Writing Excellent Research Papers

Writing Excellent Research Papers

ASPA Student Summit

April 10, 2010

Patricia M. Shields, Ph.D.

Director, MPA Program

Texas State Universityps07@txstate.edu

http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/

ASPA Student Summit

April 10, 2010

Patricia M. Shields, Ph.D.

Director, MPA Program

Texas State Universityps07@txstate.edu

http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/

Tools of Scholarly Research Tools of Scholarly Research

1. Step by Step NotebookProject Management

Time, Materials, Ideas

2. Conceptual Frameworks Organize Ideas and Data

1. Step by Step NotebookProject Management

Time, Materials, Ideas

2. Conceptual Frameworks Organize Ideas and Data

Focus: 20+ page scholarly paper Focus: 20+ page scholarly paper

Literature Review

Empirical ResearchCollect and Analyze Data

Literature Review

Empirical ResearchCollect and Analyze Data

Dissertation Applied Research Project

Texas State ExperienceTexas State Experience

Problem Poor Literature Review Poor Organization No Conceptual Framework

EvidenceAwardsDownloads on ecommons

http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/ Opportunities

Problem Poor Literature Review Poor Organization No Conceptual Framework

EvidenceAwardsDownloads on ecommons

http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/ Opportunities

Taxonomy of Cognitive DomainTaxonomy of Cognitive Domain

Remembering Retrieving, recognizing, recalling

Understanding Constructing meaning from written communication through interpreting summarizing, inferring

Applying Using information/ideas in new context

Analyzing Breaking material into parts and determining how the parts relate (classifying)

Evaluating Making judgments based on criteria and standards

Creating Putting elements together to form a coherent whole

Thinking, Doing, Tools:Research Process

Thinking, Doing, Tools:Research Process

Remembering

Collecting materials Reading

Notebook

Understanding

Reading Taking notes

Notebook

Applying Topic/purposeOutlining

Notebook &Framework

Analyzing OutliningDrafting

Notebook & Framework

Evaluating OutliningDrafting

Notebook & Framework

Creating Drafting Notebook & Framework

You will be judged by how well you write because nobody really knows how well you think (Gray, 1998, 140)

You will be judged by how well you write because nobody really knows how well you think (Gray, 1998, 140)

Critical ThinkingApplicationAnalysisSynthesisEvaluation

Critical ThinkingApplicationAnalysisSynthesisEvaluation

Classical Pragmatism as intellectual source for

workshop

Classical Pragmatism as intellectual source for

workshop

Dewey, John. 1910. How We Think. New York: D.C. Heath Co.

Dewey, John. 1938. Logic: the Theory of Inquiry. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

James, William. 1907. Pragmatism: A New Name for an Old Way of Thinking. New Your: Longmans.

Kaplan, Abraham. 1964. The Conduct of Inquiry: Methodology for Behavioral Science. Scranton, PA: Chandler Publishing.

Emphasis on Tools of Inquiry

Dewey, John. 1910. How We Think. New York: D.C. Heath Co.

Dewey, John. 1938. Logic: the Theory of Inquiry. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.

James, William. 1907. Pragmatism: A New Name for an Old Way of Thinking. New Your: Longmans.

Kaplan, Abraham. 1964. The Conduct of Inquiry: Methodology for Behavioral Science. Scranton, PA: Chandler Publishing.

Emphasis on Tools of Inquiry

John Dewey William James

Build a Research Paper : One Step at a Time

Notebook method for writing papers

Build a Research Paper : One Step at a Time

Notebook method for writing papers

Common Problems Common Problems

Can’t find time to work on it for more than an hour

After a while I lose my place and forget what I originally wanted to do

Can’t find time to work on it for more than an hour

After a while I lose my place and forget what I originally wanted to do

The Step Process Transforms Writing a Paper

Managing a Project

The Step Process Transforms Writing a Paper

Managing a Project

Organizing• Materials

• Time

• Ideas

Organizing• Materials

• Time

• Ideas

Organizes MaterialsOrganizes Materials

Three-ring binder

Tabs

Three-ring binder

Tabs

Organizes TimeOrganizes Time

Planning Things-to-do list Calendar

Planning Things-to-do list Calendar

Organizes IdeasOrganizes IdeasOrganizes IdeasOrganizes Ideas

Integrated Outline Before writing begins the

outline incorporates the reading, notes, interviews

Entire notebook builds to create the outline

Conceptual Frameworks

Integrated Outline Before writing begins the

outline incorporates the reading, notes, interviews

Entire notebook builds to create the outline

Conceptual Frameworks

Addresses Binge WritingAddresses Binge Writing

Common Form of Writer’s Block

Wait till the last minute to do the paper

Stress, sleeplessness

Poor quality work

Common Form of Writer’s Block

Wait till the last minute to do the paper

Stress, sleeplessness

Poor quality work

Binge WritingBinge Writing

Causes

Procrastination Feel overwhelmed Self doubt Need big block time

Perfectionism Destructive self talk Perfect conditions

Causes

Procrastination Feel overwhelmed Self doubt Need big block time

Perfectionism Destructive self talk Perfect conditions

Step Solution

Planning Separate small activities Use time wisely

Persistence Use every day

Practice habit of writing

Step Solution

Planning Separate small activities Use time wisely

Persistence Use every day

Practice habit of writing

Organization Step NotebookOrganization

Step Notebook

Things-To-Do List & Calendar To find & useful information Bibliography Notes Integrated Outline Drafts Sources

Things-To-Do List & Calendar To find & useful information Bibliography Notes Integrated Outline Drafts Sources

Things-To-Do List — TabThings-To-Do List — Tab

Project oriented - tasks for paper only Breaks the many tasks into small

manageable pieces (15 minutes - hour) Emphasizes scholarly reading Keeps track of book chapter, articles etc. Links to notes Addresses procrastination - easy to return to

work after a break

Project oriented - tasks for paper only Breaks the many tasks into small

manageable pieces (15 minutes - hour) Emphasizes scholarly reading Keeps track of book chapter, articles etc. Links to notes Addresses procrastination - easy to return to

work after a break

Calendar - TabCalendar - Tab

Takes into account paper deadlines

Timetable for reading, notes, drafts etc.can be

developed

Connects to other events in scholar’s life

Can be kept in personal Daytimer

Takes into account paper deadlines

Timetable for reading, notes, drafts etc.can be

developed

Connects to other events in scholar’s life

Can be kept in personal Daytimer

To Find - TabTo Find - Tab

Many of the best references are found in the bibliography of articles and books that are being read.

Scholars should note the reference in this portion of the notebook as they go along.

Many of the best references are found in the bibliography of articles and books that are being read.

Scholars should note the reference in this portion of the notebook as they go along.

Miscellaneous - TabMiscellaneous - Tab

Keep important difficult-to-classify information here.Email exchanges with professor

Hotel and conference information

If several people are working on a project, keep key email exchanges here

Notes on phone conversations

Web sites

Keep important difficult-to-classify information here.Email exchanges with professor

Hotel and conference information

If several people are working on a project, keep key email exchanges here

Notes on phone conversations

Web sites

Bibliography - TabBibliography - Tab

Work on as paper progresses

Finish bibliography before begin writing paper

Can accomplish something on things-to-do list

without having to think

Links to notes and things-to-do list

Work on as paper progresses

Finish bibliography before begin writing paper

Can accomplish something on things-to-do list

without having to think

Links to notes and things-to-do list

Notes - TabNotes - Tab

Keep detailed notes in this section.

Organize alphabetically by last name of author.

Develops habit of writing.

Builds reading comprehension.

Ties directly to the integrated outline.

Essential part of process - this is where the student really learns the new material.

Keep detailed notes in this section.

Organize alphabetically by last name of author.

Develops habit of writing.

Builds reading comprehension.

Ties directly to the integrated outline.

Essential part of process - this is where the student really learns the new material.

Outline - TabOutline - Tab

Integrated OutlineOutline that incorporates all of the notes.

Begin drafting paper after integrated outline is complete

Fewer frantic searches.

Integrated OutlineOutline that incorporates all of the notes.

Begin drafting paper after integrated outline is complete

Fewer frantic searches.

Drafts - TabDrafts - Tab

Early drafts are kept here.

Edit on hard copy and then make the corrections.

Use different color paper for different drafts.

Early drafts are kept here.

Edit on hard copy and then make the corrections.

Use different color paper for different drafts.

Sources - TabSources - Tab

Hard copies of journal articles, book chapters, monographs, government publications

File alphabetically by last name of the author.

Hard copies of journal articles, book chapters, monographs, government publications

File alphabetically by last name of the author.

Review - OrganizingReview - Organizing

Time Materials Ideas

•Things-to-do list•calendar

All of the tabs in the notebook

•Things-to-do list•Notes•Integrated Outline

Key tabs

WORKFLOWWORKFLOW

READIING &

NOTESINTEGRATED

OUTLINE DRAFT

Name of the author needs to be included in each item

THINGS-TO-DO LIST

Names & titles

IdeasTheories

Facts

AnalysisSynthesis

Clarifying craftingcreating

LAST THINGS FIRSTLAST THINGS FIRST

What is the end- state or goal that a scholar trying to achieve?

What is the end- state or goal that a scholar trying to achieve?

• Series of coherently organized paragraphs

• References imbedded in the paragraphs.

Notebook reinforces the importance of • Author’s last name

• Year of publication

• Page of quote

• Series of coherently organized paragraphs

• References imbedded in the paragraphs.

Notebook reinforces the importance of • Author’s last name

• Year of publication

• Page of quote

Concrete End-State of Paper

Applying the ActivitiesApplying the Activities

Armed Forces and International Security: Global Trends and Issues (encyclopedia - short)

Editors Franz Kernic and Jean Callaghan Transaction Press 2003

Armed Forces and International Security: Global Trends and Issues (encyclopedia - short)

Editors Franz Kernic and Jean Callaghan Transaction Press 2003

Chapter - The Bureaucracy in Military Sociology (8 -10 pages)

Purpose : “This chapter examines the intersection of military sociology and bureaucracy.”

Example Paragraph with embedded references

Example Paragraph with embedded references

Cotty et al. (2002) examine civil-military relations in the emerging

democracies of post-communist Eastern Europe. Like Feaver (1996)

they believe there is too much concern in the literature over the “threat

of praetorian military intervention in domestic policies” (Cottey et al.

2002:31). They call for a reconceptualization of civil-military relations

“in terms of the governance of the defense and security sector” and the

“wider problem of the democratic management and implementation of

defense and security policy” (Cottey et al. 2002:32).

Cotty et al. (2002) examine civil-military relations in the emerging

democracies of post-communist Eastern Europe. Like Feaver (1996)

they believe there is too much concern in the literature over the “threat

of praetorian military intervention in domestic policies” (Cottey et al.

2002:31). They call for a reconceptualization of civil-military relations

“in terms of the governance of the defense and security sector” and the

“wider problem of the democratic management and implementation of

defense and security policy” (Cottey et al. 2002:32).

Things-to-do listreinforces author’s name

Things-to-do listreinforces author’s name

Date completed

2/3/04 6. Read Feaver

2/10/04 7. Take notes Feaver

2/4/04 8. Read Cottey et al

2/9/04 9. Take notes Cottey et al

2/6/04 10. Read ch.1 Wilson

2/18/04 11. Take notes Ch.1 Wilson

2/6/04 12. Skim Ch2. Wilson

Starting the Things-To-Do ListStarting the Things-To-Do List

Collect set of materials Review & decide read or skim Use post-it-notes to record

read/skim Each book chapter gets a note Transfer post-it-note directives

to Things-to-do list Include note taking on list Remember 15-60 minute tasks

Collect set of materials Review & decide read or skim Use post-it-notes to record

read/skim Each book chapter gets a note Transfer post-it-note directives

to Things-to-do list Include note taking on list Remember 15-60 minute tasks

Things-To-Do List EmphasizesReading and Thinking

Important to read widely.Important to comprehend deeply.

Ideas for paper come from the literature and thoughts of scholar.

A persons writing ability is constrained by their reading comprehension.

It is impossible to write clearly about a subject you do not understand.

Importance of Notes Importance of Notes

A form of “practice” writing.

Use “persistence” in note taking. Deepens comprehension of books and articles.

A form of “practice” writing.

Use “persistence” in note taking. Deepens comprehension of books and articles.

Think while you take notes

Tips on Note-takingTips on Note-taking

Be self-reflective when taking notes.Do you really understand what the

material?Less you understand the more detailed

the notes should be.Notes can be take on computer or by

hand.

Be sure the author’s last name, year and page are on every page of the notes.

Be self-reflective when taking notes.Do you really understand what the

material?Less you understand the more detailed

the notes should be.Notes can be take on computer or by

hand.

Be sure the author’s last name, year and page are on every page of the notes.

Cottey et al 2002Cottey et al 2002

p. 31

p. 32

p. 31

p. 32

Says too concerned in lit about “threat of praetorian military intervention in domestic policies.”

Should “reconceptualize in terms of democratic governance of the defense & security sector.”

Shifts focus to “the wider problem of the democratic mgt and implementation of defense & security policy.”

PART OF BUREAUCRACY - job to implement policy

Says too concerned in lit about “threat of praetorian military intervention in domestic policies.”

Should “reconceptualize in terms of democratic governance of the defense & security sector.”

Shifts focus to “the wider problem of the democratic mgt and implementation of defense & security policy.”

PART OF BUREAUCRACY - job to implement policy

Example - Integrated Outline Step 1Example - Integrated Outline Step 1

The Bureaucracy in Military Sociology

I.IntroA.Set the stage/Weber ideal B.Purpose statement: This chapter

examines the intersection of military sociology and bureaucracy1. Define mil sociology

2. Interdisciplinary study bureaucracy

II.Military BureaucracyA. Unique Definition-War

B. AuthorityC. Leadership decisions

The Bureaucracy in Military Sociology

I.IntroA.Set the stage/Weber ideal B.Purpose statement: This chapter

examines the intersection of military sociology and bureaucracy1. Define mil sociology

2. Interdisciplinary study bureaucracy

II.Military BureaucracyA. Unique Definition-War

B. AuthorityC. Leadership decisions

III. Recent TrendsA.Bureaucracy and civil-

military relations1.Mature democracies

2.Emerging democracies

B.New Roles

IV. Conclusion

III. Recent TrendsA.Bureaucracy and civil-

military relations1.Mature democracies

2.Emerging democracies

B.New Roles

IV. Conclusion

Integrated Outline Step 2Integrated Outline Step 2The Bureaucracy in Military Sociology

I.IntroA.Set the stage/Weber ideal (Weber,

Merton)B.Purpose statement: This chapter

examines the intersection of military sociology and bureaucracy1. Define mil sociology(Siebold, H-J

& Moskos)2. Interdisciplinary study bureaucracySocio-(Mills)Political Sci (Allison)Policy science (Wilson)

II.Military BureaucracyA. Unique Definition - War (Janowitz &

Little p.27-28)

The Bureaucracy in Military SociologyI.Intro

A.Set the stage/Weber ideal (Weber, Merton)

B.Purpose statement: This chapter examines the intersection of military sociology and bureaucracy1. Define mil sociology(Siebold, H-J

& Moskos)2. Interdisciplinary study bureaucracySocio-(Mills)Political Sci (Allison)Policy science (Wilson)

II.Military BureaucracyA. Unique Definition - War (Janowitz &

Little p.27-28)

B. Authority (J&L p.27-28) C. Leadership decisions

(Allison)III. Recent Trends

A. Bur & Civil-military relations1.mature democracies

(Feaver)2.emerging democracies

(Cottey et al pp31-32)*

B.New Roles (Mora, Parchomenko)

IV. Conclusion

*Paragraph slide 23 “Example”

B. Authority (J&L p.27-28) C. Leadership decisions

(Allison)III. Recent Trends

A. Bur & Civil-military relations1.mature democracies

(Feaver)2.emerging democracies

(Cottey et al pp31-32)*

B.New Roles (Mora, Parchomenko)

IV. Conclusion

*Paragraph slide 23 “Example”

Where does the outline come from? Analysis & SynthesisWhere does the outline come from? Analysis & Synthesis

Developing the outline can be the most difficult part of the process.

Think about organization of paper as go along.

Keep ideas in “miscellaneous” tab

Sorting method

Conceptual Framework

Developing the outline can be the most difficult part of the process.

Think about organization of paper as go along.

Keep ideas in “miscellaneous” tab

Sorting method

Conceptual Framework

WORKFLOWWORKFLOW

READIING &

NOTESINTEGRATED

OUTLINE DRAFT

Name of the author needs to be included in each item

THINGS-TO-DO LIST

Names & titles

IdeasTheories

Facts

AnalysisSynthesis

Clarifying craftingcreating

Equilibrium with

greater complexity

Equilibrium

Path of learning or understanding while doing a paper

Path of learning or understanding while doing a paper

Unexpected

doubt and

reflective

thought

Equilibrium

with greater

complexity

Equilibrium

with greater

complexity

Equilibrium

As scholar confronts the unexpected while doing the reading- confusion-

doubt

As scholar confronts the unexpected while doing the reading- confusion-

doubt

Step notebook is a tool

that brings order to the

outer world while the

inner world changes

Equilibrium

with greater

complexity

Equilibrium

Notebook is a tool to manage the ‘doubt and confusion’ stage

Notebook is a tool to manage the ‘doubt and confusion’ stage

Transformations of Inquiry

Tools of Scholarly Research Tools of Scholarly Research

1. Step by Step Notebook

Project ManagementTime, Materials, Ideas

2. Conceptual Frameworks

1. Step by Step Notebook

Project ManagementTime, Materials, Ideas

2. Conceptual Frameworks

Pragmatism: Theory as ToolPragmatism:

Theory as Tool

John DeweyMaps (direction to data collection - in light of purpose)

John DeweyMaps (direction to data collection - in light of purpose)

William JamesHotel Corridor (resolve problem) Labor Saving Contrivance (less mental effort)

John Dewey

William James

Review: Thinking, Doing, Tools

Review: Thinking, Doing, Tools

Remembering Collecting materials Reading

Notebook

Understanding Reading Taking notes

Notebook

Applying Topic/purposeOutlining

Notebook & Framework

Analyzing OutliningDrafting

Notebook & Framework

Evaluating OutliningDrafting

Notebook & Framework

Creating Outlining Drafting

Notebook & Framework

What is a Conceptual Framework?

What is a Conceptual Framework?

•Formal way of thinking (conceptualizing) about a process/system under study.

•Set of concepts linked to a planned or existing system of methods, behaviors, relationships and objects.

•Type of intermediate theory that connects to all aspects of inquiry (purpose, lit review, methodology, data collection, statistics). Conceptual frameworks act like maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry.

•Formal way of thinking (conceptualizing) about a process/system under study.

•Set of concepts linked to a planned or existing system of methods, behaviors, relationships and objects.

•Type of intermediate theory that connects to all aspects of inquiry (purpose, lit review, methodology, data collection, statistics). Conceptual frameworks act like maps that give coherence to empirical inquiry.

Sources: Conceptual FrameworkSources: Conceptual Framework

Shields, Patricia, M. and Hassan Tajalli. (2006). “Intermediate Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student Scholarship.” Journal of Public Affairs Education 12(3): 313-334. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/39/

Shields, Patricia M. (1998). “Pragmatism as a Philosophy of Science: A Tool for Public Administration,” Research in Public Administration. Volume 4: 195-225. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/33/

Shields, Patricia, M. and Hassan Tajalli. (2006). “Intermediate Theory: The Missing Link in Successful Student Scholarship.” Journal of Public Affairs Education 12(3): 313-334. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/39/

Shields, Patricia M. (1998). “Pragmatism as a Philosophy of Science: A Tool for Public Administration,” Research in Public Administration. Volume 4: 195-225. http://ecommons.txstate.edu/polsfacp/33/

Conceptual Frameworks and Research Papers

Conceptual Frameworks and Research Papers

• Literature ReviewHelp with the outline

• Empirical ResearchMost useful - give the activities (choosing the topic, purpose, method, data collection, statistics, data analysis) coherence

• Literature ReviewHelp with the outline

• Empirical ResearchMost useful - give the activities (choosing the topic, purpose, method, data collection, statistics, data analysis) coherence

Empirical Research Process

Conceptual Framework

MethodologyStatistic

s

Research purpose

Focusing on a Topic

Organizing ideas

to achieve the purpose

How to Collect Data

Analyzing andOrganizing

Data

Organization of Empirical Research (50 to 200 pages)

Organization of Empirical Research (50 to 200 pages)

Chapter I – Introduction (statement of purpose)

Chapter II – Literature Review (conceptual framework)

Chapter III – Methodology (techniques used to collect the data)

Chapter IV – Results (aggregation of the data - often statistical)

Chapter V – Conclusion

Chapter I – Introduction (statement of purpose)

Chapter II – Literature Review (conceptual framework)

Chapter III – Methodology (techniques used to collect the data)

Chapter IV – Results (aggregation of the data - often statistical)

Chapter V – Conclusion

Texas State StoryTexas State Story

Accreditation Team (1988)

Problem Applied Research Projects

1. Poor Literature Reviews (notebook)

2. No Conceptual Framework

Accreditation Team (1988)

Problem Applied Research Projects

1. Poor Literature Reviews (notebook)

2. No Conceptual Framework

Dr. Shields: What is a Conceptual Framework ?

Students Kept Asking

John Dewey

Admit -- I did not knowHow can I answer this question

Multiple frameworks!

Tools that:Changed with the goal of the Scholar!

John Dewey

Working Hypotheses

BEGANEarl Babbie’s Practice of Social Research

Three Research Purposes

ExplorationDescriptionExplanation

Description - CategoriesExplanation - HypothesesExploration ?????

Conceptual Framework Matrix

Conceptual Framework Matrix

All elements of the empirical research process aligned around the conceptual framework. [handout]

1. Look at each framework separately

2. Apply frameworks

All elements of the empirical research process aligned around the conceptual framework. [handout]

1. Look at each framework separately

2. Apply frameworks

Connecting purpose and frameworkConnecting purpose and framework

Research Purposes (Chapter I)

1. Exploration

2. Description

3. Gauging

4. Decision Making

5. Explanation/ Prediction

Research Purposes (Chapter I)

1. Exploration

2. Description

3. Gauging

4. Decision Making

5. Explanation/ Prediction

Conceptual Frameworks (Chapter II)

1. Working Hypotheses

2. Descriptive Categories

3. Practical Ideal Type

4. Models of Operations Research

5. Formal Hypotheses

Conceptual Frameworks (Chapter II)

1. Working Hypotheses

2. Descriptive Categories

3. Practical Ideal Type

4. Models of Operations Research

5. Formal Hypotheses

Descriptive CategoriesDescriptive Categories

Linked to “research purpose” Description

Classification, taxonomies sorting into categories

Type of critical thinking – Analyzing Breaking

material into parts and determining how the parts relate (classifying)

Most basic type of conceptualization

Helps scholar make sense out of a mess

Linked to “research purpose” Description

Classification, taxonomies sorting into categories

Type of critical thinking – Analyzing Breaking

material into parts and determining how the parts relate (classifying)

Most basic type of conceptualization

Helps scholar make sense out of a mess

Descriptive Categories: Examples

Descriptive Categories: Examples

Messy Rooms Kitchen Example Home Depot - less mental effort

PAR Article example - practical, pluralistic, participatory, provisional

Messy Rooms Kitchen Example Home Depot - less mental effort

PAR Article example - practical, pluralistic, participatory, provisional

Working Hypotheses

Working Hypotheses

Linked to “research purpose” Exploratory

Used for problems in their preliminary stages

Provisional means of advancing investigation

Most flexible framework

Linked to “research purpose” Exploratory

Used for problems in their preliminary stages

Provisional means of advancing investigation

Most flexible framework

Practical Ideal TypePractical Ideal Type

Linked to the “research purpose” gauging Enables one to gauge or assess the efficacy of

a policy or management process against an ideal standard

Akin to Best PracticeCriteria used to judge a process

(classify criteria)

Provisional - Normative or “Should” component

Linked to the “research purpose” gauging Enables one to gauge or assess the efficacy of

a policy or management process against an ideal standard

Akin to Best PracticeCriteria used to judge a process

(classify criteria)

Provisional - Normative or “Should” component

Models of Operations Research

Models of Operations Research

Linked to the “research purpose” decision making

Quantitative techniques already well developed in PA and public finance (Examples -Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, linear programming, Economic Base Analysis etc.)

Often takes form of mathematical formula (PVB-PVC >0)

Answer questions - Which project should be built?

Linked to the “research purpose” decision making

Quantitative techniques already well developed in PA and public finance (Examples -Cost Benefit Analysis, Cost Effectiveness Analysis, linear programming, Economic Base Analysis etc.)

Often takes form of mathematical formula (PVB-PVC >0)

Answer questions - Which project should be built?

Formal Hypotheses Formal Hypotheses Linked to “explanatory” research purposeMost research methods texts implicitly

assume formal hypotheses are the framework used in a research project.

Associated with experiments and the scientific method.

Linked to “explanatory” research purposeMost research methods texts implicitly

assume formal hypotheses are the framework used in a research project.

Associated with experiments and the scientific method.

More HypothesesMore Hypotheses

Specifies an expected relationship between concepts AB (education influences income)

Linked to causal theories

Statistical Tests

Associated with impact evaluation (program A will lead to outcome B – snack tax obesity rate

Specifies an expected relationship between concepts AB (education influences income)

Linked to causal theories

Statistical Tests

Associated with impact evaluation (program A will lead to outcome B – snack tax obesity rate

Example: Descriptive CategoriesExample: Descriptive Categories

Josh Shepherd - Guest Worker Policy -What are the key issues? Key issues are found in a variety of literatures - his job to sort out, classify key issues

http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/261/

Josh Shepherd - Guest Worker Policy -What are the key issues? Key issues are found in a variety of literatures - his job to sort out, classify key issues

http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/261/

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to describe the attitudes and opinions of agricultural growers in Texas toward guest worker

policy.

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to describe the attitudes and opinions of agricultural growers in Texas toward guest worker

policy. Guest Worker Policy

1. Hiring Process

2. Labor Standards

3. Enforcement

4. Legal Status

5. Security

6. Possible outcomes

Guest Worker Policy1. Hiring Process

2. Labor Standards

3. Enforcement

4. Legal Status

5. Security

6. Possible outcomes

Six categories are the conceptual framework

Refine the Conceptual Framework:Find the elements within the categories.

Refine the Conceptual Framework:Find the elements within the categories.

Key categories are the bins. Clothes Toys Books

What goes in the bins? (identifying the elements)

Clothes -socks underwear, shirts Toys- dolls, boats, games Books - story, reading

Key categories are the bins. Clothes Toys Books

What goes in the bins? (identifying the elements)

Clothes -socks underwear, shirts Toys- dolls, boats, games Books - story, reading

Guest Worker PolicyGuest Worker Policy

Hiring Process labor market conditionsrecruitmentcontracting

Labor Standardstransportationhousinglegal rightsminimum working hourscompensation

Enforcementmonitoring and administrationnumerical limitsguest worker return

Hiring Process labor market conditionsrecruitmentcontracting

Labor Standardstransportationhousinglegal rightsminimum working hourscompensation

Enforcementmonitoring and administrationnumerical limitsguest worker return

Legal Statusstatus of workersstatus of family

Boarder Security Possible Outcomes

dependency of foreign laborillegal immigrationwage depressionworker exploitation & discrimination

Legal Statusstatus of workersstatus of family

Boarder Security Possible Outcomes

dependency of foreign laborillegal immigrationwage depressionworker exploitation & discrimination

The framework is the basis of the outline for the lit review, questionnaire design, and organization of the results chapter.

Constructing Questionnaires using the Conceptual Framework

Constructing Questionnaires using the Conceptual Framework

Descriptive Category

Questionnaire item

Hiring Process

labor market conditions

Guest worker policy should contain a labor market test that ensures that growers have attempted to hire domestic workers before guest workers can be hired.*

recruitment The recruitment of guest worker policy should be administered.

A) directly by employersB) by the federal governmentC) through a combination of direct recruitment by growers and the federal government

contracting Guest worker policy should give guest workers the freedom to negotiate their own contracts. *

Labor Standards

Transportation Guest worker policy should mandate thatA) employers pay for a guest worker’s travel

expenses into the United States and for their return trip home……..

These are elements of the framework

Putting Conceptual Frameworks into Practice

Putting Conceptual Frameworks into Practice

Build Conceptual Framework with Literature

Operationalize the Conceptual Framework

Build Conceptual Framework with Literature

Operationalize the Conceptual Framework

Develop and use the maps to Achieve Research Goal

Handout -- Review ExamplesHandout -- Review Examples

Tables1. Conceptual Framework linked to

literature

2. Conceptual Framework Operationalized

Tables1. Conceptual Framework linked to

literature

2. Conceptual Framework Operationalized

Mysteries of Writing Research

Papers

Mysteries of Writing Research

Papers

How to get and stay organized How to use theory

How to get and stay organized How to use theory

New Light

BibliographyBibliography

Bloom B. S. 1956. Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook I: The Cognitive Domain. New York: David McKay Co Inc.

Gray, T. 1998. “Your Students can too Write - And You Can Show Them How.” Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 9: 131-153

Shields, Patricia M. 2006. Step by Step: Building a Research Paper. Stillwater OK: New Forums Press.

Bloom B. S. 1956. Taxonomy of Educational Objectives, Handbook I: The Cognitive Domain. New York: David McKay Co Inc.

Gray, T. 1998. “Your Students can too Write - And You Can Show Them How.” Journal of Criminal Justice Education. 9: 131-153

Shields, Patricia M. 2006. Step by Step: Building a Research Paper. Stillwater OK: New Forums Press.

Useful Web SitesUseful Web Sites

Provides guidelines for writing a prospectus that use conceptual framework table and operationalization table.http://uweb.txstate.edu/%7Eps07/documents/prosdirect.pdf

Examples of prospectus organized by type of conceptual framework http://uweb.txstate.edu/%7Eps07/documents/proexam.pdf

Syllabus of class that gets students ready to write their Applied Research Project POSI 5335 Problems in Research Methodology http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/documents/sy35fa99.pdf

Syllabus of class where students write their Applied Research Project POSI 5397 Applied Research Project http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/documents/sy97fa99.pdf

250 + Texas State student papers http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/

Dr. Shields Home Page http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/

Provides guidelines for writing a prospectus that use conceptual framework table and operationalization table.http://uweb.txstate.edu/%7Eps07/documents/prosdirect.pdf

Examples of prospectus organized by type of conceptual framework http://uweb.txstate.edu/%7Eps07/documents/proexam.pdf

Syllabus of class that gets students ready to write their Applied Research Project POSI 5335 Problems in Research Methodology http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/documents/sy35fa99.pdf

Syllabus of class where students write their Applied Research Project POSI 5397 Applied Research Project http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/documents/sy97fa99.pdf

250 + Texas State student papers http://ecommons.txstate.edu/arp/

Dr. Shields Home Page http://uweb.txstate.edu/~ps07/

Classical Pragmatism SourcesClassical Pragmatism SourcesShields, Patricia M. 2008. Rediscovering the Taproot: Is Classical Pragmatism the

Route to Renew Public Administration. Public Administration Review. (68)2: 205-221.

Shields, Patricia M. 1996. Pragmatism: Exploring Public Administration’s Policy Imprint. Administration & Society 28(4):390-411.

Shields, Patricia M. 1998. Pragmatism as Philosophy of Science: A Tool for Public Administration. Research in Public Administration: 195-226.

Shields, Patricia M. 2003. The Community of Inquiry: Classical Pragmatism and Public Administration. Administration & Society 35(5): 510-538.

Shields, Patricia M. 2004. Classical Pragmatism: Engaging Practitioner Experience. Administration & Society. 36(3): 351-361.

Shields, Patricia M. 2005. Classical Pragmatism Does Not Need an Upgrade: Lessons for Public Administration. Administration & Society 37(4): 504-518.

Shields, Patricia M. 2005. Classical Pragmatism: Roots and Promise for a PA Feminist Theory. Administrative Theory and Praxis 27(2):370-376.

Shields, Patricia M. 2008. Rediscovering the Taproot: Is Classical Pragmatism the Route to Renew Public Administration. Public Administration Review. (68)2: 205-221.

Shields, Patricia M. 1996. Pragmatism: Exploring Public Administration’s Policy Imprint. Administration & Society 28(4):390-411.

Shields, Patricia M. 1998. Pragmatism as Philosophy of Science: A Tool for Public Administration. Research in Public Administration: 195-226.

Shields, Patricia M. 2003. The Community of Inquiry: Classical Pragmatism and Public Administration. Administration & Society 35(5): 510-538.

Shields, Patricia M. 2004. Classical Pragmatism: Engaging Practitioner Experience. Administration & Society. 36(3): 351-361.

Shields, Patricia M. 2005. Classical Pragmatism Does Not Need an Upgrade: Lessons for Public Administration. Administration & Society 37(4): 504-518.

Shields, Patricia M. 2005. Classical Pragmatism: Roots and Promise for a PA Feminist Theory. Administrative Theory and Praxis 27(2):370-376.

More sourcesMore sources

Snider, Keith. Expertise or Experimenting? Pragmatism and American Public Administration 1920-1950. Administration & Society 32(3):329-354.

Snider, Keith. 2005. Rortyan Pragmatism: “Where’s the Beef” for Public Administration? Administration & Society. 37(2): 243-247

Evans, Karen. 2000. Reclaiming John Dewey: Democracy, Inquiry, Pragmatism and Public Management. Administration & Society 32(3): 308-328.

Evans, Karen. 2005. Upgrade or a Different Animal Altogether? Why Old Pragmatism Better Informs Public Management and New Pragmatism Misses the Point. Administration & Society. 37((2): 248-55.

Miller, Hugh T. 2004. Why Old Pragmatism Needs and Upgrade. Administration & Society. 36(2): 243-249.

Miller, Hugh T. 2005. Residues of Foundationalism in Classical Pragmatism. Administration & Society. 37(3): 360-374.

Snider, Keith. Expertise or Experimenting? Pragmatism and American Public Administration 1920-1950. Administration & Society 32(3):329-354.

Snider, Keith. 2005. Rortyan Pragmatism: “Where’s the Beef” for Public Administration? Administration & Society. 37(2): 243-247

Evans, Karen. 2000. Reclaiming John Dewey: Democracy, Inquiry, Pragmatism and Public Management. Administration & Society 32(3): 308-328.

Evans, Karen. 2005. Upgrade or a Different Animal Altogether? Why Old Pragmatism Better Informs Public Management and New Pragmatism Misses the Point. Administration & Society. 37((2): 248-55.

Miller, Hugh T. 2004. Why Old Pragmatism Needs and Upgrade. Administration & Society. 36(2): 243-249.

Miller, Hugh T. 2005. Residues of Foundationalism in Classical Pragmatism. Administration & Society. 37(3): 360-374.

More SourcesMore Sources

Hildebrand, David L. 2005. Pragmatism, Neo Pragmatism and Public Administration. Administration & Society. 37(3): 345-359.

Hildebrand, David L. 2008. Public Administration as Pragmatic, Democratic, and Objective. Public Administration Review. 68(2): 222-229.

Stolcis, Gregory B. 2004. A View from the Trenches: Comments on Miller’s “Why Old Pragmatism Needs an Upgrade.” Administration & Society. 36(3): 362-368.

Webb, James L. 2004. Comment on Hugh T. Miller’s “Why Old Pragmatism Needs and Upgrade.” Administration & Society. 36(4): 479-495.

Hildebrand, David L. 2005. Pragmatism, Neo Pragmatism and Public Administration. Administration & Society. 37(3): 345-359.

Hildebrand, David L. 2008. Public Administration as Pragmatic, Democratic, and Objective. Public Administration Review. 68(2): 222-229.

Stolcis, Gregory B. 2004. A View from the Trenches: Comments on Miller’s “Why Old Pragmatism Needs an Upgrade.” Administration & Society. 36(3): 362-368.

Webb, James L. 2004. Comment on Hugh T. Miller’s “Why Old Pragmatism Needs and Upgrade.” Administration & Society. 36(4): 479-495.