Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and School of ...



>Insert Title Here<

FOR USE WITH QUALITATIVE METHODS

Please note that this is only a template. Relevant headings and subheadings should be included or excluded (particularly with grounded theory approaches).

by

>Insert Name Here<

An Applied Dissertation Submitted to the

Abraham S. Fischler College of Education

in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements

for the Degree of Doctor of Education

Nova Southeastern University

>Insert Year Here<

Approval Page

This applied dissertation was submitted by >Insert Name< under the direction of the persons listed below. It was submitted to the Abraham S. Fischler College of Education and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education at Nova Southeastern University.

>Insert Name and Degree, e.g., Al Smith, EdD<

Committee Chair

>Insert Name and Degree<

Committee Member

Kimberly Durham, PsyD

Dean

Statement of Original Work

I declare the following:

I have read the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility as described in the Student Handbook of Nova Southeastern University. This applied dissertation represents my original work, except where I have acknowledged the ideas, words, or material of other authors.

Where another author’s ideas have been presented in this applied dissertation, I have acknowledged the author’s ideas by citing them in the required style.

Where another author’s words have been presented in this applied dissertation, I have acknowledged the author’s words by using appropriate quotation devices and citations in the required style.

I have obtained permission from the author or publisher—in accordance with the required guidelines—to include any copyrighted material (e.g., tables, figures, survey instruments, large portions of text) in this applied dissertation manuscript.

___________________________

Name >above the rule, type your name<

___________________________

Date >above the rule, type the current date, e.g., May 31, 2016<

Abstract

Xxxx xx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx xx Xxxxx Xxxxxxxx xxx xx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx. [the first element is the applied dissertation title] Xxxxx Xxxxxxx [student’s name], 2016: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler College of Education. Keywords: xxxxxxx, xxx xxxxxx, xxxx xxxxxxx, xxxxxx

The first paragraph must contain all of the elements shown in this sample. The applied dissertation title, your name (surname last), and the year must be identical to the title, name, and year on the title page.

Single-space within each paragraph, but double-space between paragraphs. Do not indent the first lines of paragraphs. The narrative portion (i.e., after the informational first paragraph) of the abstract should be 220-270 words. The abstract must not exceed one page in length. See section 2.04 of the APA manual for content guidelines.

Table of Contents

Page

Chapter 1: Introduction 1

Xxxxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxx 1

Xxxxxxxx Xxxx Xxxxxx 2

Xxxxxxxx Xxxxx 4

Chapter 2: Literature Review 6

Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 6

Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx 9

Xxxxxx xx xxx Xxxx 11

Xxxxxxxxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx 14

Chapter 3: Methodology 24

Xxxxxx 24

Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx 25

Xxxxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxxx 27

Chapter 4: Findings 29

Xxxxxxxxxx xxx Xxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxx 29

Xxxxxxxxxxx xx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx 39

Xxxxxx xx Xxxxxx Xxxxxx 43

Chapter 5: Discussion 46

Xxxxxxxx 46

Xxxxxxxxxx 50

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 54

Xxxxxxxx xx Xxxx 57

References 59

Appendices

A Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case—Begin a Second Line Directly Below the First Line 60

B Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 62

Tables

1 Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 10

2 Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 48

Figure

Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 47

Chapter 1: Introduction

Statement of the Problem

This should include (a) a clear statement that the problem exists, (b) evidence that supports the existence of the problem, (c) evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem, (d) definitions of major concepts and terms (this can be provided below in a subsection), (e) a clear description of the setting, (f) probable causes related to the problem, and (g) a specific and feasibly statement. Specific subtopics may include the following.

Phenomenon of interest. Discuss the phenomenon in general; set the literary hook to draw the reader’s interest.

Background and justification. Provide evidence from the literature and experience showing that the problem exists and the relevance (perceived justification for studying the phenomenon). The phenomenon should be discussed within specific context and include assumptions, biases, experience, intuitions, and perceptions related to the belief that inquiry into the phenomenon is important. This section should also include the background of the site and how the main research problem is experienced at that site.

Deficiencies in the evidence. Include a brief discussion that details the area of need in relation to the problem and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.

Audience. Discuss who is affected and who benefits from reading the dissertation.

Definition of Terms

Provide complete scientific definitions and appropriate references if necessary. Include as many terms or variables as needed.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose statement should provide a general statement regarding the overall purpose of the study (see Creswell, 2008, for examples of qualitative purpose statements). Key points to keep in mind when preparing a purpose statement are as follows:

1. Create a sentence that begins with “The purpose of this study is . . .”

2. Clearly identify and define the central concepts or ideas of the study.

3. Identify the central phenomenon to be explored.

4. Indicate the participants and research site.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

The literature review should contain the following elements and should be distinguished through the use of APA level-2 or 3 headings: (a) an introduction to the section; (b) a discussion of the theoretical perspective (theoretical lens) within which the study will be grounded; (c) a historical context of the study; (d) a synthesis of the findings in a “state-of-knowledge” summary in regard to the problem area, including additional evidence as to the nature and the importance of the phenomenon; (e) an identification of gaps and limitations of the literature; (f) a clear discussion of how further research should extend, differ from, or replicate past studies; and (g) an articulation of the unique contribution of the intended dissertation study.

Research Questions

The research questions are based on the problem or area of need and on the research reviewed. The research questions should adhere to the following guidelines: (a) formation of question or questions based on theory, previous research (i.e., the literature review), and focus of the inquiry; and (b) stated in the form of a question.

Central question—the overarching question you explore in the research study

Subquestions—divides the central question into smaller, specific questions

Issue subquestions—narrow the focus of the central question into specific issues

Chapter 3: Methodology

Aim of the Study

This section should include a brief description of the general aim of the study.

Qualitative Research Approach

Provide some background to the approach and why it is a good strategy for your research. This section should include the following:

1. Identify the specific strategy of inquiry to be used with references (e.g., narrative, phenomenology, case study, ethnographic).

2. Provide some background information about the strategy (e.g., applications of and brief definition for discipline origin).

3. Discuss the intended outcome from this type of strategy.

4. Discuss the source of this strategy.

5. Discuss why it is an appropriate strategy.

6. Identify how the use of this approach will shape the type of questions asked, the form of data collection, and the steps of data analysis.

Participants

This section should include the following elements: (a) the participants should be defined, consistent with the Purpose Statement and the Research Questions (this should also include demographic information such as age, gender, and ethnicity), and (b) a discussion of the type of sampling with reference citations (e.g., purposive, criterion, snowball sampling technique).

This section should contain a discussion about participants and the site, including the following: (a) the setting, (b) the criteria of participants to be in the study (who will be interviewed), (c) the events (what will participants be observed or interviewed doing), (d) the process (the evolving nature of events undertaken by the participants within the setting), and (e) the type or types of data to be collected (e.g., focus groups, observations, interviews, documents, audio and visual material; be specific about the strengths and weaknesses of each type).

Data Collection Tools

If established instruments will be utilized, this section will detail each data-collection instrument. The relevant information pertaining to each instrument should include the source or developers of the instrument and any other salient information. Also permission from the author must be granted or you must state why permission was not necessary. Both the instrument and a permission note must also appear in the appendix. If an original instrument is created, you must identify the influencing literature. Additionally, describe how the instrument was validated; you may explain that is was piloted and reviewed by a group of experts. The actual instrument should be included in the dissertation document as an appendix.

Procedures

The Procedures section will be based directly on the research questions (central and subquestions). Specifically, this is the “how-to” section of the study: how the data will be collected based on the questions of interest. This section should read like a

step-by-step recipe of how the study, beginning with IRB approval, will be conducted.

Data Analysis

Name the steps involved in conducting an analysis of qualitative data. Describe how the data will be organized and transcribed. Discuss the coding, pattern, and theme development procedures of the transcripts or text files. If used, discuss specific qualitative software you will use to assist in organizing collected data. Make sure that the approach used for the study is reflective in the language used when describing the analysis. For example, a phenomenological study has specific language when describing the stages of analysis.

Ethical Considerations

This section should describe how you will maintain ethics of the study. Preserve anonymity and keep the documents secure.

Trustworthiness

This section should demonstrate aspects of the study’s validity and reliability. Why should your study be trusted? Check the accuracy of your findings and interpretation by including the following: (a) member checking—asking members to check the accuracy of the account and (b) triangulation—using corroborating evidence.

Potential Research Bias

In this section, describe your own bias of the topic, whether personal or professional. Also, you should explain the plan to manage potential bias.

Limitations

Include any limitations, restrictions, or constraints that may affect the dissertation outcomes.

Chapter 4: Findings

Findings are discussed according to the qualitative approach. This section should include quotes from interviews with informants or from analyzed documents to illustrate themes and findings.

Examples of Approaches:

• Phenomenology

• Case Study

• Grounded Theory

• Ethnography

• Narrative

• Historical Narrative

For instance, in grounded theory, the aim is the generation of theoretical constructs. In this section, then, you would have findings from the process of memo writing, theoretical sampling, sorting, saturation, the review of literature, and developing the theory.

With an ethnographic approach, the findings may be reported in a smooth, flowing description narrative. The aim of the narrative is to portray a full context of the experiences and the culture of research participants as observed and analyzed.

With phenomenology, the findings will be reported differently. Examples might include (a) a description of experiential themes, (b) a description of the essences of experience, and (c) a description of relationships among essences.

Chapter 5: Discussion

While you write this section incorporate the following: (a) your interpretation of the findings supported by literature (b) existing literature and practice in the area of study which supports findings, and (c) the utilization of the theoretical framework (if applicable).

Possible Headings …

Overview of Findings

Meanings and Understandings (should include references)

Findings Linked to Existing literature

Research Significance

Implications of the Study

Directions for Future Research

Conclusions and Recommendations

References[pic]

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