2 Page Paper

Discussion Board Policy

The Discussion Board (DB) is part of the core of online learning. Classroom discussion in an online environment requires the active participation of learners and the instructor to create robust interaction and dialogue. Every learner is expected to create an original response to the open-ended DB question as well as engage in dialogue by responding to posts created by others throughout the week. At the end of each unit, DB participation will be assessed based on both level of engagement and the quality of the contribution to the discussion.

At a minimum, each learner will be expected to post an original and thoughtful response to the DB question and contribute to the weekly dialogue by responding to at least 2 other posts from learners. The first contribution must be posted before midnight (Central Time) on Friday of each week. Two additional responses are required after Friday of each week. Learners are highly encouraged to engage on the Discussion Board early and often, as that is the primary way the university tracks class attendance and participation.

The purpose of the Discussion Board is to allow learners to learn through sharing ideas and experiences as they relate to course content and the DB question. Because it is not possible to engage in 2-way dialogue after a conversation has ended, no posts to the DB will be accepted after the end of each unit.

Deliverable Specifics

Part 1

Research methods vary and different approaches are needed. A magazine editor in a small town would like to include articles on several topics in the next issue. Decide which of the following proposed article topics are suitable for a quantitative or qualitative research, and explain why.

• Coin collections
• Favorite recipes
• Rising home costs
• Best high schools
• Carpools
• Political polls
• Parent teacher participation
• Book fairs

Part 2

An important part of beginning a research project is being able to review literature and analyze the implications of already completed research methods, data, and findings. Therefore, researchers must have a solid foundational mastery of differences between research methods, data collection, and reporting. For this discussion board, discuss the differences between quantitative and qualitative research. Specifically, you should complete the following:

• Give a definition of a hypothesis and a null hypothesis and identify the method of research that uses a hypothesis.
• Discuss what you believe are the key elements of a well-written set of hypotheses. Support your opinion with appropriate peer-reviewed sources other than the textbook.
• Give a definition of a research question or problem and identify the method of research that traditionally uses a research question or problem.
  • Discuss what you believe are the key elements of a well-written research question or problem.
  • Support your opinion with appropriate peer-reviewed sources (other than the textbook).
• Discuss how selecting a sample to study differs between quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Describe 2 data-collection instruments, and determine whether the instrument will be used to collect quantitative or qualitative data.
• Explain how analysis of quantitative data differs from analysis of qualitative data.

Read the posts of your classmates, and respond with constructive feedback, suggestions, questions, and additional resources as appropriate and in alignment with the AIU Discussion Board Policy. You will be graded using the Grading Rubric below.

In your own words, post a substantive response to the Discussion Board question(s) and comment on other postings. Your response should address the DB question(s) and move the conversation forward. You will be graded on the quality of your postings, including mastery of the concept as well as critical thinking. If asked for your opinion, do not simply state that it is a good or bad idea; elaborate on your reasons and argument. Include enough detail to substantiate your thinking as well as your position on the questions or comments.