The Dissertation Research Prospectus
(Length 1000-2000 words maximum) (Follow APA 6th edition formatting guidelines)
- Title of the Dissertation
The title must include the key issue(s)
- Research Problem
Describe the research problem based on current literature review and the actual need to conduct your study. Be clear on the negative outcome and have ample research support
- Theoretical Background
List the key theoretical concepts your study will be grounded in
- Significance of Research
Why is your study worthy of research? Be clear on quantifiable impact
- Research Questions and/or Hypotheses
For quantitative research, not more than four main questions; if qualitative, you may have up to two main research questions and up to 5 sub-questions for each main research question
- Research Methodology
State the research methodology and why you have selected this specific research methodology; if qualitative, be clear on the approach and rationale for that approach
- Data Sources and Rights of the Participants
Describe the data sources and who will be the participants
- Legal Issues
How do you protect the rights of the participants?
How
do you secure the right to make use of the data?
- Research Plan – Time Schedule
Describe your project plan chronologically using a Gantt Chart (see below); define each task listed in the Activity Column
Activity | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug |
Task 1 (Identify sequentially and describe) | ||||||||||||
Task 2 | ||||||||||||
Task 3 | ||||||||||||
Task 4 | ||||||||||||
Task 5 |
10. References
Be sure to have ample research support with solid peer-reviewed support for all major points.