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