Week 3 Blog Clayton Yantis

Chapters Five through Seven provided unique insights on how to write effectively using the scientific method. This blog will feature my thoughts on three methodologies: the introduction, the purpose statement, and research questions and hypotheses. 

The introduction is the most important part of a writer’s proposal.  One of the most interesting concepts that Creswell offers is the use of a narrative hook. I may have used this technique in earlier papers, but have not ever used it to ask a question. I always thought that asking questions when the reader could not answer was a little pointless.  One teacher, Dr. Ledbetter, stressed the importance of forming the introduction paragraph last. I still use this technique but am now adapting to “APA” writing. My writing typically is in layman’s terms and most of my work is simple enough without “bogging” the reader down with complex words. Simply put, the introduction is my way of introducing the reader to a complex topic without jumping into the issue immediately.

The purpose statement is a great way to indicate your message to the reader. The two methods, qualitative and quantitative, both have different strategies. I identify more with the qualitative purpose statements because I like the “open-ended” aspect of it. This enables my reader to form their own opinion and also protects the study. My psychology classes have taught me to always strive to increase objectivity whenever possible. For example, the use of neutral words or nondirectional language helps the reader maintain a sense of objectivity. Creswell encourages people to avoid the following words: useful, positive, and informing language (113).

Quantitative purpose statements focus on identifying the independent and dependent variables. The use of these variables sets up a cause and effect relationship. I have used variables in my undergraduate career, especially in my psychology classes. One way to conceptualize scientific studies is to use variables creatively and interchangeably to help prove theories.

The next section research questions and hypotheses. Qualitative research questions seek to ask the broadest central question. This allows the reader to form their own opinions on the subject matter. For example, researchers ask one or two central questions to open up the discussion. They can then follow up with no more than five to seven sub-questions. The point is to collect as much data as possible without influencing the subject. Researchers can relate the central question to the specific qualitative strategy of inquiry. The questions may address a description of the case and themes that emerge from studying it. Researchers should focus on a single event or concept and describe what the study will do.

The introduction and research questions & hypotheses are central in the development of your proposal. The most important part of this blog is the introduction, where everything begins and sets the tone for both your project and research paper. Effective communication is critical to ensure that bias can be minimized and protect your study. A good rule of thumb is that if you have thoughts, you have biases. The purpose statement is critical and is often found in the introduction. It can include variables (quantitative), open-ended questions (qualitative), or even both (mixed methods research). Finally, asking the appropriate research questions can help researchers form precise hypotheses. The interview process may not be effective if researcher bias is not minimized. All of these elements combine to provide researchers a realistic way of developing their specific projects.