The Dissertation Process

or

Ok, what’s next?

Candidates’ Comprehension of Conceptualizing Research

Understandings Misunderstandings Consequences

Clarifying the research issue(s)

Omitting paradigm(s) which locate and critique research issues

Focus upon research methods at the expense of concepts

Identifying concepts from a survey of the literature

Not visualizing linkages between various concepts

A framework was not devised nor its function appreciated

Designing research and explaining methodology and methods

Overlooking strategic and guiding roles for conceptual frameworks

Lack of explicit and cohesive relationships throughout the research

Leshem, S. & Trafford, V. (2007). Overlooking the conceptual framework. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 44 (1), 93-105.

Contribution to knowledge

Identification of gap in knowledge

Literature Review

Research Issue

Conceptual framework

Research Statement

Research questions

Research Design

Fieldwork

Factual Conclusions

Interpretive Conclusions

Conceptual conclusions

The Proposal

PurposeConceptualize the researchEnsure the integrity of the researchEnsure the worthiness of the researchGain the blessing of senior colleagues

The Proposal

ContentIntroductionReview of LiteratureMethodology

Chapter 1: Introduction

Purpose Sets the stage for the study and

readerExplains the whatSets the boundariesIndicates the limitsShares definitions

Chapter 1: Introduction

ContentIntroduction (all the props or

important elements)Statement of the Problem (future

tense)Statement of Purpose or SignificanceLimitations and DelimitationsDefinition of Terms

Chapter 2: Review of Literature

PurposeProvides an understanding of current

and past knowledge about the subjectWhat we know and what we do not know

and why

Demonstrates the limitations of the current and past research

Argues reason for this research

Chapter 2:Review of Literature

ContentLiterature BinsSectionsArgument

Chapter 3Methodology

PurposeExplains the perspective taken in the

research (dissertation)Explains the conceptualization of the

problemExplains the methods or tools to be

usedExplains the relationship of the tools to

the conceptualization

Chapter 3Methodology

ContentConceptual FrameworkMethods (future tense)

Chapter 3: MethodologyConceptual Framework

PurposeDemonstrates the conceptualization

of the researchArgues the use of a particular theory

or concept(s) that will be used to organize the research

Explains the explicit and coherent relationship of the theory and/or concepts to the research

Chapter 3:MethodologyConceptual Framework

ContentThe theory and/or concepts on which

this research is designedThe manner by which the theory or

concepts will be used or interpreted to conduct the research

The application of the concepts or construction of definitions to enable the research to be accomplished

Chapter 3: MethodologyMethods

Purpose Outlines the actions that will be taken

to conduct the researchProvides assurances that the

researcher understands the relationship between the conceptual framework and the tools

Ensures the ethical nature of the research

Chapter 3: MethodologyMethods

Content (future tense)Relationship to conceptual frameworkSitePermissionParticipantsToolsEthical StandardsPlan for Analysis (based on conceptual

framework and tools)

Proposal Defense

Responsibilities of studentEstablish a date, time, and place for defenseSubmit proposal to committee two weeks

before defensePrepare a 15-20 minute overview of the

proposal“Defend” the conceptualization and

methods Negotiate (with chair) modifications with

committee

The Dissertation (egads!)

Chapter 1: IntroductionChapter 2: Review of LiteratureChapter 3: MethodologyChapter 4: Analysis Chapter 5: Conclusions and

Recommendations

The Dissertation

Chapters 1-3 Modify based on Analysis and

ConclusionsChange future to present or past

tense

Chapter 4: Analysis

Purpose & ContentAnalysis of the data collectedDependent on conceptual framework

and tools

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations

ConclusionsThe meaning of the analysis based on

the conceptual frameworkThe additional knowledge gained

from the researchThe relationship of the new

knowledge to current literature: its understanding and practice

Chapter 5: Conclusions and Recommendations

Recommendations Recommendations for future researchRecommendations for practice

Dissertation Defense

Ideally, the defense should be an intellectual discussion among colleaguesBut in order for this to happen, the researcher

and the chair should make sure that the dissertation is finished

The researcher MUST understand what he/she has done – conceptually and methodologically

The researcher must OWN the researchBasically, the same format as the

proposal defense