Seminar 3: The Final Problem Statement

1. Seminar 3: The Final Problem Statement LS 504 Applied Research in Legal Studies

2. Tonight’s Agenda • Discuss the Problem Statement Assignment • Critique four model problem statements using the SMART criteria • Introduce the Literature Review Assignment

3. Problem Statement Assignment: Part 1 • State the problem • Explain why there is a need for a resolution to the problem • Identify the group/population/community that is involved • Explain briefly why this is a problem that an individual researcher could reasonably tackle and what results you could reasonably expect from your efforts • Explain your theory of causation regarding the problem (What factors are causing the problematic effect(s) that you wish to solve/alleviate with your project?) • Indicate very briefly whether your preliminary research has shown that there has been scholarly research conducted regarding this problem

4. Problem Statement Assignment: Part 2 • Explain your proposed solution to the problem: • What is your basic problem-solving plan? • How might it be effective in helping to solve/alleviate the problem you have identified? • Each part (1 & 2) of the problem statement should be about two paragraphs in length. • Total length of the problem statement should be about one page • If you reference outside sources, properly cite the references and include a reference page formatted using APA guidelines

5. Do these problems meet the SMART Criteria?

6. Lisa Siewert’s Problem Statement It has been typically expected that when a student completes an assignment and turns it in to the teacher, it would be graded within a reasonable length of time and returned to the student. It is not uncommon for the teacher to add a mini note (e.g., “Good job!”) to the percentage or number of correct answers. However, because of the increased demands on the teacher’s workload, this is not always the case. Teachers have been modifying the way students receive feedback on academic work. At this point, it is necessary to determine whether these feedback modifications have adverse consequences on fifth-grade students with learning disabilities.

7. Donna Johnson’s Problem Statement Research shows that bullying as a lasting effect on children that lead to psychological disorders, anxiety attacks, low self esteem, depression, and insomnia (U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services, 2010). The school community has a responsibility to proactively address and minimize bullying to protect the victim and as well as address the conflict plaguing the perpetration. As a member of a school community, it is my goal to propose a proactive, collaborative approach to adolescent bullying to ensure safety in all schools and all children.

8. Model Proposal B Problem Statement Teens aging out of the foster care system face many difficulties that can affect their success in life. It would be beneficial to know how and to what extent support, either by non-profit groups or government funded agencies, affects the success of teens aging out of the system. If continued support positively affects the lives of these teens, then it would make sense to increase funding for these programs. The purpose of this research will be to compare the outcome of youths who receive support with those who do not. It is hypothesized that those who receive support will have more positive outcomes than those who do not receive support. The research will hopefully shed light on the need for more comprehensive support for system for teens aging out of foster care.

9. Danyel Davis’ Problem Statement • Problem Statement Can my work group contribute questions to the intake form asking pertinent information regarding AODA and mental health issues . To follow up with, how can I make my colleagues agree to improving the Intake form to reflect the needs of juveniles? • Baseline Data There has been no assessment/improvement of the initial intake form regarding juveniles and their wellbeing stemming mental, alcohol, drug addiction issues, before going to jail. • Measurable goals I would like to lower the number of juveniles by at least 25-40%, who is forced into jail without the proper assessment. I would also like to include the changing of the initial intake form to include more in-depth questioning, to better assess juveniles into better programs, instead of jail. • Outcome I expect the outcome to occur : Professional outcomes to gain approval and to properly assess the juvenile with mental health, alcohol, drug and family issues.

10. For Next Week • Once you get feedback on Problem Statement, begin the secondary research for the Literature Review due Week 8 • You will be working on the Literature Review from weeks 4 through 8. • The Literature Review consists of a 10- to 15-page discussion and analysis of secondary research on your problem • Use APA formatting to include citations and a reference page.

11. Literature Review Requires Analysis • Explain each source’s pertinence to your topic • Analyze and identify key themes then organize sources by these themes or sub-topics • Include an introduction that provides a purpose statement and a preview of contents and announces this organization by theme or sub-topic • Close with a conclusion that identifies major trends, identifies areas of controversy, addresses additional questions posed by sources, and summarizes the important published knowledge on your topic

12. Lit Review Models in Doc Sharing • LS504 sample_apa_style_litreview.pdf • LS504 Sample_Literature Review (C).pdf • Entire Class2LS504 Sample Literature Review from Model Proposal B.docx • Entire Class3LS 504 Model Literature Review from Model Research Proposal (A).docx

13. Resources from Webliography • Literature Reviews. UNC Writing Center. http://www.unc.edu/depts/wcweb/handouts/literature_review.html • How to get started writing a literature review.  Edgewood College Writing Center. http://edgenet.edgewood.edu/LSS/writingcenter/articles/lit_review.htm • Overview of how to write a literature review .  UC Santa Cruz. http://library.ucsc.edu/help/howto/write-a-literature-review

14. Questions?