Short Paper: Developing Research Methods

In Module Six, we have analyzed research design, including data collection and analysis. You will continue your application of the content to your area of research interest with this short paper.

Prompt: What research methods have been used to address your research problem? Were these methods appropriate? What data collection methods have you noted in your review of literature? Evaluate the appropriateness of statistical analyses used. What gaps and inconsistencies in the literature have you noted? Remember to use APA format.

Guidelines for Submission: Your paper must be submitted as a two- to three-page Microsoft Word document with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and at least three sources cited in APA format.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value

Research Methods Meets “Proficient” criteria, is clear, and offers specific examples from articles to support analysis

Explains types of research methods used and discusses the appropriateness of methods

Does not sufficiently explain types of research methods used; discusses the appropriateness of methods

The types of research methods used and discussion of the appropriateness of methods are not evident

30

Data Collection and Analysis

Meets “Proficient” criteria, is clear, and provides detail on strengths and weaknesses of data collection methods and statistical analysis used

Identifies data collection methods used and analyzes the types of statistical tests

Either data collection methods used or analysis of types of statistical tests is not clearly discussed

Discussion of data collection methods used or analysis of the types of statistical tests is not evident

10

Gaps and Inconsistencies

Meets “Proficient” criteria and uses substantial examples from literature as support

Identifies both the gaps and inconsistencies noted in the literature reviewed

Does not sufficiently identify the gaps and inconsistencies in the literature reviewed

A discussion of the gaps and/or inconsistencies is not evident

30

Organization Applies highly effective pattern of organization around a logical flow (introduction, body, and conclusion) to effectively communicate a critical analysis of the research methods

Applies clear pattern of organization around a logical flow (introduction, body, and conclusion) to effectively communicate a critical analysis of the research methods

Does not sufficiently apply clear pattern of organization around a logical flow (introduction, body, and conclusion) to effectively communicate a critical analysis of the research methods

Organization of ideas is not evident

20

Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, and syntax and is presented in a professional and easy-to-read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, or syntax that prevent understanding of ideas

10