Can you answer the question ?

Research Question 1: Insert text here.

Research Question 2: Insert text here.

Theoretical Framework

Name of the Theory: Insert text here.

Author and Citation: Insert text here.

Main Constructs of the Theory: Insert list here.

Research Design

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Setting and Site

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Participants

Data Collection

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2. Insert text here.

3. Insert text here.

Analysis Steps

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Title of Doctoral Project

Terms you should know:

· Doctoral Project

Learn:

A research paper title should be concise, clear, and descriptive, typically about 10–12 words. It must use title case, capitalizing all major words but not short conjunctions or prepositions unless they begin the title. The title should clearly reflect the study’s central problem or practice and the context or setting.

Assignment Example 1:

Strategies to Improve Employee Retention at a Midwestern Regional Manufacturing Company

Assignment Example 2:

Recommendations to solve the problem of Nurse Burnout in the Medical-Surgical Unit at Mercy Hospital

Purpose Statement

Terms you should know:

· Research Question

· Applied Case Study

Learn:

A purpose statement is a concise, focused sentence that clearly communicates why a study is being conducted and what it intends to accomplish. The purpose statement should follow the template found in Creswell & Poth (2025) and clearly state the purpose of the study, the method (applied case study), the problem or practice to be improved, the setting, and the state. The purpose statement should be clearly aligned with the Research Questions and the Problem Statement.

Creswell & Poth (adapted) Purpose Statement Template:

The purpose of this applied doctoral research project is to [solve a problem or improve a practice] [central problem or practice] at [site name] in [state]. This applied research study seeks to make recommendations to [solve the problem of / improve the practice of] [insert problem or practice focus]. Grounded in the existing body of knowledge, this study will address the gap identified in the literature and Problem Statement by examining [specific aspects of the problem/practice at the site]. The findings are intended to provide [site-specific recommendations, insights, or improvements], thereby contributing to both the scholarly field and practical application at the site.

Assignment Example 1:

The purpose of this applied, single case study is to solve the problem of reading instruction practices contributing to low third-grade reading proficiency at Red Clay Elementary School in Delaware. This applied research study seeks to make recommendations to improve reading proficiency outcomes among third-grade students. Grounded in the existing body of knowledge on literacy instruction and early intervention, this study will address the gap identified in the literature and Problem Statement by examining instructional strategies, intervention supports, and assessment practices currently implemented at the site. The findings are intended to provide site-specific recommendations to improve reading instruction and student achievement, thereby contributing to both educational scholarship and instructional practice at Red Clay Elementary School.

Assignment Example 2:

The purpose of this applied single case study is to improve the practice of organizational factors contributing to employee turnover at a regional manufacturing company in Ohio. This applied research study seeks to make recommendations to improve employee retention practices. Grounded in the existing body of knowledge on employee engagement, leadership, and retention, this study will address the gap identified in the literature and Problem Statement by examining leadership practices, workplace culture, and employee support systems within the organization. The findings are intended to provide organization-specific recommendations to strengthen retention strategies and workforce stability, thereby contributing to both the scholarly literature and practical organizational improvement at the site.

Research Questions

Learn:

Developing Applied Research Questions

A well-written research question is feasible, clear, significant, and ethical, such that no explanation is required for the reader to understand the purpose of the study. Research questions should align directly with the problem and purpose statements and guide all aspects of the study, including data collection, analysis, and recommendations. It is often said that the research question is to a research study what the thesis statement is to an essay.

In an applied single case study, research questions are designed to examine a real-world issue within a specific site or organization in order to inform improvement. These questions are not intended to test hypotheses or generate broadly generalizable findings. Instead, they focus on understanding the extent of a problem or the current state of a practice, identifying contributing or influencing factors, and developing evidence-informed recommendations for improvement.

Applied descriptive studies use a sequence of three aligned research questions that work together to investigate and address a problem of practice or improve an existing practice. The questions move logically from identifying the current condition, to examining contributing or influencing factors, to proposing evidence-informed strategies for improvement. The three research questions should be derived directly from the problem and purpose statements and should remain closely aligned throughout the study.

Applied single case studies may focus on either:

1. Solving a Problem

These studies examine the extent to which a problem exists within a site and identify contributing factors and recommendations for improvement.

OR

2. Improvement of an Existing Practice

These studies examine the current implementation or effectiveness of a practice within a site and identify factors that may strengthen or improve the practice.

Structure of Problem-Focused Research Questions

Research Question 1: Extent of the Problem. The first research question identifies the extent to which the problem exists within the site or organization. This question establishes the scope and presence of the problem using evidence collected from stakeholders, documents, observations, surveys, or other data sources. Research Question 1 should typically be worded as: To what extent does [problem] exist within [site]?

Research Question 2: Contributing Factors. The second research question examines the factors that appear to contribute to the problem within the site. This question helps explain why the problem exists by identifying patterns, conditions, behaviors, systems, or organizational influences associated with the issue. Research Question 2 should typically be worded as: What factors appear to contribute to [problem] within [site]?

Research Question 3: Evidence-Informed Recommendations. The third research question focuses on identifying practical strategies that may address the problem. Recommendations should be informed by the study findings, scholarly literature, and the guiding theoretical or conceptual framework. Research Question 3 should typically be worded as: What evidence-informed strategies could address [problem] within [site]?

Structure of Practice-Improvement Research Questions

Research Question 1: Current State of the Practice. The first research question examines the current implementation, effectiveness, or use of a practice within the site or organization. This question establishes the present condition of the practice using evidence collected from stakeholders, documents, observations, surveys, or other data sources. Research Question 1 should typically be worded as: To what extent is [practice] effectively implemented within [site]?

Research Question 2: Influencing Factors. The second research question examines the factors that appear to influence the implementation or effectiveness of the practice within the site. This question helps explain what conditions, systems, behaviors, or organizational influences support or hinder the practice. Research Question 2 should typically be worded as: What factors appear to influence [practice] within [site]?

Research Question 3: Evidence-Informed Improvements. The third research question focuses on identifying practical strategies that may improve or strengthen the practice. Recommendations should be informed by the study findings, scholarly literature, and the guiding theoretical or conceptual framework. Research Question 3 should typically be worded as: What evidence-informed strategies could improve [practice] within [site]?

Assignment Example 1: Problem-Focused Study

Research Question 1:

To what extent does low student engagement related to instructional feedback exist at a suburban public high school in Ohio?

Research Question 2:

What factors appear to contribute to low student engagement related to instructional feedback at the high school?

Research Question 3:

What evidence-informed strategies could address low student engagement related to instructional feedback at the high school?

Assignment Example 2: Problem-Focused Study

Research Question 1:

To what extent does employee turnover exist at a mid-sized manufacturing company in North Carolina?

Research Question 2:

What factors appear to contribute to employee turnover within the company?

Research Question 3:

What evidence-informed strategies could address employee turnover at the manufacturing company?

Assignment Example 3: Practice-Improvement Study

Research Question 1:

To what extent are patient discharge education practices effectively implemented at an urban acute-care hospital in Texas?

Research Question 2:

What factors appear to influence patient discharge education practices within the hospital?

Research Question 3:

What evidence-informed strategies could improve patient discharge education practices at the hospital?

Theoretical Framework

Terms you should know:

· Theory

Learn:

In applied research, the theoretical framework does more than guide the study, it informs how the identified problem of practice is understood and addressed within the research site. Theory provides a structured lens for examining why the problem exists, how it manifests in the local context, and which elements of the problem are most amenable to improvement.

Rather than serving only as an interpretive tool, the theory in applied research helps:

· Clarify the root causes of the problem at the site

· Frame the problem statement and purpose of the study

· Inform practical recommendations and actionable solutions grounded in scholarship

The theoretical framework connects the local problem to the broader research literature, ensuring that proposed solutions are not based solely on intuition or anecdotal experience, but on established concepts and empirical knowledge. In this way, theory serves as both an analytical lens and a foundation for improvement, transforming site-specific findings into evidence-informed practice.

Instructions:

1. Identify the theory or conceptual framework that guides your applied research study.

a. Using one theory or one conceptual framework is strongly recommended.

2. Identify the primary author(s) of the theory and provide a scholarly citation.

3. Describe the key constructs (components) of the theory, defining each clearly.

4. Explain how the theory informs the problem of practice at your research site, including:

a. How the theory helps explain why the problem exists

b. Which constructs are most relevant to the site-specific issue

c. How the theory shapes the focus of the study and the proposed improvement

Your explanation should demonstrate a clear alignment between the theory, the problem of practice, and the applied purpose of the study.

Assignment Example:

Name of Theory: Self-determination theory (SDT)

Author and Citation:

Deci, E. L., & Ryan, R. M. (1985). Intrinsic Motivation and Self-Determination in Human Behavior. New York, NY: Plenum Press.

Main Constructs of the Theory:

1. Autonomy: The need to feel a sense of choice and control over one’s actions.

2. Competence: The need to feel effective and capable in one’s activities and environment.

3. Relatedness: The need to feel connected to, and cared for by, others.

Research Design

Terms you should know:

· Applied Single Case Study

Learn:

The purpose of the research design is to provide a structured plan for answering the study’s research questions. It ensures alignment between the problem, purpose, and methods, guiding how data are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. A clear research design enhances the study’s rigor and coherence, serving as a blueprint for systematically exploring the phenomenon and producing credible, meaningful findings. For the applied doctoral project, candidates will use an applied single case study research design. Begin by stating the design (applied single case study). Define the design and a rationale for why this design is appropriate for your study, supported by scholarly sources. The explanation of the research design should be linked to the purpose and be consistent with the research questions proposed and the procedures described.

Assignment Example:

This study will use an applied single case study research design to examine [specific problem] within [specific organization or setting]. An applied single case study is appropriate because it allows the researcher to investigate a real-world problem within a clearly defined setting and develop findings that may inform practice. This design aligns with the purpose of the study, which is to [state purpose], and provides a framework for answering the research questions through the collection and analysis of data from multiple sources. Scholarly literature supports the use of a single case study design when the research focuses on an in-depth investigation of a bounded case within its real-world context [insert scholarly support].

Setting and Site

Terms you should know:

· Setting

· Site

Learn:

In applied research, the site and setting are critical because the study is intentionally bounded to a single, real-world location where a specific problem of practice exists or where an improvement is needed. Unlike traditional qualitative research that may emphasize transferability across multiple contexts, applied research prioritizes depth, feasibility, and relevance to the selected site.

Describing the setting helps establish the broader organizational, cultural, or operational context in which the problem occurs. This context explains why the problem matters, how it developed, and what environmental factors may influence potential solutions. The site, by contrast, identifies the specific organization, school, program, department, or unit where the applied research will take place and where data will be collected. Because applied research aims to inform action, the site must be:

· Directly connected to the problem of practice

· Feasible for data collection and implementation

· A location where the researcher has or can obtain appropriate access and permissions

Instructions:

1. Identify the setting for your applied research study.

a. Describe the broader context (e.g., organizational type, industry, educational level, healthcare environment, or professional field).

b. Explain how this setting relates to the problem of practice being examined.

2. Identify the site for your applied research study.

a. Clearly name the specific organization, program, department, or unit where the study will be conducted.

b. Indicate the geographic location at an appropriate level (e.g., region and state).

3. Explain why this site was selected, including:

a. Its relevance to the identified problem of practice

b. Its suitability for data collection and analysis

c. The feasibility of conducting the study at this site (e.g., access, permissions, role of the researcher)

4. Ensure that the site and setting are clearly aligned with the purpose of the study and the applied goal of improving practice or informing decision-making at the site.

Assignment Examples:

Example 1

Setting: A public middle school environment in the Midwestern United States that serves a diverse student population and is implementing instructional technology to support literacy development.

Site: Riverview Middle School, a public middle school located in Ohio, where the study will focus on eighth-grade English Language Arts classrooms.

Connection to the Problem of Practice: This site was selected because the school has identified inconsistent student engagement with instructional technology as a barrier to improving literacy outcomes, making it an appropriate and feasible location for examining and improving current instructional practices.

Example 2

Setting: A hospital-affiliated nursing education environment in the Southeastern United States that integrates clinical simulation as part of professional training and competency development.

Site: The Simulation Laboratory at Riverview College of Nursing, located in the Southeastern United States.

Connection to the Problem of Practice: The site was selected because faculty have observed variability in student performance during clinical simulations, indicating a need to examine instructional practices and develop targeted improvements within this specific training environment.

Example 3

Setting: A mid-sized financial services organization in the Southwestern United States undergoing organizational change related to employee training and performance management.

Site: The Human Resources Department at Apex Financial Services, located in Texas.

Connection to the Problem of Practice: This site was selected due to documented challenges with employee onboarding and retention, providing a practical context for examining current practices and developing evidence-based recommendations for improvement.

·

Participants

Terms you should know:

· Participants

· Population

· Sample

· Stakeholders

Learn:

In applied research, participants are selected from a single research site and represent key stakeholder groups who are directly connected to the problem of practice. Rather than sampling broadly across multiple contexts, applied research prioritizes gathering perspectives from individuals who experience, influence, or are affected by the practice or problem being studied.

The population refers to the full group of potential stakeholders at the site who are relevant to the problem of practice. The sample consists of selected participants from that population who meet clearly defined eligibility criteria and can provide meaningful insight to inform improvement efforts.

Applied research requires multiple perspectives to support well-rounded analysis and actionable recommendations. Therefore, each data collection strategy must involve a different stakeholder group, ensuring that findings reflect the complexity of the problem within the organization. Collectively, participants must all be affiliated with the selected site. Clearly describing who the participants are, why they were selected, and how they relate to the problem of practice strengthens the credibility, feasibility, and practical relevance of the study.

Assignment Example 1:

The participants for this study will be selected from a population of stakeholders at Riverview Middle School who are directly involved in the implementation of instructional technology in eighth-grade English Language Arts classrooms. The sample will include a minimum of 12 participants representing three distinct stakeholder groups: English Language Arts teachers ( n = 5), school administrators ( n = 5), and instructional coaches ( n = 5). Each stakeholder group will participate in a different data collection strategy, allowing the study to capture instructional, leadership, and support perspectives related to the problem of practice. Participants must be employed at the site and have at least one year of experience with instructional technology. These stakeholder groups were selected because they collectively influence instructional decision-making and are directly affected by efforts to improve technology integration.

Assignment Example 2:

Participants in this study will be drawn from a population of stakeholders affiliated with a hospital-based nursing simulation program. The sample will consist of at least 12 participants from three stakeholder groups, including nursing faculty ( n = 5), clinical instructors ( n = 5), and senior-level nursing students ( n = 5). Each group will engage in a distinct data collection method to ensure multiple perspectives on the problem of practice related to simulation-based instruction. Eligibility criteria include active involvement in the simulation program during the current academic year. These participants were selected because they represent instructional design, implementation, and learner experiences that are essential to understanding and improving simulation effectiveness.

Assignment Example 3:

The participants for this applied research study will be selected from a population of employees and leaders within a mid-sized financial services organization involved in onboarding and professional development practices. The sample will include a minimum of 12 participants drawn from three stakeholder groups: human resources managers ( n = 5), department supervisors ( n = 5), and recently hired employees ( n = 5). Each stakeholder group will participate in a different data collection strategy to provide complementary perspectives on onboarding processes. Participants must have direct experience with onboarding activities within the past 12 months. These groups were selected because they collectively design, implement, and experience onboarding practices, making them well-positioned to inform actionable recommendations for improvement.

Data Collection

Terms you should know:

· Individual Interviews

· Focus Group

· Observation

· Document Analysis

· Reflective Narrative / Journal Prompt

· Stakeholders

Learn:

In applied research, data collection methods are selected to generate actionable, site-specific evidence that directly informs understanding and improvement of a problem of practice. Because applied research is grounded in a single site, data collection must intentionally capture multiple stakeholder perspectives to fully examine how the problem operates within the organization.

Applied research requires the use of three different data collection methods. Triangulation, or three data collection methods, must be used in the doctoral project. These methods may include interviews, focus groups, document analysis, observations, journal prompts, surveys, letter writing, physical artifacts, or case records. Each method must be distinct and directly related to the site's problem or practice.

Each data collection method should be clearly justified, procedurally detailed, and explicitly aligned with the Central Research Question and sub-questions. Together, the three methods should provide triangulated evidence that supports meaningful analysis and practical recommendations for improvement at the site.

Assignment Example:

1. Individual Interviews – Nursing faculty involved in the hospital-based simulation program

2. Focus Group – Clinical instructors who supervise or facilitate simulation experiences

3. Reflective Journal Prompts – Senior-level nursing students participating in the simulation program

Data Analysis

Terms you should know:

· Data analysis

· Coding

· Themes

Learn:

Data analysis methods are the systematic processes used to organize, interpret, and make meaning from the information collected during a study. In applied research, analysis may include coding, theme development, and pattern identification to uncover participants’ experiences and perspectives. Choosing the correct data analysis method is essential because it ensures that the findings accurately reflect the purpose and design of the study. Below are the purpose and key steps to each analysis.

Thematic Analysis.

Purpose: To find and explain repeating patterns or themes that appear throughout the data.

Key Steps: Researchers start by reading through the data to become familiar with it, then create initial codes for meaningful ideas. These codes are organized into broader themes that are refined, named, and described in depth. Finally, the themes are interpreted and reported clearly to convey the study’s insights.

Reference: Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2006). Using thematic analysis in psychology. Qualitative Research in Psychology, 3(2), 77–101.

Content Analysis.

Purpose: To organize and interpret written or visual materials by identifying the frequency and meaning of words, phrases, or ideas.

Key Steps: The researcher first decides on the categories or codes to be used, then carefully reviews the data to assign those codes. Next, the researcher counts or notes how often particular ideas appear and interprets the emerging patterns to understand their meaning and significance.

Reference: Hsieh, H.-F., & Shannon, S. E. (2005). Three approaches to qualitative content analysis. Qualitative Health Research, 15(9), 1277–1288

Narrative Analysis.

Purpose: To study people’s stories to understand how they make sense of their experiences.

Key Steps: The researcher collects personal stories or life histories and examines how each story is told—its plot, setting, and characters. Key moments or turning points are identified and interpreted to reveal how individuals construct meaning through storytelling.

Reference: Riessman, C. K. (2008). Narrative methods for the human sciences. Sage.

Discourse Analysis.

Purpose: To explore how language is used to shape meaning, identity, and power in social settings.

Key Steps: The researcher selects written or spoken materials such as texts, interviews, or policies and examines word choices, tone, and language patterns. Underlying assumptions or perspectives are identified and interpreted to show how language influences understanding, relationships, and social realities.

Reference: Gee, J. P. (2014). An introduction to discourse analysis: Theory and method (4th ed.). Routledge.

Assignment Example:

Data Collection Method 1: Thematic Analysis – Interview data from nursing faculty

Data Collection Method 2: Thematic Analysis – Focus group data from clinical instructors

Data Collection Method 3: Content Analysis – Reflective journal responses from senior-level nursing students