prospectus ppt
Instructions for Learners
Use this template only if you have a Qualitative topic.
This is a working document. You will start this document in RSD-851 and update it through RSD-881, RES-880, and potentially your first two dissertation classes.
Review the instructions prior to each main section (RSD-851 & RSD-881), as well as the last slide with RES-880, x885, and x955 instructions.
Requirements, hints, and alignment notes are found in the Notes section.
To view notes, click the “View” tab at the top of the application and select “notes.”
Hint: You may need to expand the notes section in order to see all of the notes contained for each slide.
To view bubble comments from faculty, click the “review” tab at the top of the application and select “Show Comments.”
Instructions for Faculty
Written feedback is to be provided via bubble comments. Comments can be created by holding Ctrl+M (for PC) or Command+Shift+M (Mac) on your keyboard, or via the Review tab.
To access the Comment pane, click the “review” tab and select “Show comments.”
The notes section in each slide contains the slide requirements.
Feedback should be focused on helping the learner meet the slide requirements.
See the supplementary faculty job aid materials for grading and other resources.
RSD-851 Slides - Instructions
Complete the slides under the RSD-851 section header:
Literature Review:
Background to the Problem
Problem Space
Theoretical Foundation
Review of Literature Themes
Problem Statement
Research Questions & Phenomenon/Variables
Methodology
Feasibility
Next steps
Use the supplementary slide deck for additional information and resources for completion of these slides.
Proposed Dissertation Topic Title
Learner Name
Course Instructor
Submission Date
v.1.25.21
Literature Review: Background to the Problem
Objective:
The outline on this slide is used in the Prospectus to develop the Background of the Study in Chapter 1 and the Background of the Problem Space in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
In 3-5 bullets, describe what still needs to be understood related to the topic from empirical literature or research.
Use empirical literature dated primarily within the past 5 years.
Identify and support what still needs to be understood regarding the problem space through a combination of arguments:
Professional and/or broader societal need identified in the literature
Directions for future research based on limitations, recommendations, and/or conflicting findings
Synthesis of broader topics to study in combination
Literature Review: Problem Space
Objective:
The outline on this slide is used in the Prospectus to develop the Background of the Study in Chapter 1 and the Background of the Problem Space in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
In 3-5 bullets, describe what still needs to be understood related to the topic from empirical literature or research.
Use empirical literature dated primarily within the past 5 years.
Identify and support what still needs to be understood regarding the problem space through a combination of arguments:
Professional and/or broader societal need identified in the literature
Directions for future research based on limitations, recommendations, and/or conflicting findings
Synthesis of broader topics to study in combination
Literature Review: Theoretical Foundations
Objective:
In the Proposal this information is used to develop the research questions for chapter 1 and 3. It is expanded significantly in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
There should be one slide on each model or theory in outline format.
Include a visual of the model or theory if it is available.
Focus on describing the theory and not on discussing how it has been used in prior studies.
Hints:
Two ways to find models or theories for both quantitative and qualitative research are
Find studies related to your topic and see what theoretical foundation theory, model, or concept they used. Then research it or find a quantitative instrument that is used to collect data on it.
Look for validated quantitative instruments that measure variables you are studying from either a quantitative or qualitative approach; then do a Google or Google Scholar search that combines the name of the instrument and the term “validation study” or “validity”. This document will explain the model behind the instrument, trace it back historically to the creator of the initial model or theory. For the quantitative studies, use the instrument article to provide the reliability and validity statistics for the instrument.
Literature Review: Review of Literature
Theme 1:
Theme 2:
Theme 3:
Objective:
In the Prospectus this slide is used to provide an outline of the topics that will be included in the Review of Literature section, which is 30+ pages in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
Identify 3-5 major topics in the literature related to the proposed problem space
Each bullet should include:
1-2 sentences defining/describing each topic
At least 3 empirical sources supporting each topic
Hints:
For quantitative studies, themes could include:
Studies describing and/or relating the variables
Studies on related research such as factors associated with the themes
Studies on the instruments used to collect data
Studies on the broad population for the study
Studies defining the need from a community, professional, or organizational perspective
Studies similar to the topic
For qualitative studies, topics could include:
Studies describing and/or relating the phenomenon
Studies on related research such as factors associated with the themes
Studies on the instruments used to collect data
Studies on the broad population for the study
Studies defining the need from a community, professional, or organizational perspective
Studies similar to the topic
Problem Statement
Examples:
It is not known …
Based on what is known in the empirical research literature, _____ is still unknown or what still needs to be understood is…
While the empirical research literature indicates ____________, it is not known in (school/district/organization/community) how/why __________.
Objective:
This slide is used to provide the problem statement, which will be expanded upon in the Chapter 2: Problem Statement section.
Slide Requirements:
State the specific problem for research with a clear declarative statement.
Alignment: The problem statement must align with the established problem space as described on previous slides.
Hints:
Some examples of how to phrase a problem statement include:
It is not known how or why…
Based on what is known in the empirical research literature, _____ is still unknown/what still needs to be understood is…
While the literature indicates ____________, it is not known in (school/district/organization/community) how/why __________.
Research Questions and Phenomenon
RQ1:
RQ2:
Etc…
Phenomenon:
Objective:
State and define each research question. This information is expanded upon in Chapter 3: Research Questions in the dissertation template.
Slide Requirements:
State the research question(s) guiding the proposed study.
Define the phenomenon.
Alignment: Research questions must align with the problem statement presented on the previous slide.
Hints:
The theoretical foundation should guide the phenomenon or variables in the research questions.
Do not introduce new constructs in the research questions that were not introduced in the problem statement or theoretical foundation.
Methodology Justification
| Qualitative | Quantitative |
| Seminal sources describing qualitative methodology: | Seminal sources describing quantitative methodology: |
| Justification for qualitative: | Justification against quantitative: |
Objectives:
The approach on this slide is used to justify the methodology using methodology articles and resources
The information presented on this slide is used to develop one of the three paragraphs comprising the methodology section in Chapter 3. In addition, a second paragraph is added justifying why the opposite methodology is not as appropriate. A third paragraph is developed that uses similar and related empirical articles to justify the proposed methodology for the study
Slide Requirements:
Present 2-3 seminal sources describing qualitative methodology
Justify why qualitative methodology is appropriate based on those sources
Present 2-seminal sources describing quantitative methodology
Justify why quantitative methodology is not as appropriate based on those sources
Hint:
Do not summarize prior research in this slide
Feasibility - Slide 1
Resources for study:
Ethical Concerns:
Objectives:
Identify and discuss the feasibility of your proposed study based on the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the Dissertation Template appendices.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Ethical Considerations section in Ch. 3.
As part of preparation for this slide, you will complete the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the dissertation template appendices, a required appendix in your dissertation.
Slide Requirements:
Complete the following bullets in order of presentation:
Resources for Study:
What, if any, authorization(s) are required as well as how you will obtain authorization? If no authorization is needed, why not?
What, if any, access to site resources will you need? (i.e., building access, computer programs, etc.)
Additional trainings necessary (i.e., instrument certifications, etc.)
Any other resources you will need to complete this study.
Ethical Concerns/Considerations:
What risks, if any, are present? How will you mitigate these risks?
What benefits are there to participants?
Study Alignment with Program:
Identify your degree program
Describe how your study aligns with your overall degree program (i.e. Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, General Psychology, etc.).
Feasibility Concerns:
What obstacles might you face, and what are your backup plans?
Based on the information you have learned, is your study feasible? Why or why not? How can you make your study more manageable?
Hints:
Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for additional resources and information
Feasibility – Slide 2
Study Alignment with Program (Identify Program of Study):
Feasibility Concerns:
Objectives:
Identify and discuss the feasibility of your proposed study based on the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the Dissertation Template appendices.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Ethical Considerations section in Ch. 3.
As part of preparation for this slide, you will complete the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the dissertation template appendices, a required appendix in your dissertation.
Slide Requirements:
Complete the following bullets in order of presentation:
Resources for Study:
What, if any, authorization(s) are required as well as how you will obtain authorization? If no authorization is needed, why not?
What, if any, access to site resources will you need? (i.e., building access, computer programs, etc.)
Additional trainings necessary (i.e., instrument certifications, etc.)
Any other resources you will need to complete this study.
Ethical Concerns/Considerations:
What risks, if any, are present? How will you mitigate these risks?
What benefits are there to participants?
Study Alignment with Program:
Identify your degree program
Describe how your study aligns with your overall degree program (i.e. Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, General Psychology, etc.).
Feasibility Concerns:
What obstacles might you face, and what are your backup plans?
Based on the information you have learned, is your study feasible? Why or why not? How can you make your study more manageable?
Hints:
Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for additional resources and information
Defend
Questions
Feedback
Objectives:
This slide is a placeholder for your defense of your topic to your residency instructor, peers, and/or dissertation committee.
Learners should be prepared to answer questions about their study, including the key points, alignment, and feasibility.
Next steps
Objective:
Encourage project management by the learner to prepare for and work on the dissertation. Learners must become project managers and develop a detailed plan for completing their dissertation using the dissertation milestone guide and their current progression in their program of study.
Slide Requirements:
Modify this slide and indicate the next steps you plan to take to prepare for and work on your dissertation
Hints:
List of Next Steps (might) include (customize to your study):
Create a detailed dissertation project plan using the Dissertation Milestone Guide
DC Network
Review resources on Identifying a Content Expert. Begin the process to identify a potential Content Expert that may be interested in serving on your committee
Review the IRB Research Center resources for the Institutional Review Board process and CIT requirements
Start CITI Training
Gather and organize empirical articles (5 years or newer) on related topic
Review the Dissertation Template, Develop an outline/draft of Chapter 2 (Literature Review)
RSD-881 Instructions
Update the RSD-851 slides based on changes made to your key points and complete the RSD-881 Slides:
Design
Purpose Statement
Population, Target Population, and Sample
Instrumentation and Data Sources
Data Collection Slides 1-4
Data Analysis
Feasibility
Next Steps
Prior to submitting this template for your final assignment in RSD-881, remove the feasibility, defend, and next steps slides from the RSD-851 section. These slides will be updated in the RSD-881 slides.
Use the supplementary slide deck for additional information and resources for completion of these slides.
Design
| Design | Definition | Justification (use /not use) |
| Qualitative Descriptive | ||
| Phenomenological | ||
| Narrative | ||
| Case Study | ||
| Grounded Theory |
Objectives:
When completing the proposal, the approach shown on this slide is used to develop the first paragraph/section in Chapter 3. Then there are a series of short paragraphs (3-4 sentences) that argue as to why the alternative designs are not as appropriate for the study
Slide Requirements:
Complete table for all five designs listed (see five on slide).
For each design cite two definitions supported with empirical or authoritative sources.
Using the wording of the definitions, justify why you are using the design or why you are NOT using the design.
Hints:
Quantitative resource: LAERD.com
Web of Science for definitions resources
Purpose Statement
The purpose of this qualitative…
Objective:
This slide is used to provide the purpose statement, which will be expanded upon in the Chapter 3: Purpose of the Study section.
Slide Requirements:
State the purpose of the study in one sentence that identifies the research methodology, design, problem statement, target population, and geographic location.
Alignment: The purpose statement must align with the problem statement, research questions, methodology, and design.
Hint:
This is presented as a declarative statement: "The purpose of this qualitative [design] study is to … [include the unknown from the Problem Statement] among [target population] at a [setting/geographic location]."
Population, Target Population, and Sample
| Population | Target | Sample |
Objectives:
This outline is used to ensure there is an appropriate and reachable target population.
In the Proposal this outline becomes a section in Chapter 3.
Slide Requirements:
Define the terms population, target population, and sample using authoritative sources.
Describe the population, target population, and sample as related to the proposed study.
Details to include:
Target Population: Estimate the size of the target population and identify the specific way to access the target population (see hints below).
Sample: Estimate the projected sample size for each source of data.
Hints:
Way to access the target population which might include:
Using your organization (with appropriate approvals);
Asking an association to support/communicate the study;
Using a social group such as a church to support/communicate your research;
Using social media to find the sample;
Using archival data from an organization or association;
Using publicly available archival data;
Using photographs of the phenomena being studied.
Assume 5-20 percent of the target population recruited would participate; therefore, ensure the target population is sufficiently large to obtain the final proposed sample size.
For qualitative studies show the minimum sample size for each data collection source (e.g., interview 12-15; questionnaire 30-40; focus groups 4-5 in each of 2-3 focus groups; 10-25 artifacts; 10-25 photographs, etc.)
If using a questionnaire for a qualitative study with open-ended questions you will most likely need 40+ returned to be able to code the open-ended questions to get any meaningful data; if collecting descriptive information using Likert-based questions you should target at least 30
Visual data such as photographs, videos from YouTube, advertisements, participant drawings, social media data, and observed or recorded behaviors can be analyzed using thematic analysis or other forms of qualitative data analysis. Any source of data must address the research questions though.
Instrumentation and Data Sources
| Data Sources #1 | Data Source #2 | Data Source #3 |
Objectives:
This outline is used to identify the types and structure of each data source.
This outline is then used to develop the section on Sources of Data in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
Slide Requirements:
Identify each data source
For each:
Describe the structure of the data source
Describe how the data source will be developed
Identify how the data source will be used to answer the RQs
For validated instruments, cite appropriate sources
If needed, add columns for additional data sources (or delete extra columns)
Hint:
The majority of qualitative studies’ primary source of data are semi-structured interviews.
Data Collection Steps: Slide 1 Required permissions
Site approval (if applicable)
Permission to use each instrument or data source
Obtaining administrative guide and validation information on each data sources from owner/literature
Results of the field tests for qualitative studies
Results of the expert panel review for qualitative instruments such as interviews or observations
GCU Chair and Committee Approvals
AQR Approval
IRB Approval
Consent form from individual participants
Required permissions/approvals (prior to data collection)
Objectives:
There are four separate slides that will comprise the data collection section in the Prospectus and the proposal.
These set of four slides are used in bullet format in the Prospectus. They then provide the outline for the Data Collection section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
This Slide: This first slide only discusses all of the permissions required.
**Note: Do not alter the names on the slides, and do not change the order of the four data collection slides or the bullets within them. It is important to show the bullets in the order in which they would occur. **
Slide Requirements:
Modify each bullet point to be specific to your study, and if you do not believe the bullet is relevant for your study put in a statement justifying why not.
Required Bullets:
Site approval
Permission to use each instrument or data source
Obtaining administrative guide and validation information on each data sources from owner/literature
GCU Chair and Committee Approvals
AQR Approval
IRB Approval
Consent form from individual participants
Results of the field tests for qualitative studies
Results of the expert panel review for qualitative instruments such as interviews or observations
Hint:
If site authorization is not required, state the reason.
Unless otherwise specified, site authorization(s) are valid one year from the date of signature.
Data Collection Steps: Slide 2 Sampling Strategy and Sample Selection
| Strategy #1 | Strategy #2 | Strategy #3 | |
| Sampling Strategy Description | |||
| Sampling Steps | |||
| Sampling Selection Criteria |
Objectives:
There are four separate slides that will comprise the data collection section in the Prospectus and the proposal.
These set of four slides are used in bullet format in the Prospectus. They then provide the outline for the Data Collection section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
This Slide: This second slide only discusses the sampling strategy and then the steps for the sampling process.
**Note: Do not alter the names on the slides, and do not change the order of the four data collection slides or the bullets within them. It is important to show the bullets in the order in which they would occur. **
Slide Requirements:
Sampling Strategy Description: Citing an authoritative source define and describe each sampling strategy.
Sampling Steps: State the steps taken for the sampling process for each strategy.
Sampling Criteria: Identify the criteria for selecting your sample.
Hints:
Some sampling strategies could be convenience, purposive, random, and snowball.
Even if only one sampling strategy will be used, identify “Plan B” and “Plan C” if the first plan falls through or does not provide the minimum sample size or enough data for qualitative analysis.
Data Collection Steps: Slide 3 Collecting the Data
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
etc.
Objectives:
There are four separate slides that will comprise the data collection section in the Prospectus and the proposal.
These set of four slides are used in bullet format in the Prospectus. They then provide the outline for the Data Collection section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
This Slide: This third slide only discusses the specific detailed steps to collect the data.
**Note: Do not alter the names on the slides, and do not change the order of the four data collection slides or the bullets within them. It is important to show the bullets in the order in which they would occur. **
Slide Requirements:
Provide step-by-step detailed instructions regarding how you plan to collect your data.
Steps should detail how each source of data will be completed by the participants, including:
How you plan to obtain informed consent(s).
How each source of data will be completed (who, what, when, how, where)
Discuss any demographic information you plan to obtain and when.
Present the steps in chronological order for each source of data.
Hints:
This slide should be sufficiently thorough such that another researcher could use the instructions to collect your data for you.
Note: Demographic data is not a source of data.
Data Collection Steps: Slide 4 Data Management and Storage
Data Management and Storage
Where will you store the data?
How long will you store the data?
How will you protect the data?
How will you destroy the data?
Objectives:
There are four separate slides that will comprise the data collection section in the Prospectus and the proposal.
These set of four slides are used in bullet format in the Prospectus. They then provide the outline for the Data Collection section in Chapter 3 in the Proposal.
This Slide: This fourth slide only discusses the data management and storage process.
**Note: Do not alter the names on the slides, and do not change the order of the four data collection slides or the bullets within them. It is important to show the bullets in the order in which they would occur. **
Slide Requirements:
Answer the four questions on the slide:
Where will you store the data?
How long will you store the data?
How will you protect the data?
How will you destroy the data?
Hints:
Be sure to address all sources of data if management will be different for different sources
Protecting data includes participant personal identifiable information
Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for resources and additional information
Data Analysis Steps: Slide 1
Data Source #1 – Analysis Strategy
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
etc.
Objectives:
The following slides show the approach to cover for qualitative analysis.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Data Analysis section of Ch. 3
This set of step may require more than one slide.
Slide Requirements:
Replace the subtitle with the name of the data source and the analysis approach used (i.e., Open-Ended Questionnaires – Thematic Analysis).
Identify each step you will take to analyze the data, supported with an authoritative source.
Create a slide for each data source. Two are included in this template. If a third or more are needed, duplicate this slide.
Hints:
One paradigm should be used (i.e. Clarke and Braun OR Sandelowski, not both)
Potential analysis strategies are thematic analysis, pattern recognition, narrative analysis, descriptive statistics for Likert-style sources, content analysis, phenomenological analysis, etc.
If applicable, don’t forget to include transcription, member checking, cleaning the data, program(s) used if any, etc.
Data Analysis Steps: Slide 2
Data Source #2 – Analysis Strategy
Step 1:
Step 2:
Step 3:
etc.
Objectives:
The following slides show the approach to cover for qualitative versus quantitative.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Data Analysis section of Ch. 3
This set of step may require more than one slide.
Slide Requirements:
Replace the subtitle with the name of the data source and the analysis approach used (i.e., Open-Ended Questionnaires – Thematic Analysis).
Identify each step you will take to analyze the data, supported with an authoritative source.
Create a slide for each data source. Two are included in this template. If a third or more are needed, duplicate this slide.
Hints:
One paradigm should be used (i.e. Clarke and Braun OR Sandelowski, not both)
Potential analysis strategies are thematic analysis, pattern recognition, narrative analysis, descriptive statistics for Likert-style sources, content analysis, phenomenological analysis, etc.
If applicable, don’t forget to include transcription, member checking, cleaning the data, program(s) used if any, etc.
Feasibility - Slide 1
Resources for study:
Ethical Concerns:
Objectives:
Identify and discuss the feasibility of your proposed study based on the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the Dissertation Template appendices.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Ethical Considerations section in Ch. 3.
As part of preparation for this slide, you will complete the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the dissertation template appendices, a required appendix in your dissertation.
Slide Requirements:
Complete the following bullets in order of presentation:
Resources for Study:
What, if any, authorization(s) are required as well as how you will obtain authorization? If no authorization is needed, why not?
What, if any, access to site resources will you need? (i.e., building access, computer programs, etc.)
Additional trainings necessary (i.e., instrument certifications, etc.)
Any other resources you will need to complete this study.
Ethical Concerns/Considerations:
What risks, if any, are present? How will you mitigate these risks?
What benefits are there to participants?
Study Alignment with Program:
Identify your degree program
Describe how your study aligns with your overall degree program (i.e. Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, General Psychology, etc.).
Feasibility Concerns:
What obstacles might you face, and what are your backup plans?
Based on the information you have learned, is your study feasible? Why or why not? How can you make your study more manageable?
Hints:
Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for additional resources and information
Feasibility – Slide 2
Study Alignment with Program (Identify Program of Study):
Feasibility Concerns:
Objectives:
Identify and discuss the feasibility of your proposed study based on the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the Dissertation Template appendices.
The information on this slide will be used to inform the Ethical Considerations section in Ch. 3.
As part of preparation for this slide, you will complete the Feasibility & Benefits Checklist located in the dissertation template appendices, a required appendix in your dissertation.
Slide Requirements:
Complete the following bullets in order of presentation:
Resources for Study:
What, if any, authorization(s) are required as well as how you will obtain authorization? If no authorization is needed, why not?
What, if any, access to site resources will you need? (i.e., building access, computer programs, etc.)
Additional trainings necessary (i.e., instrument certifications, etc.)
Any other resources you will need to complete this study.
Ethical Concerns/Considerations:
What risks, if any, are present? How will you mitigate these risks?
What benefits are there to participants?
Study Alignment with Program:
Identify your degree program
Describe how your study aligns with your overall degree program (i.e. Business Administration, Organizational Leadership, General Psychology, etc.).
Feasibility Concerns:
What obstacles might you face, and what are your backup plans?
Based on the information you have learned, is your study feasible? Why or why not? How can you make your study more manageable?
Hints:
Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for additional resources and information
Defend
Questions
Feedback
Objectives:
This slide is a placeholder for your defense of your topic to your residency instructor, peers, and/or dissertation committee.
Learners should be prepared to answer questions about their study, including the key points, alignment, and feasibility.
Next steps
Objective:
Encourage project management by the learner to prepare for and work on the dissertation.
Slide Requirements:
Discuss next steps you plan to take to prepare for and work on your dissertation.
Hints:
List of Next Steps (might) include (customize to your study):
Create/update your detailed dissertation project plan using the Dissertation Milestone Guide
DC Network
Review resources on Identifying a Content Expert. Begin the process to identify a potential Content Expert that may be interested in serving on your committee
Review the IRB Research Center resources for the Institutional Review Board process and CIT requirements
Complete CITI Training
Continue to gather and organize (5 years and newer) empirical articles on related topic
Review the Dissertation Template, Develop an outline/draft of Chapter 2 (Literature Review) and Chapters 1 & 3 as well.
List of References
Slide Requirements:
Include a fully APA-formatted reference for each citation used in the slides.
RES880, x885, x955 Instructions
This template is used for RES-880, proposal (x885), and the first dissertation (x955) classes.
This template serves as the prospectus and must receive a passing grade as assessed by both the chair and methodologist by Week 6 of x955.
Prior to starting RES-880, update the entire slide deck based on prior feedback, alignment, and other relevant updates to the key points.
Prepare to submit this document during the second week of RES-880
Prior to starting x885, update the entire slide deck based on prior feedback from RES-880, alignment, and other relevant updates to the key points.