Describe the methodology and approach to the research. Explain the methodology that bests fits the research question. Explain the strategy of inquiry. Describe how to conduct the study in detail (i.e. quantitative survey or analysis of preexisting data or qualitative, case study, content analysis, or narrative). Explain the action; define the items in academic terms (with citations). Describe why the proposed method can address the research question. Describe the steps of the project’s processes.
The sample section of Chapter 3 contains information about the population to be studied. The population or sample provides the “who” will be studied. Participants may be an organization, place, person, or group. The setting is the “where” of the intended study. It includes the location and further delimitations or self-imposed boundaries that help narrow the focus, such as geographic locations or timeframes. Include the sample strategy and other particulars, such as unique and applicable characteristics of the population, why it was selected, estimated number and rationale for sample selection, permissions if applicable, recruitment methods and procedures, if applicable, and data sources if using secondary data. Describe in detail why a setting was selected and the benefits of using the location.
In this section, describe the process that will be used to collect data. Describe how data will be collected. Will data be built (the information to be analyzed) from quotes or passages in documents? Explain to the reader how data will be collected. What method will be used? How will data be stored? How will data be analyzed once it has been collected and processed? In qualitative data collection, describe the type and rationale of the strategy of inquiry, experience of the researcher, methods of gathering, recording, storing, and coding the data. Propose the data-coding regimen and determine if any software will be used. For quantitative data collection, also detail the process. Add the specifics on the time allotted, methods of recruiting, delivery and return. What criteria will be used to exclude or include potential participants? Include the who, why, and how of the selection process. Explain the process of informed consent and permissions, if applicable. If secondary or previously collected data are used, include details explaining why and what will be captured, the database source, extraction methods, permissions, applicability, and accuracy.
Describe how data will be organized and examined. For qualitative research, identify the analysis techniques for description and coding. Assess potential bias and mitigations. For qualitative research, explain the statistical technique to be used, assigned significance levels to confirm or deny the hypotheses, and methods to summarize the data. Explain to the reader the systematic analysis and organization of the data so there are confidence and the ability for another researcher to replicate the study. This section should offer a step-by-step description of the processes used to conduct data analysis both statistical and non-statistical and how they align with the research question, methodology, and types of data collected.
The data analysis strategy section of the dissertation should address and answer the following questions:
• Which of the structured analytical techniques will the candidate use?
• Will the candidate use multiple techniques?
• Will the candidate analyze the data using automated tools such as content analysis tools?
• What will the results of the analysis look like? [Will graphs, charts, etc. be included?]
• What sources will be analyzed or incorporated into the study?
Chapter 3 must contain a section that shows consideration of the ethics of research and how any potential concerns have been addressed. At a minimum, this section must include how participants will be humanely and ethically protected. Consider the identification, selection, data collected and stored about individuals. Address the NAU IRB process. Address the clear benefits of the research on society as well as any risks of potential harm to any participant/respondents, protection from harm, benefits to participants, informed consent, justice, right to privacy and confidentiality, the honesty of the researcher, and ethical considerations to the profession.
Describe the researcher’s role in the research and any assumptions, limitations, and bias that will affect the research. To align the methodology, qualitative researchers tend to subjectively participate, and quantitative researchers tend to objectively participate.
This section is reflective in nature and describes how the candidate (as the researcher) will work within the process. Is the candidate subjective or objective? Look at the candidate’s biases; how will they be embraced or mitigated? What are the limitations of the research? Remember, there are strengths and weaknesses of every research method.
Write a chapter summary that explains how and why the selected methodology is best to investigate the research question.
The methodology section of the dissertation proposal should address and answer the following questions:
• What type of research, data, and information will be collected and used?
• How will the research, data, and information be analyzed?
• How will the research, data, and information be organized?
• In what way will this analysis relate to the problem and its presentation in the thesis? [Will the analysis lead to acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis or will it support or refute the objectives?]
• What are the limitations of the research?
• What research activities will be conducted?