PART 2 OF THE RESEARCH
Proposal Introduction
Chapter 5
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Outline
- Research Introduction
- Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions
- A Model for an Introduction
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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Introduction
- Next step is to design or plan the study
- After having decision on the approach and format for a proposal and preliminary literature review
- Proposal introduction has five components:
Establishing the problem leading to the study
Reviewing the literature about the problem
Identifying deficiencies in the literature about the problem
Targeting an audience and noting the significance
Identifying the purpose of the proposed study
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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The Importance of Introductions
- The introduction is the initial passage in a study or proposal that:
Sets the stage for the project
Creates reader interest in the topic
Establishes the problem leads to the study
Places the study within the larger context of literature
Reaches out to a specific audience
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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- A research problem is the problem or issue that leads to the need for a study
- Potential sources
Personal experience
Debate in the literature
Literature gaps that need to be addressed
Policy debates (in government)
Research Problem ≠ Research Question
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
The Importance of Introductions
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions
- Similar pattern for all approaches, but some differences
- Qualitative introductions
Problem best understood by exploration of concept or phenomenon
May be shaped by a theoretical lens
May be written from a personal, first-person, subjective point of view
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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- Quantitative introductions
Problem best addressed by for understanding what factors and variables influencing an outcome
May advance a theory to test
Incorporate substantial literature review
May be written from an impersonal point of view
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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- Mixed methods introductions
Can use a quantitative or qualitative approach or a combination
If one approach is emphasized or begins the study, then the introduction may follow that approach
May reflect need to understand relationships and explore
Problem may include the need for other methodologies
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Introductions
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
*
A Model for an Introduction
Deficiencies model of an introduction:
- builds on gaps in the literature (the deficiencies in past research)
- Write one paragraph per element (about 2 pages)
State the research problem
Review studies that have addressed the problem
Indicate deficiencies in the studies
Advance the significance of the study for particular audiences
State the purpose statement
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
*
The research problem – Tips for opening paragraph:
- Indicate why the problem is important using the existing literature
- Frames the problem in a manner consistent with the research approach (exploratory, examine relationship)
- Consider whether there is a single problem or multiple problems addressed
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
Studies addressing the problem:
- Not a complete literature review as in the full literature review (Chapter 2)
- The literature review in the introduction serves to:
Justify the importance of the problem
Create distinctions between past studies and the proposed study
Set the research problem within ongoing dialogue in the literature (not to replicate the study exactly)
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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Tips to consider when reviewing the literature for the research problem for an introduction:
- Summarize groups of studies not individual ones
- Use in-text referencing to remove the emphasis on any one study
- Review studies that use quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches
- Use recent studies (last 10 years) and older studies that are of value
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
Deficiencies in past literature:
- After advancing the problem and reviewing the literature, identify the deficiencies
- Deficiencies in past literature may exist because:
The topic has not been explored with a particular group, sample, or population
The literature needs to be replicated with new people or sites
The voice of underrepresented groups has not been heard in published literature
- Deficiencies can often be found in the “suggestion for future research”
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A Model for an Introduction
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
When identifying deficiencies in past literature:
- Cite several deficiencies
- Identify specifically the deficiencies of the other studies
- Write about areas overlooked by past studies
- Discuss how proposed study will
Remedy or address the deficiencies
Provide a unique contribution
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
Significance of a study for audiences:
- Describe the significance of the study for select audiences
- Consider including:
3–4 reasons the study adds to the scholarly literature
3–4 reasons the study helps to improve practice
3–4 reasons the study will improve policy
- End with a statement of the purpose of the study
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
A Model for an Introduction
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
Summary
- The introduction incorporates the research problem
- Five-part deficiencies model
Research problem (narrative hook)
Literature addressing problem
Deficiencies in literature
Audiences that will profit
Purpose statement
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Creswell, Research Design 5e
SAGE Publishing, 2018
Creswell, Research Design 5e SAGE Publishing, 2018
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