Thesis

Name of Candidate:

Title of Paper:

Chapter 1 Components/Indicators

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Introduction to the study has a clear statement of the problem, demonstrating how topic is significant to your area of study.

Introduction identifies a problem in education and grabs the reader’s attention.

The research questions are stated clearly.

The purpose and rationale of the study should be clear.

The purpose is described in a logical, explicit manner.

Research questions are directly connected to the theoretical orientation or conceptual framework.

The Theoretical Orientation or Conceptual Framework delineates the ideas or concepts that are being applied to the issue or problem under investigation.

Limitations of the study are clearly stated. Implies how educational practice can be informed.

The significance of the study is described in terms of how the study can be applied to one or more of the following: the local problem; professional application; positive educational change.

Important terms are defined conceptually and operationally.

Summary and Transition: Chapter 1 ends with a transition statement that contains a summary of the research question, keys point of the study, significance of the study, etc.

Chapter 2 Components/Indicators

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The literature review includes an introduction that describes the content of the review, organization of the review and the strategy used for searching the literature.

The review is an integrated, critical essay on the most relevant and current published knowledge on the topic.

The content of the review is drawn from the most relevant published knowledge and current research on the topic under investigation.

Literature review is well organized around major ideas or themes. There is a literature-based description of the research variables or potential themes and perceptions to be investigated.

Scholarly sources, such as books, peer-reviewed journals, or other materials appropriate to the issue or problem are chosen for study.

The literature review makes explicit connections between prior knowledge and research and the issue or problem under investigation.

Relationship of the problem to previous research is made clear. The literature review is clearly related to the problem statement and research question.

The literature review includes comparisons/contrasts of different points of view of different research outcomes.

The review includes concise summaries of literature that helps to define the most important aspects of the study and substantiates the rationale of the conceptual/theoretical framework of the study.

Literature related to research method is included and the use of differing methodologies to investigating the outcomes of interest is also reviewed.

Summary and Transition: Chapter 2 ends with a summary of the major themes and a clear transition into the methodology section of the paper, chapter 3.

Chapter 3 Components/Indicators

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The research design is appropriate and described fully.

Research design is free of specific weaknesses.

The role of the researcher is clearly explained.

The research setting is described and justified.

Population, sample, criteria for selecting sample/ participants, and access to subjects/participants are appropriate and described in adequate detail.

The process to generate, gather and record data is explained in detail.

Data gathering methods and procedures are appropriate and clearly described.

The systems used for keeping track of data and emerging understandings (logs, reflective journals, cataloging) are clearly described.

Description of instrumentation or data collection tools is present.

Measures for ethical protections and rights of participants are adequate.

Data analysis methods and procedures are clearly described.

Summary and Transition: Chapter 3 ends with a summary of the methodology and a clear transition into the data analysis section of the paper, chapter 4.

Chapter 4 Components/Indicators

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Introduction to the results section that includes an identification of the problem and a restatement of the research question(s), do not repeat all of chapter 1.

Findings described within the context of the problem statement addressing the research questions.

The findings and results are clearly and comprehensively described within the context of the problem statement addressing the research question.

Data presentation includes visual representations (tables, figures, charts, etc.) that are properly identified, descriptive, informative and directly related to and referred to within the narrative of text and immediately adjacent comments are provided.

Tables and figures are self-descriptive, informative, and conform to standard APA format.

Data analysis is consistent with research questions, methodology, and the underlying theoretical/conceptual framework of the study.

Use a layman’s approach to explaining contextualized data so that anyone can understand the findings and their value to the field.

Conclusions drawn from outcomes are logically and systematically summarized and interpreted in relation to their importance to the research questions.

Articulate insights gained from the study and provide a glimpse into the limitations of the study in reference to data and analysis.

Summarize key concepts in chapter 4 and re-articulate your research question(s).

Summary and Transition: Chapter 4 ends with a summary of the data analysis and finding and a clear transition into the summary, conclusions and recommendations section of the paper, chapter 5.

Chapter 5 Components/Indicators

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Introduction to the summary, recommendations, and conclusion section that includes an identification of the problem and a restatement of the research question(s).

The chapter begins with a brief overview of how and why the study was done, reviewing the questions or issues addressed and a summary of the findings and results.

The interpretation of findings and results includes conclusions that address all the research questions or hypotheses with references to outcomes listed in Chapter 4.

Generalizations, where indicated, are confined to the population from which the sample was drawn.

Recommendations for action flow logically from the conclusions and include steps for action.

Recommendations for further study point to topics that require closer examination.

Summarize key concepts and re-articulate your research question(s).

The work concludes with a strong closing statement with a “memorable” message.

References, Title/Cover Page, Abstract/Indicators

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Use of proper APA format/citations for in-text citations.

Title/Cover Page formatted correctly accordingly to APA and NSU guidelines.

Abstract is correctly formatted and free from errors in grammar, spelling, etc.

Reference list: All references adhere to APA format.

Overall Presentation: Style and Format: The final draft of the paper must conform to the guidelines for style as set forth in the 6th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA Manual). This includes but is not limited to the scored criteria below.

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Correct grammar, usage, punctuation, and spelling.

Proper in-text citations for references, direct quotations, and paraphrasing.

Proper formatting of the reference list, all tables, figures, headings and subheadings.

Scholarly writing (i.e., the language is accurate, balanced, specific rather than overly general, tentative regarding conclusions, grounded in previous scholarship and evidence).

Writing is clear, cohesive, and comprehensible without excessive jargon. Writing is direct and precise.

Paragraphs focus on a main point and all sentences within the paragraphs relate to the main point.

Transition sentences are used to bridge main ideas.

The paper is organized logically and comprehensively.

The paper includes headings and subheadings to identify the logic and movement of the paper and make it easy for the reader to follow.

The paper has smooth and coherent transitions between chapters.

All chapters fit together coherently into an integrated “whole” and makes a connection and is applicable to the field of educational leadership.

Paper format complies with APA and the NSU guidelines for thesis/papers.

Additional Comments: