The first part of the assignment is to use six studies. There are also references to three articles; I am sorry for the confusion.

The second part is a review of three of the six articles. Be sure to focus on synthesizing/integrating the information when providing analysis.

This is a two-part assignment with a dual purpose. For the first part, you will complete a comparison matrix with which you will gather information on six studies related to a specific disorder chosen by you. For the second part of the assignment, you will write a paper using the completed matrix and your reading of the articles. In this paper, you will analyze the literature on the disorder you have chosen. As you develop this assignment, think about how the skills being reinforced in this assignment may be reflected in your dissertation.

Part 1: General Requirements:

Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the Comparison Matrix:
- There is no rubric for this part of the assignment.
- Download "Comparison Matrix."
- Download, and print "Empirical Research Checklist" if you choose to use it.

Part 1: Directions:

1. Complete "Comparison Matrix."

2. Go to the GCU Library and locate the "Find Journal Articles" search feature found on the library home page.

3. Use the search feature to locate three empirical articles related to your dissertation topic/interest area. You may use "Empirical Research Checklist" to determine if a study is empirical.

4. Read the three empirical articles.

Part 2: General Requirements:
Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the Comparison Matrix Paper:
- Instructors will be using a grading rubric to grade the assignments. It is recommended that learners review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment in order to become familiar with the assignment criteria and expectations for successful completion of the assignment.
- Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.
- This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at least one in-text citation from each source be included.

Part 2: Directions:
Use the information from the completed Comparison Matrix to write a paper of 1,000-1,250 words that compares the three empirical articles. The paper will include the following sections:

5. Introduction (200-250 words): Must include the title of each study, the author of each study, a comparison of the purposes of each study, and a comparison of the authors' statements of why the study is important.

6. Research Questions (200-250 words): Includes a comparison of the research questions posed in the studies.

7. Sample Populations (150-200 words): Includes a comparison of the sample populations used in the studies.

8. Results (325-375 words): Includes a comparison of the results of the studies.

9. Conclusion (225-275 words): Includes discussion of the limitations of the studies, comparison of the conclusions from the studies, and comparison of topics suggested for future study.

Comparison Matrix

Title/Author(s)

Persistent GCU Library Link

Purpose of the Study
What is the author's rationale for selecting this topic?Does he/she build a strong case?

Research Question(s)
What question(s) does the author present?

Literature Review
How is this organized? What are the main themes found in the review? Who are the main authors used?

Sample Population(s)
What group(s) is/are being studied?

Limitations
What are the limitations of the study?Why can it only encompass so much?

Results/Conclusions
What did the author find through the study?Was the original questionanswered?