Question:
First, review the UNA-University of Nairobi Template PhD Degree CP 2013 (below).
While qualitative or quantitative design have many similarities, there are some important
differences in the way each should be treated. In an APA style document with citations
compare and contrast the expectations for each approach as presented in the template.
You may use other references to help clarify the similarities and the differences.
Then, select either quantitative or qualitative approach; for that approach document and
discuss the Best Practices suggestions.
Support your paper with a minimum of 5 resources. In addition to these specified
resources, other appropriate scholarly resources, including older articles, may be
included.
Length: 5-7 pages not including title and reference pages
References: Minimum of 5 scholarly resources. Please format according to APA 6th and
include either the url or doi number.
Your paper should demonstrate thoughtful consideration of the ideas and concepts that
are presented in the course and provide new thoughts and insights relating directly to this
topic. Your paper should reflect scholarly writing and current APA standards.
Review APA Form and Style.
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
Ph. D. Degree
Concept Paper
Template
The Graduate School
Version: January 2013
HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE
Milestone document templates are pre-formatted to conform to University of Nairobi
dissertation requirements. Templates include the required section headings for each milestone
document. Refer to the corresponding Research Degree Guidebook for supplemental
information for each chapter and section.
University Of Nairobi Milestone Document Templates represent the standards of the
research and academic communities for research writing. Also, the Concept Paper Template
(CPT) provides the framework for the structure and content of the Dissertation Proposal, which,
in turn, provides the framework for the Dissertation Manuscript. Therefore, it is important for
students’ Concept Papers to strictly adhere to the templates in terms of content, organization,
and format. In addition, the template serves as a valuable guide to the logical flow of the
document, ensuring alignment among the problem, purpose, and methodological design and
analysis, allowing the reason for, and the nature of, the study to be fully clarified. Adherence to
the milestone templates in terms of content, organization, and format will greatly facilitate the
development of acceptable milestone documents throughout the dissertation process.
Enter text directly into the template. Eliminate template instructions and example text.
Do not change the format, section headings, margins, page numbering or font. Exceptions to
APA 6th edition (e.g., 1.5 inch margin on the left, single-spaced references) unique to
dissertations are reflected in the templates and take precedence over APA format. Refer to the
Dissertation Center for current resources. Milestone documents submitted to the Graduate
School that are not formatted using the template will be returned without review.
Submission of a milestone document for Graduate School Review indicates that the
dissertation chair, student and committee have read the Dissertation requirements described in
the Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide, Guidebook and templates. Additionally, submission for
Graduate School Review indicates that the dissertation chair and committee have carefully read
the student’s milestone document and attest that it meets all of the requirements set forth.
Title
Concept Paper
Submitted to University of Nairobi
Graduate Faculty of the School of XXXXXXXXXXX
in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
by
NAME
Kinshasa
Month Year
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………………………1
Purpose of the Study………………………………………………………………………………………..2
Research Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………3
Hypotheses…………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Definition of Key Terms…………………………………………………………………………………..5
Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Brief Review of the Literature…………………………………………………………………………………7
Theme/Sub-Topic 1…………………………………………………………………………………………8
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Research Method…………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
Operational Definition of Variables………………………………………………………………….10
Measurement…………………………………………………………………………………………………11
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………12
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..13
Appendix A…………………………………………………………………………………………………………14
Introduction
[Text… Introduce the dissertation topic in one or more paragraphs (2 pages maximum). The
study topic should be briefly described to establish the main ideas and context. Include recent, scholarly,
peer-reviewed sources to support each assertion. The Introduction should orient the reader to all of the
concepts presented in the sections that follow. Key words related to the research topic should be defined
clearly and precisely upon first use and used consistently throughout the paper. This will help to establish
and maintain the central focus of the paper.
Review the Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide for more information about Ph.D. (Research) degree
expectations with regard to the study topic, theoretical foundations and design requirements.
Note: Do not describe the study purpose or method in the introduction as these belong in later sections.
Statement of the Problem
(Approximately 250 to 300 words) Articulation of a concise problem statement is the key to a
successful proposal/dissertation manuscript and typically requires many revisions before the proposal is
approved. 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 Ph.D. 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.
[Text… Present a general issue/observation that is grounded in the research literature and leads
to the need for the study (in most cases scholarly citations within the last 5 years are required to
document the general and specific problem). Follow with a focused, documented problem that directly
reflects and leads to the need for a research response. Ph.D. dissertation-worthy problems must be
relevant and documented beyond any particular study site and have clear theoretical implications in
order to make a realistic, but substantive contribution to the field of study.]
Note: Ensure that the concepts presented in the Problem Statement lead to and align directly with the
Purpose Statement. Use of a “logic” map is highly recommended in order to ensure direct alignment and
avoid “surprises” among the key elements: problem purpose research questionsproposed
method and design.
Note: Clear and precise definitions of key words upon first use and consistent use of key words
throughout the paper will also help ensure alignment.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose statement should be one concise paragraph that describes the intent of the study
and it should flow directly from the problem statement. Specifically address the reason for conducting
the study and reflect the research questions. Begin the purpose statement with a succinct sentence that
indicates the study method and overarching goal.
[Text…“The purpose of this [quantitative, qualitative, mixed method] study is to… (describe the
study goal that directly reflects and encompasses the research questions).” Follow with a brief, but clear
overview of how, with what instruments/data, with whom and where (as applicable).]
Within the Purpose Statement:
The research method is identified as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method.
The stated purpose reflects the research questions: variables/constructs and/or
phenomenon/concept/idea are identified (See the Research Degree Guidebook for additional
information).
The research design is clearly stated and is aligned with the problem statement.
The participants and/or data sources are identified (See the Research Degree Guidebook for
additional information).
The geographic location of study is identified (as appropriate).
Before moving forward, ensure that the purpose is a logical, explicit research response to the
stated problem. The purpose, research questions, and design must reflect a Ph.D. study goal, which
includes theoretical implications and generalizability/transferability. The study results in response to the
purpose, research questions and research design must be generalizable or transferable and have
theoretical implications relevant beyond any particular study site.
Research Questions
Before listing the research questions, introductory information should be presented in a
discussion context. The research questions are to be distinct and answerable, given the identified
constructs/phenomenon and population.
Note: Do not include specific interview or survey question/items here.
Quantitative: Research questions are included and the question list is followed by a
corresponding list of proposed hypothesis(es). Ensure the research questions and hypothesis(es) are
aligned with Purpose statement. The research questions and hypotheses must be directly answerable,
specific and testable based on the data collected.
Qualitative: Proposed research questions that are related to the phenomenon are stated. The
proposed research questions must be aligned with the purpose statement. Qualitative research
questions should be open-ended and reflect the nature of the qualitative design (avoid yes/no and
closed ended questions).
Mixed Method: includes all of the above. Separate and indicate the qualitative and quantitative
questions, followed by corresponding quantitative hypotheses.
[Text…Brief introductory text. Note. Avoid redundant text]
Q1.
Q2.
Additional questions as needed.
Hypotheses
(Quantitative/Mixed Studies Only. Delete this section if the proposed study is qualitative.)
Both
null hypotheses and alternative hypotheses must be stated. Each must directly correspond with a
research question. Hypotheses must be stated in testable, potentially negatable, form with each variable
operationalized.
Note: Each hypothesis represents one distinct testable prediction. Upon testing, each hypothesis must
be entirely supported or entirely negated.
H10. [Null Hypothesis Text…]
H1a. [Alternative Hypothesis Text…]
Definition of Key Terms
[Text (optional)… Definitions given represent key operational terms, words or phrases used in a
unique way or that are not commonly used or understood. Definitions might include terms related to the
study topic and context that are not commonly known.
Definitions should be supported with citations and/or noted as being those of the researcher with
corresponding rationale/support. Commonly known terms should not be defined.
Note: All definitions included in the list should clear, concise, and directly related to the proposed study.
Definitions that represent general concepts, constructs, theories, and main ideas related to the research
topic should be discussed in other sections of the paper. Clear and precise definitions of key words upon
first use and consistent use of key words throughout the paper will also help ensure alignment.
Also Note: It is not necessary or appropriate to define or describe introductory research and statistical
concepts such the differences between qualitative and quantitative methods or correlation, t test,
ANOVA, multiple regression and so on.
Variable/Construct operational definitions are to be located within the Research Method
section.]
Term 1. Definition (APA citation).
Term 2. Definition (APA citation).
Term n. Definition (APA citation).
Theoretical Framework
[Text… Identify and articulate the theoretical foundations of the proposed study based on a
review of the relevant literature.
1. Discussion should reflect a thorough elaboration of the conceptual and/or theoretical area
under which the research falls and how the proposed research fits within other research in the field.
Discussion clearly considers the study theoretical assumptions and principles, and specifically includes
important issues, perspectives, and, if appropriate, controversies in the field.
2. Discussion should demonstrate knowledge of and familiarity with both the historical and
current literature. The majority of sources must be scholarly and peer-reviewed.
For a Ph.D. study, the research proposed must make a contribution to the literature and include
relevant theories as the foundation of the study and, in this way, it would contribute to theory by adding
more support, expanded applications or perhaps demonstrate ways in which the theory may not be as
explanatory as originally presumed for the given study context. Theories provide a “lens” with which to
observe, understand and explain the study topic. It is acceptable to discuss more than one relevant
theory that help to predict, explain or understand the study topic, but it should be clear why the theory
is included rather than simply listing several disparate theoretical frameworks.
The theories identified must be explicit as there are many different lenses, such as psychological
theories, social theories, organizational theories and economic theories, which may be used to predict
and explain concepts, topics or phenomena. The theoretical framework must be appropriate, aligned
with the topic, well-articulated and sourced.]
Brief Review of the Literature
Note: When the proposal is eventually developed, this section of the Concept Paper should be
incorporated into the Background section in Chapter 1 and/or the Literature Review of Chapter 2 as
appropriate.
[Text… The discussion should have depth and present an integrated critical analysis and
synthesis of the scholarly, peer-reviewed literature that provides a foundation and context for the
dissertation study. The discussion should be comprehensive, organized, and flow logically. The brief
review of literature should not be a list of one article summary after another or an annotated
bibliography. Use themes and/or subtopics as headings. Identify the themes or sub-topics around which
the literature review has been organized into a coherent narrative discussion. In the review, at least 7 to
10 of the most important works or studies that touch upon the dissertation topic or problem should be
discussed. Be sure to include works that provide alternate or opposing perspectives on the proposed
topic area to demonstrate unbiased research. Focus particularly on those works that address main ideas
in the field, describe areas of controversy, and indicate areas of incomplete knowledge and relate them
to the envisioned study problem, purpose, and research questions. Include historical and germinal
works as well as current works (within the last 5 years). Continue to expand and update the literature
review until the final dissertation is submitted.
Note: Emphasize key findings and interpretations to build a coherent narrative of the current
state of the literature rather than focus on researchers/authors (other than seminal authors in the field)
and specific study designs (i.e., unless the author, specific design, analytics, sample size or geographic
location are directly relevant, it is usually not necessary to describe them). Review the Background and
Literature Review sections of published, peer-reviewed journal articles for examples of academic writing.
Please note the literature review will contain several headings specific to the topic. With the exception
of key, seminal authors, the majority of references should be scholarly, peer-reviewed and published
within the last 5 years.
Theme/Sub-Topic 1 [Repeat, as needed…]
[Text…]
Summary
[Text…]
Research Method
Because the research plan is in the concept paper stage, a highly detailed research design is not
expected. The concept paper, however, provides a foundation for the next step in the dissertation
process, the development of each milestone document. A well-conceived, well written and well
researched concept paper serves as a foundation for the remainder of dissertation work. Dissertation
research is an iterative and often recursive process. Students should expect to revise numerous times
before the proposal is finalized. Although not required at this stage, students and faculty may find it
useful to review the Dissertation Proposal template to begin to consider what will be required at the
proposal stage, for example, design details and ethical considerations.
Note: If students wish to provide additional subheadings to organize the content of the discussion in this
section, the Dissertation Proposal template Ch. 3 subheading wording/organization/format should be
followed rather than developing unique subheadings.
[Text… Discuss the proposed research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed). At the Ph.D.
level quantitative studies must demonstrate both internal and external validity (e.g., large, random
samples, statistical power and representativeness). Qualitative studies must demonstrate validity within
the context of the specific qualitative design (e.g., credibility, dependability, transferability,
trustworthiness). Replication studies are not permitted.
A clear rationale behind the chosen questions for study, the particular data gathering
techniques, and data analyses should be provided. Clear decision paths should be provided based on the
associated research method/design. Qualitative studies must demonstrate validity within the context of
the specific qualitative design.
In this section In this section, describe and substantiate the appropriateness of the method and
design to respond to the stated problem, purpose and research questions. The discussion should not
simply be a listing and description of research designs; 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. Provide
appropriate foundational research method support for the proposed study design; for example, refer to
Moustakas and other appropriate authors to describe a phenomenological design and Yin to describe
the appropriate application of a case study design. This description of the proposed method and design
based on primary research authors should be followed by a detailed discussion of how the chosen design
will be applied within the Measurement section below.
Note: Avoid introductory research design and analyses descriptions as well as excessive reference
to textbook authors such as Creswell and Neuman. General research methods textbooks are not
intended to provide the detail needed to implement qualitative research designs. Do not provide
detailed descriptions of particular methods or designs that were not chosen.]
Operational Definition of Variables
(Quantitative/Mixed Studies Only. Delete this section if the proposed study is qualitative.)
[Text (optional)… Identify each of the primary constructs associated with the research
question(s), and hypotheses. Include a brief overview of how each will be operationally defined for the
proposed study. Operational definitions should be based on published, validated, research and
instruments (describe and document how previous authors and/or the proposed instrument
operationally defined each variable construct. Note: Operational Definitions are distinct from the
Definition of Terms.]
Construct/Variable 1. Description/Operational Definition.
Describe each variable, the level of measurement of the variable (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval,
ratio), how each variable will vary (e.g., the range of scores (1 – 5, 0 – 100) or levels (low, medium, high;
male, female) and the data sources (e.g., archival data, survey items, and, if appropriate, how the
specific scores (categories, etc.) used in the analysis will be derived from the raw data such as summing
or averaging responses to survey items or assessments.. Review the previous, established use of
proposed instrument, the nature of the variable data collected and analytics for examples.
Note: Dissertations are not typically appropriate sources for instruments and operational
definitions. Consult the Dissertation Center (Survey and Interview Resources) for guidance on locating
pre-existing instruments. Also, review peer-reviewed, published empirical research related to the
research topic for potential pre-existing study instruments that may be used as is or adapted with
author(s) permission for the purpose of the study.
Consult research design sources (including Dissertation Center resources) and ensure that the
measurement level of each variable and the expected distributional characteristics of the data are
appropriate to, and meet the assumptions of, the proposed statistical analyses (for example, is it likely
that the responses will be normally distributed?) Become familiar with non-parametric alternatives to
parametric tests to account for the possibility that the data do not meet parametric assumptions. See
the Dissertation Center for more information.
Measurement
[Text…Expand on how the stated method and design described in the Research Method section
above will be applied in order to respond to the stated Purpose, Research Questions and Hypotheses (for
quantitative and mixed methods studies). Describe exactly what data will be collected, how, and from
what source(s). Describe the proposed data analysis. Ensure that the proposed data collection and
analysis aligns with the stated research method and design and directly responds to the study purpose,
research questions and hypotheses.
Please note that survey self-development should be considered only after an exhaustive search
for an existing validated instrument (See the Dissertation Center (Survey and Interview Resources) for
guidance on such a search). Also, survey self-development will require a multi-step development and
validation process, including pilot testing. (See the Dissertation Center (Research Methods
Help/Research Workshop) for a tutorial on the multi-step development and validation process for a
survey instrument). Review the scholarly literature for examples of how relevant concepts have been
measured in the past. Although a highly detailed description is not required at the CP stage, study
variables must demonstrate appropriateness to the study purpose and meet the assumptions of the
proposed statistical tests. For qualitative studies, describe the proposed instrument or collection (e.g.,
interviews, observations), and how concepts will be coded and analyzed as appropriate to the proposed
design based on primary qualitative research methods and design authors. Include appropriate support
for the application of the proposed design. Consult research design and analysis sources including those
available in the Dissertation Center for guidance.]
Summary
[Text…Briefly restate the key points, study purpose a…
ScholarMatic: Explanation & Answer
Your ready answer from a verified tutor is just a click away for as little as $14.99
Click Order Now to get 100% Original Answer Customized to your instructions!
