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 post a final blog index for 2018. 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" an 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?

Finding a gaps 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

Reflections 4: Your Dissertation

Our fourth reflection for 2018 is on your dissertation. Consider why you are working on it… isn’t it to graduate and have a Ph.D. after your name? Then let's spend some time in reflecting on how you can work on that in the year ahead.

Get out your journal and consider your work habits in the past year. How often did you work on your project? Did you schedule specific times or was it an occasional thing you did when you had to? How did that work for you? What would you like to improve?

I strongly recommend that you consider working out a schedule of specific times when you will work on your dissertation every week. Set yourself a weekly goal of completing specific tasks on your project. Make it a priority; keep seeing yourself in the graduation photo, receiving your doctoral hood. Only you can make this happen!

Next time, we will consider how to find 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

Reflections 3: Personal Time

Our third reflection as we wind down 2018, is on personal time. We all need time to get away from obligations and focus on ourselves. It is not selfish to give yourself a chance to renew your energy; rather some personal time gives you the motivation to complete your other obligations.

Take some time to journal about what you would like to improve upon with your personal time. Perhaps, like Mandy in the photo, the chance for quiet naps would be perfect. Getting outside and having a chance to exercise may be what you need, or perhaps giving yourself some time to read a novel or spend time with friends would bring you some joy.

Consider in the year ahead how you can build in time to meditate and simply have time to think and dream. Building into your schedule a little "me" time will do wonders for your outlook and reduce your stress.

Next time, we will complete the series on reflections by considering your dissertation. 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

Reflections 2: Work

Our second reflection for the end of 2018 is on work. Work is an integral part of your life, no matter your vocation; it is an important element to consider.  Inevitably, there are some aspects that are nonnegotiable – you must travel to your place of work, and you must be there a certain number of hours.

Are there times in your work day, that you can use for other purposes? For example, you may be able to use your commute as personal time to journal, listen to CDs, or read articles. You might be able to take a walk during your lunch hour to give yourself some much needed exercise.

Other points that you may wish to consider and journal about, are there ways that your work life can influence or help your dissertation? Perhaps it would be worth discussing topics in your workplace that could use some research with your supervisor. Perhaps you could be involved in some projects that would let you utilize your research skills and keep them sharp.

Next time, we will reflect on personal time. 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

Reflections 1: Family

As 2018 winds down, it is worthwhile to reflect on different aspects of your life and how these aspects relate to your dissertation plans and progress. Over the next few posts we will consider these; I encourage you to take some time with each and write about them in your journal.

Today, let's consider your family. In 2018, how have you done with balancing the demands of your family life? What crises have arisen? What successes and new developments have taken place? Consider how you might improve things in 2019. Perhaps you can dedicate certain hours of the week just for certain family members (e.g., partner/spouse and children). A date night with your spouse can do wonders for communication and support. Setting aside time for weekly family meetings, where everyone can share their ideas and issues, can lead to more time available for other things in your life (like your dissertation).

Next time, we will reflect on work. 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