Focus: Identify and research the problem before selecting a theory or writing research questions.

Required Reading

1. A Four-Stage Framework for the Development of the Research Problem Statement in Doctoral Dissertations
2. Challenges of Finding and Filling a Gap in the Literature
3. Framework for Identifying Research Gaps for Future Academic Research
4. Identifying a Research Problem and Question, and Research Relevant Literature

Focus: Select a theoretical framework that effectively addresses the problem under investigation.

Required Reading

1. Understanding, Selecting, and Integrating a Theoretical Framework in Dissertation Research
2. Literature Reviews, Theoretical Frameworks, and Conceptual Frameworks: An Introduction for New Biology Education Researchers
3. Distinguishing between Theory, Theoretical Framework, and Conceptual Framework: A Systematic Review of Lessons from the Field
4. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework: Mandatory Ingredients of a Quality Research

Focus: Explain how research variables or a phenomenon emerge from the theoretical framework.

Required Reading
Instead of assigned readings, you will read literature relevant to your dissertation with emphasis on sources that define, measure, operationalize, or richly describe your study’s variables or phenomenon.

Focus: Explain the societal or organizational need for the study and begin developing the background to the problem.

Required Reading
Instead of assigned readings, you will read literature relevant to your dissertation.

 Focus: Select an appropriate methodology and design that aligns with the problem, theory, and variables or phenomenon.

Required Reading
Instead of assigned readings, you will read literature relevant to your dissertation.

Focus: Submit a draft Dissertation Alignment Document and demonstrate alignment across the ten critical dissertation components.

Required Reading
Instead of assigned readings, you will read literature relevant to your dissertation.

 Focus: Apply feedback to refine alignment across the ten critical dissertation components.

Required Reading
Instead of assigned readings, you will read literature relevant to your dissertation.