Module 4 Assignment 1: Course Project Task III/Developing a Research Question

In Module 1 A2, you posted your initial research topic and potential research questions. You were then able to use the key words in your initial questions to help you locate research articles in the databases and to begin thinking about a possible theoretical or conceptual framework that could link them, as you reviewed empirical articles on your  topic.  You also received feedback from your peers and your instructor on your topic and initial questions, especially around how to think about research questions in a more focused, relational way: how one variable [independent] might relate to or affect another variable [dependent]. Consider these variables–think about what you might want to explore/investigate. Keep in mind what you have learned about theory: You may want to re-look at Creswell’s rainbow concept in Module 3 of a theoretical framework as an arc bridging possible variables. Also, think about the recent peer discussions around the idea of a theoretical or conceptual framework as another way to help you, along with the supplementary materials on research topics/research questions in Doc Sharing.

By Tuesday, July 22, submit your research question as a Word document to theDiscussion Area.

 Note: Be sure to be very specific and clear and follow the grading criteria carefully.

Module 4 Assignment 2: Analysis and Critique of Literature Review

Locate a dissertation related to your topic and research question in the University online library [or another library]. Write a 3 pages critique of the literature review section (Chapter 2 of the dissertation), using these kinds of guiding ideas to think about the review: 1) How was the literature related to the research problem? 2) What was the theoretical or conceptual framework, and how was it used to frame the literature? 3) Was the literature synthesized clearly? 4) How was the chapter organized? What was the organizational scheme–that is, what themes or chronology was used? How was it made apparent? 

In Doc Sharing, there are two documents titled “Review of the Literature” [M 4 & 6], which should be useful for analyzing this literature review, and “Suggestions for Reading and Writing Literature Reviews” also helpful in writing your own literature review draft in M6.

Begin your paper with an introductory paragraph where you state the name (date) of the dissertation researcher [not the title of the dissertation, which belongs in the References], your purpose for the analysis of this literature review critique and your organizational map for how you intend to structure this critique around the sub headings below. [Note the 5 topic areas/sub headings of the Body of your paper are similar to, but not the same as those for an article critique, since there are no methodology, data analysis, and implications sections in a lit review]:  

Organize your literature review paper using the following five level 2 sub-headings:

         1]Research question/problem
         2]Theoretical/conceptual foundation 
         3]Relevance of literature to research question
         4]Synthesis of literature 
         5]Discussion/Recommendations

You will likely need to look briefly at Chapter 1 of the dissertation to get a clear sense of the author’s purpose and research question, before focusing your efforts on Chapter 2. The remaining 4 parts should be found in Chapter 2. Be sure you also looks for the themes the writer has used. These should be discussed where they make the most sense in your analysis, possibly part 4. 

Write from a scholarly perspective, using APA style for expression of ideas and attribution of sources. Remember: Watch for appropriate verb tenses-past tense when discussing completed research; avoid using passive verbs; check for subject-verb and subject pronoun agreement. Editing and proofreading are mandatory prior to your submission.

By , Friday, July 25, 2014, submit your critique to the M4: Assignment 2 Dropbox. Name your file W7000_M4_A2_lastname_firstinitial.doc