event
RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 Developing a Research Topic for Qualitative Studies 

Assessment Overview:

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 is about coming up with a qualitative research topic. It will be about employee rights, with a focus on gender pay equity.  Students learn how to come up with research questions that fit with different qualitative methods, such as ethnography, case study, grounded theory, phenomenology, and generic inquiry.

How to Pass RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 Developing a Research Topic for Qualitative Studies 

  • Be Specific: Don’t just research “Employee Rights.” Focus on a specific “Gap in Practice,” such as Gender Pay Equity in 2026 nursing leadership roles.
  • The “Single Sentence” Rule: Ensure your core research questions are concise. Avoid “double-barreled” questions (asking two things at once).
  • Philosophy Over Fact: Remember that qualitative research is about meaning, not just numbers. Avoid questions that can be answered with a “Yes” or “No.”
  • Cite Methodologists: To reach “Distinguished,” cite the experts for each method (e.g., Creswell for general qualitative, Moustakas for Phenomenology, or Charmaz for Grounded Theory).
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: When justifying alignment, explicitly explain why a word like “experience” belongs in a phenomenological question.
  • Maintain the “Scholar-Practitioner” Voice: Use objective, analytical language. Instead of “I think the pay gap is bad,” use “Current literature (Barroso & Brown, 2021) suggests a persistent disparity that necessitates further inquiry.”
  • Logic Model Check: Ensure your Background $\rightarrow$ Research Question $\rightarrow$ Methodology follow a logical path. If your background is about “Culture,” your methodology should probably be “Ethnography.”
  • Address the “So What?”: Briefly explain why this research matters for BSN-prepared leaders or business executives. (Hint: Link it to productivity, turnover, and legal risk).
  • Focus on the Phenomenon: In your Phenomenological question, ensure you are asking about the experience of the participant, not just their opinion on the law.
  • Formatting Precision: Use APA 7th edition for your reference list and ensure your headings match the Capella assessment instructions perfectly.

Sample Assessment:

Employee Rights

Introduction

 This evaluation will examine the formulation of a qualitative research study concerning Employee Rights.  Employee rights encompass a wide array of issues and opportunities, including workplace safety and health protection, working hours, wages, and numerous additional entitlements.  This evaluation centers on the formulation of a qualitative research study examining equal remuneration for men and women performing analogous responsibilities in the workplace.

Background on Equitable Pay

Equitable Pay Rights

 The Equal Pay Act of 1963 (2022) said that workers of all genders should be paid the same amount for doing the same job.  The mandate says that the jobs don’t have to be exactly the same, but they do have to be mostly the same.  Barroso and Brown (2021) say that women have made a lot of progress in getting higher-paying jobs that were mostly held by men in the past in professional and managerial fields.  Barroso and Brown (2021) also point out that even though things are getting better, there are still differences in pay.

Equitable Pay Rationale

Why is Pay Equity Necessary for Employers?

 Employers need to pay their employees fairly and equally, regardless of gender, because this is the only way to ensure that everyone is treated fairly.  Nagele-Piazza (2020) says that paying fair wages can make workers more productive, efficient, and high-quality, and it can also cut down on turnover.  The legal risk of a pay disparity lawsuit goes down when employers pay all of their workers fairly and honestly.  Hentze and Tyus (2021) discovered that numerous states have enacted legislation aimed at eradicating gender-based pay disparities.

Research Questions

 Qualitative research inquiries must encompass concise, single-sentence questions that explicitly articulate the study’s objective.

Five Methodological Approaches

Ethnography Methodological Approach

Ethnography research questions are organized and descriptive.  An example of an ethnography research question is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore pay equity disparities women face in positions compared to their male counterparts. An example of an ethnography research question is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore pay equity disparities women face in positions compared to their male counterparts.  Tell me what a typical day at work is like for you.

Case Study Methodological Approach

 Crow et al. (2011) characterize a methodological case study as a means to cultivate a comprehensive, multifaceted comprehension of intricate issues within a real-world framework.  An example of a case study methodological approach is: “This qualitative research study aims to investigate the disparities in pay equity that women encounter in comparison to their male counterparts.”  Tell us about the difference in pay you’ve seen between men and women.

Grounded Theory Methodological Approach

 The main focus of grounded theory research questions is social processes or actions.  “This qualitative research study aims to explore pay equity disparities women face in positions compared to their male counterparts” is an example of a grounded theory question for this study.  What occurs when the issue of gender pay disparity is introduced in your workplace?

Phenomenology Methodological Approach

 Phenomenology in qualitative research emphasizes an individual’s subjective experience.  An example of a phenomenology question for this qualitative research study is: “This qualitative research study aims to explore pay equity disparities women face in positions compared to their male counterparts.  What is your personal experience with the difference in pay between men and women?

Generic Qualitative Inquiry Methodological Approach

 Kahlke (2014) characterizes generic qualitative inquiry as research aimed at comprehending how an individual attributes meaning to a phenomenon or situation.  A generic qualitative inquiry question for this research study is: “This study seeks to examine the pay equity disparities that women encounter in comparison to their male counterparts.”

Methodological Alignment Research Question

Ethnography Methodological Alignment

Describe what a typical workday is for you” aligns with ethnographic methodology as it enables the researcher to gain insights into the typical workday experiences of both male and female participants.

Case Study Methodological Alignment

Describe the disparity in pay based on gender that you have experienced” fits with the case study method because the researcher wants to learn more about pay differences in the workplace of the person being studied.

Grounded Theory Methodological Alignment

 The question “What happens when the topic of gender pay disparity is raised in your workplace?” aligns with grounded theory as the researcher seeks to formulate concepts regarding gender-based pay disparity in the workplace.  Chun Tie et al. (2010) characterize grounded theory as the process by which researchers formulate concepts related to the research topic to elucidate how individuals address their primary concerns.

Phenomenology Methodological Alignment

“How would you describe your personal experience with gender pay disparity?” aligns with the phenomenological methodological approach as it enables the researcher to comprehend the distinct experiences of the participant regarding gender pay disparity.

Generic Qualitative Inquiry Methodological Alignment

 “This research study aims to explore pay equity disparities women face in positions compared to their male counterparts” aligns with the generic qualitative inquiry methodology as it seeks to uncover gender-based pay disparities in the workplace from the perspective of the research participants.

RSCH FPX 7868 Assessment 1 Developing a Research Topic for Qualitative Studies 

Hentze, I., & Tyus, R. (2021, August 10). Protections in the Workplace: Equal Pay and Age Discrimination. Ncsl.Org. Retrieved March 21, 2022, from https://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/equal-pay.aspx

Nagele-Piazza, J. L. D. (2020, February 27). The Importance of Pay Equity. SHRM. Retrieved March 23, 2022, from

References (APA 7 Format)

Rubric Breakdown

Criteria Proficient Distinguished
Topic Formulation Defines a clear qualitative research topic related to employee rights. Critically analyzes the social and professional significance of the topic within the current legal and ethical landscape.
Methodological Understanding Identifies five qualitative approaches (Ethnography, Case Study, etc.). Critically evaluates the unique philosophical underpinnings of each approach and how they shape the research outcome.
Question Alignment Develops research questions for each of the five methodologies. Constructs highly focused, theoretically aligned questions that demonstrate a deep grasp of the specific qualitative lens.
Logic & Justification Explains why each question fits its respective methodology. Provides a nuanced justification that links the question’s structure to the core goals of the chosen methodology.
Scholarly Integrity Uses APA 7th edition; professional tone; credible sources. Demonstrates Scholarly Authority—delivering a framework that is ready for formal proposal development.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Pick a research focus, like gender pay equity in the workplace.
  2.  Look over the Equal Pay Act, your company’s rules, and academic research.
  3.  Choose a qualitative method, such as ethnography, case study, grounded theory, phenomenology, or generic inquiry.
  4. Formulate research questions—ensure alignment with the selected methodology.
  5.  Justify alignment—explain how the research question fits with the methodology and the goals of the study.
  6.  Use peer-reviewed sources and trustworthy websites to back up the study framework when you put together your references.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q.What is the goal? 

 Come up with a clear qualitative research topic and questions that fit with the methodology.

 Q.What methodologies are included? 

 Ethnography, case study, grounded theory, phenomenology, and generic qualitative inquiry.

Q.How to get questions to match? 

Make sure that the research question fits with the methodology’s focus, which could be experience, process, context, or phenomenon.

 Q.What sources do you suggest? 

Government websites, peer-reviewed journals, and research organizations.

Q.What is a common mistake? 

Making questions that are too vague or not explaining why methodological alignment is necessary.

Integrity Note

Note: Only use this assessment example for learning and structure purpose. Do not submit as your own work.
We are an independent resource and are not affiliated with Capella University.

You cannot copy content of this page

Scroll to Top

Get your FPX Assessments in just 24 hours!

Verification required to avoid bots.