DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research Course Syllabus Course Description Examines the basic principles and techniques of doctoral scholarship, and offers an overview of the development of theory and research logic, explores the relationship between theoretical and empirical constructs, and provides a wide variety of specific research methodologies, including the scholarly publication process. Learners study the principles of the scientific method and research design techniques common to qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, including sampling methods and data collection techniques. Material includes examination of various research methods including electronic searches and retrieval methods. Students learn to critically read research papers and articles, and are introduced to the writing techniques necessary to produce expository and analytical papers to the standards of publishable work. Course Textbook Heppner, P. P., & Heppner, J. H. (2004). Writing and publishing your thesis, dissertation, and research: A guide for students in the helping professions. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole. Course Learning Objectives Upon completion of this course, students should be able to: 1. Use the process of developing a primary research question while reviewing the literature by identifying a topic and indicating the rationale for the study. 2. Apply key steps of the process for writing a comprehensive literature review by evaluating articles and preparing annotations. 3. Draft the design for a quantitative research study by defining the variables, discussing the rationale for the design, and defending the use of the design with peer-reviewed articles. 4. Draft the design for a qualitative research study by defining the phenomenon, discussing the rationale for the design, and defending the use of the design with peer-reviewed articles. 5. Apply the process of drafting a concept paper by presenting and discussing research data. Credits Upon completion of this course, the students will earn three (3) hours of college credit. Course Structure 1. Unit Learning Objectives: Each unit contains Unit Learning Objectives that specify the measurable skills and knowledge students should gain upon completion of the unit. 2. Unit Lesson: Each unit contains a Unit Lesson, which discusses unit material. 3. Reading Assignments: Each unit contains Reading Assignments from one or more chapters from the textbook. Suggested Readings are provided in the Unit III, IV, and V study guides to aid students in their course of study. 4. Discussion Boards: Discussion Boards are part of all CSU term courses. More information and specifications can be found in the Student Resources link listed in the Course Menu bar. 5. Unit Assignments: Students are required to submit for grading Unit Assignments in Units I-VIII. Specific information and instructions regarding these assignments are provided below. Grading rubrics are included with the all Assignments. Specific information about accessing these rubrics is provided below. DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 1
6. Ask the Professor: This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content related questions. 7. Student Break Room: This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. CSU Online Library The CSU Online Library is available to support your courses and programs. The online library includes databases, journals, e-books, and research guides. These resources are always accessible and can be reached through the library webpage. To access the library, log into the mycsu Student Portal, and click on CSU Online Library. You can also access the CSU Online Library from the My Library button on the course menu for each course in Blackboard. The CSU Online Library offers several reference services. E-mail (library@columbiasouthern.edu) and telephone (1.877.268.8046) assistance is available Monday Thursday from 8 am to 5 pm and Friday from 8 am to 3 pm. The library s chat reference service, Ask a Librarian, is available 24/7; look for the chat box on the online library page. Librarians can help you develop your research plan or assist you in finding relevant, appropriate, and timely information. Reference requests can include customized keyword search strategies, links to articles, database help, and other services. Unit Assignments Unit I Journal In a reflection of 150-200 words, discuss the importance of the theoretical framework and related research as the foundation for all research. Cite at least two appropriate peer-reviewed articles. Unit II Journal Write a 150-200-word reflection regarding the importance of the literature review. Why is the literature review important? What components develop from the literature review? Discuss the importance of current literature. Unit III Assignment The Literature Review A Mini Version Throughout this course, you will build a mini-concept paper. You will build this mini-concept paper during each of the three major assignments in the course. You should incorporate your instructor s feedback on your assignments into other assignments in the course. Ultimately, the Unit VII Assignment will contain all of the components of the Unit III and Unit V Assignments with the inclusion of your instructor s comments and corrections. This paper will not be your concept paper, but it will serve as an opportunity for you to begin developing skills necessary to write a concept paper in a future course. Please note that any instructor comments regarding this mini-concept paper only reflect preliminary comments. Your Dissertation Chair will be the one to approve any future concept papers. This purpose of this assignment is to pull the skills and concepts contained in the first three units of this course together. The development of a research question allows a researcher (or learner) to facilitate a research project efficiently. Through a systematic process of reviewing the literature, the researcher ensures the research question aligns with the problem statement while also collecting relevant research to support both the research question and the problem statement. This assignment provides an opportunity to practice using the systematic process of reviewing the literature and developing a sound research question to guide subsequent research efforts. You are not expected to draft a perfect or final research question. Again, this assignment allows you to practice using the iterative process for developing a research question while reviewing the literature. DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 2
Complete this assignment by addressing each of the following: 1. Topic In an introductory paragraph, identify the topic of interest and how this research topic fills a research gap within the larger body of literature related to the topic. 2. Theoretical Framework What is the theoretical framework that supports the topic? Write a paragraph that provides the background for the development of the theory, model, or concept upon which you will frame your research. 3. The Research Question Draft a primary research question. 4. The Literature Review From the five articles used for the annotated bibliography in the Unit II Discussion Board, write a synthesis of the five articles in one or two paragraphs. 5. Research Ethics Write a paragraph concerning the application of integrity and professionalism in research as it relates to your research. 6. Conclusion Write a concluding paragraph to summarize the content of the essay 7. Reference Page Properly list all sources in APA format. This assignment must be in APA format including an APA formatted title page, APA citations, and APA reference page. Upload the assignment as a Microsoft Word document. Unit IV Journal In 150-200 words, reflect on the importance of previous research to doctoral research. How might previous research assist you as a doctoral researcher? Unit V Assignment Developing the Research Methodology, Research Design, and Target Population The purpose of this assignment is to continue to build upon the skills and concepts related to the Unit III Assignment by the development of the research methodology, research design, and target population. This assignment provides an opportunity to review literature related to the research method and research design you select in order to begin developing expertise with regard to method and design. In addition, this assignment gives you an opportunity to begin the development of the population upon that you will focus your research. For components carried forward from the Unit III Assignment, make certain to make changes in accordance with your instructor s comments and/or corrections. Complete the assignment by addressing each of the following; 1. Topic In an introductory paragraph, identify the topic of interest and how this research topic fills a research gap within the larger body of literature related to the topic. 2. Research Method Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the research method and the rationale for the selection of the method for this study. Support the rationale by citing peer-reviewed journal articles. Select ONE of the following: a. Quantitative method Discuss the independent variable and dependent variable. b. Qualitative method Discuss the phenomenon. c. Mixed methods Discuss both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study. 3. Research Design - Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the research design and the rationale for the selection of the design for this study. Support the rationale by citing peer-reviewed journal articles. Review the course lecture and/or the course textbook for the list of research designs related to the research method that you select. 4. Target Population Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the population and target population that you will employ in your research. How will you increase generalizability? Cite peer-reviewed journal articles. 5. Conclusion Write a concluding paragraph in which you summarize the content of the essay. This assignment must be in APA format including an APA formatted title page, APA citations, and APA reference page. Upload the assignment as a Microsoft Word document. DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 3
Unit VI Journal In a 150-200-word reflection, discuss your concerns with regard to data analysis and interpretation. Concerns could include fears, uncertainties, skill development, or other thoughts regarding data analysis and interpretation. Unit VII Assignment Mini-Concept Paper This assignment builds upon the Unit III and Unit V Assignments. You should incorporate any changes and/or corrections your instructor provided in the previous assignments into this submission. The result will be a mini-concept paper to give you an idea of the type of work you will be doing in the future in your development of your concept paper. You should use each of the components below as headings for the assignment. Complete the assignment by addressing each of the following; 1. Topic In an introductory paragraph, identify the topic of interest and how this research topic fills a research gap within the larger body of literature related to the topic. 2. Theoretical Framework that supports the topic? Write a paragraph that provides the background for the development of the theory, model, or concept upon which you will frame your research. 3. The Research Question Provide your primary research question. 4. The Literature Review From the five articles used for the annotated bibliography in the Unit II Discussion Board, write a synthesis of the five articles in one or two paragraphs. 5. Research Ethics Write a paragraph concerning the application of integrity and professionalism in research as it relates to your research. 6. Research Method Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the research method and the rationale for the selection of the method for this study. Support the rationale by citing peer-reviewed journal articles. Select ONE of the following: a. Quantitative method Discuss the independent variable and dependent variable. b. Qualitative method Discuss the phenomenon. c. Mixed methods Discuss both the quantitative and qualitative aspects of the study. 7. Research Design - Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the research design and the rationale for the selection of the design for this study. Support the rationale by citing peer-reviewed journal articles. Review the course lesson and/or the course textbook for the list of research designs related to the research method that you select. 8. Target Population Write two or three paragraphs in which you discuss the population and target population that you will employ in your research. How will you increase generalizability? Cite peer-reviewed journal articles. 9. Data Collection Write two or three paragraphs discussing the data collection approach you will incorporate in your research. This should include a discussion of any instruments (surveys, etc.) that you will use. The discussion should include information regarding validity and reliability of the data collection instruments. 10. Data Analysis Write two or three paragraphs discussing the data analysis approach that you will employ and the rationale for the use of the analysis approach. 11. Discussion Although you will not have actually engaged in conducting research, write one or two paragraphs to discussion or hypothesize what you anticipate the results of your research. How do your hypothesized results compare with results of other researchers related to your research topic? 12. Conclusion Write a concluding paragraph in which you summarize the content of the assignment and discuss why your research is important. 13. Reference Page Properly list all sources in APA format. This assignment must be in APA format including an APA formatted title page, APA citations, and APA reference page. Upload the assignment as a Microsoft Word document DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 4
Unit VIII Journal In a 150-200-word essay, reflect upon this course. What key concepts have you learned? How will you apply these concepts in future courses as you move forward toward your dissertation? What concerns do you have with regard to concepts that you learned in this course? APA Guidelines The application of the APA writing style shall be practical, functional, and appropriate to each academic level, with the primary purpose being the documentation (citation) of sources. CSU requires that students use APA style for certain papers and projects. Students should always carefully read and follow assignment directions and review the associated grading rubric when available. Students can find CSU s Citation Guide by clicking here. This document includes examples and sample papers and provides information on how to contact the CSU Success Center. Grading Rubrics This course utilizes analytic grading rubrics as tools for your professor in assigning grades for all learning activities. Each rubric serves as a guide that communicates the expectations of the learning activity and describes the criteria for each level of achievement. In addition, a rubric is a reference tool that lists evaluation criteria and can help you organize your efforts to meet the requirements of that learning activity. It is imperative for you to familiarize yourself with these rubrics because these are the primary tools your professor uses for assessing learning activities. Rubric categories include: (1) Discussion Board, (2) Assessment (Written Response), and (3) Assignment. However, it is possible that not all of the listed rubric types will be used in a single course (e.g., some courses may not have Assessments). The Discussion Board rubric can be found within Unit I s Discussion Board submission instructions. The Assessment (Written Response) rubric can be found embedded in a link within the directions for each Unit Assessment. However, these rubrics will only be used when written-response questions appear within the Assessment. Each Assignment type (e.g., article critique, case study, research paper) will have its own rubric. The Assignment rubrics are built into Blackboard, allowing students to review them prior to beginning the Assignment and again once the Assignment has been scored. This rubric can be accessed via the Assignment link located within the unit where it is to be submitted. Students may also access the rubric through the course menu by selecting Tools and then My Grades. Again, it is vitally important for you to become familiar with these rubrics because their application to your Discussion Boards, Assessments, and Assignments is the method by which your instructor assigns all grades. Communication Forums These are non-graded discussion forums that allow you to communicate with your professor and other students. Participation in these discussion forums is encouraged, but not required. You can access these forums with the buttons in the Course Menu. Instructions for subscribing/unsubscribing to these forums are provided below. Click here for instructions on how to subscribe/unsubscribe and post to the Communication Forums. Ask the Professor This communication forum provides you with an opportunity to ask your professor general or course content questions. Questions may focus on Blackboard locations of online course components, textbook or course content elaboration, additional guidance on assessment requirements, or general advice from other students. Questions that are specific in nature, such as inquiries regarding assessment/assignment grades or personal accommodation requests, are NOT to be posted on this forum. If you have questions, comments, or concerns of a non- DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 5
public nature, please feel free to email your professor. Responses to your post will be addressed or emailed by the professor within 48 hours. Before posting, please ensure that you have read all relevant course documentation, including the syllabus, assessment/assignment instructions, faculty feedback, and other important information. Student Break Room This communication forum allows for casual conversation with your classmates. Communication on this forum should always maintain a standard of appropriateness and respect for your fellow classmates. This forum should NOT be used to share assessment answers. Grading Discussion Boards (8 @ 2%) = 16% Journal Assignments (5 @ 5%) = 25% Unit III Assignment = 10% Unit V Assignment = 20% Unit VII Assignment = 29% Total = 100% Course Schedule/Checklist (PLEASE PRINT) The following pages contain a printable Course Schedule to assist you through this course. By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 6
DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research Course Schedule By following this schedule, you will be assured that you will complete the course within the time allotted. Please keep this schedule for reference as you progress through your course. Unit I Research Hypotheses and Reviewing the Relevant Literature Chapter 4: Searching and Reviewing the Relevant Literature: Finding What Has Come Before Chapter 5: Research Hypotheses: The Motor That Drives the Study Journal by Unit II The Process of Preparing a Literature Review Chapter 6 Writing Your Literature Integration and Case Building Journal by Unit III Integrity and Professionalism in Research Chapter 11 Demonstrating Integrity and Professionalism in Your Research Chapter 15 Citations and Reference Lists: The Devil Is in the Details Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Assignment by DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 7
DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research Course Schedule Unit IV Quantitative Research Methods Chapter 7 Quantitative Methods: Mapping Your Research Plan Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Journal by Unit V Qualitative Research Methods Chapter 8 Qualitative Methods: On the Road to Exploring the Unknown Chapter 9 Exclusion Is Easier, Inclusion Is Better: Diversifying Samples Suggested Reading: See Study Guide Assignment by Unit VI Analyzing and Interpreting Data Chapter 12 Conducting Quantitative Analyses and Presenting Your Results Chapter 13 Qualitative Results: The Meaning-Making Process Journal by DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 8
DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research Course Schedule Unit VII Qualitative Research Methods Chapter 14 The Discussion: Making the Data Sing Assignment by Unit VIII Working with the Dissertation Committee and Publishing Research Chapter 10 Working With Your Advisor and Committee Chapter 16 Publishing the Thesis or Dissertation Journal by DBA 7240, Doctoral Writing and Inquiry into Research 9