Structure of a Dissertation Based on APA Guidelines

CHAPTER 3: MEHODOLOGY

Chapter three is important because it helps the reader understand how you plan to study this issue. This chapter is like the “recipe” section of the dissertation.

The purpose of Chapter 3: By this point in the dissertation the reader is clear about why you want to study this issue – or this problem of practice (chapter 1). The reader is also clear about what there is to know about this issue and left to know (chapter 2). Finally the reader should be clear about what you plan to study in light of the literature presented and your research questions.

Now the reader wants to know how you plan to answer these questions. This chapter does not focus on WHAT the answers are – just how you plan to answer the questions. This is a very formulaic chapter.

Here is a general outline for how to move forward.

 In the introduction to the chapter review the purpose of the study – or what you are going to study and the research questions you have identified.  Provide an overview to the methodology you have chosen, explaining why the methods you have chosen are appropriate for this particular study. And why other methods are not as appropriate Why Quantitative vs. Qualitative. This should link back to the literature if possible. For example, there have been many quantitative studies on presidential leaders – this will be a qualitative one.

Sample and Population

 Include type of sampling used, criteria for selection, process of selection, the sample selected, sampling issues, and the population from which the population was drawn.  In chapter two you have presented a particular issue, in chapter three you identify your “unit of analysis” or the institution and population your study will focus on. Be clear about how this unit of analysis connects with chapter 2. We know about public institutions and how they operationalize change theory – this study will focus on a private institution.  Describe why you are choosing a particular institution and study participants. Explain the value of knowing more about this organization and these people/positions.  Provide some background on the institution and the people – including their job, title, role, etc. In addition, describe the site, college, institution, etc.  The goal of this section is for the reader to be clear about what you are studying and what you are not studying. For example, many institutions engage in the planning process, we will not be studying all of them; instead we will focus on the case study institution because it is nearing the end of its 5 year strategic plan and because it is in the midst of significant institutional change. This makes it ideal to learn about academic leaders and their roles throughout the change process. Instrumentation

For additional resources - http://dissertationedd.usc.edu/ DSC contact information – [email protected] or (213)740-8099

 We know what you will study and why – now we need to know how. Talk about your methods (interviews, surveys, observations, document review, etc) and why you will be using these methods to collect your data.  Describe the instrumentation and conceptual framework for the instrument content used in the study. Include a brief description of the relationship of the research questions to your instrumentation.  Every variable or criteria you put in chapter 3 to study should be discussed in chapter 2. Link to the literature. Ensure you demonstrate how each protocol is designed to answer your research questions. Use a Research Question Grid.  Include the process of development (if applicable) and reliability and validity of the instruments used, as well as field testing (if applicable).

Data Collection

 Describe in detail how you will collect your data – or how you will operationalize the study. What value does this method of data collection bring to the study?  Include description of the procedures and methods used to collect data (e.g. how and when the instruments were administered/collected).  What is your plan for getting this information and protecting this data under USC’s research policies. I recommend reviewing the human subject’s paperwork for help with this section – if you have answered the questions they ask in detail, it is likely that you have done a thorough job of addressing the requirements of this section.

Data Analysis

 Organize by research question and describe the statistical techniques or programs used to analyze the data. Describe – in detail – what you will do with this information. Will you transcribe the data and code it for themes? Or will you compile survey results and run frequencies? Refer to your inquiry classes and your inquiry texts for what to do with your data and with how to articulate your plans for analyzing the data. Be sure to include the reasoning behind those plans.

 Describe any problems with the data analysis.

For additional resources - http://dissertationedd.usc.edu/ DSC contact information – [email protected] or (213)740-8099