Week 10 discussion
Discussion: Weighing the Evidence
When conducting original research, the final step
researchers must complete is weighing the evidence and interpreting the
meanings of their data, statistics, and analyses. This is the culmination of
the research process in which all of the research methods and designs can be
synthesized into a meaningful conclusion. In this stage, researchers should
formulate explanations for what their data indicates, determine whether the
data answers their initial research question, identify areas of uncertainty,
and consider directions for further research.
In this Discussion, you focus on one of the research
articles that you identified for Part 2 of the Course Project (Literature
Review). You then explore the process of how the researchers generated
conclusions based on their data, consider other possible interpretations of
their data, and formulate ideas for further research.
To prepare:
Review this week’s Learning Resources, focusing on how
researchers find meaning in their data and generate sound conclusions. Pay
particular attention to Table 2 in the article, “Study Design in Medical
Research.”
Revisit the 5 articles that you identified in Part 2 of the
Course Project. Select one to consider for the purpose of this Discussion.
Read sections of the chosen article where the data is
presented, analyzed, and interpreted for meaning. What reasoning process did
the researchers use to formulate their conclusions? What explanation did they
give to support their conclusions? Were there any weaknesses in their analysis
or conclusions?
Consider possible alternate conclusions that the researchers
could have drawn based on their data.
Examine the findings that the article presents and consider
how well they addressed the researcher’s initial question(s). What additional
research could be done to build on these findings and gain a fuller
understanding of the question?
By Day 3
Post an APA citation and brief summary of the research
article that you selected. Describe the data and the results of any statistical
tests or analyses presented in the article. Explain how the researchers
formulated their conclusion, any weaknesses in their analysis or conclusions,
and offer at least one alternate interpretation of their data. Propose at least
one additional research study that could be done to further investigate this
research topic.
Read a selection of your colleagues’ responses.
By Day 6
Respond to at least two colleagues on two different days
using one or more of the following approaches:
Ask a probing question, substantiated with additional
background information, and evidence.
Share an insight from having read your colleagues’ postings,
synthesizing the information to provide new perspectives.
Offer and support an alternative perspective using readings
from the classroom or from your own review of the literature in the Walden
Library.
Expand on your colleagues’ postings by providing additional
insights or contrasting perspectives based on readings and evidence.
