Prospectus: Developing the Dissertation Concept – PSYC 870

Course Description

In this course, students will be introduced to the dissertation process and will develop the foundational elements of their dissertation. Emphasis will be given to the development of the Problem Statement, Purpose, Research Questions, literature review, and proposed methodology.

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

Rationale

The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the dissertation process and to start working on some of the key elements of their dissertations.  This course will set a foundation for students’ dissertation projects by developing the dissertation concept.  Students will also pick their dissertation committee in this course. 

Course Assignment

Course readings and lecture presentations/notes

Course Requirements Checklist

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

Discussions (3)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. In each discussion, students are expected to provide one main thread that answers the question provide and two replies to classmates’ posts. Main threads must be at least 500 words and demonstrate course-related knowledge. Each reply must be 250 words. Discussions are assigned in Modules 1, 6, and 8. (CLOs A, B, D).

Prospectus

To begin compiling your background research for your dissertation and for this “Introduction and Background of the Study” section of your Prospectus, you will submit a reference list of 50 journal articles on your topic in this “References” assignment.  These references must be journal articles and not webpages or book chapters.  This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the References Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 1.  (CLOs A, B).

Prospectus

In this assignment, you will complete the “Introduction and Background of the Study” section of your Prospectus.  In this section, you will provide an introduction to your study and an overview of the research on your topic that sets the foundation for your research study.  You will also discuss the biblical foundation for your study in this section. This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the Introduction and Background of the Study Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 2.  (CLOs A, B, D).

Prospectus

In this assignment, you will complete the “Problem Statement” section of your Prospectus.  This section should be about 300-500 words and provide an overview (with citations) of what is known on your topic and a clear and logical justification for your study.  The justification must be logically, theoretically, or biblically grounded.  This section must build off of the Introduction and Background of the Study section and lead into the Purpose statement. This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the Problem Statement Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 3.  (CLOs A, B, D).

Prospectus

In this assignment, you will complete the “Purpose” and the “Research Questions” sections of your Prospectus.  The Purpose section should be 1-2 sentences long and clearly describe the purpose of the study.  Research Questions should be written in proper format and be aligned with the stated purpose.  This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the Purpose and Research Questions Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 4.  (CLOs A, B, D).

Prospectus

In this assignment, you will complete the “Brief Description of Methods” section of your Prospectus.  This section will provide an overview of the proposed methodology of your study, to include participants, recruitment, measurements being proposed, and an overview of protocol.  This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the Brief Description of Methods Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 5.  (CLOs A, B, D).

Prospectus

The capstone project of this course is the final Prospectus due in Module 7.  It should include all of the sections outlined in the Prospectus Template document.  This will include sections that have been completed in assignments throughout the course.  In this final Prospectus submission, you will submit all sections in one document. This assignment will be submitted in current APA format. Please see the Final Prospectus Assignment Instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Module 7.  (CLOs A, B, D).

Dissertation Committee Assignments (6)

In our class, you will secure your dissertation chairperson and committee member through a series of assignments in Modules 2-7.  Each assignment provides students with an opportunity to select their committee members and report to their instructor their progress with securing a chairperson. Please see the individual assignment instructions for the exact requirements of this assignment. This assignment is due in Modules 2-7.  (CLO C).