What questions should you ask as you complete the literature review to gather evidence?

Action research is relevant to our daily lives and engages practitioners in research to generate new knowledge and innovations to improve professional practices in a workplace setting.
In this assignment, you will begin drafting an action research proposal by identifying a problem (issue, concern, or need) in your professional practice/workplace setting and then composing a problem statement, purpose statement, and research question(s) to guide your literature review and the action research study. You also will create a reference section and update it as you move through the module assignments.
The final action research proposal will be 10 pages, not including the title, reference, and appendix pages. You will maintain one action research proposal in a Word document throughout the course and add sections as you progress through the module assignments.
Step 1. Review and Access
Review the Action Research Proposal Overview page. Access the Action Research Proposal Outline on the Learning Objects page. You will follow the Action Research Proposal Outline to compile your draft proposal in Module 4.
Use the overview page and outline to understand the overall research project, format for APA and the headings, and main points. Each element of the outline will be completed in the module assignments and used to develop the action research proposal.
Step 2. Identify a Problem
Consider a full range of problems, issues, concerns, and needs related to your professional practice/workplace setting. Identify one problem (issue, concern, or need) that is of interest to you and is appropriate to action research. The following are brainstorming starters to help you select a problem (issue, concern, or need):
I would like to improve ____.
I would like to change ____.
What might happen if I change ____?
In what ways can I improve ____?
Step 3. Gather Evidence
Gather evidence to support the selected problem (issue, concern, or need) including existing data, your own observations, and input from colleagues.
Step 4. Problem Statement
In a problem statement, clearly articulate the problem (issue, concern, or need) and a rationale explaining why it is a problem of professional practice including the background/context and the persons/groups impacted (do not use personally identifiable information [PII]). Begin with: The problem is…
Step 5. State the Purpose
Compose the purpose statement for the action research study based on the problem statement (Step 4) and a proposed best-practice problem solution or intervention strategy and its potential impact on the professional practice/workplace setting. Think: What proposed action might resolve the problem (issue, concern, need) related to the professional practice/workplace setting? Begin with: The purpose is…
Note: You will make your final selection for a problem solution or intervention strategy in Module 2 in concluding the literature review.
Step 6. Formulate and Introduce the Research Questions
In preparation for conducting the literature review and writing the proposal, compose three research questions to explore what the literature says about the problem (issue, concern, or need) and the evidence supporting your proposed best-practice problem solution or intervention. Each question should be narrowly focused and specific. Think: What questions should you ask as you complete the literature review to gather evidence? Finish these question starters and adapt them as needed to align to your study:
Research Question One: Will ____ improve ____?
Research Question Two: Why would ____ impact ____?
Research Question Three: How will ____ improve ____?
Write a minimum 3-sentence paragraph introducing the research questions. End with the statement: The following research questions will guide the literature review of the action research study: Then state the research questions.
See Table 1 on the Learning Objects page for examples of research questions.
Note: You will use the three questions to explore the literature, but the action research study and proposed implementation plan will rely only on research question three: How will ____ improve ____?
Step 7. Check Alignment
To check the alignment of the problem and purpose statements and the research questions, use the Table 1 template provided in APA format on the Learning Objects page or design your own three-column table as shown:
Table to check problem-purpose statement alignment
Problem
Purpose
Research Question
[problem text]
[purpose text]
[research question(s)]
Complete the table. Do the three research elements align? Do they sound somewhat repetitive? If the answer to these two questions is “Yes!” then “Great work!” If the problem, purpose, and research question do not align, then revise them to achieve alignment. See the Learning Objects page for a Table 1 Example in APA format.
Step 8. Introduce
Using the identified problem, issue, concern, or need (Step 2) and the evidence (Step 3) you have gathered to support it, develop a 1- to 2-paragraph introduction for your action research proposal.
Step 9. Compile
Compile sections of the action research proposal in a Word document in this order:
Introduction
Problem Statement
Purpose Statement
Research Questions
Table 1: Problem Statement, Purpose Statement, and Research Questions
Step 10. Cite and Reference
Use APA format for in-text citations and the reference page(s). You will add to the reference page(s) as you progress through the module assignments

What are the most important discoveries or insights that researchers have made about this topic?

Topic: Managing Stress Effectively and Improving
the Quality of Life

Audience: Busy Professionals (e.g., Mother of two
with full-time job as a program manager at a large corporation)

Critically analyze the arguments and
conclusions you have found in the literature. Be sure to cite evidence from
source material in your discussion. This paper must contain a thorough
discussion section as well as a detailed conclusion section.
This assignment will showcase your written
communication skills, so pay special attention to how you communicate your
thoughts. In particular:
·
Be sure your
discussion and conclusions are well organized in terms of content development
and presentation of ideas.
·
Make careful decisions
regarding your stylistic choices, such as word choice, academic tone, and
clarity of your writing.
·
Strive to make your
writing straightforward and graceful, conveying meaning fluently and without
errors in grammar, usage, punctuation, or spelling.

Discussion
In your discussion, analyze and interpret the
arguments you have found in the literature. Evaluate the significant theories
and concepts related to your topic. Writing in the third person, make a
convincing case that your interpretation is reasonable. Use supporting
materials such as quotations, statistics, or illustrations to strengthen your
case. Address alternative views and explain how you question or challenge the
viewpoint of an expert whose viewpoint differs from yours.

Address the following questions in your
discussion:
·
What are the most
important discoveries or insights that researchers have made about this topic?
·
Where do the
researchers agree and disagree? Provide examples.
·
Having analyzed the
literature and primary sources, what is your opinion on this issue and why?
·
What key theories and
concepts have you evaluated and applied to reach this determination?
·
Where did you find the
most support for your thesis? Why should your reader be convinced by this
support?
·
What aspect challenged
your thesis? Did it change your mind, or did you overcome the challenge?
Keep in mind, your discussion should reflect
the development of what you have found specifically related to your thesis or
main question. It should not simply reiterate or summarize the literature
review.

Conclusion
Now, bring your final thoughts together.
Incorporate key terms into the broad conclusions you have reached about your
topic, including the larger or practical implications of your research.
Finally, recommend avenues for future research. Your conclusion should be
impactful and memorable, not just a summary of your work.

Review the strategies outlined in Writing Conclusions as
you consider the following:
·
Analyze your thesis,
problem statement, or main question. Given all your research and synthesis,
what is your current viewpoint? Has your viewpoint changed? Why or why not?
·
Unpack your
conclusions into several broad statements that address your key terms. How do
these conclusions relate to other work in this field?
·
What are the potential
real-world or academic implications of your conclusion? Does something need to
change about the way things are currently done? Do you have an idea for a
solution?
·
What research still
needs to be done and why?
·
What should future
researchers keep in mind?
This assignment should reflect ability to:
·
Use and evaluate
theories and concepts to answer critical questions in the area of study.
·
Obtain information
from reliable and relevant source(s) with enough interpretation/evaluation to
develop a coherent analysis or synthesis; viewpoints of experts are subject to
questioning.
·
Reach logical
conclusions tied to a range of information, including opposing viewpoints;
related outcomes (consequences and implications) are identified clearly.
·
Use appropriate,
relevant, and compelling content to explore ideas within the context of the
discipline and shape the whole work.
·
Consistently use
conventions particular to a specific discipline and/or writing task(s),
including organization, content, presentation, and stylistic choices.
·
Consistently use
credible, relevant sources to support ideas that are appropriate for the
discipline and genre of the writing.
·
Use straightforward
language that generally conveys meaning to readers with few minor errors in
grammar, usage, punctuation, or spelling.
·
Correctly applies
three of the following information use strategies: (1) citations and
references; (2) choice of paraphrasing, summary, or quoting; (3) using
information in ways that are true to original context; and (4) distinguishing
between common knowledge and ideas requiring attribution. Complies with the
ethical and legal restrictions on the use of published, confidential, and/or
proprietary information.

Discuss you think this method of solving problems can be applied to your current life or future career?

Post a total of 3 substantive responses over 2 separate days for full participation. This includes your initial post and 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member.
Due Thursday
This week you learned about systems of equations. These are two or more linear equations, which may be simultaneously evaluated for the common solution.

Think about the three methods that you have learned to solve these types of equations, graphing, substitution, and elimination.

Respond to the following in a minimum of 175 words:
Which method works best for you? Why?
How do you think this method of solving problems can be applied to your current life or future career? Include at least one example. Refer to Ch. 3, “Systems of Equations,” for ideas.
Due Monday
Post 2 replies to classmates or your faculty member. Be constructive and professional.

Reply 1 Patrick Ryndak: Hi Class, Out of the 3 methods being taught, graphing, substitution, and elimination, I believe that the graphing method is the one that works for me. This is because you are able to input coordinates, or a linear equation into a graphing calculator and the answers will come up in a chart. Having a clear visualization of the graph seems to be alot easier to read. The substitution method is too long of a process in order to achieve something that can be done by just putting equations in a calc. I am studying environmental sciences at Phoenix, and this course is a good reminder of college algebra. Although studying in the environmental field, I will definitely use the systems of equations in order to calculate business costs, this would be for the total costs and revenue that I would be bringing in.

Reply 2 Dominic Otero: For me in system equations, to be honest I would have to say the one
that works best for me would have to be all solutions, depending on
which best fits the situation, my learning style, I like to take a bunch
of different things and incorporate them into what might be best. I
like to think of it in similar terms of shoes, for instance; hiking, you
would not wear some type of running shoe or sandals to go running would
you? I mean you could, however, if it doesn’t fit the situation or
something would fit better then why not use something else? This is why
in terms of which would work best I would again to be honest just go
with whatever fit the moment. In terms of my career, I would honestly
have to say more of the equations themselves I would pry use in terms of
a program that would input and output math. Example would be like y=2x
or y =x + 5 both from the chapter 3 could be used in a python program. I
also wanted to extend my apologies for not responding to my classmates
last week, I got busy and forgot to post, however, I will not forget
about you all this time.

Does it include everything it should and, maybe more importantly, would it be something we could really call “happiness?”

From Mill read (4-18)
From SInger read(229-235)

A Note on My Reading “Guides””
This is the first week where we’re engaging with the material. Each week’s folder will have this “guide” not to tell you what everything “means,” but to either: a) ask productive questions to get you “unstuck” with what something means, or b.) provide something like a “scaffold” of the argument, through questions, to help you start to see the author(s)’s bigger project in the text. As always, please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Mill
In the assigned reading, Mill starts off by discussing the centuries-long criticisms with hedonistic philosophies (meaning philosophical systems or world views that focus on “pleasure,” and used without negative connotations). Who are the critics he’s responding to?
Based on his response, how does he begin to articulate a defense of utilitarianism?
Mill’s version of The Greatest Happiness Principle is going to be based, in no small part, on his definition of “pleasure.” Why does Mill define pleasure like he does, and how does it work in the GHP?
If you’re stuck, by way of answering the above question, Mill divides his discussion of pleasure into two types. What are these, and which of the two is more important to Mill’s overall argument?
How does Mill answer the question about “who determines the quality/quantity distinction,” when it comes to pleasures?
As a way of being critical, or perhaps pressing Mill a bit, is his definition of “happiness” good enough? Does it include everything it should and, maybe more importantly, would it be something we could really call “happiness?”
As an additional point I’d like you to consider: should happiness receive as much focus, in terms of helping give us some guidance when we have a moral dilemma, as Mill gives it?
Singer
Singer, like Mill, is a consequentialist. This means they both consider the moral worth of actions to be primarily determined by the outcomes of said action. I’m including Singer in the discussion to focus on the other side of the GHP—the part about minimizing unnecessary pain and suffering. Overall, how does pain factor into each philosopher’s argument?
Singer, in the beginning of his argument, asks a very simple question about whether or not we have an obligation to prevent suffering if we don’t stand to lose anything of equal moral significance. Why might he ask this question, especially in the beginning of his argument? How does the drowning child example serve to highlight this point?
Over the course of his article, Singer is going to bring up several reasons people will commonly give to mean they shouldn’t help people who are significantly suffering—or at least that they’re not morally required to do so. How does Singer respond to each of these?
Based on your answer to the above question, how does Singer’s answer play into our traditional discussions around giving to charity?

What were your early experiences with racial and ethnic differences?

For the assignment this week you will examine the concepts of Multiculturalism as a whole and your personal experiences with culture. To do this, please complete the following activities and answer the following questions.
What were your early experiences with racial and ethnic differences? What were your early experiences with other aspects of difference (in what ever form that may take in your mind)? How have those early experiences shaped into the person you are now? Explain how your experiences helped you develop tolerance for diversity as part of your present multicultural mindset.
Watch ONE of the following videos. What did you learn about Diversity and Multiculturalism from the video you watched? What would you say is the most important thing you learned from this video that you would want to share with someone else? Based on the video that you watched, how would you compare and contrast the differences among the terms culture, ethnicity, and race.
The Paradox of Diversity: Dr. Marylin Sanders Mobley at TEDxCLE 2013 [Duration: 16:06]
Why diversity is upside down: Andrés Tapia at TEDxIndianapolis [Duration: 16:08]
Multiculturalism in the Modern World: Jen Holladay at TEDxDenverTeachers [Duration: 14:49]
Why do you think the study of Multiculturalism is important? Consider how you would define and explain the general definitions of multicultural psychology.
LENGTH: Your responses to each numbered question above should be PARAGRAPH length. Also note that there are multiple questions provided for each numbered question above, these are there to help guide your responses but each one does not necessarily need answered. You should be answering at least SOME of the question prompts that are given. Total length for this assignment should be 1-2 pages.

What values and experiences have led you to believe that your current career goal is the right fit for you?

Committing to a future career requires careful consideration and self-reflection. What values and experiences have led you to believe that your current career goal is the right fit for you? Applicants must be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the areas of Technology and be enrolled as a full time college sophomore or junior student.

My relevant information is as follows:
Age – 25
Schooling – Completed and recieved an Associates of Applied Science in Information Technology and an Associates of Applied Science in Cyber Security as a Dual Major with a 3.0 GPA
Completed a full 12 month workforce developement progam that included
a Learning & Development phase providing me skilled based workforce training from expert instructors
securing me life-changing internship opportunity, in line with your talents, skill-set, and career goals
all of this while learning how to and enforcing the balance of full time enrollement in school, the program and internship
Currently enrolled for Fall 2022 at *UNIVERSITY*

Explain why they selected that product to make their vodka from as opposed to another.

New Vodka Company
This assignment is to show comprehension of the product known as vodka. You will be creating your own vodka with branding, marketing, and production. Please be sure to include any flavored vodkas that you think with sell or assist your product in marketing.
Part 1:
Students will choose the base product to make their vodka from. They will explain why they selected that product to make their vodka from as opposed to another. Use facts behind that base product.
Part 2:
Students will create a brand they believe will sell to their market. The logo and name are going to be important for the success of this product. Explanations of why the logo and name are to be included.
Part 3:
Who is your target market and why. Details on your marketing plan and why you selected this group to be your market.
4-pages minimum requirement including work cited page.
Students will be graded stronger in MLA format in this paper.
· All assignments are to be considered formal writing assignments and as such are expected to use the MLA format and follow the rules of proper grammar and punctuation.
· A minimum of five sources needed with proper incite quotations required.
· All assignments are required to have a “title information section” in MLA format, as shown on example YouTube videos under the help section.
· All written assignments are to be typed in a 12 pt font.
· All assignments are required to use in-text citation when necessary and must include a works cited page.
· Failure to include a works cited page or proper citations, in the proper MLA format, will result in the paper being deemed unacceptable and the paper will be returned to the student.

Describe how the purpose of private, public and nonprofit organizations in healthcare are similar and different.

Review the following article from Nonprofit Quarterly (2019) How Do Nonprofit and For-Profit Hospitals Differ? It’s Complicated – Non Profit News | Nonprofit Quarterly ( https://nonprofitquarterly.org/how-do-nonprofit-and-for-profit-hospitals-differ-its-complicated/ ) Think about how and why private, nonprofit and public organizations approach the same problems differently. https://nonprofitquarterly.org/how-do-nonprofit-and-for-profit-hospitals-differ-its-complicated/
Address the following:
Describe how the purpose of private, public and nonprofit organizations in healthcare are similar and different.
· The impact the legal structure of an organization has on patients in the community (if any).
· How the structure of a healthcare organization impacts managerial decisions in allocating resources.
· What is the structure of your local healthcare provider? Did this influence your care decision (why or why not)?