Reading results and discussion sections

The results section of articles, are often the ones that students want to skip. However, it is important to read this section and keep in mind a few things. Highlight significant results (p < .05); for each one, write in your own words what it means (e.g., females had higher self-efficacy than males). Does it make sense that they used the type of statistic or qualitative method that they did? It is a good idea to compare the author(s) original research questions to the results they provide- do they address each question? 

When you are done with the results section, compare your notes to the authors' discussion points. Do they interpret the results differently than you? How do they relate the results to the literature and the gap they were addressing? Do you agree that they have resolved the questions? Make notes to yourself as what you agree and disagree with. 

Finally, take a look at the references for the article, are they reputable journals? Do they seem to only cite themselves? Pay attention to how old the references are- are they recent? You may want to indicate which ones that you would like to read.

You have now learned to review articles! As a Ph.D., you may be asked to be a peer reviewer for journals, and this is the method you will use to do so. Take notes, so you do not have to reread the article several times. 

Next time I will discuss updating articles. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Reading Method Sections

Last time we examined reading an article's literature review, this time let's examine reading an article's methods section. 

Determine what overall methods were used to answer the research question/s (e.g. quantitative, mixed methods, interviews; observations). Look at whether any qualitative data were quantified to answer the research questions. Then determine what specific design/type of quantitative method was used (e.g. experimental, quasi-experimental, survey, etc…) or what qualitative method was used (e.g., narrative; case study; phenomenology; grounded theory; straight qualitative)? 

Next, examine who is the population? Be specific (e.g., adults between 65-85 years, who live in the Midwest, and attend senior centers). Who is in the sample and how were they recruited? Is the sample appropriate to the identified population, or did the recruiting methods, reduce the study's population? For example, did the individuals have to use a computer? Then the study is limited to those who are willing/ able to use one. What is the sample size? How was the sample size determined? 

What measures are used and are they valid? If interviews were conducted, are the questions appropriate to answer the research questions? 

Next time I will talk about reading articles' results and discussion sections. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu 

Reading literature reviews

What should you look for in articles' literature reviews? I will give you a few general guidelines, I suggest highlighting or marking each of these areas in your article. The areas may not be specifically labeled- so it often takes some detective work. For each area, consider how it relates to your study. Are you examining a similar social problem or gap in the literature? Is this a theory that would be applicable for your study? 

First, find the social problem being addressed in the study. In other words, what is the big picture reason that they are doing the study? 

Determine what gap in the literature the study is filling. This is looking at the specifics of what has been previously done and how the study fits into the history of the topic area. What theory/theories are the authors utilizing to address this issue? How do they integrate the theory into the study?  

What are the study's Research Questions? What are they planning to examine and how does that relate to the literature gap? 

What are the study's hypotheses? They may use language such as predictions or expectations. Also, examine the variables of interest within the hypotheses. Are they using survey measures? What type of scores or sub scores will result from the measures? Have you ever heard of the measures they are using? 

Next time I will talk about reading articles' methods sections. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

Reading articles

How do you read research articles? I think everyone develops their own system, but here are a few suggestions.  

Decide what you want to know from the article before you start reading. Are you trying to get general information? Are you concerned with methodology? You may not need to read the entire article, but only pieces to get the info you need. Be very careful about simply taking their discussion comments as the results of the study- writers often over-interpret their results, so check them yourself. 

Develop a shorthand or marking system. Whether you read the article's pdf or a paper version, you should be developing a method to keep track of important info. I tend to read pdfs, so I highlight in yellow the key points that I want to be able to find again. I also write myself notes in the article, using "add sticky note" in Adobe Acrobat about why I think the highlighted text is important (e.g., "interesting qual method," "confirms my idea on self-efficacy in this population"). If you are reading the paper version, you can add sticky notes marking important issues (consider color coded ones, e.g., pink = method issue). Have a master list of what your codes/ colors mean so you remain consistent. 

You may want to keep an Excel file of articles with key points for each article you read. An alternative is do use a bibliographic software such as Endnotes, and make comments in the entries. 

The trick to all of these is to be consistent in using and maintaining them. Decide on how you want to read articles- in pdfs or in paper version and set up a filing system to work with your method. 

Next time I will talk about reading articles' literature reviews. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

How can I find a gap in the literature?

This is definitely one of the trickier aspects of research! My suggestion is to first, pick a major topic in which you are interested. Then start reading the literature about this area (take notes in your research journal). Pay attention to the discussion section; the author(s) will suggest areas that they have found to need more research. Once you have narrowed down your topic area, do searches with the term "review" as a search term. This will bring up articles that are just literature reviews of the topic. Pay special attention to what the author(s) suggest as areas still in need of research. Once you think you have found a gap, do searches to make sure no one has done the study you are considering. Write your search terms, databases used, and articles that you found helpful in your research journal. 

Next time, I will discuss how to read articles. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu

 

New Beginnings

A new year means new beginnings. This is a great time to reflect on your dissertation. How can you be more productive with your dissertation and get it done? I strongly suggest you pick up my book: Finding Your Way to a Ph.D.: Advice from the Dissertation Mentor that takes you step-by-step through the dissertation process. It discusses dealing with committee members, tips on writing each chapter and getting through the IRB process. Some recent reviews on Amazon: 

"This book is a great resource for both learning about the mechanics of writing a dissertation and normalizing the emotions that one feels when going through such a challenging process. The motivational chapter is full of helpful hints on how to move forward when you feel stuck. The other chapters are clearly laid out and align with the steps to completing the dissertation. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is getting ready to work on their dissertation or anyone who is experiencing problems completing their dissertation." 

"An excellent book for doctoral students who are working on their dissertation. The book provides a step by step guide in how to develop a prospectus to writing your final dissertation chapter. Tips on motivating self is worth reading multiple times. There are many books that try to explain the dissertation process, but fail to answer clearly the students questions. This book is easy to read and a book that should be kept on your desk in eye view, at all times. I encourage all dissertation students to add this book to your library. You will find the book is an excellent reference guide just like the APA Manual book."  

"For any student pursuing a doctorate, this book will be your guide. It is an easy read yet packed with practical and important information to help you achieve your goal of a "done" dissertation! Dr. Stadtlander utilized her wealth of knowledge and experience to create a text for the benefit of all who choose to pursue a doctorate. Thank you for such a reference! I strongly recommend this book. " 

Make yourself a commitment to do all you can to get your dissertation done in 2016! 

Next time, I will discuss finding a gap in the literature. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu 

 

Blog Index

2015, Current to 12/31

Topic	Dates of Posts
Dissertation, general	1/7, 3/6, 11/20, 12/16
Dissertation calculator	3/9
Selecting a Topic
Committee Members	9/14, 10/14, 12/18
URR
Center for Research Quality
Overview of Process
Premise
Prospectus
Proposal
Research questions	6/19
Research design	6/15, 6/22, 6/26
Theory	6/15, 6/17
C. 1	3/11, 3/13, 3/16, 3/18, 3/20, 9/18, 9/21
C. 2 (literature related)	1/9, 3/23, 3/25, 3/27, 4/3, 4/8, 9/23, 10/21
C. 3	4/10, 4/13, 4/15, 4/17, 4/20, 4/22, 4/24, 4/27, 4/29, 5/4, 5/6, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15, 5/18, 9/25
Defense	9/28
IRB	6/24 10/5
Data Collection	6/24, 11/23, 11/27, 12/4, 12/7, 12/9
Quantitative	5/4, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15, 7/1, 7/6, 7/8, 7/13, 7/15, 7/17, 7/20, 7/22, 7/24
Qualitative	1/5, 1/12, 10/19
Mixed Methods	4/10, 5/6, 5/8, 5/11, 5/13, 5/15
C. 4	5/20, 5/22, 5/25, 5/27, 6/3, 6/5, 10/7
C. 5	6/5, 6/8, 6/10, 6/12, 10/9
Appendixes
Final Defense	10/12
Career
Goal Form
Motivation	1/21, 3/2, 7/3, 7/10, 9/2, 9/4, 9/7, 9/9 9/11
Organizing	7/27, 7/29, 8/3, 8/5, 8/10
Secondary Data
Support, Getting	1/26
Resilience	2/6, 2/16, 2/18, 2/20, 2/23, 2/25, 3/4
Writing	1/14, 1/23, 2/9, 12/11, 12/14
Other	1/16, 1/19, 1/28, 1/30, 2/4, 2/11, 2/13, 4/1, 4/6, 6/1, 8/12, 8/14, 8/19, 8/21, 8/24, 8/26, 8/31, 9/16, 10/2, 10/16, 10/23, 10/26, 10/28, 11/2, 11/4, 11/6, 11/9, 11/11, 11/13, 11/16, 11/18, 11/25, 12/2, 12/21, 12/23, 12/25, 12/28

 Previous Years

Topic	Dates of Posts - 2013	Dates of Posts - 2014
Dissertation, general	7/5, 8/16, 8/19, 9/27, 10/2	6/25, 12/5
Dissertation calculator		9/5
Selecting a Topic	4/23, 7/8, 7/10	4/28, 5/9, 8/25
Committee Members	4/17, 5/3, 6/10, 7/19, 8/21	5/7, 10/8, 12/22
URR	5/8, 5/27
Center for Research Quality	12/9
Overview of Process	4/19, 9/18, 12/13
Premise (no longer used)	4/17, 9/6
Prospectus		4/4, 4/7, 4/9, 4/11, 4/14, 4/18, 4/21, 4/23, 4/25, 4/28, 5/2, 5/5, 8/27
Proposal	4/22, 9/9	9/8, 11/3, 11/5
Research questions	10/9	4/18
C. 1	5/6, 10/21, 10/23, 10/25, 10/28, 11/1	11/7
C. 2 (literature related)	4/26, 5/29, 6/3, 6/12, 6/17, 6/28, 9/16, 10/11, 11/4, 11/6, 11/9, 11/15	6/9, 6/11, 6/16, 9/10, 9/15, 9/17, 9/19, 9/26, 9/29, 11/10, 12/26
C. 3	5/1, 10/16, 10/28, 11/18, 11/20, 11/22, 11/25, 12/2, 12/4, 12/6, 12/11, 12/16, 12/18, 12/20, 12/23, 12/27	1/3, 1/6, 1/13, 11/12
Defense	4/23, 5/8
IRB	5/10, 10/14	1/10, 1/15, 1/17, 1/20, 1/22, 1/24, 1/27, 1/29, 2/3, 2/5, 2/7, 2/10, 2/12, 2/17, 2/19, 2/21, 2/24, 10/13, 10/15, 10/17, 10/20, 10/22, 10/24, 10/27
Data Collection	5/13, 5/15, 10/16
Quantitative	5/17, 7/24, 7/26, 7/29, 7/31, 8/2, 8/5, 10/4, 10/7, 11/20, 12/2, 12/4, 12/6, 12/18, 12/23, 12/27	1/3, 2/26, 3/12, 7/9, 7/14, 7/16, 7/18, 7/21, 7/23, 7/25, 7/28
Qualitative	5/20, 11/20, 11/22, 11/25, 12/11, 12/16	1/6, 3/14, 10/29, 12/12, 12/15, 12/17, 12/19
Mixed Methods	5/22, 11/18, 11/20, 11/22, 11/25, 12/11, 12/20, 12/23, 12/27	1/3, 1/6
C. 4	5/17, 5/20, 5/22, 7/17	3/5, 3/10, 3/12, 3/14, 3/17, 3/19, 3/21, 11/14
C. 5	5/24, 9/20, 10/11	3/21, 3/24, 3/26, 3/28, 11/19
Final Defense	4/23, 5/27/ 9/11
Career	7/12	8/18, 8/20
Goal Form	8/12	5/23, 5/26, 6/2, 8/15, 11/24
Motivation	6/5, 6/26, 7/1, 8/16, 8/23, 9/2, 9/18, 10/18, 11/8, 11/27	1/1, 6/4, 6/6, 7/4, 7/11, 9/22, 10/10, 12/3
Organizing	4/22, 10/2	8/1, 8/4, 8/6, 8/8, 8/11, 8/13, 12/8
Secondary Data	5/31	2/24
Support, Getting	4/26, 6/5, 6/24, 8/16	5/21
Writing	4/26, 4/29, 6/12, 6/21, 7/3, 8/9, 8/14, 9/4, 9/23,9/25	5/16, 5/19, 6/16, 6/18, 6/20, 7/2, 7/7, 8/27, 12/10
Other	4/18, 6/7, 6/14, 6/19, 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, 7/8, 7/15, 7/19, 7/22, 8/7, 8/16, 8/19, 8/26, 8/28, 8/30, 9/2, 9/13, 9/18, 10/18, 11/27, 12/13, 12/25	2/14, 3/3, 3/7, 4/16, 5/12, 5/14, 5/28, 6/2, 6/13, 6/23, 6/27, 8/22, 9/1, 9/3, 9/12, 10/3, 10/6, 11/17, 11/26, 12/1, 12/24, 12/29, 12/31

 

Next time, we begin 2016. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu