Research Design Where to Begin

Purpose of EDD 9300Provide guidance and help you to:Select a topicConduct a Preliminary Literature ReviewDesign a Methodology to address the research problemProvide an introduction/overview to:Conducting a Literature ReviewResearch MethodsData AnalysisProgram Evaluation

Purpose of EDD 9300Develop a working Concept PaperYou MUST work collaboratively with your chair!!

Selecting a Research TopicWhat are some considerations when selecting a research topic?

Considerations in Selecting a TopicPersonal interest / PassionImportance / Contribution to the fieldNewness / RelevanceFeasibilityTradeoff between rigor and practicalityTime constraintsEthical constraintsOrganizational supportEconomic factorsAvailability of Subjects

Sources of Research Topics

PsychInfo, ERICPeer-reviewed journals in your fieldPersonal experiencesWork setting experiencesExisting literatureRecommendations for future research

Refining Your TopicRefinement needed for effective and efficient researchNarrow your topicIdentify a theoretical frameworkSpecifically and unambiguously define termsState research questions and hypotheses

Refining Your Topic (contd)A literature review will help youSee if your idea has been triedInclude all relevant constructsSelect instrumentsAnticipate common problems

Components of a Concept PaperTitle pageIntroductionNature of the ProblemBackground and Significance of the ProblemPreliminary Literature ReviewInitial Research Question or Questions

Components of a Concept Paper (contd)Brief Description of Methodology and Research Design Anticipated OutcomesTimelineReferences

Components of Assignment 1Title Page must follow NSU Style Guidelines.Nature of the Problem this should: (a) indicate the actual problem, (b) be concise and focused, (c) be stated in one or two declarative statements, which clearly indicates the purpose of the study.Background and Significance of the Problem this should include: (a) a clear statement that the problem exists, (b) evidence that supports the existence of the problem, (c) evidence that a trend exists that has lead to the problem, (d) definitions of major concepts and terms, (e) the setting is clearly described, (f) probable causes related to the problem, (f) the problem is specific and can be feasibly addressed.References must have a reference page, which includes full citations based on the in-text references and must follow APA and Nova Style guidelines.

Nature of the ProblemA problem is an actual situation that is hindering the overall effectiveness of an organizationThe impact of the problem on the organization should be clearly statedIf the problem is too broad, the student may choose to address only certain aspects of the problem (be concise and focused)The problem should be stated in the form of a declarative sentence

Nature of the Problem (contd)State the purpose of the proposed study, for example:The purpose of this study is to determine if distance education is as effective as face-to-face education.

Background and Significance of the ProblemProvide documented evidence that the problem exists (no data should be collected at this point)Define major issues related to problemIdentify possible or probable causes of the problem

Background and Significance of the Problem (contd)Provide a brief description ofThe setting (if applicable) where the problem exists and where the study will take place The profile of the organization and other pertinent general background informationThe students role in relation to the organization (if applicable)

Background and Significance of the Problem (contd)Include any other salient information

Class ExerciseGeneral questions or commentsVolunteers from the class TopicProblem statementPurposeBrief overview of the setting