Discussion Questions
Answer the following questions separately with a minimum of 150 words each.
1. I have worked with dissertation candidates who initially believed that qualitative studies were easier, and those who believe that quantitative studies were easier. It is most effective to focus on a research design that is most appropriate for the study. For example, if one would like to explore perceptions of a topic in an open-ended manner, it is likely most appropriate to conduct qualitative analysis, even if the researcher would prefer to conduct a quantitative study. Similarly, if one would like to test whether (or to what extent) a relationship holds, it is likely most appropriate to conduct quantitative analysis, even if the researcher would prefer to complete a qualitative study.
Class, what may be the consequences of attempting to force a preferred research design, regardless of the type of study? Is this ethical? If I perceive that this is ethical, is it ethical? If a committee member or other university representative perceives that it is ethical, is it ethical?
2. You may have heard the phrase “perception IS realityâ€. What do you believe this means? Do you agree with this idea? Why or why not?
3. The purpose statement guides the entire study. In other words, if I were to condense the entire three-chapter dissertation proposal into a single sentence, I would select the purpose statement. In addition, the purpose statement provides information related to methodology, and is very closely linked to the problem statement and research question.
When I begin to work with a dissertation candidate, I generally request only these three statements (the purpose statement, problem statement, and research question), rather than a full prospectus. I have attached a copy of a document with quantitative and qualitative samples of these statements.
What are your thoughts class? Is this document helpful to you in conceptualizing your study? How might you apply the information in this document to your topic?
