Required Readings
Saunders, M. N. K., Lewis, P., & Thornhill, A. (2015). Research methods for business students (7th ed.). Essex, England: Pearson Education Limited.
Chapter 5, “Formulating the Research Design”
Section 5.8, “Establishing the Quality of the Research Design” (pp. 201–207)
Chapter 9, “Collecting Primary Data through Observation”
Section 9.4, “Internet-Mediated Observation” (pp. 373–376)
https://advance-lexis-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/api/permalink/494dc3a3-4750-4aee-bbae-da9a53da6b9c/?context=1516831
http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/1524838014523337
http://ebn.bmj.com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/content/18/3/66
http://dx.doi.org.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/10.1177/1049732315588501
https://ezp.waldenulibrary.org/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=rzh&AN=104185748&site=ehost-live&scope=site
https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/researchcenter/osra/dba
http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/scholarly
Discussion: Judging Research Quality
Determining the quality of a research study involves many factors, not least of which is the choice of methodology. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods include specific criteria by which studies can be judged and applied within a given field. Further, the understanding and use of these criteria can have a significant impact on researchers as they both review and add to the field of knowledge.
To prepare for this Discussion, review the resources from Morse (2015) and Heale and Twycross (2015) before considering the difference in quality criteria for quantitative (reliability and validity) and qualitative (dependability, credibility, transferability, and trustworthiness) methodologies. Further, consider how these concepts can be applied within your development as a research professional and a global change agent.
Post an application of research quality criteria within the context of your work as a doctoral researcher and global change agent. Your application should include the following:
As an independent scholar, what does the concept of “research quality” mean to you? Explain, and provide supportive examples.
In your opinion, what are the most critical components for evaluating the quality of a quantitative or qualitative research study? Explain, and provide supportive examples.
As a global change agent, how will you ensure research quality in your doctoral research study to promote positive social change?
Be sure to support your work with a minimum of two specific citations from this week’s Learning Resources and at least one additional scholarly source.