Discuss the extent to which newly acquired research knowledge and skills can support your role as an agent of positive social change. Be specific and provide an example(s).

Consider criteria for evaluating alignment among the various components of a research study.

Reflect on the role of being a positive social change agent through research.

Provide an explanation of the criteria you could use to evaluate alignment between data collection methods and other research components, such as the problem, purpose, research questions, and design.

Discuss the extent to which newly acquired research knowledge and skills can support your role as an agent of positive social change. Be specific and provide an example(s).

Answer:

Alignment in Research Study

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Alignment in Research Study

The alignment of study components is essential for ensuring a flawless flow of information throughout. Study alignment is the logical arrangement of research elements and articulation of the primary issues covered in a publication. The cohesiveness of the study also has a direct impact on the credibility of the research outcomes since it helps the author to develop an appropriate approach in achieving the objectives. Similarly, research questions and hypotheses have to be consistent with the conceptual framework. Alignment in research helps in developing a logical flow of ideas, resulting in reliable and credible study outcomes.

The evaluation of research components is critical for determining the credibility of the study component. A research study has three primary components that include reflective inquiry, procedure, and quality data indicators(Hernon, Dugan, & Nitecki, 2011). In practice, the quality of a study’s findings depends on the logical flow of ideas across these three areas in research(Isadore & Covrig, 2013). In addition, effective criteria in determining the flawless course of the study would involve establishing a connection between them. For example, the reflective inquiry component forms the foundation of the research, so it especially needs to rely on credible sources of information in order to be viable(Hernon, Dugan, & Nitecki, 2011). The section needs to outline the objective of the study by defining the existing gap.

All of the sections have their own purposes. The procedural component develops the reflective inquiry by providing direction and justification of a study. Ordinarily, a study’s ability to link the identified gaps in research determines its significance. Additionally, the literature review should contain relevant and credible studies on the subject. It also focuses on recent publications with applicable findings. The methodology must also align with the research questions and conceptual framework(Hernon, Dugan, & Nitecki, 2011). For instance, a qualitative study has to adopt a similar methodology to produce reliable findings. Finally, the quality of data is analyzed based on reliability and validity(Creswell, 2014). The consistency of the findings is instrumental in determining the validity of the results.

The data collection procedure is a subject of the study’s objectives, research questions, and problem statement. The collection process needs to align with the specific components of the study to give credible study outcomes(Isadore & Covrig, 2013). For example, the data collection method in phenomenological researchuses an approach that captures the experiences of the participants. Conversely, using qualitative data collection methods in a quantitative study could provide misleading information, resulting in invalid findings(David, 2016; Jane, Lewis, Nicholls, & Ormston, 2013). In other words, the data collection method has to be consistent with the study’s objective, purpose, conceptual framework, and research questions.

Research is essential in pushing for social change in the community by seeking scientific solutions for problems. For example, scientific research on the environment leads to the development of more sustainable practices. A researcher is a positive change agent in addressing and finding solutions for large-scale problems. Furthermore, the knowledge and skills acquired from the research are usable in initiating positive change in society by providing an individual with a different perspective on various issues affecting them.Consequently, they havean opportunity to solve the problems using his or her findings. For example,a study on the environment provides  in-depth knowledge of various conservation methods. The outcomeof such studies is instrumental in formulating conservation policies.

In conclusion, consistency in the research study helps the author to develop concrete ideas of the study. Additionally, it enables the researcher to achieve the best outcomes due to the consistency throughout the entire process, and can be a key factor in activating social change.A researcher needs to align the reflective inquiry and procedures to achieve credible findings.

References

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches.Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

David, S. (2016). Qualitative research.Los Angeles, CA: Sage.

Hernon, P., Dugan, R. E., & Nitecki, D. A. (2011). Engaging in evaluation and assessment research.San Barbara, CA: Libraries Unlimited.

Isadore, N., & Covrig, D. M. (2013). Writer’s Forum — Building consistency between title, problem statement, purpose, & research questions toimprove the quality ofresearch plans and reports. New Horizons in Adult Education & Human Resource Development,25(1), 70-79.

Jane, R., Lewis, J., Nicholls, C. M., & Ormston, R. (Eds.). (2013). Qualitative research practice: A guide for social science students and researchers.Los Angeles, LA: Sage.