze the interconnected elements of a research study, now turning to the introduction and purpose statement.

 To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review Chapters 5 and 6 in the course text, Research Design.
  
• Review the book excerpt "A Typology of Research Purposes and Its Relationship to Mixed Methods."
  
• Review the annotated journal article "Developing Long-Term Physical Activity Participation: A Grounded Theory Study With African American Women," which is annotated to reveal the how an introduction and purpose statement function.
  
• Look to the Introduction Checklist and Purpose Statement Checklist for more guidance in analyzing and evaluating the introduction and purpose statement in your assigned article.
  
• Identify the purpose for research in your article according to the nine purposes of research found in "A Typology of Research Purposes and Its Relationship to Mixed Methods." It is possible that your assigned article may have more than one purpose.
  
• Assess and evaluate the introductions and purpose statements. As part of the evaluation, be sure to describe how well the introduction achieves its purpose and, if applicable, include suggestions for improvement.
  

With these thoughts in mind:

Post a 3-paragraph analysis and evaluation of your assigned article’s introduction and purpose statement. Be sure to include which one (or more, if applicable) of the nine purposes for research from "A Typology of Research Purposes and Its Relationship to Mixed Methods" your assigned article represents. Then, in a final paragraph, ask any questions you may have about introductions and purpose statements.

Be sure to support your postings and responses with specific references to the reading(s) and/or media segment(s) and use APA format.

Alexander, J. & Nank, R. (2009). Public–Nonprofit partnership:

Realizing the new public service. Administration & Society (41)3, 364–386.

Available from the Walden Library databases.  For direct access, see your Walden Library Course Guide link in the syllabus under Other Required Materials.