Theory is used to support the rationale and research purpose for a proposed research study and identify how a proposed research study will contribute to the qualitative research knowledge base or fill a gap in existing research. In this assessment, you will apply research theory to support the research topic you developed in Assessment 1. You will identify theories that support the rationale and purpose for a proposed qualitative research study. You will need to determine which theories support which of the methodological approaches that may be applied in the proposed qualitative research for the research topic. The assessments in this course will prepare you for writing about these essential aspects of qualitative research that are included in qualitative research proposals.
This is the second of the four assessments that will help you prepare for writing qualitative research proposals. For this assessment, you will write a paper about research theory that supports the research topic you developed in the first assessment.
In this assessment, you will use research theory to demonstrate how the proposed study:
Provides intended outcomes that could have practical implications that could be used by the stakeholders of the research.
Contributes to the qualitative research knowledge base.
Addresses something that is not known, something that is new or different from prior research, extends prior research, or fills a gap in the existing literature.
An analysis of any theoretical implications that the proposed study may have for understanding phenomena.
A description of the practical implications that may result from the research.
Write a paper that reflects the research theory that supports the research topic and qualitative research for a proposed study. Use the Assessment 2 Template [DOCX] Download Assessment 2 Template [DOCX]to structure your paper. In your paper:
Describe the key elements of a theory for qualitative research (one paragraph).
Explain how the theory supports the proposed study and/or understanding of the research topic (1–2 paragraphs).
Describe how the practical implications resulting from the research could be used by stakeholders of the research (1–2 paragraphs).
Support your assessment with appropriate academic sources and include both citations and references in current APA format. Use 5–7 scholarly resources published with the past three years by recognized academic sources.
Several resources are available to assist with defining a literature search strategy, including Capella University Library’s Program Library Research Guides, Researching Theory in the Capella Library, Database Guide: Sage Research Methods, and Library Help services.
Your assessment should also meet the following requirements:
Written communication: Written communication is free of errors that detract from the overall message.
Length of paper: Meets the structure provided in the assessment instructions.
Resources: 5–7 scholarly resources. Include a reference page at the end of the paper.
APA guidelines: Double-spaced paragraph formatting in the body of the paper. When appropriate, use APA-formatted headings. Resources and citations are formatted according to current APA style and format. See the Evidence and APA section of the Writing Center for more information on APA style and format.
Font and font size: Times New Roman, 12 point.
By successfully completing this assessment, you will demonstrate your proficiency in the course competencies through the following assessment scoring guide criteria:
Competency 1: Evaluate the characteristics, purposes, benefits, strengths, and weaknesses of qualitative research methods.
Present key elements of a theory for qualitative research.
Competency 3: Assess the scientific merit of research.
Evaluate the specific, practical implications that may result from a research study that can be used by any of the following stakeholders: the population being studied, professionals for whom this topic pertains, and/or the wider community itself.
State how the proposed study would contribute to the qualitative research knowledge base.
Competency 4: Describe methods for data collection and analysis.
Develop a rationale on how theory supports the proposed research.
Competency 6: Communicate in a manner that is scholarly, professional, and consistent with the expectations for members in the identified field of study.
Convey purpose in an appropriate tone and style, incorporating supporting evidence and adhering to organizational, professional, and scholarly writing standards.
