Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University

© 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 1 of 2

Purpose Statement Checklist Use the following criteria to evaluate an author’s purpose statement.

Look for indications of the following:

• Does the statement begin with signaling words?

• Does the statement identify the research approach (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)?

• Does the statement clearly state the intent of the study?

• Does the statement mention the participants?

• Does the statement mention the research site?

• Is the statement framed in a way that is consistent with the identified problem?

If the study is qualitative, does the purpose statement do as follows?

• Focus on a single phenomenon

• Use an action verb to convey how learning will take place

• Use neutral, nondirectional language

• Provide a general definition of the central phenomenon

If the study is quantitative, does the purpose statement do as follows?

• Identify the variables under study

• Provide a general definition of each key variable

• Use words that connect the variables

• Identify a theory

If the study is mixed methods, does the purpose statement do as follows?

• Discuss the reason(s) for mixing both quantitative and qualitative data

• Include the characteristics of a good qualitative purpose statement (as listed above)

Research Theory, Design, and Methods Walden University

© 2016 Laureate Education, Inc. Page 2 of 2

• Include the characteristics of a good quantitative purpose statement (as listed above)

• Indicate the specific method of collecting both quantitative and qualitative data