Assignment 3: Purpose of the Study and Research Questions In a single page, present the statement of the purpose of the study (i.e., by completing the statement, “The purpose of the study is to…”) and...

Assignment 3: Purpose of the Study and Research Questions
In a single page, present the statement of the purpose of the study (i.e., by completing the statement, “The purpose of the study is to…”) and then follow up with the relevant research questions. Remember, the Purpose of the Study is to gain information to address the problem introduced in Assignment 1 (Statement of the Problem) and reviewed in Assignment 2 (Literature Review). “The purpose statement should provide a specific and accurate synopsis of the overall purpose of the study” (Locke, Spirduso, & Silverman, 1987, p. 5).
Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement:
 
· Create a sentence that begins with “The purpose of this study is to . . .”
· Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study.
Next, develop your research questions. Refer to Creswell Chapter 4 and Ch. 4 PPT for an in-depth overview of developing research questions. A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables, but phrases the relationship as a question and should adhere to the following guidelines: (a) formation of question or questions are based on theory, previous research (i.e., the literature review), and experience; (b) stated in the form of a question; and (c) are focused and clear (i.e., specific and feasible).
Examples taken from Creswell (2012):
Descriptive Question (Quantitative)- Use the following script: How frequently do (participants) (variable) at (research site)? Application: How frequently do African Americans feel isolated on college campuses?
Relationship Question (Quantitative)- Script: How does (independent variable) relate to (dependent variable) for (participants) at (research site)? Application: How do feelings of isolation relate to (or influence) the ethnic identity of African Americans in the United States?
Comparison Question (Quantitative)- Script: How does (group 1) differ from (group 2) in terms of (dependent variable) for the (participants) at (research site)? Application: How do African Americans and Euro Americans compare in their perceptions of ethnic identity?
Central Question (Qualitative)- Script: What is (central phenomenon) for (participants) at (research site)? Application: What is creativity for five students at Roosevelt High School?
**Please Note: These are simply suggestions for the types of research questions you can have; Students should NOT submit one of each type of question. The type of question(s) you use depends entirely on your research problem and purpose statement.
Grading Ru
ic
(16 points)
    Element
    Met
    Partially Met
    Not Met
    Purpose Statement
(6 points)
    The purpose statement is clearly stated, appropriate, and aligns with the research problem.
    The purpose statement is appropriate, but not clearly stated and/or does not align well with the research problem.
    The purpose statement is not clearly stated, is not appropriate, and does not align at all with the research problem.
    Research Questions
(6 points)
    The research questions are well-written, appropriate, and aligns with the research problem.
    The research questions seem appropriate but are not clearly stated and/or does not align with the research problem.
    The research questions seem inappropriate and do not align with the research problem.
    Relevance of Purpose and Research Questions
(3 points)
    The purpose statement and research questions are clearly aligned.
    The purpose statement and research questions are somewhat aligned.
    The purpose statement and research questions are unrelated.
    APA Style
(1 point)
    The paper is written in co
ect APA style.
    There are minor APA style e
ors.
    There are numerous APA style e
ors.