Please note: While the proposal is generally written
in the present and future tense, the dissertation is
always written in past tense. The following tips assume that you already
have a topic selected:
| 1. Introduction
(1-2 pages) |
- If you really need to write an introduction, it should
capture the reader’s interest but don’t get
hung up on making it perfect.
|
- You can write this section last. Your best overview of
the project may come after you have written the other sections.
|
| 2. Problem Statement |
- Formulate a research question then restate the question
in the form of a statement: note the adverse consequences
of the problem.
|
- The type of study determines the kinds of question you
should formulate: Is there something wrong in society,
theoretically unclear or in dispute, or historically worth
studying? Is there a program, drug, project, or product
that needs evaluation? What do you intend to create or
produce and how will it be of value to you and society?
|
| 3. Background |
- Capture the reader’s interest and convince him/her
of the significance of the problem.
|
- Give at least three reasons why the problem you have
chosen is important to you and society, and specify
at least two concrete examples of the problem.
|
| 4. Purpose |
- Begin with “The purpose of this study is to…” change,
interpret, understand, evaluate, or analyze the problem.
|
- State your goal completely, remembering that it should
be some form of investigative activity.
|
| 5. Significance |
- Focus on the benefits of your study not the research
problem.
|
- Place yourself in the position of responding to someone
who says “so what?” Provide a persuasive rationale
for your argument by answering the following questions:
Why is your study important? To whom is it important? What
can happen to society, or theory, or a program if the study
is done or not done?
|
| 6. Methodology |
- Describe in technical language your research perspective
and your past, present, or possible future points of view.
|
- List three research methodologies you could use, and
describe why each might be appropriate and feasible. Select
the most viable method.
|
| 7. Literature Review |
- Locate and briefly describe those studies and theories
that support and oppose your approach to the problem. In
other words, place the proposed study in context through
a critical analysis of selected research reports.
|
- Be sure to include alternative methodological approaches
that have been used by others who studied your problem.
|
| 8. Hypotheses |
- State clearly and succinctly what you expect the results
of your study to show.
|
- Focus more on the substantive nature of what you expect
to find and less on how you will test for those expectations.
|
| 9. Definition of Terms |
- Describe for the reader the exact meaning of all terms
used in the problem, purpose and methodology sections.
Include any terms that, if not defined, might confuse the
reader.
|
- State the clearest definition of each term using synonyms,
analogies, descriptions, examples etc. Define any theoretical
terms as they are defined by proponents of the theory you
are using.
|
| 10. Assumptions |
- Describe untested and un-testable positions, basic values,
world views, or beliefs that are assumed in your study.
|
- Your examination should extend to your methodological
assumptions, such as the attitude you have toward different
analytic approaches and data-gathering methods. Make the
reader aware of your own biases.
|
| 11. Scope & Limitations |
- Disclose any conceptual and methodological limitations
|
- Use the following questions to identify the limitations
of your study: What kind of design, sampling, measurement,
and analysis would be used “in the best of all possible
worlds”? How far from these ideals is your study
likely to be?
|
| 12. Procedure |
- Describe in detail all the steps you will carry out to
choose subjects, construct variables, develop hypotheses,
gather and present data, such that another researcher could
replicate your work.
|
- Remember the presentation of data never speaks for itself,
it must be interpreted.
|
| 13. Long-Range Consequences |
- Think ahead approximately three years after the completion
of your dissertation project. What are the long-term
consequences of your having done the study or not done
the study?
|
- If you carry out the study successfully your results
will: confirm your hypothesis; contradict your hypothesis;
or possibly be inconclusive.
|
This is just one example
of articles written by Dr. Wendy Carter for the TA-DA! newsletter.
Subscribe to this free publication and receive helpful tips,
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Wendy Y. Carter, Ph.D.
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