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What is your First Choice Profile and Why?

This assignment was very helpful and it was a great way to prepare grad students for the research and design methods section of their dissertation. Although it was helpful, it was also extremely challenging. This researcher realized that developing a research method takes time, and a clear understanding of key concepts that are required in a research profile. The qualitative method is my first choice. According to Research Design, “qualitative methods rely on text and image data, have unique steps in data analysis, and draw on diverse designs” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). My research profile, LACK OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG ADULTS IN THE NORTHERN NECK OF VIRGINIA, can be best analyzed through interviews and surveys. The researcher is the “key instrument” (2018) within the qualitative method. They can connect with participants directly. The ability to connect with individuals and document their beliefs, and experiences can be very beneficial to a study. According to Creswell & Creswell, “In the entire qualitative research process, the researchers keep a focus on learning the meaning that the participants hold about the problem or issue, not the meaning that the researchers bring to the research or that writers express in the literature” (2018).

The problem that was being researched in my profile had to deal with young adults not being able to find jobs, and questioning if they would be interested in being a part of the Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program. The qualitative method would allow interviews to be the main research instrument. I’ve also chosen the qualitative method because as a researcher, I can reflect on my “role in the study and their personal background, culture, and experiences hold potential for shaping their interpretations, such as the themes they advance and the meaning they ascribe to the data” (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). I’ve never been in a situation where job opportunities were limited. Interviewing people would provide a true sense of the feelings and thoughts that young adults may feel when facing their struggles.

I’m reminded of Jesus Christ, who is the Savior of the world, but yet, He took time to talk and minister to common people (Luke 6:6-11; Matthew 12:9-14; and John 9:1-12, NASB). Jesus is our example. As Christians we should care for others. The Bible says: “do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4, NASB); “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor” (Romans 12:10, NASB); and “Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2, NASB). These biblical references are verses that I thought of when choosing the qualitative method. I’m encouraged to show genuine care when interviewing participants, and not just gathering information for a research study.

References

Creswell, J., & Creswell, J. (2018). Research design. (5th ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc.

New American Standard Bible (1995). Lockman Foundation

Research Profile Qualitative-1.docx download

Jasmine Lafayette

1:06pmAug 19 at 1:06pm

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REVISED POST TO INCLUDE PROFILE CLED770.ResearchProfileQuantitativeAssignment.JasmineLafayette.docx download

The journey in developing these research profiles has been very helpful as well as insightful to what is needed to construct a solid dissertation. All have been essential in helping the researcher to understand the intricate components needed to formulate a good topic and foundation for a good dissertation. If one were to be selected today, the Quantitative Profile with the dissertation topic: Correlating the impact of Impostor Syndrome and microaggression experiences on women working in Christian leadership. This dissertation topic would be chosen for several reasons. First, it is an area in which the researcher has both experienced the Impostor Syndrome and microaggressive behavior, and has knowledge of other women who have also experienced microaggressions within Christian leadership in their church which caused some doubt in their capabilities to lead. With this first-hand knowledge, the researcher developed the profile as a way to research and quantify this impact on women in leadership by numerically drawing the correlation between the Impostor Syndrome and microaggressions. Second, the researcher would choose this topic as the first choice because it is the most feasible to do at this point in time. One of the most impactful statements the researcher has taken from this course came from Dr. Colsten when he stated, “it is better to be finished than famous”. Since this topic is very personal to the researcher, it is likely that they would explore it further within feasibility for the dissertation, but will wait to pursue more expansive efforts after successfully completing and defending the dissertation and graduating. This topic provides just enough motivation and purpose to keep the researcher focused on the initial goal at hand. Third, and to add to the second point, this topic and research approach provides the best method for the flow of development without extra complexities. This topic and research approach is pretty straightforward as to the research group, manageable instrumentation tools, and creating the forms and surveys needed for approval from the advisory committee and Institutional Review Board. In addition, the researcher is able to utilize proven databases for research studies and obtaining access to stratified survey populations to further solidify the dissertation. This topic would not only be manageable with fewer complexities compared to the other topic and research approaches, but it will serve as a precursor for the foundation for future research conducted by the researcher themselves or others who have potentially taken an interest in the subject area.