Dissertation Planning – EDUC 960

CG • Section 8WK • 11/08/2019 to 04/16/2020 • Modified 09/05/2023

Course Description

This course provides an avenue for students to receive feedback on their dissertation topic with the objective of determining a viable method for investigating their selected research problem.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

It is important for the candidate to select a research method that aligns with the nature of his/her research problem. This course helps the candidate develop his/her statement of the problem and select a method of inquiry in accordance with the nature of the problem.

Course Assignment

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussion

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate will create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. The thread must demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate must reply to the threads of at least 2 classmates. The thread must contain 500–600 words, and the replies must contain 250–350 words each. For the thread, the candidate must support his/her assertions with at least 3 scholarly citations in current APA format. Each reply must incorporate at least 1 scholarly citation in current APA format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last 5 years. Acceptable sources include peer-reviewed articles or published research texts. (CLO: A)

Introduction and Statement of the Problem

The candidate will write an Introduction and Statement of the Problem for his/her proposed dissertation topic. The introduction must be 350–500 words, and the Statement of the Problem must be 250–300 words. The Statement of the Problem must include at least 5 citations, published within the last 5 years. (CLO: A)

Rationale for Method Selection (Initial Submission)

The candidate will write a concise rationale relating the nature of his/her research study with the nature of his/her selected dissertation method (qualitative or quantitative). A clear rationale, linking the selected method to the research problem and purpose, must be provided. The rationale must be 300–400 words and must be supported by at least 3 citations in current APA format. (CLO: B, C)

Rationale for Method Selection (Resubmission)

Based on instructor feedback, the candidate will revise, refine, and resubmit his/her rationale for method selection. (CLO: B, C)

Quizzes (4)

Each quiz will cover the Textbook material for the Module: Week in which it is assigned and the previous Module: Week (if not already covered in a previous quiz). Quizzes will be open-book/open-notes, contain 2-4 short essay questions each, and have a 120-minute time limit. (CLO: B, C)