MOD3WK6ASSIGN

INTRODUCTION

Module 3 Week 6: The Purpose Statement

In this course, you have learned that a final problem statement normally takes many months to develop. Yet this week, you are asked to begin to develop the purpose statement. This is not because your problem statement is finalized but because it is time for you to evaluate and practice creating the rest of the common components of the doctoral capstone. This is part of the iterative process of preparing the capstone.

Remember, though, that the assignments in this course are unlikely to be final versions of your study. The intention is to help you to understand and prepare for what you will need to write in your capstone.

The purpose statement serves as the connection between the problem being addressed and the focus of the study. Depending on the methodology, in:

· Quantitative studies, state what needs to be studied by describing two or more factors (variables) and a conjectured relationship between (among) them related to the identified gap in practice or problem;

· Qualitative studies, describe the need for increased understanding about the issue to be studied (based on the identified gap or problem); and

· Mixed-methods studies (with both quantitative and qualitative aspects), clarify how the two approaches will be used together to inform the study.

Notes on Readings

This week’s readings continue to provide information on how to review the research literature. Apply this guidance to your ongoing efforts to read and take notes interactively in the research relevant to your problem. The media and other resources, this week, will help you to develop your understanding of the purpose statement.

The reading in the Single text, this week, can help you to fine tune your system for scholarly reading and note taking via the use of your citation management software.

This week, Thomas provides detailed instructions about how to interact with, and review, the research literature. These skills are critical in your work on your doctorate.

Learning Objectives

Students will:

· Apply technological tools to find, analyze, and evaluate existing research

· Analyze purpose statements

· Apply knowledge of APA references

· Apply knowledge of doctoral study

Assignment: The Purpose and Problem Statements

Stephen King, who has written more than 50 novels—and other books that have sold hundreds of millions of copies—also wrote about how he writes. In his book, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, King explains that his iterative approach to writing involves writing, putting it aside, writing something else, and then returning to the first draft.

While it is unlikely you will adopt Stephen King’s ritual for draft versions, recognize that “writing drafts” are an essential part of the process. This week’s writing assignment allows you to present an improved and refined problem statement and an aligned purpose statement.

To Prepare

For this revision of your purpose and problem statements, apply what you have learned from the feedback you have received, as well as the information you have learned from the required readings, web resources, and media.

By Day 7

Submit your draft.

As in previous drafts, your paper should include the following:

· Title—refining the problem statement and purpose statement

· A basic introduction or background statement

· One or two specific and precise sentences that clearly state the problem

· A few paragraphs that synthesize the evidence from research literature that this is a current, meaningful problem in the educational discipline

· Substantiated statements using evidence from research Note: Every statement must be substantiated by evidence from your research.

· One or two sentences that explain the purpose of your study Note: Connect the problem being addressed to the focus of your study.

· Demonstration of a logical flow from the preliminary problem to this (narrower) tentative purpose in your study

· Explanation of what aspect of the problem your study address (In other words, what will it accomplish?)

Find and review three scholarly sources to support your purpose.

Your newest draft of your paper should be in APA style and follow the guidelines provided in the document, “APA Course Paper Template with Advice (7th ed.)” found in the Learning Resources.

References

Single, P. B. (2010). Demystifying dissertation writing: A streamlined process from choice of topic to final text. Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.

· Chapter 4, “Citeable Notes”

· Section 4.1, “Recording Citeable Notes and Building Your Literature Review” (pp. 81–85)

Thomas, G. (2017). How to do your research project: A guide for students (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

· Chapter 1, “Your Introduction: Starting Points”

· “Purposes of Research” (pp. 6–7)

· Chapter 3, “The Literature Review” (pp. 57-67)

http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates/general

http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/templates/general

REQURIED VIDEO

https://mym.cdn.laureate-media.com/2dett4d/Walden/EDDD/8003/06/mm/slide_show/index.html#slide-2