ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING , PRACTICE, AND 12 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a theoretical framework, dissertation, doctoral, , research methods research writing, dissertation, academic framework, doctoral, theoretical A researcher’s choice of framework is not arbitraryis not of framework choice but reflects important and understandings beliefs personal A researcher’s Keywords: Keywords: recognize as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. We liken this experience to the task of building your own home. home. own task of building your the to liken this experience We as a once-in-a-lifetime achievement. recognize he dissertation is a labor of requiring much work, sweat, and tears, as well as organization skills as organization and as well and tears, much work,he dissertation requiring sweat, is a labor of love one can that final product is a document The with the process. involved others who are from resources extensive

Azadeh Osanloo, PhD Azadeh Osanloo, University New Mexico State Cynthia Grant, PhD Cynthia Grant, University of Colorado-Denver the , and most importantly, the methods and . Lysaght (2011) highlighted the necessity of (2011) highlighted Lysaght the methods and analysis. most importantly, and review, the literature a dissertation for study: framework theoretical one’s identifying framework is the foundation from which all is constructed (metaphorically and literally) for a research a research which all knowledge for constructed from is (metaphorically and literally) is the foundation framework the purpose, the statement, the problem It serves the study, the structure as for support and study. rationale the for for or an anchor, base, grounding a provides framework The theoretical questions. research and the significance, never return to it throughout the rest of the document; others omit the inclusion of a theoretical framework in the in framework theoretical a of inclusion the omit others document; the of rest the throughout it to return never review. after their document committee restructure to required and are proposal theoretical The dissertationa in enough. importance framework stressed be cannot The study theoretical a utilizing of frustration with the challenge of choosing a theoretical framework and understanding how to apply it throughout throughout it apply to how understanding and framework theoretical a choosing of challenge the with frustration startat the the dissertation. framework Some of the dissertation briefly of a theoretical students make mention and framework for the dissertation as “the most difficult but not impossible part of [the] proposal” (2007, p.17). As p.17). (2007, “the most difficult but not impossible partproposal” of [the] the dissertation for as framework leadership, and dissertation policy, of education, in the fields members of doctoral students committee professors and a lack of knowledge, confusion, express students curriculum heard and instruction, have and social work, we is an appropriate of the theoretical framework of the dissertation. framework of the theoretical analogy is an appropriate is that component a and importantmost the of one is process, framework aspects theoretical research the in The the theoretical and prepare in doctoral coursework. identify Iqubal described the struggle to often minimally covered permits the foundation of the home to be built, and it dictates the overall floor plan of rooms, the flow of plumbing, of plumbing, the flow rooms, floor plan of and it dictates be built, the overall of the home to permits the foundation Like housing construction,much electrical, the direction house face. in which the and mechanical systems—even the blueprint believe We the dissertation.critical a blueprint for thinking developing into and planning must be put T the called a blueprint for drawings one must develop building a house, prior to knows, or contractor architect any As drawing The in the construction the home. of involved are those who A blueprint serves all structure. for as a guide thread theorythread the dissertation. throughout literature review, the design approach, and the analysis plan for the dissertation study. Using a metaphor of the “blueprint” and the analysis plan for the dissertation the design approach, study. review, literature dissertation.a in select to and how for Steps framework articlethis theoretical a of house, a of application the explains to of how with an example described, are process all aspects structure to of the research framework a theoretical integrate The theoretical framework is one of the most important aspects in the research process, yet is often misunderstood by is often misunderstood by of the most important is one yet framework process, aspects in the research theoretical The importance The of -driven their dissertation as they prepare study. thinking research and acting candidates doctoral of the the conceptualization questions, of research the development the selection to of a topic, in relation is emphasized

CREATING THE BLUEPRINT FOR YOUR “HOUSE” YOUR FOR BLUEPRINT THE CREATING UNDERSTANDING, SELECTING, AND INTEGRATING A A INTEGRATING AND SELECTING, UNDERSTANDING, RESEARCH: DISSERTATION IN FRAMEWORK THEORETICAL ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 13 process” (1998,p. ourbeliefthat thetheoretical framework 3),whichsupports for astudymustbeidentified at the that the theoretical acknowledged framework Mertens implications “has fordecision made in the research every ofthedissertation. writing mind.” We profess that the researcher’s statedmust be clearly and explicitly mentionedchoice in the early of theory “pretheoretical commitments” by theresearcher to specifically identify one’s rather thanthe “ oftheheart conceptualized. Philosophers such asDooyeweerd (ascited inSire, 2004,p. 35)have even gonesofarasto callfor We atheoretical andclarify that framework topic students mustselect isinitially from the thedissertation assert interpreted, well understood, andalign withthequestionat hand. that mustbeappropriate, definescriteria to thedissertation empirically for applyingordeveloping logically theory your topic, aswell astheconcepts that are and definitionsfrom thatrelevant theory to your topic. Lovitts (2005) that (ortheories) undergirds withregards your theory selected thinking to how you understandandplanto research phenomenaandrelationships” ofcertain (1991,p. 205). Thus, thetheoretical framework consists ofthe as “a that structure guidesresearch by relying onaformal theory…constructed by usinganestablished, coherent methodologically, definedatheoretical framework asawhole. andanalyticallyapproach Eisenhart thedissertation your study,and support andalsoprovides to thestructure definehow you willphilosophically, epistemologically, The theoretical framework isthe “blueprint” astheguideonwhichto build for serves . theentire It dissertation What isaTheoreticalFramework? for implementing atheoretical study. framework inadissertation anappropriateof selecting theoretical framework for one’s research. Finally, we highlight strategies andtechniques on the differences tenets the important describes between a theoretical and theconceptual article Next, framework. analogy oftheblueprintfor ahouse, whichisarunningthemethroughout theentire article. alsofocusesThis section first coversThis thebasicsofunderstandingatheoretical article whilesimultaneouslyintroducing framework, the aimed towards candidates doctoral guidance withthisfoundational whoare seeking piece ofthedissertation. resource role; however, students withdoctoral intheclassroom for working orinanadvisory faculty itisprimarily studywithoutaclearexplication ofthestudy’sdissertation theoretical framework. isintended to bea This article mappedoutaheadoftime. Similarly,without instructions onecannotguideareader abouta through thinking ofhouseto obvious—a willbemetaphorically build contractor what couldkind notpossiblyknow the dissertation ofthisstepidea. inthedevelopmentthe importance ofadissertation We ofthisstep hopethenecessity inpreparing We offer theanalogyofusingablueprintwhenbuildinghouse to provide the reader withavisual representation of how to understand,andintegrate select, atheoretical framework into one’s research thedissertation. whenwriting is toThus, provide of thetheoretical of this article the an overview purpose framework andto outlineablueprintfor butalsoto scholarshipandresearch intheprofessorate. notonlytoresearch, thedissertation, activities asitpertains theory. This ofteaching underscores students how to theimportance implement atheoretical framework intheir Lester, 2005)have thatsubmissionsare journal rejected for acknowledged often beingatheoretical, orhaving no research studies is a task that some may continue to struggle with post-graduation. Silver (as citedand Herbst in how to accomplish withatheoretical Concurrently, framework. working incorporating atheoretical framework into will beinformed by theory. Despite theserealities, process students oftentimes begin at thedissertation alossfor 2002). (Melendez, There study by andcommittee isanexpectation mostchairpersons membersthat adissertation thepast30years,Over there hasbeenanincreasing trend to includeatheoretical framework inthedissertation studyto bestrong withanorganized andstructured dissertation flow from onechapter to thenext. contrast, withoutablueprint.be constructed By aresearch planthat contains atheoretical framework allows the Without atheoretical andvisionfor thestructure framework, astudyisunclear, muchlikeahousethat cannot VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo 572) possible roles to beadopted, andtools to beemployed consequently, by theresearcher (p. inhis/herwork. about thenature ofknowledge, how itexists (inthemetaphysical sense)inrelation to theobserver, andthe UNDERSTANDING THETHEORETICALFRAMEWORK b ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 14 Grant & OsanlooGrant

DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 to display the exterior of the home. the exterior of the home. display to elevation drawing drawing elevation a

Traditional blueprint drawing elevation Traditional Transformational/relational Transformational/relational theories Transactional/management Servant theories leadership/moral theories Trait theoriesSituational Figure 1. Figure • • • • • exterior. The following list details a sampling of commonly used theories across disciplines. used theories across list details a sampling of commonly following The exterior. Theories come from a multitude of sources in each discipline, and there are always more created and applied being created more always are and there in each discipline, a multitude of sources from come Theories for selectinga leadership realm of educational of options within the is a plethora there example, For fields. across will look on the “house” theory selectmust the appropriate his/her of how researcher The framework. theoretical the country. All can provide shelter and residency. Similarly, there is no one perfect there or right theory a dissertation, Similarly, for and residency. shelter can provide All the country. selectmust or construction architect typean the developer As certainbut each discipline. within popular theories are must choose a theory structure the researcher the dissertation. to build, of house to Types of houses vary across the country, from a ranch, bungalow, an American Four Square, adobe style, Craftsman, adobe style, Square, an American Four bungalow, a ranch, from of houses vary the country, across Types is no one perfectThere although certain or right style of house, certain home styles dominate parts etc. of split-level,

This drawing offers an outside view of the style and structure, as shown in Figure 1. Figure in of the style as shown an outside view and structure, offers drawing This There are two types of blueprint drawings that are used in the construction industry that correlate to the theoretical the theoretical used in the construction to industry are that types two of blueprint drawings correlate are that There an must create an architect of the dissertation. framework First, it. Once you create the blueprint, others will have a basic of what and you will use to establish to will use and principles you concepts a basic idea of what will have others blueprint, the create you Once it. to begin you can dissertation. determined been has house the your afterto Only for a plan approaches and the build the dissertation study. The Blueprint the architect are a house—you and researcher) for (the student the blueprint to framework liken the theoretical We the propertyand how build going to imagine will be constructed are as you you with choosing what who is charged is not justified by a theoretical framework. across disciplines is clear that the explicit identification and identification explicit the is clear that disciplines across Evidence framework. by a theoretical is not justified is a necessity of sound research. framework inclusion of a theoretical McLaughlin (2006) capture the necessity of including a sound theoretical underpinningdissertation in a the necessity sound theoretical of including a McLaughlin (2006) capture with a study atheoretical” that’s of work can do a good piece you see how “I don’t a dissertation from quote supervisor who stated, when a study conclusions” of findings and “limited usefulness the addressed 494) Sarter (2005, p. 154). Similarly, (p. inception of dissertation work. We also believe that all research is theoretical. The importanceThe of theory-driven is theoretical. all research that believe also We dissertation of inception work. questions, research of development the selection thinking to a topic, of and acting in relation emphasized should be and Day, Anderson, dissertationthe for plan study. analysis and approach, design the review, literature the of focus ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 15 than anadobehome, asshown below inFigure 2. drawing. For example, bungalow homeshave different similarfloorplansand exteriors, butthesefloorplans are very design. Yet how eachhomeisorganized orlaidoutwillbeinaccordance withthedesign choice usedintheelevation contain common elements suchasrooms, doors, toilets, ventilation, outlets, akitchen, andanaesthetic electrical drawing allows theviewer to seethefloorplanasif you downwere from looking above into thehome itself. All homes The of secondblueprint is a type one’slens from whichto support ontheproblem andanalysis ofdata. thinking The researcher’s provides provides toIt acommon structure choice theentire world ofatheory viewor dissertation. VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo Figure 2. Transformational theory Community ofInquiry formationIdentity Change theory theory Gender theory Intersubjectivity Theory Marxist Relational theory Functionalist theory theory Self-efficacy raceCritical theory Feminist Theory theory Queer Behavioral theory theory ofcommunity Sense Cognitive theory Developmental theory Systems theory Behavioral theories Craftsman style floorplanblueprint style Craftsman

floor plan floor , which details the interior of a home.details of the construction This b

ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 16 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a On the other hand, a , in our view, is the researcher’s understanding of how the research the research of how understanding is the researcher’s framework, in our view, a conceptual On the other hand, We believe this approach towards the utilization of theoretical frameworks can be used with qualitative, quantitative, quantitative, can be used with qualitative, frameworks of theoretical the utilization towards this approach believe We of crafting capable their own are doctoral candidates that recognize we However, method designs. and mixed endeavors. a new theory of their research a posteriori as a result blueprint for developed be to school leaders implemented a change process in a K-12 environment. Principles and concepts of transformational of transformational and concepts Principles environment. in a K-12 a change process school leaders implemented of the dissertation. all chapters throughout threaded leadership were emerges in the data analysis phase. Our dissertation committee work has focused almost exclusively on working almost exclusively Our dissertation has focused work phase. analysis in the data committee emerges For theory home. build their own and use those plans to someone else’s blueprints from “borrow” who with students how leadership theory used Burns (1978) transformational investigate one of our doctoral candidates to example, However, a theoretical framework may also involve a theory a dissertationof the in the course developed is that also involve may framework a theoretical However, to framework or perhaps less structured theoretical structured, with a begin may designs research Qualitative study. often framework the theoretical case, In the latter on the findings. preconceptions forcing from keep the researcher theoretical constructs to his or her dissertation study. constructs his or her dissertation to theoretical study. designs. collection data in quantitative a priori, or before developed are frameworks theoretical Traditionally, in the literature that has already been tested and validated by others and is considered a generally acceptable theory acceptable a generally others and is considered by and validated tested been has already that in the literature It view the world. is the lens with which to it is the researcher’s Merriam As proposed, (2001) in the scholarly literature. of the selected make a unique application theory to of the doctoralresponsibility student apply (or theories) so as to interchangeable nor synonymous. They can be vague and lead to confusion for students and dissertation students for committee confusion and lead to can be vague They nor synonymous. interchangeable terms. these such, it is important As members alike. and necessary differentiate to theory an existing from is derived (or theories) framework clarifying a theoretical that by terms distinguish the two We The Difference Between a Theoretical and Conceptual Framework The Difference Between a Theoretical neither are these terms however, framework; as a conceptual to sometimes referred are frameworks Theoretical Embedded within the discussion of a theoretical framework is an explanation of a conceptual framework. While these While framework. of a conceptual is an explanation framework a theoretical Embedded within the discussion of is an This a dissertation. within and utilization style, approach, their in do differ they in , similar are ideas two important understand and grasp. to distinction doctoral students for you to assess and refine your goals, develop realistic and relevant research questions, select appropriate methods, methods, select questions, appropriate research relevant realistic and develop your goals, assess and refine to you 33-34). (2004, pp. research” It justify your also helps you conclusions. your to validity threats potential and identify you need to know how you will define and approach your research problem and provide a rationale for how and why and why for how rationale a and provide problem research your will define and approach know you need to how you This itself. stand on the problem you where get a sense for to the reader for study in order conducting your are you “The help function design—to of your of this theory the rest inform is to is supported Maxwell, who wrote, by Before committing to a , you must first consider the guiding principles for your inquiry for readers consider the guiding principles so that must first you design, a research to committing Before theoryThe selected for context. a theoretical to in relation of study problem the situated have you will understand how Thus, a problem. investigate to ways and designing analyzing, for understanding, basis conceptual a study offers your placing stucco, rounded walls in your Craftsman style home. Principles and constructs (the interior blueprint) that that and constructs blueprint) (the interior Principles Craftsmanstyle home. your in walls rounded stucco, placing of out and inconsistent be exteriorstudy (the of the would blueprint) worldview theoretical your from derive not do place. written about leadership and concepts drawn from this framework. It would not be appropriate to discuss variables to this framework. It not be appropriate from would drawn about leadership and concepts written be akinwould to This or ethnicity). age, gender, (e.g. leadership principles of transformational to do not relate that theoretical framework. Thus, you would not expect to walk into a bungalow style home and find massive stucco walls stucco style a bungalow home and find massive into not expect walk would to you Thus, framework. theoretical the dissertation to if you blueprint, characteristic In of an adobe style which are reference house. edges, with rounded should connect theorists framework, who have each chapter to theoretical as your leadership select transformational selected for the dissertationselected for a whole. as tenants and concepts, constructs, principles, of the dissertation floor plan The the theoretical contains blueprint researcher’s of a theory with the elements of a home) must align conceptual the interior Specific (i.e. of a theory. Similarly, most professional practice dissertations and research articles follow the typical format of Statement of the practice of Statement articles dissertations typical the format and research professional most follow Similarly, contents the Yet and Discussion. Data, of the Presentation Design, Methodsor Research Review, Literature Problem, framework theoretical the with consistent be must and student, section each of varywill to chapter student or from ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 17 the dissertation research to thetheoreticalthe dissertation shouldconnect framework. together to deliver power All rooms throughout ofahouserequire thedissertation. electricity. Similarly, of all aspects , anddata analysis planmustflow through all rooms in your house, all theelements explicitly connecting systemThink runningthrough oftheelectrical ahouse:your problem, purpose, significance, research questions, research design anddata analysis. interwoven sothat your theoretical asthefoundation framework canserve for your work and guideyour choice of four problem, constructs—the purpose, significance, and research questions—are tightly aligned andintricately thoughtful understandingofyour problem, purpose, significance, and researchIt isimperative questions. that all studentswith which all doctoral should engage. ofatheoreticalThe framework selection requires adeepand anappropriate theoreticalSelecting process framework for researchandnecessary your dissertation isanimportant boththeconceptualchallenge students to andtheoretical articulate frameworks to prior beginning thedissertation. Although these steps may be taken in tandem or one by one, we profess committee thatmust the dissertation conceptual framework would involve thefloor plan blueprintofhow flows throughout thedissertation. framework anditsassociated tenants would andprinciples entail theelevation blueprintsfor ahouse, whereas the issimilarto buildingahouse, to ouranalogyofhow weReturning adissertation writing believe that thetheoretical theory,of educational equity asshown in Table 1. literaturepractices astheconceptual framework served for thestudy. However, thetheoretical framework was that monitoring) were analyzed inrelation to parent provisions for ofservice theirchildren. andbest Thus, RtI core oftheFederal principles associated (RtI), to withResponse Intervention (screening, policy diagnosis, andprogress literature associated withspecialneedschildren. withinterventions onnational Relying policiesandprotocols onecandidate dissertations, relied anotherexample fromintheresearch onbestpractices In ourwork supervising has beenestablished, you canthenbegin to determine how to your goaboutwriting dissertation. concepts withinthe problem (Luse, Mennecke, & Townsend, 2012).Once theconceptual framework for adissertation approach to your topic of study. to also gives specify and define you an opportunity concepts, butaway to for identify andconstruct thereader your epistemological andontological worldview and display of how ideas in a study relate to is notof one simply another a within string the theoretical It framework. The conceptual framework offers alogical of structure conceptsconnected that help provide orvisual apicture of whatto hasbeenlearned bestexplain thenatural progression ofaphenomenonthat isbeingstudied. Moreover, that Camp a conceptual a (2001) conceptualaptly described framework asserting framework, is a structure framework “lays outthekeyfactors, constructs, orvariables, andpresumes relationships amongthem” (1994,p. 440). system of concepts, assumptions, and guide the research and beliefs that plan.Specifically, support the conceptual the different in the study.variables This is best(1994), summarizedMileswho &categorized Huberman by it as a problem willbestbeexplored, the thespecificdirection research willhave to take, andthe relationship between VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo

Distinction Between aTheoretical Between Distinction andConceptual Framework Table 1

Theorists: Brookover &Brookover Lezotte (1981) Marx (1975) Theory: Educational Equity Theory Theory: Educational SELECTING ANAPPROPRIATETHEORETICAL FRAMEWORK Theoretical Framework

b

justified justified inequality, fair process, social Key theoretical principles: equality, Child Left Behind legislation monitoring (as defined by No Core concepts: screening, diagnosis,

access, partic Conceptual Framework Rtl Rtl Best Practices ipation

ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 18 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a Describe the significance, the importance of, or the “so what” of this exploration. Why is this an Why exploration. of this what” “so or the the importanceDescribe of, the significance, This is one of the most critical parts of the dissertation research. The problem statement establishes statement problem The criticalmost the of partsone is This dissertationthe of research. This section defines the purpose, or justification, of your study. That is to say, what are the aims and/ aims the are what say, to is That study. your of section justification, or This purpose, the defines your research and assists in determining what things you will measure and examine. The theoretical framework is framework theoretical The and examine. will measure things you what and assists in determining research your Choosing the Right Theoretical Framework for You a base for of disciplines) have (regardless studies in social and behavioral most research earlier, stated As serves framework as a guide to theoretical The framework. called the theoretical base is This conductingresearch. idea in mind, the selection of a theoretical framework is one of the most important steps in moving from thinking is one of the most important from the selection framework in moving idea in mind, steps of a theoretical actually dissertation to startingabout your research dissertation your research. and school-life?” does not include a theoretical framework. does not include a theoretical and school-life?” the key in developing is integral blueprint, framework, your the theoretical above, the information by evidenced As Keeping this questions. research and dissertation, significance, of your purpose, components including the problem, high-needs students as a way to promote equal access and use of school resources?” This question incorporates the the incorporates question This and use of school resources?” equal access promote to as a way students high-needs 1. In contrast, Table in as shown equal access”), promote “to equity of educational theory framework theoretical (e.g., education in their student’s actively involved more become of high-needs students can parents “How the question, with this particular lens would investigate the issue of parental involvement in a high-needs urban setting using this involvement the issue of parental with this particular investigate lens would of parents by active engagement more encourage and teachers can school administrators “How type of question: the research questions of your study act as the liaison between the existing knowledge and the problem you want want study act knowledge you questions of your the existing as the liaison between and the problem the research then your and , is critical of systems view the world” “lens with which you if the example, For resolve. to A researcher and access/barriers. social justice, the ideas of in/equality, around be framed questions could research Both the main or hypotheses and any sub-questions and any study should embody recognizable question or hypotheses of your Both the main research which is can be further in a manner by and articulate framework aspects framework the theoretical of the theoretical knowledge, existing to connects the reader framework dissertation Because the theoretical your by research. explored The development of the research questions in your dissertation questions in your has a direct impact of the research on the other parts development The of your and questions research the between relationship The framework. theoretical the to limited not but including study, is complementary. framework theoretical know. know. Questions Using the Lens of the Theoretical Framework Understanding Your Research Aligning your theoretical framework with the problem, purpose, and significance is an important and significance purpose, part with the problem, framework of the theoretical your Aligning the analogy of the necessity of a blueprint when building a home—by consider Again, creating dissertation process. can then establish the varying build/ blueprint you to strong parts the knowledge want a solid, you for and levels field. This section will help you determine the audience for your study as well. Additionally, you will need to explain to you will need Additionally, well. as your study for This section audience the you determine will help field. to the importance your study. relation of in framework chosen a specific theoretical have you why Significance. this about care particular in your and in general, should readers field, Why whom is it important? To important topic? and knowledge work the body of existing in the it can add to of this study and how issue? Explain the potential is to...? The purpose of this study is to...? What do you hope to do with this study that will add to, critique, or revise or revise critique, will add to, study that do with this hope to do you What purpose of this study is to...? The is to...? theoretical chosen the describeto how you questions will allow these knowledge Answering field? the in current the purpose of the study. to relates framework Purpose. aim of this study The questions: the following of in terms Think generated? have you the problem for or outcomes problem statement defines the root problem as well as the other variables and constructs inherent to the problem. to the problem. It constructsvariables other and the well as inherent as problem root the defines statement problem does How field. in the problem existing an resolve/address to further needs or helps that research an area identifies the outside? look like from does the problem What connect or the problem? to emerge framework the theoretical Problem. The dilemma or quandary a further factors produce that can cause for or more two that by examination. an interaction For the purpose of review and consistency, it is important to briefly discuss the essence of the problem, purpose, and it is important purpose, of the problem, brieflyessence discuss the to and consistency, the purpose of review For dissertation of research. significance Research in Dissertation and Significance Purpose, of Problem, Brief Discussion ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 19 a guidefor logically developing andunderstanding thedifferent, yet interconnected, oftheliterature parts review. The theoretical framework andtheliterature atheoretical are framework intrinsicallylinked. Often, canbeusedas contribute to theliterature andfield. to specificareas intheliterature. These perceived gapsare thespecific areas inwhichthe researcher cansignificantly burgeoning scholar, isthenotionthat theliterature review ofinformation canidentify thegapsorpaucity relevant for to applications (p. andrelating a important ofthesubject; ideasandtheory the structure 27).Last, andcertainly establishingthecontextpractice; ofthetopic orproblem; rationalizing thesignificance oftheproblem; understanding variables relevant to thetopic; synthesizing identifying andgainingnewperspective; relationship between ideasand that theliteratureresearch (1998)asserted withinthespecificfield. reviewplays Hart a roleindiscovering important area, field, and discipline. This includes key terms, ideas, theories, vocabulary, and of course, seminal researchers and the dissertation. The literature review isdesigned to demonstrate theresearcher’s subject ofaparticular knowledge When conceptualizing your literature review, to of understand the the literaturepurpose it is important review in by the researchis supported literature. theliterature Often, asthefoundation review acts ofyour study. general,In theliterature viewisadiscussionofyouraboutthetopic understudyandhow knowledge that knowledge A TheoreticalFrameworkCanEnhanceYourLiteratureReview research. provide concepts andpurpose). This willhelpyou focus your study’s design andanalysis planto better buildyour willoffer theories bothanelevationRich blueprint(i.e., provide andafloor plan(i.e., structure for thedissertation) the following guidelines: order themostappropriateIn to select andbest-suited theoretical framework for research, your dissertation consider significance, anddesign. ofthestudy’s to thestructure ensure thatthe choice italigns oftheory andsupports purpose, research questions, that fitsbestwithany inquiry. However, itisthe researcher’s andprovide to select responsibility aclear rationale for might be a good choicebeings, as your theory social network study’s theoretical framework. There is no one theory proceed with a theoretical whereas, framework, if you view the world through a lens of interconnectedness of human example, ifyou viewtheworld from would apragmatic notbethebestway lens, for theory choosingcritical you to on your own worldview andway ofconceptualizing problems. What isthelenswithwhichyou viewtheworld? For you willexamine andexplore research, to especiallyyour reflect thisvein, theoretical In itisimportant framework. have preconceived notions, even general iftheyareinnature. very to Due this, your fundamental beliefs affecthow beliefs are influenced by assumptions, values, andethics, whichare allpersonalpostulates.It isimpossible to not to examine yourAs own such,itisimportant epistemological atheoretical beliefs Our framework. whenselecting something solidandreliable onwhichto buildyour research andto inform therest ofyour design. VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 8. 7. 6. 5. 4. 3. 2. 1. DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo Select onetheoretical frameworkSelect that provides asolid, descriptive ‘blueprint’ for your reader. Apply answers to “how” to your connects problem, thestudy’s thetheory purpose, significance, anddesign. Consider that opposeyour beliefs andtheories. youtheories are considering. Consult the ProQuest and Dissertations Theses Database to review how others have applied the specific literature abrief Conduct reviewfor toyour theories. findsupport to you. isimportant andunderstandwhy ofthetheories eachtheory knowledge Develop a working abouttheconcepts inyourthinking study. Consider several that nicely theories intersect withyour epistemological values andbroaden your way of Begin by identifying your beliefs. INTEGRATING THETHEORETICALFRAMEWORK b ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 20 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a Identification of gaps in the existing literature of gaps in the Identification literature study connects existing to proposed your of how an explanation only, In the last paragraph Identification of your chosen theoretical framework (defines the theory, identifies key theorists, key theorists, identifies of (defines the theory, framework your chosen theoretical of Identification theory) conceptual around organized topic, your to to be applied principles of key theoretical Specification subheadings in the literature conflicts of controversies and Identification A brief statement of your topic of your A brief statement review of the literature the organization to introduction An 7. 5. 6. 4. 2. 3. 1. intended purpose and rationale for being there? Your dissertation committee can help you evaluate the feasibility of feasibility the evaluate dissertation you help can committee Your there? being for purpose rationale and intended dissertation. your for the plan and approach theoretical framework. What aspects of your research question have not yet been addressed on your map? What What map? on your been addressed not yet question have aspects research What of your framework. theoretical “fit” the exterior blueprint, elevation model, or need additional detail? Does the theoretical weak connections are an have built be house to the proverbial of Does it? each imagined you blueprint as interior the drawing’s with A holistic view of your developing map will allow you to view concepts that may or may not fit with your not fit with or may may that view concepts to you will allow map concept developing A holistic view of your theoretical framework. The following items will be included in a strong dissertation literature review rooted in theory: rooted review dissertation in a strong will be included items literature following The framework. theoretical entire map with your theoretical framework and your research question. research and your framework theoretical map with your entire the with is aligned manner that organized in an review the literature write help you map will better concept The conduit and electricity to connect your research problem, research question, and significance. Where do ideas flow? do ideas flow? Where and significance. question, research problem, and electricityconduit research connect to your the from (or derived) aligned most closely are concepts Which the next? to the linkages each concept are from What out the frame Finally, among concepts. and boxes connectors, theory? chosen on your visual arrows, Draw literature topics. Each idea should have a clear purpose and significance in relation to the topic as a whole. The reader should be should reader The whole. as a topic to the relation in purposea clear significance and have idea should Each topics. your headings. of and identification the organization previewing ideas by see a clear picture of your to begin able to of the house: use the floor plan blueprint who must add an electrical to an engineer are system you imagine Then, issues of interest related to your topic using headers with key authors noted below each issue or theme. These are the are These or theme. each issue below key authors noted using headers with topic your to related issues of interest structure logical hierarchical, a in ideas Next, your support arrange that theory. chosen concepts your foundational related Start specific, your thinkingto more your house. ideas and funnel with general for down a floor plan create to your dissertation your topic. you how for a plan draw to tool you a map offers concept a blueprint, with our analogy of a floor plan Concordant key organize and review literature First, framework. within a specific theoretical investigation your will approach or that reflects the structure of that concept” (p. 7). A concept map is an attempt to make explicit such a explicit make to an attempt map is 7). A concept (p. reflects concept” the structure model that of that or mental excellent maps is an constructionThe of concept 2007). others (Chang, with it can be reviewed model so that mental you will approach your understanding of how a preliminary of to structure and offer organization to knowledge way The ability to construct a concept map illustrates two essential properties of understanding: the representation and properties essential two understanding: the representation of illustrates map ability constructThe to a concept representation an internal having entails a concept understand “to that (1993) stated Halford of ideas. the organization it is applied to your literature review. Concept mapping is a process for representing and organizing ideas using and organizing representing for mapping is a process Concept review. literature your it is applied to carrying arrows and linked with explanatory legends to in boxes written Ideas are 2006). & Cañas, pictures (Novak depict pictorial ideas. links between Using Concept Mapping to Align your Theoretical Framework and Literature Review and Literature Framework Theoretical to Align your Mapping Using Concept how display to visually and framework theoretical your define to can be used that mapping is a useful tool Concept As you center on the “lens with which you view the world” you should in parallel develop the established empirical the established develop in parallel should you view the world” “lens with which you on the center you As harmoniously, can then be developed and literature framework The theoretical studying. you are field in the literature recommendations. and underlie the support findings, the be used to and then interpret the data, ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 21 the end product (i.e. the dissertation blueprint)willprovide (i.e.the endproduct theresearcher’s thedissertation audience to with aclearpicture explain relate to thesequence place ofevents to understand, andapplythetheoretical taking However, select, framework. of adissertation. The useofqualitative, quantitative, mixed research methods, oraction approaches inastudymay Similarly, atheoretical framework anditsassociated concepts isneededto themethodology andanalysis structure anelevationBoth blueprintandafloorplanmustbesupplied inorder for a contractor to build ahouse. anewtheoreticalcritique approach to thetopic ofinquiry. emotional may emerge from thedata, which would allow you astheresearcher to identify, expand, or compared andcontrasted intheanalysis. Thus, arevised bullyingrooted suppositionofworkplace inemployee lead to anewconceptualization ofthetopic, that canbe orto thealignment offindingswithan existing theory emerging framework for to from arise understanding the phenomenon.Allowingqualitative theory methods may you to bullying, understandworkplace If are you seeking may discover data that establishan themesininterview build. aninventory ofavailable taking resources after described (e.g. data)to prior decidingonablueprintfrom whichto the data a during posteriori analysis & phase Chenail,(Munhall 2008). of a theory The theoretical would structure be methodshave theoretical that underpinnings guidethestudywithemphasisondevelopment However, thisdoesnotmeanthat theoretical frameworks are abandonedinqualitative inquiry. thesecases, In ofatheoretical framework nature wouldthe pre-determination betheantithesis ofthemethoditself. ofthevery Qualitative research methodsmay ormay not someinstances,involve that In isexplicitly determined apriori. atheory the methodological planinastudy. are rooteddissertations inatheory, allowing for novice researchers to borrow theoretical frameworks to structure follow thetenants ofGreenleaf’s theoretical principles. Fortunately, many existing quantitative instruments usedin leadership.around of servant the 10 principles Data analysis and testing ofrelationships among variables can protocol instrument oranobservational measures would suchasasurvey beconstructed, applied, and/or organized For example, ifyour theoretical framework relates(1977),quantitative to leadershiptheory Greenleaf’s servant offersa priori a way to follow theblueprint theentirefor constructing house. presented Consequently, andappliedinthedissertation. approaching one’s that was determined data withatheory data” (2005, p. 458). Research findings can extend, or modify”“be used to support, (ibid, p. 459) aborrowed theory and data collection analysis plan. Lester reported, is no data without a framework to“There make sense of those concepts, constructs, orideas. ortheoretical Eachofthoseconstructs notionscanbeusedto thedata structure straightforwardfairly process aquantitative whenconstructing that hasassociated research studybased onatheory planthat thedata you dictate collection often develop andwillilluminate information withinthedata. This canbea Whether you are aquantitative, constructing qualitative, ormixed methodstudy, thetheoretical framework will stronger andmore descriptive theframework (orblueprint)willbefor thehousebeingbuilt. (e.g.and integrated usedthroughout thedissertation theory Trifiletti’s“high” level oftheoretical application), the isappliedandthreaded ofastudy. through allaspects explicitly theory ourexperience, In amore explicitly identified Trifiletti etal. (2005) rated theuseoftheoretical application in research studiesfrom“low” to“high” levels ofhow understand how theresearcher hasassembledthestudy. . astopicture thesubject Similarly, agoodtheoretical framework willoffer the reader allthepieces needed to be measured, tested, asaguidefor to andextended thedesign serve ofastudy. clear Agoodblueprintpaints avery theresearcherpermits to identify thedesign andtheevaluation ofaproblem to inaway that willallow thetheory to asolidbasisfor understandingandconceptualizing atopic withinthecontext ofthestudy. Atheoretical framework provides for cleardirections Theory how theresearcher has moved beyond and “pretheoretical commitments” 1997). problem formulation andtheliterature review—it shouldguideyour(Torraco, studythroughout thedissertation andbuildthemethodological plan. use thismaterial to support The useofatheoretical framework isnotlimited to One ofthemany values ofhaving identified aclearly theoretical frameworkto studyistheability for adissertation Applying theTheoreticalFrameworktoYourResearchMethods VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo b ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 22 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a Feminist Theory. Key theoretical principles include gender discrimination; social, principles include gender discrimination; social, Key theoretical Theory. Feminist Gender socialization in the field of education, women’s professional experiences experiences professional women’s Gender in the field of education, socialization Main research question: What is the for the gender gap in dissertationin gap gender the at for topics reason the is What question: Mainresearch Key topics will include the history of school finance practices, school finance reform, fiscal reform, will include the history school finance Key topics practices, of school finance APPLYING THE HOUSE ANALOGY - AN EXAMPLE ANALOGY THE HOUSE APPLYING This research is significant because it will potentially help increase the representation of representation the help increase because it will potentially is significant research This At Sunshine Desert College (a pseudonym), Alicia reviews preliminary author first name and Sunshine Desert reviews Alicia At (a pseudonym), College The purpose of this study is two-fold. The first aim of the study is to understand what leads to leads to understand what is first aim of the study The purpose of this study is two-fold. The Theoretical Framework. Framework. Theoretical Literature Review. Review. Literature Conceptual Framework. Conceptual Research Questions. Questions. Research Significance. Significance. Purpose. Purpose. Problem. Problem. institutional, and political factors influencing women’s position in society; women; and inequality of oppression women’s and political factors influencing institutional, hegemony; and patriarchy. example of a concept map for Alicia’s topic. topic. Alicia’s for map of a concept example educational leaders work to improve this gender gap? improve to leaders work educational an displays 3 Figure administration. school in women of roles the and inequality practices, funding in responsibility, the Department of Educational Leadership at Sunshine Desert College? Two sub research questions: How do female do female questions: How sub research Two Desert Sunshine the Department at Leadership of Educational College? gender this Sunshine Desert at Department in the doctoralstudents perceive Leadership College of Educational can How finance? school to related topics pursue do not doctoral students female why the are What gap? practices. doctoral students interested in school finance there could potentially be a greater number of educational leadership leadership of educational number greater a be potentially could there school finance in interested doctoralstudents lookingwomen for models role more provide turnin which could members, board school and administrators female inequitable funding reduce to female leaders in the fiscal needs of schools so as prepare better to the field go into to doctoral dissertation. female of number the by increasing Moreover, finance. education of field the to minoritya women, population, the large gender gap in the topic selection gender gap in the topic in the Department population of the doctoralthe large student of Educational encouraging for strategies with administrators educational provide study is to aim of the second The Leadership. their for topic a as administration school in issues fiscal and reform participate to students finance in female more whereas eight males in the same program addressed this topic within their dissertations. this topic addressed program males in the same eight whereas Departmentyears in the entire of of 25 doctoral dissertations in the past five abstract reveals completed that data in the abstract, included school finance student only one dissertation a female by completed Leadership, Educational concerned with issues of justice, and offer critiques of institutions, policies, society, and . She would position She culture. and society, policies, critiques institutions, of offer and justice, of issues with concerned herself academically as a critical theorist. journalist for a national newspaper. She spent much of her early career interviewing people for newspaper articles. interviewing newspaper of her early much As She spent career people for newspaper. a national journalist for taking while others speak, people, notes to such, she has a keen knack listening and summarizing long . for become be self-reflective, she has learned to female In as a bi-racial experiences of her vast addition, because An Example a formerly leadership and who was in educational who is in a doctoral program female is a bi-racial “Alicia” Student aligned with the aforementioned components of the study. And lastly, we give an example of a methodological plan plan of a methodological an example give we lastly, And of the study. components with the aforementioned aligned the exemplify do not They abbreviated. greatly are below sectionsof examples provided The study. proposed the for and clarity. content for purposes of We did this sections. actualthese different length of conducting this research. Second, we provide you with an example of a problem, purpose, significance, and research research and significance, purpose, of a problem, with an example you provide we Second, conducting this research. that review literature the of components key the of some highlight we Third, topic. this with associated questions is that framework of a theoretical example Fourth, an we offer school finance. when examining should be discussed In order to assist in driving home the points we are making in the article, we will provide you with an in-depth making you example are in the article, provide will we in driving assist the points home In to we order gaps in school finance of gender example us use the Let dissertation your analogy to of applying the house study. is who the student of beliefs describe epistemological the we in this article. the ideas mentioned First, underscore to how the house was constructed based on an identified theoryconstructed an identified based on house was the framework.how conceptual and ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 23 dissertation. Keepthesequestions inmindasyou write.dissertation. for students canusethefollowingDoctoral asamember-check before, checklist during, you andafter write your Checklist forIntegrating aTheoreticalFramework associated andnorms. withgenderascription expectations. genderrole Content ideologyoftopics categorized by analysis ofdissertations pre-determined categories includinggendersocialization, frompriori genderinequality, feminist theory patriarchy, andgender over thepast10years. ofEducational Leadership College candidates completed doctoral Department by SunshineDesert dissertations College and by educationaljournaling leadershipstudents current (allfitwith SunshineDesert feminist theory), College graduates, doctoral Sunshine Desert focus groups withlocalarea K-12 schooladministrators, reflective Methods. structures. in thefieldofeducation, maledominance ofmath, , andfinance disciplineswithineducational VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 1. Figure 3. DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo Data analysis plan. Institutional Which discipline will the theory beapplied to? Which discipline willthetheory factors

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ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 24 (2), (3): 107–112. (pp. 71–98). (pp. Organizational Organizational Grant & OsanlooGrant Urban Review, 13 Urban Review, DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 (2), 149-168. Educational Research, 41 Research, Educational Studies in Higher Education, 31 Studies in Higher Education, a SUMMARY REFERENCES (1), 27-39. . New York: Harper & Row. York: . New Leadership development for transforming organizations: Grow leaders for tomorrow Grow organizations: for transforming development Leadership Leadership (Winter): 19-31. the data analysis? the data How does the theoretical framework inform your literature review? literature your inform framework does the theoretical How Or a priori determined framework? based on the selected codes theoretical plan utilize Does analysis the data can be connected that codes a posterori of grounded, the development for plan allow analysis does the data framework? theoretical evolving new, a to based on and recommendations implications, conclusions, your undergird framework theoretical Does your the objectives of the study? framework? well with the theoretical your study align of and significance purpose, Do problem, the the theory do research Or Can developed? questions being be used in conjunction the research with reflect and theoryto incorporate modified be defined aquestions need to priori? Is the theory plan? methodological fit with the an appropriate framework? the theoretical of tenants and concepts, principles, the from draw methodology Doesstudy’s the or too investigation constructs require that theoretical with many is the theory? big How developed, Is it well been selectedprinciples to meet and theoretical concepts specific topic? Have the fit with to small in scope 9. 8. 7. 5. 6. 4. 2. 3. for mathematics education researchers. Paper presented at the Proceedings of the Thirteenth Meeting Annual North of the the Proceedings at presented Paper researchers. education mathematics for Chang, S. (2007). Externalizing students’ mental models through concept maps. maps. concept through models mental S. (2007). Externalizing students’ Chang, implications anthropologist; a cultural 1991: Ideas from circa research for Eisenhart, frameworks M. (1991). Conceptual Burns, J. M. (1978). J. Burns, research. education and technical career for frameworks theoretical and evaluating G. (2001). Formulating W. Camp, 26 Research, Educational Journal of Vocational Brookover, W. & Lezotte, L. (1981). Educational equity: A democratic at a crossroads. equity: L. (1981). Educational principle a crossroads. at A democratic & Lezotte, W. Brookover, 65-71. Bass, B. M. (1990). From transactional to transformational leadership: Learning to share the vision. share to leadership: Learning transactional transformational to M. (1990). From B. Bass, Dynamics Avolio, B. J. (2003). Examining the full range model of leadership: Looking back to transform forward. In D. Day, Day, In D. forward. transform model of leadership: Looking back to (2003). Examining the full range J. B. Avolio, (Eds.), Zaccarro & S. NJ: Erlbaum. Mahwab, Anderson, C., Day, K., & McLaughlin, P. (2006). Mastering the dissertation: Lecturers’ representations of the purposes representations (2006). Mastering the dissertation: Lecturers’ K., & McLaughlin, P. C., Day, Anderson, dissertation level supervision. of Master’s and processes that it becomes indistinguishable from the house itself. What you are left with is a home to call your own. own. left call your are with is a home to you What the house itself. indistinguishable from it becomes that The nature of the dissertation is such that it will begin with the blueprint, but over time will focus on the house itself time will focus of the dissertation but over with the blueprint, nature will begin it is such that The purpose will be and its intended the blueprint anymore, “see’ will not You or plan. sketch of a representative instead so the building process into elements its required weaves framework theoretical The work. your all who read clear to that is gathered for a dissertation needs to always be interpreted through a theoretical framework in order to offer offer to in order framework a theoretical through be interpreted a dissertation for always needs to is gathered that mentioned risks being saddled with the previously the researcher or has been found of what a clear explanation p. 494). 2006, (Sarter, conclusions” “limited uselessness of findings and or which blueprint to follow to build an , establish the context of the problem, and explain findings. The findings. and explain of the problem, establish the context build an argument, to follow or which blueprint to the problem, questions, in justifying the research center and front framework must keep the theoretical researcher plan. and the analysis Information design research the determine to help way and as a of the study, the significance Multiple theories give varying perspectives on the same issue. Thus, each researcher must decide which lens to use, use, must decide which lens to each researcher Thus, varyingMultiple theories give perspectives on the same issue. ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCTATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 25 Yukl, G.(1994). preventionin unintentional research? injury Trifiletti, L., Gielen A., Sleet, BehavioralK. (2005). andsocial sciences andmodels: theories AreD., & Hopkins, theyused Research andPractice Linking Handbook: Development Torraco, R.J. (1997) Research Swanson Methods. In R.andE.Theory-Building Holton III(Eds.), Sire, J. (2004). Chambon, Jaffard, (2005),120(2),493-494. and Alescio-Lavtier Sarter, M. (2006). The consequences of atheoretical, experimentation:task-driven Theoretical comment on Paban, Pielstick, C.D. (1998). The analysis. transforming Ameta-ethnographic leader: ResearchPapers/TheoryUnderlyingConceptMaps.pdf. IHMC CmapTools. Florida for Institute Cognition, HumanandMachine available at http://cmap.ihmc.us/Publications/ J.,Novak, &Cañas, A.(2006). concept underlying maps and how them. toThe construct theory Technical Report Bartlett. Munhall, P., &Chenail, R.(2008). Sage. M.B.,Miles, A.M.(1994). &Huberman, approaches. D.Mertens, (1998). S.(1997). Merriam, /58FC078D51AB926985256E1A006CF13B/$File/Melendez-John_Doctorate.pdf?Open retrieved fromUnpublished dissertation, http://domapp01.shu.edu/depts/uc/apps/libraryrepository.nsf/resourceid J.Melendez, (2002). J.Maxwell, (2004). (1975). K. 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VOLUME 4,ISSUE2 DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 Grant &Osanloo (6), 457-467. Thousand Oaks:Sage. Naming theelephant:Worldview asaconcept. Doing aliteratureDoing review. Releasingthesocial research imagination Leadership inOrganizations Collected Works. Children’s Understanding:TheofMentalModels. Development Servant leadership:Ajourneyinto thenature oflegitimateServant power andgreatness Qualitative research interactive design:An approach Research ineducation methods Integrating andpsychology: withquantitative diversity andqualitative Qualitative research andcase studyapplications ineducation. Doctoral scholarship examined: dissertation research inthefieldofhighereducation scholarship examined:Doctoral dissertation studies Encouraging theheart. New York: InternationalPublishers. Qualitative research proposals and reports: Aguide Qualitative research proposals andreports: Qualitative expandedsource dataanalysis:An book (1),11–20. 143-152. (3rd ed.). Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall. 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ADMINISTRATIVE ISSUES JOURNAL: CONNECTING EDUCATION, PRACTICE, AND RESEARCH 26 Grant & OsanlooGrant DOI: 10.5929/2014.4.2.9 a How to Finish and Defend Your Dissertation: Strategies to Complete the Dissertation: Complete to Strategies and Defend Your Finish to How PhD, LCSW, was an Associate Professor of Research and the Chair of and of Research Professor an Associate was LCSW, PhD, ABOUT THE AUTHORS ABOUT (Rowman & Littlefield, 2013) and served & Littlefield, (Rowman primarily on numerous as the methodologist Cynthia Grant, Cynthia Ph.D., M.P.A., is the Stan Fulton Endowed Chair for the Improvement of Border and Rural Schools and Rural of Border the Improvement Chair for Endowed Fulton is the Stan M.P.A., Ph.D., Author Note: Note: Author [email protected] via email at Grant this article Cynthia concerning to addressed should be Correspondence University. Her research focuses on social justice and multicultural leadership. She servesShe doctoral numerous on leadership. multicultural and justice social on focuses research Her University. leadership. in educational on research focus that and methodologist in the capacity of theoretician committees interdisciplinary dissertation committees. Osanloo, Azadeh State New Mexico at in the Department and Administration Leadership of Educational Professor and an Associate the Department of Research in the Division of Research and Doctoral Programs at Concordia University Chicago. Chicago. University Concordia at the Department and Doctoral Programs Division of Research in the of Research the book, Tomal) (with Dan She co-authored Doctorate Practice Professional At the time of this writing, of this writing, the time At