What is the purpose of the introduction?
- sets the stage for the project
- creates reader interest in the topic
- establishes the issues or concerns that lead to the study
- conveys information about the problem
- places the study within the larger context
- reaches out to a specific audience
Describe qualitative introductions.
- problem calls for exploration
- may be shaped by a theoretical lens
- may be written from a personal, first-person, subjective POV
- answering “why” questions
Describe quantitative introductions.
- problem call for factors and variables
- may advance a theory to be tested and substantial literature
- may be written from an impersonal, objective POV
- can be descriptive or predictive
- impersonal, not using 1st person
Describe mixed methods introductions.
- may use a quantitative or qualitative approach or a combination
- if one approach is emphasized or begins the study, then the introduction may follow that approach
5 steps for deficiencies model of an introduction:
- state the research problem
- review studies that have addressed the problem
- indicate deficiencies in the studies (or respond to a call of future research)
- advance the significance of the study for particular audiences
- state the purpose statement
The problem or issue that leads to the need for a study can come from:
- personal experience
- debate in the literature
- gaps that need to be addressed
- policy debates
- problems in society at large
How do we go about finding information that address the need for a study?
- conduct a lit search
- review studies that address the problem
Deficiencies in past literature may exist because:
- the topic has not been explored with a particular group, sample, or population
- the literature needs to be replicated with new people or sites
- the voice of underrepresented groups has not been heard in published literature
How do we indicate deficiencies?
- cite several deficiencies specifically
- indicate areas overlooked in past research
- talk about how your study will remedy or address the deficiencies
- how your study will provide a unique contribution to the literature
What is the most important statement in the entire study?
purpose statement
The purpose statement indicates why…
you want to do the study and what you intend to accomplish
The purpose statement conveys…
the overall intent of a proposed study in 1 or several sentences
The purpose statement sets forth the _____ of the study.
intent
The purpose statement should identify all the _____ or ______ in the study.
- variables
- phenomena/concepts
What variables should be in a quantitative purpose statement?
- dependent
- independent
- mediator
- moderator control
What should be included in a qualitative purpose statement?
central phenomenon
Purpose statement is not:
- research problem
- questions to be answered by collecting data
How should we start a quantitative purpose statement?
“the purpose (or intent or goal or objective or aim) of this study is to describe/examine/test …”
In a quantitative purpose statement, it is important to identify:
- the important study variables
- the theoretical framework or model that is guiding the study
- the participants targeted for the study
In a quantitative purpose statement, we should mention…
the strategy of inquiry (eg. survey research, experimental)
Central phenomenon:
the key construct or focal area that the researcher tries to better understand, explore, and describe
How should we start a qualitative purpose statement?
“the purpose (or intent or goal or objective) of this study is to describe/discover/understand…”
In a qualitative purpose statement, we should identify and describe the…
central phenomenon or idea
In a qualitative purpose statement, we should recognize the…
philosophical worldview and research approach
