mock dissertation topic (Cybersecurity)

Topic	Distinguished	Proficient	Apprentice	Novice
Problem Statement	The problem statement is concise, includes descriptor variables and informs the reader of the exact purpose of the study	The problem statement is concise and informs the reader of purpose of the study	The problem statement is stated	The problem statement is not stated
Research Approach & Strategy	Describes research approach used with rationale for addressing the research questions, citing appropriate methodological literature	Describes research approach used with rationale for addressing the research questions	Lists research approach used	Does not list research approach used
Sources & Data Collection	Explains and justifies type of sample to be used and, if using human participants, how human rights will be protected. Describes and justifies data collection methods and procedures, including how, when, where, and by whom data were collected.	Explains and justifies type of sample to be used and, if using human participants, how human rights will be protected. Describes and justifies data collection methods and procedures	Lists the type of sample to be used	Does not list the type of sample to be used
Data Collection & Analysis Methods	Describes and justifies methods and statistical tools (if applicable) used for analysis. Discusses measures taken to enhance study validity.	Describes and justifies methods and statistical tools (if applicable) used for analysis.	Lists methods and statistical tools (if applicable) used for analysis.	Does not lists methods and statistical tools (if applicable) used for analysis.
Ethical Consideration & Limitations	Discusses ethical considerations and limitations of research	Discusses ethical considerations	Lists ethical considerations	Does not list ethical considerations

Methodology Plan Rubric

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 2

Table of Contents

Introduction ...................................................................................................................................................................3

Doctoral Program and Research Process...................................................................................................................3

Purpose of the Handbook...............................................................................................................................................3

Doctoral Research Committee .......................................................................................................................................3

Choosing Committee Members.................................................................................................................................3

Committee chair responsibilities...........................................................................................................................4

Responsibilities of other committee members......................................................................................................5

Candidate Responsibilities........................................................................................................................................5

Doctoral Research Guidelines .......................................................................................................................................6

Choosing a Research Topic.......................................................................................................................................6

Doctoral Research Timeline......................................................................................................................................6

Doctoral Research Probation Process ...................................................................................................................7

Doctoral Research Style ............................................................................................................................................8

Quantitative Research ...............................................................................................................................................8

Traditional Five Chapter Quantitative Dissertation ...........................................................................................9

Applied Research...............................................................................................................................................9

Qualitative Dissertations...........................................................................................................................................9

Mixed-Methods Dissertations ...................................................................................................................................9

Final Document.......................................................................................................................................................10

Doctoral Research Approval Process......................................................................................................................10

Oral Defense............................................................................................................................................................11

Graduation...............................................................................................................................................................12

Appendix A: Quantitative Dissertation (Traditional Five Chapter Format) ................................................................13

Appendix B: Quantitative Dissertation (Applied Research Format) ...........................................................................15

Appendix C: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Dissertation Information.....................................................................17

Appendix D: Doctoral Research Evaluation Rubric ....................................................................................................18

Appendix E: Reporting Statistical Tests......................................................................................................................19