Doctor of Human Services Capstone
Report Guide
Version 3 Effective January 2021
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2
INTRODUCTION TO THIS DOCUMENT ………………………………………………………………………. 4
Disclaimers……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Purpose of this Document ………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
ABSTRACT…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Research topic summary (1-5 sentences)…………………………………………………………………….. 5
Research methodology (1-2 sentences) ………………………………………………………………………. 5
Population and sample (1-2 sentences)……………………………………………………………………….. 5
Data analysis (1-2 sentences)…………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
Findings (1-3 sentences) …………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
Tips for developing a quality abstract ……………………………………………………………………….. 5
SECTION 1. BACKGROUND ………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Overview of Doctoral Capstone Project…………………………………………………………………….. 6
Alignment to the Specialization…………………………………………………………………………………. 6
Problem Statement and Purpose of the Deliverable …………………………………………………. 6
Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
Purpose of the Deliverable………………………………………………………………………………………… 7
Evidence/Data Used to Establish Rationale for Deliverable ……………………………………… 7
Historical Background of the Problem ………………………………………………………………………. 7
Organizational Context (Culture)………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Theoretical Framework……………………………………………………………………………………………… 8
Review of the Literature ……………………………………………………………………………………………. 8
Synthesis of Research Findings ……………………………………………………………………………….. 9
Critique of the Previous Research Methods ……………………………………………………………… 9
Ethical Considerations………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Assumptions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Topic-Specific Assumptions……………………………………………………………………………………… 9
Theoretical Assumptions ……………………………………………….Error! Bookmark not defined.
Methodological Assumptions …………………………………………Error! Bookmark not defined.
Limitations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
Organization of the Remainder of the Study……………………………………………………………. 10
SECTION 2. PROCESS ………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11
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Project Design/Method……………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Project Outcomes……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 12
Development Process …………………………………………………………………………………………….. 12
Assessment Plan……………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 13
SECTION 3. APPLICATION ………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13
Relevant Outcomes and Findings …………………………………………………………………………… 13
Application and Benefits………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14
Implications for Professional Specialization ……………………………………………………………… 14
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INTRODUCTION TO THIS DOCUMENT
Disclaimers
Neither this guide, nor any of the information and requirements contained
herein, constitute a contract or create any contractual commitments between Capella
University and any student, any prospective student, or any third party. The
information and program requirements contained in the Capstone Manual are subject
to change.
This Capstone Report Guide describes qualitative research approaches that
may not be approved for all schools. Read your school’s “Acceptable Methods”
document on iGuide to determine which approaches can be used in your school.
Purpose of this Document
This document presents detailed information about each of the Chapters
required for a Capella capstone. Sections within each Chapter are also described.
Each section in this document aligns with the Capstone Deliverable Guide and
Templates. Carefully read the Chapter Guide so that you can be certain to provide
the material that is necessary to successfully write each section of your capstone.
The information in this document is a more general discussion for all capstones,
regardless of the specific type of project: specific sections that are necessary are
identified in the Capstone Deliverable Guide and Templates.
Consult with your mentor about adding headings that might be necessary
to enhance the organizational structure of your capstone.
*Note: You are reporting a study that has already been conducted; therefore,
you need to write using past tense verbs. You cannot just copy from the doctoral
project plan without changing the verb tense.
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ABSTRACT
The purpose of the abstract is to provide a concise and accurate synopsis of key
elements of your capstone. Include the following information (suggested length: 400
words or less):
Research topic summary (1-5 sentences)
Provide a concise summary of your capstone research topic. Explain the
rationale for your study and the gap in the literature or field your capstone
addresses. Indicate your research questions, matching the wording used in your
capstone chapters.
Research methodology (1-2 sentences)
Summarize the research methodology used in the study.
Population and sample (1-2 sentences)
Describe the population and sample, including high-level demographic
information regarding your participant pool. If secondary data was used, describe
the data set.
Data analysis (1-2 sentences)
Provide a concise summary of your data analysis.
Findings (1-3 sentences)
Provide a concise summary of your research findings and conclusion(s). If
relevant, you may also briefly note recommended future research associated with
your own findings.
Tips for developing a quality abstract
1. Keep in mind that the abstract is representative of your work. Researchers will
review your abstract to determine whether your capstone is worthy of reading
and relevant to their literature review. Employers may review your abstract to
learn more about the nature and quality of your doctoral work. The abstract
should, therefore, represent your most polished and well-written work!
2. Guidelines for the development of an abstract are in section 2.04 of the APA
Publication Manual, 6th edition/section 2.9 of the APA Publication Manual, 7
th
edition.
3. References are generally not used in the abstract, as the focus is the study, the
research, and the findings.
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SECTION 1. BACKGROUND
Overview of Doctoral Capstone Project
This section should provide a general overview of your capstone project. It should
provide a clear and specific explanation of the topic. The variables and/or concepts
should be clear and focused, and well supported in the current literature (no more than
five years old). The topic should use appropriate language for key
concepts/phenomena.
The type of action proposed should be clearly specified (the type of capstone
deliverable).
The community of interest/organization/program or community and target population
should be named. The concepts should be appropriately focused.
Please note: the capstone project will not be published, so it will not be a public
document.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Alignment to the Specialization
This section should contain a description of how the topic is of scholarly significance for
your program of study (Leadership Organization and Management or Program
Assessment and Development).
In the first part of the significance section, you will discuss how important the need for
the study is to your profession and groups in the wider communities. Avoid sentimental
statements: instead, use evidence (i.e., scholarly research findings) that makes your
case. Do not simply assert that your findings will potentially be valuable to professionals
in your field–explain why you think so. The surest way to do this is to cite research that
calls for the type of study you plan to do.
The study’s significance should be supported by a synthesis of scholarly literature.
Approximately 1 – 2 pages
Problem Statement and Purpose of the Deliverable
This section should expand on section 3.1 of the DPP.
Problem Statement
Write a statement of the problem or need for improvement at the capstone site or
program. Clearly describe the gap in current practice, service, process, policy, and/or
the identified outcome. Identify the performance gap you wish to close and the potential
root causes of the problem. State the purpose of the study.
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Purpose of the Deliverable
The purpose of the study is to answer the research question or provide practical
answers to a problem or weaknesses of the current practice, service, or process, policy.
This section should include:
• A summary of the intended outcomes of the study.
• An identification of who can benefit from this research and how they might
benefit.
• A statement of the purpose of the study and the need that it addresses.
• A statement about the outcomes or findings of the Capstone Project and how
they will be sustained.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Evidence/Data Used to Establish Rationale for Deliverable
The section should expand on section 2.2 in DPP and provide a rationale supported by
current information regarding the need for this Capstone Project.
This section should include:
• The results of a needs assessment or an analysis for the project.
• A description of issues identified in the workplace, project, or community.
• Any relevant population and organizational demographics and statistics related to
the proposed Capstone Project.
• A description of why the study is important.
• A description of whom the study will benefit.
Approximately 1 – 2 pages
Historical Background of the Problem
The section should expand on section 2.1 in DPP and include the following:
• An overview of the existing literature on the topic.
• A summary of recent research findings on the topic that highlights the most
relevant findings of the proposed study.
• A demonstration of how the proposed research could add to the existing
literature on the topic.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Organizational Context (Culture)
In the most basic sense, the organizational context may be understood as the
“background” or “environment” (not physical) in which the organization operates.
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An organization’s culture defines the proper way to behave within the organization.
This section should discuss the shared beliefs and values established by leaders and
then communicated and reinforced through various methods. Discuss how leaders’
values and beliefs shape employee perceptions, behaviors, and understanding.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Theoretical Framework
In this section, expand on section 2.3 in the DPP by discussing the theoretical
perspective of your capstone project. In this section of the literature review, cite the
major references to support your theoretical orientation, and briefly describe the
orientation.
Essentially, the “theoretical orientation” or framework is one’s “point of view” from which
one writes the capstone. Do not blur or blend theoretical frameworks unless they can be
authentically integrated and unless the objective of the capstone is best served by their
integration. In that case, you will need a careful description of all the relevant theories in
terms of their major references.
This section should include:
• A review or discussion of the theory that will guide the project.
• An explanation of how the theory or model defines the variables or constructs of
the study.
• An explanation of how the theory or model will guide the study.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Review of the Literature
Provide a review of the research literature on the topic. Discuss the body of existing
literature on the topic, then, summarizing recent research findings on the topic,
highlighting the findings that are most relevant to your proposed study, demonstrating
how your proposed research could add to the existing literature on the topic.
A literature review is not an annotated bibliography in which you summarize briefly
each article that you have reviewed. While a summary of what you have read is
contained within the literature review, it goes well beyond merely summarizing the
professional literature. It focuses on a specific topic of interest and includes a critical
analysis of the relationship between different works, and relating this research to your
work.
Depending on your research topic, you should expect to have 60-100 sources
included in your literature review. This section should be at least eight (8) pages.
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Approximately 8 – 10 pages
Synthesis of Research Findings
This is where you pull together the findings and discuss the larger themes,
inconsistencies, or relevant patterns based on the research studies you evaluated.
Note that this is not merely a summary of the literature. You should present
something new here that describes the bigger picture of the literature. In general,
here is where your reader will see what the literature leads you to conclude about
your own question, problem, or thesis.
Approximately 3 – 4 pages
Critique of the Previous Research Methods
In this section, examine the quality of the research you have reviewed. What are
the methodological strengths and limitations of the works you reviewed? How do
those weaknesses, in particular, affect your own argument? You will be considering
things such as the rigor of designs, sampling errors, size of samples, quality of
research instruments, appropriateness of statistical procedures, and any other
issues related to the quality of research.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Ethical Considerations
This section should expand section 6.1 of the DPP and summarize the sections of your
Ethical Paper. Describe any ethical considerations given the sample and/or topic.
This section should include:
• An explanation of how you plan to protect participants during recruitment, data
collection, and data analysis.
• A description of any ethical concerns related to researcher positionality and how
the concerns will be addressed.
• A description of any possible coercion and how it will be avoided.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Assumptions
In this section, you can expand upon Section 4.6 of the DPP.
Topic-Specific Assumptions
Previous research and literature on your topic may reveal other topic-specific
assumptions made by researchers in your field.
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When specifying your assumptions, particularly the major ones, you should refer to
literature where those assumptions are established or where they are simply
“stipulated” by earlier researchers. Any assumptions (indeed, any design element) that
have been accepted in a peer-reviewed journal article can safely be made in your
capstone.
Theoretical Assumptions
These are assumptions that underlie the theory that you are using for the
theoretical framework. What must be true for the theory to be accurate? This is
what you need to explain.
If your findings contradict what was anticipated, then it may be due to an
assumption of the theory that supports your theoretical framework.
Methodological Assumptions
This is where you discuss the ontological, epistemological, and axiological
assumptions that underlie the research methodology of your capstone project.
Make sure to cite a peer-reviewed article about these assumptions to support
your explanations for the assumptions, and then apply each assumption to your
capstone project.
Approximately 2 – 3 pages
Limitations
In this section, you will expand on section 4.7 of the DPP.
There are basically two forms of limitations you must discuss. The first group comprises
any important issues regarding your research problem, which for one reason or another,
you are not going to investigate. The second group contains elements of the study that
limit its validity or credibility, its capacity for generalization, and so on–in other words,
flaws in the design. Please remember that all research has limitations, so
acknowledging them does not diminish your findings!
Approximately 1 – 2 pages
Organization of the Remainder of the Study
Summarize the main points of Section 1. Background, provide a transition to Section 2.
Process and then give the reader an overview of the content of the remaining sections.
Approximately 1 – 2 pages
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SECTION 2. PROCESS
Introduction
You should provide an introduction that summarizes the process you used to conduct
your capstone project and what will be covered in Section 2.
The Action Research Monograph Deliverable should provide the purpose of the
literature review.
Approximately 1 – 2 pages
Project Design/Method
This section should expand on section 4.1 and describe the Capstone Project research
design.
This section should include:
• A description of the methodology (qualitative or quantitative).
• A description of the design (case study, generic qualitative, correlation, etc.).
• A description of the type of action research (participatory action, critical action
research, action science research, or appreciative inquiry).
• A description of what data will be collected (validated instruments, interviews,
archival data, organization policies, and procedures, etc.).
A description of data analysis that will be used (thematic analysis, descriptive statistics,
inferential statistics).
The Action Research Monograph Deliverable should:
• Define the type of thematic literature review.
• Method of Searching or how you found the sources that you used for your
literature review. Make sure to identify all the databases you used, as well as
search terms. Explain how you might have combined search terms or used other
search procedures, such as limiting searches to certain types of publications.
• Provide in detail how you conducted your literature review.
• Source: Grant, M. J., & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: An analysis of 14
review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries
Journal, 26(2), 91-108. doi:10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x
Approximately 4 – 5 pages
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Project Outcomes
This section should expand on Section 3.1 and provide information about the purpose of
conducting your project.
This section should include:
• A summary of the intended outcomes of the study.
• An identification of who can benefit from this research and how they might
benefit.
• A statement of the purpose of the study and the need that it addresses.
• A statement about the outcomes or findings of the Capstone Project and how
they will be sustained.
Approximately 4 – 5 pages
Development Process
Describe the steps and time it took to complete the Capstone Project. Provide a quarterby-quarter listing of activities from start to finish. Describe the exact procedures that
were carried out to complete the study.
This section should provide the following information:
• A brief description of the data source, the sampling plan, and inclusion and
exclusion criteria.
• The recruitment strategies (where applicable).
• The name of the agency.
• The type of agency (profit, nonprofit, government).
• The population served.
• The agency’s mission and/or human services they provide.
• The name of the authorized individual allowing the use of the organization or site.
• A statement of whether the site has an IRB.
• The process to obtain permission to access the stakeholders, population, or data
source.
• How will potential participants first be contacted? How will participants be
contacted following the study?
This section should expand the following sections of the DPP: Section 5.1, 5.2, .5.4, 5.5,
and 5.6.
Approximately 4 – 5 pages
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Assessment Plan
In this section, expand on section 4.4 of the DPP and detail the actual data analyses to
be conducted to address each research question.
For each research question and sub-question, provide the following:
• A description of the data source.
• A description of how raw data will be analyzed (transcription, calculation of
scaled variables, etc.).
• A description of how data will be managed, processed, and prepared.
• The method of qualitative analysis or statistical analysis.
• A description of how data will be stored and protected.
• What type of analysis was used in the study.
SECTION 3. APPLICATION
Introduction
The focus of this section is about how the findings can be utilized. For many people, it is
the most important discussion point! Be careful not to over-promise how the findings
can be utilized (e.g., “Utilizing the findings of this study would eliminate any errors from
ever being made again!”). It is preferable to be conservative when considering the
potential applications of the findings than to over-state them.
This section includes a discussion about relevant outcomes and findings as well as
applications and potential benefits of those applications.
Relevant Outcomes and Findings
The purpose of this section is to refresh the reader’s understanding of the overall
study by providing a concise summary of the outcomes.
It should include the following:
• restate the need for the study
• explain the study’s significance
• very briefly indicate the literature reviewed (particularly new findings published
while the capstone was being completed)
• the methodology used
• a very concise recapitulation of the study’s findings.
In a thematic literature review, you will provide information about the major themes that
resulted from the literature review.
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Application and Benefits
• Provide a detailed discussion on the applicability of the findings with
respect to the professional practice of human service agencies.
• Explain how and why the findings are relevant to improve organizational
practices.
• State to whom the results relate, and how the results might be
disseminated.
• Drawing upon the specifics of your findings, provide several practical
suggestions for the implementation of your findings, conducting additional
studies, or replicating your project in other industries, organizations, or
fields of practice.
 A description of whom the study will benefit. A description of the specific
practical implications (who may benefit) from the research that can be used by
any or all of the following stakeholders:
o the population being studied,
o practitioners, clinicians, or medical practitioners,
o community-based service providers or health organizations,
o educators, colleges/universities or
the wider community itself.
• Target Audience
• Expand on Section 1.1 and 4.5 of the DPP.
Implications for Professional Specialization
Expand on sections 2.5
• Discuss the practical implications your research has for the wider
community of stakeholders.
• Describe how the findings contribute to the gaps in the practitioner
knowledge base of your industry, specialization, organization, and/or field.
Ensure the interpretations do not exceed the data, findings, and scope of
the project.
2. Recommendations
• Describe recommendations developed directly from the data.
• These are the typical “recommendations for further study,” built directly on
the outcomes of your study.
• Recommendations derived from methodological, research design, or other
limitations of the study. Once again, these are typical and frequent. They
build directly on the limitations described in the previous section.
3. Conclusion
• This section should begin with a concise summary of the capstone and
then move on to overall conclusions. Note that conclusions are the ideas
that you arrive at by considering the summary. Therefore, in this section,
the writer sums up the capstone, offers a final description (always concise,
sometimes eloquent) of the answers to the research question, and
provides closure to the manuscript as a whole.
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• Here the writer may provide a rhetorical suggestion for how the study
could be used in furthering our understanding of the problem dealt with.
Some researchers, in conclusion, exhibit a more lyrical and personal tone,
but usually, this is discouraged in favor of consistency of tone.
• End with a discussion about what you learned about the field of human
services in developing, implementing, and evaluating the project.

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