12
Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation Manuscript
Template and Guide
This cover page and template instructional content should be removed before drafting chapters. Keep the template instructions in a separate location for ongoing reference as you develop chapter content within the manuscript format.
Instructions for how to use this template and guide:
· Type directly into the template at “Begin writing here…” or “Text…”. Doing so should help to ensure the document is properly formatted.
· Use reminders in the comments relating to formatting as well as helpful tips for guidance purposes. Additionally, in each main section, use the checklist relating to content so you know what to include before you begin to organize your thoughts. Refer to the checklist continuously as you develop each section. As you self-evaluate each section, you can actually check off each box by clicking on it to ensure you have met all the requirements. Please note these lists are resources and not meant to be exhaustive, as it is impossible to cover the details of every method and design.
· The length of a section can vary, unless a guideline is provided.
· Once you have developed each section, refer to the comments and checklists one last time to be sure the section matches them as discussed with your Chair, then delete them.
· To delete a comment, right click on the comment, then select “Delete Comment.”. For additional strategies and guidance, click here.
Version: October 2020
© Northcentral University, 2020 Comment by Northcentral University: Ensure every section in the document meets the following requirements: ☐ Use 12-point and Times New Roman font. ☐ Write in the future tense when referencing the proposed study in the dissertation proposal. Write in the past tense when referencing the completed study in the dissertation manuscript. ☐ Use economy of expression to present information as succinctly as possible without oversimplifying or losing the meaning. ☐ Avoid personal opinions and claims. ☐ Support all claims in the document with recent, scholarly, peer-reviewed sources published within 5 years of when the dissertation will be completed, unless they are seminal sources or no other literature exists. For additional information and guidance relating to scholarly and peer-reviewed sources, click here. ☐ Avoid anthropomorphism (i.e., giving human qualities to inanimate objects) such as “The article claims…”, “The study found…,”, or “The research explored…”. ☐ Clearly and precisely define key words upon their first use only.
Title of the Dissertation Comment by Northcentral University: With the exception of articles and prepositions, the first letter of each word should be capitalized. The title should be two single spaces (one double space) from the top of the page. In 10-15 words, it should indicate the contents of the study. The title should be bold. The title page should include no page number, so please recheck pagination once the template cover page has been removed.
Dissertation XXX Comment by Northcentral University: Insert either “Proposal” or “Manuscript.”.
Submitted to Northcentral University
School of BUSINESS XXX Comment by Northcentral University: Indicate your school name here. Do not include the specialization.
in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY,
DOCTOR OF ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP XXX Comment by Northcentral University: Insert your degree program in all capital letters (e.g., DOCTOR OF EDUCATION, DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY, DOCTOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION).
by
NAME Comment by Northcentral University: Insert your name in all capital letters (i.e., FIRST MIDDLE LAST).
La Jolla, California
Month Year Comment by Northcentral University: Insert the current month and year. There should be no comma separating them.
Abstract Comment by Northcentral University: The abstract should be included in the dissertation manuscript only. It should not be included in the dissertation proposal. The word Abstract should be centered, bolded, and begin on its own page.
Begin writing here… Comment by Northcentral University: The text should be left-justified (not indented) and double-spaced with no breaks.
Checklist:
☐ Briefly introduce the study topic, state the research problem, and describe who or what is impacted by this problem.
☐ Clearly articulate the study purpose and guiding theoretical or conceptual framework of the study.
☐ Provide details about the research methodology, participants, questions, design, procedures, and analysis.
☐ Clearly present the results in relation to the research questions.
☐ State the conclusions to include both the potential implications of the results on and the recommendations for future research and practice.
☐ Do not include citations and abbreviations or acronyms, except those noted as exceptions by the American Psychological Association (APA).
☐ Do not exceed 350 words. Strive for one page.
Acknowledgements Comment by Northcentral University: You may include an optional acknowledgements page in normal paragraph format in the dissertation manuscript. Do not include such a page in the dissertation proposal. The word Acknowledgements should be centered, bolded, and begin on its own page.
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Table of Contents Comment by Northcentral University: Use the Table of Contents feature in Word. For additional information on creating a table of contents, click here. For information on updating the table of contents, click here, and for video resources from the Academic Success Center on formatting the table of contents, click here. Do not manually add headings into the Table of Contents. The headings in the table of contents are populated from the Styles gallery using the APA Level 1 and Heading 2 styles. Only include APA heading levels 1 and 2 in the table of contents. Use the Heading 2 style from the Styles gallery to add level two headings in the document. Update the table of contents to reflect any new level 2 headings added to document. Comment by Northcentral University: For Academic Success Center resources on formatting the table of contents, click here. For Helpance, use the videos in the Tables and Headers tab and handouts in the Format tab. Comment by Northcentral University: Ensure the headings in the table of contents match those in the document. Please note the place holders are included in this table of contents: “XXX” under Chapter 2 must be replaced with the themes generated from the integrative critical review of the literature. If your study is qualitative, “Operational Definitions of Variables” under Chapter 3 must be deleted. “XXX” under Chapter 4 must be replaced with “Trustworthiness” for a qualitative study, “Validity and Reliability” for a quantitative study, and “Trustworthiness/Validity and Reliability” for a mixed methods study. The number of research questions listed under Chapter 4 must align with the number of research questions in your study. Under Appendices, each “XXX” must be replaced with the titles of the appendix.
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
Statement of the Problem 2
Purpose of the Study 2
Introduction to Theoretical or Conceptual Framework 3
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design 4
Research Questions 4
Hypotheses 4
Significance of the Study 5
Definitions of Key Terms 6
Summary 6
Chapter 2: Literature Review 7
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework 7
Subtopic 8
Summary 8
Chapter 3: Research Method 10
Research Methodology and Design 10
Population and Sample 10
Materials or Instrumentation 11
Operational Definitions of Variables 12
Study Procedures 13
Data Analysis 13
Assumptions 14
Limitations 14
Delimitations 14
Ethical Assurances 15
Summary 15
Chapter 4: Findings 16
XXX of the Data 16
Results 17
Assessment of the Findings 18
Summary 18
Chapter 5: Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusions 19
Implications 19
Recommendations for Practice 20
Recommendations for Future Research 20
Conclusions 20
References 22
Appendix A XXX 23
Appendix B XXX 24
List of Tables Comment by Northcentral University: The words List of Tables should be centered, bolded, and begin on its own page Use the Table of Figures feature in Word and select “Table” as the caption label. For additional information and guidance, click here. Tip: For formatting the caption for tables, table headings should be double spaced and placed above the table. The word “Table” and the number should be bolded. The table title is in title case and italics. Comment by Northcentral University: Click here to review a video from the Academic Success Center on creating the List of Tables.
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List of Figures Comment by Northcentral University: The words List of Figures should be centered, bolded, and begin on its own page Use the Table of Figures feature in Word and select “Figure” as the caption label. For additional information and guidance, click here. Tip: For formatting the caption for figures, figure headings should be double spaced and placed above the figure. The word “Figure” and the number should be bolded. The figure title is in title case and italics. Comment by Northcentral University: Click here to review a video on creating the List of Figures.
Begin list of figures here…
1
1
Chapter 1: Introduction Comment by Northcentral University: When preparing pagination, lowercase Roman numerals are used for the front matter pages prior to the first page of Chapter 1. The Roman numerals need to be centered and placed in the footer of each front matter page. Starting in Chapter 1, page numbers need to be placed at the upper right of each page header. Chapter headings are formatted as Level 1. Review a formatting APA headings video in the Academic Success Center here. APA Style recommends one space between sentences.
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with an overview of the general topic to establish the context of the study and orient the reader to the field. Do not overstate the topic as you will address the topic more fully in Chapter 2.
☐ Describe the larger context in which the problem exists.
☐ Present an overview of why this research topic is relevant and warranted.
☐ Briefly explain what research has been done on the topic and why the topic is important practically and empirically (applied and PhD) as well as theoretically (PhD).
☐ Clearly lead the reader to the problem statement to follow. The reader should not be surprised by the problem described later in the document.
☐ Do not explicitly state the study problem, purpose, or methodology, as they are discussed in subsequent sections.
☐ Devote approximately 2 to 4 pages to this section.
☐ Write in the future tense when referencing the proposed study in the dissertation proposal. Write in the past tense when referencing the completed study in the dissertation manuscript.
☐ There are no personal opinions in the dissertation. All work must come from cited sources.
Statement of the Problem Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Applied dissertations should be practice-based. The documented problem might be a practical problem or issue in the profession or study context for which there is not already an acceptable solution. When defining the problem, a clear distinction must be drawn between what exists currently and what is desired. An applied study does not necessarily require generalizable results beyond the study site; however, it must address a problem relevant and exists outside of the study site. Similarly, a PhD dissertation must focus on a problem relevant and exists outside of the study site. Additionally, the study must make a substantive, scholarly contribution to both the research and theory. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Review the limitations and calls for future research in the relevant scholarly literature for guidance in identifying a problem. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: There are a couple of group sessions in the Academic Success Center per week in which students can engage with a live academic coach as well as other students who share the goal of enhancing their problem statement development skills. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with “The problem to be addressed in this study is…” This statement should logically flow from the introduction and clearly identify the problem to be addressed by the study (current citations needed).
☐ Succinctly discuss the problem and provide evidence of its existence. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: A lack of research alone is not inherently problematic. An inability to find research on your topic might indicate a need to broaden your search. It might be helpful to review the resources in the Northcentral University Library, including the Searching 101 Workshop, or schedule a research consultation.
☐ Identify who is impacted by the problem (e.g., individuals, organizations, industries, or society), what is not known that should be known about it, and what the potential negative consequences could be if the problem is not addressed in this study.
☐ Ensure the concepts presented are exactly the same as those mentioned in the Purpose Statement section.
☐ Do not exceed 250-300 words.
Purpose of the Study Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on Purpose Statements. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with a succinct purpose statement that identifies the study method, design, and overarching goal. The recommended language to use is: “The purpose of this [identify research methodology] [identify research design] study is to [identify the goal of the dissertation that directly reflects and encompasses the research questions to follow].”
☐ Indicate how the study is a logical, explicit research response to the stated problem and the research questions to follow.
☐ Continue with a brief but clear step-by-step overview of how the study will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) conducted.
☐ Identify the variables/constructs, materials/instrumentation, and analysis.
☐ For the proposal (DP) identify the target population and sample size needed. For the manuscript (DM), edit and list sample size obtained.
☐ Identify the site(s) where the research will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) conducted using general geographic terms to avoid identifying the specific location. To avoid compromising participants’ confidentiality or anonymity, use pseudonyms.
☐ Do not exceed one paragraph or one page.
Introduction to Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Comment by Northcentral University: Select the heading that reflects whether you are using a theoretical or conceptual framework, but do not keep both words in the title. For PhD – Theoretical Framework, for applied doctorate Conceptual Framework.
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Checklist:
☐ Identify the guiding framework. Present the key concepts, briefly explain how they are related, and present the propositions relevant to this study. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on Theoretical and Conceptual Framework. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
☐ Explain how the framework guided the research decisions, including the development of the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions.
☐ If more than one framework is guiding the study, integrate them, rather than describing them independently. Do not select a separate framework for each variable/construct under examination.
☐ Do not exceed two pages. A more thorough discussion of the theoretical/conceptual framework will be included in Chapter 2.
Introduction to Research Methodology and Design
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Checklist:
☐ Provide a brief discussion of the methodology and design to include a description of the data collection procedure and analysis. Do not include specific details regarding why the methodology and design were selected over others. More detailed information will be included in Chapter 3.
☐ Cite the seminal works related to the selected methodology and design.
☐ Indicate why the selected research methodology and design are the best choices for the study by explaining how they align with the problem and purpose statements as well as the research questions. Do not simply list and describe various research methodologies and designs.
☐ Devote approximately one to two pages to this section.
Research Questions Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Research questions beginning with “To what extent…” or “Under what conditions…” yield more meaningful data than questions that generate yes/no responses such as “Is Variable 1 significantly related to Variable 2?”
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RQ1 Comment by Northcentral University: Sub questions are allowed if you want to examine more in-depth research questions. For example, if the first research question has two sub questions, they would be denoted as RQ1a and RQ1b. Use APA level 3 headings for each research question. The level 3 heading is flush left, title case, bolded, and italicized. The text begins as a new paragraph. Apply level 3 headings using the Heading 3 style under the Styles gallery. Review Section 2.27 in the APA 7th edition manual, and locate more information on APA headings here.
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RQ2 Comment by Northcentral University: Repeat this process for each research question.
Text…
Hypotheses Comment by Northcentral University: Hypotheses are only listed in quantitative and mixed methods studies. Comment by Northcentral University: The hypotheses must align with the research questions so RQ1 matches H1, etc.
H10
Text…
H1a
Text…
H20
Text…
H2a Comment by Northcentral University: Repeat this process for each hypothesis. Maintain Level 3 heading formatting for each hypothesis.
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Checklist:
☐ Present research questions directly answerable, specific, and testable within the given timeframe and location identified in the problem and purpose statements.
☐ Include the exact same variables/constructs, participants, and location mentioned in the problem and purpose statements. No new variables/constructs should be introduced.
Significance of the Study Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Consider the professional and academic audiences who might be interested in the study results and why.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe why the study is important and how it can contribute to the field of study.
☐ For applied studies, explain how the results might both be significant to leaders and practitioners in the field and contribute to the literature. For PhD studies, explain how the results advance the guiding framework and contribute to the literature.
☐ Describe the benefits of addressing the study problem, achieving the study purpose, and answering the research questions. Whereas the problem statement should articulate the negative consequences of not conducting the study, this section should highlight the positive consequences of completing the study.
☐ Do not exceed one page.
Definitions of Key Terms
Term 1 Comment by Northcentral University: Replace “Term 1” with the first term and provide the definition and citation(s). Repeat this process for all the key terms.
Text… Comment by Northcentral University: Maintain Level 3 heading formatting for each term.
Term 2
Text…
Checklist:
☐ Alphabetize and bold terms directly related to the dissertation topic and not commonly used or understood.
☐ Paraphrase the definitions of the terms using complete sentences and provide a citation for each one.
☐ Do not define theories, conceptual frameworks, statistical analyses, methodological terms, or the variables/constructs under examination.
Summary
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Checklist:
☐ Briefly restate the key points discussed in the chapter. Review the headings and/or table of contents to ensure all key points are covered.
Chapter 2: Literature Review Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Think of Chapter 2 as a funnel and lead the reader from the broad context of the study to an explanation of why this specific study is needed. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: To ensure your study is relevant and current, continue to expand and update the literature review through the final dissertation manuscript draft. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: For exemplars on what synthesis and critical analysis look like, try searching for published literature using the following terms “critical review of the literature [school]”, inserting the name of your school. Comment by Northcentral University: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on Synthesis and Analysis. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with the first sentence of the purpose statement and problem statement that leads to a brief explanation of the organization of the literature review. Do not simply cut and paste the Purpose Statement section from Chapter 1.
☐ Provide an overview of the sub-headings in the literature that will be discussed.
☐ At the end of this section, indicate the databases accessed and the search engines used. Discuss all the search parameters, including the search terms and their combinations (with more detailed search terms located in an appendix, if appropriate), range of years, and types of literature.
☐ Devote approximately 30 to 60 pages to this chapter to include citations to at least 50 relevant sources. Comment by Northcentral University: Chapter 2 includes the statement that it is to have 30-60 pages. Depending on the topic this can be shorter. Refer to your Chair for guidance.
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Comment by Northcentral University: Select the heading that reflects whether you are using a theoretical or conceptual framework, but do not keep both words in the title. For PhD – Theoretical Framework, for applied doctorate Conceptual Framework.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the guiding theoretical/conceptual framework of the study, including the definitions of all the concepts, an explanation of the relationships among the concepts, and a presentation of all the assumptions and propositions.
☐ Explain the origin and development of the framework. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of and familiarity with both the historical and the current literature on the framework.
☐ Identify existing research studies that used this framework in a similar way. Mention alternative frameworks, with a justification of why the selected framework was chosen.
☐ Describe how and why the selected framework relates to the present study and how it guided the development of the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions.
Subtopic Comment by Northcentral University: Replace “Subtopic” with an idea from the integrative critical review of the literature. Repeat this process until each idea is included.
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Level 3 Heading Comment by Northcentral University: The level 3 heading is flush left, bolded, and italicized. The title should be in tile case, and the text begins as a new paragraph after the heading. Apply additional level 3 headings using the Heading 3 style options under the Styles gallery. Use APA’s Headings guide to Help with proper header formatting. Comment by Northcentral University: If additional subheadings are needed, use this format per APA guidelines.
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Level 4 Heading. Text… Comment by Northcentral University: The level 4 heading is indented and bolded. The title should be in tile case, and the title ends with a period. The text begins directly after the heading in normal paragraph format. Apply additional level 4 headings using the Heading 4 style option in the Styles gallery. Use APA’s Headings guide to Help with proper header formatting.
Checklist:
☐ Critically analyze (i.e., note the strengths and weaknesses) and synthesize (i.e., integrate) the existing research. Rather than reporting on each study independently, describe everything known on the topic by reviewing the entire body of work.
☐ Present a balanced integrative critical review of the literature, ensuring all points of view are included. Cover all the important issues with a discussion of areas of convergence (i.e., agreement) and divergence (i.e., disagreement). Provide potential explanations for areas of divergence. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Use the Academic Success Center’s Synthesis and Analysis guide that has several resources, including a synthesis matrix to Help with this section.
☐ Address issues of authority, audience, and/or bias/point of view in the sources used.
Summary Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: In essence, the summary is the “take-home” message of the integrative critical review of the literature with a specific emphasis on how the literature supports the need for your study.
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Checklist:
☐ Briefly restate the key points discussed in the chapter. Review the headings and/or table of contents to ensure all key points are covered.
☐ Highlight areas of convergence and divergence as well as gaps in the literature that support the need for the study. This discussion should logically lead to Chapter 3, where the research methodology and design will be discussed.
Chapter 3: Research Method
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with an introduction and restatement of the problem and purpose sentences verbatim. Comment by Northcentral University: You can copy and paste from your Chapter 1.
☐ Provide a brief overview of the contents of this chapter, including a statement that identifies the research methodology and design.
Research Methodology and Design Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on Writing Research Design. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the research methodology and design. Elaborate upon their appropriateness in relation to the study problem, purpose, and research questions.
☐ Identify alternative methodologies and designs and indicate why they were determined to be less appropriate than the ones selected. Do not simply list and describe research methodologies and designs in general.
Population and Sample Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Depending on the study design, the population might include but not be limited to a group of people, a set of organizations, documents, or archived data.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the population, including the estimated size and relevant characteristics.
☐ Explain why the population is appropriate, given the study problem, purpose, and research questions.
☐ Describe the sample that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) obtained.
☐ Explain why the sample is appropriate, given the study problem, purpose, and research questions.
☐ Explain the type of sampling used and why it is appropriate for the dissertation proposal methodology and design. For qualitative studies, evidence must be presented that saturation will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) reached. For quantitative studies, a power analysis must be reported to include the parameters (e.g., effect size, alpha, beta, and number of groups) included, and evidence must be presented that the minimum required sample size will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) reached.
☐ Describe how the participants will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) recruited (e.g., email lists from professional organizations, flyers) and/or the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) obtained (e.g., archived data, public records) with sufficient detail so the study could be replicated. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Many qualitative and mixed methods studies require multiple sources of data. Describe how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) obtained from each source.
Materials or Instrumentation Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: In quantitative studies, the development of a new instrument is discouraged due to the time and skills required to create a valid and reliable instrument. A thorough and extensive search of the literature should be done to locate an appropriate psychometrically sound instrument. However, if such an instrument is not located after a thorough search, and you plan to develop a new instrument, consult survey item and instrument development resources and plan piloting and validation procedures. Describe the development process in detail and provide evidence of the instrument’s validity and reliability. Include the final instrument developed based on those findings. The evidence of validity and reliability should be reported in Chapter 4. In qualitative studies, using a newly developed interview protocol based on the literature is more common and acceptable. Describe the development process in detail followed by the field testing processes used and subsequent modification made. Comment by Northcentral University: Select the heading that reflects which of the two you will be doing.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the instruments (e.g., tests, questionnaires, observation protocols) that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used, including information on their origin and evidence of their reliability and validity. OR as applicable, describe the materials to be used (e.g., lesson plans for interventions, webinars, or archived data, etc.).
☐ Describe in detail any field testing or pilot testing of instruments to include their results and any subsequent modifications. Comment by Northcentral University: Verify with the IRB whether permission is needed or a pilot application needs to be completed. Locate IRB resources here.
☐ If instruments or materials are used that were developed by another researcher, include evidence in the appendix that permission was granted to use the instrument(s) and/or material(s) and refer to that fact and the appendix in this section.
Operational Definitions of Variables Comment by Northcentral University: Include this section in quantitative/mixed methods studies only. Comment by Northcentral University: Operational definitions are distinct from the conceptual definitions provided in the Definition of Terms section. Specifically, operational definitions indicate how the variables will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) measured. Comment by Northcentral University: A paragraph is not required to introduce the operational definitions; a single sentence introducing this section is sufficient.
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XXX Comment by Northcentral University: Replace “XXX” with the first study variable. Repeat this process for all the study variables. Maintain Level 3 heading formatting for each variable.
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Checklist:
☐ For quantitative and mixed methods studies, identify how each variable will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used in the study. Use terminology appropriate for the selected statistical test (e.g., independent/dependent, predictor/criterion, mediator, moderator).
☐ Base the operational definitions on published research and valid and reliable instruments.
☐ Identify the specific instrument that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used to measure each variable.
☐ Describe the level of measurement of each variable (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio), potential scores for each variable (e.g., the range [0–100] or levels [low, medium, high]), and data sources. If appropriate, identify what specific scores (e.g., subscale scores, total scores) will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) included in the analysis and how they will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) derived (e.g., calculating the sum, difference, average).
Study Procedures
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the exact steps that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) followed to collect the data, addressing what data as well as how, when, from where, and from whom those data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) collected in enough detail the study can be replicated.
Data Analysis Comment by Northcentral University: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on both Writing Quantitative and Writing Qualitative Analysis. Learn more about these sessions and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the strategies that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used to code and/or analyze the data, and any software that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used.
☐ Ensure the data that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) analyzed can be used to answer the research questions and/or test the hypotheses with the ultimate goal of addressing the identified problem.
☐ Use proper terminology in association with each design/analysis (e.g., independent variable and dependent variable for an experimental design, predictor and criterion variables for regression).
☐ For quantitative studies, describe the analysis that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used to test each hypothesis. Provide evidence the statistical test chosen is appropriate to test the hypotheses and the data meet the assumptions of the statistical tests.
☐ For qualitative studies, describe how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) processed and analyzed, including any triangulation efforts. Explain the role of the researcher.
☐ For mixed methods studies, include all of the above.
Assumptions Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Assumptions, limitations, and delimitations are related but distinct concepts. For additional information, click here.
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Checklist:
☐ Discuss the assumptions along with the corresponding rationale underlying them.
Limitations Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: The study limitations will be revisited in Chapter 5.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the study limitations.
☐ Discuss the measures taken to mitigate these limitations.
Delimitations Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Limited time and resources are not considered to be limitations or delimitations, as all studies are limited by these factors.
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Checklist:
☐ Describe the study delimitations along with the corresponding rationale underlying them. An example of delimitations are the conditions and parameters set intentionally by the researcher or by selection of the population and sample.
☐ Explain how these research decisions relate to the existing literature and theoretical/conceptual framework, problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions.
Ethical Assurances Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: When research involves human subjects, certain ethical issues can occur. They include but are not limited to protection from harm, informed consent, right to privacy, and honesty with professional colleagues.
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Checklist:
☐ Confirm in a statement the study will (proposal) or did (manuscript) receive approval from Northcentral University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to data collection.
☐ If the risk to participants is greater than minimal, discuss the relevant ethical issues and how they will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) addressed. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: For guidance on ethical considerations in human subjects research, click here.
☐ Describe how confidentiality or anonymity will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) achieved.
☐ Identify how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) securely stored in accordance with IRB requirements.
☐ Describe the role of the researcher in the study. Discuss relevant issues, including biases as well as personal and professional experiences with the topic, problem, or context. Present the strategies that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used to prevent these biases and experiences from influencing the analysis or findings.
☐ In the dissertation manuscript only, include the IRB approval letter in an appendix.
Summary
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Checklist:
☐ Summarize the key points presented in the chapter.
☐ Logically lead the reader to the next chapter on the findings of the study.
Chapter 4: Findings
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with an introduction and restatement of the problem and purpose sentences verbatim and the organization of the chapter.
☐ Organize the entire chapter around the research questions/hypotheses. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Review peer-reviewed research articles to locate examples of how to report results generated using the research design used in your study.
XXX of the Data Comment by Northcentral University: Replace “XXX” with “Trustworthiness” for a qualitative study or “Validity and Reliability” for a quantitative study. For mixed methods studies, replace “XXX” with “Trustworthiness/Validity and Reliability.”.
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Checklist:
☐ For qualitative studies, clearly identify the means by which the trustworthiness of the data was established. Discuss credibility (e.g., triangulation, member checks), transferability (e.g., the extent to which the findings are generalizable to other situations), dependability (e.g., an in-depth description of the methodology and design to allow the study to be repeated), and confirmability (e.g., the steps to ensure the data and findings are not due to participant and/or researcher bias).
☐ For quantitative studies, explain the extent to which the data meet the assumptions of the statistical test and identify any potential factors that might impact the interpretation of the findings. Provide evidence of the psychometric soundness (i.e., adequate validity and reliability) of the instruments from the literature as well as in this study (as appropriate). Do not merely list and describe all the measures of validity and reliability.
☐ Mixed methods studies should include discussions of the trustworthiness of the data as well as validity and reliability.
Results Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Present sufficient information so the reader can make an independent judgment regarding the interpretation of the findings.
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Checklist:
☐ Briefly discuss the overall study. Organize the presentation of the results by the research questions/hypotheses.
☐ Objectively report the results of the analysis without discussion, interpretation, or speculation.
☐ Provide an overview of the demographic information collected. It can be presented in a table. Ensure no potentially identifying information is reported.
Research Question 1/Hypothesis Comment by Northcentral University: Repeat this process for each research question.
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☐ Report all the results (without discussion) salient to the research question/hypothesis. Identify common themes or patterns.
☐Use tables and/or figures to report the results as appropriate. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Tables and figures should not be included on the same page. If you introduce a table or figure in the middle of the page and there is not enough room to include the entire table or figure on the page, it must be placed on the next page. Perform a hard right return (hold down the shift key while hitting the return key) and begin the table on the next page. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Tables and figures should be placed with the corresponding research question. The formatting of tables varies, depending on the statistical test. Follow APA formatting requirements for tables, titles, figures, and captions. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Tables and figures must be referenced in the text. Please refer to APA guidelines regarding when and how to use tables and figures. Do not fully describe data in the text and also present them in a table.
☐ For quantitative studies, report any additional descriptive information as appropriate. Identify the assumptions of the statistical test and explain how the extent to which the data met these assumptions was tested. Report any violations and describe how they were managed as appropriate. Make decisions based on the results of the statistical analysis. Include relevant test statistics, p values, and effect sizes in accordance with APA requirements.
☐ For qualitative studies, describe the steps taken to analyze the data to explain how the themes and categories were generated. Include thick descriptions of the participants’ experiences. Provide a comprehensive and coherent reconstruction of the information obtained from all the participants. Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Review published articles that used the same design for examples of how to present qualitative, thematic findings.
☐ For mixed methods studies, include all of the above.
Assessment of the Findings Comment by Northcentral University: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on both Writing Quantitative and Writing Qualitative Analysis. Learn more about these sessions and find the link to register here.
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Checklist:
☐ Interpret the results in light of the existing research and theoretical or conceptual framework (as discussed in Chapters 1 and 2). Briefly indicate the extent to which the results were consistent with existing research and theory.
☐ Organize this discussion by research question/hypothesis.
☐ Do not draw conclusions beyond what can be interpreted directly from the results.
☐ Devote approximately one to two pages to this section.
Summary
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Checklist:
☐ Summarize the key points presented in the chapter.
Chapter 5: Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusions Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: A common tendency is to rush through Chapter 5 and fail to develop ideas fully. Take time to remember why the study was important in the first place and ensure Chapter 5 demonstrates and reflects the depth and importance of the study. Refer back to the study problem and significance and consider what professional and academic organizations might be interested in your research findings. As you complete Chapter 5, seek out avenues to present and publish your research.
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Checklist:
☐ Begin with an introduction and restatement of the problem and purpose sentences verbatim, and a brief review of methodology, design, results, and limitations.
☐ Conclude with a brief overview of the chapter.
Implications
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Checklist:
☐ Organize the discussion around each research question and (when appropriate) hypothesis individually. Support all the conclusions with one or more findings from the study.
☐ Discuss any factors that might have influenced the interpretation of the results.
☐ Present the results in the context of the study by describing the extent to which they address the study problem and purpose and contribute to the existing literature and framework described in Chapter 2.
☐ Describe the extent to which the results are consistent with existing research and theory and provide potential explanations for unexpected or divergent results.
☐ Identify the most significant implications and consequences of the dissertation (whether positive and/or negative) to society/desired societal outcomes and distinguish probable from improbable implications.
Research Question 1/Hypothesis Comment by Northcentral University: Repeat this process for each research question.
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Recommendations for Practice
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Checklist:
☐ Discuss recommendations for how the findings of the study can be applied to practice and/or theory. Support all the recommendations with at least one finding from the study and frame them in the literature from Chapter 2.
☐ Do not overstate the applicability of the findings.
Recommendations for Future Research
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Checklist:
☐ Based on the framework, findings, and implications, explain what future researchers might do to learn from and build upon this study. Justify these explanations.
☐ Discuss how future researchers can improve upon this study, given its limitations.
☐ Explain what the next logical step is in this line of research.
Conclusions
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Checklist:
☐ Provide a strong, concise conclusion to include a summary of the study, the problem addressed, and the importance of the study.
☐ Present the “take-home message” of the entire study.
☐ Emphasize what the results of the study mean with respect to previous research and either theory (PhD studies) or practice (applied studies).
References Comment by Northcentral University: Tip: Create your reference list as you develop each section. As each citation is included in the paper, insert the reference in this section. Use the level 1 heading for the References title. If using a citation software, ensure all information is included and properly formatted. Although such programs can be helpful, they are not always correct. Comment by Northcentral University: For each reference listed, there must be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text and vice versa. The References should be alphabetized by the last name of the first author. Note. Academic Writer, an APA Style resource provided to NCU students, has over 150 sample references. Learn how to register for an account here.
Reference 1
Reference 2
Author, A., & Author, B. (year). Article title. Journal title, X(X), xxx-xxx.
https://doi.org/xxxxx
Appendix A XXX Comment by Northcentral University: Each appendix referenced in the text should appear in this section at the end of the manuscript. Appendices should be listed in the order referenced in the text. Remember to include each appendix in your Table of Contents. Apply the level 1 heading for each appendix title and the appendix name. Replace “XXX” with the appendix name.
Insert Appendix A content here… Comment by Northcentral University: Be sure to de-identify all materials so readers cannot identify participants or where data were specifically collected.
Appendix B XXX
Insert/type Appendix n content here…
