Data Analysis of Select Statistical
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APA-Doctoral-Dissertation-Template1.docxSAMPLE DISSERTATION TITLE:
STATE THE STUDY METHODOLOGY
[Double space title and use all capitals. No more than 15 words inclusive of your design]
by
Jane Doe
Copyright XXXX
A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment
of the Requirements for the Degree
Doctor of [Name your program]
University of Phoenix
The Dissertation Committee for Jane Doe certifies approval of the following dissertation:
SAMPLE DISSERTATION TITLE:
STATE THE STUDY METHODOLOGY
Committee:
John Doe, EdD, Chair
Julie Jones, PhD, University Research Methodologist
James Smith, EdD, Panel Validator
_________________________
John Doe
_________________________
Julie Jones
_________________________
James Smith
_________________________
Hinrich Eylers, PhD
Vice Provost, Doctoral Studies
University of Phoenix
Date Approved: ____________
ABSTRACT
Start text here; do not indent. Abstracts must be between 150 and 250 words and must be presented as a single paragraph. The abstract should not include any citations. Describe the problem and purpose being addressed and indicate why and to whom the findings are important. Summarize the research question(s). Briefly describe the research method, design, population, sample size, and data analysis procedures. Identify the results and any key conclusions or recommendations that capture the heart of the research. Conclude with a statement of implications for practitioners and leader within the field of study.
DEDICATION
[To be indented and completed upon full dissertation completion]
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
[To be indented and completed upon full dissertation completion]
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Page
List of Tables x
List of Figures x
Preface (optional) x
Chapter 1: Introduction x
Background of the Problem x
Problem Statement x
Purpose of the Study x
Population and Sample x
Significance of the Study x
Nature of the Study x
Research Questions/Hypotheses x
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework x
Definition of Terms x
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations x
Chapter 2: Literature Review x
Title Searches and Documentation x
Historical Content x
Current Content x
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Literature x
Methodological Literature x
Research Design Literature x
Conclusions x
Chapter Summary x
Chapter 3: Research Methodology x
Research Method and Design Appropriateness x
Research Questions/Hypotheses x
Population and Sample x
Informed Consent and Confidentiality x
Instrumentation x
Field Test or Pilot Test x
Credibility and Transferability or Validity and Reliability x
Data Collection x
Data Analysis x
Chapter Summary x
Chapter 4: Analysis and Results x
Research Questions/Hypotheses x
Data Collection x
Demographics x
Pilot Study x
Data Analysis x
Results x
Chapter Summary x
Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations x
Research Questions/Hypotheses x
Discussion of Findings x
Limitations x
Recommendations for Leaders and Practitioners x
Recommendations for Future Research x
Chapter Summary x
References x
Appendix A: Title x
Appendix B: Title x
Appendix C: Title x
LIST OF TABLES
Table 1: Title x
Table 2: Title x
[Only include a list of tables if there are two or more tables. Use title case, defined as capitalizing key words, for table titles.]
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1: Title x
Figure 2: Title x
[Only include a List of Figures if there are two or more figures. Use title case, defined as capitalizing key words, for figure titles.]
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX
January 2010
2
Introduction
(Note that “Introduction” is the Chapter title)
No introduction heading before the first paragraph of the introductory text. The introduction serves to engage the reader by discussing the overall research topic and background information to your proposed study. A good introduction should describe the broad foundations of your study and indicate the general scope of your study but should not go into so much detail that later sections such as the purpose, problem, and methodology become irrelevant. The introduction can also provide an overview of the sections that will appear in Chapter 1.
Background of the Problem
This section should lead up to the statement of the problem in order to create the context of the problem for the readers. In this section, you will want to draw upon the origins of the issues from which the problem is based upon. Be sure to integrate appropriate references to evidence the existence of a problem. Your discussion should reflect why the research problem is of important social concern or theoretical interest. This section is typically several pages in length.
Problem Statement
This section must clearly identify the problem. Include the phrase “The problem is…” to allow the reader to distinguish the issue driving the study. The problem must be supported with citations. A researchable problem is not simply a gap in the literature or a lack of information; a research problem is a documented existing social issue for which there is not a known solution or an effective solution. Review the CDS Dissertation Guide Problem Statement section associated with your selected design to ensure that this section aligns with your design. This section is typically brief at less than one page in length.
Purpose of the Study
This section should concisely explain the focus of your study. Begin this section with the method and design you have selected and provide a clear statement of the research objectives of your study. Provide a brief description of the means through which the goals of your study will be achieved and the geographic location of the study. When conducting a case study, which requires multiple sources of data, ensure that those sources are identified. For quantitative or mixed method designs include the study variables and instruments to be used to collect the data. Review the Purpose Statement section associated with your selected design to ensure that this section aligns with your design. This section is typically brief at less than one page in length.
Population and Sample
Describe the population by discussing the criteria that you will use for your study participants. Also, briefly discuss your sampling type and sample size. If your study will not include participants or primary data, then briefly explain your proposed sources of data.
Significance of the Study
The significance sections explain why the study is a unique approach to the problem to be investigated, potential benefit/benefactors from the proposed study, and the ways in which the study results might make an original contribution to the field. Discuss why this study important and to whom. Describe the potential contribution this research may make to current and future studies and thought and how the results of this research might add to leadership knowledge and literature. Review the CDS Dissertation Guide “Significance of the Study” section associated with your selected design to ensure that this section aligns with your design. This section is typically brief at less than one page in length.
Nature of the Study
This section should include a description of the general means through which the goals of the study will be achieved. In this section, you will present a synopsis and justification of the research method and design for your study. Provide an overview discussion of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) and the appropriateness of the method for addressing the purpose of the study. Additionally, discuss why your proposal research design is more appropriate than two or three other possible research designs. For studies with a specific type, such as a case study, also support the selected type. Also provide a brief overview of the proposed instrumentation, data collection, and data analysis. This section is typically 1 to 3 pages in length.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
(Only include “hypotheses” in the heading if applicable)
In this section you will state your research questions and sub-questions, if appropriate. Please number the questions such as R1, R2, and so forth. Qualitative studies require at least two research questions and typically include about four. For quantitative studies include at least two sets of hypotheses. Review the CDS Dissertation Guide Research Questions/Hypotheses section associated with your selected design for specific information.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
(One or the other—delete either theoretical or conceptual from the heading)
The framework should place the study in perspective among existing theories or conceptual models and provide a framework related to the research topic. The discussion should reflect the broad theoretical area under which the research falls and reflect familiarity with germinal and current theories in the field. Remember that a theoretical framework is typically used for a quantitative study to model the theoretical relationships between the variables; a conceptual framework is typically used for a qualitative study and consists of several theories that underpin the topic. The framework should only introduce readers to the relevant theories; this discussion will be expanded in Chapter 2.
Definition of Terms
This section is only required if any operational terms or words are used in a unique way in this study. Any definitions must be supported with citations.
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations
State any assumptions that you will be using as a basis for your study. Limitations are issues that the researcher cannot control. In contrast, delimitations define how you are choosing to control or scope your research. Also mention generalizability of the study findings. Note that qualitative studies are not generalizable to the population.
Chapter Summary
The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 1. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. The chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 2 will...” or “In Chapter 2…”.
Chapter 2
Literature Review
Begin with an introduction with no section heading. Remind the reader of the study topics and the foundational theories that drove the review of the literature.
Title Searches and Documentation
Describe the approach that you used to search for relevant documentation including key words used to search for publications. You can opt to include a table in this section to describe the numbers of journals, books, or other sources used for your various topics.
Historical Content
Generally, historical content is defined as over 5 years old. Include subsections for each of the various topics related to your study. The topic subsections should be presented in order from the broadest topic to the narrowest topic. Include both germinal content and content that is considered historical based on its publication date. It is crucial that you do not develop your literature review as merely a series of annotated bibliographies that discuss one source after another. It is crucial to synthesize the sources by comparing and contrasting the various perspectives on each topic. Include subheadings to delineate between various historical content topics.
Current Content
Generally, current content is less than 5 years old. Include the same subsections that you used in the historical content unless there is no current literature for a specific topic. Here again it is important to synthesize the sources—compare and contrast the various perspectives on each topic. It is important to describe all perspectives of each research topic including any controversial literature rather than presenting only literature that supports your own perspective in order to create credibility. Include subheadings to delineate between various current content topics.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Literature
(One or the other; must reflect the type of framework used in Chapter 1)
The framework in Chapter 1 should only have introduced readers to the relevant theories. This section should include subsections for each of the relevant theories and discuss supporting germinal and current literature on those theories.
Methodology Literature
Describe the various studies that have been accomplished within your topic area. Focus on the methodologies that have been used in research and on the findings of those studies. Key objectives are to address what has already been accomplished in previous research and to support that your methodology will add to the body of knowledge.
Research Design Literature
In Chapter 1 you briefly described your selected research design. This section should expand on that discussion and include support from several design methodologists including the germinal methodologists associated with the design.
Conclusions
It is important to recognize that this section is not the chapter “conclusion”; it is “conclusions”, meaning what did you conclude from the literature? Focus on what you derived from the literature you reviewed and remember to cite each assertion.
Chapter Summary
The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 2. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. The chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 3 will...” or “In Chapter 3...”.
Please note that Chapter 2 should be expanded to 30 to 50 pages prior to submitting the complete proposal for review.
Chapter 3
Research Methodology
No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter.
Research Method and Design Appropriateness
Expand on the Chapter 1 discussion by supporting selection of the research method and design. Provide a detailed overview discussion of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) and the appropriateness of the method for addressing the purpose of the study. Additionally, include a detailed description of why your proposal research design is more appropriate than two or three other possible research designs within the selected method.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses introduced in Chapter 1.
Population and Sample
Discuss the population for the proposed study, defined as the pool of potential participants for the study. If the study will include a stratified sample discuss the various population groups to be included. Follow the population discussion with a description of the sample size and how the sample size was established. For stratified samples discuss the sample size to be obtained from each population group. For studies that will not include primary data use an alternate heading such as “Data Sources” and discuss the proposed sources of the study data, such as archival data. Ensure that you collect demographic data from the participants, including any data relevant to the study topic such as organizational position and experience in years, to include in Chapter 4.
Informed Consent and Confidentiality
Discuss how you will obtain informed consent from any participants and describe any signed permissions already obtained including Permissions to Use Premises, Permission to Use Data, Permission to Use Survey, and so forth. Describe how any confidential data will be stored and later destroyed. Refer to appendices such as the Informed Consent Form; for example, “See Appendix A for the Informed Consent Form”.
Instrumentation
Describe any instrumentation to be used to collect primary data such as qualitative questionnaires, interview protocols, or surveys. It is important to include a table to indicate how the instrumentation items, defined as interview questions or survey questions, align to the research questions or hypotheses. Refer to appendices such as the instrumentation.
Field Test or Pilot Study
Qualitative studies require a field test on original narrative data collection instruments. Note that field tests must be conducted prior to proposal approval; therefore, the field test and its results must be described here in Chapter 3. Original quantitative instruments require use of a pilot study to produce validity and reliability data; however, pilot studies cannot be conducted prior to proposal and IRB approval. Therefore, the plan to use a pilot study should be described in Chapter 3, and the results should be discussed in Chapter 4. Mixed-method studies may require both a field test and a pilot test.
Credibility and Transferability or Validity and Reliability
For qualitative studies, include a section on credibility and transferability or trustworthiness to discuss how these attributes will be accomplished within the study. Include any relevant discussion regarding how the various sources will be triangulated. For quantitative studies, include a section on validity and reliability. Quantitative instruments that are commercially produced or have been published should have validity and reliability data available. Original quantitative instruments will require use of a pilot study following IRB approval to produce validity and reliability data. Mixed-method studies often require discussion of both credibility and transferability, and validity and reliability.
Data Collection
This section must include a complete description of the processes to be used to collect any primary or secondary data. Include discussion of how any participants will be recruited for participation and describe any permissions required to collect these data. If data will be collected in phases, such as during a Delphi study with two or more rounds, a case study with multiple sources of data, a study with a stratified sample, a quantitative study with more than one survey instrument, or a mixed-method study, describe each phase of data collection process clearly.
Data Analysis
Data analysis section must include a detailed description of the processes or statistical techniques to be used for analysis of any primary or secondary data. Proposed data analyses techniques must clear and appropriate to the research design and a sufficient level of detail must be provided. Qualitative analysis steps must be described and must align with the selected design, such as the constant comparative approach for a grounded theory study and a modified van Kaam process or Stevick-Colaizzi-Keen process for phenomenology. When applicable, quantitative data analysis discussion must include information on the statistical tests to be performed, Alpha levels for hypotheses testing, and whether the testing will be one-tailed or two-tailed.
Chapter Summary
The discussion should summarize key points presented in Chapter 3. Information should be presented in a discussion context. Supporting citations should be provided for key points. Although Chapter 4 is not submitted as part of the proposal the chapter summary should end with a transition to next chapter such as “Chapter 4 will...” or “In Chapter 4...”.
Chapter 4
Analysis and Results
No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter. Keep in mind that Chapter 4 should solely describe the analysis process and the study results; therefore, no citations should be included in this chapter.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses. Ensure consistency in the wording with previous chapters.
Data Collection
Provide a detailed discussion of the informed consent and data collection process used. Additionally, if the actual data collection process differs from the proposed process as described in Chapters 1 and 3 revise those chapters to reflect the actual process used. Note that if data collection is performed in multiple phases, such as in a Delphi technique or a mixed-method study, Chapter 4 should include subsections for each of these data collection and data analysis phases.
Demographics
Describe the study participants by stating information such as gender, age range, ethnicity, region, occupation, years of experience, or other relevant demographics. To avoid confidentiality issues, collect and report age in ranges such as 20 to 30, 30 to 40, and so forth. Include the demographic information as text, tables, or a combination or text and tables. However, report the demographics individually without linking the demographic data together or to a participant. For example, the reader should not be able to determine that Participant 1 was an Asian female teacher in her 30s who lives in the North West region since this information may compromise confidentiality. For studies that did not include primary data use an alternate heading such as “Data Sources” and discuss the sources of the study data.
Pilot Study
(Include this section only for original quantitative instruments)
Original quantitative instruments require use of a pilot study to produce validity and reliability data. For any research that included a pilot study report the results in this section.
Data Analysis
Data analysis section must include a detailed description of the processes or statistical techniques used for analysis of any primary or secondary data. If the actual data analysis process was altered from the proposed process revise Chapters 1 and 3 to reflect the procedures actually used. The description of data analysis steps should include a level of detail that would allow a competent researcher to reproduce your analysis.
For narrative data analyze these data individually for each research question rather than for each interview or questionnaire question. Similar to data collection, if the analysis is performed in multiple phases, such as in a Delphi technique or a mixed-method study, Chapter 4 should include subsections for each of these data analysis phases.
Results
Effective reporting of the results is extremely important. For qualitative narrative data the results are typically reported as themes. Each theme should be reported in a separate sub-section and should be numbered such as Theme 1, Theme 2, and so forth. Typically, the number of major themes for a qualitative study are three to eight. Consider that each theme will need to be compared and contrasted against existing literature in Chapter 5, so exceeding eight themes is not recommended.
Themes should be phrases or short complete sentences that reflect the objective of the study. For example, a theme of “Communication” is too vague to be effective, whereas “Insufficient communication from administration” or “Insufficient communication from administration was a barrier to effective teaching strategies” conveys a much clearer context. Each theme must be supported by example narrative, such as three to five examples of brief participant quotes. Identify the participants using their code, for example “P3 stated ‘If we could only get clear direction from the principal it would make our jobs so much easier’”.
For quantitative data, include the analysis tables and describe the results of the analysis. Include a sub-section for each research question and reiterate the associated hypotheses. Discuss the meaning of the results in terms of supporting or not supporting the null hypotheses, and clearly describe the meaning ascribed to those results.
Regardless of the research method, include any outlier data. Do not compare the results to literature in Chapter 4; save this information for Chapter 5.
Chapter Summary
The discussion should summarize the chapter and reiterate the results presented in Chapter 4. The chapter summary should end with a transition to Chapter 5.
Chapter 5
Conclusions and Recommendations
No heading for the introduction. Remind the reader of the purpose and objectives of the study. Introduce the contents of the chapter.
Research Questions/Hypotheses
This section should reiterate the research questions and any hypotheses. Ensure consistency in the wording with previous chapters.
Discussion of Findings
The objective of this section is to compare and contrast the study results to existing literature. For qualitative and mixed-method studies with resultant themes, this section must include sub-sections for each theme. For quantitative and mixed-method studies with hypotheses, this section must include sub-sections for the results of each set of hypotheses. Compare or contrast each result to three to five published sources. Note once you have established the study results you may need to slightly expand the Chapter 2 literature review to include relevant information or information that has been recently published.
Limitations
In contrast to the limitations discussed in Chapter 1, the Chapter 5 limitations section should focus solely on unforeseen limitations that were revealed while conducting the study. Remember that limitations are out of the control of the researcher.
Recommendations to Leaders and Practitioners
Keep in mind that the entire study culminates in this section so consider this discussion carefully. Based on the research questions and the results, convey how leaders and practitioners might mitigate the problem underlying the study. Consider including a recommendation for each of the results.
Be very specific in the recommendations and consider ending the section with a table to reiterate the recommendations for each of the results. Additionally, ensure that the recommendations align with the research design. For grounded theory studies include a theory or a theoretical model, and for action research clearly describe the recommended actions for leaders and practitioners to pursue. Whenever appropriate include a model in this section. Remember that the goal of a practitioner doctorate is to improve your field of practice, which is accomplished through your recommendations.
Recommendations for Future Research
When completing this section consider how you might have accomplished the study differently. Also consider what you have uncovered that might be further explored through additional research. Include three or four specific recommendations for further study and include recommended methodologies.
Chapter Summary
Summarize only Chapter 5 rather than the entire dissertation. Reiterate each of the study objectives or research questions and state the study findings. End with a strong cogent statement that conveys what the study has contributed to the body of knowledge.
A researcher reflection section can also be included in Chapter 5, and this section can be written in first-person language.
References
[Use hanging indent format and double space the entire list]
Appendix A
Title
[Start section text here] [Note: If including permission or consent documents, you must remove all personal information including phone numbers and email addresses.]
AUTHOR BIOGRAPHY
[optional]
[Start section text here]
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