Literature Review

CoDS-Dissertation-Criteria-Assessment_with-checkboxes_2.2023-002.docx

Home >Education homework help >Literature Review

Purpose

The new Dissertation Criteria Assessment (DCA) is a developmental and progression feedback tool that students, faculty members, and committees can use to monitor students in meeting dissertation assessment criteria throughout the Doctoral Journey Life Cycle and Dissertation Phases. For more on the Phases, please visit the Doctoral Journey tab on the College of Doctoral Studies Central: https://library.phoenix.edu/doctoral_guide/

Doctoral ACCESS, content, and research courses use Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLOs) to assess the degree to which students meet course objectives, while the DCA uses criteria to assess the degree to which students achieve dissertation designing, executing, and reporting on empirical social science research.

Approach and Outcome Descriptors

The DCA uses the following two metrics in which faculty assess students in achieving criteria:

· Meets Criterion: Students develop the required criterion.

· Does Not Meet Criterion: *Students did not develop the required criterion or *Required criterion is missing.

*When Faculty scores “Does Not Meet Criterion,” Faculty should provide clear qualitative feedback in the Tk20 textboxes on how students can meet the criterion.

Some statements may not apply to the study. In these cases, check N/A (not applicable).

Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	NA
Students develop the required criterion.	Students did not develop the required criterion or Required criterion is missing.	Statement does not apply to the study.

Background

One of the most compelling aspects of conducting and analyzing original research projects is the prospect of contributing new information to the literature in a field. Whether these contributions are theoretical, empirical, methodological, or practical, these contributions may enhance the available meaning around concepts, aid future researchers in extending the boundaries of inquiry and knowledge and influence the lives of practitioners at all organizational levels and in daily life. However, as an effect of this requirement for novel approaches, research in all fields is difficult to assess from any perspective founded in standards and models, particularly dissertations. Traditionally, the dissertation has served as an evaluative marker of a doctoral candidate’s passage into a field of inquiry, but because dissertations take on numerous permutations and approaches, these evaluations have largely been the sole purview of one’s chair—an individual typically possessing a wealth of knowledge about the field of study. Although this apprenticeship model has benefited doctoral learning since its inception, little information has been shared to describe how these evaluations are made, what criteria are brought to bear on the research, or how a chair’s approval translates to successful publication and the foundation of a larger research agenda. Lovitts (2007, 2006) described a growing need in doctoral education for explicit criteria students and faculty can use to improve research pedagogy, practice, and outcomes.

To address this need in doctoral education, the College of Doctoral Studies (CDS) developed a new comprehensive Dissertation Criteria Assessment (DCA) tool to assess the quality of dissertations at various Phases in their preparation. The DCA aligned with the Standards for Reporting on Empirical Social Science Research in American Educational Research Association Publications (American Educational Research Association, 2006), a document that details the elements of a quality research report as defined by the American Educational Research Association (AERA), the leading organization for educational research and one of the largest and most diverse research organizations in social science. These criteria provide a robust baseline for dissertations while enabling the flexibility needed to address the various methodologies and approaches used by dissertation writers. These criteria align with the publication standards of a prestigious external research organization; their application enhances students’ dissertations and contributes to the successful publication of dissertation-related research.

References

American Educational Research Association. (2006). Standards for reporting on

empirical social science research in AERA publications. Educational Researcher, 35(6), 33-40.

Lovitts, B. E. (2006). Making the implicit explicit: Faculty’s performance expectations for

the dissertation. In P. L. Maki & N. A. Borkowski (Eds.). The assessment of doctoral education (pp. 163-187). Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Lovitts, B. E. (2007). Making the implicit explicit: Creating performance expectations for

the dissertation. Sterling, VA: Stylus.

Phase 1: PRospectus	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
DEGREE PROGRAM AND TOPIC ALIGNMENT
1. The proposed dissertation topic aligns to the student’s degree program.	☐	☐	☐
Problem Statement
2. The draft problem statement is clear, concise, and should be cited. Recent citations within the last five years.	☐	☐	☐
Purpose of the Study
3. The draft purpose statement is clear and aligns with the problem.	☐	☐	☐
4. A proposed research method and design are stated and are appropriate to the proposed objectives of the study.	☐	☐	☐
5. The proposed study objectives are clearly stated.	☐	☐	☐
POPULATION AND SAMPLE
6. An appropriate and feasible study population and/or data source is identified. 7. Describes sample size and provides rationale for sample size	☐	☐	☐
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
8. Discusses why the proposed study may be important and what this research may contribute to knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
METHODOLOGY (PROPOSED METHOD AND DESIGN)
9. Proposes a research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) and discusses why the proposed method might be appropriate.	☐	☐	☐
10. Proposes a research design and discusses why the proposed design might be appropriate to accomplish the study objectives.	☐	☐	☐
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
11. Includes proposed research questions that align with the purpose and objectives of the study. Note that quantitative and mixed method studies will require hypotheses to be added during Phase 2.	☐	☐	☐
TOPIC LITERATURE
12. Provides 5 to 10 references and 1 to 2 sentences with each reference to describe relevance of the literature.	☐	☐	☐
TOPIC THEORIES
13. Discussion on 1 to 3 relevant theories associated with topics.	☐	☐	☐
RESEARCH DATA COLLECTION STRATEGY
14. Describes process for collecting data from research sample and from any archival sources.	☐	☐	☐

Phase 1: PROSPECTUS Assessment Rubric

Phase 2: PRÉCIS Assessment Rubric

Phase 2: PRécis	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Degree Program and topic alignment
1. The dissertation topic is introduced and aligns to the student’s degree program and specialization.	☐	☐	☐
Problem Statement
2. The problem is clear, concise, reflective of the purpose statement, and is cited. Recent citations within the last five years.	☐	☐	☐
Purpose of the Study
3. The purpose is clear and aligns with the problem.	☐	☐	☐
4. Research method and design are stated and are appropriate to the proposed study.	☐	☐	☐
5. The study objectives are clearly stated.	☐	☐	☐
6. Geographic location of study is identified without compromising confidentiality.	☐	☐	☐
7. Quantitative and mixed method: Research variables are identified.	☐	☐	☐
8. Qualitative: Central Phenomenon or Center of Interests are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Population and Sample
9. Population(s) and justification for participant sample size or other sources of proposed data are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Significance of the Study
10. Discusses why the study is important and what this research may contribute to knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
Nature of the Study
11. Discusses the appropriateness of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed).	☐	☐	☐
12. Discusses the design appropriateness and how the design will accomplish the study objectives.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions / Hypotheses
13. Research questions align with the problem and purpose of the study. Research questions fully encompass the purpose; they are not broader or narrower than the stated objectives.	☐	☐	☐
14. Quantitative and mixed-method studies: Hypotheses are well developed, include both null and alternate hypotheses, and the null and alternate statements are testable.	☐	☐	☐
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
15. Discussion reflects theories and/or concepts that align with and are relevant to the study topics.	☐	☐	☐
Topic literature
16. Discussion reflects brief overview of topic literature.	☐	☐	☐

Phase 3: Concept Review Assessment Rubric (Chapters 1 and 2 focused)

CHAPTER 1: Introduction	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
1. The dissertation topic is introduced and the introduction reflects the chapter contents.	☐	☐	☐
Background of the Problem
2. Discussion reflects why the research problem is of important social concern or theoretical interest.	☐	☐	☐
Problem Statement
3. The problem is clear, concise, reflective of the purpose statement, and is cited.	☐	☐	☐
Purpose of the Study
4. The purpose is clear and aligns with the problem.	☐	☐	☐
5. Research method and design are stated and are appropriate to the proposed study.	☐	☐	☐
6. The study objectives are clearly stated.	☐	☐	☐
7. Geographic location of study is identified without compromising confidentiality.	☐	☐	☐
8. Quantitative and mixed method: Research variables are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Population and Sample
9. Population(s) and participant sample size or other sources of proposed data are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Significance of the Study
10. Discusses why the study is important and what this research may contribute to knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
Nature of the Study
11. Discusses the appropriateness of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed).	☐	☐	☐
12. Discusses the design appropriateness and how the design will accomplish the study objectives.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions / Hypotheses
13. Research questions align with the purpose of the study. Research questions fully encompass the purpose; they are not broader or narrower than the stated objectives.	☐	☐	☐
14. Quantitative and mixed-method studies: Hypotheses are well developed, include both null and alternate hypotheses, and the null and alternate statements are testable.	☐	☐	☐
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
15. Discussion reflects a few theories that align with and are relevant to the study topics.	☐	☐	☐
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations
16. Assumptions, limitations, and delimitations of the study are described.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
17. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 1, includes citations, and includes a transition to Chapter 2.	☐	☐	☐
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
18. Discussion reflects brief overview of what is contained in the chapter.	☐	☐	☐
Title Searches and Documentation
19. Describes the approach used to search for relevant documentation including key words used to search for publications.	☐	☐	☐
Historical Content and Current Content Sections
20. Organization is presented in a logical and flowing manner from broad topics to narrow, making use of APA Level Headings 3 and 4.	☐	☐	☐
21. The literature review topics align with the proposed study; all relevant topics, sub-topics, or variables are discussed.	☐	☐	☐
22. Historical content reflects sources over 5 years old; current content reflects sources less than 5 years old.	☐	☐	☐
23. Discussion synthesizes the literature rather than discussing sources individually.	☐	☐	☐
24. The literature compares and contrasts different points of view regarding existing research in the field.	☐	☐	☐
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Literature
25. Expands on the Chapter 1 framework by discussing sources of literature relevant to the selected theories.	☐	☐	☐
Methodology Literature
26. Addresses some methodologies accomplished in previous research within the selected topic. Current	☐	☐	☐
Research Design Literature
27. Expands on Chapter 1 discussion of the selected design and includes literature from the germinal methodologists associated with the design.	☐	☐	☐
Conclusion
28. Discussion reflects conclusions derived from analysis of the literature and includes citations.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
29. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 2.	☐	☐	☐
Literature Review Overall Depth and Breadth
30. The literature review demonstrates depth and breadth. Note that Chapter 2 should be expanded to include 30 to 50 pages in Phase 4.	☐	☐	☐

Proposal Criteria Assessment

CHAPTER 1: Introduction	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
1. The dissertation topic is introduced and the introduction reflects the chapter contents.	☐	☐	☐
Background of the Problem
2. Discussion reflects why the research problem is of important social concern or theoretical interest and is supported with peer reviewed literature.	☐	☐	☐
Problem Statement
3. The problem is clear, concise, reflective of the purpose statement, and is cited. Recent citations within the last five years.	☐	☐	☐
Purpose of the Study
4. The purpose is clear and aligns with the problem.	☐	☐	☐
5. Research method and design are stated and are appropriate to the proposed study.	☐	☐	☐
6. The study objectives are clearly stated.	☐	☐	☐
7. Geographic location of study is identified without compromising confidentiality.	☐	☐	☐
8. Quantitative and mixed method: Research variables are identified.	☐	☐	☐
9. Qualitative: Central Phenomenon or Center of Interests are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Population and Sample
10. Population(s) and justification for participant sample size or other sources of proposed data are identified.	☐	☐	☐
Significance of the Study
11. Discusses why the study is important and what this research may contribute to knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
Nature of the Study
12. Discusses the appropriateness of the research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed).	☐	☐	☐
13. Discusses the design appropriateness and how the design will accomplish the study objectives.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions / Hypotheses
14. Research questions align with the problem and purpose of the study. Research questions fully encompass the purpose; they are not broader or narrower than the stated objectives.	☐	☐	☐
15. Quantitative and mixed-method studies: Hypotheses are well developed, include both null and alternate hypotheses, and the null and alternate statements are testable.	☐	☐	☐
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
16. Discussion reflects theories and/or concepts that align with and are relevant to the study topics.	☐	☐	☐
Definitions ( Required only for studies with Unique Terminology)
17. Definitions are provided for unique terms.	☐	☐	☐
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations
18. Assumptions, limitations, and delimitations of the study are described and the generalizability of the study findings is discussed.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
19. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 1, includes citations, and includes a transition to Chapter 2.	☐	☐	☐
CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
20. Discussion reflects brief overview of what is contained in the chapter.	☐	☐	☐
Title Searches and Documentation
21. Describes the approach used to search for relevant documentation including key words used to search for publications.	☐	☐	☐
Historical Content and Current Content Sections
22. Organization is presented in a logical and flowing manner from broad topics to narrow, making use of APA Level Headings 3 and 4.	☐	☐	☐
23. The literature review topics align with the proposed study; all relevant topics, sub-topics, or variables are discussed.	☐	☐	☐
24. Historical content reflects sources over 5 years old; current content reflects sources less than 5 years old.	☐	☐	☐
25. Discussion synthesizes (not a study-by-study summary) the literature rather than discussing sources individually.	☐	☐	☐
26. A balanced discussion of alternative viewpoints is provided. The literature compares and contrasts different points of view regarding existing research in the field.	☐	☐	☐
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Literature
27. Expands on the Chapter 1 framework by discussing germinal and current literature relevant to the selected theories or concepts.	☐	☐	☐
Methodology Literature
28. Addresses methodologies accomplished in previous research within the selected topic and support that the selected methodology will add to the body of knowledge. Current	☐	☐	☐
Research Design Literature
29. Expands on Chapter 1 discussion of the selected design and includes literature from several design methodologists including the germinal methodologists associated with the design.	☐	☐	☐
Conclusion
30. Discussion reflects conclusions derived from analysis of the literature and includes citations.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
31. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 2, includes citations, and includes a transition to Chapter 3.	☐	☐	☐
Literature Review Overall Depth and Breadth
32. The literature review demonstrates significant depth and breadth; Chapter 2 includes 30 to 50 pages.	☐	☐	☐
CHAPTER 3: Research Methodology	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
33. Introduction reiterates the purpose statement and provides a brief chapter overview.	☐	☐	☐
Research Method and Design Appropriateness
34. Elaborates on the Chapter 1 discussion of rationale for research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed) appropriateness, including a discussion of why the selected method was chosen instead of another.	☐	☐	☐
35. Elaborates on the Chapter 1 discussion of rationale for proposed research design appropriateness. Compares the appropriates of the proposed design to two or three alternate research designs. The discussions are supported by citations from methodological theorists.	☐	☐	☐
36. Discussion of how the proposed design will accomplish the study goals and why design is the optimum choice for this specific research.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions/Hypotheses
37. The restated research questions and hypotheses are consistent with those presented in Chapter 1.	☐	☐	☐
Population And Sample
38. Population: Elaboration of population information given in chapter 1. Description matches the overview discussion given in chapter 1. For studies without primary data, the section discusses the proposed sources of the study data, such as archival data.	☐	☐	☐
39. Sample: Elaboration of information given in chapter 1. Discussion supports the proposed participant number and how the sampling number was determined. For studies without primary data, the section discusses the proposed sampling of the secondary sources.	☐	☐	☐
Informed Consent and Confidentiality
40. Discusses how informed consent will be obtained from participants and describes any signed permissions already obtained.	☐	☐	☐
41. Describes how any confidential data will be stored and later destroyed.	☐	☐	☐
42. Discusses the process of removing identifiers from within confidential data.	☐	☐	☐
Instrumentation
43. Describes any instrumentation to be used to collect primary data such as qualitative questionnaires, interview protocols, or surveys.	☐	☐	☐
44. Discusses the role of the researcher.	☐	☐	☐
45. Includes a table to indicate how the instrumentation items align to the research questions or hypotheses.	☐	☐	☐
Field Test or Pilot Study
46. Qualitative and mixed-method studies: Describes the field test conducted on qualitative instrumentation and whether the results of the field test were used to revise the instrumentation.	☐	☐	☐
47. Quantitative and mixed-method studies: Describes the pilot study to be conducted on original quantitative instrumentation following IRB approval.	☐	☐	☐
Credibility and Transferability or Validity and Reliability
48. Qualitative and mixed-method studies: Describes how narrative data will be demonstrated to have credibility and transferability or trustworthiness. Describe triangulation of narrative data sources.	☐	☐	☐
49. Quantitative and mixed-method studies: Describes the existing validity and reliability data for any quantitative instrumentation or describes the pilot study to be conducted on original quantitative instrumentation following IRB approval.	☐	☐	☐
Data Collection
50. Discussion provides a complete description of the processes to be used to collect any primary or secondary data and describes each phase of data collection process clearly.	☐	☐	☐
51. Discussion includes how any participants will be recruited for participation and describes any permissions required to collect primary or secondary data.	☐	☐	☐
Data Analysis
52. Proposed data analyses techniques are clear and appropriate to the research design. A sufficient level of detail is provided. For example, quantitative analysis includes 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
53. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 3, includes citations, and includes a transition to Chapter 4, which will be added later.	☐	☐	☐

Proposal Alignment, Formatting, and writing	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Alignment between the Research Topic and the Student’s Program of Study
54. The proposed study aligns well with the student’s program of study (DM, DBA, DHA, EDD, etc.)	☐	☐	☐
Study Title
55. The study title reflects the study purpose and methodology.	☐	☐	☐
Organization and Formatting
56. Document is well organized.	☐	☐	☐
57. Document adheres to UoPx guidelines and APA guidelines for figures, tables, citations, and references.	☐	☐	☐
Writing Style, Composition, and Clarity
58. Document communicates the proposed study clearly.	☐	☐	☐
59. Proposal is written in future tense with no first-person language.	☐	☐	☐
60. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling are correct.	☐	☐	☐
61. Writing is clear, precise, and avoids redundancy. There is a focused discussion of section topics.	☐	☐	☐
62. Flow of words is smooth and comprehensible. There is a logical flow of ideas between sections with smooth transition between paragraphs, topics, sections, and chapters.	☐	☐	☐
63. Written in scholarly language; accurate, balanced, objective, tentative, without conclusive/definitive statements, reflection of researcher’s opinion, clichés, or hyperbole.	☐	☐	☐
64. Balanced presentation includes discussion of proponents in the literature review with differing viewpoints on theories and variables used in the dissertation.	☐	☐	☐
65. Document presents cited references rather than relying learner’s personal opinion (i.e. all statements are supported with references or analytical development).	☐	☐	☐
66. The writer’s voice is clear and consistent throughout the document.	☐	☐	☐

Dissertation Criteria Assessment

When scoring the final dissertation, the entire committee will score using the Chapters 1-3 rubrics above and the Chapters 4-5 rubrics below.

CHAPTER 4: Analysis and results	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
1. The dissertation topic is introduced and the introduction reflects the chapter contents.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions/Hypotheses
2. The research questions and hypotheses are presented and are consistent with those presented in previous chapters.	☐	☐	☐
Data Collection
3. Discussion reflects a detailed description the informed consent and data collection process used.	☐	☐	☐
Demographics
4. The participant demographics are described while maintaining participant confidentiality.	☐	☐	☐
Pilot Study ( Include only for original quantitative instruments)
5. Reliability and validity are reported for any original quantitative instruments.	☐	☐	☐
Data Analysis
6. Discusses why the study is important and what this research may contribute to knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
Results
7. Results are reported clearly and correspond to appropriate research question(s). Any resultant themes are stated in short, complete sentences, and hypotheses testing results are stated in statistical terms and clearly describing whether the null statement was supported or not supported.	☐	☐	☐
8. Qualitative themes are supported by sufficient examples of participant direct quotes.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
9. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 4, reiterates the results and emergent themes (if applicable), and includes a transition to Chapter 5.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter 4 Formatting
10. Chapter 4 does not include any citations ( Note that no citations should be needed to discuss the analysis and results).	☐	☐	☐
CHAPTER 5: conclusions and Recommendations	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Introduction
11. Discussion reflects a brief overview of what is contained in the chapter.	☐	☐	☐
Research Questions/Hypotheses
12. The research questions and hypotheses are presented and are consistent with those presented in previous chapters.	☐	☐	☐
Discussion of Findings
13. Each result from Chapter 4 is compared and contrasted to several, such as three to five, sources of existing literature. Explained how the completed study supported or refuted the conceptual or theoretical framework discussed in Chapter 2.	☐	☐	☐
Limitations
14. The limitations discussion focuses solely on issues discovered while conducting the study and out of the researcher’s control.	☐	☐	☐
Recommendations to Leaders and Practitioners
15. The study recommendations are clear and actionable and align with the research findings.	☐	☐	☐
16. Recommendations align with the research design, themes (if applicable) and research questions. For example, grounded theory studies include a theory or theoretical model and action research studies include an actionable plan.	☐	☐	☐
Recommendations for Future Research
17. Recommendations address the need for additional studies that emerged as a result of the current study and include potential contributions to methods and designs that will further advance the topic knowledge.	☐	☐	☐
Chapter Summary
18. Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 5 reiterates the research question findings, and includes a cogent statement regarding what the study has contributed to the body of knowledge.	☐	☐	☐

dissertation Alignment, Formatting, and writing	Meets Criterion	Does Not Meet Criterion	N/A
Consistency Throughout the Document
19. Chapters 1 through 5 reflect the actual sample size and the actual processes used for data collection and analysis.	☐	☐	☐
Organization and Formatting
20. Abstract contains 150 to 250 words formatted as a single unindented paragraph. Abstract includes the study objectives, methodology, sample description, and study findings.	☐	☐	☐
21. Any acknowledgments and dedication pages are completed.	☐	☐	☐
22. Document is well organized and correctly formatted.	☐	☐	☐
23. Document adheres to UoPx guidelines and APA guidelines for figures, tables, citations, and references.	☐	☐	☐
24. Only appendices referenced in the document are included and all appendices maintain confidentiality. No phone numbers or emails are listed, including the researcher’s information.	☐	☐	☐
Writing Style, Composition, and Clarity
25. Document communicates the conducted study clearly.	☐	☐	☐
26. Dissertation is written in past tense with no first-person language except in a researcher reflection, if applicable.	☐	☐	☐
27. Grammar, punctuation, sentence structure, and spelling are correct.	☐	☐	☐
28. Writing is clear, precise, and avoids redundancy. There is a focused discussion of section topics.	☐	☐	☐
29. Flow of words is smooth and comprehensible. There is a logical flow of ideas between sections with smooth transition between paragraphs, topics, sections, and chapters.	☐	☐	☐
30. Written in scholarly language; accurate, balanced, objective, tentative, without conclusive/definitive statements, reflection of researcher’s opinion, clichés, or hyperbole.	☐	☐	☐
31. The writer’s voice is clear and consistent throughout the document.	☐	☐	☐

Final Dissertation Editing (FDE) Checklist

The following checklist describes APA formatting requirements and dissertation formatting requirements unique to the College of Doctoral Studies. There should be no errors in the document prior to final submission for publication.

Final dissertation editing (fde) checklist

A. Text

1. Times Roman 12-point font used

2. Document double-spaced throughout

3. Margins at 1 inch on Top, Bottom, Right sides, 1.5 inches on Left and ragged right edge

4. Paragraphs indented five spaces (1/2 Inch)

5. Headings and subheadings properly formatted

6. No end-of-line hyphenation

7. Only one space after punctuation

8. No bold type used for emphasis; Italics used instead

B. Frontmatter

1. Title page conforms to UoPx requirements

2. Order of manuscript pages conforms to UoPx requirements

3. Abstract included and properly formatted – Single paragraph with no paragraph indentation

4. Table of Contents accurate and properly formatted with five space or ½ inch indentations

5. List of Tables and List of Figures included only for two or more tables or figures

C. Content Pages

1. No “orphaned” or standalone headings at the bottom of a page; page break used to avoid standalone headings

2. Page numbers correctly formatted; centered at bottom of pages and sequenced – Small Roman numerals on front pages and Arabic on body pages

3. Each chapter begins with chapter number and title centered at top in plain text, not bold

4. Sections of text follow one another without break

5. Headings properly formatted following APA Rules

D. Quotations

1. Quotations with fewer than 40 words incorporated into text and enclosed with quotation marks

2. Quotations of 40 or more words properly indented in block format

E. Tables and Figures

1. Numbered separately, sequentially, and properly labeled

2. Written permission obtained, and referenced if necessary

3. Tables and Figures are mentioned in the text before they are shown

4. Placed as near as possible to their descriptions in the text

F. Back Matter

1. Order of pages conforms to requirements

2. Pages properly formatted and numbered

3. Reference List and each Appendix begin on a new page

4. Hanging indent is used for each reference in Reference List

G. In-Text Citations

1. All outside ideas properly cited

2. Citations complete and properly formatted; use of “and” and ampersand are correct

3. Electronic sources properly cited

4. Personal communications cited in text only, not in the reference list

5. Page numbers included for direct quotations

6. Secondary sources should be avoided unless the primary source is not available.

H. Reference List Citations

1. References in correct alphabetical order of the last name of the authors with author’s initials

2. Electronic references properly cited and formatted

3. Format of references conforms to UOPX and APA requirements

4. In-text and reference list citations correspond

Change Log

Date	Page Number	Changes to Document:
January 23, 2023	16	Added statement to explain how the completed study supported or refuted the conceptual or theoretical framework discussed in Chapter 2.
January 23, 2023	17	Changed two to one for A.7 in FDE to align with APA.
January 23, 2023	Navigation	Added headings to Navigation.
January 23, 2023	15 and 16	Minor tweaks to language (see highlighted): #7 Results are reported clearly and correspond to appropriate research question(s). #9 Discussion summarizes key points presented in Chapter 4, reiterates the results and emergent themes (if applicable), and includes a transition to Chapter 5. #16 Recommendations align with the research design, themes (if applicable) and research questions.
February 28, 2023	20	Changed G.6 to Secondary sources should be avoided unless the primary source is not available.