http://www.coursehero.com/r/zPGHMtHg/
SPECILIZATION: EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
Week 10 Assignment: Written Required Format: Use APA format when responding to each
question. Each written answer should be formatted as follows:
1. Cover page or Title page.
2. Write the QUESTION number, centered, the actual question single spaced and in italics, left
justified, and located 4 spaces below.
3. On the next page begin the response, double-spaced and with the first line indented 5 spaces.
Each response (excluding references) should be within the ten to fifteen page range (no more no
less). Please note that if the minimum page requirement of 10 full pages is not met for each
question, the question will not be graded and there is no requirement to provide you with
feedback.
4. Provide a separate reference page for the answer. Individual References should be single
spaced and double spaced between references using the hanging indent.
5. Follow the sequence outlined in 2-5 for each essay question and response.
Learning Outcomes
1.0 Compose a theoretically sound and conceptually rich essay that demonstrates knowledge of
the fundamental subject areas of the student’s academic discipline and specialization.
2.0 Critique existing research and design a methodologically sound approach to research in the
student’s academic specialization(s).
3.0 Apply relevant theory and research from the student’s specialization coursework to real life
situations to solve specific problems and discuss implications.
4.0 Integrate knowledge of ethical practices with principles of professional practice as they
apply to specific scenarios within the student’s academic discipline and specialization.
Question 1: Theory
Question 1 is designed to help you demonstrate your ability to present specialization knowledge
through integration and synthesis of relevant theory and conceptual principles. You are expected
to demonstrate comprehension and critical thinking using the body of knowledge attained in the
fundamental and specialization coursework you have taken.
Part One: Using a minimum of five peer-reviewed articles from your specialization (for instance
Education Leadership, Organizational Leadership, eLearning, Curriculum and Teaching, etc.),
compare and contrast at least three theories applicable to your specialization.
Part Two: Using one of the theories discussed above, select five additional peer-reviewed
sources and explain how the theory adds or may add to the understanding of your specialization.
You should also include a discussion of any controversy or unanswered questions related to the
theory.
Learning Outcomes:
1. Compose a theoretically sound and conceptually rich essay demonstrating your knowledge of
fundamental subject areas in your academic discipline and specialization.
Part One
1) Introduction
Young children encounter many experiences as they grow and progress through various
stages of child development.
The purpose of this paper is to examine three theories associated with child development.
a) Purpose b) Background
2) Theory One: (Name…for example: Transformational Leadership)
a) Description
b) Positive Impact in the Field
c) Criticisms or Controversy
d) Theory Two: (Name…for example: Transactional Leadership Description
e) Positive Impact in the Field
f) Criticisms or Controversy
g) Theory Three: (Name…for example: Servant Leadership Description
h) Positive Impact in the Field
i) Criticisms or Controversy
3) Relationships Among the Three Theories (for example “Leadership”)
The relationship among the three theories is cognitive development.
1) Similarities
2) Differences
4) Conclusion
Part II
1) How XXX adds to XXX in Education (for example: How Transformational Leadership
Adds to Leadership in Education)
2) Related Literature (cite five additional sources in this discussion)
a) Common Strands Found in the Literature
b) Differences Found in the Literature
3) Controversy/ Unanswered Questions Related to the Theory.
4) Conclusion
References
Question 2: Practical Application
For question 2, you are required to discuss the application of relevant theory and research to
real life situations, considering social, cultural, and ethical issues as appropriate. You are
expected to compose responses solving specific problems and discuss implications of your ideas
for application with a broad range of issues in the field.
Referencing at least five peer-reviewed journal articles, respond to the following questions:
How can a theory guide or inform practice?
What are the issues involved in translating theory into practice?
Identify at least an additional five peer-reviewed articles (published in the last 5 years) and
address how one of the theories you discussed in question 1 has actually been applied. Consider,
for example:
Are the applications premised upon an accurate understanding of the theory and its scope?
Do the applications "go beyond" what the theory claims?
Is the reasoning linking application and theory sound?
Learning Outcomes:
2. Critique existing research and design a methodologically sound approach to research in the
academic specialization(s).
Part I
5) Introduction
a) Purpose
b) Background
6) Research vs. Theory
a) Theory Explained
b) Meaning of Research
c) Translation of Theory into Practice
i) Related Issues
ii) Practical and Theoretical Challenges
7) Conclusion
Part II
Instructions: Identify at least an additional five peer-reviewed articles (published in the last five
years) and address how one of the theories you discussed in question one has actually been
applied.
1) Application of Theory to Field (for example: Application of Shared Leadership Theory in
Schools; address how one of the theories discussed in question one has actually been applied in
your field)
2) Understanding of the Theory and its Original Scope (Do the applications show that the
recent researchers applying the theory understood the theory and how the theorist intended for it
to be used?)
3) Scope as Interpreted by Researchers (Do the applications by recent researchers "go beyond"
what the original theory claims?)
4) Application of Theory Based on Research (Is the reasoning linking application and theory
sound? What is the Evidence from Scholarly Articles?)
5) Conclusion
References
Question 3: Research
For question 3, you will need to demonstrate the ability to employ research methods used within
your specialization. You are expected to critique research methodologies used by scholarpractitioners and compose responses identifying best practices in educational research.
Select five empirical articles from peer-reviewed journals you consider critical to your
understanding of your specialization and:
1. Describe each study, including:






The research problem, questions, or hypotheses
The research purpose
The type of design and elements of the design (e.g., sample, data analysis,
operationalization of constructs)
Threats to validity and if and how addressed
The findings and implications
Note if the article makes a compelling case for the meaning and significance of the
findings
2. Select one of the five articles above. Using the article, assess how you might conduct the
research study differently. Address:



The research questions
The research purpose
Type of design and elements of the design (e.g., sample, the type of data you need to
collect and how you will collect it, data analysis)
 The strengths and weaknesses of your envisioned design and methods
 Quantitative: threats to validity and how your design will address them
 Quantitative: the constructs you will measure and what you will do in order to determine
how to operationalize them (you do not need to identify specific measures)
 Qualitative: your means of ensuring the quality of your findings
 Justification for why your chosen design and methods are more appropriate for your
research question than alternatives you have considered
 Your methods of data analysis
 How the data you collect will enable you to answer your research question and
contribute to theory
Learning Outcomes
3. Apply relevant theory and research from the specialization coursework to real life situations to
solve specific problems and discusses implications.
Part I
8) Introduction
9) Selected Empirical, Peer Reviewed Articles
a) Article One
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Research problem, questions, or hypotheses
Research purpose
Research design
Threats to validity
Findings and Implications
b) Article Two
i) Research problem, questions, or hypotheses
ii) Research purpose
iii) Research design
iv) Threats to validity
v) Findings and Implications
c) Article Three
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)
Research problem, questions, or hypotheses
Research purpose
Research design
Threats to validity
Findings and Implications
d) Article Four
i) Research problem, questions, or hypotheses
ii) Research purpose
iii) Research design
iv) Threats to validity
v) Findings and Implications
e) Article Five
i) Research problem, questions, or hypotheses
ii) Research purpose
iii) Research design
iv) Threats to validity
v) Findings and Implications
Part II
Instructions: Select one of the five articles above. Using the article, assess how you might
conduct the research study differently.
1) Research Redefined (Make substantial changes to the study-not just cosmetic changes)
a) Revised Research Questions
b) Revised Research Purpose
c) Revised Research Design
i) Strengths/Weaknesses
ii) Threats to Validity
d) Justification
e) Data Collection
2) Conclusion
References
Question 4: Ethics
In this question, you are asked to focus on the integration of ethical principles with professional
practice in your specialization. You are expected to defend a personal philosophy of ethical
practice using discipline-specific core values and/or essential principles and practices in your
field.
Write a paper discussing how doctoral research, from literature review to conducting research,
to writing a dissertation manuscript should be done with care and integrity to meet the ethical
standards of scientific research. Reference at least five peer-reviewed articles.
Explain specifically how scholars apply published ethical guidelines and concepts to research.
Be sure to address the following:








Plagiarism
Risk assessment
Informed consent
Privacy and confidentiality
Data handling and reporting
Mistakes and negligence
Working with a Mentor
Northcentral University requirements for IRB approval
Learning Outcomes:
4. Integrate knowledge of ethical practices with principles of professional practice as it applies to
specific scenarios within the academic discipline and specialization.
1) Introduction
2) The Ethical Standards of Scientific Research
a) Plagiarism
b) Risk assessment
c) Informed consent
d) Privacy and confidentiality
e) Data handling and reporting
f) Mistakes and negligence
3) The Successful Dissertation
a) Best Practices
b) Working with a Mentor
c) Northcentral University requirements for IRB approval
4) Conclusion
References