TEMPLATE FOR MIXED METHODS DESIGNS
by
[Insert Name Here]
An Applied Dissertation Submitted to the
Abraham S. Fischler School of Education
in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements
for the Degree of Doctor of Education
Nova Southeastern University
[Enter Year Here]
Approval Page
This applied dissertation was submitted by [Insert Name] under the direction of the persons listed below. It was submitted to the Abraham S. Fischler School of Education and approved in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Education at Nova Southeastern University.
[Insert Name and Degree, e.g., Al Smith, EdD] DateCommittee Chair [Insert Name and Degree] Date
Committee Member
Program Professor Review [as is—no name] Date
Applied Research Center
Mary Ann Lowe, SLPD Date
Associate Dean
Statement of Original Work
I declare the following:
I have read the Code of Student Conduct and Academic Responsibility as described in the Student Handbook of Nova Southeastern University. This applied dissertation represents my original work, except where I have acknowledged the ideas, words, or material of other authors.
Where another author’s ideas have been presented in this applied dissertation, I have acknowledged the author’s ideas by citing them in the required style.
Where another author’s words have been presented in this applied dissertation, I have acknowledged the author’s words by using appropriate quotation devices and citations in the required style.
I have obtained permission from the author or publisher—in accordance with the required guidelines—to include any copyrighted material (e.g., tables, figures, survey instruments, large portions of text) in this applied dissertation manuscript.
Signature
Name >above the line, type your name< ___________________________
Date >above the line, type the date signed, e.g., March 31, 2013<
Abstract
[Insert Title of Dissertation]. [Insert Name and Year, e.g., Richard Dadier, 2011]: Applied Dissertation, Nova Southeastern University, Abraham S. Fischler School of Education. [Insert 4 or 5 ERIC Descriptors, e.g., ERIC Descriptors: Databases, Internet, Media Selection, Middle Schools, Teacher Education]
[INSERT DESCRIPTION OF DISSERTATION- Example Follows]: This applied dissertation was designed to provide better access to current information for the students and staff in a middle school. The printed materials located in the school’s media center were outdated, scarce, or inadequate. Electronic databases were available in the media center for online searching and information retrieval. However, the students did not know how to use databases as a source for completing class assignments or how to browse within these online services to find additional information. Teachers also did not know to use electronic information to enrich their lessons.
The writer developed lesson plans and strategies to train students and teach on how two online services available in the media center. Daily sessions on these databases provided students and teachers with training in (a) e-mail usage, (b) searching and locating current events information, (c) printing from the screen, (d) saving messages, and (e) dialing into the online services. Teachers were encouraged to continue to use these services for curriculum enrichment and as an additional source for future lesson plans.
An analysis of the data revealed that students were more likely than teachers to use the online databases. The most successful activities were those that involved students in research information about current events. Although teachers planned assignments that required the use of online services, they did not want to provide additional time for students to be in the media center.
Table of Contents
Page
Chapter 1: Introduction 1
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Chapter 2: Literature Review 6
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Chapter 3: Methodology 38
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Chapter 4: Results 46
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Chapter 5: Discussion 57
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References 74
Appendices
A Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case—Begin a Second Line Directly Below the First Line 81
B Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 83
Tables
1 Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 47
2 Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 51
Figure
Title in Initial Caps and Lower Case 49
Chapter 1: Introduction
Statement of the Problem
This should include (a) a clear statement that the problem exists, (b) evidence that supports the existence of the problem, (c) evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem, (d) definitions of major concepts and terms (this can be provided below in a sub-section), (e) a clear description of the setting, (f) probable causes related to the problem, and (g) a specific and feasibly statement. Specific subtopics may include the following.
The topic. This is a brief description of the proposed area of study.
The research problem. This is an area of conflict, concern, or controversy (a gap between what is wanted and what is observed).
Background and justification. Provide evidence from the literature and experience showing that the problem exists and its relevance. Include at least two references. Also, include the philosophical rationale for utilizing a mixed methods study.
Deficiencies in the evidence. Include a brief discussion that details the area of need in relation to the problem and the deficiency or lack of evidence in the literature.
Audience. Discuss who is affected and who benefits.
Definition of Terms
Provide complete scientific definitions and, if necessary, appropriate references. Include as many terms or variables as needed.
Chapter 2: Literature Review
The literature review should be built from the annotated bibliography assignment from EDD 9300 and should contain the following elements: (a) a discussion of the theoretical or conceptual framework within which the study will be grounded; (b) a synthesis of the findings in a “state-of-knowledge” summary in regard to the problem area, including additional evidence as to the nature and the importance of the problem; (c) a clear discussion of how further research should extend, differ from, or replicate past studies, including the identification of critical variables in the problem area and important questions to be tested; (d) an indication of shortcomings that should be avoided in the design of prior research, as well as strengths to be repeated in conducting another study; and (e) a critique of the literature as a basis for any controversial methodological decisions to be presented in the proposal.
Purpose Statement
Include a purpose statement that contains both quantitative and qualitative elements (i.e., a mixed methods purpose statement). The purpose statement should include (a) the overall content aim, (b) the type of mixed method design, (c) the forms of data collection that will be used (very general), (d) the data collection site or sites, and (e) the reason for collecting both forms of data. Use the design-specific “fill-in-the-blank” purpose statements, which are presented in the “Introducing a Mixed Methods Study” chapter (Creswell, 2010).
Research Questions
A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question. It should adhere to the following guidelines: (a) formation of question or questions are based on theory, previous research (i.e., the literature review), and experience; (b) stated in the form of a question; and (c) are focused and clear (i.e., specific and feasible). Include the three types of research questions listed below:
1. Quantitative—Specify the specific variables to test (e.g., What is the relationship between the perception of the new educational initiative and job satisfaction?).
2. Qualitative—Specify a concise open-ended question that begins with what or how and use verbs such as discover, explore, or understand. Example: (central question) How did the employees respond to the new educational initiative? (subquestion) What impact does the initiative have on the employees’ roles?
3. Mixed method—Specify an explicit question so that the data can be analyzed to address the specific mixed method design. For example, if a triangulation approach with a convergence design was chosen, the question would be, “To what extent does the quantitative and qualitative data converge? How and why?”
Chapter 3: Methodology
Participants
Quantitative. This section should include the following elements: (a) the target population or sample (to which it is hoped the findings will be applicable) should be defined, consistent with the Statement of the Problem and the Research Questions sections; and (b) the population from which the sample will actually be drawn should be specified (this should also include demographic information such as age, gender, and ethnicity).
Qualitative. The sampling procedure for collecting quantitative and qualitative data may or may not differ. If a different procedure is used, then detail it here and include the same information as stated above for quantitative.
Instruments
This section will detail each data-collection instrument. The relevant information pertaining to each instrument should include (a) the source or developers of the instrument, (b) validity and reliability information, and (c) other salient information (e.g., number of items in each scale, subscales).
Procedures [Bullet symbols are used in this template for instructional purposes; bullets should not be used in the dissertation manuscript.]
This section should include the following elements:
• Identify the name of the mixed method design
• Discussion of the timing and weighting
• Discussion of the mixing of the qualitative and quantitative data (be specific about the type of data and do not just refer to it as QUAN or QUAL data)
• Provide the design rationale
• Include the appropriate citations of the methodological references
Quantitative data. This section should include the following elements:
o Define the unit of analysis (e.g., individual, school)
o Identify the population and the sample
o Indentify the sampling procedure
o Indentify the instruments used to collect the data (these should reflect the variables presented in the quantitative research question)
Qualitative data. This section should include the following elements:
o Discuss the purposeful sampling procedure
o Indentify the procedure for collecting the data (e.g., observation, interview, focus group)
o Discuss the instrument used to collect data (e.g., open-ended survey, audio-visual). These should reflect the qualitative research question.
Data analysis. Indicate the appropriate data analyses that will be used in the investigation. These data analyses should be based on the research questions and the research design selected for the study. Specify the procedures for reducing and coding the data. Also, discuss how the mixed methods research question will be addressed.
Limitations
Include any limitations, restrictions, or constraints that may affect the validity (i.e., internal or external) of the dissertation’s outcome.
Chapter 4: Results
• results presented in sequence and relative to each research question
• only the results are presented without a rationale or discussion
• includes relevant tables and figures
• appropriate use of statistical or qualitative language to present data
Chapter 5: Discussion
• introductory paragraphs provide overview of the study
• results are elaborated and interpreted in sequence and relative to each research question
• conclusions and summaries regarding the findings are offered
• findings are linked to relevant research
• implications of findings are discussed
• limitations are indicated
• recommendations for future research are offered
References
Creswell J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2010). Designing and conducting mixed
methods research (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
