Purpose and Goals
Topic 5: Methods
In this topic, candidates will learn the key components of Chapter Three, the methodology chapter of the dissertation. We discuss how these key components link back to elements in Chapters One (introduction) and Two (review of the literature), as well as the level of detail needed in this Chapter. The key components include: Rationale for the general methodological approach selected, the site and sample selection process, data collection strategies including a description of the development of any collection instruments such as surveys or interview protocols, and the proposed data analysis process.
This topic extends what students have learning in the Inquiry I and Inquiry II courses and applies that learning to their specific problem of practice.
Learning Objectives
Purpose
The information in a successful Chapter Three serves as a road map for the collection and analysis of one's data. An effective Chapter Three explains how data are being defined and collected, based on the factors or issues that arose in the literature review in Chapter 2. This chapter also forms the basis of a sort of"contract" between the student and the doctoral committee – the chapter's description of the proposed study (at the proposal stage) should be sufficiently clear, complete and thoughtful that it reduces the likelihood of someone saying, post data collection,"Oh! You should have asked X, or collected Y." The chapter represents the best thinking of the student and the advising committee about how to answer the research questions being posed. So you can see that an incomplete understanding of the role of Chapter Three can lead to a methodology full of gaps, creating the potential for the study to go off track, and not answer the research questions.
This topic extends what students have learning in the Inquiry I and Inquiry II courses and applies that learning to their specific problem of practice.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the purpose of Chapter Three
- Explain the differences between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies
- Write a conceptual framework for qualitative and quantitative studies
- Match data collection methods with the conceptual framework and to answer the study questions
- Find an existing dataset for quantitative analysis or determine the unit of analysis and then the sample to be used for qualitative data collection and analysis
- Identify an assessment tool for quantitative analysis
- Write (or identify) a survey instrument based on the conceptual framework
- Write an interview protocol based on the conceptual framework
- Design an observation protocol based on the conceptual framework.
- Write a content analysis protocol
- Write out the approach to data analysis extending from the conceptual framework (qualitative dissertation)
- Select and write the Population section
- Select and write the Sample section
- Pilot an instrument (interview protocol, survey, etc.)
- Prepare for the qualifying exam/proposal defense
- Complete the CITI Training
- Use the EdD Guidelines and Checklist to navigate the IRB submission process
Purpose
The information in a successful Chapter Three serves as a road map for the collection and analysis of one's data. An effective Chapter Three explains how data are being defined and collected, based on the factors or issues that arose in the literature review in Chapter 2. This chapter also forms the basis of a sort of"contract" between the student and the doctoral committee – the chapter's description of the proposed study (at the proposal stage) should be sufficiently clear, complete and thoughtful that it reduces the likelihood of someone saying, post data collection,"Oh! You should have asked X, or collected Y." The chapter represents the best thinking of the student and the advising committee about how to answer the research questions being posed. So you can see that an incomplete understanding of the role of Chapter Three can lead to a methodology full of gaps, creating the potential for the study to go off track, and not answer the research questions.
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