Slide 1
Ideas ContinuedThis branch of the interactive thinking map will
focus on using these two recommendations to analyze the viability
of my initial topics.
Thinking MapIdeas to get startedAs I began to analyze selection
of a dissertation topic from a more scientific frame of reference I
soon found me looking for research related to selecting a
dissertation topic and talking to fellow administrators about how
they selected their dissertation topics. Throughout this process my
goal was to keep an open mind and follow where the research lead.
This process is much like how Gundling et al (2011) encourage
leaders to invite the unexpected.
NextGifted and Talented EducationMy interest in gifted and
talented education comes from two sources. First, while in school I
was considered to be a gifted student, and I often questioned the
effectiveness of the education I received. There were times that I
wanted to be anywhere except in school. The second source for my
interest in improving gifted education is my nine year old son,
Reed. Reed was identified in kindergarten as gifted. I see many
similarities in my education with the education my son is
receiving. I am passionate about this topic, but I am concerned
that this passion would lead me down the path of trying to get
famous.NextClassroom Management/Student DisciplineCurrently I am an
assistant principal at a high school and the majority of my work is
handling student discipline. On my campus I have seen a need for
improved classroom management in order to improve student
discipline. Classroom management is something that I have always
been passionate about. I have been fortunate to learn about several
different campus wide classroom management programs. I have worked
in a school that implemented concepts from Capturing Kids Hearts,
my sons school uses C.H.A.M.P.S., and my last school was working to
become a No Excuses University Campus. As a result of my past
experiences I am interested in studying the effectiveness of a
positive behavior intervention program such as these.NextFlipped
InstructionWhen I began my doctoral studies in the Fall of 2012 my
school was toying with the concept of flipped instruction and I
became the leader of this exploration. We wanted to explore ways to
integrate the flipped instruction model into all aspects of our
school. This would include staff meetings, professional
development, and classroom instruction. However, my situation
changed and I had to step away from my studies for a little while.
During my time away from my doctoral work I moved to a new school
and my interest in flipped instruction has diminished. Currently I
would classify this topic as my lowest interest.NextTypes of
dissertation researchWhen I began working on my culminating project
I asked my principal, Brad Schnautz, and associate principal, James
Dristas, about how they selected their dissertation topics. During
our conversations they both asked if I was planning on doing a
qualitative or quantitative dissertation. I did not have a topic so
I had not considered what type of study I wanted to conduct.
NextQualitative AnalysisAccording the Dr. Ben-Elyahu (2013)
qualitative analysis of a topic attempts to create an in depth
comprehensive description of the topic. Ben-Elyahu (2013) goes on
to explain that this method is generally conducted using
interviews, discussion groups, or open-ended questions, and
typically uses a small number of participants.
Thinking MapQuantitative AnalysisThe description of the
quantitative approach given by Ben-Elyahu made me immediately think
this was the method I needed to use for my dissertation. Ben-Elyahu
(2013) explained that quantitative research is used to gather
information from large population groups, develop a statistical
analysis of that data, and look for patterns or relationships in
the data. Ben-Elyahu (2013) also described how qualitative research
methods can be used to develop two different groups, control group
and experimental group, and compare the results between the two
groups. The development of two groups further solidifies that my
dissertation should head in a quantitative direction.
Thinking MapBenefits of Qualitative ResearchDr. Ben-Elyahus
(2013) article lists five general benefits of qualitative research.
The benefits, as explained by Ben-Elyahu (2013) are that
qualitative research produces anecdotal information, the open-ended
format can reveal information that may have been missed using other
methods, it allows the investigation of unexplored phenomena, it
can develop an in depth understanding of the phenomenon, and it
develops verbal data that may be converted into numerical data.
Thinking MapLimitations of Qualitative ResearchThe limitations
of qualitative research described by Dr. Ben-Elyahu pushed me to
consider choosing a different research method. The first limitation
described by Ben-Elyahu (2013) is that the findings of a
qualitative research study cannot be generalized to larger
populations. According to Ben-Elyahu (2013) the findings apply only
to the sample used in the study. The second drawback Ben-Elyahu
(2013) addressed was statistical analysis of qualitative data is
very challenging. The third limitation described by Ben-Elyahu
(2013) was the difficulty in determining relationships between
different components when using a qualitative approach.
Unfortunately, I am interested in creating a dissertation that
develops a statistical analysis of two seemingly unrelated
components.
Thinking MapLimitations of Quantitative ResearchDr. Ben-Elyahu
(2013) did describe a couple items that need to be considered prior
to selecting a quantitative approach. The first limitation
described by Ben-Elyahu (2013) is that the quantitative approach is
limited in its ability to recognize unfamiliar phenomena.
Ben-Elyahus (2013) second drawback to quantitative research is that
a control group needs to be used in order to develop comparisons.
The type of dissertation I have decided to pursue will involve
using a control group and it will attempt to make generalizations
between established phenomena. Therefore, I plan to develop a
quantitative dissertation.
Thinking MapBenefits of Quantitative ResearchThe six benefits to
using a quantitative approach describe by Ben-Elyahu (2013) are it
allows you to gather data from a large sample size, it allows the
creation of multiple groups, results can be generalized to the
general population, it develops numerical data, it allows for
verification of effectiveness of a program, and it allows for
statistical analysis and determination of relationships between
variables.
Thinking MapData CollectionDuring my conversation with Dr.
Bullock (personal communication, January 30, 2014), Dr. Bullock
mentioned attempting to use public data instead of developing my
own surveys for my dissertation study. Dr. Bullock (personal
communication, January 30, 2014) went on to explain that data
collection procedures need to be vetted and collected data must be
validated. This caused me to begin exploring the different types of
data used during dissertation research. According the Thesis and
Dissertation (n.d.) there are two general classifications of data
sources: primary sources and secondary sources. Thesis and
Dissertation (n.d.) explained that primary sources are raw data
gathered by the researcher or student, and secondary sources are
data analysis reports that have already been completed. Based on
the goals for my dissertation, I will look at using primary sources
to gather my data.NextOriginal DataBased on the information
provided by Community Tool Box (n.d.) original data is data that is
gathered by the researcher. Thesis and Dissertation (n.d.)
indicates that original data is often gathered using surveys or
interviews.
Thinking MapArchival DataCommunity Tool Box (n.d.) described
archival data as information collected and retained by another
person or organization. Community Tool Box (n.d.) went on to
explain that archival data is generally collected by an
organization for its own means, but is often made available to
researchers who lack the time or resources to gather the data
themselves.Thinking MapBenefits to collecting original dataAs I
analyzed the viability of collecting original data for my
dissertation I looked for a list of benefits for collecting
original data. The only benefits I was able to find came from
Community Tool Box. Community Tool Box (n.d.) listed two reasons
for using original data. First, Community Tool Box (n.d.) said
using original data is helpful is the data needed for the research
is not available anywhere else. Therefore, the only way to get the
data is to gather it yourself. The second benefit of original data
discussed by Community Tool Box (n.d.) is it allows the researcher
more control over what data is collected.
Thinking MapLimitations to collecting original dataWhen I
discussed the use of surveys with Dr. Bullock (personal
communication, January 30, 2014) he cautioned me against using
original surveys due to the time required to develop the survey,
have the survey vetted, and administer the surveys. Winerman (2005)
stated that collecting data is a time consuming process. Winerman
(2005) advises researchers to double the amount of time you expect
the research to take. Winerman (2005) also warned about the cost of
collecting original data. The cost discussed by Winerman (2005) was
tied to compensating participants and purchasing testing/survey
materials.
Thinking MapBenefits to using archival dataCommunity Tool Box
(n.d.) gave several reasons to use archival data instead of
original data. The most common reason Community Tool Box (n.d.)
listed for using archival data is ease and time. According to
Community Tool Box (n.d.) accessing archival data allows the
researcher to quickly and easily gather large amounts of data for a
large population group. Another reason Community Tool Box (n.d.)
identified for using archival data is that it may allow you to find
more information about the topic and the archival data may be much
more detailed than you would have been able to generate yourself.
The last three benefits to using archival data listed by Community
Tool box (n.d.) are: the elimination of errors, lack of
reliability, and bias; allows you to look at trends over time; it
allows small groups with limited resources to develop thorough
research studies.Thinking MapLimitations to using archival
dataWinerman (2005) described archival data as inflexible.
Community Tool Box (n.d.) said archival data can also be called
fixed data. Both Community Tool Box (n.d.) and Winerman (2005)
explained that you must be confident in your rationale when you
begin using archival data because it cannot be changed.
Thinking MapFinal Dissertation Topic IdeaThroughout the process
of developing this project I have been willing to keep an open mind
and follow where the research leads. I began this process thinking
I would do a qualitative study of the effects of classroom
management on high school student achievement. However, the only
piece of the original topic that remains is my focus on a high
school population.Thinking MapManageable topicDue to a continuing
passion for student discipline, the availability of literature, and
available data I have selected the impact of positive behavior
intervention programs on disciplinary placements of high school
students as my dissertation topic.
Thinking MapData source After considering the pros and cons of
both original data and archival data I have found that my
dissertation will be much more manageable if I can work my research
around available archival data. When it comes to Texas schools we
have a wealth of available data in AEIS reports and the newly
formed TAPR. I will use both these data reporting systems to gather
data about students with disciplinary placements.
Thinking MapFormat of correlation studyMy dissertation plan is
to conduct a quantitative correlation study exploring the
relationship between the implementation of a positive behavior
intervention program on a high school campus and the number of
disciplinary placements (DAEP). At this time I have not decided on
which behavior program to study.
NextCorrelation IdeasEveryone I talked to about my selected
topic seemed to ask the same question: how do you plan on measuring
effectiveness? Dr. Bullock (personal communication, January 30,
2014) suggested looking through Academic Excellence Indicator
System (AEIS) reports or Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR)
to find reporting categories that could be correlated to behavior
intervention programs. After reviewing both AEIS and TAPR data the
one reporting category that stands out is students with
disciplinary placements. This is the number of students assigned to
disciplinary alternative education programs (DAEP).
Thinking MapReferences:Antioch University. (n.d.). Choosing a
dissertation topic. Retrieved from
http://www.antioch.edu/vwc/writing-resources/common-academic-writing-tasks/choosing-a-dissertation-topic/
Ben-Eliyahu, A. (2013, February 05). On methods: What's the
difference between qualitative and quantitative approaches?.The
Chronicle of Evidence-Based Mentoring, Retrieved from
http://chronicle.umbmentoring.org/on-methods-whats-the-difference-between-qualitative-and-quantitative-approaches/
Community tool box section 7: Collecting and using archival
data. (n.d.). Retrieved February 2, 2014, from
http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/evaluate/evaluate-community-interventions/archival-data/main
Goldsmith, J., Komlos, J., & Schine, P. (2001). The Chicago
guide to your academic career: A portable mentor for scholars from
graduate school through tenure. Chicago, IL: The University of
Chicago Press. Retrieved from
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/CTL/Tomprof/postings/352.html
Gundling, E., Hogan, T., & Cvitkovich, K. (2011). What is
global leadership?: 10 key behaviors that define global leaders.
Boston, MA: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.
Holt, K., & Kyoko, S. (2012). Global leadership begins with
learning professionals. T+D, 32-37.
Jain, R. [Web log message]. Retrieved from
http://completeyourdissertation.com/blog/471/choosing-your-dissertation-topic-5-mistakes-you-might-be-making/
The Graduate Division. (1988). Choosing your thesis or
dissertation topic. The Graduate, 4(2).
Thesis and dissertation: What is the difference? (n.d.).
Retrieved February 5, 2014, from
https://www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/soph/postgrad/bhsc_hons/_docs/Thesis_Dissertationwhatisdifference.pdf
Winerman, L. (2005). Ready, set--collect! experts offer advice
on how to make your irb approval, participant recruitment and data
collection go smoothly.gradPSYCH Magazine, Retrieved from
http://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2005/09/collect.aspx
Writing Tutorial Services. (n.d.). Doctoral dissertations and
proposals: Social sciences and humanities. Retrieved from
http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/dissertations.shtmlThinking
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