Effective Research
1) While
Caffarella and Barnett (2000) indicate that critique is the most influential
element in helping learners produce a better writing product, critique can be
an emotional event. Cameron, Nairn, and Higgins (2009) note that it proved
helpful in their workshops to discuss the emotions that emerged as students
prepared to give and receive feedback.
• Question: What is the role of
critique in the development of a researcher and scholar? In what ways can it
positively contribute to a learner’s academic success? In what ways can it have
a negative effect?
2) How
do the voice and tone of doctoral writing differ from the voice and tone of
writing at other academic levels? Explain your view. What are some ways that
voice and tone can enhance the scholarly image of your writing? Explain. (This
response does not require research support.)
3) Critical
thinking is one of many vital skills that learners must develop in order to
successfully examine research, analyze data, and complete a dissertation.
Consider the characteristics and practices associated with the skill of
critical thinking. Which of these are more or less beneficial or important than
others? How does synthesis integrate into your view of critical thinking? (This
response does not require research support.)
4) Saade,
Morin, and Thomas. (2012) describe critical thinking as the mental processes of
discernment, analysis, and evaluation applied to information in order to
achieve a logical final understanding and/or judgment.
• Question: Describe your approach
to breaking down information into component parts to better understand the
characteristics of a statement, concept, or problem. How might outlining help
to develop understanding? How do you know when to reach beyond previous
experience and seek out other sources of information to enhance your
understanding of the work in front of you? (This response does not require
research support.)
5) There
are several unique characteristics of qualitative research that make it
distinct from quantitative research.
• Question: Describe the aspects
of qualitative research and the elements of design that contribute to the rigor
of the work. What actions of the researcher can compromise the integrity of the
findings?
6) Validity
and reliability are primarily quantitative research concepts. Morse, Barrett,
Mayan, Olson, and Spiers (2002) argue that their exclusion from qualitative
research design undermines the credibility and rigor of qualitative research
conclusions.
• Question: Were they correct in
this assertion? Why or why not?
