Assignment Prompt & Instructions
Please see attached
– 2 years ago
**files (2)**
– ## week3.ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewAssignmentInstructions.docx
– ## week3ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewTemplate.docx
**## week3.ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewAssignmentInstructions.docx**
PADM 805
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Instructions**
**Overview**
Consider a potential quantitative study based on a topic of interest to you. Write a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods theoretical perspective section for your research plan following the theoretical discussion presented in Creswell & Creswell. The first part of the assignment will create an Introduction section for a research study. Next, you will follow the Introduction section with a comprehensive Literature Review section that includes at least 15 peer-reviewed references.
The paper should include:
· Identification of one overarching theory by name?
· Provide information about the source of this theory?
· Give examples of topics where the theory has been applied?
· Advances propositions or hypotheses that are based on the theory?
· Identify the independent and dependent variables?
· Provide a rationale for the independent and dependent variables based on the logic of the theory?
**Instructions**
This assignment will give you the opportunity to write the Introduction and Literature Review sections on a research topic of interest. This 12-to-20-page paper will simulate the first two required sections of a research paper (See template). Items to include are explained in the template (Which is taken from the current LU dissertation template). Below are the format requirements:
· Length of assignment (12 to 20 pages)
· Not including the reference section.
· Format of assignment (APA most recent edition).
· Number of citations – 10 for Introduction and 15 Literature Review
· Acceptable sources (e.g., scholarly peer-reviewed articles)
Review the
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Template** located on the assignment page.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
**## week3ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewTemplate.docx**
PADM 805
## CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
### Overview
Start Chapter One with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.
### Background
The Background section educates the reader regarding the topic. Start this section by catching the reader’s attention. Use recent evidence from at least three to four scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Background section then moves into an overview of the most relevant literature regarding the issue and provides a historical, social, and theoretical context regarding the issue. Remember that this is just an overview. You will go into more depth in Chapter Two.
The historical overview examines how the issue has evolved over time from the past to present-day. The background’s historical overview should be well supported by at least five to seven scholarly journal articles or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section.
A conceptual and/or theoretical background overview relates the issue to similar studies and discusses the theories that drive them. The background’s theory discussion should be supported by at least three to five scholarly journal articles and/or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section. Conclude the Background section by summarizing the information and preparing the reader for the problem. The Background section is approximately three to five pages long.
### Problem Statement
The problem statement discusses how the literature may not have completely addressed the issue. For example, there may be controversy regarding mixed results from other studies, unexamined populations, lack of new testing instruments, etc. In other words, convince the reader that there is not enough research available to bring the issue to closure. The problem statement finds its “roots” in other studies and expands on their recommendations for further research. In general terms, the problem is always a lack of research on a particular issue. The problem statement should be well-supported by at least one to three scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The problem statement ends with a declarative statement: “The problem is …” which is clearly supported by current literature. The Problem Statement section is approximately one page long.
### Purpose Statement
The purpose statement usually begins with, “The purpose of this study is…” The purpose statement gives the reader a quick overview on how you plan to help “solve the problem.” Once again, since the problem is a lack of research on a particular issue, your purpose is simply to propose another research study. However, you need to be specific on what you plan to do. The purpose statement foreshadows the research question(s). The purpose statement includes the variables (i.e., Independent/Dependent and/or Predictor/Criterion) and defines each of the variables. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. The purpose statement also includes a “brief” description of the population.
### Significance of the Study
At this point, the reader should be convinced that the issue is important, that there is a lack of research on the issue, and you have a proposed study to help solve the problem. The significance of the study convinces the reader that the study will add to the existing body of knowledge by building off similar studies that investigate the same issue. It includes a description of the contributions that your study will make to the knowledge base or discipline, both theoretically and empirically. This section also includes a brief description of how the study is important to other locations, organizations, general populations, or the sample being studied. References are very important here, as they lend additional credence and support for your study. All assertions in this section need to be well-supported by the literature; at least three to five scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Significance of the Study section is approximately one page long.
### Research Question(s)
The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the aim is not to solve the world's problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed, each on a separate line. Example:
**RQ1:** _Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
**RQ2:** _Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
### Definitions
Terms pertinent to the study should be listed and defined as the final section of chapter one. All definitions in this section also need to be supported by the literature. Include terms that use abbreviations. Citations are needed. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. Italicize terms to be defined. Example:
1.
_Attitude_ – Attitude is a psychological tendency that involves evaluating a particular object with some degree of favor or disfavor (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993).
2.
_Interest -_ The combination of emotion and personal valuation of a task resulting in a desire for various levels of enjoyment (Ainley & Ainley, 2011).
3.
_Etc_…
## CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
### Overview
Chapter Two is often the longest chapter of the dissertation. The minimum length should be 30 pages, but most are longer. Its purpose is to provide a context for the research and to demonstrate its importance based on the problem demonstrated via the literature as well as the gap in the literature. Chapter Two is comprised of at least four sections: (a) an overview, (b) a theoretical or conceptual framework section, (c) the related literature section, and (d) a summary.
The overview should provide a general explanation and overview of the chapter with links to the purpose of the study. This should be done in a short paragraph.
### Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
The conceptual or theoretical background section should provide the reader with a direct connection to the framework that will effectively guide the study and allow the findings to be situated within a greater context. According to Maxwell (2005),
the point is not to
_summarize_ what has already been done in the field. Instead, it is to ground your proposed study in the relevant previous work, and to give the reader a clear sense of your theoretical approach to the phenomena that you propose to study. (p. 123)
Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next discuss how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by articulating how your specific research focus relates to the theory and how it may potentially advance or extend the theory(ies). Examples of theoretical frameworks include Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs, Knowles (1980) Adult Learning Theory, etc. Situating the study and research questions within an established theoretical framework helps establish the significance of the study.
### Related Literature
The purpose of the Related Literature section is to provide a tight synthesis (not simply a study-by-study summary) of the existing general knowledge on this topic and link this existing knowledge to the proposed study. Remember that the literature review is the argument for the significance of the study. It communicates what has been examined on the topic(s), what has not been examined or how understanding on the topic is still developing, and how the study can fill the gap or further understanding in the field.
The chapter should end with a focused summary of what is currently known, what is not known, and how the study can specifically address gaps in the existing literature. Subheadings at Level 2 and Level 3 are often necessary. Often 1,000 to 2,000 articles are reviewed and at least 100 to 200 are integrated in the construction of this chapter. The majority of the literature cited in the chapter needs to
be current (i.e., five years or less since publication).
### Summary
Provide a chapter summary. The Summary.
**## week3ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewTemplate.docx**
PADM 805
## CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
### Overview
Start Chapter One with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.
### Background
The Background section educates the reader regarding the topic. Start this section by catching the reader’s attention. Use recent evidence from at least three to four scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Background section then moves into an overview of the most relevant literature regarding the issue and provides a historical, social, and theoretical context regarding the issue. Remember that this is just an overview. You will go into more depth in Chapter Two.
The historical overview examines how the issue has evolved over time from the past to present-day. The background’s historical overview should be well supported by at least five to seven scholarly journal articles or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section.
A conceptual and/or theoretical background overview relates the issue to similar studies and discusses the theories that drive them. The background’s theory discussion should be supported by at least three to five scholarly journal articles and/or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section. Conclude the Background section by summarizing the information and preparing the reader for the problem. The Background section is approximately three to five pages long.
### Problem Statement
The problem statement discusses how the literature may not have completely addressed the issue. For example, there may be controversy regarding mixed results from other studies, unexamined populations, lack of new testing instruments, etc. In other words, convince the reader that there is not enough research available to bring the issue to closure. The problem statement finds its “roots” in other studies and expands on their recommendations for further research. In general terms, the problem is always a lack of research on a particular issue. The problem statement should be well-supported by at least one to three scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The problem statement ends with a declarative statement: “The problem is …” which is clearly supported by current literature. The Problem Statement section is approximately one page long.
### Purpose Statement
The purpose statement usually begins with, “The purpose of this study is…” The purpose statement gives the reader a quick overview on how you plan to help “solve the problem.” Once again, since the problem is a lack of research on a particular issue, your purpose is simply to propose another research study. However, you need to be specific on what you plan to do. The purpose statement foreshadows the research question(s). The purpose statement includes the variables (i.e., Independent/Dependent and/or Predictor/Criterion) and defines each of the variables. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. The purpose statement also includes a “brief” description of the population.
### Significance of the Study
At this point, the reader should be convinced that the issue is important, that there is a lack of research on the issue, and you have a proposed study to help solve the problem. The significance of the study convinces the reader that the study will add to the existing body of knowledge by building off similar studies that investigate the same issue. It includes a description of the contributions that your study will make to the knowledge base or discipline, both theoretically and empirically. This section also includes a brief description of how the study is important to other locations, organizations, general populations, or the sample being studied. References are very important here, as they lend additional credence and support for your study. All assertions in this section need to be well-supported by the literature; at least three to five scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Significance of the Study section is approximately one page long.
### Research Question(s)
The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the aim is not to solve the world's problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed, each on a separate line. Example:
**RQ1:** _Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
**RQ2:** _Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
### Definitions
Terms pertinent to the study should be listed and defined as the final section of chapter one. All definitions in this section also need to be supported by the literature. Include terms that use abbreviations. Citations are needed. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. Italicize terms to be defined. Example:
1.
_Attitude_ – Attitude is a psychological tendency that involves evaluating a particular object with some degree of favor or disfavor (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993).
2.
_Interest -_ The combination of emotion and personal valuation of a task resulting in a desire for various levels of enjoyment (Ainley & Ainley, 2011).
3.
_Etc_…
## CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
### Overview
Chapter Two is often the longest chapter of the dissertation. The minimum length should be 30 pages, but most are longer. Its purpose is to provide a context for the research and to demonstrate its importance based on the problem demonstrated via the literature as well as the gap in the literature. Chapter Two is comprised of at least four sections: (a) an overview, (b) a theoretical or conceptual framework section, (c) the related literature section, and (d) a summary.
The overview should provide a general explanation and overview of the chapter with links to the purpose of the study. This should be done in a short paragraph.
### Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
The conceptual or theoretical background section should provide the reader with a direct connection to the framework that will effectively guide the study and allow the findings to be situated within a greater context. According to Maxwell (2005),
the point is not to
_summarize_ what has already been done in the field. Instead, it is to ground your proposed study in the relevant previous work, and to give the reader a clear sense of your theoretical approach to the phenomena that you propose to study. (p. 123)
Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next discuss how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by articulating how your specific research focus relates to the theory and how it may potentially advance or extend the theory(ies). Examples of theoretical frameworks include Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs, Knowles (1980) Adult Learning Theory, etc. Situating the study and research questions within an established theoretical framework helps establish the significance of the study.
### Related Literature
The purpose of the Related Literature section is to provide a tight synthesis (not simply a study-by-study summary) of the existing general knowledge on this topic and link this existing knowledge to the proposed study. Remember that the literature review is the argument for the significance of the study. It communicates what has been examined on the topic(s), what has not been examined or how understanding on the topic is still developing, and how the study can fill the gap or further understanding in the field.
The chapter should end with a focused summary of what is currently known, what is not known, and how the study can specifically address gaps in the existing literature. Subheadings at Level 2 and Level 3 are often necessary. Often 1,000 to 2,000 articles are reviewed and at least 100 to 200 are integrated in the construction of this chapter. The majority of the literature cited in the chapter needs to
be current (i.e., five years or less since publication).
### Summary
Provide a chapter summary. The Summary.
**## week3.ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewAssignmentInstructions.docx**
PADM 805
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Instructions**
**Overview**
Consider a potential quantitative study based on a topic of interest to you. Write a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods theoretical perspective section for your research plan following the theoretical discussion presented in Creswell & Creswell. The first part of the assignment will create an Introduction section for a research study. Next, you will follow the Introduction section with a comprehensive Literature Review section that includes at least 15 peer-reviewed references.
The paper should include:
· Identification of one overarching theory by name?
· Provide information about the source of this theory?
· Give examples of topics where the theory has been applied?
· Advances propositions or hypotheses that are based on the theory?
· Identify the independent and dependent variables?
· Provide a rationale for the independent and dependent variables based on the logic of the theory?
**Instructions**
This assignment will give you the opportunity to write the Introduction and Literature Review sections on a research topic of interest. This 12-to-20-page paper will simulate the first two required sections of a research paper (See template). Items to include are explained in the template (Which is taken from the current LU dissertation template). Below are the format requirements:
· Length of assignment (12 to 20 pages)
· Not including the reference section.
· Format of assignment (APA most recent edition).
· Number of citations – 10 for Introduction and 15 Literature Review
· Acceptable sources (e.g., scholarly peer-reviewed articles)
Review the
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Template** located on the assignment page.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
**## week3ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewTemplate.docx**
PADM 805
## CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
### Overview
Start Chapter One with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.
### Background
The Background section educates the reader regarding the topic. Start this section by catching the reader’s attention. Use recent evidence from at least three to four scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Background section then moves into an overview of the most relevant literature regarding the issue and provides a historical, social, and theoretical context regarding the issue. Remember that this is just an overview. You will go into more depth in Chapter Two.
The historical overview examines how the issue has evolved over time from the past to present-day. The background’s historical overview should be well supported by at least five to seven scholarly journal articles or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section.
A conceptual and/or theoretical background overview relates the issue to similar studies and discusses the theories that drive them. The background’s theory discussion should be supported by at least three to five scholarly journal articles and/or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section. Conclude the Background section by summarizing the information and preparing the reader for the problem. The Background section is approximately three to five pages long.
### Problem Statement
The problem statement discusses how the literature may not have completely addressed the issue. For example, there may be controversy regarding mixed results from other studies, unexamined populations, lack of new testing instruments, etc. In other words, convince the reader that there is not enough research available to bring the issue to closure. The problem statement finds its “roots” in other studies and expands on their recommendations for further research. In general terms, the problem is always a lack of research on a particular issue. The problem statement should be well-supported by at least one to three scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The problem statement ends with a declarative statement: “The problem is …” which is clearly supported by current literature. The Problem Statement section is approximately one page long.
### Purpose Statement
The purpose statement usually begins with, “The purpose of this study is…” The purpose statement gives the reader a quick overview on how you plan to help “solve the problem.” Once again, since the problem is a lack of research on a particular issue, your purpose is simply to propose another research study. However, you need to be specific on what you plan to do. The purpose statement foreshadows the research question(s). The purpose statement includes the variables (i.e., Independent/Dependent and/or Predictor/Criterion) and defines each of the variables. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. The purpose statement also includes a “brief” description of the population.
### Significance of the Study
At this point, the reader should be convinced that the issue is important, that there is a lack of research on the issue, and you have a proposed study to help solve the problem. The significance of the study convinces the reader that the study will add to the existing body of knowledge by building off similar studies that investigate the same issue. It includes a description of the contributions that your study will make to the knowledge base or discipline, both theoretically and empirically. This section also includes a brief description of how the study is important to other locations, organizations, general populations, or the sample being studied. References are very important here, as they lend additional credence and support for your study. All assertions in this section need to be well-supported by the literature; at least three to five scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Significance of the Study section is approximately one page long.
### Research Question(s)
The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the aim is not to solve the world's problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed, each on a separate line. Example:
**RQ1:** _Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
**RQ2:** _Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
### Definitions
Terms pertinent to the study should be listed and defined as the final section of chapter one. All definitions in this section also need to be supported by the literature. Include terms that use abbreviations. Citations are needed. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. Italicize terms to be defined. Example:
1.
_Attitude_ – Attitude is a psychological tendency that involves evaluating a particular object with some degree of favor or disfavor (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993).
2.
_Interest -_ The combination of emotion and personal valuation of a task resulting in a desire for various levels of enjoyment (Ainley & Ainley, 2011).
3.
_Etc_…
## CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
### Overview
Chapter Two is often the longest chapter of the dissertation. The minimum length should be 30 pages, but most are longer. Its purpose is to provide a context for the research and to demonstrate its importance based on the problem demonstrated via the literature as well as the gap in the literature. Chapter Two is comprised of at least four sections: (a) an overview, (b) a theoretical or conceptual framework section, (c) the related literature section, and (d) a summary.
The overview should provide a general explanation and overview of the chapter with links to the purpose of the study. This should be done in a short paragraph.
### Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
The conceptual or theoretical background section should provide the reader with a direct connection to the framework that will effectively guide the study and allow the findings to be situated within a greater context. According to Maxwell (2005),
the point is not to
_summarize_ what has already been done in the field. Instead, it is to ground your proposed study in the relevant previous work, and to give the reader a clear sense of your theoretical approach to the phenomena that you propose to study. (p. 123)
Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next discuss how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by articulating how your specific research focus relates to the theory and how it may potentially advance or extend the theory(ies). Examples of theoretical frameworks include Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs, Knowles (1980) Adult Learning Theory, etc. Situating the study and research questions within an established theoretical framework helps establish the significance of the study.
### Related Literature
The purpose of the Related Literature section is to provide a tight synthesis (not simply a study-by-study summary) of the existing general knowledge on this topic and link this existing knowledge to the proposed study. Remember that the literature review is the argument for the significance of the study. It communicates what has been examined on the topic(s), what has not been examined or how understanding on the topic is still developing, and how the study can fill the gap or further understanding in the field.
The chapter should end with a focused summary of what is currently known, what is not known, and how the study can specifically address gaps in the existing literature. Subheadings at Level 2 and Level 3 are often necessary. Often 1,000 to 2,000 articles are reviewed and at least 100 to 200 are integrated in the construction of this chapter. The majority of the literature cited in the chapter needs to
be current (i.e., five years or less since publication).
### Summary
Provide a chapter summary. The Summary.
**## week3.ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewAssignmentInstructions.docx**
PADM 805
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Instructions**
**Overview**
Consider a potential quantitative study based on a topic of interest to you. Write a quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods theoretical perspective section for your research plan following the theoretical discussion presented in Creswell & Creswell. The first part of the assignment will create an Introduction section for a research study. Next, you will follow the Introduction section with a comprehensive Literature Review section that includes at least 15 peer-reviewed references.
The paper should include:
· Identification of one overarching theory by name?
· Provide information about the source of this theory?
· Give examples of topics where the theory has been applied?
· Advances propositions or hypotheses that are based on the theory?
· Identify the independent and dependent variables?
· Provide a rationale for the independent and dependent variables based on the logic of the theory?
**Instructions**
This assignment will give you the opportunity to write the Introduction and Literature Review sections on a research topic of interest. This 12-to-20-page paper will simulate the first two required sections of a research paper (See template). Items to include are explained in the template (Which is taken from the current LU dissertation template). Below are the format requirements:
· Length of assignment (12 to 20 pages)
· Not including the reference section.
· Format of assignment (APA most recent edition).
· Number of citations – 10 for Introduction and 15 Literature Review
· Acceptable sources (e.g., scholarly peer-reviewed articles)
Review the
**Research Report: Introduction and Literature Review Assignment Template** located on the assignment page.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
**## week3ResearchReportIntroductionandLiteratureReviewTemplate.docx**
PADM 805
## CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
### Overview
Start Chapter One with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.
### Background
The Background section educates the reader regarding the topic. Start this section by catching the reader’s attention. Use recent evidence from at least three to four scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Background section then moves into an overview of the most relevant literature regarding the issue and provides a historical, social, and theoretical context regarding the issue. Remember that this is just an overview. You will go into more depth in Chapter Two.
The historical overview examines how the issue has evolved over time from the past to present-day. The background’s historical overview should be well supported by at least five to seven scholarly journal articles or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section.
A conceptual and/or theoretical background overview relates the issue to similar studies and discusses the theories that drive them. The background’s theory discussion should be supported by at least three to five scholarly journal articles and/or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for this section. Conclude the Background section by summarizing the information and preparing the reader for the problem. The Background section is approximately three to five pages long.
### Problem Statement
The problem statement discusses how the literature may not have completely addressed the issue. For example, there may be controversy regarding mixed results from other studies, unexamined populations, lack of new testing instruments, etc. In other words, convince the reader that there is not enough research available to bring the issue to closure. The problem statement finds its “roots” in other studies and expands on their recommendations for further research. In general terms, the problem is always a lack of research on a particular issue. The problem statement should be well-supported by at least one to three scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The problem statement ends with a declarative statement: “The problem is …” which is clearly supported by current literature. The Problem Statement section is approximately one page long.
### Purpose Statement
The purpose statement usually begins with, “The purpose of this study is…” The purpose statement gives the reader a quick overview on how you plan to help “solve the problem.” Once again, since the problem is a lack of research on a particular issue, your purpose is simply to propose another research study. However, you need to be specific on what you plan to do. The purpose statement foreshadows the research question(s). The purpose statement includes the variables (i.e., Independent/Dependent and/or Predictor/Criterion) and defines each of the variables. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. The purpose statement also includes a “brief” description of the population.
### Significance of the Study
At this point, the reader should be convinced that the issue is important, that there is a lack of research on the issue, and you have a proposed study to help solve the problem. The significance of the study convinces the reader that the study will add to the existing body of knowledge by building off similar studies that investigate the same issue. It includes a description of the contributions that your study will make to the knowledge base or discipline, both theoretically and empirically. This section also includes a brief description of how the study is important to other locations, organizations, general populations, or the sample being studied. References are very important here, as they lend additional credence and support for your study. All assertions in this section need to be well-supported by the literature; at least three to five scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Significance of the Study section is approximately one page long.
### Research Question(s)
The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the aim is not to solve the world's problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed, each on a separate line. Example:
**RQ1:** _Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
**RQ2:** _Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?_
### Definitions
Terms pertinent to the study should be listed and defined as the final section of chapter one. All definitions in this section also need to be supported by the literature. Include terms that use abbreviations. Citations are needed. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable. Italicize terms to be defined. Example:
1.
_Attitude_ – Attitude is a psychological tendency that involves evaluating a particular object with some degree of favor or disfavor (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993).
2.
_Interest -_ The combination of emotion and personal valuation of a task resulting in a desire for various levels of enjoyment (Ainley & Ainley, 2011).
3.
_Etc_…
## CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW
### Overview
Chapter Two is often the longest chapter of the dissertation. The minimum length should be 30 pages, but most are longer. Its purpose is to provide a context for the research and to demonstrate its importance based on the problem demonstrated via the literature as well as the gap in the literature. Chapter Two is comprised of at least four sections: (a) an overview, (b) a theoretical or conceptual framework section, (c) the related literature section, and (d) a summary.
The overview should provide a general explanation and overview of the chapter with links to the purpose of the study. This should be done in a short paragraph.
### Conceptual or Theoretical Framework
The conceptual or theoretical background section should provide the reader with a direct connection to the framework that will effectively guide the study and allow the findings to be situated within a greater context. According to Maxwell (2005),
the point is not to
_summarize_ what has already been done in the field. Instead, it is to ground your proposed study in the relevant previous work, and to give the reader a clear sense of your theoretical approach to the phenomena that you propose to study. (p. 123)
Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next discuss how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by articulating how your specific research focus relates to the theory and how it may potentially advance or extend the theory(ies). Examples of theoretical frameworks include Bandura’s (1986) Social Cognitive Theory, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs, Knowles (1980) Adult Learning Theory, etc. Situating the study and research questions within an established theoretical framework helps establish the significance of the study.
### Related Literature
The purpose of the Related Literature section is to provide a tight synthesis (not simply a study-by-study summary) of the existing general knowledge on this topic and link this existing knowledge to the proposed study. Remember that the literature review is the argument for the significance of the study. It communicates what has been examined on the topic(s), what has not been examined or how understanding on the topic is still developing, and how the study can fill the gap or further understanding in the field.
The chapter should end with a focused summary of what is currently known, what is not known, and how the study can specifically address gaps in the existing literature. Subheadings at Level 2 and Level 3 are often necessary. Often 1,000 to 2,000 articles are reviewed and at least 100 to 200 are integrated in the construction of this chapter. The majority of the literature cited in the chapter needs to
be current (i.e., five years or less since publication).
### Summary
Provide a chapter summary. The Summary.