Dr. Costin (2008) discovered that there was a significant literature void in identifying the prerequisite leadership competencies Air Force chaplains needed in the area of chapel administration. Specifically, he sought to identify the necessary leadership competencies that would be foundational in a leadership development program for newly appointed wing chaplains. By addressing this problem chaplains who rotate positions frequently and do not typically serve long in a position would hopefully gain a much quicker understanding of the competencies needed and be equipped to effectively run a wing chaplain administratively.

Writing Insights

Coming from a military background (slight bias?) this student found Costin’s (2008) verbiage for introducing and describing the problem to be both clear and compelling—especially in his addressing the gap in literature for leadership development for administrative programs (Liberty Video, 2021). Costin addressed all five components for writing a solid introduction (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). His purpose statement was understandable but lacked the elegance and specificity Creswell & Creswell provided (2018) which was reinforced by Dr. Bredfeldt’s video (Liberty Video, 2021a). While a descriptive study is quantitative, it appears that the multi-item leadership competency questionnaire was Costin’s qualitative tool. His rationale for choosing a mixed-methods research study was not easily discerned.

One technique Costin might have used to better draw in his audience is a narrative hook (Creswell, 2018). For example, a compelling story of a wing chaplain struggling to master the administrative intricacies of running a chapel program would have illustrated more clearly the problem to be tackled. One thing this reader found helpful was his substantial citing of studies particularly concerning leadership development and the manner in which Costin grouped them together consistent with the concept of summarizing “groups of studies, not individual ones” as opposed to individual referencing in Chapter two (Creswell & Creswell, 2018, p. 110).

Over 200 of Costin’s cited sources were within ten years of his study which was in keeping with the suggested currency guidelines but also gave his observations about a dearth of information regarding administrative leadership materials for chaplains added credibility.

Two other points bear mentioning. In keeping with Costin’s own advice shared in the video presentation (Liberty, 2021b), he clearly researched a subject that he was passionate about and his subject area was narrowly focused which meant he did not have the struggle of researching something too large in scope. It is encouraging to this student also to see how a busy officer was able to manage his time and successfully complete his dissertation.

References

Costin, D.E. (2008) Essential leadership competencies for U.S. air force wing chaplains.

(Publication No. 3357128) [Doctoral dissertation, The Southern Baptist Theological

Seminary]. ProQuest LLC.

Creswell, J. W. & Creswell, J. D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed

methods approaches (5th Ed). Sage Publications, Inc.

Liberty University. (2021a). Introduction, research problem, research purpose [Video

Presentation]. Retrieved from https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/80560/pages/watch-

introduction-research-problem-research-purpose?module_item_id=10570951

Liberty University. (2021b). Selecting a research problem [Video Presentation]. Retrieved from

https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/80560/pages/watch-selecting-a-research-

problem?module_item_id=10570954

Jasmine Lafayette

Jasmine Lafayette

3:15pmJul 8 at 3:15pm

Manage Discussion Entry

What problem does Dr. Costin seek to address through his research?

Dr. Costin seeks to address three things: 1. The extent of leadership competencies needed for Air Force chapel administration; 2. Identifying which competencies should ground the leadership development program for new wing chaplains; 3. Discern those leadership competencies considered essential for active-duty wing chaplains leading Air Force chapels via a 360-degree view provided by Air Force Chaplain Corps personnel.

What dissertation writing insights can you gain from how Dr. Costin introduced his problem to the reader?

Reason: From reading Dr. Costin’s introduction, it reiterated the importance of connecting with the reason for finding a solution to a proposed problem. Chapter 1 speaks to his passion for leadership and why he chose to conduct this study to find a solution that will improve it. I particularly found his transition from introduction to how he personally identified with the research insightful. It is a reminder to write about something that I’m passionate about that extends beyond myself. For example, he discussed the dual-role and responsibilities of being a pastor and Air Force wing chaplain; further drawing on the similarities and differences in the duties of the roles in ministry and military. As a reader, I was able to understand why he felt strongly that further discussion and examination were needed to identify the competence amongst those assuming these leadership roles within the military.

Organization: Dr. Costin presented a very organized introduction to the research. His introduction provided enough background for the reader to begin considering the study; letting readers know what the research would be pertaining to. In the video, Dr. Costin mentioned “defining the problem in as small of a research problem set as possible”. In reading his introduction, the aim of his study was very clear. This lends credit to the funnel technique discussed that helps the writer focus and narrow the ideas, which helps readers to flow along with the study well.

Audience Captivation: Dr. Costin’s introduction to the problem described aspects from this week’s video concerning context, compelling reason, and the gap. He gave the context of the problem, a compelling and thorough explanation to describe the reason for the study, and the gap that showed the disconnect between leadership competence and expertise in certain professional and ministerial fields. When writing, I need to ensure that the study is relevant, informative, and actionable. While some readers may not have insight into my study area, drawing various parallels applicable to my topic may spark their interest to learn or utilize the idea in another area.