QuantativeDissertationTemplate.pdf

Quantitative Dissertation Template

The purpose of the quantitative dissertation template is to ensure that the dissertation

manuscript is a quality document. This template provides information about formatting and

the content contained in each section of the dissertation.

Formatting

The margins for all chapters of the dissertation are as follows: 1 inch at the top and

bottom, 1 inch on the right side, and 1 inch on the left side. All text should be Times New

Roman, 12-point font. Text within the body of the manuscript should be left justified.

Double-spacing should be employed throughout the manuscript. Page numbers should all be

Arabic numerals and placed in the upper right hand corner (with the page number on the first

page suppressed). All manuscripts should follow the latest version of the APA style manual.

Below is the Dissertation Template with a description of each section.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TITLE PAGE: THE TITLE SHOULD GO HERE (ALL CAPS)

Student’s Full Legal Name

Liberty University

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

[Doctor of Philosophy]

Liberty University

Year

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE SIGNATURE PAGE: THE TITLE SHOULD GO HERE (ALL CAPS)

by Student’s Full Legal Name

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

[Doctor of Philosophy]

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Year

APPROVED BY:

Name and degree, Committee Chair

Name and degree, Committee Member

ABSTRACT

The abstract summarizes the contents of the manuscript, including the importance of the

study, purpose of the study, the methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations for

further research. Descriptions of the methodology should include the design, the sample,

setting, and data collection and analysis methods. Approximately 250 words or less is

recommended; however, some dissertation abstracts are a little longer. No more than one

page is allowable, and the abstract should be written as one, double-spaced paragraph. The

abstract should include results of the study, but should not include statistics or citations. The

word “ABSTRACT” should be in all caps, bold, and centered. Keywords should be located at the

end of the Abstract. Indent and italicize the work Keyword followed by a colon, then a list of

the words in lower case separated by a comma.

Keywords: This is a list of 4-7 words (separated by commas) that are central to your

study.

Dedication (Optional)

The dedication page is a page in which the candidate dedicates the manuscript.

This page is optional.

Acknowledgments (Optional)

The acknowledgments page provides the opportunity for the candidate to acknowledge

individuals who influenced the writing and completion of the dissertation. This page is

optional.

Table of Contents

The Table of Contents lists the various chapters and subsections of the manuscript

along with their page numbers. The Table of Contents should include the Abstract, Copyright

Page (optional), Dedication (optional), Acknowledgements (optional), List of Tables, List of

Figures, CHAPTER TITLES (all caps), Level 1 headings, Level 2 headings, REFERENCES (all

caps), and APPENDIX or APPENDICES (all caps). These should be left justified. The subsections

included should only be APA Level 1 and Level 2 headings within the manuscript. Level 1

headings should be indented one half inch and Level 2 headings should be indented one inch.

Chapter titles are not considered Level 1 headings. Entries should be double-spaced.

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Dedication (Optional)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Acknowledgments (Optional)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

List of Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Purpose Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14

Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Definitions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17

Conceptual or Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………………………….. 17

Related Literature…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18

CHAPTER THREE: METHODS……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Design………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20

Participants and Setting………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21

Instrumentation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Null Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Descriptive Statistics………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Results……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26

Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Implications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Limitations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Recommendations for Future Research………………………………………………………………………… 28

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

APPENDIX or APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

List of Tables

The List of Tables cites the tables and the corresponding pages of each table. This

enables the reader to easily locate the tables in the manuscript. The title of this page should be

a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of the page. Entries should be double spaced.

List of Figures

The List of Figures cites the figures and the corresponding pages of each figure.

This enables the reader to easily locate the figures in the manuscript. The title of this

page should be a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of the page. Entries

should be double-spaced.

List of Abbreviations

The title of this page should be a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of

the page. Entries should be double-spaced. Examples are provided below.

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC)

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 provides a strong conclusion to the chapter.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODS

Overview

Start Chapter Three with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This

should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.

Design

Begin this section by identifying the research design. The research design needs to be

specific. For example, it is not sufficient to state that “a quasi-experimental study was used.”

It would be more appropriate to state that “a quasi-experimental static-group comparison

design was used.” In addition to identifying the design, a rationale for why the design is most

appropriate for the study is needed. This rationale needs to be supported by research as well

as topic-specific, peer-reviewed literature. In other words, what is the purpose of the design?

When is it used? Why is it the most appropriate choice for the present study? Refer to your

research texts for the proper design description and use them to support your rationales. The

chosen research design(s) should be consistent with the research question and hypothesis

proposed as well as the procedures described in your study. Sometimes more than one

research design is appropriate.

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)?

Hypothesis(es)

Every research question will normally have at least one corresponding null hypothesis;

however, sometimes more than one is needed. The number of hypotheses needed should be

based upon the number of variables under study and the planned analysis method.

Well-formulated hypotheses are based on the following criteria: (a) the hypothesis states the

expected relationship/differences between variables, (b) the hypothesis is testable, (c) the

hypothesis is stated as simply and concisely as possible, and (d) the hypothesis is founded in

the problem statement and supported by research. Like the research questions, the

hypotheses directly influence the statistical procedures used. It is recommended that

hypotheses be written in the null form, mainly because that is how they will be treated in the

statistical analyses. If hypotheses are written in directional form (directional research

hypotheses), there must be a firm basis in the literature for doing so. Example:

The null hypotheses for this study are:

RQ1: Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth

rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

� H01: There is no statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural).

� Ha1: There is a statistically 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)?

� H02: Controlling for political orientation (political), there is no statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/ suburban/rural).

� Ha2: Controlling for political orientation (political), there is a statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural).

Participants and Setting

Begin this section with an overview of your population. For example, “The participants

for the study were drawn from a federal government agency located in southeastern Virginia

during September of 2019. The agency was located in an urban setting outside of …” Describe

the population from which your sample was drawn. Please abide by ethical agreements and

consider confidentiality and/or anonymity between you and your participants.

After you have described the population, next describe the sample. You might begin by

reporting the sample size. For example, “…for this study, the number of participants sampled

was 00 which exceeded the required minimum for a medium effect size. According to Gall et

al. (2007), 66 students is the required minimum for a medium effect size with statistical power

of .7 at the .05 alpha level.” Quantitative literature citations, including references to research

texts, must be provided to demonstrate the adequate sample size. Then, describe where the

sample came from. For example, “… the sample came from three different groups within state

agencies. Within each agency, participants were selected from three different work settings.

The first group was from an urban setting, the second group was from a rural setting…” Also

include sample demographic information regarding the age, ethnicity, gender, etc. of your

sample. You may need to consider tables to represent this data. Note: If you are still

developing your plan, prospectus, or proposal, please plug in “place holders.” For example “…

the sample consisted of 00 males and 00 females from a local government agency.” This

section will be updated after you have collected your real data and then real numbers will be

inserted. The sample must be described with enough detail so that other researchers could

possibly replicate your study with similar subjects if your results need to be verified.

Depending on your study, after you have described the sample, you may need to

identify and describe each group (e.g., treatment, control, etc.). Describe each group’s make-up

in enough detail so that the study can be replicated. Include similar information as described

in the sample section, but at the group level. At this point, write this section in future tense. It

will be changed to past tense in the final version.

Instrumentation

In the instrumentation section, the instruments that are used to measure each variable

need to be identified. The instruments may be tests, surveys, questionnaires, or other

measurements. Only validated instruments may be used. A description of each instrument, its

content, its origin, and its appropriateness needs to be included. State other peer-reviewed

studies where an instrument was used. This will help with its credibility. For example, “the

instrument was used in numerous studies (e.g., Jackson, 2014; Jones, 2013; Smith, 2009).” The

scales of measurement need to be discussed and include the number of questions. For

example “… the instrument consisted of 30 questions and used a five-point Likert scale that

ranged from Strongly Agree to Strongly Disagree. Responses were as follows: Strongly Agree =

5, Agree = 4, Neutral = 3, Disagree = 2, and Strongly Disagree = 1.” Include scoring information

regarding the instrument. For example, “… the combined possible score on the ATSF range

from 20 to 200 points. A score of 20 points is the lowest possible score, meaning that…and a

score of 200 points is the highest, meaning that…etc.” The composite and each subscale need

to be included as well as validity information and reliability statistics. The validity and

reliability information should be cited. State that permission was granted to use the

instrument(s). All documents related to the instrument should be included as appendices. The

instrument itself should only be included if written permission was granted to do so.

Procedures

The procedure section is similar to a “cookbook.” It should contain enough detail that

another researcher can read your procedures and conduct your study and produce the same

results. This includes, but is not limited to, information about securing IRB approval, eliciting

participants for the study, conducting a pilot study, training individuals to implement

treatment, administration of the procedures, gathering the data, and recording procedures.

The procedures should be described in a chronological, step-by-step format. Remember to

describe the procedures clearly and with enough detail so that the study can be replicated. All

procedural material (e.g., IRB permission, agency permission, consent forms, assent forms,

protocol, training manual, and any other pertinent information) should be included in the

appendices.

Data Analysis

In the Data Analysis section, the type of data analysis is identified and a concise

rationale for the type of analysis is provided. The chosen statistical procedures should be

consistent with the research questions, hypotheses, and the type of data collected. In other

words, why is the chosen analysis the most appropriate choice to test the hypotheses? The

rationale needs to be supported by your research textbooks. For each identified analysis, be

sure to discuss all assumption tests and how they were tested, the statistic used to report the

effect size and the convention used to interpret it, and the alpha used. In this section, there

needs to be identified statistical procedures for each hypothesis. Thus, it is useful to organize

this section according to the research hypotheses.

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS

Overview

A short introductory paragraph is appropriate for this chapter. It should orient the

reader to the contents of the chapter. After the introductory paragraph, include the research

question(s) and hypothesis(es), as shown below.

RQ1: Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate

(IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

� H01: There is no statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural).

� Ha1: There is a statistically 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)?

Descriptive Statistics

Use descriptive statistics to describe your data. The purpose of descriptive statistics is

simply to give your reader an overview of your findings. Statistics such as mean, median,

mode, frequency, standard deviation, etc., should be used. Only report the descriptive

statistics that are relevant to your study; do not overwhelm the reader with unnecessary data.

It may be useful to organize and manage this section by using tables and charts. Unlike

inferential statistics which are directly related to your nulls, descriptive statistics only

describe and cannot be used to draw conclusions.

Results

Hypothesis(es)

It is useful to organize the Results section according to each of the hypotheses. That is,

describe the null hypothesis, and then identify the corresponding statistical test with the

hypothesis. Include assumption tests, analysis, alpha level, effect size, and whether you

rejected or failed to reject the null. Once you have finished analysis of the first hypothesis,

state the second hypothesis and adhere to the same stringent level of analysis and reporting.

Repeat this process until all the hypotheses have been addressed.

For each statistical analysis technique, data screening will need to be addressed. All

assumption tests must be conducted and reported. Tables and figures should be used when

appropriate and in accordance with APA guidelines. Note: If only one statistical test is being

used, then you may report all assumption tests at the beginning of the section. In this case,

consider using a heading labeled Assumption Tests.

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS

Overview

Start Chapter Five with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This

should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.

Discussion

Begin this section with the purpose of the study and a brief overview. The purpose of

the study should be presented as a one sentence declarative statement. It is then useful to

organize the Discussion section according to each research question. Each question should be

restated and discussed in light of the results, literature, other studies, and theory. The

Discussion should examine whether the results support or contradict other studies and

theories. The Discussion section relies heavily on your review of literature. Keep in mind that

the main purpose of this important section is to compare and contrast the results of the

present study with findings from earlier studies. This should be the longest section in chapter

five.

Implications

The implications of the study help convince the reader that the study added to the

existing body of knowledge and theory and helped improve the conditions, lives, work

environment, etc. of others. In many ways, this section allows you to present the meaning of

the findings beyond the empirical findings. In other words, it gives you an opportunity to say

what you really think about the study and the results.

Limitations

Limitations should be discussed in terms of threats to both internal and external

validity. Identify the type of threat and describe it in terms of the present study. Discuss how

the limitation could potentially impact the study, and discuss if any steps will be taken to limit

the threat. Every study has limitations, so do not discount the importance of this section.

Recommendations for Future Research

Recommendations for further research need to addressed and discussed. It is normally

most efficient to provide these recommendations as a numbered list rather than as a

narrative. Consider different populations, testing instrumentation, theoretical constructs, and

limitations. Recommendations for future research should be thought of as ways to further

increase knowledge in the field of study.

REFERENCES

All the references cited within the text should be listed in accordance with the most

recent edition of the Publication Manual of APA. The reference title should be all capitalized,

bold, and centered.

APPENDIX or APPENDICES

The Appendix may include a variety of artifacts. The appendix may include the IRB

application (replace with the approval letter for the complete dissertation), informed

consent/assent forms, surveys/questionnaires/instruments (with written permission only),

protocols (interviews or observations), sample transcripts of interviews, theoretical memos,

and other documents used to establish and audit trail. Any identifying or personal

information (names, schools, districts, phone numbers, email addresses) should be eliminated.

If numerous types of artifacts are included as appendices, each type should have a section

labeled as Appendix A, Appendix B, etc. The appendix title should be capitalized, bold, and

centered.