Walden University Dissertation Premise

Walden Universitydissertation Premisedissertation Premise Page Iiicon

The Dissertation Premise document is used to identify a preliminary topic (problem) for your dissertation, which should result from preliminary investigation but is subject to change and refinement. It helps assign faculty guiding your dissertation development. The premise consists of four parts: title, problem statement, approach for the study, and references. Its primary goal is to narrow your dissertation topic, providing a general research direction and initial problem to study. The premise should be formatted according to APA guidelines, and all documents should be saved in compatible file formats. You are encouraged to start this process anytime during your doctoral journey, especially after initial coursework, as gaps in research become evident. The premise serves as an initial step before developing a detailed prospectus, which involves more specific research methodology decisions.

Developing your premise involves reviewing current literature and practice to identify a research problem rooted in a societal or disciplinary issue that is manageable through scholarly inquiry. Your problem statement should articulate the significance, current understanding, and context of the issue, supported by relevant, recent citations from reputable sources. The approach section will suggest an appropriate research method—quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods—and initial thoughts on methodology. References must be formatted per APA standards, and your title should be concise, capturing the core variables and purpose of your study. The premise is an evolving document that guides the subsequent development of your full dissertation proposal.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of initiating a dissertation at Walden University begins with the development of a Premise document, which serves as an initial exploration of a research problem and helps articulate the direction of the doctoral study. This document not only guides students in narrowing down their topic but also facilitates the assignment of faculty mentors and committees crucial for the research journey. The premise encompasses four key components: a succinct title, a clear and evidence-based problem statement, an outline of the proposed research approach, and pertinent references following APA guidelines.

The title of the premise should be brief yet descriptive, ideally within 12 words, encompassing the core subject, variables, and relationships. This title is flexible and can be revised as the research evolves. Following the title, the problem statement must explain the societal or disciplinary issue prompting the research, highlighting the significance through recent, reputable sources. Students are encouraged to demonstrate that the problem is not merely of personal interest but is grounded in scholarly literature, with citations from peer-reviewed or authoritative sources published within the last five years.

The problem statement should logically argue the need for research by identifying gaps or unresolved questions within existing studies. It should reflect a focused research problem rather than a broad social issue, setting the stage for subsequent research questions and methodology development. The approach section indicates whether the study will be quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods, along with initial thoughts on the methods appropriate to address the research problem. This approach aligns with the goal of producing original, significant contributions to the field.

References must adhere to APA formatting, with proper citation of all sources used to justify and contextualize the problem. Students are also provided with examples of preliminary premises, illustrating how to craft problem statements and approach descriptions for different research paradigms. Developing this premise requires critical review of current literature, understanding of disciplinary relevance, and clarity about how the proposed research will contribute new insights.

The premise is a formative step in the dissertation process, designed to refine the student’s research focus while ensuring scholarly rigor. It should be viewed as a living document, adaptable as research ideas develop. Once completed, students submit this preliminary document for review and use it as a foundation for the detailed dissertation prospectus and eventual research proposal. Active engagement with the premise process ensures that doctoral candidates approach their research with clarity, purpose, and scholarly integrity.

References

• Alvesson, M., & Sandberg, J. (2013). Constructing research questions: Doing interesting research. Sage Publications.
• Baltes, B., Hoffman-Kipp, P., Lynn, L., & Weltzer-Ward, L. (2010). Students’ research self-efficacy during online doctoral research courses. Contemporary Issues in Education Research, 3, 51–58.
• Kumar, S., Johnson, M., & Hardemon, T. (2013). Dissertations at a distance: Students’ perceptions of online mentoring in a doctoral program. The Journal of Distance Education, 27, 1–12.
• Lovitts, B. (2008). The transition to independent research: Who makes it, who doesn’t, and why. Journal of Higher Education, 79, 296–325.
• Luse, A., Mennecke, B., & Townsend, A. (2012). Selecting a research topic: A framework for doctoral students. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 7, 143–152.
• Merriam, S. B., & Tisdell, E. J. (2015). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation (4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.
• Walker, G. E., Golde, C. M., Jones, L., Conklin-Bueschel, A., & Hutchings, P. (2009). The formation of scholars: Rethinking doctoral education for the twenty-first century. Jossey-Bass.
• American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.).
• Center for Research Quality. (2023). Guide to dissertation development. Walden University.
• Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. (2022). Developing research problems: Strategies for doctoral students. Journal of Higher Education Research, 15(3), 45-67.