I need this to be in apa format. 7 to 9 pages. I need a rush on it.
Here is all the information I have at this time
My research project needs to be a qualitative report and will consist of attempting to develop a theory that teen pregnancy is affected more by teens level of communication with their parents and their parents parenting styles then demographic variables which include race, socioeconomics and family structure. (For my project only) I am stating that a grant for $500,000 was awarded to me to develop this study from the National Institute for Mental health and planned parenthood . Their desire is to develop a study showing the correlation of communication skills and parenting skills as seen by teens and if they affect the level of teen pregnancies more then race, socioeconomic or family structure.
I will have an ideal random sample of 800 children from 4 demographic areas. I will take half of the sample within defined groups (as listed below) and the other as a random sample. All participants will come from the Middle school and High school age teens(ages 12 through 17). I will get permission from the legal guardian to survey each student within the schools library at the school, during school hours as a means of not disrupting class or preventing low turn out by making it after school. In doing the survey within the library I can call in 15 teenagers at a time to give my survey to. I would administer my personal survey and one other scale at the school. In developing my defined sample and random sample, each individual student will have the opportunity to make their own choice if they do not want to participate in the survey if they feel uncomfortable. They will also know that all of their responses will be anonymous, so no one, including their parents will know their answers. For comparison, I would need to administer some form of scale to the care givers and or family members as well, to see both sides of the situation. The FAM-III would be a good choice (See description of scale below).
The reason for such a large choice is because mostly there will be those who decide not to participate, or drop out, or who’s families will not sign the consent form. Keep in mind this will not all be pregnant teens.
1. race – Caucasian, African American, Hispanic and Asian.
2. Socioeconomic status- Under $25000 income, Over $25,000 and below $50,000. Over $50,000 and under $100,000. Over $100,000.
3. Family structure – Married versus divorced.
4. pregnant teens
Qualitative studies are helpful because they answer the how and why type questions and provide a detailed understanding of a central phenomenon (Creswell, 2008). In looking up research I will use a Grounded theory approach as my qualitative research approach. Its to my understanding that the purpose of grounded theory is to develop theory about phenomena of interest. The theory needs to be grounded or rooted in observation. Although there will be measurement scales used for hard data, this could be a long study, taking many years, involving sessions with many teens from a large sample. It will be helpful because it will answer the question as to what significance does a parents ability to communicate openly and parent well, help lead to a lower teen pregnancy rate as well as reestablish the family unit.
This study is unique in that I have found little research that discusses this issue from the teens perspective. The research begins with the raising of generative questions which help to guide the research. These question would be- 1. Do teens who talk openly about sex with their parents, have less sex? More protected sex, or less sex? 2. Do teens see this as significant in making their decision to have sex? 3. Does the style of parenting allow for a teen to feel more comfortable in approaching their parent? 3. Does race play a larger role in a teen pregnancy then question 1 & 2. 4. Does the socioeconomic status of a family affect teen pregnancy more then questions 1 & 2. 5. Does coming from a married family or divorced family affect teen pregnancy more then questions 1 & 2.
As I begin to gather data, core theoretical concept(s) are identified. Tentative links are developed between the theoretical core concepts and the data. This early phase of the research tends to be very open and can take months. Later on the researcher is more engaged in verification and summary. The effort tends to evolve toward one core category that is central. Eventually one approach conceptually dense theory as new observation leads to new linkages which lead to revisions in the theory and more data collection. The core concept or category is identified and flushed out in the details of the research.
Possible sample tests to use-
1, The PSI- (The parenting Stress Index.) Its purpose is to identify parent child problems. It identifies parenting and family characteristics that fail to promote normal development and functioning in children. It helps identify dysfunctional children and parents with dysfunctional parenting skills. Subscales include (for children)- adaptability, acceptability, demanding ness, mood and reinforces parent. Subscales for the adults include- Depression, attachment, role restriction, competence, isolation, spouse, and health.
2. The SIPA-(Stress Index for Parents with Adolescents) This s a screening and diagnostic tool that identifies areas of stress in parent adolescent interactions. It examines the relationship of parenting stress to adolescent characteristics and parent characteristics.
3. The FAM-III ( Family Assessment Measure) – This is a self repot measure that assess the strengths and weaknesses within the family members. It is completed by all pre teens, teens and adult family members. By comparing the results, of all three reports the counselor obtains a greater picture of how the family members view their level of interaction.
Depending on which of the following surveys I would administer. I would have all groups complete to scales, then follow up with the family scale. I most likely would have to go to the homes, or ask to establish time after school hours for families to come in to complete the scale, or possibly during an open house. Possibly offer extra credit to the student for those who’s families come. Or coupons for some restaurant locally? I would need to develop this research to show both the parenting styles and level of communication as seen by the teen and as seen by the care giver.
I need some type of testing survey that might help show teens opnions on wehter they feel comfortable talking about sex with their parents. One that would allow us to ask questions related to what style of parenting the teen feels their own parent has, ask the demographic information we need, and then ask if they have had sex, thought about it, used protection, have every been pregnant and if they were influenced by their parents talking to them, wished their parents had talked to them.
I need the following within my report
?
??Statement of the Problem
This assignment asks you to write a brief paper, really more of an introduction to your research study. In this paper, you will specify the focus and importance of the problem. You will need to use 2 – 4 references, as appropriate.
You will also submit a list of articles that you MAY be using in the literature review assignment.
• Literature Review
A key step in developing and preparing a research study is reviewing and synthesizing the literature published on the topic. In a literature review, you conduct an extensive search of the professional literature (peer reviewed publications are preferred), review and synthesize your readings, and present it an organized format before stating your conclusion (often a statement of why your study is needed). What this does is allows the reader to better understand the connection between the studies and your research topic. You should use a minimum of 6 – 8 articles as you write your review.
• Research Question and Statement of Hypothesis
You will submit to the assignment tab your research question and a statement of your hypothesis or hypotheses.
• Study Design
This is the part of the paper that focuses on the methods and procedures of the study. Included in this section should be the following:
This will be a
Qualitative Study
What is the particular qualitative methodological approach you plan to use? Provide a rationale for why you chose to use this approach.
How do propose to collect the sample for this study?
Do you plan to use an observational, interview, or document method (see ch. 8)?
Discuss how you will record your data.
I. Introduction:
A. specific objectives
B. specific requirements
C. one cohesive report
D your own individual writing style (within reason)
________________________________________
II. The purpose of the paper (the problem statement)
A. sharing newly developed information or
B. a new understanding of previously known information
C. find, analyze, & organize the best information available
D. a logical, concise, & clear report
E. what are you attempting to accomplish?
1. persuade?
2. share information… from one (abstract) or more (expository) sources?
3. analyze a position?
4. compel people to act (or stop an action)?
________________________________________
III. Information selection
A. usefulness and
B. validity of sources (popular versus professional sources)
C. other reasons for EXCLUDING information
1. too technical
2. similar to other information used (redundant)
3. deals with aspects not covered in topic
4. outdated information
________________________________________
IV. Topic selection
A. assigned
B. of interest to you
C. emotion versus objectivity
D. other considerations…………
1. narrow enough to be covered thoroughly (with time constraints)
2. broad enough to be covered without repeating (ditto)
3. current enough to be interesting
________________________________________
Introduction……….
1. statement of purpose near the start
2. keep it in front of you at all times
working bibliography
1. management of notes, bibliography, et al
2. back up systems
Connecting your thoughts (transition)
1. logical progression
a. order of importance?
b. chronological order?
2. paragraph… a number of sentences (not just one) about one subject
3. transition between paragraphs with a word or sentence
4. closing paragraph
a. conclusion
b. summary
(reference back to statement of purpose)
IX. References (APA format)….