Tag: LDRS 591

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Unit 10 Blog

Part A

The following questions are answered after viewing the YouTube video, Battling bad science (Goldcare, 2011).

How can I know that I can trust what I am reading?

In the YouTube video, Battling bad science (Goldcare, 2011), Goldcare states “real science is all about critically appraising the evidence of somebody else’s position”. I believe what he means by this is that as a consumer of research we need to be a healthy skeptic. In LDRS 591, at Trinity Western University, we have learned about tools to evaluate what might be constituted as good research. In Understanding Research: A consumer’s guide (Plano-Clark & Creswell, 2015), the class was introduced to various tables, as tools to review and critique qualitative research, quantitative research and mixed research for example. I believe moving forward these tools can be helpful as move progress with our academic goals in not only reviewing literature but also potentially writing literature ourselves.

How do I know the research has been performed competently?

As suggested in the course LDRS 591, Trinity Western University, when searching for literature, as students we were advised to check only peer-reviewed or scholarly literature and to check these boxes when performing an online search. Researchers have the opportunity to disseminate their work when their paper is defended and published or potentially at a conference. Articles submitted to journals are typically reviewed by peers or other experts in the field.

How do I know the research is reported honestly?

Not all journals hold the same level of credibility as others and so knowing which ones hold higher standards is important. Also knowing whom the author is will provide clues as to the honesty of the report. Researchers that provide details of how their research was collected, controls that were in place and any gaps in their research will also further demonstrate the honesty of the paper.

How do I know the findings presented are consistent with what other researchers would conclude?

Quality research often builds on research that is already known however answers a question that requires more clarification. In a good research paper there will be a great deal of back matter indicating what research the current paper is expanding upon. Methods used to collect quantitative data or qualitative data will also be based on previous success and academically accepted methods. In the conclusion section, flaws of the research and suggested further research is cited.

References

Goldcare, B. (2011, July). Battling bad science. [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.ted.com/talks/ben_goldacre_battling_bad_science

Plano-Clark, V., & Creswell, J. (2015). Understanding research: A consumer’s guide (2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Part B

In my organization of Seyem’ Qwantlen I optimally try to do my best and serve as a transformational servant leader. My cultural teachers have shared with me that being a leader of people is not something that should be taken for granted and is something that should be respected.

I am guided by the seven laws, which are health, happiness, humbleness, generosity, generations, understanding and forgiveness. I try my best to be the healthiest I can be so I can perform optimally. I also encourage healthy activities with staff such as lunch time walks or group building activities such as tobogganing. We leave a cedar basket at the entrance to our building so that when we walk through the door, all negative energies are placed there. It’s up to me as a leader to do my best to continue to create a positive work environment, thus ensuring the happiness of others I serve. In being a humble leader, I need to base my decision making on the most informed evidence available and not based on my ego. Sometimes these decisions may come from the staff and it’s up to me to support them. If we can’t come to a conclusion I need to demonstrate how to go about finding the answers in a collaborative way. If I share with staff, non-evidence based information I know their confidence in me as a leader will be lost. If I make a mistake I own it and look for ways the organization can learn so we can ultimately become stronger. I am generous with my time with staff so that I can help them in achieving their goals. I know I must continue to learn new ways to lead my staff as well as utilize evidence-based research to know what is trending and what works. I respect the generations working at my organization and know that with each, I’m the one that needs to adapt and not them. We all serve the purpose of making life easier for our elders and for future generations, including those not born yet, as we look ahead to the next 7. Understanding is about knowing that each of my staff has come to work for Seyem’ Qwantlen, walking a different path. With that, their evidence-based decision making may differ from my own at times. I know though that with understanding we can work together to solve any problem. I also know now about where to find credible research in considering very complex problems. Finally, forgiveness is about allowing staff to make mistakes and having the confidence to know they will learn from them.

I serve a community healing from intergenerational trauma, the effects of residential schools and colonization. Through my actions as a Transformational Servant leader, perhaps this is where my greatest feat will be. I know I must lead my community and organization and despite what the past has brought us, show that we can forgive, no matter what life has thrown us. Kwantlen has been around since time immemorial and we will continue to be around in the future. It is because of the 7 laws of life that we have existed as long as we have. To me this is the greatest, most impactful evidence based decision making model I have ever known. The laws are my guide and my mantra, which happens to align with the definition of a Transformational Servant leader.

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Week 9 Blog

Part A

What are the similarities and differences in the discussion/conclusion section of a qualitative and quantitative research report?

Similarities:

  • Includes implications and suggestions for practice
  • Limitations of the study
  • Suggestions for future research
  • Overall significance of the study

Differences:

  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results organized by research questions or hypothesis while a qualitative study include results of major findings which are organized by themes.
  • In a quantitative research report the summary includes results in terms of predictions and or prior studies while a qualitative study include a comparison of findings within existing studies.
  • Only in a qualitative study will you find personal reflections about the study.

Part B

Research Quality rating for article called, An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership (Barbuto, Gottfredson & Searle, 2014).

  1. The major results are identified and summarized – Rating 3 – Emotional intelligence was related to servant leadership and in particular in the leader-reported results. For the follower-reported results the results were less significant however the researchers provided a number of possible reasons why with this particular study group, the outcome may have been influenced. This study utilized public servants and the researchers suggested the outcome may have been influenced by political leaders feeling influenced in behaviors in order to stay in office. The researchers therefore suggested that additional studies be conducted in the private sector.
  2. The results are thoughtfully examined in relation to the literature and personal reflections – Rating 3 – The major results are summarized in tables as well as results section.
  3. Appropriate implications of the results for practice are identified and justified
    Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  4. Thoughtful critiques of the study’s limitations are provided and appropriate for the research approach – Rating 3 – The critique of the studies limitations are well thought out. Further research is suggested in the public sector as well as larger groups of followers surveyed may have an effect on the results.
  5. Suitable implications of the result for future research are identified and justified – Rating 3 – The results of the practice are identified and justified. The quantitative study clearly demonstrates that emotional intelligence is an antecedent for servant leader ideology however not a predictor of servant leader behaviors with followers.
  6. The interpretations are consistent with the study – Rating 3 – The researcher acknowledge that much is still needed to learn on servant leadership and if emotional intelligence is an antecedent to servant leadership. In the conclusion the researchers indicate that this particular study may be the only one, indicating that the research does require much more studies, including in the private sector.
  7. The back matter is appropriate for the study report – Rating 3 – The researchers did an excellent job with back references and in utilizing previous research methods. The list of references were complete and organized in an APA format.

The overall score is 21/21 indicating a high quality research report.

Part C

  1. As a consumer of research reports what were the most important aspects you need to consider in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report?

As a consumer of research reports, the most important aspects that should be considered in the discussion/conclusion section of a high-quality research report is a summary of major findings from the research, recommended next steps, limitations of the research, how the research can be applied practically as well as references and other back matter.

  1. Are there any elements of this section that you still have questions about or finding confusing?

My question is regarding the listing of a glossary. I see in some research papers quite extensive lists of glossary terms. Are glossaries becoming more important with a global economy? My hunch is they can be quite helpful so as not to misunderstand the intention or confuse terms. Do you think glossaries will become more of a standard in research papers?

  1. How can you apply this knowledge to your work context or current leadership experience?

The learning in week 9 is relevant to my current role at Seyem’ Qwantlen Business Group, where I am required to attend community meetings and provide information to the elders, land code committee and membership. Issues such as rights and title, purchase of lands and where to focus business investments require a great deal of thought and consideration. If I were to present information that is not well thought out, it would not instill confidence in the community and in my decision making ability. Utilizing the tools and approaches of scholarly research removes ambiguity and provides a scientific based approach to drawing conclusions. I’ve also learned that there is already a great deal of information or literature available to help in making informed decisions. Conclusions must be drawn from past scholarly research and any new information should be backed up and justified. Without doing so, and instead drawing conclusions based on opinions, can have effects on my community’s future success and on future generations. It would also effect the perceptions of the community on my ability to function as a servant leader.

In closing, I invite comments regarding my question above, with respect to a glossary. Do you find glossaries in research papers helpful in creating clarity and understanding, particularly with a global economy ?

References

Barbuto, J. E., Gottfredson, R. K., & Searle, T. P. (2014). An examination of emotional intelligence as an antecedent of servant leadership. Journal of Leadership and Organizational Studies, 21(3), 315-323.