Research Prospectus Draft View Rubric Due Date June 28, 2017

Research Prospectus Draftview Rubricdue Datejun 28, 2017 235959max

The research prospectus will serve as the framework for your dissertation proposal, and it is considered the foundational document for your dissertation. The research prospectus will also assist your dissertation chair in providing valuable feedback to guide you in your dissertation. Prepare this assignment using the Prospectus Template, based on your "10 Key Strategic Points" or your previous working prospectus, following APA guidelines. The draft should be approximately 7-9 pages in length, clearly addressing each section.

Paper For Above instruction

The research prospectus is a comprehensive document that lays the groundwork for a doctoral dissertation by detailing the research focus, background, theoretical framework, literature review, problem statement, research questions, significance, methodology, data collection and analysis procedures, and ethical considerations. This paper provides an in-depth overview of each component, demonstrating how they interconnect to form a cohesive blueprint for the intended study.

Introduction

The introduction succinctly presents the research focus or problem, elucidating why this study is of significance and how it will be executed. It highlights the importance of the investigation and sets the stage for the subsequent sections by articulating the core topic and its relevance within the broader field. For instance, if exploring leadership development in remote workplaces, the introduction would emphasize the increasing prevalence of remote work and the need to understand effective leadership strategies in this context. This section should be about one paragraph, clearly articulating the research's purpose without gaps that could leave the reader uncertain about the study's intent.

Background of the Problem

This section traces the historical evolution and current state of the problem, summarizing existing literature, trends, and gaps in knowledge. It contextualizes the research by discussing prior studies and highlighting areas that need further exploration. For example, if investigating technological adoption in schools, the background would review past research on digital integration, current challenges, and unmet needs. It should be two to three paragraphs, comprehensive and well-supported with literature, ensuring no gaps that might cause confusion.

Theoretical Foundations and/or Conceptual Framework

This section identifies the foundational theories or models guiding the research. It explains how these frameworks relate to the problem, informing the research questions, variables, and phenomena under investigation. For example, using Rogers' Diffusion of Innovations theory to examine technology adoption, this section would articulate how the theory's constructs underpin the investigation. It should be one paragraph, clearly connecting theory to research and justifying its relevance, leaving no gaps in understanding.

Review of the Literature Themes/Topics

This section lists major themes or topics derived from the literature that relate to the research, providing a brief description and citing supporting sources. For example, themes in a study on health disparities might include socioeconomic factors, access to healthcare, and cultural influences, each supported by literature citations. Each theme/topic should be succinctly described in one or two sentences, with at least one reference, ensuring clarity and comprehensive coverage without leaving gaps.

Problem Statement

The problem statement concisely describes the core issue, specifies the affected population, and discusses how the study will address the problem. For example, "Many underserved communities lack access to quality healthcare, leading to worse health outcomes; this study aims to explore barriers and potential solutions." It elaborates on the significance of solving this problem and is about one paragraph, explicitly linking the problem, population, and research aim, with no ambiguities.

Research Questions and/or Hypotheses

This section refines the focus of the study by listing specific research questions and related hypotheses or phenomena. In a quantitative study, at least two research questions with hypotheses and variables are included; in a qualitative study, at least two questions describing the phenomena are provided. For example, "What factors influence student engagement in online courses?" along with hypotheses about engagement levels and influencing factors. This section should be two to three paragraphs, clearly articulating the questions, variables, or phenomena, with no gaps or confusion.

Significance of the Study

The significance section explains why the study is important, its potential contributions to the current body of knowledge, and practical implications. For instance, findings might inform policy, improve practices, or fill gaps identified in the background. This section links the study's importance to the variables and problem statement, providing a compelling justification for the research. It should be about one paragraph, thorough and clear, with no gaps in reasoning.

Rationale for Methodology

This section justifies the chosen research methodology, explaining why it is appropriate for answering the research questions or addressing the problem. It references research textbooks or articles to substantiate the choice. For example, selecting a mixed-methods approach may be justified if both qualitative insights and quantitative measurements are needed. It elaborates on methodology and includes completion of the relevant tables in the appendix. The paragraph should be clear and comprehensive, with no gaps.

Nature of the Research Design for the Study

This part describes the specific design—whether experimental, correlational, case study, etc.—and explains why this approach is suitable. It details the sample, data collection methods, and process to enable replication by other researchers. For example, a case study of a single organization using surveys and interviews. This paragraph, supplemented by table completion in the appendix, should be comprehensive and leave no gaps about the process or rationale.

Purpose of the Study

The purpose statement reflects the problem statement, articulating how the study will be conducted and its contribution to the field. It provides a succinct statement of intent, aligning with prior sections. For example, "This study aims to explore the effectiveness of leadership training programs in improving managerial skills in healthcare settings." The paragraph should be clear and aligned with other components, with no ambiguity.

Instrumentation or Sources of Data

This section details all data collection instruments—such as surveys, interviews, or databases—specifically tied to variables or phenomena. It discusses the tools or sources for each variable or research question. For example, a Likert-scale questionnaire measuring leadership effectiveness or a government database on healthcare outcomes. The description should be thorough, enabling replication, and appropriate for the study's design.

Data Collection Procedures

This section delineates every step involved in collecting data, ensuring another researcher could replicate the process. It describes how participants are selected, settings, instruments administered, and data recorded. For example, obtaining IRB approval, recruiting participants, distributing questionnaires, and conducting interviews. It should be detailed across two paragraphs, covering all procedural aspects thoroughly without gaps.

Data Analysis Procedures

This segment explains the analysis methods aligned with the research design, including statistical tests or qualitative analysis techniques. It identifies the type of data analyzed—descriptive, Inferential, thematic—and how analyses relate to research questions or hypotheses. For example, using ANOVA for quantitative data or thematic coding for qualitative data. It should be one paragraph, referencing specific analysis plans and tables in the appendix, with no gaps or ambiguity.

Ethical Considerations

This part discusses potential ethical issues, focusing on participant protections and data confidentiality. It explains how ethical compliance will be maintained, such as informed consent and data anonymization. For example, securing IRB approval and explaining how vulnerable populations are protected. The paragraph must be clear, addressing all ethical concerns without gaps, ensuring the study's ethical integrity.

References

  • Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. SAGE Publications.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods. SAGE Publications.
  • Leedy, P. D., & Ormrod, J. E. (2014). Practical Research: Planning and Design. Pearson.
  • Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Methods. SAGE Publications.
  • Bryman, A. (2016). Social Research Methods. Oxford University Press.
  • Maxwell, J. A. (2013). Qualitative Research Design: An Interactive Approach. Sage Publications.
  • Patel, V., et al. (2018). Ethical considerations in health research. Bioethics, 32(12), 858-865.
  • Robson, C., & McCartan, K. (2016). Real World Research. Wiley.
  • Silverman, D. (2016). Qualitative Research. SAGE Publications.
  • Schutt, R. K. (2016). Investigating the Social World. Sage Publications.

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