Quiet Week

I made an effort to call the CDC in order to participate in their survey. Although they weren't available at the time, I still hope to be able to participate. Sometimes the most effective method in understanding a concept is to actually experience it firsthand. One of our upcoming assignments is to join a youth program, and analyze it as a researcher. The purpose behind the analysis is similar to my desire to participate in the CDC's survey research. Perhaps after my literature review has been handed in, I will have the ability to realize this desire.

I finally finished reading the Creswell book, with the last two chapters on the purpose statement and on research questions and the hypothesis. Both chapters provide wonderful basic insights into setting up these aspects of a research paper, with actual scripts and useful word usage dedicated to the three different research designs. This information would assist in creating a base for my own research project, something that I can come back to when required.

According to Creswell, the purpose statement discusses "why you want to do the study, and what you intend to accomplish". Essentially, it's all about the intent and not really about the problem or issue that necessitates the research study. Additionally, the purpose statement is a vital piece of the puzzle that should be written separately from the introduction or other areas of a research paper. In regards to the research questions and hypotheses, Creswell eloquently states that "from the broad, general purpose statement, the researcher narrows the focus to specific questions to be answered or predictions based on hypotheses to be tested". These are perfect guidelines for writing the next section of a research study paper.

Creswell mentions a key element to a successful paper; a concept he calls 'signposts' for the reader. Each section should be clearly defined or delineated, to help the reader truly understand the steps of the process when reviewing the study. I also believe that creating these signposts will help guide the researcher along the study being conducted. I remember mentioning earlier in the semester that the reason I liked quantitative research was because I appreciated the step by step and clear process of an experiment, similar to conducting a science fair project. Ultimately, the research process and paper written on the study, adheres to a similar framework of step by step guidelines.