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QuantitativeProspectusPPTFinal-v1.1.pptx

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Instructions for Learners

Use this template only if you have a Quantitative 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/Hypotheses & 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.4.16.21

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:

Describe what is already understood about the problem.

Present findings from prior research related to the history of the problem space.

Focus on:

When the problem started

What has been discovered about the problem

The current state of the problem

Support information with empirical citations

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

v.1.25.21

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:

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) __________.

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 __________.

Variables

Variable	Conceptual Definition	Operational Definition	Measurement Level	Instrument/Data Source
[Variable 1]
[Variable 2]
[Add Variables as needed]

Objective:

State and define each variable in table format. The table is used in Chapter 3: Research Questions and Hypotheses in the dissertation template.

Slide Requirements:

Complete the table for each variable.

Included citations as appropriate.

Hints:

The conceptual definition is ‘what does it mean’. For example, a conceptual level of a variable in a school setting may be student achievement.

An operational level is how the researcher will measure the variable to reflect the conceptual definition. The operational level of the variable for student achievement may be the test score on a final exam, which ranges from 0 to 100.

The measurement level is whether the variable is nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio.

Research Questions and Hypotheses

RQ1:

H10

H1A

RQ2:

H20

H2A

Objective:

State and define each research question and hypothesis. This information is expanded upon in Chapter 3: Research Questions and Hypotheses in the dissertation template.

Slide Requirements:

State the research question(s) and hypotheses guiding the proposed study.

Define the hypotheses.

Alignment: Research questions must align with the problem statement presented on the previous slide.

A minimum of two sets of hypotheses is required.

Hints:

Do not introduce new constructs in the research questions that were not introduced in the problem statement or theoretical foundation.

One research question may have more than one set of hypotheses.

Methodology Justification

Quantitative	Qualitative
Seminal sources describing quantitative methodology:	Seminal sources describing qualitative methodology:
Justification for quantitative:	Justification against qualitative:

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 quantitative methodology

Justify why quantitative methodology is appropriate based on those sources

Present 2-seminal sources describing qualitative methodology

Justify why qualitative 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)
Pre-Experimental
Quasi-Experimental
Correlational or Associative
Correlational-predictive
Comparative
Ex Post Facto

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 six designs listed.

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

Research may refer to the comparative research design as causal-comparative.

At GCU, archival data used to look at group differences is considered an Ex Post Facto design.

Purpose Statement

The purpose of this quantitative…

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 quantitative [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 (see hints).

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.

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 quantitative studies, to determine the minimum sample size of clean data, learners may use G*power analysis by changing power (1-β) to .80 and changing alpha (α) to align with the corresponding alpha of the hypothesis.

Students can download G*power by following this link and the instructions: https://www.psychologie.hhu.de/arbeitsgruppen/allgemeine-psychologie-und-arbeitspsychologie/gpower.html (or search G*power in Google)

Instrumentation

Instrument #1: [insert name of instrument]	Instrument #2: [insert name of instrument]	Instrument #3: [insert name of instrument]

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 instrument.

For each instrument: describe the instrument in detail, including:

The variable(s) for which it will provide data.

Validity of the instrument to provide data for the variable(s).

Reliability of the instrument to provide data for the variable(s).

The level of measurement provided by the instrument.

If needed, add columns for additional instruments (or delete extra columns)

Hints:

Instruments must have established validity and reliability for measuring the variables

If you are using a previously published measurement instrument, you should discuss the characteristics of the instrument in detail.

I.e., for a validated survey, describe:

The structure of the instrument, including subscales, etc..

The type and number of items or questions per scale and/or subscale.

The statistical scale of measurement (nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio) of data obtained from the instrument.

There are differences between Likert items and Likert scales. While Likert items are ordinal, one can argue that a Likert scale is interval. It is recommended, if possible, learner use parametric statistics, which require interval or ratio data.

If your research data will come from an electronic database (archival, or secondary data), identify the database and indicate exactly how the data will be obtained or accessed.

Reliability is typically established with Cronbach’s alpha.

A factor analysis is typically used to help establish validity of an instrument.

Data Collection Steps: Slide 1 Required permissions

Site approval (if applicable)

Permission to use each instrument

If using archival data, permission to use the data

Obtaining administrative guide and validation information on each instrument from owner/literature

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

Hints:

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.

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 quantitative 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.

Slide Requirements:

Provide step-by-step detailed instructions regarding how you plan to collect your data.

Steps should detail how each instrument will be completed by the participants, including:

How you plan to obtain informed consent(s).

How each instrument 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 instrument.

Hint:

This slide should be sufficiently thorough such that another researcher could use the instructions to collect your data for you.

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.

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 data if management will be different for different data.

Protecting data includes participant personal identifiable information.

Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/irb for resources and additional information.

Data Analysis Steps: Slide 1

Hypothesis #1 – Analysis Strategy

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

etc.

Objectives:

The following slides show the approach to cover for quantitative analysis.

The information on this slide will be used to inform the Data Analysis section of Ch. 3

This set of steps may require more than one slide.

Slide Requirements:

Replace the subtitle with the analytic test used (i.e., Pearson correlation, Multiple Linear Regression, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, etc.).

Identify each step you will take to analyze the data.

Create a slide for each hypothesis or set of hypotheses if an analysis addresses multiple hypotheses. Two are included in this template. If a third or more are needed, duplicate this slide.

Hints:

Many learners use Laerd.com for determining the proper statistical analysis and learning the chronological steps needed to complete that analysis. Visit https://dc.gcu.edu/documents/tools/researchtools/statistical-research-folder/laerd_statistics for a discount code.

If applicable, don’t forget to include cleaning the data, program(s) used if any, descriptive statistics for the variables and demographic data, etc.

Data Analysis Steps: Slide 2

Hypothesis #2 – Analysis Strategy

Step 1:

Step 2:

Step 3:

etc.

Objectives:

The following slides show the approach to cover for quantitative analysis.

The information on this slide will be used to inform the Data Analysis section of Ch. 3

This set of steps may require more than one slide.

Slide Requirements:

Replace the subtitle with the analytic test used (i.e., Pearson correlation, Multiple Linear Regression, independent samples t-test, ANOVA, etc.).

Identify each step you will take to analyze the data.

Create a slide for each hypothesis or set of hypotheses if an analysis addresses multiple hypotheses. Two are included in this template. If a third or more are needed, duplicate this slide.

Hints:

If applicable, don’t forget to include cleaning the data, program(s) used if any, descriptive statistics for the variables and demographic data, 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) class.

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.