Long Island University- Post. Brookville, NY DISSERTATION HANDBOOK. EdD PROGRAM in INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES FOR STUDENTS OF DR. JOSEPH M.

Transcription

1 Long Island University- Post Brookville, NY DISSERTATION HANDBOOK EdD PROGRAM in INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES FOR STUDENTS OF DR. JOSEPH M. PIRO

2 Table of Contents Preface 3 Guidelines for Dissertation Oral Defense 4 Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation.7 Title Page..11 Tables and Figures 12 Dissertation Rubrics...14 References 17 Useful Web links 18 2

3 Preface This manual is intended to assist students of Dr. Joseph Piro in the EdD Program in Interdisciplinary Studies at LIU-Post in assembling their doctoral dissertation. The manual contains stylistic recommendations to help students in organizing the final version of their dissertation in order to present it to the university in the form of an oral defense. The dissertation functions as the capstone experience to your doctoral studies. Along with the process which led to it, the dissertation should certify that you can examine a problem critically, organize important concepts connected to it, design a study to test it, and communicate results of this study with clarity, thought, and precision. The dissertation is expected to make a contribution to professional knowledge and practice. It should encompass the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that students have gained from seminars, readings, discussions (online and face-to-face), and field-based experiences. The dissertation also addresses intellectual and professional traditions and signifies appropriate grounding in theoretical and critical scholarship in academic fields. Opportunities which permit the student to exercise originality and creativity and provide new knowledge and approaches to the larger scholarly community, especially those of an interdisciplinary nature, are also afforded by both the doctoral and dissertation process. Your dissertation is your contribution to the general scholarly community. 3

4 Guidelines for the Dissertation Oral Defense The purpose of the oral defense is to demonstrate the extent of the student s knowledge of the field and where their work fits into the overall discipline. All defenses are publicly announced by the University generally via which contains an Abstract of the dissertation with specific inclusion of the methodology employed. All committee members must be present, either physically or electronically (it is the student s responsibility to ensure details allowing members to participate electronically are in place). Besides committee members and university faculty, anyone else may attend including students, family, partners, and friends. These individuals may not participate in the questioning. You will need to speak with your dissertation advisor to make arrangements for a date, the timeframe (allow about two hours), a room, A-V equipment (if needed) and any other requirements. The student must schedule the Dissertation Defense Meeting at a time when all members of the committee can be present (either face-to-face or via conference call or webconferencing). Non-attendance of any member must have prior approval of the Chair. If more than one member cannot attend, or if the Chair cannot be present, the meeting may not be held and must be rescheduled. Final, error-free, proofread copies of the dissertation in single bookmarked PDF form should be sent to the committee for their review no less than four weeks before the scheduled date of the defense. The student should also deposit two print copies in the Dean s Office two weeks prior to the defense for anyone who would like to review them there. 4

5 At the defense (which should last anywhere from minutes) the Chair will convene the meeting and the student will then present a brief presentation (approximately minutes) in which the following points are addressed: why the proposed research project is important some key points extracted from the literature on the topic the theoretical framework exactly how the problem was defined, measured, and assessed data analysis and interpretation overall results and conclusions Students may use a visual (e.g., PowerPoint, Prezi, SlideRocket) to assist in this initial presentation. After the student s presentation, each committee member will have the opportunity to pose questions (e.g., to clarify issues related to the dissertation) or make relevant comments. When recognized by the Chair, other attendees such as University faculty may also ask questions. The questioning portion of the defense is moderated by the dissertation chair. In general, the committee must be satisfied that, in their view, the student has: a) A well-written introduction to the topic and statement of the research question; b) A clear rationale for the study (why the student is motivated to conduct it, and a description for the need for it); c) A comprehensive literature review; d) A well-developed research design; e) Originality of approach in the research and application aspects of the dissertation; f) A careful analysis of data obtained; and g) Clarity of written and oral presentations. 5

6 After the student s defense and ensuing discussion, the Committee will ask the student and anyone else present to leave the room in order to allow deliberations to occur in executive session. All others are excused during the executive session, but are invited to wait nearby if they wish. At the end of the executive session, the doctoral candidate is invited to return to hear the decision of the committee. After that point, the other guests may be invited to return. The committee will arrive at one of the following decisions: the dissertation defense was not acceptable. the defense was acceptable, with major changes in the document that must be seen and approved by the Chair and Committee before final approval the defense was acceptable, with minor changes in the final document to be made as noted and approved by your chair. the defense was accepted, and no changes need to be made in the final document. It is important to maintain an atmosphere of academic inquiry and scholarship during the oral defense. It is inappropriate to set up a reception ahead of time and treat the defense as a party or social event. Students who wish to celebrate successful defenses must schedule social events at other times and places than at the defense itself. Dissertation chairs maintain final authority regarding who may attend and/or participate in dissertation defenses. No reward is due your dissertation chair or committee for their service, other than your thanks. However, if you wish to present your chair or committee members with a celebratory (or other) small gift or to warmly acknowledge their contributions to your work, do so and make mention of such only after you have defended your dissertation successfully. Students should also make sure to bring at least two (or even three) copies of the Title Page for the committee to sign (in blue or black ink) following the dissertation defense. Make 6

7 sure it is the same high quality paper you will submit as your final copy to the University. Students should also have printed copy of the dissertation available during the defense for fast access to specific pages should they be cited in any discussion. Guidelines for Manuscript Preparation & Formatting The dissertation should be prepared in accordance with the APA Manual, 6 th Edition. The thesis must be written in English, except where the subject matter demands otherwise and an exception has been approved by the director of the EdD Program in Interdisciplinary Studies. The following section outlines accompanying information which will assist the student in ensuring that the dissertation is organized and assembled properly before it is deposited with the University. Please note that final responsibility for the thesis/dissertation is the author s. Formatting throughout the dissertation must be consistent and correct. The dissertation when submitted must be in final form; students should carefully proofread the text for typographical, spelling, and other errors and make corrections before submitting the manuscript to the University. The University reserves the right to refuse any manuscript that does not observe format guidelines, that is not neat and legible, or that is not in suitable condition for archiving or microfilming. 7

8 Formatting Font: A standard font of 10 or 12 points is acceptable. Standard fonts include Arial, Courier, Times New Roman, etc. the requirement is copy that is clear and easily readable. The same typeface should be used throughout. Decorative or stylized fonts are not allowed. The dissertation must have the following uniform margins, which apply to all charts, graphs, tables, and figures. Students may need to reduce the size of graphs, table, charts, etc. to meet this requirement. Margins: Top: 1 Bottom: 1 Left: 1 ½ with left justification for binding purposes Right: 1 All text, footnotes, page numbers, appendices, and illustrations must fit within these margins. Spacing: Double space the text. Double space the footnotes or endnotes and extended direct quotations (of more than 40 words); the latter should also be indented a minimum of five spaces. Text should fill page as much as possible, with the exception of widow or orphan lines, including tables and figures. Page Numbering: The pages that precede the chapters of your dissertation, such as the Title page, Signature page, Copyright Page, Abstract, Table of Contents, Dedication, and Acknowledgments, are called the dissertation s front matter. All front matter pages are numbered in lower-case Roman numerals centered one inch from the bottom or top edge of the page, wherever you wish to place them. Count the title page, copyright page, or signature 8

9 page; however, the number should not appear on that page. The text and all subsequent pages, including the reference pages and appendices, are paginated consecutively in Arabic numerals beginning with 1 on the first page. Begin numbering the text with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.) at the start of the first page of the text, 1 from the top right of the page. No punctuation or other wording is allowed with your page numbers. Dissertation Pages Order and Numbering Sequence: The elements of the document (front and back matter) must be ordered as follows: i. Title page (counted as first page but no page number printed on page) ii. Copyright page iii. Dedication (optional) iv. Abstract v. Table of Contents viii. List of Tables (where appropriate) ix. List of Figures (where appropriate) x. List of Symbols (where appropriate) xi. Curriculum Vitae (optional) xii. Relevant introductory saying or quote (optional) 1. Text of the dissertation (starts on page 1) 2. Bibliography or References 3. Appendices (where appropriate) 9

10 Description of Dissertation Sections Title page- Students are strongly encouraged to embed key words into their title so that the title will be retrievable on computerized listings. Students should arrange for three copies of the title page: one original for the submission to the Doctoral Studies Office or LIU Library and two others as the student s personal copy. Copyright page (optional) - the dissertation submitted as a part of the requirements for a degree is the property of the University. The Copyright Act of 1976 provides for copyright protection of a work from the moment it is tangibly fixed. To ensure this protection, a copyright notice should be included on a separate page immediately following the title page. It should include the copyright symbol, the year in which copyright is established, and the full, legal name of the author. The notice should appear thus: year - Author s Name All rights reserved. (Since copyright law often changes or is misunderstood, you are advised you to consult the copyright information provided by University Manuscripts International (UMI). More detailed information is available at: and Dedication (optional)- This is a single statement on a separate page indicating an individual or group whom you wish to honor by the production of this work. Acknowledgements (optional, but most theses/dissertations include a brief statement of thanks for, or recognition of, any special assistance.) Center the heading ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, without punctuation, at the top margin Abstract (not to exceed 350 words, double-spaced with ABSTRACT centered without punctuation, at the top margin) Table of Contents (with dot leaders and page numbers) Center the heading TABLE OF CONTENTS, without punctuation, at the top margin a) Headings or subheadings listed in the contents must be worded exactly as they appear in the manuscript, including any numbers used b) Page numbers for all entries must correspond exactly with those in the manuscript; any deviation may result in rejection of the final copy c) List all chapter/section headings and at least all first-level subheadings on the Table of Contents or Place chapter headings in all caps d) Place subheadings in title caps/mixed case e) Do not list pages that precede the Table of Contents on the Table of Contents f) List both the name and descriptive title of each appendix in all caps 10

11 List of Tables (if more than one table is included) List of Figures and Illustrations (if more than one figure is included) Curriculum Vitae (optional - no more than two pages) Relevant saying of phrase to introduce the material (optional) Chapter 1 always begins with Page 1 Appendices are labeled from APPENDIX A. Long or detailed tables, questionnaires, IRB approval letters, approval letters from other researchers granting their permission to use copyrighted materials, or other materials that are relevant to the dissertation but are not necessary to understanding the text should be placed in an appendix or appendices, and listed in the Table of Contents. All appendix pages must be numbered. References are in a section at the end of the dissertation, in accordance with APA standards. Footnotes/Endnotes: Notes can appear as footnotes below the text on a page, or as endnotes at the end of each chapter. Footnotes at the bottom of a page should be numbered continuously throughout the dissertation. Endnotes at the end of a chapter are numbered separately for each chapter (i.e., the first note of each chapter will always be numbered 1 ). A bottom-of-the-page footnote must begin on the same page as the text to which it refers, but it may continue on a following page if necessary. Nothing may appear in the margin area. One final note- you might consider printing your dissertation on 20 lb minimum strength, acidfree paper. Most standard copy papers available today meet these requirements. Bond paper refers back to the days of typewriters and this designation was used to distinguish heavier paper from the much thinner and weaker Onion Skin Paper. Most if not all of the paper used today is of Bond Paper quality. You can also use higher quality rag or cotton fiber paper. You can use glossy or photo paper for some of the pages if you have color photos or images. Try to be sure that these pages are printed on acid-free paper. 11

12 Long Island University- Post College of Education, Information, and Technology DOCTOR OF EDUCATION IN INTERDISCIPLINARY EDUCATIONAL STUDIES DISSERTATION APPROVAL FORM STUDENT NAME: ID# Title of Dissertation: COMMITTEE MEMBERS We move the acceptance of the dissertation; we certify that it satisfies the requirements for the conferral of the degree of Doctor of Education in Interdisciplinary Educational Studies. Name Signature Date Professor, Committee Chairperson Professor, Committee Member Professor, Committee Member Professor, Reader Professor, Reader Doctoral Program Director 12

13 Tables and Figures All tables and figures (photographs, charts, diagrams, graphs, maps, and other illustrative material) must follow the format of the approved style manual being used. Place tables and figures within the manuscript as close as possible to the parts of text they supplement, or collect them into an appendix. If placing tables/figures within the manuscript, either combine them on the page with body text or place them on a page by themselves. Prepare a List of Figures and/or List of Tables regardless of where the tables/figures appear in the manuscript. Make sure to add adequate and consistent space both above and below each table/figure to set it off from body text (usually one extra double-space both above and below). Do not interrupt a sentence to place a table/figure: Place it at the end of a sentence. Also, do not break up tables if they will fit on one page; just move them to the next page. Refer to tables/figures by their numbers within the text (e.g., as shown in Table 7; Figure 4 contains). Place wide tables/figures in landscape orientation, or create a custom page size within the PDF. Finally, place the table/figure number and title in the appropriate location above/below the table/figure. 13

14 Tables: Tables must have a clean format and be consistent in size and style throughout the document. Guidelines include: Place tables and table titles in the same font as body text Label each table as Table, and number them consecutively, with Arabic numbers, throughout the text and appendixes Issue each table both a name and descriptive title Place table titles at the top of the table Left-align OR center tables on the page, but choose only one method of placement Use horizontal lines to separate sections of a table, but limit the use of vertical lines Place table sources or notes immediately below the table to which they refer Either single- or double-space table text and table titles, depending on adviser/committee preferences Do not repeat table titles for multiple-page tables or use the word continued simply repeat the column headings and continue the table Figures: Photographs, charts, graphs, diagrams, maps, etc. are considered figures. Figures must have a clean format and be consistent in size and style throughout the document. Guidelines include: Label each figure as Figure, and number them consecutively, with Arabic numbers, throughout the text and appendixes Issue each figure both a name and descriptive title Figure sources, credit lines, or notes can immediately follow the title or be placed below the title Place figure titles below the figure, and do not enclose them in the figure itself Place legends (explanatory lists of symbols on a map/chart) within the figure, if possible Left-align OR center figures on the page, but choose only one method of placement Either single- or double-space figure titles, depending on adviser/committee preferences Place figure titles in the same font as body text 14

15 All photographs included in the dissertation should undergo archival or optimum processing to ensure reasonable permanency Please note that the use of color in graphs, charts, or maps should be avoided, as they are not distinguishable in the microfilm copies. 15

16 Rubric for EdD Dissertation-Written (Both written and oral rubrics have been adapted from San Diego State University) Did not meet expectations Marginally met expectations Met expectations Exceeded expectations 1 Introduction Failed or vaguely conveyed project in context of literature. No rationale. Purpose was unfocused and unclear. 2 Review of Literature Failed to review literature relevant to the study. No synthesis, critique or rationale. Insufficient description of research samples, methodologies, & findings Project moderately conveyed in context of literature. Moderately clear rationale. Purpose was somewhat focused and clear. Comprehensive review of literature relevant to the study. Moderately well organized. Some mention of the relatedness of scholarship. Moderately clear rationale for choice of theoretical perspectives/ empirical studies. Somewhat focused description of research samples, methodologies, & findings. Conveyed project within context of literature. Moderately-strong rationale. Purpose was clear and focused. Review of the literature is fairly well organized, acknowledging the relatedness of the research and scholarship. The rationale for including/excluding various theoretical perspectives/empirical studies are apparent. Includes description of research samples and methodologies. Clearly conveyed project within context of literature. Strong rationale. Purpose was clear and focused. Comprehensive review of literature relevant to the study. Well organized, with nuanced critique regarding the relatedness of the research and scholarship reviewed. Includes specific criteria for inclusion/ exclusion of various theoretical perspectives/ empirical studies. Clearly describes research samples, methodologies, & findings. 3 Methods / Approach 4 Results / Outcomes 5 Discussion and Summary Little or no description of (if applicable): subjects, design/approach, methods/procedures, and statistical analyses. Absence of or few pertinent results. Table/figures are absent or inappropriate, poorly labeled, and no legend. Little or no discussion of project findings/outcomes. Displayed poor grasp of understanding. Considerable relevant discussion missing Conclusion/summary not supported by findings/outcomes. Moderate or excessive description of (if applicable): subjects, design/approach, methods/procedures, and statistical analyses. Some pertinent results not reported; results presented in clear and concise manner. Table/figures generally labeled appropriately and include legend. Discussion is too brief/excessive, needs to be more concise of major findings/outcomes. Several inaccuracies and omissions. Conclusions/summary generally based on findings/outcomes. Most detail included/slightly excessive detail in description of (if applicable): subjects, design/ approach, methods/procedures, and statistical analyses. Most pertinent results reported and in fairly clear and concise manner. Table/figures labeled appropriately and include legend. Discussion sufficient and with few errors, though not particularly engaging or thought-provoking. Greater foundation needed from past work in area. Conclusions/summary based on outcomes and appropriate, but included no recommendations. Appropriate detail in description of (if applicable): subjects, design/approach, methods/procedures, and statistical analyses. All pertinent results reported and in clear and concise manner. Table/figures are labeled clearly and appropriately and include legend. Brief and concise discussion of major findings/outcomes. Was superior, accurate, engaging, and thoughtprovoking. Conclusions/summaries and recommendations appropriate and clearly based on outcomes. 16

17 6 Writing Quality The dissertation lacks clarity and precision. Sentences are poorly constructed and confusing. Word choice, grammar, punctuation, and spelling reflects poor grasp of basic writing conventions. The narrative discussion lacks focus and coherence. Incorrect use and understanding of 6th edition APA. The dissertation is moderately clear. Several errors in word choice, grammar, punctuation, and spelling. The narrative lacks focus. Uneven application and understanding of 6th edition APA conventions. The dissertation is written with clarity and precision. Writing is understandable. Word choice, grammar, punctuation, and spelling are adequate. The narrative is logical and coherent. Mostly correct use and understanding of 6h edition APA The dissertation is written with great clarity and precision. Each sentence is understandable. Word choice, grammar, punctuation, and spelling are excellent. The narrative is logical and coherent. Correct use and understanding of 6th edition APA. 17

18 Oral Dissertation Defense Did not meet expectations Marginally met expectations Met expectations Exceeded expectations 1 Organization Lacked sequence in presentation or missing information. Presented too little/much material for allotted time. Some information presented out of sequence. Had some pacing and timing problems. Information presented nearly complete and relevant and presented in logical sequence. Pace and timing appropriate. Information presented was complete and in logical order. Easy to follow. Very well-timed and well-paced. 2 Originality Problem/purpose lacked creativity or not new. Duplication of previous work. Design/approach inappropriate and/or ignored previous well-established work in area. 3 Significance/ Authenticity 4 Discussion and summary Project has little or no significance/ authenticity to field and will make little or no contribution. Little or no discussion of project findings/outcomes. Displayed poor grasp of material. Considerable relevant discussion missing. Conclusion/summary not supported by findings/outcomes. 5 Delivery Presenter unsettled, uninterested, and unenthused. Relied extensively on notes Presentation was read. Inappropriate voice mannerisms, body language, and poor communication skills. Poor quality of slides/presentation materials; did not enhance presentation/perform ance. Problem/purpose moderately original or creative. Design/approach moderately appropriate or innovative. Project only moderate relevance or significance/ authenticity to field and will make a nominal contribution. Few inaccuracies and omissions. Conclusions/summary generally supported by findings/outcomes. Displayed interest and enthusiasm. Read small parts of material. Occasionally struggled to find words. Generally appropriate voice mannerisms, body language, and communication skills. Moderate quality of slides/presentation materials. Problem/purpose fairly original or creative. Research design/approach appropriate or innovative. Project has good relevance or significance/authenti city to field and will make a useful contribution. Discussion sufficient and with few errors. Greater foundation needed from past work in area. Conclusions/summa ry based on outcomes and appropriate, included no recommendations. Relied little on notes. Displayed interest and enthusiasm. Good voice mannerisms, body language, and communication skills. Good quality of slides/presentation materials; enhanced presentation/perfor m-ance. Problem/purpose very creative or original with new and innovative ideas. Explored original topic and discovered new outcomes. Design/approach introduced new or expanded on established ideas. Project extremely relevant or has significant importance/authenticity to field and will make an important contribution. Discussion was superior, accurate, engaging, and thoughtprovoking. Conclusions/summaries and recommendations appropriate and clearly based on outcomes. Relied little on notes. Expressed ideas fluently in own words. Genuinely interested and enthusiastic. Exceptional voice mannerisms, body language, and communication skills. Exceptional visual presentation with quality materials; Extends knowledge from multiple disciplines 18

19 References American Psychological Association. (2009). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: Author. Stilman, A. (2004). Grammatically correct: An essential guide to punctuation, style, usage & more. Cincinnati, OH: Writer s Digest. Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The elements of style (4th ed.). Boston: Longman. Truss, L. (2003). Eats, shoots & leaves: The zero tolerance approach to punctuation. New York: Gotham. The following Dissertation Manuals and Guides informed this document: Ed.D. Dissertation Manual, Office of Graduate Studies, California State University-Fullerton, The form of the PhD Dissertation, Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, Dissertation Guide, Union Institute and University, Cincinnati, OH, Doctor of Philosophy Dissertation and Master's Thesis Submission Requirements, Princeton University, PhD Dissertation Manual, 2012 University of Pennsylvania, Guide to Dissertation Ph.D. Dissertation Manual, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, Guide to formatting the Doctoral Dissertation, Yale University, New Haven, CT. 19

20 Useful Web links APA Manual, 6th Edition. (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association). Website for Dr. Joseph Piro s students Homepage LIU-Post-Interdisciplinary Studies Information Page for EdD Program in Interdisciplinary Studies-LIU Post YouTube links: 20