Incorporating Theory into Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches

Understanding Different Research Approaches

It is essential for researchers to be familiar with and have a clear understanding of different research approaches in order to begin identifying their research study.

In 400 words, using three of the approaches from the Topic 2 assignment “Research Approaches,” examine how a researcher could incorporate theory into the research design. Remember the use of theory is different for qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Therefore, present an approach from each along with supporting evidence. Make sure to address the following:

1. What type of approach would this approach fall under, theoretical, or applied? Inductive or deductive? Why?

2. How could the use of a theory inform and improve the quality and relevance of this research?

3. What applicable theory frameworks, models, perspectives, or practice strategies could apply? Justify your rationale.

The student comprehensively describes how a researcher could incorporate theory into a qualitative research design; information and justifications are accurate and appropriate. The student examines the type of design, how the theory could inform and improve the quality and relevance of the research, as well as applicable theory frameworks, models, perspectives, or practice strategies. Extensive evidence, details, and examples are provided. Subject knowledge is excellent.

The student comprehensively describes how a researcher could incorporate theory into a mixed methods research design; information and justifications are accurate and appropriate. The student examines the type of design, how the theory could inform and improve the quality and relevance of the research, as well as applicable theory frameworks, models, perspectives, or practice strategies. Extensive evidence, details and examples are provided. Subject knowledge is excellent.

Sources are academic, comprehensive, current, and relevant. Quoted material and paraphrasing expertly support, extend, and inform ideas, but do not substitute for the writer's own idea development. Sources are well synthesized to support major points.

Professionals within the computational sciences field are required to be accountable and transparent to all stakeholders. Therefore, decision-making must always consider professional and ethical principles.

Analyze these concepts in 600 words, making sure to address the following:

1. Are ethical principles and professional responsibility the same?

2. What type of ethical issues will you find in your field? Name several and justify your rationale.

3. From the ethical issues you found in your field, analyze them from a human value and dignity standpoint. How do you apply them when making ethical decisions from the Christian worldview? How do technical choices impact human lives?

4. Where does a professional learn about ethical norms within their field?

5. Why is it important to adhere to ethical norms in research?

Ethical Principles and Professional Responsibility [30%]

The student comprehensively examines ethical principles and professional responsibility; information and justifications are accurate and appropriate. The student comprehensively explains the importance of ethical norms in research. Extensive evidence, details, and examples are provided. Subject knowledge is excellent.

The student comprehensively describes numerous existing types of ethical issues that can be found in their field and how they can learn about additional professional ethical norms; information and justifications are accurate and appropriate. Extensive evidence, details, and examples are provided. Subject knowledge is excellent.

The student thoughtfully analyzes and evaluates ethical decisions from a Christian perspective; information and justifications are accurate and appropriate. The student examines the impact that vocation, discipline, and technical choices can have on human lives, values, and dignity, with extensive details and examples. Subject knowledge is excellent.

Sources are academic, comprehensive, current, and relevant. Quoted material and paraphrasing expertly support, extend, and inform ideas, but do not substitute for the writer's own idea development. Sources are well synthesized to support major points.