Assignment 3: Problem Statement, Purpose of the Study, and Research Questions Using

Assignment 3: Problem Statement, Purpose of the Study, and Research Questions

Using the attached form, present your problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions. The stems are presented for you on that form.

Begin by writing out your Problem Statement from Assignment 1. Then move on to Purpose of the Study. “The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study” (Locke, Spirduso, & Silverman, 1987, p. 5).

Next, develop at least 3 research questions. Refer to Creswell Chapter 4 and Ch. 4 PPT for an in-depth overview of developing research questions. A quantitative research question poses a relationship between independent and dependent variables, while qualitative ones look at experiences, meanings, or phenomena. Regarding of type, each should be (a) based on theory, previous research (i.e., the literature review), and experience; (b) stated in the form of a question; and (c) be focused and clear (i.e., specific and feasible).

Look over your research questions when done. Do they align with the problem and purpose statements?

Research Question examples taken from Creswell (2012):

Descriptive Question (Quantitative)- Use the following script: How frequently do (participants) (variable) at (research site)?

Application: How frequently do African Americans feel isolated on college campuses?

Relationship Question (Quantitative)- Script: How does (independent variable) relate to (dependent variable) for (participants) at (research site)?

Application: How do feelings of isolation relate to (or influence) the ethnic identity of African Americans in the United States?

Comparison Question (Quantitative)- Script: How does (group 1) differ from (group 2) in terms of (dependent variable) for the (participants) at (research site)?

Application: How do African Americans and Euro Americans compare in their perceptions of ethnic identity?

Meaning Question (Qualitative)- Script: What is (central phenomenon) for (participants) at (research site)?

Application: How do students at Roosevelt High School define creativity?

Experience Question (Qualitative) – Script: What do (participants) perceive to be (issue from problem statement)?

Application: What do teachers of high school Spanish perceive to the be reasons that students are unsuccessful with passing the Advanced Placement Spanish exam?

Grading Rubric

(Possible 15 points)

Element

Met

Partially Met

Not Met

(0 points)

Problem Statement

(3 Points)

Restated approved problem statement from previous assignment

(2 points)

Problem statement still notes possible causes or solution

(1 point)

The problem statement is more of a purpose statement than a problem statement

Purpose Statement

(5 points)

The purpose statement is clearly stated, appropriate, and aligns with the research problem.

(5 points)

The purpose statement is well-written but does not align with the research problem.

(3 points)

The purpose statement is not clearly stated or does not align at all with the research problem.

Research Questions

(3 points)

A minimum of 3 research questions are well-written and state if they are qualitative or quantitative.

(3 points)

The research questions partially meet the criteria as stated on the previous page

(1 point)

The research questions are not presented as questions.

Alignment of Problem, Purpose, and Research Questions
(4 points)

All 3 components: problem statement, purpose statement and research questions are aligned.

(4 points)

The three components are somewhat aligned.

(2 points)

At least 2 of the 3 components show no alignment.