Research Theory
- A demonstration of how the study:
- Will advance the scientific knowledge base.
- Is grounded in your field.
- Addresses something that is not known, something that is new or different from prior research, something that extends prior research, or something that fills a gap in the existing literature.
- An analysis of any theoretical implications that the proposed study may have for understanding phenomena.
- A description of the practical implications that may result from the research.
Theory is often used to support a qualitative investigation into a human phenomenon. The Program of Research for your School lists theories commonly associated with your specialization. Consider your research topic. What theory from your specialization supports an investigation and/or your research topic?
The assignment should be formatted as follows:
- Section 1: Describe the key elements of a theory from your specialization (one paragraph).
- Section 2: Explain how the theory supports the proposed investigation and/or understanding of the topic (12 paragraphs).
- Section 3: Describe how the findings from the proposed study will impact theory and your field. Explain how your study will advance scientific knowledge (12 paragraphs).
- Section 4: APA formatted reference page. (The content of your assignment should be supported with appropriate academic sources and include both citations and references in APA format.)
