Lisa Rogers ePortfolio Research and Assessment Competence

Reflection Form
This artifact, titled Mini Research Proposal: Leaving Career for
Motherhood, was the final assignment for RMTD 400: Research Methods. I
chose to use this paper rather than my assessment project because this had
more personal meaning for me. As I began to think about the job search
process, much of it was shaped by my identity as a woman. Particularly I
heard many messages from individuals about how woman have to choose
motherhood or careers. All of that aside, I believe that this artifact
represents my competence in research and assessment.
In this assignment, we were required to create a proposal for a
research study on a topic of our choice. We then had to break down the
various steps we would take to accomplish the study. In choosing our
methodology it was imperative for us to know what methods would be most
appropriate. I had to discern whether or not I wanted to use a quantitative or
qualitative method and what kind of sampling would be most appropriate
given my research questions. I also had to choose an instrument. I chose to
interview participants and thus created the protocols for the initial
interviews. This demonstrates an understanding of research and
assessment methodologies as well as my ability to create and utilize tools
and protocols for research.
Throughout this process I acknowledged and checked my own biases in
order to remain ethical throughout. For example, because I chose a topic
that was closely linked to my identity as a woman, I inherently have opinions
about what that means and the social assumptions that go with that identity.

Lisa Rogers ePortfolio Research and Assessment Competence

Reflection Form
Additionally, in creating this research proposal I reviewed research studies
and peer-reviewed articles. In doing so with a critical eye, I was able to
synthesis and determine where there were gaps in the research. Overall,
this paper gave me experience with research and assessment
methodologies.