Okay here is the week 7 assignment
Week 7 Theor
PAGE
Running head: TYPE ABBREVIATED TITLE HERE 1
Title of Your Proposed Research Goes Here
Student Name Here
Walden University
Title of Your Proposed Research Goes Here
Replace all instructions with your text; however, do not change any formatting and do not change the headings (there is no need to add any headings; all expected material will fit within the headings already in this template). Do not add any extra spaces between your heading and your text (check Spacing under Format, Paragraph in your word processor, and make sure that it’s set to 0”)—just double space as usual, indent your work a full ½ inch (use paragraph formatting feature to indent first line), and start typing.
You do not need an abstract page. For all of the sections described in this template, do not include information or reviews that are not directly pertinent to your proposed research. This is not about how much you write, but about how well you justify each element and logically link all elements together into a cohesive research proposal.
This first section is the introduction, but do not add a heading, and should be about 2-3 pages ultimately (i.e., 2-3 paragraphs for Week 1 assignment, expanded to 2-3 pages incorporating the broader literature review due in Week 9). Describe the social problem or phenomenon of interest. Report, with citation, the scope, severity, increase, importance, etc. of the social problem or phenomenon and why it is important to study. As part of the discussion of the social problem or phenomenon you should identify the general population of interest.
Report what we already know about the social problem or phenomenon by summarizing the findings of 3-5 (Week 1) studies published in a peer-reviewed journal, expanding to 7-10 studies (Week 9, what the course refers to as the literature review). This establishes the background of research that has already been done on the social problem or phenomenon.
Research Problem
The research problem is something that we do not know about the social problem or phenomenon, a gap in the research literature. You need a very clear and specific research problem (i.e., gap); just saying studies have been limited is not enough. A specific research problem is expressed as lack of knowledge about the relationship between specific variables or the effect of one specific variable on another specific variable. It cannot be vague. The variables and a conjectured relationship between the variables should be implied, if not specifically stated, in the problem statement. A simple but effective research problem statement can be written in 3-4 sentences. The first should summarize, in a single sentence, the literature that you reviewed and reported on in the introduction section above, and might begin with the phrase “We know that…blah, blah, blah”. The second sentence is the research problem proper, and might begin with the phrase “We do not know…blah, blah, blah”. The third and, if needed, fourth sentence explains why it would be important to find out what we do not know, who would find the new information important, how they might use it to help alleviate the social problem or phenomenon, and how the new knowledge might lead to positive social change (keep this to just a sentence or two; a more expanded discussion of social change implications is part of a latter section).
Research Purpose
Begin this section with a phrase such as “The intent of this study is to …..” and complete the sentence in a way that describes the relationship between two or more variables that will be examined. This might be done by simply saying “The intent of this study is to answer the following research questions” followed by the actual research questions.
Study Variables and Hypotheses
Describe the specific variables that will be measured in enough detail to give the reader a sense of how each variable is operationalized (the precise details of how each is operationalized and measured goes in a latter section of this paper). As appropriate, identify each variable as either an independent variable (IV) or dependent variable (DV). Keep in mind it may be the case that a variable is an IV in one hypothesis, but a DV in a second, so be clear and precise. Below is guidance on writing hypotheses, followed by format for two sets of hypotheses; if you have more, then just add to these.
A null and its companion alternative constitute one hypothesis set. I highly recommend that hypotheses be kept nondirectional; those who tend to write directional hypotheses often end up with an incomplete set—for example, a nondirectional null, but a directional alternative. For example, if the null is that males and females will not differ on IQ, and the alternative is females will have higher IQ, what would you do if the results were that males had higher IQ?—you cannot reject the null and accept the alternative, nor can you fail to reject the null.
A nondirectional null hypothesis would be that there is no difference, no relationship, no change, no effect, etc. (whichever term is appropriate to your situation) of the independent variable on the dependent variable. That is, do not use terms such as increasing, decreasing, more, less, higher, lower, etc.—these create directional hypotheses.
For each set of hypotheses (null and alternative) there can only be one dependent variable (unless you propose a multivariate analysis, which are not covered in this course). If you have two or more dependent variables, you will need a separate set of hypotheses for each one. For example, let’s say I want to see if sex (males and females) differ on IQ and on emotional quotient (EQ). The first set of null and alternative would be about sex differences on IQ. A separate second set of null and alternative would be about differences on EQ. It would be incorrect to combine these into a single null, for example: Males and females will not differ on IQ and EQ. This makes the null nonsingular. What would you conclude if they differed on EQ but not IQ? You could neither reject the null nor fail to reject it, and these are the only two choices. Instead you would have two sets of hypotheses:
Null #1: Males and females will not differ on IQ.
Alternative #1: Males and females will differ on IQ.
Null #2: Males and females will not differ on EQ.
Alternative #2: Males and females will differ on EQ.
Similarly, you need to be careful with null and alternative if you have more than one independent variable. If the separate IVs are associated with separate DVs, then you would of course have separate sets of null and alternative for each. For example:
Null #1: Males and females will not differ on IQ.
Alternative #1: Males and females will differ on IQ.
Null #2: African Americans and Caucasians will not differ on EQ.
Alternative #2: African Americans and Caucasians will differ on EQ.
If the separate IVs are associated with the same DV, then you might also have separate sets of null and alternative for each. For example:
Null #1: Males and females will not differ on IQ.
Alternative #1: Males and females will differ on IQ.
Null #2: African Americans and Caucasians will not differ on IQ.
Alternative #2: African Americans and Caucasians will differ on IQ.
Or, you might have a set for the combined effect and sets for each IV. For example:
Null #1: The combined effect of IQ and EQ will not predict GPA.
Alternative #1: The combined effect of IQ and EQ will predict GPA.
Null #2: While controlling for EQ, IQ will not predict GPA.
Alternative #2: While controlling for EQ, IQ will predict GPA.
Null #3: While controlling for IQ, EQ will not predict GPA.
Alternative #3: While controlling for IQ, IQ will predict GPA.
Null Hypothesis #1. State the first null hypothesis.
Alternative Hypothesis #1. State the first alternative hypothesis
Null Hypothesis #2. State the second null hypothesis.
Alternative Hypothesis #2. State the second alternative hypothesis.
Theoretical Framework
Identify and discuss in 1-2 pages how a specific social-psychological or other appropriate theory (with appropriate citations) relates to expectations or explanation of the conjectured relationship between the independent and dependent variables (see Creswell chapter 3 for a review of the role and use of theory in research). More specifically, in a classic scenario in which an IV is expected to have an effect on a DV, you need to present a theory that explains, at least in part, why the IV is expected to affect the DV.
If you do not have an explanatory theory already in mind, it might be useful to explore http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/a_clusters.htm or http://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20Clusters
Method
Research Design
The research design elements proposed in this section must make sense with respect to the research problem, variables, hypotheses, etc. presented in previous sections. The Campbell and Stanley (1963) book is essential reading to properly craft the design section of the paper (you might also find Chapters 5 and 6 in the Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias helpful). The research design section should (a) specify a general quantitative design for your research plan (e.g., experimental, quasi-experimental, pre-experimental); (b) a specific quantitative design for your research plan (e.g., non-equivalent control group); (c) a rationale for why that design is appropriate for your research questions, variables, and hypotheses (including brief discussion why at least 1 other design would not be appropriate); and (d) an assessment of the strengths and limitations of the specified design for your research plan. You should support your work with some citations.
Although I do not have a minimum or maximum page limit for this section, the information expected for the design section can probably be sufficiently addressed in about 1 page, depending on your writing style.
Sampling
Chapter 8 in the Frankfort-Nachmias and Nachmias textbook is essential reading to properly craft this section of the paper. In this section you need to specifically identify the population of interest and the sampling frame suitable for your proposed research. If there is not a sampling frame, explain why. You also need to specifically identify a sampling strategy (e.g., random, convenience, etc.) and discuss why it is appropriate for your research, its strengths and weaknesses as a sampling strategy, and why at least one other specific sampling strategy would not be appropriate for your research. Also, describe any participant eligibility and exclusion criteria (e.g., must be 18 years or older; must be a registered voter; etc.).
Although I do not have a minimum or maximum page limit for this section, the information expected can probably be sufficiently addressed in about 1 page, depending on your writing style.
Procedures
Having described the sampling strategy and participant eligibility above, in this subsection describe how you will collect the data (e.g., internet survey, observation, interview, etc.). If there is an intervention or manipulation describe it, who will deliver it, the setting, time span, and any other information that someone else would need to know in order to replicate your research.
Ethical Considerations
In 1-2 paragraphs discuss how your proposed research will ensure participant rights such as informed consent, voluntary participation, right to withdraw, anonymity or confidentiality, and the like (see Chapter 4 in Frankfort-Nachmias & Nachmias for review of ethical issues).
Measurement and Instruments
You need to actually identify and describe the operationalization of each variable and the specific instruments that will be used to measure each variable and discuss the reliability and validity of the selected instruments.
You can search for an appropriate measure or instrument in the PsycTESTS database of the Walden Library. You can also ask the Walden librarians to assist you in finding an instrument for a specific construct.
For each nominal variable, if any, specify the name of the variable, and specify the labels for each level of the variable; for example, sex will be measured as two levels: 0 (male) or 1 (female). If levels of a variable will be collapsed for analysis, specify the analysis levels and what measured levels will be in each analysis level; for example, ethnicity will have two analysis levels, 0 (majority) and 1 (minority) with all measured levels other than Caucasian collapsed into the minority analysis level.
For each metric variable specify whether it is based on a single item or several items (if several, state how many) and the name of the instrument or measure. Specify the name of the variable(s) (Note: an instrument or measure may yield several variables, for example, subscales, so it is critical that you distinguish each and every study variable from a measure). If the measure of a variable is a single item, provide it in its entirety; if several items, provide 2 or 3 sample items. Specify the item response scale (e.g., labels and values assigned); APA format for reporting scale anchors is, for example: ….the rate my professor easiness item uses a 1 (Hard) to 5 (Easy) response scale. If a variable is based on a composite of several items, describe what a high or low composite score means, report Cronbach’s alpha (or other relevant reliability index) as established in prior research, and discuss the instruments validity.
Although I do not have a minimum or maximum page limit for this section, the information expected can probably be sufficiently addressed in 1 – 3 pages, depending on your writing style and the complexity of your measures.
Analysis Plan
Re-present each null hypothesis and describe the specific statistical test you propose to use for each null (e.g., independent t test, correlation, etc.), and explain why that test is appropriate for the variables being tested.
Limitations and Delimitations
In 2-3 paragraphs discuss the potential weaknesses of the proposed study in terms of internal and external validity as it relates to the proposed research design, instrumentation, and sampling strategy. As part of this discuss at least two specific internal validity threats to your research—see Campbell and Stanley or Creswell Table 8.5 pp. 163 and 164 for a list of specific threats. Below is the clearest explanation I have found that differentiates limitations from delimitations.
A. A limitation identifies potential weaknesses of the study. Think about your analysis, the nature of self-report, your instruments, the sample. Think about threats to internal validity that may have been impossible to avoid or minimize—explain.
B. A delimitation addresses how a study will be narrowed in scope, that is, how it is bounded. This is the place to explain the things that you are not doing and why you have chosen not to do them—the literature you will not review (and why not), the population you are not studying (and why not), the methodological procedures you will not use (and why you will not use them). Limit your delimitations to the things that a reader might reasonably expect you to do but that you, for clearly explained reasons, have decided not to do. ( http://www.des.emory.edu/mfp/proposal.html\ )
Significance of the Study
In 1-2 paragraphs expand just a bit on the sentence or two that was part of the research problem dealing with why it would be important to do this study, who would find the results important, how they might use it to help alleviate the social problem or phenomenon, and how the new knowledge might lead to positive social change.
In total, including cover page and references, the paper should be between about 12-20 pages, depending on your writing style. If more than 20 pages, you have probably included material irrelevant to your proposed research or were not particularly succinct. If more than 20 pages you should revise. Remember, this is not about how much you write, but about how well you justify each element and logically link all elements together into a cohesive research proposal.
References
(Please note that the following references should NOT appear in your paper)
Alexander, G., & Bonaparte, N. (2008). My way or the highway that I built. Ancient Dictators, 25(7), 14-31. doi:10.8220/CTCE.52.1.23-91
Babar, E. (2007). The art of being a French elephant. Adventurous Cartoon Animals, 19, 4319-4392. Retrieved from http://www.elephants104.ace.org
Bumstead, D. (2009). The essentials: Sandwiches and sleep. Journals of Famous Loafers, 5, 565-582. doi:12.2847/CEDG.39.2.51-71
Hansel, G., & Gretel, D. (1973). Candied houses and unfriendly occupants. Thousand Oaks, CA: Fairy Tale Publishing.
Hera, J. (2008). Why Paris was wrong. Journal of Greek Goddess Sore Spots, 20(4), 19-21.
Laureate, Education, Inc. (Producer). (2007). How to cite a video: The city is always Baltimore [DVD]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Sinatra, F. (2008). Zing! Went the strings of my heart. Making Good Songs Great, 18(3), 31-32. Retrieved from http:///articlesextollingrecordingsofyore.192/fs.com
Smasfaldi, H., Wareumph, I., Aeoli, Q., Rickies, F., Furoush, P., Aaegrade, V., … Fiiel, B. (2005). The art of correcting surname mispronunciation. New York, NY: Supportive Publisher Press. Retrieved from http://www.onewaytociteelectronicbooksperAPA7.02.com
White, S., & Red, R. (2001). Stop and smell the what now? Floral arranging for beginners (Research Report No. 40-921). Retrieved from University of Wooded Glen, Center for Aesthetic Improvements in Fairy Tales website: http://www.uwg.caift/~40_921.pdf
Template Instructions © 2012, 2013 Charles T. Diebold. All Rights Reserved.
etical Framework Clarification
You need actual explanatory theories, not just prior empirical findings as the foundation for your research. So the theoretical framework section needs to describe a specific social-psychological theory or theories (with appropriate citations) and how it relates to expectations or explanation of the conjectured relationship between the independent and dependent variables of your proposed study. For example, in a classic scenario in which an IV is expected to have an effect on a DV, you need to present a theory that explains, at least in part, why the IV is expected to affect the DV.
If you do not have an explanatory theory already in mind, it might be useful to explore http://changingminds.org/explanations/theories/a_clusters.htm orhttp://www.utwente.nl/cw/theorieenoverzicht/Theory%20Clusters
Because the theory relates to the variables being studied, hypotheses, problem statement, and the like, it should be clear that I cannot properly evaluate the relevance of a theoretical framework outside of the context of the research. So, do not just submit the theoretical framework section. Submit the entire paper to date. Though prior sections will not be graded as part of this week’s assignment, prior issues should be addressed so that the paper to date reflects logically coherent section
I am attaching the final paper format.
For this paper and the research I am interested in the following:
the effectiveness of 2nd generation psychotropic medication in african american men diagnosed with schizophrenia. I want to focus on how the 2nd generation meds affect the positve symtpoms.
Okay now in reading this…this sound qualitative and not quanitative. so I am thinking if i change something to add in like whether or not there is a positive correlation between 2nd generation meds and active symptoms of schizophrenia in african american males.
For week 7 you would have to include information in the introduction, research problem, research purpose, variables and hypotheses and theoretical framework. (the final paper guidelines) gives instructions on how lone each section is suppoed to be. Let me know what the amount would be for this week.
