Discussion: Evaluating Purpose Statements There is a link between understanding the purpose of one’s research and selecting the appropriate methods to investigate the questions that are derived from that purpose. –(Newman, Ridenour, Newman, & DeMarco, G. M. P., Jr., 2003, p. 169) For this Discussion, you will evaluate the purpose statements in assigned journal articles in your discipline and consider the alignment of theory, problem, and purpose. You will also explain your position on the relationship between research and social change. Alignment means that a research study possesses clear and logical connections among all of its various components. To achieve these connections, researchers must carefully craft the components of their study such that when they are viewed together, there is a coherent interrelationship. As you read the authors’ purpose statements, consider how well the intent of the study, and its connection to the problem and theoretical framework, is presented. Also consider if the purpose statement reveals the study’s potential for engendering positive social change. As you know, social change is a distinguishing feature of Walden University’s mission. Positive social change implies a transformation that results in positive outcomes. This can happen at many levels (e.g., individual, family systems, neighborhoods, organizations, nationally and globally); and positive social change can occur at different rates: slow and gradual or fast and radical. With these thoughts in mind, refer to the Journal Articles document for your assigned articles for this Discussion. You will switch your journal article assignment from Week 3. If your last name starts with A through L, use Article B. If your last name starts with M through Z, use Article A. Follow the prompt below for your program. Article A: Spencer, M. S., Rosland, A. M., Kieffer, E. C., Sinco, B. R., Valerio, M., Palmisano, G., . . . & Heisler, M. (2011). Effectiveness of a community health worker intervention among African American and Latino adults with type 2 diabetes: A randomized controlled trial. American Journal of Public Health, 101(12), 2253–2260. doi:10.2105/AJPH.2010.300106 Master’s and research doctorate (PhD) students By Day 4 Post a critique of the research study in which you: Evaluate the purpose statement using the Purpose Statement Checklist as a guideAnalyze alignment among the theory, research problem, and purpose Explain your position on the relationship between research and social change Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style. Read a selection of your classmates’ postings. Part 1 Respond to a classmate who was assigned a different article than you by further supporting his or her critique or respectfully offering a differing perspective. Part 2 Respond to a classmate who was assigned a different article than you by further supporting his or her critique or respectfully offering a differing perspective. Submission and Grading Information Grading Criteria Note: In this course, you will submit your initial Discussion post before you are able to view your colleagues’ posts. Click the “Week Discussion” link where you will create a Thread and submit your post. You may choose to write your initial post in a word processing document for copying and pasting before you click to the next screen. Part 1 needs to be post on time and respond to any question from the professor and classmate. Part 2 must be respond soon when the classmate discussion sent to the expert team. To access your rubric: Week 4 Discussion Rubric Post by Day 4 and Respond by Day 6 To participate in this Discussion: Week 4 Discussion

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