Research Info

Note: my research topic is going to be about stress in the workplace and how it can cause health problems for individuals. Throughout history stress has become one of the leading causes of death in the United States. These numbers are higher than people that die from diabetes or Alzheimer’s. The paper is in the very beginning stages and I need to develop research questions and hypothesis. I have hi-lighted in red the different areas of this assignment.

Research Question(s) and Phenomenon or Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Variables

The Research Question(s) and Phenomenon or Research Questions and Hypothesis section of the Prospectus specifies the Research Questions to be answered by the study. For a qualitative study, this section specifies the Research Questions as well as the Phenomenon to be studied. For a quantitative study, it defines the Research Questions, the Hypotheses, and the Variables for which data will be collected. The Research Questions should be derived from the Problem Statement, as well as, the model(s) or theory(s) selected to provide the theoretical foundations for the research. If the study is qualitative, state two or more research question(s) that guide the research for collecting the information needed to answer the problem statement and describe the phenomenon being studied. If the study is quantitative, state two or more research question(s) and associated hypotheses. Additionally, identify and define the specific variables in the hypothesis for which data will be collected. The Research Questions are later used to define the data collection and analysis.

HINT: Many researchers use their problem statement to develop a Primary Research Question they use to develop their other research questions. This is done by simply converting the Problem Statement into a question format. Below is an example for a qualitative and quantitative study. Assume the Problem Statement for a qualitative study is “It is not known how a high-minority, low-SES school in Atlanta outperforms all of the high SES schools in and around its district on state tests in literacy, mathematics and science.” The Primary Research Question becomes: “How does a high minority low SES school in Atlanta outperforms all of the high-minority, high-SES schools in and around its district on state tests in literacy, mathematics and science?” Assume the Problem Statement for a quantitative study is “It is not known if and to what degree there is a correlation between level of transformational leadership in principals and school climate.” The Primary Research Question is “Is there a correlation between level of transformational leadership in principals and school climate?”

Qualitative (Research Questions and Phenomena Description)

Phenomenon:

R_1:

R_2:

Quantitative (Research Questions, Hypotheses and Variables)

Variable 1:

Variable 2:

Variable 3:

R_1:

H1:

H₀1:

R_2:

H2:

H₀2:

A Mixed Research Study (Includes both the Quantitative and Qualitative Sections from above).

NOTE: A Mixed Methods Study approach is generally not recommended unless the learner has a significant amount of extra time to master both the qualitative and quantitative designs, collect the qualitative and quantitative data, as well as, learn how to do both the quantitative and qualitative data analysis.

NOTE: Hypotheses are not required for quantitative descriptive survey studies.

*Criteria (Required Components): score 0-3*	*Learner Self-Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*	*Chair or Reviewer Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*
Research Question(s) and/or Hypotheses This section narrows the focus of the study and specifies the research questions to address the problem statement. Based on the research questions, it describes the variables or groups and their hypothesized relationship for a quantitative study or the phenomena under investigation for a qualitative study. (2-3paragraphs) · The recommendation is a minimum of two research questions along with related hypotheses and variables is required for a quantitative study. · Also recommended is a minimum of two research questions along with the phenomenon description is required for a qualitative study. · Put the Research Questions in the appropriate Table in Appendix B based on whether the study is qualitative or quantitative.
1. Qualitative Designs: States the research question(s) the study will answer, and describes the phenomenon to be studied. or 2. Quantitative Designs: States the research question(s) the study will answer, identifies the variables, and presents the hypotheses.
3. ALIGNMENT: The research questions are based on both the Problem Statement and Theoretical Foundation model(s) or theory(s). There should be no research questions that are not clearly aligned to the Problem Statement.
NOTE: This section elaborates on Points #5 (Research Questions) & #6 Hypothesis/variables or Phenomena) from the 10 Strategic Points. This section becomes the foundation for the Research Question(s) and/or Hypotheses section in Chapter 1 in the Proposal.
NOTE: When writing this section ensure it has a logical flow, as well as uses correct paragraph structure, sentence structure, tense, punctuation, and APA format.
Comments from the Evaluator:

Significance of the Study

This section of the Prospectus describes the significance of the study. First it describes the implications of the potential results. Second, it discusses how the research may extend or contribute to the models or theories being used for the theoretical foundation. Third, it describes professional and practical applications to the field.

*Criteria (Required Components): score 0-3*	*Learner Self-Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*	*Chair or Reviewer Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*
Significance of the Study This section identifies and describes the significance of the study and the implications of the potential results based on the research questions and problem statement, hypotheses, or the investigated phenomena. It describes how the research fits within and will contribute to the current literature or body of research. It describes potential practical applications from the research. The recommended length for this section is one paragraph.
1. Describes how the proposed research will contribute to the Literature, relating it specifically to other studies from the Background to the Problem and Problem Statement above.
2. Describes how the proposed research will contribute to the literature on the selected theory(s) or model(s) that comprise the Theoretical Foundation for the study.
3. Describes how addressing the problem will have practical value for the real world considering the population, community, and/or society.
4. ALIGNMENT: Part 1 is based on specific studies from the Background to the Problem and Problem Statements sections above and identifies how this research will contribute to that Literature . Part 2 is based on specific model(s), theory(s) or variables from the Theoretical Foundations section above and identifies how this research will contribute to the knowledge on those model(s) or theory(s). Part 3 reflects on potential practical applications of the potential research findings based on Literature in the field of practice.
NOTE: This section does not directly come from any section of the 10 Strategic Points. However it does build on the Background to the Problem, Problem Statement and Theoretical Foundations sections that are developed from the 10 Strategic Points. This section becomes the Significance of the Study section in Chapter 1 in the Proposal.
NOTE: When writing this section ensure it has a logical flow, as well as uses correct paragraph structure, sentence structure, tense, punctuation, and APA format.
Comments from the Evaluator:

Rationale for Methodology

This section of the Prospectus identifies and explains the rationale for selecting a quantitative or qualitative methodology for the study. Develop a single paragraph to describe and justify the methodology selected as being qualitative or quantitative (or mixed methods). The methodology should be selected based on the best approach to address the problem statement and collect the data to answer the research questions. As stated before, Mixed Methods are not recommended because they take considerably more time to complete and may require taking additional dissertation continuation courses. Complete Table 1 (quantitative studies) and Table 2 (qualitative studies) in Appendix B as well. (NOTE: If doing Mixed Methods complete both Tables1 and Table 2).

Instrumentation or Sources of Data

This section of the Prospectus identifies and describes the types of data that will be collected and how they will be collected (e.g. observations, standardized tests, surveys, interviews, documents). Use the Instrumentation heading if the study uses a quantitative methodology. Use the Sources of Data heading if the study uses a qualitative methodology. The data collection approaches should be specific to the selected methodology and design for the study. The learner should check on the costs and certification requirements for the learner and/or faculty for validated quantitative instruments, which can be expensive, and may require formal certification training. The learner should get written permission from the owner of any data collection instruments or sources to be used. When doing a quantitative study, the learner should find a validated survey or instrument that has been used to collect the data for each of the variable(s) being studied. Developing a quantitative instrument could add 6 to 12 months to the study time because of the time to run validation studies. Developing a quantitative instrument based on a model or theory is often a doctoral dissertation by itself. Use the literature to find data collection instruments. Additionally, www.buros.org is a good source to use to look for validated tests and instruments.

For a qualitative study, the researcher may use and/or modify a previously-developed interview, questionnaire or observation form if they receive permission from the author. Or, the researcher may develop their own data collection tools. When developing qualitative data collection tools such as interview guides or observation guides, it is important to ensure they will collect all of the data needed to answer the research questions. Both the research questions, and the theories or models to provide the theoretical foundation for the study, should be used to develop qualitative instruments. Qualitative instruments or tools (interviews, questionnaires, or observation forms) need to be validated by a group of at least three experts AND must be field tested prior to data collection.

*Criteria (Required Components): score 0-3*	*Learner Self-Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*	*Chair or Reviewer Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*
Instrumentation or Sources of Data Describes, in detail, all data collection instruments and sources (tests, questionnaires, interviews, data bases, media, etc.). Discusses the specific instrument or source to collect data for each variable or group (quantitative study). Discusses specific instrument or source to collect information to describe the phenomena being studied (qualitative study). The recommend length for this section is one paragraph AND completion of Table 1 (quantitative) and/or Table 2 (qualitative) in Appendix B.
1. Identifies and describes the types of data that will be collected to answer each Research Question for a qualitative study. Identifies the data that will be collected for each Variable/Group in a quantitative study.
2. Identifiestools, instruments, or databases to be used to collect the data (e.g., observations, interviews, questionnaires, documents, media (qualitative), standardized tests, surveys, and databases (quantitative)). For a qualitative study, identify the specific tools, instruments, or databases for each research question in a qualitative study. For a quantitative study, identify the name of the specific “validated” and “previously used in quantitative research” survey or data source to be used to collect data for each variable, providing a citation for the instrument or data source.
3. ALIGNMENT: Aligns with the Research Questions (qualitative) or Variables (quantitative) previously described in the Research Question(s) and Phenomena or Research Questions, Hypotheses, and Variables section above.Identifies and describes the data and data source that will be used to answer each Research Question for a qualitative study. Identifies, describes, and names the type of numerical data and specific data collection instrument or source that will be used for each variable and group in a quantitative study.
NOTE: This section elaborates on Point #9 (Data Collection) from the 10 Strategic Points. This information is summarized high level in Chapter 1 in the Proposal in the Nature of the Research Design for the Study section. This section provides the foundation for Instrumentation (quantitative)orSources of Data (qualitative)section in Chapter 3.
NOTE: When writing this section ensure it has a logical flow, as well as uses correct paragraph structure, sentence structure, tense, punctuation, and APA format.
Comments from the Evaluator:

Data Collection Procedures

This section of the Prospectus includes a description and size of the target population and the expected sample to be realized from the target population. It also provides an overview of the step-by-step process that will be used to collect the data using the tools described in the previous section.

*Criteria (Required Components): score 0-3*	*Learner Self-Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*	*Chair or Reviewer Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*
Data Collection Procedures This section details the entirety of the process used to collect the data. It describes each step of the data collection process in a way that another researcher could replicate the study. NOTE: It is recommended that the researcher get written approval (or at the very least unofficial approval) to conduct their research study in their selected organization. Ensure the person (who is usually a school superintendent, school boards, or corporate officer) providing approval is authorized by the organization to grant approval for research. Do not assume your organization will allow you to collect data since many organization do not allow research to be completed within the organization. The recommended length for this section is two paragraphs.
1. Defines the target population and the expected sample size, which comprises the people or organizations being studied, as defined in the problem statement. For quantitative studies, it justifies why the target population and expected sample size (final number of people or organizations being studied for which data will be collected) is large enough to produce statistically significant results (quantitative) or meaningful results (qualitative).
2. Provides an overview the proposed step-by-step procedure to collect data using the tools, instruments, or databases from the section above. Includes the steps (e.g., obtaining initial informed consent from participating organization; IRB review; sample selection; groupings; protecting rights/well-being; maintaining data security; sample recruitment; data collection instruments and approaches; field testing instruments; notifying participants; collecting the data, etc.) in a way another researcher can replicate the study. Steps may be provided in a list format.
3. ALIGNMENT: Shows the steps and approach to collect data for each and every data source identified in the Instrumentation or Sources of Data section. Defines the sample as the set of people or organizations being studied for which data will be collected. The sample size must be correct for the type of design selected to get statistically significant (quantitative) or meaningful (qualitative) results.
NOTE: This section elaborates on Points #4 (Sample and Location) and #9 (Data Collection) in the 10 Strategic Points. This section provides the foundation for the Data Collection Procedures section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal. And it is summarized high level in Chapter 1 in Nature of the Research Design for the Study in the Proposal.
NOTE: When writing this section ensure it has a logical flow, as well as uses correct paragraph structure, sentence structure, tense, punctuation, and APA format.
Comments from the Evaluator:

Data Analysis Procedures

This section of the Prospectus provides an overview of the procedures that will be used to analyze the data. For each of the stated hypotheses (quantitative), it describes the types of statistical analyses (descriptive statistics and inferential statistics) to be used to do data analysis. For each research question (qualitative), it identifies the type of data analysis to be used to answer the research question. Data analysis for qualitative studies often uses descriptive statistics to summarize data. Additionally, it uses qualitative data analysis techniques that are often specific to the research design. Many qualitative studies use coding and thematic analysis as a part of their data analysis. Others use case study summaries, comparative case analysis, model creation, network analysis (Bernard and Ryan, 2010). Identify the specific data analysis approaches to be used in Table 1 for each hypothesis (quantitative) or in Table 2 for each qualitative research question (Appendix B).

*Criteria (Required Components): score 0-3***	*Learner Self-Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*	*Chair or Reviewer Evaluation Score* *(0-3)*
Data Analysis Procedures This section describes how the data were collected for each variable or group (quantitative study) or for each research question (qualitative study). It describes the type of data to be analyzed, identifying the descriptive, inferential, and/or non-statistical analyses. Demonstrates that the research analysis is aligned to the specific research design. The recommend length for this section is one paragraph AND completion of Table 1 (quantitative) and/or Table 2 (qualitative) in Appendix B.
1. Describes the analysis to examine each stated research question and/or hypothesis. For quantitative studies, describes the analyses including the inferential and/or descriptive statistics to be completed. For qualitative studies, describes the specific analytic approach appropriate for the Research Design and each research question to be completed. In qualitative research the different research questions may require different approaches to doing qualitative data analysis, as well as descriptive statistics.
2. ALIGNMENT: For qualitative studies, there is a clear and obvious alignment between each research question, data to be collected, tool or data source, as well as data analysis to understand/explain the phenomenon. For quantitative studies, there is a clear and obvious alignment between each variable, data to be collected, instrument or data source, as well as data analysis for each hypothesis.
NOTE: This section elaborates on Point #10 (Data Analysis) from the 10 Strategic Points. This section provides the foundation for Data Analysis Procedures section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
NOTE: When writing this section ensure it has a logical flow, as well as uses correct paragraph structure, sentence structure, tense, punctuation, and APA format.
Comments from the Evaluator: