Gcu dissertation examples

The Dissertation Title Appears in Title Case and is Centered Comment by GCU: American Psychological Association (APA) Style is most commonly used to cite sources within the social sciences. This resource, revised according to the 6th edition, second printing of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, offers examples for the general format of APA research papers, in-text citations, footnotes, and the reference page. For specifics, consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, second printing. For additional information on APA Style, consult the APA website: http://apastyle.org/learn/index.aspxNOTE: All notes and comments are keyed to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, second printing.GENERAL FORMAT RULES:Dissertations must be 12 –point Times New Roman typeface, double-spaced on quality standard-sized paper (8.5" x 11") with 1-in. margins on the top, bottom, and right side. For binding purposes, the left margin is 1.5 in. [8.03]. To set this in Word, go to:Page Layout > Page Setup>Margins > Custom Margins> Top: 1” Bottom: 1” Left: 1.5” Right: 1” Click “Okay”Page Layout>Orientation>Portrait>NOTE: All text lines are double-spaced. This includes the title, headings, formal block quotes, references, footnotes, and figure captions. Single-spacing is only used within tables and figures [8.03]. The first line of each paragraph is indented 0.5 in. Use the tab key which should be set at five to seven spaces [8.03]. If a white tab appears in the comment box, click on the tab to read additional information included in the comment box. Comment by GCU: Formatting note: The effect of the page being centered with a 1.5" left margin is accomplished by the use of the first line indent here. However, it would be correct to not use the first line indent, and set the actual indent for these title pages at 1.5". Comment by GCU: If the title is longer than one line, double-space it. As a rule, the title should be approximately 12 words. Titles should be descriptive and concise with no abbreviations, jargon, or obscure technical terms. The title should be typed in uppercase and lowercase letters [2.01].

Submitted by

Insert Your Full Legal Name (No Titles, Degrees, or Academic Credentials) Comment by GCU: For example: Jane Elizabeth Smith

Equal Spacing

~2.0” – 2.5”

A Dissertation Presented in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree

Doctorate of Education

Equal Spacing~2.0” – 2.5” Comment by GCU: Delete yellow highlighted “Helps” as project develops.

Grand Canyon University

Phoenix, Arizona

iii

December 31, 2015 Comment by GCU: Date of Dean’s signature. Until then, use the current date to fill this space. This page is counted, not numbered, and should not appear in the Table of Contents.

© by Your Full Legal Name (No Titles, Degrees, or Academic Credentials), 2015 Comment by GCU: NOTE: This is an optional page. If copyright is not desired, delete this page. The copyright page is included in the final dissertation and not part of the proposal. Comment by GCU: For example: © by Jane Elizabeth Smith, 2012This page is centered. This page is counted, not numbered and should not appear in the Table of Contents.

All rights reserved.

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Comment by GCU: The Signature Page is only included in the final dissertation and not part of the proposal.

The Dissertation Title Appears in Title Case and is Centered Comment by GCU: If the title is longer than one line, double-space it. The title should be typed in upper and lowercase letters.

by

Insert Your Full Legal Name (No Titles, Degrees, or Academic Credentials) Comment by GCU: For example: Jane Elizabeth Smith

Approved

December 31, 2015 Comment by GCU: Date of Dean’s signature. Until then, use the current date to fill this space. Upon final submission, this date should match the date on the title page.

DISSERTATION COMMITTEE:

Full Legal Name, Ed.D., DBA, or Ph.D., Dissertation Chair

Full Legal Name, Ed.D., DBA, or Ph.D., Committee Member

Full Legal Name, Ed.D., DBA, or Ph.D., Committee Member

ACCEPTED AND SIGNED:

________________________________________

Michael R. Berger, Ed.D.

Dean, College of Doctoral Studies

_________________________________________

Date

GRAND CANYON UNIVERSITY Comment by GCU: This page is only included in the final dissertation and not part of the proposal. However the learner is responsible for ensuring the proposal and dissertation are original research, that all scholarly sources are accurately reported, cited, and referenced, and the study protocol was executed and complies with the IRB approval granted by GCU.

The Dissertation Title Appears in Title Case and is Centered

I verify that my dissertation represents original research, is not falsified or plagiarized,

and that I have accurately reported, cited, and referenced all sources within this manuscript in strict compliance with APA and Grand Canyon University (GCU) guidelines. I also verify my dissertation complies with the approval(s) granted for this research investigation by GCU Institutional Review Board (IRB).

_____________________________________________ ______________________

[Type Doctoral Learner Name Beneath Signature] Date Comment by Windows User: The learner needs to sign and date this page and insert a copy into the dissertation manuscript as an image or PDF text box. This page must be signed and dated to be eligible for AQR and dissertation committee review.

Abstract Comment by GCU: On the first line of the page, center the word “Abstract” (boldface)Beginning with the next line, write the abstract. Abstract text is one paragraph with no indentation and is double-spaced. This page is counted, not numbered, and does not appear in the Table of Contents. Abstracts do not include references or citations.The abstract should be between 150-250 words (or one page).The abstract is only included in the final dissertation and not part of the proposal.

The abstract is required for the dissertation manuscript only. It is not a required page for the proposal. The abstract, typically read first by other researchers, is intended as an accurate, nonevaluative, concise summary or synopsis of the research study. It is usually the last item completed when writing the dissertation. The purpose of the abstract is to assist future researchers in accessing the research material and other vital information contained in the dissertation. Although few people typically read the full dissertation after publication, the abstract will be read by many scholars and researchers. Consequently, great care must be taken in writing this page of the dissertation. The content of the abstract covers the purpose of the study, problem statement, theoretical foundation, research questions stated in narrative format, sample, location, methodology, design, data analysis, results, and a valid conclusion of the research. The most important finding(s) should be stated with actual data/numbers (quantitative) or themes (qualitative) to support the conclusion(s). The abstract does not appear in the table of contents and has no page number. The abstract is double-spaced, fully justified with no indentations or citations, and no longer than one page. Refer to the APA Publication Manual, 6th Edition, for additional guidelines for the development of the dissertation abstract. Make sure to add the keywords at the bottom of the abstract to assist future researchers.

Keywords: Abstract, assist future researchers, 150 to 250 words, vital information Comment by GCU: Librarians and researchers use the abstract to catalogue and locate vital research material.

Criterion

*(Score = 0, 1, 2, or 3)

Learner Score

Chair Score

Methodologist Score

Content Expert Score

ABSTRACT

(Dissertation Only—Not Required for the Proposal)

The abstract is typically read first by other researchers and is an accurate, non-evaluative, concise summary or synopsis of the research study. The abstract provides a succinct summary of the study and MUST include the purpose of the study, theoretical foundation, research questions (stated in narrative format), sample, location, methodology, design, data analysis, and results, as well as, a valid conclusion of the research. Abstracts must be double-spaced, fully justified with no indentions. (one page)

The abstract provides a succinct summary of the study and MUST include: the purpose of the study, theoretical foundation, research questions stated in narrative format, sample, location, methodology, design, data analysis, results, and a valid conclusion of the research. Note: The most important finding(s) should be stated with actual data/numbers (quantitative) ~or~ themes (qualitative) to support the conclusion(s).

The abstract is written in APA format, one paragraph fully justified with no indentations, double spaced with no citations, and includes key search words. Keywords are on a new line and indented.

The abstract is written in a way that is well structured, has a logical flow, uses correct paragraph structure, uses correct sentence structure, uses correct punctuation, and uses correct APA format.

*Score each requirement listed in the criteria table using the following scale:

0 = Item Not Present or Unacceptable. Substantial Revisions are Required.

1 = Item is Present. Does Not Meet Expectations. Revisions are Required.

2 = Item is Acceptable. Meets Expectations. Some Revisions May be Suggested or Required.

3 = Item Exceeds Expectations. No Revisions are Required.

Reviewer Comments:

Dedication

An optional dedication may be included here. While a dissertation is an objective, scientific document, this is the place to use the first person and to be subjective. The dedication page is numbered with a Roman numeral, but the page number does not appear in the table of contents. It is only included in the final dissertation and is not part of the proposal. If this page is not to be included, delete the heading, the body text, and the page break below. If you cannot see the page break, click on the ¶Show/Hide button (go to the Home tab and then to the Paragraph toolbar).

Acknowledgments Comment by GCU: See formatting note for Dedication

An optional acknowledgements page can be included here. This is another place to use the first person. If applicable, acknowledge and identify grants and other means of financial support. Also acknowledge supportive colleagues who rendered assistance. The acknowledgments page is numbered with a Roman numeral, but the page number does not appear in the table of contents. This page provides a formal opportunity to thank family, friends, and faculty members who have been helpful and supportive. The acknowledgements page is only included in the final dissertation and is not part of the proposal. If this page is not to be included, delete the heading, the body text, and the page break below. If you cannot see the page break, click on the ¶Show/Hide button (go to the Home tab and then to the Paragraph toolbar).

Table of Contents List of Tables ix List of Figures x Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study 1 Introduction 1 Background of the Study 5 Problem Statement 5 Purpose of the Study 7 Research Question(s) and Hypotheses 8 Advancing Scientific Knowledge 11 Significance of the Study 12 Rationale for Methodology 13 Nature of the Research Design for the Study 15 Definition of Terms 16 Assumptions, Limitations, Delimitations 18 Summary and Organization of the Remainder of the Study 20 Chapter 2: Literature Review 22 Introduction to the Chapter and Background to the Problem 22 Theoretical Foundations and/or Conceptual Framework 24 Review of the Literature 25 Summary 32 Chapter 3: Methodology 35 Introduction 35 Statement of the Problem 36 Research Question(s) or Hypotheses 36 Research Methodology 38 Research Design 39 Population and Sample Selection 41 Instrumentation OR Sources of Data 43 Validity 45 Reliability 47 Data Collection and Management 48 Data Analysis Procedures 49 Ethical Considerations 51 Limitations and Delimitations 53 Summary 54 Chapter 4: Data Analysis and Results 56 Introduction 56 Descriptive Data 57 Data Analysis Procedures 60 Results 62 Summary 69 Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations 72 Introduction 72 Summary of the Study 73 Summary of Findings and Conclusion 74 Implications 76 Theoretical implications. 77 Practical implications 77 Future implications 77 Recommendations 79 Recommendations for future research 79 Recommendations for future practice. 80 References 82 Appendix A The Parts of a Dissertation 85 Appendix B IRB Approval Letter 88 Appendix C Informed Consent 89 Appendix D Copy of Instruments and Permissions Letters to Use the Instruments 90

(Note: once you automatically update the TOC, you will need to manually add a period after the Appendix letter (e.g., “Appendix A. xxx) per the example above.

List of Tables Comment by GCU: This is an example of a List of Tables “boiler plate.” Freely edit and adapt this to fit the particular dissertation. In Word, “overtype” edits and adaptations.The List of Tables follow the Table of Contents. The List of Tables is included in the Table of Contents and shows a Roman numeral page number at the top right. The page number is right justified with a 1 in. margin on each page. Dot leaders must be used. The title is bolded.On the List of Tables, single-space table titles, double-spaced between entries. See 5.01-5.19 for details and specifics on Tables and Data Display.All tables are numbered with Arabic numerals in the order in which they are first mentioned. [5.05]

Table 1. Correct Formatting for a Multiple Line Table Title is Single Spacing and Should Look Like this Example 59

Table 2. t Test for Equality of Emotional Intelligence Mean Scores by Gender 63

Table 3. The Servant Leader 66

Note: single space multiple-line table titles; double space between entries per example above. The List of Tables and List of Figures have been formatted as such in this template. You can update the List of Tables [Right click Update Field Update Entire Table] the table title and subtitle show up with the in-text formatting.

After you update your List of Tables, you will need to manually remove the italics from each of your table titles and also manually add a period after the table number (e.g., “Table 1. xxx), per the example above.

List of Figures Comment by GCU: This is an example of a List of Figures “boiler plate.” Freely edit and adapt this to fit the particular dissertation. In Word, “overtype” edits and adaptations.The List of Figures follows the List of Tables.The List of Figures is included in the Table of Contents and shows a Roman numeral page number at the top right. The page number is justified with a 1 in. margin on each page. The title is bolded.Figures include graphs, charts, maps, drawings, cartoons, and photographs [5.21]. In the List of Figures, single-space figure titles and double-space between entries. See 5.20-5.30 for details and specifics on Figures and Data Display.All figures are numbered with Arabic numerals in the order in which they are first mentioned. [5.05] The figure title included in the Table of Contents should match the title found in the text.

Figure 1. Correlation for SAT composite score and time spent on Facebook. 67

Note: single-space multiple line figure titles; double-space between entries per example in List of Tables on previous page. After you update your List of Figures, you will need to manually remove the italics per the example above.

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