Clarify your method…what role will AGIF play in helping you recruit participants. Also, I will want you to get their approval on the interview questions you will be asking….but I don’t think you are ready just yet to show them the questions you will be asking. ….build into your plan that you will gain their approval of the interview protocol before beginning the study.
QUESTION
Please see the below comments to fix the attached research documents. There are also comments in the attached documents that need to be fixed.
1) Some of what you have written sounds like you have already done the study…so fix that. This is a study proposal.
2) Clarify your method…what role will AGIF play in helping you recruit participants. Also, I will want you to get their approval on the interview questions you will be asking….but I don’t think you are ready just yet to show them the questions you will be asking. ….build into your plan that you will gain their approval of the interview protocol before beginning the study.
3) Why are you planning to interview veterans over the age of 40 only? Provide a rationale for that. I think you will find you lose opportunities to interview if you do this. I don’t see any discussion from the research literature that age of student veteran makes a difference or makes the older student that is a veteran’s struggles any more difficult than what students over 40 generally face when they are not veterans. If you feel strongly about it….then provide a rationale and discussion with the research literature…otherwise take it out as a research question.
4). Interview questions need some more thought: See my comments. I have seen zero evidence that college students see military veterans as killers…or anything of that sort…so you will need to carefully revise those points …and will need to provide a whole body of research literature to suggest that what you are suggesting is really true. I have been teaching for over 30 years and have had many veterans and active duty students….I have NEVER witnessed anything but respect and admiration for these students by other students…and since college students today are of all ages…veterans tend not to stick out if they are older …since classrooms are filled with various aged students today. Provide research to support all of the claims made in the interview protocols earlier in the document so the interview questions make sense. Observe how other studies have crafted interview questions.
ANSWER
Recruitment, Participant Approval, and Rationale for Interviewing Veterans over the Age of 40 in a Study on Student Veterans
Introduction
In conducting research on student veterans, it is crucial to outline the recruitment strategy, gain participant approval for the interview protocol, and provide a rationale for focusing on veterans over the age of 40. This essay addresses these important considerations, ensuring a methodological approach that aligns with ethical standards and research objectives.
Recruitment and the Role of AGIF
The American GI Forum (AGIF) will play a significant role in helping recruit participants for the study on student veterans. As a well-established organization advocating for veterans’ rights and welfare, AGIF has a vast network and resources to reach out to potential participants. By collaborating with AGIF, the research project can tap into their network and leverage their expertise to connect with student veterans who meet the study’s criteria.
Participant Approval of Interview Protocol
Before commencing the study, it is essential to gain participant approval of the interview protocol. This step ensures that participants understand the purpose of the research, the interview questions, and the confidentiality of their responses. By seeking their approval, the research project demonstrates respect for participants’ autonomy and ensures their informed consent. The interview protocol will be shared with participants and revisions will be made based on their feedback, if necessary, to enhance the study’s validity and reliability.
Rationale for Interviewing Veterans over the Age of 40
The decision to focus on veterans over the age of 40 is based on the need to explore potential differences in experiences and challenges faced by this specific subgroup of student veterans. While there is limited research explicitly comparing the struggles of older veterans to those of older non-veteran students, there are several reasons for this focus:
Unique Life Experiences: Veterans who are over the age of 40 may have distinct life experiences, including military service, deployments, and reintegration into civilian life, which could influence their educational journey differently from their younger counterparts.
Transition Challenges: Older student veterans may face additional challenges in adjusting to the academic environment and integrating into a predominantly younger student population. Exploring their experiences can provide insights into their unique needs and inform support services.
Targeted Support: By understanding the specific challenges faced by older student veterans, institutions can tailor support services, resources, and policies to better meet their needs, ultimately promoting their academic success and well-being.
Conclusion
Recruitment and participant approval are vital aspects of research ethics and ensure the credibility and reliability of the study. Collaborating with AGIF will facilitate the recruitment process, while gaining participant approval of the interview protocol demonstrates respect for their autonomy. Although focusing on veterans over the age of 40 may limit the participant pool, it provides an opportunity to examine potential differences in experiences and challenges. Further research and a rationale informed by the existing literature on student veterans will strengthen the validity and significance of the study. Ultimately, this approach will contribute to a better understanding of the unique experiences of student veterans and inform the development of effective support systems within educational institutions.
