Note: Beginning in Week 1 and continuing throughout this course, you will compose journal entries as practice for research journaling, which is a technique used for self-reflection that enhances credibility and dependability. Each week, you will respond to focused journal prompts with reflections on what you have discovered in the course during that week and on what you anticipate in the weeks ahead.
Walden University (2016d) asks doctoral students to incorporate a social change component into the capstone in alignment with “a deliberate process of creating and applying ideas, strategies, and actions to promote the worth, dignity, and development of individuals, communities, organizations, institutions, cultures, and societies.”
Perhaps you may ask, “How can the results of my one small study make a difference in people’s lives?”
Journaling is a rigorous qualitative research tool and a process for self-examination. It allows you to inquire into the meaning, intention, desire, methodological choices, and personal ego of yourself as the researcher in this most intensive exploration of the experiences of your participants. If you expect your participants to share deeply, consider that you have to reflect deeply as well.
A journal is a perfect place to explore questions such as the following:
How am I…?
Why am I…?
Where am I…?
What do I do now?
Journaling and the use of the journal as a source of data contribute to the transparency of the research process as a means of keeping your biases “in check.” Journaling also provides an opportunity to keep track of your own transformation.
A journal can be written (words, drawings, collage), audio, or video. In this course, you will have the opportunity to try out several approaches, with recommended guidelines for each weekly entry. You are also encouraged to go beyond the guidelines if you feel compelled to do so.
Last Completed Projects
| topic title | academic level | Writer | delivered |
|---|