Research Topic

Select a Research Topic of Interest

Instructions

Background

For this assignment, you will develop a mind map or outline of your umbrella research topic (broad area of study) by identifying sub-categories, pieces, and possible sub-pieces. 

Instructions

Perform a literature review search on your research topic of interest.  You are not tied to this topic when you reach your dissertation sequence, but it should be a topic you find interesting now and relates to your program and specialization. Throughout this course, you will practice your literature search techniques and development of a synthesized literature review using an identified focus sub-topic that stems from this topic.  

Begin with your umbrella research topic of interest (broad area of study).  Through a preliminary search on this topic, identify a minimum of three to five scholarly articles related to your research topic of interest.  

Use a mind map technique to map five or more specific subcategories with pieces (ideas, terms, concepts).   

· Various mind map technique examples are presented in this lesson’s required resource list.   

· Identify five or more specific subcategories or ideas related to your broad topic. Use this lesson’s articles coupled with information you currently have on the topic.  Be sure to include in your resource list articles gained in this lesson’s search and other articles used previously to gain knowledge around your umbrella topic of interest.  Your topic will most likely branch off to more than five subcategories and these subcategories should branch out into pieces, and possible sub-pieces. 

· Continuing with the mind map technique, branch out your subcategories to pieces.  Using the questions outlined in this lesson’s lecture, branch off your subcategories into pieces and sub-pieces.  As you move through these questions, you will find that some of the pieces are abandoned, and other pieces become more robust.  This is acceptable.

Identify and reflect, within a separate document, on two subcategories or pieces that have piqued your interest as a plausible dissertation research topic. Limit your discussion to one paragraph for each topic.  For each of the following two topics:  

· Discuss why one or more of these topics might be a good fit for a dissertation research study.  

· Develop a Reference List.  Include references used in your preliminary search on your research topic of interest.  

Length:  Your submitted assignment deliverable will consist of 2-3 pages:  One to two pages for your mind map and one page identifying plausible topics of interest.  

References: Include a minimum of 4 scholarly resources relevant to your selected research topic. Do not include weekly required readings or optional references. 

The completed assignment should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts presented in the course by providing new thoughts and insights relating directly to this topic. The content should reflect academic writing and current APA standards and should adhere to the 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.    

Empower Yourself: Thinking of a Dissertation Training Recommendations 

· Throughout the week, reflect on which of your subcategories or branching categories will be used as a focus topic for your literature research assignments.   

· Challenge yourself:  Within 5 minutes, explain your research focus to others and gauge their understanding.     

· Revisit your articles to discern why the authors were moved to research their topic.  Did the authors provide concrete evidence that there was a problem that required a research study?   

· Set your own learning goals for this course.  Mechanics (10%) This assignment includes punctuation, grammar, word usage, and APA style. Select a Research Topic of Interest (30%) This assignment addresses complex thinking about the meaningful relationships between broad area of study and sub-categories (ideas) and pieces (further narrowed ideas).

Due Date

Apr 22, 2023, 1:59 PM

Criteria

Does Not Meet Expectations (0% - 72%)

Below Expectations (73%-82%)

Meets Expectations (83%-89%)

Exceeds Most Expectations (90%-93%)

Exceeds All Expectations (94%-100%)

Criterion Score

Select a Research Topic of Interest (30%) This assignment addresses complex thinking about the meaningful relationships between broad area of study and sub-categories (ideas) and pieces (further narrowed ideas).

2.19 points

Mind map demonstrates a weak or unclear understanding of the selected broad area of study or indication of unpreparedness in developing the assignment response.

Assignment instructions are minimally or not followed. 

2.49 points

Mind map of the assignment topic is unclear and demonstrates minimal understanding of the selected broad area of study with non-related or less than two viable sub-categories. 

Assignment instructions are minimally followed. 

2.7 points

Mind map branches from broad area of study to a minimum of two viable subcategories with pieces.  

Work is supported by a minimum of four scholarly articles related to the broad area of study. 

Assignment instructions are followed. 

Relevant terms are defined. 

2.82 points

Mind map branches from broad area of study to three or more viable sub-categories with pieces.   

Work is supported by a minimum of four scholarly articles related to the broad area of study. 

The assignment instructions are followed. 

Relevant terms are defined and interpreted. 

3 points

Mind map branches from broad area of study to three or more viable sub-topic categories with pieces and sub-pieces. 

Work is supported by more than 4 scholarly articles related to the broad area of study.

The assignment instructions are followed.  

Relevant terms are clearly defined and interpreted with nuance of understanding. 

Score of Select a Research Topic of Interest (30%) This assignment addresses complex thinking about the meaningful relationships between broad area of study and sub-categories (ideas) and pieces (further narrowed ideas).,

/ 3

Evaluate, Interpret, and Analyze (30%) This criteria addresses use of evidence and ability to detect extrinsic relationships that allows for a high level of understanding.

2.19 points

Discussion includes reiteration of few assignment sources.  

Integral relationships essential to the issue are not recognized.

2.49 points

Assignment response includes reiteration of assignment required sources. 

 Integral relationships essential to the issue are minimally recognized. 

2.7 points

Assignment response demonstrates critical analysis of complex information.  

Integral relationships essential to the issue are acknowledged.

2.82 points

Assignment response includes a clear critical analysis of complex information.  

Integral relationships essential to the issue are explored. 

3 points

Assignment response includes critical analysis and a comprehensive synthesis of complex information. 

Integral relationships essential to the issue are assessed in depth.

Score of Evaluate, Interpret, and Analyze (30%) This criteria addresses use of evidence and ability to detect extrinsic relationships that allows for a high level of understanding.,

/ 3

Ethics & Inclusion (10%) This criteria addresses diverse thinking and open-minded exploration of conflicting hypotheses.

1 point

Assignment response demonstrates comparative and contrasting interpretations of multiple fact-based world views. 

Recognition of plausible bias is demonstrated, as applicable to the topic. 

Discussion is purposeful, respectful, and professional.

Score of Ethics & Inclusion (10%) This criteria addresses diverse thinking and open-minded exploration of conflicting hypotheses.,

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1 point

Assignment response justifies original thought established through critique of evidence.

Approaches to problem solving or creative ideas based on curiosity are effectively expressed. 

A contribution to the academic or professional field is incorporated, as appropriate to the assignment.

Score of Creative Thinking (10%) This criteria addresses ability to weigh alternative hypotheses and present informed decision making.,

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.

1 point

Writing or presentation exceeds all expectations for academic voice or modeling of assignment medium.  

Writing or presentation includes satisfactory language with logical order and clear explanation of key concepts of the assignment. 

Writing or presentation addresses audience at an appropriate level. 

Text is readable and clear. 

Audio/Visual components, as applicable, support the main points of the presentation. 

Appropriate referencing of evidence by presenter.

Score of Academic Writing or Presentation (10%) This criteria applies to various assignment outcome types, for example written, oral, mixed, mind-maps, brochures, etc.,

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1 point

Writing or presentation exceeds all expectations and includes proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, and citation.

 Free of typographical issues.

APA formatting complete. 

 References match citations and are properly quoted and cited throughout.

Score of Mechanics (10%) This assignment includes punctuation, grammar, word usage, and APA style.,

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