Week 11: Alignment and Social Change

Introduction 

In this last week, you bring your skills in critically evaluating research to a final discussion of what it means for the components of a research study to be logically connected. As you recall from previous weeks, this connection refers to alignment.

You also consider the social change implications of research. Engendering positive social change is at the core of Walden University’s mission. As future researchers and scholar-practitioners in your fields, you have likely had, and will continue to have, opportunities to apply your Walden learning experiences to making a difference in the lives of others. 

This week, you will revisit the interrelationship among research components to determine the criteria for evaluating alignment. You will also consider the relationship between research and social change as you reflect on your newly acquired research knowledge and skills.

Learning Objectives 

Students will:

• Determine criteria to evaluate alignment of research components
• Describe role of acquired research knowledge and skills in advancing positive social change
• Apply APA Style to writing

Required Resources Readings

• Website: Walden University. (2015b). Social change. Retrieved from http://www.waldenu.edu/about/social-change

Optional Resources 

• Vogt, W. P., Gardner, D. C., & Haeffele, L. M. (2012).  When to use what research design. New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Week 11 Discussion

Alignment and Social Change

In the context of research, alignment and social change will be important topics to return to as you prepare for the next courses in the research sequence and continue your development as a scholar-practitioner. 

Consider, for example, what criteria are used in your discipline to evaluate alignment of research components. And in what way will your future research contribute to your identity as scholar-practitioner who is dedicated to positive social change? 

For this Discussion, you will consider criteria for evaluating alignment among the various components of a research study. You will also reflect on your role as a positive social change agent through research.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post by Day 4 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. Then, reflecting on the course content, discuss the extent to which your newly acquired research knowledge and skills can support your role as an agent of positive social change. Be specific and provide an example(s).

Be sure to support your Main Issue Post and Response Post with reference to the week’s Learning Resources and other scholarly evidence in APA Style.

Read a selection of your classmates’ postings.

Respond by Day 6 to a classmate by further supporting his or her criteria for evaluating alignment or respectfully offering a differing perspective.