Quantitative Dissertation Template

The purpose of the quantitative dissertation template is to ensure that the dissertation

manuscript is a quality document. This template provides information about formatting and

the content contained in each section of the dissertation.

Formatting

The margins for all chapters of the dissertation are as follows: 1 inch at the top and

bottom, 1 inch on the right side, and 1 inch on the left side. All text should be Times New

Roman, 12-point font. Text within the body of the manuscript should be left justified.

Double-spacing should be employed throughout the manuscript. Page numbers should all be

Arabic numerals and placed in the upper right hand corner (with the page number on the first

page suppressed). All manuscripts should follow the latest version of the APA style manual.

Below is the Dissertation Template with a description of each section.

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE TITLE PAGE: THE TITLE SHOULD GO HERE (ALL CAPS)

by

Student’s Full Legal Name

Liberty University

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

[Doctor of Philosophy]

Liberty University

Year

2

THIS IS AN EXAMPLE OF THE SIGNATURE PAGE: THE TITLE SHOULD GO HERE (ALL CAPS)

by Student’s Full Legal Name

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

Of the Requirements for the Degree

[Doctor of Philosophy]

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Year

APPROVED BY:

Name and degree, Committee Chair

3

Name and degree, Committee Member

Name and degree, Committee Member

4

ABSTRACT

The abstract summarizes the contents of the manuscript, including the importance of the

study, purpose of the study, the methodology, results, conclusions, and recommendations for

further research. Descriptions of the methodology should include the design, the sample,

setting, and data collection and analysis methods. Approximately 250 words or less is

recommended; however, some dissertation abstracts are a little longer. No more than one

page is allowable, and the abstract should be written as one, double-spaced paragraph. The

abstract should include results of the study, but should not include statistics or citations. The

word “ABSTRACT” should be in all caps, bold, and centered. Keywords should be located at the

end of the Abstract. Indent and italicize the work Keyword followed by a colon, then a list of

the words in lower case separated by a comma.

Keywords: This is a list of 4-7 words (separated by commas) that are central to your

study.

5

Copyright Page (Optional)

6

Dedication (Optional)

The dedication page is a page in which the candidate dedicates the manuscript.

This page is optional.

7

Acknowledgments (Optional)

The acknowledgments page provides the opportunity for the candidate to acknowledge

individuals who influenced the writing and completion of the dissertation. This page is

optional.

8

Table of Contents

The Table of Contents lists the various chapters and subsections of the manuscript

along with their page numbers. The Table of Contents should include the Abstract, Copyright

Page (optional), Dedication (optional), Acknowledgements (optional), List of Tables, List of

Figures, CHAPTER TITLES (all caps), Level 1 headings, Level 2 headings, REFERENCES (all

caps), and APPENDIX or APPENDICES (all caps). These should be left justified. The subsections

included should only be APA Level 1 and Level 2 headings within the manuscript. Level 1

headings should be indented one half inch and Level 2 headings should be indented one inch.

Chapter titles are not considered Level 1 headings. Entries should be double-spaced.

ABSTRACT……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Copyright Page (Optional)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

Dedication (Optional)……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Acknowledgments (Optional)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6

List of Tables……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 10

List of Figures……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

List of Abbreviations…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Background……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 13

9

Problem Statement…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 14

Purpose Statement………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 14

Significance of the Study………………………………………………………………………………………………… 14

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 15

Definitions……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 16

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW……………………………………………………………………………………… 17

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 17

Conceptual or Theoretical Framework………………………………………………………………………….. 17

Related Literature…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 18

Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 18

CHAPTER THREE: METHODS……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 19

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Design………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 20

Participants and Setting………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 21

Instrumentation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 22

Procedures………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 23

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 23

10

CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 25

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Research Question(s)………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Null Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Descriptive Statistics………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 25

Results……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 26

Hypothesis(es)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 26

CHAPTER FIVE: CONCLUSIONS………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Overview…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Discussion……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Implications…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27

Limitations………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 27

Recommendations for Future Research………………………………………………………………………… 28

REFERENCES……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 29

APPENDIX or APPENDICES…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 30

11

List of Tables

The List of Tables cites the tables and the corresponding pages of each table. This

enables the reader to easily locate the tables in the manuscript. The title of this page should be

a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of the page. Entries should be double spaced.

12

List of Figures

The List of Figures cites the figures and the corresponding pages of each figure.

This enables the reader to easily locate the figures in the manuscript. The title of this

page should be a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of the page. Entries

should be double-spaced.

13

List of Abbreviations

The title of this page should be a Level 1 heading, centered, 1 inch from the top of

the page. Entries should be double-spaced. Examples are provided below.

Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI)

National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)

United States Election Assistance Commission (EAC)

14

CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Overview

Start Chapter One with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This

should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.

Background

The Background section educates the reader regarding the topic. Start this section by

catching the reader’s attention. Use recent evidence from at least three to four scholarly

journal articles published within the last five years. The Background section then moves into

an overview of the most relevant literature regarding the issue and provides a historical,

social, and theoretical context regarding the issue. Remember that this is just an overview.

You will go into more depth in Chapter Two.

The historical overview examines how the issue has evolved over time from the past to

present-day. The background’s historical overview should be well supported by at least five to

seven scholarly journal articles or books. Some sources may be older than five years old for

this section.

A conceptual and/or theoretical background overview relates the issue to similar

studies and discusses the theories that drive them. The background’s theory discussion should

be supported by at least three to five scholarly journal articles and/or books. Some sources

may be older than five years old for this section. Conclude the Background section by

15

summarizing the information and preparing the reader for the problem. The Background

section is approximately three to five pages long.

Problem Statement

The problem statement discusses how the literature may not have completely

addressed the issue. For example, there may be controversy regarding mixed results from

other studies, unexamined populations, lack of new testing instruments, etc. In other words,

convince the reader that there is not enough research available to bring the issue to closure.

The problem statement finds its “roots” in other studies and expands on their

recommendations for further research. In general terms, the problem is always a lack of

research on a particular issue. The problem statement should be well-supported by at least

one to three scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The problem

statement ends with a declarative statement: “The problem is …” which is clearly supported

by current literature. The Problem Statement section is approximately one page long.

Purpose Statement

The purpose statement usually begins with, “The purpose of this study is…” The

purpose statement gives the reader a quick overview on how you plan to help “solve the

problem.” Once again, since the problem is a lack of research on a particular issue, your

purpose is simply to propose another research study. However, you need to be specific on

what you plan to do. The purpose statement foreshadows the research question(s). The

16

purpose statement includes the variables (i.e., Independent/Dependent and/or

Predictor/Criterion) and defines each of the variables. Dictionary definitions are not

acceptable. The purpose statement also includes a “brief” description of the population.

Significance of the Study

At this point, the reader should be convinced that the issue is important, that there is a

lack of research on the issue, and you have a proposed study to help solve the problem. The

significance of the study convinces the reader that the study will add to the existing body of

knowledge by building off similar studies that investigate the same issue. It includes a

description of the contributions that your study will make to the knowledge base or discipline,

both theoretically and empirically. This section also includes a brief description of how the

study is important to other locations, organizations, general populations, or the sample being

studied. References are very important here, as they lend additional credence and support for

your study. All assertions in this section need to be well-supported by the literature; at least

three to five scholarly journal articles published within the last five years. The Significance of

the Study section is approximately one page long.

Research Question(s)

The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose

statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences

between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is

17

testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an

ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the

aim is not to solve the world's problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good

research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted

that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical

dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed,

each on a separate line. Example:

RQ1: Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

RQ2: Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

Definitions

Terms pertinent to the study should be listed and defined as the final section of chapter

one. All definitions in this section also need to be supported by the literature. Include terms

that use abbreviations. Citations are needed. Dictionary definitions are not acceptable.

Italicize terms to be defined. Example:

1. Attitude – Attitude is a psychological tendency that involves evaluating a particular

object with some degree of favor or disfavor (Eagly & Chaiken, 1993).

18

2. Interest – The combination of emotion and personal valuation of a task resulting in a

desire for various levels of enjoyment (Ainley & Ainley, 2011).

3. Etc…

19

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

Overview

Chapter Two is often the longest chapter of the dissertation. The minimum length

should be 30 pages, but most are longer. Its purpose is to provide a context for the research

and to demonstrate its importance based on the problem demonstrated via the literature as

well as the gap in the literature. Chapter Two is comprised of at least four sections: (a) an

overview, (b) a theoretical or conceptual framework section, (c) the related literature section,

and (d) a summary.

The overview should provide a general explanation and overview of the chapter with

links to the purpose of the study. This should be done in a short paragraph.

Conceptual or Theoretical Framework

The conceptual or theoretical background section should provide the reader with a

direct connection to the framework that will effectively guide the study and allow the findings

to be situated within a greater context. According to Maxwell (2005),

the point is not to summarize what has already been done in the field. Instead, it is to

ground your proposed study in the relevant previous work, and to give the reader a

clear sense of your theoretical approach to the phenomena that you propose to study.

(p. 123)

20

Start by describing the theory(ies), including origination and major theorist(s). Next discuss

how the theory(ies) has advanced or informed the literature on your topic. Conclude by

articulating how your specific research focus relates to the theory and how it may potentially

advance or extend the theory(ies). Examples of theoretical frameworks include Bandura’s

(1986) Social Cognitive Theory, Maslow’s (1954) Hierarchy of Needs, Knowles (1980) Adult

Learning Theory, etc. Situating the study and research questions within an established

theoretical framework helps establish the significance of the study.

Related Literature

The purpose of the Related Literature section is to provide a tight synthesis (not simply

a study-by-study summary) of the existing general knowledge on this topic and link this

existing knowledge to the proposed study. Remember that the literature review is the

argument for the significance of the study. It communicates what has been examined on the

topic(s), what has not been examined or how understanding on the topic is still developing,

and how the study can fill the gap or further understanding in the field.

The chapter should end with a focused summary of what is currently known, what is

not known, and how the study can specifically address gaps in the existing literature.

Subheadings at Level 2 and Level 3 are often necessary. Often 1,000 to 2,000 articles are

reviewed and at least 100 to 200 are integrated in the construction of this chapter. The

21

majority of the literature cited in the chapter needs to be current (i.e., five years or less since

publication).

Summary

Provide a chapter summary. The Summary provides a strong conclusion to the chapter.

22

CHAPTER THREE: METHODS

Overview

Start Chapter Three with a brief, introductory statement (one short paragraph). This

should orient the reader to the contents of the chapter.

Design

Begin this section by identifying the research design. The research design needs to be

specific. For example, it is not sufficient to state that “a quasi-experimental study was used.”

It would be more appropriate to state that “a quasi-experimental static-group comparison

design was used.” In addition to identifying the design, a rationale for why the design is most

appropriate for the study is needed. This rationale needs to be supported by research as well

as topic-specific, peer-reviewed literature. In other words, what is the purpose of the design?

When is it used? Why is it the most appropriate choice for the present study? Refer to your

research texts for the proper design description and use them to support your rationales. The

chosen research design(s) should be consistent with the research question and hypothesis

proposed as well as the procedures described in your study. Sometimes more than one

research design is appropriate.

Research Question(s)

The proposed research questions need to be derived from the problem and purpose

statements. A well-formulated research question (a) asks about the relationship/differences

23

between two or more variables, (b) is stated clearly and in the form of a question, (c) is

testable (i.e., possible to collect quantitative data to answer the question), (d) does not pose an

ethical or moral problem for implementation, (e) is specific and restricted in scope (i.e., the

aim is not to solve the world’s problems), and (f) identifies exactly what is to be solved. A good

research question also clearly identifies the sample population. In addition, it should be noted

that the research question implies the research design and statistical analysis. A typical

dissertation contains one to three research questions. Research questions should be listed,

each on a separate line. Example:

RQ1: Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

RQ2: Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

Hypothesis(es)

Every research question will normally have at least one corresponding null hypothesis;

however, sometimes more than one is needed. The number of hypotheses needed should be

based upon the number of variables under study and the planned analysis method.

Well-formulated hypotheses are based on the following criteria: (a) the hypothesis states the

expected relationship/differences between variables, (b) the hypothesis is testable, (c) the

hypothesis is stated as simply and concisely as possible, and (d) the hypothesis is founded in

24

the problem statement and supported by research. Like the research questions, the

hypotheses directly influence the statistical procedures used. It is recommended that

hypotheses be written in the null form, mainly because that is how they will be treated in the

statistical analyses. If hypotheses are written in directional form (directional research

hypotheses), there must be a firm basis in the literature for doing so. Example:

The null hypotheses for this study are:

RQ1: Is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth

rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

� H01: There is no statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural).

� Ha1: There is a statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural).

RQ2: Controlling for political orientation (political), is there a significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/suburban/rural)?

� H02: Controlling for political orientation (political), there is no statistically significant difference in the intergovernmental revenue growth rate (IGR) based on county type (metro/ suburban/rural).

� Ha2: Controlling

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