8: Thesis/Dissertation – Review of Literature Methodology
Purpose
To develop a systematic strategy to identify, access and review key research (and other) literature relevant to the problem you anticipate addressing by your dissertation project. Dr. Mohler, in his syllabus for this course, stated:
One of the most daunting tasks in beginning research is conducting the literature review. Once you have a potential research question (and often before it is completely solidified), you conduct a literature review to determine whether others have researched the topic and what they found. The best research (1) examines something totally new, (2) fills a gap that no one has examined, or (3) confirms a study that has already taken place. The literature review also gives you further depth/expertise in the area of study; may provide suggestions
Description
The review of the literature section is an essential component of every quality research project. To generate such a section will require systematic effort over an extended period of time. The following steps and components are REQUIRED and must be contained in your submittal in this order! Use sub-headings as appropriate.
1. Create a paragraph that describes your project’s problem and purpose as you perceive it at this stage
2. Generate a set of concepts that are relevant to your problem statement. Note, it may be necessary for you to also generate a one sentence definition of each concept
3. Develop a one-page graphic sketch, i.e., a Concept Map, that illustrates the RELATIONSHIPS among your key concepts.
4. Identify the two or three most promising library databases (be specific, provide both the provider’s name and the specific database name!) to search for relevant literature and describe your rationale for selecting these databases. You must include a Dissertation/Thesis database in this list
5. Familiarize yourself with the characteristics of each database you have selected (e.g., type of contents, existence of a thesaurus, search capabilities, etc.). Note that generally each database provides a set of guides or hints as to how one uses its special features. Then describe AND diagram, using a Venn diagram, the search strategy you will use to search each database. Strategy refers to the search terms AND Boolean logic you will use to search the database
7. Conduct and record the results of each search using the table format provided below. To do this you will need to learn how to download search results to your computer search results to your computer.
Database Name: Date:
Search # Search Term(s) Hits Useful File Name
1. Technological Literacy or Technical Literacy 5,629
2. k-12 education 4,960
3. S1 + S2 92
4. S1 + S2 Since 2015 28 12 TLK12-2015
8. Review the results of your searches and evaluate how effective you have been. Revise your procedures and repeat any of the above steps as needed to secure a quality search. You are encouraged to consult with the reference librarians at this stage even if you have already consulted with them to begin with.
9. The steps above will result in your identifying an initial set of resources that should be reviewed and used to begin the population/writing of four critically important sections of your review of the literature narrative as required for high quality research proposals. You will need to structure your submittal for this assignment (5) using the side headings of:
A. Methodology for the Review of the Literature
o This section documents the procedures you use to conduct your search of relevant research literature. It should communicate how systematic, thoughtful, and careful you were.
o Include the concept map, a rationale for the selection of the databases you searched, the Venn diagrams of your search logic, and one or more tables reporting your search results.
B. Literature findings documenting the problem
o A narrative describing evidence that documents the existence of the problem you are addressing and its significance
C. Literature findings documenting the purposes
o A narrative describing evidence as to why the purpose you are addressing is a logical direction to pursue and that it is important to do so
D. Research methodology of related studies
o A narrative describing the strengths and weaknesses of the research methods employed by others conducting similar research to your proposed study. The goal is to provide a foundation for the decisions that you will need to make when you decide on how to conduct your research.
10. Develop an APA-formatted REFERENCE LIST of the most important sources you have identified and used in your narrative.
11. Submit all of the above in a circa of 5-15 pages that clearly communicate each of the above points.
Thesis/Dissertation – Review of Literature Assessment Rubric
Developer: Rater:
Criterion M S E Comments
1. Suitable Form
A. Cover page
B. Proper sequence
C. Citations/Quotes indicated correctly
D. Figures & Tables with captions
E. Reference List per APA
F. Consistent w GS Template Two
G. Evidence it was sent to Professor
2. Proofreading
A. Corrections
B. Spelling
C. Grammar
3. Writing Style
A. Appropriateness
B. Transitions
C. Word Choice
4. Content — Characteristics:
A. Appropriateness
B. Thoroughness
C. Organization & Logic
D. Persuasiveness & Significance
5. Content – Sections included:
A. Intro & context
• Problem & Purpose being addressed
B. Methodology of the review
• Concept map
• Databases identified w full name
• Dissertations searched for
• Rationale for database selection
• Search results reported w table As per sample
• Findings re the Problem 1-2 pages Minimum
• Findings re the Purpose 1-2 pages Minimum
• Findings re Research Methodology 1-2 pages Minimum
• Reflective Analysis of search quality
C. References Outdented & in APA format
6. Classmate’s critique
A. Thoroughness
B. Constructiveness
(M=Marginal S=Satisfactory E=Excellent)
10: Thesis/Dissertation Project Detail Statements
Definitions, Assumptions, Delimitations, & Limitations Statements
Purpose
To develop a coherent set of statements and acknowledgements that explicitly communicate key characteristics necessary to understand the details of your proposed dissertation project.
Description
To assist you in clarifying your intent, given the context provided by your statement of the problem, answer the following questions. Students typically submit 5-10 pages. Use APA style guidelines throughout.
1. Develop a list of definitions of terms/concepts central to your proposed study. Be sure to indicate sources for definitions you are quoting or if they are your own, designate them as operational definitions. Remember that quotes must be indicated as such, and their in-text citations require the page number of the source document where the quote may be found.
2. Describe the assumptions you are making in your proposed study. For example, that survey respondents will provide truthful answers and not just the ones they think the researcher wishes to hear.
3. Specify the delimitations that define the scope of what is to be addressed by your study and what is excluded.
4. Include descriptions of any limitations, i.e., weaknesses or restrictions on inference or generalizability or validity, that are beyond your control
5. Organize your responses using the side headings of: Definitions, Assumptions, Delimitations, Delimitations. Note the sequence is not critical.
6. Include an outdented, alpha-ordered reference list at the end of this section. This MUST be formatted exactly as per the APA Publication Guide, 7th edition. Points will be lost for nonconforming listings. Do not bullet or number references.
7. After the reference list add a paragraph indicating why the sources you cited are of high quality
12: Chapter 3: Research Methodology Draft
Purpose
To develop a coherent set of statements and acknowledgements that explicitly communicate key characteristics necessary to understand the details of your proposed research project.
Description
To assist you in clarifying your intent, given the context provided by your statement of the problem, answer the following questions. Students typically generate 5-15 pages. Use APA style guidelines throughout.
1. An introductory narrative restating in summary form the problem & purpose of your proposed study.
2. A statement about the type of research that you are proposing to conduct
3. A graphic flowchart illustrating the proposed steps of procedure involved in conducting the project
Be sure to describe how you will answer each Research Questions, test each Hypothesis, and develop each Deliverable. These narratives may include separate treatment of each of the points (#4 – 9) below.
4. A description of the scope, population, and samples you propose
5. An overview of the variables, instrumentation, and methods you propose to collect your data.
6. Description of any treatment (if any) you subject your samples to
7. Procedures to establish the reliability and validity of your data
8. A description of how you plan to address the RCR (Responsible Conduct of Research) requirements of your project. This includes identification of applicable Human Subjects (IRB) review as well as and applicable discipline-specific RCR aspects.
9. A description of the analyses and apriori significance levels you propose to apply to your data
10. A detailed time/action plan (Gantt Chart) presenting your estimates of time requirements for each major activity in your proposal
11. Include an outdented, alpha-ordered reference list at the end of this section. This MUST be formatted exactly as per the APA Publication Guide, 7th edition. Points will be lost for nonconforming listings. Do not bullet or number listings.
13: Major Course Project, i.e., Dissertation Proposal Draft
Purpose
1. To demonstrate scholarly proficiency in assembling thoughts and writing on a topic of relevance to the general objectives of this course and of particular interest to you.
2. To support the student’s most likely area of dissertation/thesis research.
3. To conceptualize and systematically document a research project pertinent to technology in the form of an in-depth proposal.
Description
The major course assignment will consist of a draft dissertation research proposal formatted with Template-2. As much as is possible at this time, it should be similar to your final dissertation. This is an opportunity to build your real proposal. There are 5 distinct components to this assignment, and all should be compiled into one coherent assignment and submitted by the due date in the course schedule. They are:
1. Front pages as per Template-Two (10 points)
2. One-page Proposal Abstract
3. Chapter 1: Introduction Problem & Purpose (20 points)
4. Chapter 2: Review of the Literature (25 points)
5. Chapter 3: Proposed Methodology (30 points)
6. References (15 points)
7. Appendices (if any)
1. Students should interact with their major professor, to the extent that s/he deems it appropriate, to evolve their proposal in a manner consistent with the professor’s guidance and requirements.
3. Subsequently, students will research the topic, organize their thoughts, and develop a proposal (circa 25 – 65 pages) that addresses the stated purposes. Students will submit a draft of this proposal to a designated classmate providing sufficient time for peer review and your subsequent revision prior to the designated submittal deadline in BrightSpace. After receiving their classmate’s critique and making appropriate revisions, Standard paper requirements apply: professional formatting, proper style, full documentation, etc. The paper will be expected to evidence:
a. Systematic and extensive review of the literature
b. Careful organization and writing to an outline
c. Careful attention to proper form and quality control
d. Well-structured form and presentation
e. Attributes of publishability
4. Students will submit a final version of their project proposal by the due date indicated in the syllabus.
5. IF possible-Prepare a thoughtful critique identifying strengths and weaknesses of the draft proposal submitted to you and communicate your perceptions to your classmate using the supplied critique form in addition to oral comment.
Assignment 13: Dissertation Research Proposal Documentation Check List
Developer: Rater:
Criterion M S E Comments
1. Suitable Form
A. Cover page
B. Layout
C. Citations & Quotes
E. Reference List
F. Figures & Tables
G. Consistent w GS Template Two
2. Proofreading
A. Corrections
B. Spelling
C. Grammar
3. Writing Style
A. Appropriateness
B. Transitions
C. Word Choice
4. Content — Characteristics:
A. Appropriateness
B. Thoroughness
C. Organization & Logic
D. Persuasiveness & Significance
5. Content – Sections included:
A. Cover & Front-end pages
B. Chp 1: Introduction
• Prob., purpose, signf. section
• Def’s, assum’s, limit’s, delim’… sections
C. Chp 2: Review of Literature
• Methodology of RoL
• Findings re the Problem
• Findings re the Purpose
• Findings re Research Methodology
D Chp 3: Methodology section
• Introduction & Context
• Methodology details
• Re each RQ, HO, and/or Deliverable
• Population & Sample
• Reliability & validity
• RCR
• Analysis
E. References
F. Appendices
6. Classmate’s proposal critique
A. Thoroughness
B. Constructiveness
(M=Marginal S=Satisfactory E=Excellent)
Dissertation Research Proposal Critique Form
Reviewer’s Draft Proposal
name: author:
Draft Proposal
title: _______________________________________________________________
Length Style guide
# of pages: _______ used: _ APA _ IEEE _ Other: ______
Date & time received from author: _________ Date & time received from reviewer: ___________
The purpose of the term project critique process is to help the author communicate his/her thoughts more clearly, i.e., to write better! Please be constructive and thorough in your review. As you read the paper, mark your comments directly on the term paper draft provided to you. Then use this form to summarize your remarks and give it and the critiqued draft back to the author. Be certain to record receipt and return dates above.
1. How clearly did the author establish the project’s main theme? Does the title highlight the theme?
2. Is the topic developed logically? Can one follow the reasoning easily and does it build sequentially to a conclusion? What would help to improve this characteristic?
3. Does the document communicate the significance of the project? Or, after reading it can one simply say, “so what”? What would make the project more important?
4. Are the important terms/concepts clearly defined? If not, which need to be clarified?
5. What is(are) the project’s best & weakest feature(s)?
6. Are the references used effectively? What would improve their use?
7. What are the documentation’s major grammatical weaknesses if any? Is there a problem with spelling? With format? With style? With reference format?
14: Thesis/Dissertation Research Proposal Presentation
Purpose
1. To demonstrate scholarly effectiveness in preparing compact oral communication packages and supporting materials
2. To practice effective and efficient delivery of complex project descriptions in the scholarly mode.
Description
1. After you have developed your draft research project proposal, you will then need to communicate its essential elements in a short six-eight-minute presentation to your classmates. It is expected that you will support this oral presentation video along with a quality PowerPoint or other form of visual on-screen communication. Note that you have to appear on screen presenting the PowerPoints. You are also encouraged to consider whether a one- or two-page handout would help communicate your proposed project.
2. Because there will not be enough class time for everyone to present their proposal to the class in person, each student will need to submit a video of their presentation to BrightSpace. Only .mp4 or .mov file formats will be accepted.
3. You will need to be prepared to respond to questions from your classmates and your professor.
4. If time permits, you will be evaluating some of your classmate’s presentations using the supplied checklist.
5. Please submit the video to BrightSpace via the Media Space/Kaltura method and be sure to ALSO submit the PowerPoint file you presented on the video. This assignment is the only one for which you may submit two files into the assignment folder in BrightSpace.
6. Also post the video to the Proposal Presentation thread in our course wiki in BrightSpace
Assignment 14: Dissertation Research Proposal
Presentation Assessment
Presenter: Rater:
Criterion M S E Comments
1. Voice
A. Projection
B. Inflection
C. Other
2. Positioning
A. Posture
B. Location
C. Other
3. Oral content
A. Knowledge of topics
B. Amount/Appropriateness
• Intro, Problem & Significance
• Purpose
• Delim, Lim, Defs, Assump.
• Review of Lit
• Procedures
• Reliability & validity
C. Responsiveness to questions
D. Communicated essentials
4. Eye contact
A. Variety
B. Duration
5. Interaction (if presented to class)
A. Questioning
B. Reinforcement
C. Effectiveness/Timing
D. Assertiveness
6. Use of media
A. Effectiveness
B. Legibility
C. Command of technology
7. Use of handouts
A. Effectiveness
B. Legibility
C. Command of technology
(M=Marginal S=Satisfactory E=Excellent)
Course Objectives
1. Develop a working knowledge of the vocabulary and concepts of research & development, define research and the value of research skills, and describe the types of knowledge yielded by scientific and applied research and development.
2. Demonstrate systematic thought processes used in scientific thinking and knowledge development.
3. State the main perspectives of key research paradigms/frameworks and identify differences and similarities between quantitative and qualitative researchers in their epistemological assumptions and typical methodologies.
4. Explain the role of the manager in effective planning, implementing, conducting and evaluating research.
5. Identify and describe the key steps in the research process, including proposal generation, design, methodology, data collection, analysis of findings, and written and oral presentation of results.
6. Demonstrate mastery of ethics and the responsible conduct of research, both general and discipline-specific, and including human subjects research requirements (IRB), by giving examples of possible research situations involving legal, ethical, or human relations issues, and describing how such issues can be handled effectively
7. Explain how a literature review helps a researcher design a study, and identify relevant research journals, and describe the major steps involved in conducting a literature review
8. Evaluate and critically report on research studies., i.e., discriminate “good” from “bad” research as reported in academic, business and trade journals
9. Focus on a research problem, locate it in its theoretical context, adapt and implement the concepts and definitions related to applied research and development and subsequently develop and present a detailed research proposal that demonstrates effective, efficient writing and organization.
10. Explain the meaning of population and identify factors to be considered in determining an appropriate sample.
11. State the appropriate steps for collecting research data with, but not limited to, instrumentation, questionnaires, interviews and observations and describe the relative advantages and limitations of each – in particular with respect to reliability and validity
12. Describe the selection and use of statistics in qualitative and quantitative research, and appropriately apply and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics.
13. Employ rigorous standards and conventions in formatting research documentation.
Course Objectives
Topics 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
1 Intro to the research course
2 Problem…
3 Purpose…
4 Review of Literature
5 Descriptive Research…
6 Quantitative Research…
7 Research process…
8 Population & Sampling…
9 Data Collection…
10 Reliability & Validity…
11 Analysis…
12 Your dissertation…
13 IRB Human Subjects
14 Project critiques…
15 Student Presentations…