Overview
In the article by Stedman-Smith, DuBois, and Grey (2015), the purpose statement is written and clearly. The authors explain that their goal is to study beliefs and behaviors about hand hygiene among public university employees. The purpose is well done because it clearly identifies who they are learning, what behavior they are looking at, and underscores the critical importance of this research for public health. If I had to suggest one improvement, it would be to add more about how their findings could also be applied in other organizations, not only in universities.
Personal beliefs, attitudes and work environment can influence how people practice hand hygiene. This shows that hygiene is not only about knowing what to do, but also about culture, social expectations, and daily routines. The problem statement points out those university employees are often ignored in hygiene research, which makes this study important and timely. The purpose connects directly to this gap by looking at the beliefs and practices of this specific group. By linking the background, the problem, and the purpose, the study shows a clear and logical design. For me, this makes the study strong and reliable.
When I think about research and social change, I believe this study can really make a difference. As Walden University (2016c) explains, the purpose of research is not only to generate knowledge but also to create positive change. Although this study focuses on a single group, the results can be very useful and applied to develop strategies that enhance hygiene practices, prevent the spread of disease, and contribute to making schools and workplaces healthier. In this way, the study promotes positive social change by protecting the health and well-being of both individuals and communities owing how research can lead to real improvements in people’s daily live .
References:
Babbie, E. (2017). The Basics of Social Research (7th ed.). Cengage earning.
Burkholder, G. J., Cox, K. A., Crawford, L. M., & Hitchcock, J. H. (Eds.). (2020). Research designs and methods: An applied guide for the scholar-practitioner. Sage.
Stedman-Smith, M., DuBois, C. L., & Grey, S. F. (2015). Hand hygiene performance and beliefs among public university employees. Journal of Health Psychology, 20(10), 1263–1274. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105313510338
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2016c). Purposes of research [Video file]. Author.
TO DO
Respond to a classmate who was assigned a different article than you by further supporting his or her critique or respectfully offering a differing perspective.