August 6, 2023

Review your notes from class on the different methodologies and instruments used to measure. Also, review the rubric: DSRT 837 Rubric Adapted from Doctoral Research Handbook.docx

information technology multi-part question and need the explanation and answer to help me learn.

Overview: In week 1, you selected a topic and developed a research question for that topic. Then, you developed a data gathering instrument to measure the question either quantitatively or qualitatively. Now that you have had the opportunity to read how scholarly methodologies are written, you will write a condensed 5-6 page methodology section for your research question using the required headings from the University of the Cumberlands Doctoral Research Handbook.

Like we discuss in class, each university has unique parameters for what they expect in chapter 3, so you may see papers from other universities that look slightly different. The importance here is to focus on the content, not necessarily the organization. This assignment will help determine your readiness to write a full-length chapter three.

Directions:

1. Review your notes from class on the different methodologies and instruments used to measure. Also, review the rubric:

DSRT 837 Rubric Adapted from Doctoral Research Handbook.docx – Please find the attached documents from the link as you may not be able to open the link

2. Using the appropriate dissertation template, develop a 5-6 page (more is fine) methodology section (mock chapter three) that includes all sections of the respective methodology selected. – Please find the attached documents from the link as you may not be able to open the link

Week 5 Learning Materials

Read and watch the following materials:

Creswell Textbook:

Chapter 4: Writing Strategies and Ethical Considerations

Week 5 Handbouts

Websites and Videos:

Dissertation Statistics

Dissertation Chapter 3 Annotated Sample_0.pdf Dissertation Chapter 3 Annotated Sample_0.pdf – Alternative Formats

Chapter 3 with Checkpoints pages 31-45

Writing Chapter 3 Video

Requirements: 5-6 pages answer excluding title pages

DSRT 837 Rubric (Adapted from Doctoral Research Handbook)

Your Approved Dissertation Title Here in Upper and Lowercase Letters

First and Last Name

Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School

in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

[insert degree]

University of the Cumberlands

Month and Year of Graduation

Approval for Recommendation

This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the faculty and administration of the University of the Cumberlands.

Dissertation Chair:

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Dissertation Evaluators:

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments is where you thank those who have helped you achieve this goal. There are many to whom a debt of gratitude is owed for their assistance in conducting this research…. (It is appropriate to thank key faculty, friends, and family members, as well as ministers and God. It is advisable to limit the comments to one page)

Abstract

The abstract begins with a restatement of the study purpose sentence from Chapter One. The abstract is one paragraph without indentation that contains a comprehensive summary of the paper’s contents. The abstract should be no longer than 250 words and include one or two sentences covering the critical areas of the literature review, problem, research questions, methods used, study results, and implications of the research. It is helpful to think of writing the abstract in six parts, although it is one paragraph. The six parts of a quality abstract should include a discussion on the methodology, background, purpose, a description of the participants, the results, and any implications of the study. For example, identify whether you used a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed design. Also, include the research design stated in Chapter Three’s research design section. For example, “This quantitative data analytics study….” The background portion should concisely and precisely describe your research background in Chapter One. When providing details about the purpose of the study, begin by identifying the problem. For example, it would be best to begin by stating the question you sought to investigate and your hypothesis in many cases. Then describe the participants by stating how many participants took part and how they were selected. For example: “In this study, 215 undergraduate student participants were randomly assigned to (the experimental condition) or (the control condition).” For the results, this portion of the abstract is essentially a brief preview of the results of your paper. Although APA does allow statistical results in the abstract now, for brevity, do not include actual statistics from your analysis in Chapter Four, only the narrative. Finally, provide any conclusions or implications of the study. For example, what might your results indicate, and what directions does it point to for future research?

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table 1: Name of the Table…………………………………………………………………1

List of Figures

Figure 1: Name of the Figure …………………………………………………………………1

Chapter One

Introduction

Overview

Indent each new paragraph. Write an overview of your study here. You should provide the reader with an overview of what will be detailed in the study and Chapter One (thesis statement and thesis map). This statement will let the reader know what “universe” you are exploring. For example, “What is your topic?”…“How is your approach different from other scholars?”…” What are the significance and implications of your topic?”

As you write Chapters One and Three, remember that Verb tense is an important consideration. For the proposal (IRB), the researcher uses future tense (e.g., “The purpose of this study is to…”), whereas, in the dissertation, the chapters are revised to reflect past tense (e.g., “The purpose of this study was to…”). Making mistakes in the tense early on in your writing is a nightmare to go back and correct later on in preparation for committee review and Quality Control (QC), so take your time to ensure a high-quality scholarly voice is utilized and your tense is correct the first time.

Background and Problem Statement

Indent each new paragraph. Write your background and problem statement here. The background section should lead naturally and logically from the overview section. It should tell the reader what precipitated your interest in the study. A historical description of the problem or situation led to the issue at hand. For example, if you are studying the subject of teen pregnancies, it would be good to cite some specific locations (towns, counties, states) and numbers of cases, especially depicted in trends, that caused you to “sense” a need for further study.

For the Problem Statement, spell out the issues that will continue to befall someone, a particular community, or society, if research is not conducted. It is similar to the background. A well-written problem statement begins with the big picture of the issue (macro) and works to the small, narrower, and more specific problem (micro). It communicates the significance,

magnitude, and importance of the problem and transitions into the Purpose of the Study

with a declarative statement such as “It is not known if and to what degree/extent…” or “It is not known how/why and…”

Remember that a quality problem statement states the specific problem proposed for research by presenting a clear declarative statement that begins with “It is not known if and to what degree/extent…”

Purpose of the Project

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The Purpose of the Project should start with a clear declarative sentence that specifies the problem presented for research. As with any research, the results are hoped to edify a particular community, state, institution, or society. Include the type of study in this section (quantitative) and the research design selected from Appendix G of the Doctoral Research Handbook. The Purpose of the Project is not a long section. Most of the sections in this chapter are relatively short compared to Chapters Two and Three. Discuss the link to the degree discipline in the purpose and significance of the study.

Significance of the Project

Research Questions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section should start with a brief overview of the focus of the study and the rationale that led to the research questions. The research questions should be numbered and listed. This paragraph should end with a transitioning statement linking to the research questions. For example, Three research questions guided this particular research, or, The research addressed the following questions:

To what extent did the ……..

What differences exist between…….

What is the relationship between….

Also, include a numbered list with the null and alternate hypotheses. Here is an example…

The following null and alternate hypotheses represent the correlating research questions for the study.

H01.

Ha1.

H02.

Ha2.

H03.

Ha3.

Note that the symbol for null hypotheses is the number zero, not the letter O. Also, use the subscript function in Microsoft Word for the null and alternate hypotheses symbols. See Table 6.5 in the APA Manual for further examples of statistical symbols.

When putting this section together, it should appear similar to the following example.

This research includes two main objectives: determining whether term length impacted student outcomes and identifying whether particular demographic or subject matter factors influenced success rates. To accomplish these goals, the study will address the following questions. Furthermore, the null and alternate hypotheses are provided for each research question.

Is there a statistically significant difference in course completion rates between students in 8-week and 16-week terms?

H01. There will be no difference in successful course completion between students in 8-week and 16-week terms.

Ha1. There is a difference in successful course completion between students in 8-week and 16-week terms.

Is there a statistically significant difference in course grades between students in 8-week and 16-week terms?

H02. There will be no difference in course grades between students in 8-week and 16- week terms.

Ha2. There is a difference in course grades between students in 8-week and 16-week terms.

Is there a statistically significant difference in course completion rates between students in 8-week technical and non-technical courses?

H03. There will be no difference in completion rates between students in 8-week technical and non-technical courses.

Ha3. There is a difference in completion rates between students in 8-week technical and non-technical courses.

Is there a statistically significant difference in course completion rates for students in 8-week classes based on select demographic variables (sex, age, prior academic experience, race/ethnicity, first-generation status, low-income status, full- or part-time status)?

H04. There will be no difference in completion rates between students in 8-week courses based on demographic factors (sex, age, prior academic experience, race/ethnicity, first-generation status, low-income status, full- or part-time status).

Ha4. There is a difference in completion rates between students in 8-week courses based on demographic factors (sex, age, prior academic experience, race/ethnicity, first-generation status, low-income status, full- or part-time status).

Provide a closing paragraph summarizing your research questions section and introduce the reader to the next section of this chapter.

Theoretical Framework

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The theoretical framework is presented in the early section of a dissertation and provides the rationale for conducting your research to investigate a particular research problem. Please note that using a conceptual framework over a theoretical framework requires the program director’s approval per the UC Doctoral Research Handbook.

Consider the theoretical framework as a conceptual model that establishes a sense

of structure that guides your research. It provides the background that supports your investigation and offers the reader a justification for your study of a particular research problem. It includes the variables you intend to measure and the relationships you seek to understand. Essentially, this is where you describe a “theory” and build your case for investigating that theory. The theoretical framework is your presentation of a theory that explains a particular problem.

The theoretical framework is developed from and connected to your review of the knowledge on the topic (the literature review). This knowledge is likely how you initially formulated your research problem. You reviewed the literature and found gaps in the explanation of some phenomena. The theoretical framework allows you to present the research problem in light of a literature summary.

Your description of the variables of interest in the context of the literature review allows the reader to understand the theorized relationships. You should begin by describing what is known about your variables, what is known about their relationship, and what can be explained thus far. You will investigate other researchers’ theories behind these relationships and identify a theory (or combination of theories) that explains your major research problem. Essentially, your goal is to convey to the reader why you think your variables are related, so including previous research and theories supporting your belief are essential to defend your rationale. You apply the theory to your problem and state your hypotheses or predictions regarding potential relationships. You tell the reader what you expect to find in your research.

Limitations of the Project

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Despite the researcher’s best efforts, the limitations will affect the study results. Inherent limitations due to extraneous variables not addressed in the study are listed here. It is recommended to identify and discuss 5-10 limitations of the study.

Provide a closing paragraph summarizing your limitations section and introducing the reader to the next section.

Assumptions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The study was constructed with the following assumptions: Provide a list of assumptions related to your study here. Again, 5-10 assumptions are recommended for your study.

Provide a closing paragraph summarizing your limitations section and introducing the reader to the next section.

Definitions

Begin this section with an introductory sentence….for example; the following terms and definitions are essential to understanding and following the research in this study.

Transformational leadership: The………(in-text citation)

Definitions should be listed in alphabetical order. The scholarship of peer-reviewed literature must cite all definitions. Including at least 15 to 20 definitions specific to your research is recommended to assist the reader in understanding the intent of your study. Look for keywords in your research questions and your title to develop ideas for definitions. Do not cite dictionaries or encyclopedias for your terms.

Remember, When quoting directly, always provide the author, year, and page number of the quotation (in both ). Follow these guidelines when providing a page number:

For a single page, use the abbreviation “p.” (e.g., p. 25, p. 41, p. 221).

For multiple pages, use the abbreviation “pp.” and separate the page range with an end dash (e.g., pp. 34–36).

If pages are discontinuous, use a comma between the page numbers (e.g., pp. 67, 72).

If the work does not have page numbers, for the reader to locate the quotation.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your summary of chapter one here. This section summarizes the chapter contents and closes with a transition sentence to Chapter Two. Do not write in future tense. Also, provide an overview of the upcoming chapters to foreshadow for the reader how the research is organized and presented.

Chapter Two

Review of Literature

Introduction

Indent your introduction. Begin by Introducing your thesis map for your dissertation topic and the literature review you will cover. Start writing with a summary of the purpose statement that leads to a brief explanation of the organization of the literature review. Do not cut and paste the Purpose Statement section from Chapter One.

Present historical research and recent research related to the topic of study primarily within the last 5 years. Some seminal research studies may be included. Each assertion should include appropriate scholarly source citations. Use multiple citations from diverse literature to weave concepts persuasively and coherently together. Ensure the discussion has depth and presents a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature that provides a context for the dissertation study. Ensure the discussion is comprehensive, organized, and flows logically. Organize theory around major themes on your topic and discuss how they relate to your theory. The theoretical basis should be referenced in each topic area of the article discussed. The literature review should synthesize the findings related to the doctoral research topic. Please review Table 4.1 of the APA handbook concerning the recommended verb tenses in APA-style papers. In almost all instances, you should be writing in past tense and be sure to avoid future tense (i.e., the research will…).

Main Heading (Level 2 heading)

Your literature review will likely have many level 2 headings. If you need to add subheadings within a main heading, follow the level 3 heading.

Subheading (Level 3 Heading)

The subheading should be flush left, Bold italic, Title Case Heading (level 3 heading). You should not have one subheading within a main heading. There should be a minimum of two if subheadings are needed.

Level 4 Subheading. The Level 4 Subheading should be indented, boldfaced, Title Case Heading, ending with a period. You should not have one level 4 subheading within a level 3 subheading. There should be a minimum of two.

Level 5 Subheading. The Level 5 Subheading should be indented, italics, boldfaced, Title Case Heading, ending with a period. You should not have one level 5 subheading within a level 4 heading subheading. There should be a minimum of two.

Summary

The summary is a level 2 heading. Indent the paragraph and make sure you write one to two paragraphs. Your literature should support your study and logically lead the reader to this summary, where you provide a gap in the literature and a need for your research here.

Your final summary paragraph provides how you will address the gap in the literature. You will end the paragraph by transitioning to Chapter Three. You should not write in future tense.

Chapter Three

Procedures and Methodology

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here.

Research Paradigm

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. In the Research Paradigm section, you must state if your research is qualitative or quantitative. The quantitative method is based on deductive scientific realism (a big assumption that looks for pieces of evidence to test it while the qualitative approach lends itself to social constructivism.

Research Project Design

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Please review the quantitative designs for UC in Appendix G of the Doctoral Research Handbook. In the Research Design section, you must state the dependent and independent variables you are studying. This section should flow from the statements in the previous section (paradigm). Either identify the study as action research, data analytics, design science, or program evaluation, depending on the variables and the research questions, after stating the study design as a clear declarative sentence. Proceed to cite a source that explains your research design and then explain how this was more appropriate than the other possible design options listed in Appendix G of the Doctoral Research Handbook. Find sources for each design option, state what they are, and explain why your design choice was more appropriate.

Sampling Procedures and Data Collection Sources

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Describe the target population from which the sample will be drawn, the sampling method for the study, and the minimum sample size. If utilizing an Action Research design, you will need to conduct a priori power analysis to determine the minimum sample size (medium effect).

Also, this section should reference your Informed Consent and IRB approval placed in the Appendices. Furthermore, describe the data to be gathered. Reference any permission for data or survey usage. Additionally, include the instrument’s validity and reliability if using a data collection instrument. Also, expand this section to include details on the sampling procedures and data collection so that the reader can replicate these procedures if they want to replicate the study.

Moreover, use the phrase “target population” and discuss the actual population. Most of the time, “target population” and “population” are synonymous. However, adding the word target emphasizes that sometimes we miss the mark in sampling and do not always hit the mark: samples can be unrepresentative of the population you originally intended to sample. For example, you might want to survey all the hospitalized adults in the United States (the target population), but budget constraints limit your survey to hospital patients in just four cities in the U.S. The sampled and targeted populations in this scenario are likely quite different.

Using sub-groups in your sample population is also known as stratified random sampling. Stratified random sampling is a method of sampling that involves the division of a population into smaller sub-groups known as strata. In stratified random sampling or stratification, the strata are formed based on members’ shared attributes or characteristics, such as income or educational attainment. If this is the case, you will also want to include a citation for stratified random sampling and how it relates to your research.

A G*Power statistical analysis is required for the minimum sample size per the Doctoral Research Handbook Appendix F (see link for G*Power ). A power analysis is a calculation used to estimate the smallest sample size needed for an experiment, given a required significance level, statistical power, and effect size. It helps to determine if a result from an experiment or survey is due to chance or if it is genuine and significant. Also, when you use G*Power for your research, include the appropriate references in the narrative and the reference section of your dissertation (see the example of references in the link provided). Here is an example of a narrative for a G*Power analysis.

“An a priori power analysis was conducted using G*Power version 3.1.9.7 (Faul et al., 2007) to determine the minimum sample size required to test the study hypothesis. Results indicated the required sample size to achieve 80% power for detecting a medium effect, at a significance criterion of α = .05, was N = # for [insert statistical test you are using to test your hypothesis]. Thus, the obtained sample size of N = # is adequate to test the study hypothesis.”

Additional G*Power Analysis Tips to Consider.

If you have multiple hypotheses requiring different data analysis strategies (e.g., Hypothesis 1 is to be tested using correlation; Hypothesis 2 is to be tested using a multiple regression), you may need to perform a separate power analysis for each hypothesis. It is recommended to report the results of each power analysis and select the larger sample size needed from among them as a basis for recruitment.

For analysis that compares groups, be sure to include the number of participants required per group (e.g., “G*Power suggests we would need # participants per group (N = #) in an independent sample t-test”).

In your research proposal/ethics application, you may want to increase your proposed

sample size to account for potential attrition. Try to include a reference to justify this increased sample size. E.g., “Accounting for a potential attrition rate of 20% based on previous research [e.g., previous research that has used this intervention / investigated this topic] (see reference), additional # participants will be recruited”].

Statistical Tests

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. If this section is only used if applicable to your research. Align data analysis/statistical choices for each research question. If your study is quantitative, ensure the statistical tests match Chapter Four. State the statistical tests used and cite a reference related to the tests, such as the statistical textbook by Spatz. Discuss why the test is appropriate for the data being analyzed.

Discuss the validity of your data. External validity can include testing reactivity, interaction effects of selection and experimental variables, specificity of variables, reactive effects of experimental arrangements, and multiple-treatment interference, as appropriate to the study. As appropriate, internal validity can include history, maturation, testing, instrumentation, statistical regression, experimental mortality, and selection-maturation interaction. Discuss how and why results will be interpreted, including essential parameter estimations, confidence intervals and/or probability values, odds ratios, test(s) power, effect size, etc.

Overall the statistical tests section of a dissertation should discuss the specific statistical analyses performed to answer the research questions or test the hypotheses. Here are some key elements that should be included:

Purpose and rationale- Start with a brief explanation of the purpose of the statistical tests, including why they were chosen and how they relate to the research questions or hypotheses.

Assumptions- In order to correctly interpret the results of statistical tests, it is necessary to consider the assumptions that underlie them, including normality, homogeneity of variance, independence, and linearity. Explain how you assessed these assumptions and what steps you took to address violations, if any.

Data preparation- Describe how you prepared your data for analysis, including any transformations or recoding that was done. Discuss any missing data and how it was handled.

Analysis methods- Explain the statistical tests used and why they were appropriate for your research questions or hypotheses. This explanation may include descriptive or inferential statistics (such as t-tests, ANOVA, regression analysis, or chi-square tests).

Results- Present your results in a clear and organized manner, using tables and graphs as appropriate. Include descriptive statistics (such as means, standard deviations, and frequencies) and inferential statistics (such as p-values, effect sizes, and confidence intervals) to support your conclusions.

Interpretation: Discuss the meaning and implications of your results in the context of your research questions or hypotheses. Describe any patterns or trends that emerged, and consider alternative explanations or limitations of your findings.

Conclusion: Summarize your main findings and their significance, highlighting any contributions to the literature or practical implications of your research. Also, discuss any future research directions that could build on your work.

Overall, the statistical tests section should demonstrate that you have chosen appropriate methods for your research questions, followed the best data preparation and analysis practices, and drawn sound conclusions from your results. It should also be written clearly and concisely, with appropriate references to the relevant literature and statistical software used (JASP, Exel, or SPSS).

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Summarize your methodology and provide a transition to Chapter Four. Do not write in future tense.

Chapter Four

Research Findings

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here.

Participants and Research Setting

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section is only required if applicable. Include the number of participants (N =) and provide specifics about the sample population. Please note that if you include subpopulations, those are signified with a lowercase (n =), whereas capital (N =) is for the total number of participants.

Do not include the names of any schools, businesses, or institutions for confidentiality reasons. The use of an alternative format to identify the organization. Options such as the general geographical location (Industry in the Southeast, Organization A, Organization B, or other appropriate alternative formats should be used.

Project Analysis

Indent each new paragraph. Write your following sentence here.

Analyses of Research Questions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your following sentence here. You should provide your reader with at least a three-sentence paragraph that introduces the reader to this section and the following subsections.

Research Question One

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next sentence here. List and number research questions one at a time. You should address each question with its own level three heading. The results must be presented without implication, speculation, assessment, evaluation, or interpretation. Use italics for letters used as statistical symbols or algebraic variables (e.g., contained 587 t-test p values; R2 = .12). Report exact p values to two or three decimals (e.g., p = .006, p = .03). However, report p values less than .001 as “p < .001.”

Also, be sure to state whether the null hypotheses were rejected or failed to be rejected. An example of a null that failed to be rejected could be worded like the following: the results of the data analysis failed to reject the null hypothesis in determining if there was a relationship between age and purchase intentions. For an example of a null that was rejected, it could be worded like the following: as a result of the data analysis, the null hypothesis was rejected for research question one in determining if there was a relationship between perceived value and purchase intentions.

Research Question Two

Indent each new paragraph. Write your following sentence here. The following information is considered helpful to ensure you follow APA formatting for numbers, tables, and figures. Consult the for additional guidance. Consult the for guidelines and examples of tables and figures.

Supplementary Findings

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Again, the results must be presented without implication, speculation, assessment, evaluation, or interpretation; if you do not have supplementary findings, delete this section.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Summarize your results and provide a transition to Chapter Five.

Chapter Five

Summary, Discussion, and Implications

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here.

Practical Assessment of Project Analysis

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The Practical Assessment of Research Question section focuses on how your research question findings align or differ from scholarly published literature on the topic. Make sure to include any unusual findings as well (i.e., results that you did not expect to be significant but were, or findings that may have surprised you based on previous research findings). Introduce the reader to this section, then address each research question separately (see below). You will have as many level three headings as you do research questions (i.e., if you have two research questions, you will have two level 3 headings. If you have four research questions, you will have 4 level 3 headings, etc.). Finally, do not repeat any statistical findings in the level 3 headings below; only report their significance. No statistical narratives should be entered into the Practical Assessment of Research Questions.

Research Question One

Indent each new paragraph. Write your following sentence here. You should address each research question with its own level three heading (i.e., Research Question One) and let the reader know how your results were different or similar to the results you found in the lit review studies in Chapter Two. You should have many citations in this section as you discuss each of your research questions. For example, the best practice is to have at least three or more recent citations from Chapter Two (5 years old or less) per research question needed to close the literature gap from Chapter Two. Please review Chapter Two to ensure that you have a minimum of 3 citations from Chapter Two that assists in closing the literature gap.

Research Question Two

Indent each new paragraph. Write your following sentence here. Avoid restating the statistical findings and reporting in Chapter Four here. You should not repeat the statistical results but note the significance and how those were similar or different from the studies you cited in Chapter Two.

Supplementary Findings

If you had supplementary findings in Chapter Four, you would also need to provide a practical assessment of the findings here as you have for all the other individual research questions. Be sure to state your findings by significance (do not use statistical reporting) and how your findings are similar or different from those noted in Chapter Two’s lit review. This practical assessment of the research findings will assist you in closing the research loop for your supplementary findings as you have for the other individual research questions.

Limitations of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Do not copy and paste the limitations stated in Chapter One. Think of this subsection as the “humble pie” subsection. In your Limitations section in Chapter One, you addressed the study’s potential limitations. Begin by looking at potential limitations as you initially proposed, and then discuss those that may have affected your findings one way or another. In many cases, the potential limitations referenced in Chapter One do not come into play here.

However, limitations can typically originate in one of two sources: the study’s design and the study’s problems during implementation. Design issues involve sampling, assessment, procedures, and choice of research design (i.e., poor match). Furthermore, issues of implementation must be addressed (i.e., low sample, measurement issues, heterogeneous groups).

When developing this section, consider limitations in four significant areas internal validity, external validity, measurement, and statistical analysis. Concerning internal validity, unless the study is a “true experiment,” one cannot claim that the IV “caused” changes in the DV. Likewise, the extent to which findings can be generalized must be discussed for external validity. Concerning measurement limitations, discuss issues of reliability and validity of assessment instruments. Finally, regarding statistical analysis limitations, discuss issues of effect size and statistical test chosen.

Implications for Future Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The recommendations may be directed at the participants, community, state, nation, or internationally. Furthermore, discuss findings in light of questions or issues that suggest future research directions. Extend the study to other populations. For example, think of other IVs and DVs that should be explored in the field and how to assess those additional variables. The Implications for Future Study is the portion of the paper where researchers are allowed to dream and set the stage for similar studies in the future by thinking of ways to extend your study to other questions that may add to the understanding of the issues.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here.

References

Consult the for more information about citing references.

Appendix A

Tables

Appendix B

Figures

Appendix C

Consent Forms

Appendix D

IRB Approval

Appendix E

G*Power Analysis

G*Power Analysis for t-test

Your Approved Dissertation Title Here in Upper and Lowercase Letters

First and Last Name

Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School

in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

[insert degree]

University of the Cumberlands

Month and Year of Graduation

Approval for Recommendation

This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the faculty and administration of the University of the Cumberlands.

Dissertation Chair:

____________________________

First Name Last Name, Ph.D., EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Dissertation Evaluators:

____________________________

First Name Last Name, Ph.D., EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

____________________________

First Name Last Name, Ph.D., EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Acknowledgments

The Acknowledgment is where you thank those who have helped you achieve this goal. There are many to whom a debt of gratitude is owed for their assistance in conducting this research…. (It is appropriate to thank key faculty, friends, and family members, as well as ministers and God. It is advisable to limit the comments to one page.)

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table 1: Name of the Table…………………………………………………………………1

List of Figures

Figure 1: Name of the Figure …………………………………………………………………1

Chapter One

Introduction

Overview

Indent each new paragraph. Write an overview to your study here. You should provide the reader with an overview of what will be detailed in the study and Chapter One (thesis statement and thesis map). This statement will allow the reader to know what “universe” you are exploring. What is your topic? How is your approach different from other scholars? What are the significance and implications of your topic? In the final paragraph, it is helpful to preview the remaining four chapters of the dissertation (keep in mind, per APA, do not use “will”; simply state “Chapter Two discusses the literature review” rather than “will discuss”).

Background and Problem Statement

Indent each new paragraph. Write your background and problem statement here. The background section should lead naturally and logically from the overview section. It should tell the reader what precipitated your interest in the study. A historical description of the problem or situation that led to the issue at hand. For example, if you are studying the subject of teen pregnancies, it would be good to cite some specific locations (towns, counties, states) and numbers of cases, especially depicted in trends, that caused you to “sense” a need for further study. Think of this section as a highly condensed Chapter Two whereby you give the historical literature and give insight into a gap in the literature that sets up the purpose of your study.

Purpose of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Clarify qualitative methodology (i.e., exploratory (sometimes referred to as Descriptive), Case Study, Narrative Inquiry, Phenomenology (Descriptive or Hermeneutic), or Grounded Theory. Next, include a clear declarative sentence specifying the problem presented for research. Review your research questions for keywords that might be helpful to include in your purpose statement. You may also find it helpful to include Chapter Two citations supporting the purpose statement. As with any research, the results are hoped to edify someone, a particular community, state or institution, or society. The Purpose of the Study is not a long section. Most of the sections in this chapter are relatively short compared to Chapters Two and Three. Discuss the link to the degree discipline in the purpose and significance of the study. Finally, keep in mind you are writing this before you have collected data, but you will defend it afterward; therefore, save time by ensuring all verbs are in the past tense (i.e.,”the research aims” should be ”the study aimed”).

Significance of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. In this section, you will connect the study’s significance to organizations interested in this study, and you must connect to your academic discipline or policy and how the study could impact decision-making or improvement of current practices. Finally, you will defend how the qualitative research methodology chosen adds to the significance of the study.

Research Questions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The methodology and research design should be introduced before RQs are listed. For example….The following research questions guided this qualitative phenomenological study.

Also, provide a closing paragraph summarizing your research questions section and introduce the reader to the next section (sometimes students include “I” or “the researcher”; the doctoral research handbook does not allow for the use of first person, and APA does not allow for the use of third person; therefore, state “the study.” This formatting should be applied to the entire dissertation)

Here is an example…..To understand the influences of culture on the hiring of Kentucky superintendents, researchers need to recognize the similarities and differences between the perceived leadership behavior styles, the demographics of the community, and the individual’s career pathway. The following section provides an overview of the study’s theoretical framework.

Theoretical Framework

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The theoretical framework is presented in the early section of a dissertation and provides the rationale for conducting your research to investigate a particular research problem. Consider the theoretical framework as a conceptual model that establishes a sense of structure that guides your research. It provides the background that supports your investigation and offers the reader a justification for your study of a particular research problem. It includes the relationships you seek to understand. Essentially, this is where you describe a “theory” and build your case for investigating that theory. The theoretical framework is your presentation of a theory that explains a particular problem.

Your description of the relationships of interest in the context of the literature review allows the reader to understand the theorized relationships. It would be best if you began by describing what is known about your topics, what is known about their relationship, and what can be explained thus far. You will investigate other researchers’ theories behind these relationships and identify a theory (or combination of theories) that explains your major research problem. Essentially, the theoretical framework section aims to convey to the reader why you think your variables are related; therefore, including previous research and theories supporting your belief is essential to defend your rationale. If conducting a grounded theory dissertation, you will need at least an additional paragraph to establish the background behind the theory proposed in your study (often, this is added when Chapter Four is completed).

Limitations of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Despite best efforts, these limitations may have affected the study results. Inherent limitations due to extraneous variables not addressed in the study are listed here. Identifying and discussing 5-10 limitations of the study is recommended.

Provide a closing paragraph summarizing the limitations section and introducing the reader to the next section.

Here is an example…..

These limitations of the current study represent the characteristics of design and methodology that potentially influenced the interpretations of the findings. Although study limitations represent constraints placed on the ability to generalize the study results, it was necessary to acknowledge these limitations to correctly assess the methodology chosen for the study. Chapter Five further delineates the impact of the limitations.

Assumptions

Provide a closing paragraph here that summarizes your assumptions section and introduces the reader to the next section.

Here is an example…..These underlying assumptions were explicit considerations of consistently applied beliefs that served as the foundation that guided the research. These assumptions were believed to be true based on the presupposition without distinguishing the facts. Although these assumptions are beyond the control of the research, they are necessary presumptions that must be acknowledged to conduct the study.

Definitions

Begin this section with an introductory sentence….for example, the following terms and definitions are essential to understanding and following the research in this study.

Transformational leadership: The………(in-text citation)

Definitions should be listed in alphabetical order. All definitions must be cited by the scholarship. It is recommended to include at least 15 to 20 definitions specific to your research to assist the reader in understanding the intent of your study. Look for keywords in your research questions and your title to start with to develop ideas for definitions. Do not cite dictionaries or encyclopedias for your terms.

Remember, When quoting directly, always provide the quotation’s author, year, and page number (in both ). Follow these guidelines when providing a page number:

Use the abbreviation “p.” (e.g., p. 25, p. S41, p. e221) for a single page.

For multiple pages, use the abbreviation “pp.” and separate the page range with an en dash (e.g., pp. 34–36).

If pages are discontinuous, use a comma between the page numbers (e.g., pp. 67, 72).

If the work does not have page numbers, for the reader to locate the quotation.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your summary of chapter one here. This section summarizes the chapter contents and closes with a transition sentence to Chapter Two. Do not write in future tense.

Chapter Two

Review of Literature

Introduction

Present historical research and recent research related to the topic of study, primarily within the last five years. Some seminal research studies may be included. Each assertion should include appropriate scholarly source citations. Use multiple citations from diverse literature to weave concepts persuasively and coherently together. Ensure the discussion has depth and presents a critical analysis and synthesis of the literature, providing context for the dissertation study. Ensure the discussion is comprehensive, organized, and flows logically. Organize theory around major themes on your topic and discuss how they relate to your theory. The theoretical basis should be referenced in each topic area of the article discussed. The literature review should synthesize the findings related to the doctoral research topic. Finally, all verbs in the dissertation should be past or present perfect tense (i.e., asserts should be asserted). Remember, if you are quoting a 2022 study, they are not currently stating anything; they stated this in 2022.

Main Heading (Level 2 Heading)

Your literature review will likely have many level 2 headings. If you need to add subheadings within a main heading, follow the level 3 heading.

Subheading (Level 3 Heading)

Summary

The summary is a level 2 heading. Indent the paragraph and make sure you write one to two paragraphs. Your literature should build support for your literature and logically lead the reader to this summary, where you provide a gap in the literature and a need for your research here.

Your final summary paragraph provides how you will address the gap in the literature. You will end the paragraph by transitioning to Chapter Three. You should not write in future tense.

Chapter Three

Procedures and Methodology

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Circle back to Chapter One, where you discuss theories from the theoretical framework and how they are connected to the literature in Chapter Two. Then, transition to the methodology listed here in Chapter Three.

Research Method and Paradigmatic Perspective

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section should provide an overview of why qualitative research is best suited for the study described in Chapter One. Qualitative research is built on an inductive approach designed to examine phenomena. Citing from Creswell or other qualified qualitative research authors helps defend the research method.

Qualitative Research Approach

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. In the previous section, you discussed why qualitative research was selected in a general nature. In this section, you will select one of the qualitative research methodologies listed in the Appendixes of the University of the Cumberlands Doctoral Research Handbook. You will first introduce the selected approach and defend its selection against other qualitative research approaches. Next, you should include citations from Creswell or other qualified qualitative research authors to explain how the qualitative research approach you selected is directly applied to fidelity in this study.

It is encouraged (per the doctoral research handbook) to include the qualitative research quality criteria (Credibility, Dependability, Transferability, Confirmability) using citations from Creswell or other qualified qualitative research sources.

Furthermore, in the Qualitative Research Approach section, due to the “human instrument” aspect of qualitative research, the role of the researcher and researcher positionality are related but distinct concepts in qualitative research. The role of the researcher refers to the specific tasks, responsibilities, and activities that the researcher undertakes during the research process. The role of the researcher can include information concerning the study’s design, collecting data, analyzing data, and reporting findings. The researcher’s role can vary depending on the nature of the study and the research methodology being used.

Researcher positionality, on the other hand, refers to the researcher’s subjective position concerning the research topic, participants, and data. The Research Positionality includes the researcher’s personal characteristics, experiences, and values that may influence their interpretation of the data and their relationship with participants. Positionality is often seen as a critical aspect of reflexivity in qualitative research, as it acknowledges the potential for the researcher to bring their own biases and assumptions to the research process.

In other words, the role of the researcher refers to the researcher’s specific actions and responsibilities in conducting the research, while researcher positionality refers to the researcher’s subjective position and potential biases in relation to the research topic and participants. Both of these concepts are important to consider in qualitative research to ensure the research process’s transparency and rigor. The Role of the Researcher or Researcher Positionality, if appropriate to include based on the research approach, can be included in the Qualitative Research Approach section or can be included as a Level III subheading within this section (i.e., “Role of the Researcher” or “Researcher Positionality” as a Level III subheading, depending on which is more appropriate for your research approach).

Sampling Procedures (and or) Data Collection Sources Interviews, Surveys/Questionnaires, Document Analysis, Focus Groups, Observations

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. All of these headings may not be necessary based on your research design. Select only those that apply to your qualitative research approach. It is often more ready-friendly to separate Sampling Procedures and the Data Collection Source.

In the sampling procedures, reference Informed Consent and IRB approval and place both in Appendices. Describe the sampling strategy employed (i.e., snowball). Then, discuss the qualities of the participants who sought to participate in the study and the rationale for selecting those participant qualities. You will discuss demographic information in Chapter Four.

In the data collection sources, delete extraneous instruments and only include the one(s) selected for use in this study. Introduce the instrument used for data collection. Then, justify its applicability to the research questions listed in Chapter One. Next, describe the field testing, expert review panel, etc., who provided validity and reliability to the instrument; this is often best accomplished by adding a level 3 heading, “Expert Review or Validity & Reliability.”

Data Analysis

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Often this section is “short-changed” and leads to many revisions in quality review. The centerpiece of qualitative research is the data analysis, theming, coding, and presentation. It may be helpful to organize this section with APA level III headings.

This section should open with a discussion of the chosen data analysis method (i.e., Thematic Coding Analysis). Then, defend the data analysis’s alignment to Chapter One’s research questions using citations from qualified qualitative research sources. If software is used in the process, discuss the software.

Additionally, discuss how data saturation was reached and its applicability to this study.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section summarizes the chapter contents and closes with a transition sentence to Chapter Four. Do not write in future tense.

Chapter Four

Research Findings

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Recap the methodology from Chapter Three and provide an overview of how Chapter Four is organized.

Participants and Research Setting

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Begin this section by describing how the study reached saturation through the number of participants.

Typically, you must include a paragraph describing the demographic information for each participant in your study. See this example using an APA level 3 heading (see following example).

Institution #12 – President #12

Institution #12 was founded in the late 1800s with Christian principles and is committed to student’s future successes and contributions to Appalachia. The institution supports and respects the worth of all humans. Ninety-nine percent of freshmen students receive financial aid, and 38% are first-generation students. Sixty-three percent of undergraduate students are awarded federal, state, local, or institutional grant aid. Institution #12 is designated by IPEDS as “town: remote” and classified with the Carnegie Classification as a major graduate, medium-sized institution with high residency. The institution offers both distance education courses and programs. The institution has roots in the Baptist faith and is religiously affiliated for purposes of institutional control. As an independent, non-profit institution, #12 receives no federal, state, or local appropriations. President #12 was a white male in his fifties who had been serving in his present role as president since 2016 after serving as chief academic officer at a private, faith-based institution in Idaho (Hudson, 2021).

Study Analysis

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section should circle back to the Data Analysis section from Chapter Three, where you provide an overview of the coding. Then, briefly introduce the themes of your study and their alignment with each of your respective research questions.

Analyses of Research Questions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. List research questions one at a time. You should address each question with its own level three heading. Often, you will want level IV and V headings to introduce themes and sub-themes within each research question (see below).

Research Question One

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. It is best practice to begin this section by restating the research question. For example:

Research question one asked, what meaning do TRiO Student Support Services students attribute to their success in college? Then, introduce your themes and their corresponding data using Level IV and V headings (see example below).

Theme One: Social Responsibility. Begin texts and quotes here. Recall that APA requires quotes over 40 words to be a block quote. For more information on how to appropriately format quotations from research participants, please see 8.36 of the APA Publication Manual, Seventh Edition ()

Subtheme One: Social Responsibility Among Culture. Begin texts and quotes here. Recall that APA requires quotes 40 words or more to be a block quote.

Research Question Two

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Follow the same guidelines as above to begin this section.

Supplementary Findings

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. If you do not have supplementary findings, this heading should be deleted.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section summarizes the chapter contents and closes with a transition sentence to Chapter Five. Do not write in future tense

Chapter Five

Summary, Discussion, and Implications

Introduction

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Provide a

summary of the writing discussed in Chapters One through Four.

Practical Assessment of Study Analysis

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The Practical Assessment of Study Analysis section focuses on how your research question findings align or differ from scholarly published literature on the topic. Make sure to include any unusual findings as well (i.e., results that you did not expect to be significant but were, or findings that may have surprised you based on previous research findings). Introduce the reader to this section, then address each research question separately (see below). You will have as many level three headings as you do research questions (i.e., if you have two research questions, you will have two level 3 headings. If you have four research questions, you will have 4 level 3 headings, etc.) When discussing your themes, you will also be using level IV and level V headings as needed.

Research Question One

Be sure to state your findings by the analysis method utilized in Chapter Four and discuss how your findings were similar or different from those noted in Chapter Two’s lit review. This practical assessment of the findings will assist you in closing the research gap for each research question under its level three heading. It is best practice to begin this section by restating the research question. For example:

Research question one asked, what meaning do TRiO Student Support Services students attribute to their success in college? Then continue with the introductory paragraph as you present your practical assessment of the study analysis and complete the research loop for each research question.

Research Question Two

Follow the same guidelines as above. If you have additional research questions, add as many level three headings as you have research questions to address and complete the research loop for each research question.

Supplementary Findings

If you did not have any supplementary findings in Chapter Four, this heading would be deleted. If you did have supplementary findings in Chapter Four, you would also need to provide a practical assessment of the findings here as you have for all the other individual research questions. Be sure to state your findings by the analysis method utilized in Chapter Four and discuss how your findings were similar or different from those noted in Chapter Two’s lit review. This practical assessment of the findings will assist you in closing the research loop for your supplementary findings as you have for the other individual research questions.

Limitations of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. Do not copy and paste the limitations stated in Chapter One. Think of this subsection as the “humble pie” subsection. In your Limitations section in Chapter One, you addressed the study’s potential limitations. Begin by looking at potential limitations as you initially proposed, and then discuss those that may have affected your findings. In many cases, the potential limitations referenced in Chapter One do not come into play here.

However, limitations can typically originate in one of two sources: the study’s design and problems during implementation. Design issues involve sampling, assessment, procedures, and choice of research design (i.e., poor match). Furthermore, issues of implementation must be addressed (i.e., low sample, measurement issues, heterogeneous groups).

Implications for Future Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The recommendations may be directed at the participants, community, state, nation, or internationally. Furthermore, discuss findings in light of questions or issues that suggest future research directions. Extend the study to other populations. For example, consider other variables that should be explored in the field and how to assess those additional variables. The Implications for Future Study is the portion of the study where researchers are allowed to dream and set the stage for similar studies by thinking of ways to extend their study to other questions that may add to the understanding of the issues.

Summary

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here.

References

Consult the for more information about citing references.

Appendix A

Tables

Appendix B

Figures

Appendix C

Consent Forms

Appendix D

IRB Approval

Your Approved Dissertation Title Here in Upper and Lowercase Letters

First and Last Name

Submitted to the Faculty of the Graduate School

in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

[insert degree]

University of the Cumberlands

Month and Year of Graduation

Approval for Recommendation

This dissertation is approved for recommendation to the faculty and administration of the University of the Cumberlands.

Dissertation Chair:

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Dissertation Evaluators:

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

__________________________

First Name Last Name, PhD, EdD, DBA, or other faculty degree credentials.

Acknowledgments

Abstract

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Table 1: Name of the Table…………………………………………………………………1

List of Figures

Figure 1: Name of the Figure …………………………………………………………………1

Chapter One

Introduction

Overview

Indent each new paragraph. Write an overview of your study here. You should provide the reader with an overview of what will be detailed in the study and Chapter One (thesis statement and thesis map). This statement will allow the reader to know what “universe” you are exploring. What is your topic? How is your approach different from other scholars? What is the significance and implications of your topic?

Background and Problem Statement

Indent each new paragraph. Write your background and problem statement here. The background section should lead naturally and logically from the overview section. It should tell the reader what precipitated your interest in the study. A historical description of the problem or situation that led to the issue at hand. For example, if you are studying the subject of teen pregnancies, it would be good to cite some specific locations (towns, counties, states) and numbers of cases, especially depicted in trends, that caused you to “sense” a need for further study.

For the Problem Statement, spell out the issues that will continue to befall someone, a particular community, or society, if research is not conducted. It is similar to the background.

Purpose of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. The Purpose of the Study should start with a clear declarative sentence that specifies the problem that is presented for research. As with any research, it is hoped that someone, a particular community, state or institution, or society will be edified by the results. Include the type of study in this section – quantitative, qualitative, etc. The Purpose of the Study is not a long section. Most of the sections in this chapter are relatively short compared to Chapters Two and Three. Discuss the link to the degree discipline in the purpose and significance of the study.

Significance of the Study

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. In this section, you will make the connections of the significance of the study to organizations interested in this study, and you must make a connection to leadership or policy and how the study could impact decision-making or improvement of current practices.

Research Questions

Indent each new paragraph. Write your next section here. This section should start with a brief overview of the focus of the study and the rationale that leads to the research questions. The research questions should be numbered and listed. This paragraph should end with a transitioning statement linking to the research questions. For example, Three research questions guided this particular research, or, The research addressed the following questions:

To what extent did the ……..

What differences exist between…….

To what extent did the ……….

Also, include a numbered list with the null and alternate hypotheses. Here is an example…

The following null and alternate hypotheses are representative of the correlating research questions for the study.