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November 14, 2025

Qualitative Study Plan

In completing this assignment, you will design a general plan for a qualitative research study. Think of a topic that interests you and consider how you might study the topic with one of the qualitative research approaches about which you learned this week. Download the template and submit the completed form for this assignment.

The form includes the following sections:

Topic: In three to five sentences, identify and explain the study’s topic. This information should be clear and concise and written in a way that allows readers to understand the general topic of the study.
Purpose Statement: Write a purpose statement appropriate for a qualitative study. In completing this item, choose a qualitative research approach, consider who your participants will be, and identify what you want to know about them. Your purpose statement should be a single sentence and follow the Creswell and Creswell (2023) model presented below.
- “The purpose (or study aim) of this ___________ (qualitative study or more specifically a qualitative approach, such as ethnography, case study, or other type) study is (was? will be?) to ___________ (understand? explore? develop? generate? discover?) the ___________ (central phenomenon being studied) for
  ___________ (the participants, such as the individual, groups, or organizations) at ___________ (research site)” (Creswell & Creswell, 2023, p. 127).
Research Questions: Write two research questions for the qualitative study you are designing. Remember the purpose of qualitative research is not to test hypotheses, but to explore phenomena and the lived experiences of participants. In writing your research questions, be sure to use open-ended questions that can be explored through the analysis of qualitative data. Below are some examples of qualitative research questions.
- In what ways do peer mentors influence persistence in first-generation college students from Appalachia?
- How do servant leadership behaviors in supervisors influence employee job satisfaction in nurses working in rural hospitals?
- In what ways do gaming technology and incentives influence safe driving practices in teen drivers?
- How does principal leadership impact teacher retention in low-income rural schools?
Qualitative Research Methodology: In three to five sentences, identify and describe the qualitative research method best suited to answer your research questions. Cite from the course text to justify your methodological selection. Examples include case study, phenomenology, narrative analysis, grounded theory, etc.
Participant Inclusion Criteria: List the inclusion criteria for participants from whom it would be appropriate to collect data for the study. Think about the characteristics participants need to possess to provide the qualitative data needed to answer the research questions. An example is provided below.
- The study will include participants who meet the following inclusion criteria:
  - Currently employed as a nurse in a hospital located in a rural community in the United States;
  - Have worked for the same supervisor for at least one year; and
  - Not employed in a supervisory role.
Sources of Data and Data Collection Methods: In three to five sentences, identify and discuss the source(s) of data that would be needed to answer the research questions and how you might approach collecting the data. Your data must be qualitative and appropriate for the planned methodology. For example, if you are studying patient experiences with pain management care using a phenomenological approach, you might use semi-structured interviews with individual patients. If you are studying the impact of a support group for patients struggling with addiction using a case study approach, you might use semi-structured interviews with individual patients, observations during support group meetings, and patient medical data.

Note:

plagiarism check required, APA7 format, include References, within 8hrs

– The submission demonstrates doctoral-level proficiency in organization, grammar, punctation, and style. The submission is well-written, and ideas are well-developed and explained with an appropriate level of detail.

– While this assignment is on a less formal and smaller scale, the use of a template for this assignment is intended to prepare you for the future tasks of completing a topic approval request and preparing an IRB application. Please do not alter the form or delete instructions; please submit the original form with your responses added as noted. If you use outside sources for this assignment, be sure to appropriately cite your sources and include them on the References page. The course text is already included as a reference and should be cited in the Qualitative Research Methodology section.

Topic: In three to five sentences, identify and explain the study’s topic.,
Purpose Statement: Write a purpose statement appropriate for a qualitative study.,
Research Questions: Write two research questions for the qualitative study you are designing.,
Qualitative Research Methodology: In three to five sentences, identify and describe the qualitative research method best suited to answer your research questions.,
Participant Inclusion Criteria: List the inclusion criteria for participants from whom it would be appropriate to collect data for the study.

November 14, 2025

Firewall Best Practices

By Academic Wizard Blog

Firewall Best Practices

There are many recommendations, guidelines, and best practices for firewall management. Some argue that an operating system’s host firewall software may offer sufficient security. Therefore, they suggest, all options should be evaluated before discounting the operating system’s host firewall software.

List and explain five typical firewall guidelines or best practices. Select two of the best practices that you feel are more important than the others.
Evaluate the Windows 7 or Windows 10 host firewall and one other operating system’s host firewall. Select the host firewall that you feel is superior and provide the rationale for your selection.
Discuss the inherent risk associated with relying solely on the host firewall for security and provide the rationale for your position.
- List and explain five typical firewall guidelines or best practices.,
- Select two of the best practices that you feel are more important than the others.,
- Evaluate the Windows 7 or Windows 10 host firewall and one other operating system’s host firewall.,
- Select the host firewall that you feel is superior and provide the rationale for your selection.,
- Discuss the inherent risk associated with relying solely on the host firewall for security and provide the rationale for your position.
Comprehensive General Answer

Firewalls are a critical component of network and host security, providing the first line of defense against unauthorized access and malicious activity. Adhering to firewall guidelines and best practices ensures that firewalls effectively protect organizational assets while minimizing performance impacts.

Five Typical Firewall Guidelines or Best Practices
1. Default Deny Rule – Configure the firewall to block all inbound traffic by default and allow only explicitly authorized traffic. This minimizes exposure to unknown threats.
2. Regular Updates and Patching – Keep firewall software and firmware updated to protect against vulnerabilities and exploits discovered over time.
3. Segmentation and Layering – Use multiple firewalls to create security zones, isolating critical systems from less secure networks.
4. Monitoring and Logging – Enable logging for all traffic and review logs regularly to detect suspicious activity or policy violations.
5. Strong Access Control Policies – Implement rules that restrict access based on IP addresses, ports, protocols, and user roles, ensuring only legitimate traffic reaches protected systems.
Two Most Important Best Practices

The Default Deny Rule and Regular Updates and Patching are particularly critical. Denying all traffic by default reduces the attack surface immediately, and keeping firewalls updated ensures defenses remain effective against evolving threats. Both practices directly impact the firewall’s ability to prevent breaches.

Host Firewall Evaluation

The Windows 10 host firewall provides robust inbound and outbound filtering, integrates with Windows Defender, and supports advanced security features such as rule grouping, app-based filtering, and logging with the Event Viewer. Compared to macOS’s PF (Packet Filter) firewall, Windows 10 offers more granular control for enterprise use, user-friendly GUI management, and better integration with other Windows security tools. Therefore, Windows 10 host firewall is superior in terms of configurability, usability, and integration with broader enterprise security policies.

Risks of Relying Solely on a Host Firewall

Relying only on a host firewall exposes inherent risks because it protects only the local system and does not filter traffic at the network level. It cannot control or monitor traffic passing between other devices on the network, leaving endpoints vulnerable to lateral movement from compromised devices. Additionally, host firewalls depend on proper configuration by users, and misconfigurations can create security gaps. A layered security approach that combines host firewalls with network firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and other security controls provides a far stronger defense.

November 14, 2025

Healthcare Fraud Analysis

By Academic Wizard Blog

Healthcare Fraud Analysis

Compliance is a comprehensive program that helps institutions, and their employees conduct operations and activities ethically; with the highest level of integrity, and in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. To have an effective compliance program, an organization must establish and maintain an organizational culture that “encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance with the law.”

Using the Office of Inspector General website ( https://oig.hhs.gov/) or the Federal Bureau of Investigations Health Care Fraud website ( https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/white-collar-crime/health-care-fraud), select a recent healthcare fraud case to review and share with your peers. Develop an 8 – 10 page white paper that provides a succinct overview of the healthcare finance fraud committed, including the details specified below.

In your review, please consider and include the following:

· The name of the organization

· Identify the parties involved

· Discuss the events that occurred

· Identify if the events that occurred is a violation of one federal laws discussed in this week’s content.

· What penalties were levied and enforced

· Provide a summary of lessons learned and measures that you believe could have been put in place to avoid this outcome.

Note: the paper should include references and be in a format suitable for professional delivery to an executive audience. The Finance Fraud Case White Paper is due no later than NLT 11:59 on Day 7.

Once you have completed your paper, upload it here, but also post it into the discussion forum for review by your peers. Peer review comments are not required this week, but you are encouraged to review your peers’ work for educational purposes.

The name of the organization,
Identify the parties involved,
Discuss the events that occurred,
Identify if the events that occurred is a violation of one federal laws discussed in this week’s content,
What penalties were levied and enforced

November 14, 2025

Secure Network Design

By Academic Wizard Blog

Secure Network Design

In this three-part assignment, you will design a secure network infrastructure.

The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:

Plan a deployment of software and/or hardware, including implementation and testing considerations.

Instructions

Part 1

Use Microsoft Visio or an open-source alternative to:

Create a network infrastructure diagram, incorporating the following devices needed for a secure corporate network, placed where they will work, and citing specific, credible sources that support the design. Note: A web search will provide multiple examples of network infrastructure diagrams.
- Web server.
- FTP server.
- VPN server.
- Authentication server.
- Anti-virus server (client-based and server-based).
- Edge firewall.
- Firewall.
- Vulnerability scanner.
- Intrusion detection system (IDS).
- Web proxy.
- Edge router.
- Core router.
- Switch.
- Distribution router.

Note: All client-and server-based devices work where a client is installed on a workstation, which has bi-directional communication with a corresponding server.

Write a 6-10 page paper in which you:

Determine the specific devices you will use in the network, including the following information for each device:
- Make or vendor’s name (for example, Microsoft, Redhat, Cisco, Juniper, Netgear, 3Com).
- Model (for example, Windows 7, ASA 5500, Cisco 3500, Squid).
- IP address assigned to all devices.
Determine the basic configuration of each network device, citing specific, credible sources that support the configuration.
- Research each of the devices you chose and provide a basic configuration you would use in your network.
- Use IP addresses to describe your configuration.
- Identify the operating system.
- Highlight at least five security features and the administrative controls incorporated into each device, including devices in the network diagram.
- Explain the impact that each of your configurations has on the security of the entire network.
Explain the elements that must be addressed for planning and testing a network, citing specific, credible sources that support your assertions and conclusions.
- Organizational requirements and expectations.
- Budget.
- Modularity for security and testing.
- Naming conventions that facilitate layering and growth.
- Determination of required network speed and data capacity.
- Vendor support.
- Determination of risk and redundancy.
- Uptime requirements.
- Continuous data monitoring for fault, failure, or security-induced changes.
- Load balancing.
- Testing for latency.
- Bandwidth.
- Throughput.
- Specific software and tools.
Support your main points, assertions, arguments, or conclusions with at least four specific and credible academic sources synthesized into a coherent analysis of the evidence.
- Cite each source listed on your source page at least one time within your assignment.
- For help with research, writing, and citation, access the library or review library guides.

This course requires the use of Strayer Writing Standards (SWS). The library is your home for SWS assistance, including citations and formatting. Please refer to the Library site for all supports. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.

Part 3

Use Microsoft Visio or an open-source alternative to:

Update your initial diagram to create a final network diagram, incorporating at least four-fifths of the devices needed for a secure corporate network and citing specific, credible sources that support the design. Be sure to include vendor information, model information, and IP addresses. In addition, ensure that:
- VPN sessions (from a laptop) are only allowed to access the desktops in the IT department by IT department employees.
- All VPN connections from the Internet cloud into the corporate network terminate at the VPN server.
- Users from Engineering and Finance and Accounting cannot communicate.
- Vulnerability scans occur daily, with all desktops scanned at least once per day.

Create a network infrastructure diagram incorporating the following devices needed for a secure corporate network placed where they will work and citing specific, credible sources that support the design.,
Determine the specific devices you will use in the network including the following information for each device: Make or vendor’s name Model IP address assigned to all devices.,
Determine the basic configuration of each network device, citing specific credible sources that support the configuration.,
Explain the elements that must be addressed for planning and testing a network citing specific credible sources that support your assertions and conclusions.,
Update your initial diagram to create a final network diagram, incorporating at least four-fifths of the devices needed for a secure corporate network and citing specific, credible sources that support the design.

November 14, 2025

Firewall Strategies

By Academic Wizard Blog

Firewall Strategies

A common concern with using firewalls is that they will slow communications. If a firewall is installed properly, it should operate at network speed and not slow communications.

Explain two or more techniques that can be used to improve a firewall’s performance.
- Under what circumstances would you suggest using each technique?
Explain four security strategies used for firewalls.
- Which two strategies would you favor implementing, and why?
- Should you have more than one firewall? If so, how would you layer them for the greatest network security?

Explain two or more techniques that can be used to improve a firewall’s performance.,
Under what circumstances would you suggest using each technique?,
Explain four security strategies used for firewalls.,
Which two strategies would you favor implementing, and why?,
Should you have more than one firewall? If so how would you layer them for the greatest network security?

Comprehensive General Answer

Firewalls remain essential to modern network defense, and although performance concerns are valid, several techniques can optimize their speed and efficiency. One common technique is traffic load balancing, which distributes incoming and outgoing network traffic across multiple firewall devices. This improves throughput and avoids bottlenecks. Load balancing is most useful in high-volume environments such as data centers or enterprises where large numbers of simultaneous connections could overwhelm a single firewall. Another performance-enhancing technique is using hardware acceleration—for example, dedicated network processing units (NPUs), ASICs, or specialized chips that handle encryption, packet inspection, and routing more quickly than software alone. Hardware acceleration is ideal for organizations with heavy VPN use, deep packet inspection requirements, or high-speed WAN connections where software-only firewalls might struggle.

Firewalls also incorporate a range of key security strategies. One important strategy is packet filtering, which examines header information and enforces basic allow/deny rules. Another strategy is stateful inspection, which tracks the state of each connection and blocks packets that do not match expected session behavior. A third strategy is proxy-based filtering, where the firewall acts as an intermediary, inspecting traffic at the application layer to block malicious content. Finally, next-generation firewall (NGFW) capabilities, such as intrusion prevention, application awareness, and malware scanning, add deeper contextual analysis.

Among these strategies, stateful inspection and NGFW capabilities are often the most valuable. Stateful inspection balances strong security with efficient performance, making it suitable as a foundational protection method. NGFW capabilities are essential today due to sophisticated threats that bypass lower-layer protections. Together, they provide layered, context-rich defenses without overwhelming network operations.

Using more than one firewall is highly recommended, especially for defense-in-depth. A common approach is to deploy perimeter firewalls facing the internet, internal segmentation firewalls that protect critical assets, and a DMZ firewall that isolates public-facing services from the internal network. Layering firewalls in this manner ensures that if one barrier fails, additional layers prevent full network compromise and enforce security controls across different segments of the organization.

November 14, 2025

Social Media Liability

By Academic Wizard Blog

Social Media Liability

• Your initial post should be at least 300 words in length.

• Your initial post should include at least one APA-formatted scholarly, professional, or textbook reference with accompanying in-text citation to support any paraphrased, summarized, or quoted material.

There has been much legal activity regarding web postings and social media sites like Twitter. Celebrities, elected officials, and many others have taken a stand to complain about being bullied and mocked on social media. These lawsuits are alleging slander and libel against people who posted comments that targeted individuals and businesses. Discuss whether you think these lawsuits have merit and why. Do you think there should be business accountability measures or consequences associated with the things you might say and do on the internet if you use a business network or are on company time? Explain your rationale.

Reply 1 Michael Ward

Top of Form

Social media is a platform that allows people to express their thoughts and opinions, which is often seen as a positive. Unfortunately, that freedom can harm businesses when people make false claims or say harmful things. A great example is the public argument between rappers Drake and Kendrick Lamar in 2024. Their online post and lyrics went viral, and they accused one another of serious things. These online statements and song lyrics can lead to legal action for reputational damage and defamation.

The introduction of new information technology has a ripple effect, raising new ethical, social, and political issues that must be addressed at the individual, social, and political levels. (Laudon & Laudon, 2021). I believe the legal actions that could be pursued have some merit. It is important to have freedom of speech, but if a post or song lyrics cause real harm, the person who said those things should be responsible. Additionally, companies and organizations should ensure their employees act professionally online. In the Navy, we conduct social media training annually. We usually have the right to say what we want as long as we are not in uniform, because what we say can reflect on the reputation of the United States military.

Ethical use of social media or technology is not just about following the law, but it is also about showing respect for others. Before we post anything, we have a responsibility to reflect on how what we say could impact someone’s life, career, or business. Social media is beyond helpful, but it can be abused if people are held responsible for what they say online.

Our posts can reach more people than we think. We live in a society that relies heavily on technology, and taking the extra time to think about what we post can build trust between individuals and companies.

Reference: Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. (2021). Management information systems: Managing the digital firm (17th ed.). Pearson Education.

Reply 2 Jennie Lawhun

Good morning,

The rise of social media has significantly changed how defamation—both slander and libel—is understood and addressed in today’s society. Platforms such as Twitter (now X), Facebook, and Instagram allow users to instantly share opinions, news, and commentary with wide audiences. However, this accessibility also increases the risk of false or harmful statements spreading rapidly, sometimes causing serious damage to reputations and livelihoods. Courts continue to grapple with balancing the right to free speech against the need to protect individuals and organizations from defamatory or reckless statements. While expressions of opinion and satire are generally protected under the First Amendment, deliberately false claims that harm someone’s reputation can result in legal consequences (U.S. Courts, n.d.).

Businesses are also increasingly affected by online behavior. When employees use social media during work hours or through company accounts, their actions can reflect directly on the organization’s image and credibility. Many companies have recognized this risk and implemented detailed social media policies outlining acceptable conduct, confidentiality rules, and consequences for violations. Such policies are not meant to limit personal expression but to ensure that online interactions remain professional and aligned with the organization’s values. Inappropriate or harmful posts can lead to disciplinary action, as they can expose the company to legal or reputational risks.

Ultimately, the internet functions as a highly visible public space, and actions taken there often have lasting real-world effects. Responsible digital communication requires awareness of legal boundaries, respect for others, and an understanding that online accountability mirrors real-world standards. As technology continues to evolve, promoting ethical behavior and thoughtful communication on social media will remain essential for individuals, businesses, and society as a whole.

Reference: U.S. Courts. (n.d.). Defamation. Retrieved from https://www.uscourts. Bottom of Form

Discuss whether you think these lawsuits have merit and why.,
Do you think there should be business accountability measures or consequences associated with the things you might say and do on the internet if you use a business network or are on company time? Explain your rationale.

November 14, 2025

Case Study Analyses

By Academic Wizard Blog

Case Study Analyses

It is important to understand what information systems are and why they are essential for running and managing a business. It is also important to understand the different systems that support different groups or levels of management. In addition, digital technology and the Internet play a key role in executing major business processes in the enterprise. Also, it is important to understand the ethical, social, and political issues raised by information systems.

The case studies below provide you with an opportunity to critically analyze events that are taking place in real-life businesses. This helps to develop your critical thinking and research skills as you research each of these scenarios. You will review each case study, and provide a thorough analysis of each that demonstrates critical thinking and application of the concepts presented in Units I and II.

In Chapter 1 of your eTextbook, read the case study “UPS Competes Globally with Information Technology,” and write an analysis that addresses the following:

· How does UPS use information systems technology to achieve its strategic goals of being more efficient and customer oriented?

· What would happen if the automated package tracking system was not available?

· Discuss how globalization has “flattened” the world.

In Chapter 2 of your eTextbook, read the case study “The City of Mississauga Goes Digital” and write an analysis that addresses the following:

· Describe the problems the City of Mississauga hoped to address using digital technology.

· What technologies did Mississauga employ for a solution? Describe each of these technologies and the role each played in a solution.

· What management, organization, and technology issues did the City of Mississauga have to address in developing a solution?

· How did the technologies in this case improve operations and decision making at the City of Mississauga?

In Chapter 3 of your eTextbook, read the case study “Shipping Wars,” and write an analysis that addresses the following:

· Why is shipping so important for e-commerce? Explain your answer.

· Compare the shipping strategies of Amazon, FedEx, and UPS? How are they related to each company’s business model?

· Will FedEx succeed in its push into ground shipping? Why, or why not?

· Explain the importance of collaboration and information sharing for businesses.

In Chapter 4 of your eTextbook, read the case study “Your Smartphone: Big Brother’s Best Friend” and write an analysis that addresses the following:

· Explain emerging technologies business. Describe how new technology trends may cause ethical dilemmas.

· Discuss at least one ethical, social, and political issue raised by embedded cyber connections in smart devices.

· Discuss how big data analytics are being applied to all of the data generated by smart vehicles and other smart devices. Discuss how business intelligence systems are used for reporting and data analytics.

· Analyze how information systems are transforming business.

Your case study should be at least four pages in length, not counting the required references page. When constructing your paper, do not use the question-and-answer format; instead, present a thorough and insightful analysis using strong arguments and evidence as you apply course concepts. Your final submission must be an APA formatted paper of at least four pages in length (not counting the title and reference pages).

You are required to use at least four peer-reviewed, academic sources that are no more than 5 years old (one may be your eTextbook) in each of the four analyses. All sources used, including the eTextbook, must have citations and references properly formatted in APA Style.

How does UPS use information systems technology to achieve its strategic goals of being more efficient and customer oriented?,
What would happen if the automated package tracking system was not available?,
Describe the problems the City of Mississauga hoped to address using digital technology.,
Why is shipping so important for e-commerce? Explain your answer.,
Discuss how big data analytics are being applied to all of the data generated by smart vehicles and other smart devices. Discuss how business intelligence systems are used for reporting and data analytics.

November 14, 2025

Telecom Impact Review

By Academic Wizard Blog

Telecom Impact Review

In what ways have telecommunications and networks transformed organizational strategies, particularly in the realms of data management and information security? Provide specific examples and explain the importance of telecommunications technology in organization. How should organizations adapt their strategies to leverage these advancements while mitigating associated risks?

Your journal entry must be at least 200 words in length. No references or citations are necessary.

In what ways have telecommunications and networks transformed organizational strategies, particularly in the realms of data management and information security?,
Provide specific examples and explain the importance of telecommunications technology in organization.,
How should organizations adapt their strategies to leverage these advancements while mitigating associated risks?

Comprehensive General Answer (200+ words)

Telecommunications and networks have significantly reshaped how organizations operate, especially regarding data management and information security. Modern network infrastructures allow companies to store, process, and share data across distributed environments with far greater efficiency. For example, cloud-based systems enable organizations to centralize data storage while granting employees remote access, supporting faster decision-making and improved collaboration. In addition, real-time communication tools such as VoIP, video conferencing, and integrated messaging platforms have made it possible for teams to work seamlessly across geographic boundaries.

In terms of information security, networks have heightened both opportunities and challenges. Advanced network monitoring tools allow organizations to detect threats more quickly and protect sensitive data. Virtual private networks (VPNs), multi-factor authentication, and network encryption have become essential components of protecting information as more employees access systems remotely. At the same time, increased connectivity expands the attack surface, making cybersecurity a critical strategic priority.

Given these transformations, organizations must adapt their strategies by aligning technological investments with security-focused practices. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, and training employees on safe technology use. Organizations should also embrace scalable network architectures that support growth while maintaining resilience. By proactively integrating telecommunications advancements and strengthening security measures, organizations can enhance productivity, protect their assets, and remain competitive in an increasingly connected digital landscape.

In what ways have telecommunications and networks transformed organizational strategies particularly in the realms of data management and information security?,
Provide specific examples and explain the importance of telecommunications technology in organization.,
How should organizations adapt their strategies to leverage these advancements while mitigating associated risks?

November 14, 2025

Interview Prep Assignment

By Academic Wizard Blog

Interview Prep Assignment

For the interview project, you will conduct a semi-structured interview to learn about a peer’s experience in pursuing a doctoral degree. (See your assigned partner under 4.0.)

Qualitative researchers primarily use data collection instruments developed specifically for the research questions and context of a study. Effective instrument development requires a thorough understanding of the study topic. Questions asked during an interview should be informed by the existing literature related to the topic and the study’s theoretical framework. For example, a study exploring the influence of servant leader behaviors should include questions that ask about the application of specific servant leader behaviors as defined in the literature.

This week, you will 1) complete a table mapping your interview questions to existing literature and 2) develop an interview protocol using the mapped questions. You will use the templates below for each component of the assignment. Please read all assignment details and ask questions early in the week if needed.

4.1_Interview_Questions_Mapping_Table_Template.docx

Interview Questions Mapping Table

For this assignment, you will complete a mapping table demonstrating how your interview questions were developed from existing literature. Use the template provided and include all cited references on the References page. You are required to use minimum of five peer-reviewed sources from the list below in your mapping table. You may also use the course text (Merriam & Tisdell, 2016) as a source. No other sources are permitted for the assignment.

In developing your primary questions for the interview, consider factors such as motivation, challenges, benefits, family support, faculty support, peer interactions, and future goals. You are not expected to complete a thorough literature review for the interview project. Therefore, sources are provided below that you will use for completing this assignment as well as the report that will be due in Week 7. Please do not use other sources in completing this assignment.

Each of the main questions in your interview protocol should be mapped to a scholarly source from the list. The mapping table must include an explanation and a citation for each main question that reflect a clear connection to the topic and thoughtful analysis of the source in developing question content. Your initial ice-breaker question may be mapped to the course text as in the example provided. The content-specific questions should be mapped to sources related to the topic. The mapping table should include two questions for the Opening phase, six to eight questions for the Primary Discussion phase, and one or two questions for the Closing phase (a total of nine to 12 main questions). These questions will be used to develop a more detailed interview protocol for the second component of this week’s assignment.

Sources:

All You Need is Self-Determination: Investigation of PhD Students’ Motivation Profiles and Their Impact on the Doctoral Completion Process (De Clercq et al., 2021)
A Phenomenological Exploration of the Student Experience of Online PhD Studies (Lee, 2020)
Contributing Factors for Success of Nontraditional Students at Online Doctoral Programs (Kebritchi et al., 2023)
Factors Contributing to Imposter Phenomenon in Doctoral Students: A US-Based Qualitative Study (Bano & O’Shea, 2023)
Growing Grit to Produce Doctoral Persistence (Hudson et al., 2020)
Identifying Significant Personal and Program Factors that Predict Online EdD Students’ Program Integration (Rockinson-Szapkiw et al., 2019)
PhD Imposter Syndrome: Exploring Antecedents, Consequences, and Implications for Doctoral Well-Being (Sverdlik et al., 2020)
The Influence of Family on Doctoral Student Success (Breitenbach et al., 2019)
Toward a Holistic Understanding of Factors That Support or Inhibit Graduate Student Success (Collier & Blanchard, 2023)

4.1_Interview_Protocol_Template.docx

Interview Protocol

After drafting your primary questions, you will use them to develop an interview protocol for a semi-structured interview during which you will seek to understand a peer’s experience pursuing a doctoral degree. You should plan for your interview to last approximately 30 minutes. There is no required minimum or maximum length for the interview protocol; the general expectation is that you will need approximately five double-spaced pages to meet the requirements of the assignment. Please submit your interview protocol as a Microsoft Word file using the template provided.

You should think of your protocol as your guidance for conducting the interview; it tells you what to do and what questions to ask. When conducting an interview for research purposes, you would prepare an interview protocol, field test and refine the protocol, apply for and receive IRB approval, recruit participants, obtain informed consent from participants, and then use the protocol to collect data through interviews. If you were working as part of a research team, you might be given a protocol drafted by the lead researcher that would be used by all members of the team to ensure consistency with data collection methods for the study as a whole.

Remember that an interview is not a questionnaire. A semi-structured interview is an open discussion with questions that guide in a way that ensures responses provide insight into the phenomenon being studied. Interviewers should not ask questions that can be answered with a simple “yes” or “no.” Your questions should be open-ended and invite conversation and explanation. Your interview protocol should include examples of probing questions. As an interviewer, you must be prepared to probe the participant to provide more information by asking follow-up questions, including those that cannot be planned in advance. The ability to ask effective probing questions requires careful listening throughout the interview and is a skill that improves with practice. Your goal as an interviewer is to guide the participant in discussing meaningful aspects of the experience.

While there is no single right way to draft an interview protocol, for this assignment, we will use a phased interview approach with specific requirements. In building your interview protocol, please include the following phases as defined below:

Welcome
Opening
Primary Discussion
Closing

For each section, describe what will occur during that phase of the interview process and include a script reflecting tentative plans for what you will say and what questions you will ask. Your main questions will be the questions from your mapping table. Explain in your protocol how and where you will use probing questions to guide the discussion.

Please also provide examples of prompts or probing questions but remember that not all probing questions can be planned in advance. Probing questions that are context-specific and asked directly in response to a participant’s comments are an important part of a semi-structured interview. With the exception of your scripted statements, do not use first-person pronouns in your protocol; instead, describe what the interviewer will do during each phase. After the welcome phase, the majority of the talking will be done by the participant. For this assignment, be sure your text refers to the class project as opposed to an actual research study.

Interview Phases:

Welcome: The Welcome phase of the interview provides an opportunity to welcome the participant and let the participant know what to expect during the interview. For this section, explain the purpose of this phase and write a script that you will read at the beginning of the interview. Your script should begin by introducing yourself and explaining the purpose of the interview. It should include a statement informing the participant that the interview is being recorded and should address concerns about comfort and confidentiality. It should end with an introduction to the topic that will be discussed during the interview and provide an opportunity for the participant to ask questions.
Opening: In this phase of the interview, your goal is to begin to build rapport with the participant and set up a context for the discussion. In your protocol, explain the purpose of this phase and include two main questions with at least two examples of probing questions for each. Begin the interview with an ice-breaker question to initiate a conversational flow. As examples, you may begin by asking the participant to talk about the degree and specialty area being pursued, progress toward the doctorate, or motivations for beginning the program. Avoid asking personal questions that may not be relevant to the purpose of the interview or that may make a participant feel uncomfortable.
Primary Discussion: During this portion of the interview, the majority of the important information on the participant’s experience will be collected. Your protocol must explain the purpose of this phase and include a script that outlines six to eight guiding questions you will use to keep the conversation going. It should explain how you will listen carefully and formulate probing questions to obtain additional information and clarity. It must also provide at least two examples of probing questions for each main question. The questions you ask in this section will be highly specific to the situation being discussed. As examples, you may include questions that ask about motivations for continuing, challenges faced, benefits realized, sources of encouragement, or aspects enjoyed during the doctoral journey. You may ask about how the participant feels about being a doctoral student, how self-confidence has been impacted, how the program has influenced professional work, and other factors noted in the literature.
Closing: Out of respect for the participant, you should monitor time when conducting an interview to ensure that you begin to close down the interview within the planned timeframe. Having a script is helpful in bringing the interview to closure and guiding the participant to reflect on the meaning of the experience that was discussed. In this final phase of the interview, you may connect the participant’s doctoral journey to future plans or ask the participant to reflect on current or future benefits of earning a doctorate. Begin this section by explaining the purpose of this phase of the interview. This phase must include one or two main questions with at least two examples of probing questions for each. You will end the interview by giving the participant an opportunity to add anything else that may not have been discussed during the interview, thanking the participant, and asking for permission to follow up if needed for clarity while working with the data for remaining assignments.

For this week’s assignment, you will submit two Microsoft Word files: 1) your interview question mapping table and 2) your interview protocol. You are required to use the templates provided for each component of the assignment and they may be combined into one document

complete a table mapping your interview questions to existing literature,
develop an interview protocol using the mapped questions,
include two Opening questions six to eight Primary Discussion questions, and one to two Closing questions,
explain each phase of the interview and provide scripts and probing questions,
use only the provided peer-reviewed sources to justify each main interview question

November 13, 2025

Health Issues & Access

By Academic Wizard Blog

Health Issues & Access

Describe some of the common physical and mental health issue that individuals of African descent face in America. What factors might contribute to the underutilization of mental health services among African Americans? What can be done at local, state and federal levels to advocate for change?

Describe some of the common physical and mental health issues that individuals of African descent face in America,
What factors might contribute to the underutilization of mental health services among African Americans,
What can be done at the local level to advocate for change,
What can be done at state and federal levels to advocate for change.

Response

Individuals of African descent in the United States face a range of both physical and mental health challenges. Common physical health issues include hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC, 2023), African Americans are nearly twice as likely as White Americans to die from heart disease and experience higher rates of stroke. Additionally, certain cancers, such as prostate and colorectal cancer, disproportionately affect African American populations. Mental health concerns are also significant, including higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often compounded by experiences of systemic racism, discrimination, and socioeconomic stressors (American Psychiatric Association, 2021).

Despite these challenges, African Americans underutilize mental health services compared to other populations. Several factors contribute to this disparity, including stigma around mental illness, historical mistrust of the healthcare system due to unethical practices like the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, financial barriers, lack of culturally competent care providers, and limited access to insurance or transportation (Ward et al., 2019). These barriers often result in delayed treatment, misdiagnosis, or reliance on informal support networks rather than professional care.

Advocating for change requires coordinated efforts at multiple levels. Locally, community-based programs can increase awareness, provide culturally sensitive education, and offer accessible mental health screenings in schools, churches, and community centers. State-level initiatives might include expanding Medicaid coverage, incentivizing mental health providers to practice in underserved areas, and funding training programs to enhance cultural competence in healthcare. Federally, legislation can focus on reducing systemic inequities, increasing research funding on health disparities, and supporting nationwide public awareness campaigns to destigmatize mental health care among African Americans (Williams & Cooper, 2019).

By addressing both systemic barriers and community-level needs, these interventions can improve access to care, enhance health outcomes, and reduce disparities in mental and physical health for African Americans. Ensuring culturally competent, accessible, and affordable care is key to achieving equity in health services across the nation.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2021). Mental health disparities: African Americans. https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/cultural-competency/mental-health-disparities

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Health disparities in African Americans. https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/race-ethnicity/index.html

Ward, E., Wiltshire, J. C., Detry, M. A., & Brown, R. L. (2019). African American men and women’s attitude toward mental health help-seeking. Psychology of Men & Masculinities, 20(1), 85–95. https://doi.org/10.1037/men0000145

Williams, D. R., & Cooper, L. A. (2019). Reducing racial inequities in health: Using what we already know to take action. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 16(4), 606. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16040606

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