Dissertation Research Methods: A Step-By-Step Guide To Writing Up Your Research In The Social Sciences

Cover
Half Title
Title Page
Copyright Page
Dedication
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Acknowledgments
1 Planning Your Dissertation
	Objectives
	Dissertation Process
		Preparing
		Planning
		Performing
		Presenting
	Engaging in Writing
		Using First Person
	Choosing a Topic
	Summary
	References
2 Conducting a Literature Review and Developing a Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
	Objectives
	Conducting a Literature Review
	Perfecting Your Research Skills
		Being an Active Research Consumer
		Being a Good Critic of Research
			Conceptual Article: Component
			Empirical Research Article: Components
		Being a Communicator of Research
	Building Your Knowledge
		Exploring Trends in the Literature
		Comparing Discoveries in the Literature
	Building Arguments
	Contributing to Knowledge
		Chronological Presentation of a Literature Review
		Thematic Presentation of a Literature Review
		Conceptual Presentation of a Literature Review
		Methodological Presentation of a Literature Review
	Searching for Relevant Literature
		Deciding On the Kinds of Literature to Review
		Deciding On Where to Find Relevant Literature
		Determining Literature Search Strategies
		Determining Literature Extraction Criteria
		Searching for Relevant Literature
		Managing Your Search Outcomes
		Selecting Relevant Literature
		Extracting Relevant Information
			Developing an Annotated Bibliography
			Creating a Literature Characteristics Matrix
			Creating a Literature Matrix Based On Themes
			Other Innovative Strategies
	Writing About Your Selected Literature
	Understanding the Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
		Exploring the Goal of Conducting Research
		Developing and Writing a Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
			Identify Theories Or Models Related to Your Topic
			Examine the Characteristics of the Selected Model Or Theory
			Determine the Use of the Selected Model Or Theory
		Writing About the Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
		Develop an Illustration
	Summary
	References
3 Understanding the Types of Dissertation Research
	Objectives
	About Dissertation Research
	Types of Dissertation Research
		Traditional Research
			Chapter One
			Chapter Two
			Chapter Three
			Chapter Four
			Five
		Action Research
			Chapter One
			Chapter Two
			Chapter Three
			Chapter Four
			Chapter Five
		Program Evaluation
			Chapter One
			Chapter Two
			Chapter Three
			Chapter Four
			Chapter Five
	Summary
	References
4 Choosing an Appropriate Research Methodology
	Objectives
	About Research Methodology
	Exploring Quantitative Research Methods
		When Do We Use Quantitative Methods?
	Types of Quantitative Methods
		Descriptive Method
			Common Statistical Tests Used With Descriptive Research Designs
		Correlational Method
			Common Statistical Tests Used With Correlation Research Designs
		Causal-Comparative Method
			Common Statistical Tests Used With Causal-Comparative Research Designs
		Experimental Method
			Pre-Experimental Designs
			Pre-test/Post-test Experimental Designs
			The Static Group Comparison Design
			Common Statistical Tests Used With Experimental Research Designs
		Quasi-Experimental Method
			Common Quasi-Experimental Method: Non-Equivalent Control Group Design.
			Common Statistical Tests Used With Quasi-Experimental Research Designs
	Exploring Qualitative Research Methods
		Case Study Approach
		Ethnographic Approach
		Grounded Theory Approach
		Narrative Approach
		Phenomenological Approach
			Transcendental Phenomenological Approach
			Interpretative Phenomenological Approach
			Innovative Qualitative Approaches
	Exploring Mixed Methods Designs
		Sequential Mixed Methods Design
			Sequential Exploratory Mixed Methods Design
			Sequential Explanatory Mixed Methods Design
			Sequential Transformative Mixed Methods Design
		Concurrent Mixed Methods Design
		Mixed Methods Design Characteristics
			Timing
			Theoretical Lens
			Integration
			Purpose
			Priority
	Determining the Right Research Method
	Writing About Your Selected Research Method
	Summary
	References
5 Understanding the Seven Types of Research Gaps
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Theoretical Foundation and Development
	The Seven Research Gaps From Most Common to Least Common
		Population Gap
			Characteristics
		Empirical Gap
			Characteristics
		Methodological Gap
			Characteristics
		Knowledge Gap
			Characteristics
		Theoretical Gap
			Characteristics
		Evidence Gap
			Characteristics
		Practical-Knowledge Gap
			Characteristics
	Writing Up the Research Gaps in a Research Proposal
	Summary
		Summary of Key Points in the Chapter
	References
6 Developing the Research Problem
	Objective
	Introduction
	Problem Statement: Definition and Meaning
	Trouble With the Problem Statement: Ask Two Questions
	Writing Up the Problem Statement
		Directions
		The Example in Paragraph Form
		Advantages of Using the Statement Grid
	Summary
	References
7 Developing the Purpose Statement
	Objective
	Introduction
	Purpose Statement: Definition and Meaning
	Purpose Statements Based On the Research Methodology
		Development of the Purpose Statement for Quantitative Studies
		Development of the Purpose Statement for Qualitative Studies
	The Most Powerful Purpose Statement Verbs
	Writing Up the Purpose Statement
		Directions
	Summary
	References
8 Developing the Research Statement and Research Questions
	Objective
	Introduction
	Research Questions: Definition and Meaning
	Developing Research Questions for a Quantitative Study
		Descriptive Research Questions
		Inferential Research Questions
	Using the Theoretical Constructs in the Instrument as a Basis for Developing Quantitative Research Questions
		Using a Researcher-Designed Instrument and Developing Research Questions
		Using an Established Instrument and Developing Research Questions
	Writing Up the Research Statement and Research Questions
		Directions
	Developing Research Questions for a Qualitative Study
		Using the Theoretical Framework as a Basis for Developing Qualitative Research Questions
	Summary
	References
9 Research Alignment: Achieving Research Alignment in the Study
	Objective
	Introduction
	Research Alignment: Definition and Meaning
	The Importance of Alignment
	The Rules of Alignment in a Study
	Developing Alignment in a Research Study
		Phase 1: Writing Up the Problem Statement
		Phase 2: Writing Up the Purpose Statement
		Phase 3: Writing Up the Research Statement
	Introducing the Alignment Matrix: Achieving Alignment in the Dissertation
	Summary
	References
10 Understanding Limitations and Delimitations
	Objective
	Introduction
	Definition of Limitations
	Definition of Delimitations
	Summary
	References
11 Understanding Assumptions and How to Write Them in a Study
	Objective
	Introduction
	Definition of Assumptions
	Making Assumptions in the Study
		Researchers Must Justify Their Assumptions
		Assumptions Are the Starting Point for the Investigation
		Assumptions Clarify Aspects of the Study
		Assumptions in Qualitative Research
		General Types of Assumptions
		Participant Bias and Assumptions
	Summary
	References
12 Understanding the Differences Between Contributions and the Significance of a Study
	Objective
	Introduction
	Contributions: What Are They and Why Are They Important?
		Conceptual/Theoretical Contributions
		Empirical Contributions
		Methodological Contributions
		Other Research Contributions
	Significance: What Is It and Why Is It Important?
		Theoretical Significance
		Practical Significance
		Research Significance
	Summary
	References
13 Deciding On the Source of Data
	Objectives
	About Data
	Data Sources
	Determining an Appropriate Data and Its Source
	Determining Your Sample Size
		Determining an Appropriate Sample Size for Your Qualitative Study
		Determining an Appropriate Sample Size for Your Quantitative Study
			Demonstration On How to Use G*Power Software
	Ethical Issues
		Respect for Persons
		Beneficence
		Justice
	Summary
	References
14 Understanding the Different Kinds of Data Collection Strategies
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Testing Method
	Methods of Data Collection
		Quantitative Data Collection Methods
			Surveys and Questionnaires
			Quantitative Observations
			Quantitative Interviews
			Quantitative Focus Groups
		Qualitative Data Collection Methods
			Interviews
			Focus Group Discussions
			Document Collection
			Observation
	How to Choose an Appropriate Data Collection Strategy
	Summary
	References
15 Planning and Implementing the Data Collection Process
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Developing the Plan for Research
		Define the Research Problem
		Define the Research Objective
		Determine the Dissertation Research Model/Design Approach
			Quantitative Research Model
			Qualitative Research Model
			Mixed Methods Research Model
		Determine the Research Method Approach
		Quantitative Research Vs. Qualitative Research
		Choosing Between Quantitative and Qualitative Research Approaches
		Determine the Research Design Approach: Quantitative Designs
			Descriptive Design
			Correlation Design
			Causal-Comparative Design
			Experimental Design
		Determine the Research Design Approach: Qualitative Designs
			Phenomenological Research Design
			Grounded Theory Research Design
			Ethnography Research Design
			Narrative Inquiry Research Design
			Case Study Research Design
		Determine the Data Need/Type
			Types of Data
		Quantitative Data Types in Research
		Qualitative Data Types in Research
		Determining the Population and Sampling Methods in Quantitative Research
			Step 1. Defining and Choosing the Population
			Step 2. Drawing the Sample From the Population
		Determining the Population and Sampling Methods in Qualitative Research
			Step 1. Defining and Choosing the Population
			Step 2. Drawing the Sample From the Population
	Data Collection Preparation
		Data Collection Preparation Under a Quantitative Study
		Data Collection Preparation Under a Qualitative Study
	Preparing the Consent Form
	Ethical Issues Related to Data Collection
	Implementing Data Collection
		Participants’ Recruitment
		Ensuring the Eligibility of Potential Participants
		Completing Informed Consent
		Participating in the Study
		Storing Collected Data
	Writing About the Data Collection Process
	Summary
	References
16 Understanding Populations and Sampling
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Population, Sampling and Definitions
		Reasons for Sampling
		Advantages and Benefits of Sampling
		The Sampling Process
		Types of Sampling
			Probability Sampling
	Quantitative Sampling Methodology
		Quantitative Sampling Designs for Research
			Simple Random Sampling
			Systematic Random Sampling
			Stratified Sampling
			Cluster Sampling
			Multi-Stage Sampling
		How to Avoid Sampling Bias
		Non-probability Sampling
		Qualitative Sampling Methodology
		Qualitative Sampling Designs for Research
			Convenience Sampling
			Purposive Sampling
			Judgment Sampling
			Quota Sampling
			Snowball Sampling
			Theoretical Sampling
	Determining Sampling Size in Non-Probability Research
	Summary
	References
17 Planning and Implementing the Data Analysis Process
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Quantitative Data Analysis
		Determining an Appropriate Data Analysis Technique in Quantitative Research
		Cleaning the Data
			Treatment of Missing Responses
			Substitute a Neutral Value
		Coding and Categorizing the Data
		Transcribing the Data and Creating a Data File
			Developing a Transcribed Data File
		Using the Software to Analyze the Data File
		Choosing a Data Analytic Approach
			Descriptive Design
			Correlational Design
			Causal-Comparative Design
			Experimental Design
			Quasi-Experimental Design
		Choose Your Statistical Analyses Design
			Descriptive Statistics
			Measures of Central Tendency
			Measures of Variability
			Primary Scales of Measurement
			Inferential Statistics
		Selecting the Appropriate Statistical Test
			Parametric Test
			Nonparametric Test
		Conducting the Data Analysis
		Classification of Statistical Techniques
			Univariate Statistical Techniques
			Bivariate Statistical Techniques
		Multivariate Statistical Techniques
			Multiple Linear Regression
			Logistic Regression
			Multiple Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)
			Multiple Analysis of Covariance (MANCOVA)
			Discriminant Analysis
			Conjoint Analysis
			Cluster Analysis
			Factor Analysis
			Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
		Types of Quantitative Data Analysis Used in Dissertation Research
			Descriptive Analysis
			Inferential Analysis
			Differences Analysis
			Associative Analysis
			Predictive Analysis
		Reliability in Quantitative Data Analysis
		Validity in Quantitative Data Analysis
		Review the Results of the Data Analysis
	Qualitative Data Analysis
		Data Analysis Process
		Types of Qualitative Analysis
			Thematic Analysis
			Content Analysis
			Grounded Theory Analysis
			Narrative Analysis
	How to Determine the Right Type of Qualitative Analysis
	Ensuring the Credibility of Your Qualitative Findings
	Summary
	References
18 Ensuring Quality in the Study
	Objectives
	Introduction
	Reliability and Validity in a Quantitative Study
		Developing Reliability in a Quantitative Study
			Types of Reliability
		Three Principles of Reliability
		Internal Consistency of Measures of Reliability
			Inter-item Consistency Reliability
			Split-Half Reliability
			Coefficient Alpha Reliability
		Other Measurements of Reliability
			Inter-observer Reliability
			Item Analysis
			Alternative-forms Reliability
		Measurement and Calculating Reliability
		Criteria for Good Measurement
		Measurement and Scaling
			Scaling
			Rules of Measurement
			Scaling: Primary Scales of Measurement
		Scales of Measurement
			Nominal Scale
			Ordinal Scale
			Interval Scale
			Ratio Scale
		Other Scaling Types and Rating Scales
			Dichotomous Scale
			Itemized Rating Scale
			Likert Scale
			Numerical Scales
			Semantic Differential Scale
			Stapel Scale
		Threats to Reliability
			Participant Error
			Participant Bias
			Researcher Error
			Researcher Bias
		Developing Validity in a Quantitative Study
		Validity Vs. Reliability
		Types of Validity
		Testing the Goodness of Measures
		Assessing Validity
			Content Validity
			Criterion-related Validity
			Construct Validity
			Nomological Validity
			Face Validity
		Threats to Validity
			Selection Biases
			Mortality
			History
			Maturation
			Instrumentation
			Testing
	Ensuring Trustworthiness in a Qualitative Study
		Credibility
			Transparency
			Member Checking
			Triangulation
		Transferability
		Confirmability
		Dependability
	Ensuring Quality in a Mixed Methods Study
	Summary
	References
19 Writing Your Dissertation: The Standard Format – Chapter 1 (Introduction)
	Objective
	Introduction and Background of the Problem
		Main Points and Directions
	Overview of Chapter
	The Research Problem and the Problem Statement
		Main Points and Directions
	The Purpose Statement
		Main Key Points and Directions
	Research Statement and Research Questions
		Research Questions
		Main Key Points and Directions
	Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
		Main Key Points and Directions
	Assumptions, Limitations and Delimitations
		Main Key Points and Directions
		Limitations
	Delimitations/Scope of the Study
	Assumptions
		General Types of Assumptions
	Significance of the Study
		Main Key Points and Directions
	Summary
	References
20 Writing Your Dissertation: The Standard Format – Chapter 2 (Literature Review)
	Objective
	Introduction and Overview
		Main Points and Directions
	Literature Search and Selection
		Main Points and Directions
	Conceptual/Theoretical Framework
		Main Points and Directions
	Review of the Literature
		Main Points and Directions
	Summary
	References
21 Writing Your Dissertation: The Standard Format – Chapter 3 (Research Methodology)
	Objective
	Introduction and Overview
		Main Points and Directions
	Problem Statement
		Main Points and Directions
	Purpose Statement
		Main Points and Directions
	Research Statement and Research Questions
		Main Points and Directions
	Research Alignment: Definition and Meaning
	Research Methodology
		Main Points and Directions
	Research Design
		Main Points and Directions
	Population, Sample and Sampling Technique
		Main Points and Directions
	Instrumentation
		Main Points and Directions
	Data Collection (Procedure)
		Main Points and Directions for Quantitative Data Collection
		Main Points and Directions for Qualitative Data Collection
	Data Analysis (Quantitative)
		Main Points and Directions for Quantitative Data Analysis Procedures
			Quantitative Analysis Steps
	Data Analysis (Qualitative)
		Main Points and Directions for Qualitative Data Analysis Procedures
			Qualitative Analysis Steps
	Reliability
		Main Points and Directions for Quantitative Reliability
		Main Points and Directions for Qualitative Reliability
	Validity
		Main Points and Directions for Quantitative Validity
		Main Points and Directions for Qualitative Validity
	Ethical Issues and Research Process
		Main Points and Directions
	Assumptions, Limitations and Delimitations
		Main Points and Directions
	Summary
	References
22 Writing Your Dissertation: The Standard Format – Chapter 4 (Data Analysis and Findings)
	Objectives
	Presenting Results in Quantitative Research
		Introduction
		How to Present Results in Quantitative Research
		Descriptive Statistics: Univariate Statistics – Presenting Results
			Descriptive Statistics Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Descriptive Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Crosstab Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Histogram Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Mean and Standard Deviation Results
	Bivariate Statistical Techniques
		Presenting and Writing Up Pearson Correlation Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Simple Linear Regression Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Scatterplot Results
	Inferential Statistics: Multivariate Statistics
		Inferential Statistics Results
	Multivariate Statistical Techniques
		Presenting and Writing Up Exploratory Factory Analysis Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Confirmatory Factor Analysis Results
		Presenting and Writing Up Path Analysis Model Results
	Presenting Results in Qualitative Research
		Introduction
	Overview
	Research Setting
	Participants’ Demographics
	Data Analysis Process
		Presenting the Data Analysis Process in Qualitative Research
	Presentation of the Findings
		Presenting the Findings in Qualitative Research
	“Summary” Section
	Summary
	References
23 Writing Your Dissertation: The Standard Format – Chapter 5 (Discussion and Conclusions)
	Objective
	Introduction and Overview
		Main Points and Directions
	Summary of Findings and Conclusions
		Main Points and Directions
	Interpretation of the Findings
		Main Points and Directions
			Review the Data Analysis Results
			Interpretation of Findings From Results
			Synthesis of the Findings
	Implications and Applications of the Findings
		Main Points and Directions
			Theoretical Implications
			Practical Implications
			Strengths and Weaknesses
	Limitations
		Main Points and Directions
	Recommendations for Future Research
		Main Points and Directions
	Summary
	References
Index