Where am I thus far

So I have continued doing a lot of research on ways to network to get families who might be interested in participating in my study. I'm surprised honestly how much time is warranted to do this. I have found some great Facebook groups and special needs blogs that will help me at the right time.


I'm on the fence about going to summer conference again due to the dates and expense. 


I'm happy I have the input on my papers to better understand my variables (e.g. communication competency vs. AAC use). I also come to realize that I struggled finding some of the journal articles I needed for my last assignment that are critical for my research (and not just these assignments). I really need to spend time researching the library to get them for me via snail mail or other avenues.


I'll be doing my assignment the next couple days so I'm sure I will be posting again soon as the brain storming starts.


Thanks!

conceptual and operational definitions draft

I just wanted to share my first draft of the conceptual and operational definitions. It's a work in progress but I'm taking a break and thought I'd look it over again later today. I have questions about the conceptual definition of the DV... Not sure if it works out right below.

Conceptual and Operational Definitions

Research Question

How do children’s ability to use AAC in the home setting differ between the group of parents receiving video modeling training versus those without video modeling training.

Variables Defined

Variable 1: Independent Variable	Conceptual Definition	Operational Definition
Video Modeling	Video Modeling is defined as therapeutic tool used to teach an individual a new target behavior via video recording. The video recording can be done by the individual who is learning the new behavior or by an adult. The philosophies of video modeling are based off of Bandura’s Social Learning Theory (1977).	Treatment group 1 will be the control group that will only receive online resources. Treatment group 2 will receive video modeling training in addition to the online resources available to treatment group 1.

Variable 2: Dependent Variable	Conceptual Definition	Operational Definition
Children’s use of AAC in the home setting	Children’s use of AAC can be defined as their communication competencies. Beukelman and Mirenda (2005) described communication competence that “involves the ability to efficiently and effectively transmit messages in all four of the interaction categories, based on individual interests, circumstances, and abilities” (p. 10). Light (1989) explained the four areas of communication competence (operational, linguistic, social, and strategic) that require skill, knowledge, and judgment (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2005).	Tracy Kovich (2005) created the Augmentative Alternative Profile to be use to informally assess skills and progress. The profile tool is used for 2.0 – 21.11 year olds. The profile can be used in a multidisciplinary team approach.  It assesses the four communication competency levels Light created in 1989 for a person using AAC.

IV & DV

I am wrapping my mind around my IV and DVs.
I would love your thoughts...
Independent Variable: online parent training with video modeling

Dependent Variables: learning outcomes, comfort levels in using AAC in the home for parents, children’s ability to use AAC in the home setting
 
Is that too many DV?


Now to finding the tools .. there were several tools created in previous articles read for the topic I am writing about.


Not sure about the conceptual definition so I will continue to read about that in reference to the variables above.

Waiting for my light bulb moment!

Purpose statement (new research idea)

I'm excited to say I think I have my dissertation topic down pat!


So here's some purpose statement examples (one with the open ended concept mentioned by Dr. Reeves and one from my dissertation chair as discussed last summer)


1. Does online training in positive AAC outcomes using video modeling produce significantly better learning outcomes in parents and families as compared to online training without video modeling?

2. The purpose of this study is to compare AAC learning outcomes as a result of online training in parents using internet video modeling versus parents not using internet video modeling. 


My questions:

1. How do comfort levels in using AAC in the home for parents receiving online training with video modeling with teaching this children differ from parents receiving online training without video modeling? 



2. How do children’s ability to use AAC in the home setting for parents receiving online training with video modeling differ from parents receiving online training without video modeling?



3. How frequently do families who receive online training with video modeling seek the guidance from the video modelings?



4. What is the relationship between the frequency of using video modeling and the amount of interaction with their children using AAC?

THANK YOU!