8010 wk 11response

2

Catherine Wolpert 

Initial Discussion Post

COLLAPSE

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Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research problem

The criteria of validity, credibility and ethical norms and standards are all used to evaluate the alignment between the data collection methods and the research problem (Burkholder et al 2020)

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research purpose

The above would also be the criteria for evaluating alignment as well as providing a connection between the problem and the focus. Indicating the type of study, intent and presenting the variables. 

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research questions

Will the data collection methods answer the question proposed and provide the outcomes the researchers are seeking. Will there be scientific validity to the questions through the proposed data collection methods. Babbie (2016) states that criteria is something hard to determine yet "essential if social science research is to tell us anything useful about matters of value" However, there are norms such as all voters need to be 18. These are social norms that are embedded criteria in the work of alignment. 

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research design

The criteria for evaluating alignment between data collection methods and design are ethical norms and standards. It is critical to take into account standards in culture, demographic and make sure these are in alignment with the design method chosen. For instance, something might not be cultural acceptable in one culture but in another be perfectly fine. Resources available will drive alignment with the design chosen as well. 

Reflection and positive social change

My work in this class this quarter was extremely hard. I had to read and reread to even grasp an understanding of the resources and terms. I had to google things to understand context. It was exhausting.  This work seems so far from the actual social change I so desire. Coupled with taking too many classes, teaching two classes, having two teens still at home and being a single mother all kept me from really connecting the dots. As I pondered this, even as my assignment is late due to me, again, inaccurately putting on my phone as a due date, I realized that this work is simply the foundational components necessary to impact my passions. I spoke with my advisor on Thursday. I lamented my consistent feelings of inadequacy in this arena. She validated all my emotions, then let me know that it is part of the process and if it was easy, everyone would do it. As an over achiever, it is clearly something I don't understand fully and would benefit greatly from one on one and in person work. However, I stepped back and thought of the children that got me here. The children that struggle in school. The children that need a voice for practitioner change. The teachers that need an answer. The families that don't know how. All those components that drive me to show up to my life each day. My day job. My adjunct work. My life as a single mother to seven children and an adoptive parent of children that look different than I do. My why is clear. I just have to go through the hard to be able to get to the destination. I know my work is impacting social change even before I do "my work"! It is clear. It is evident in those I impact. I just look forward to giving it a framework and a voice for everyone. Thank you for the hard, my substandard performance and the hope that burns within me that my passion will be guided by foundational components that will one day make my work shine. 

References

Babbie, E. R. (2016). The Basics of Social Research (7th Edition). Cengage Limited.  https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781337268622

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (2019). Research Design and Methods. SAGE Publications, Inc. (US).  https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781544342375

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Week 11

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research problem.

The researchers craft a research problem after an extensive literature review concludes that there is a gap in the research. Researchers can evaluate the usefulness of a data collection method by asking if this method will provide the data necessary to address the problem. Let’s say that I conclude that despite a professional development plan involving the use of adaptive technology in the curriculum and instruction of teachers, there is a decline in scores among students who use adaptive technology in an urban elementary school in the northeast region of the United States.[BBM1]  I would have to consider the research problem, purpose, and design of my study in order to evaluate the alignment of the data collection methods. The data collection method must be a tool to help respond to the research problem (Burkholder, 2020).

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research purpose.

To evaluate alignment between data collection methods and the research purpose, the researcher needs to understand if a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods approach will generate findings. For example, if the purpose of a study is to explore the factors that inhibit teachers’ use of adaptive technology in their classrooms, then a qualitative approach using surveys and interviews would align to the purpose of the study (Burkholder et al., 2020).

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research questions?

Burkholder mentions that researchers should ask whether or not the data collection methods will answer the research questions. For example, if a research question is regarding the perceived barriers teachers face while teaching with technology in the classroom, will interviews and/or surveys best answer those research questions? (Burkholder et al., 2020)

Criteria for Evaluating alignment between data collection methods and the research design

To evaluate alignment in the different phases of your study, researchers need to ensure that there is a logical progression and/or connection between each part of the study. Using a tool like Walden’s Research Design Alignment Table will allow the researcher to evaluate and ensure that data collection methods align to the research design. (Walden 2020)

Then, reflecting on the course content, discuss the extent to which your newly acquired research knowledge and skills can support your role as an agent of positive social change. Be specific and provide an example(s).

My newly acquired research knowledge and skills will support me as I become an agent of positive social change. While one can dream of working on a study that will have a national impact, the goal of research is to contribute to society. “Society” can be my community or my region. My goal is to empower teachers so that they can empower students. My current research topic would help raise student outcomes while also focusing on their professional development.

 

 

References

Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (2019). Research design and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. SAGE Publications.

 

Walden University: Center for Research Quality. (2016). Research design alignment table