Exploring the Use of Technology to Assist Students in Secondary English Classes

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Chapter 1: Introduction
[Text…Begin the Introduction section with an overview of the general topic to establish context and orient the reader to the field of study. Be sure to begin generally in the larger context of the problem and then narrow the scope of the topic. Be sure to substantiate all claims with recent, scholarly, peer-reviewed sources to support each assertion (no less than five years, unless seminal work, or no other literature exists). Avoid personal opinions and claims. Also avoid anthropomorphisms (giving human qualities to inanimate objects – e.g. this study will, the article claims).
Next, introduce the background to the problem – building the readers knowledge both at the larger contextual level and then present the background with which to provide a foundation to the problem under study. All this information needs to be substantiated in the literature. Use relevant, current, and seminal peer-reviewed articles and scholarly textbook citations to support the themes and topics presented in the introduction. You are orienting the reader to the larger context of the problem. Finally, in the introduction connect the general topic to the specific problem under study. Do not explicitly state the study problem, purpose, or methodology in the Introduction section as these are discussed in later sections. Present an overview of why this research topic is currently of interest. Describe the facts and relevant context as a background leading up to the study problem and purpose. Focus on the area of research interest, briefly laying the groundwork for what has been done in the area and why the area is of important social or practical concern.
Clearly and precisely define key words upon first use. Use key words consistently throughout the dissertation to ensure alignment. Typical studies have about 3-4 pages for the introduction section; however, the length of this section must be sufficient to provide the context for Statement of Problem section that follows (a detailed review of literature is provided in Chapter 2). Note: Do not describe the study purpose or method in the introduction as these belong in later sections.
Note: Applied dissertations are expected to be practice-based addressing a problem within the context of practice in an institution, organization, industry, or other contribution to practice-based applications. The documented problem identified may be a practical problem or issue in the profession or study context for which there is not already an acceptable solution. In defining the problem, a clear discrepancy must be drawn between what exists currently and what is desired. Although an applied study design does not necessarily require generalizability beyond the study site, worthy problems must be relevant and documented beyond any particular study site. PhD dissertations must focus on problems that are relevant and must be documented beyond any particular study site and have implications supporting the need for additional research while making a substantive, scholarly contribution to the field of study.]
Statement of the Problem
[Text…This section must include a problem statement noting in the very beginning of the section “The problem is…..” (remember - you framed much of this in the larger context of the introduction) this statement clearly identifies the problem the dissertation study addresses. Articulation of a concise problem statement is the key to a successful proposal/dissertation manuscript. The problem statement is a brief discussion of a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and importance of the study. Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the study. Include appropriate published or relevant primary sources to document the existence of a problem worthy of doctoral level research. A lack of research alone is not a compelling problem (many things are not studied but do not necessarily warrant research). Please consider: what perspective is represented? For example, is the problem an individual level problem, an organizational problem, an industry problem, or a social problem? What is not known that should be known and what are the potential negative consequences to the field of study if the proposed research is never conducted? These questions can help to identify the problem that needs to be addressed and the theories relevant to predict, explain and understand the problem.
Begin with a focused, documented problem that directly reflects the need for a research response. Then present a general issue/observation that is grounded in the research literature and supports the need for the study (in most cases scholarly citations within the last 5 years are required to document the general and specific problem).
Note: Ensure that the concepts presented in the Problem Statement align directly with the Purpose Statement. approximately 300 words.
What is not known that should be known and what are the potential negative consequences to the field of study if the proposed research is never conducted? These questions can help to identify the problem that needs to be addressed. The problem must be supported in tangible, documented evidence noting the problem exists (i.e., use a funnel approach, moving from broad to specific – the introduction provided a broad view of the larger context to the study – this section narrows the topic to the exact location and actual – tangible evidence the problem exists).]
Purpose of the Study
[Text…Begin the Purpose of the Study section with a succinct purpose statement that identifies the study method and overarching goal of the study: “The purpose of this [quantitative, qualitative, mixed method] study is to... [describe the goal of the dissertation study that directly reflects and encompasses the research questions].” Note specifically the contexts under study (be sure they support both the problem and purpose).
Follow with a brief, but clear overview of how the study will be (proposal) /was (manuscript) conducted. Organize this overview linearly according to the general procedure to be used (proposal) or was used to conduct the study (manuscript) and identify the materials and or variables/constructs, participants, and research location. Be sure to substantiate all claims with literature. With respect to materials and variables/constructs, briefly identify the procedures, constructs, data sources, and analysis processes included in the study. For participants, identify the specific sample and sample size. Finally, for location, identify the site or sites where the research was conducted – using general geographic terms so as not to identify the location specifically. This should be a single paragraph of information – but no longer than one double-spaced page.
Always, when referring to a study site never compromise participant confidentiality and anonymity – always use pseudonyms. The Purpose of the Study section must directly align with the Introduction section, the Statement of the Problem section (i.e., the Purpose of the Study section must be a logical, explicit research response to the stated problem), and the research questions]
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
[Text… A theoretical/conceptual framework is needed for all studies in the new dissertation courses [DIS990XX] current dissertation students will be grandfathered into the process. A framework provides the foundation for which to make meaning of a study. Theoretical and conceptual frameworks both provide structure for which a study can be developed. These frameworks have certain assumptions with which a study can be designed, developed, analyzed, and interpreted to narrow the context of the study.
A theoretical framework provides the assumptions for the larger context of a study. A theoretical framework is the foundation or ‘lens’ to which a study can be developed providing grounding to the research under study.
For this section identify and articulate the framework for the proposed study based on a review of the relevant literature. The research proposed must make a contribution to the literature (PhD) or practice (applied) aligned to your discipline and include relevant theory(ies) / conceptual framework(s). The use of a theory in research provides context for which the study can be framed. Theories and conceptual frameworks provide a lens with which to predict, explain, and understand the study topic.
A few general examples for the use of theory; if a student was to examine a project managers approach to turning around a failed project in a global company - multiple theories could be used to frame the study (narrows the context for which the researcher finds the need for the study in practice or in the larger context of the literature). Applicable theories could include systems theory (examining the discrete parts of the organization, the project, the team, the stakeholders, the supplier, etc.); alternate theories could include the different leadership theories, (the characteristics of leadership used to turn the failing project around and in what circumstances – autocratic, laissez-faire, transformational).
By using theory to help frame a study, the context narrows and allows the student to examine the application of the theory in the context of the study. Discussion in this section includes overview of theory and the framework the theory provides to the study problem, purpose, and research questions. The theoretical framework must be appropriate, aligned with the topic, well-articulated and, sourced. The theory(ies) identified must be explicit as there are many different lenses, including psychological, social, organizational, and economic theories, which may be used to predict and explain concepts, topics, or phenomena.
Theoretical frameworks provide an over-arching framework to a study whereas a conceptual framework provides contexts with detailed concepts which- when combined, develop into the framework for a study. A conceptual framework provides the detailed components/variables identifying interrelationships in and across the components. A conceptual framework is used to clarify concepts, organize ideas, and identify relationships with which to frame a study. Concepts are logically developed and organized to support an overall framework. For example; if a study were to examine the decline in participation for a teen bullying prevention program the contexts which can be associated with this would be teens, social media, families, and school; the concepts for each one, for example, for teens could be age, grade level, educational standing, etc.
Note: It is acceptable to discuss more than one relevant theory explain or understand the study topic, but it should be clear why the theory is included rather than simply listing several disparate theoretical frameworks.
For Chapter 1 this section should only be about a page or two with an introduction to the theoretical/conceptual framework to be used, the context, and the alignment with the problem, purpose, and research questions, including any required citations. A more though literature review, application, purpose, and methods alignment need to be included in Chapter 2.]
Nature of the Study
[Text…Provide a brief discussion of the proposed study methods, design, data collection, and analysis procedures (detailed descriptions should be provided in Chapter 3). Provide appropriate foundational research method support for the proposed study design. Discussion is not simply a listing and description of the chosen research design; rather, elaboration demonstrates how the proposed method and design accomplish the study goals, why the design is the optimum choice for the proposed research, and how the method aligns with the purpose and research questions.
Note: Provide appropriate foundational research method support for the proposed study design - reference to textbook authors such as Creswell and Yin should be limited. Be sure to use current literature and research studies to support the appropriateness of the chosen design and to respond to the study problem and purpose. The specifics as to why one design was selected over another should be put into Chapter 3 and not in this brief, overview section].
Research Questions
[Text…Research questions must be directly answerable (absolutely no yes, no, or list questions), specific, and testable based on the data collected. Research questions include the core concepts or operationalized variable or variables/constructs, the participants or groups, and location for the study. Research questions should not be closed ended questions (there should be two – five research questions in any qualitative study). Ensure research questions and hypotheses are directly aligned with the problem and purpose statements. No new concepts are introduced. A paragraph is not required to introduce the research questions and hypotheses; a single sentence noting the research questions and hypotheses are listed is sufficient. The research questions need to be numbered and sub-questions (noted by the RQ number and letter; RQ1, RQ1a, RQ1b) are allowed to examine more in-depth general research questions. Research questions should support and align to the problem and purpose.
Because a lack of alignment is the among the most common dissertation concept paper and proposal errors, take the time to review and revisit the key elements of the proposed research to ensure a clear and direct path. Revisions in any element require a review of alignment among the problem, purpose, research questions/hypotheses and research design. Note: Avoid redundant text.]
Q1.
Q2.
Additional questions as needed.
Hypotheses (Quantitative/Mixed Studies Only)
Hypotheses should be aligned with research questions so that RQ1 should match H1, etc
H10. [Null Hypothesis Text…]
H1a. [Alternative Hypothesis Text…]
Significance of the Study
[Text…Describe why the study is important and the contribution(s) it will make to the field of study. This section should reflect the need for the study and the benefits of an answer to the proposed study purpose and research questions. The discussion should align with the problem statement in that, the problem statement articulates the negative consequences if the study is never conducted, whereas the Significance indicates the positive results of completing the study. Be sure not to write this as persuasive – use literature to substantiate all claims. Consider the professional and academic audiences who might be interested in the study results and why. This section should not exceed 1 page.]
Definition of Key Terms
[Text…Term. Write definitions in complete sentences, in alphabetical order, in your own words. Definitions must be cited. Define terms directly related to the dissertation topic that are not commonly used or understood. Do not define theories, conceptual frameworks, statistical analyses, methodological terms, or variables/constructs (i.e., operational definitions). Theories and conceptual frameworks are discussed in Chapter 2. Operational definitions are included in Chapter 3.
Term 1. Definition (APA citation).
Replace “Term 1.” with the relevant term name/label.
Term 2. Definition (APA citation).
Term n. Definition (APA citation).]

Summary
[Text…Briefly restate the key points and need for the study, study purpose, methods/design, proposed research plan, and anticipated contributions of the study]