Need 2 page APA format paper

 

Module 1: Dissertation Outline

In 250-300 words outline your dissertation topic and goals for this semester as they relate to your dissertation course. If you do not have a dissertation topic please revert those you are considering. Also, include ways that you could improve your dissertation, as well as areas you may be struggling with. 

Course Summary

Course Number and Name

ITS 839 – Advanced

Research

Methods

Course Instructor

Professor Dr Jessica Schwartz

Email:

Jessica.schwartz@ucumberlands.edu

Course Term and Delivery

Fall 2020 – MAIN

Residency Class Dates: October 2-4, 2020 (Washington, DC)

Class Room: Online via Blackboard Communicate

Catalog Course Description

The course is designed to provide doctoral students with an in-depth analysis of the methods and procedures of research used in the various subfields of education. Topics include conceptualizing research designs, writing research proposals, constructing measurement instruments, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and drawing inferences. Special attention is given to making sound decisions regarding the selection of appropriate designs and methods for investigating research questions. The student will develop a proposal that will serve as the first three chapters of student’s dissertation upon approval of the student’s advisor and program director.

Course Objectives

Course Learning Objectives

Describe the types of research designs

Explain the concept of literature review in research

Describe appropriate methodologies used in different research designs Describe ethical issues in research

Examine the process of drawing inferences in research

· Explain the components of a dissertation proposal

Course Structure

· Watch weekly lecture

· Participate in class discussion via iLearn forums

· Reading assigned texts

· Complete weekly homework assignments

University of the Cumberlands

School of Computer and Information Sciences

ITS 839 – Advanced Research Methods

Page 1

Learning Materials and References

Required Resources

Textbook(s)

Required:

· Creswell, J. W. & Creswell, D. J. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

· American Psychological Association. (2020). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Optional:

· Patton, M. Q. (2015). Qualitative Research & Evaluation Methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: SAGE Publications, Inc.

· Roberts, C. M. (2010). The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation (4th ed.). Corwin Publishers.

Evaluation and Grading

Course Assignments and Evaluation Criteria

Grading will be based on accumulated points of each graded requirement in the course distributed as described in the table below:

50%

Required Assignments*
Assignment	Description	Weight
Chapter 1		50%
Chapter 3
COMPS and IRB approval will be completed during DSRT839 as well.
TOTAL	100%

· Assignments may change at the discretion of the professor and changes in the assignments will be announced in class. Students are responsible for noting and completing any changes in assignments.

Course Expectations

Class Participation

Students are expected to:

1. Be fully prepared for each class session by studying the assigned reading material and preparation of the material assigned.

2. Participate in group discussions, assignments, and panel discussions.

3. Complete specific assignments when due and in a professional manner.

4. Take exams when specified on the attached course schedule

Academic Integrity

At a Christian liberal arts University committed to the pursuit of truth and understanding, any act of academic dishonesty is especially distressing and cannot be tolerated. In general, academic dishonesty involves the abuse and misuse of information or people to gain an undeserved academic advantage or evaluation. The common forms of academic dishonesty include:

a. cheating – using deception in the taking of tests or the preparation of written work, using unauthorized materials, copying another person’s work with or without consent, or assisting another in such activities

b. lying—falsifying, fabricating, or forging information in either written, spoken, or video presentations

c. plagiarism—using the published writings, data, interpretations, or ideas of another without proper documentation

Episodes of academic dishonesty are reported to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. The potential penalty for academic dishonesty includes a failing grade on a particular assignment, a failing grade for the entire course, or charges against the student with the appropriate disciplinary body.

Students with Disabilities

Students who may have a disability meriting an academic accommodation should contact Mr. Jacob Ratcliff, the Disabilities Services Coordinator, in the Student Services Office. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must complete an Accommodations Application and provide documentation of the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator. Any accommodations for disabilities must be re- certified each semester by the Academic Affairs Office before course adjustments are made by individual instructors.

Student Responsibilities

1. Students are expected to login several times per week to participate in class discussions.

2. Students are expected to find out if any changes have been made in the class or assignment schedule.

3. Students are expected to be self-motivating in an online, asynchronous course.

Tentative Course Outline*

Note: Assignments in the following table are listed when they are due.

Theory, Writing Strategies and Ethical Consideration

Research
Questions and Hypotheses

Ch. 7

Week	Weekly Topic	Reading	Assignment Due**
#1	Research Approach	Ch. 1	Introductions (Due Wednesday, Week 1) Week 1 Discussion
#2	Review of Literature *Schedule COMPS exam!	Ch 2	Week 2 Discussion
#3		Theory, Writing Strategies and Ethical Consideration	Ch. 3	Homework Assignment 1: Chapter 1 outline
#4	Ch 4	Week 4 Discussion
#5	The Introduction	Ch. 5	Get ready for residency and continue working on chapter 1
#6	The Purpose Statement	Ch. 6	Homework Assignment 2: Chapter 1 Draft
#7		Research Questions and Hypotheses		Ch. 7	Week 7 Discussion
#8	Week 8 Discussion
#9	Quantitative Design Procedures	Ch. 8	Chapter 1 Final Submission
#10	Qualitative Design Procedures	Ch. 9	Week 10 Discussion
#11	Qualitative vs Quantitative	Homework Assignment 4: Methodology Outline (Chapter 3)
#12	Mixed Methods Procedures	Ch. 10	Week 12 Discussion
#13	Chapter 3	Homework Assignment 5: Methodology Draft (Chapter 3)
#14	Review Feedback	Review Feedback/work on Chapter 3 updates
#15	Course Review	Chapter 3 Final Submission
#16	Final Submission	Also work on IRB approval	Chapters 1-3 Submitted together

Updated 7.6.2020

Implemented: Fall 2020

GRADUATE SCHOOL

DOCTORAL RESEARCH HANDBOOK

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 2

Table of Contents

Introduction ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Doctoral Program and Research Process ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3

Purpose of the Handbook…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3

Doctoral Research Committee ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Choosing Committee Members ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 3

Committee chair responsibilities. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4

Responsibilities of other committee members ………………………………………………………………………………………… 5

Candidate Responsibilities ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5

Doctoral Research Guidelines ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Choosing a Research Topic ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6

Doctoral Research Timeline …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6

Doctoral Research Probation Process ……………………………………………………………………………………………………. 7

Doctoral Research Style ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Quantitative Research …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8

Traditional Five Chapter Quantitative Dissertation ………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Applied Research …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Qualitative Dissertations …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9

Mixed-Methods Dissertations ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 9

Final Document ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Doctoral Research Approval Process ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10

Oral Defense………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 11

Graduation …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 12

Appendix A: Quantitative Dissertation (Traditional Five Chapter Format) ………………………………………………………. 13

Appendix B: Quantitative Dissertation (Applied Research Format) ………………………………………………………………… 15

Appendix C: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Dissertation Information …………………………………………………………… 17

Appendix D: Doctoral Research Evaluation Rubric ………………………………………………………………………………………. 18

Appendix E: Reporting Statistical Tests ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 19

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 3

Introduction

Doctoral Program and Research Process

The Graduate School at the University of the Cumberlands offers Doctor of Business

Administration, Doctor of Education, and Doctor of Philosophy degrees. The doctoral research,

designed to evaluate the candidate’s capabilities as a scholar, is the final academic requirement

of the DBA, EdD, and PhD programs. Candidates complete the doctoral research during

professional research courses (DSRT 736, 839, 930, 931), which are the last four courses taken

during the program. This handbook sets forth the guidelines for completing the doctoral research

process.

Purpose of the Handbook

The purpose of this handbook is to guide candidates through the doctoral research

process, including developing the research, the oral defense, and final document submission.

The handbook outlines candidate and committee member responsibilities, defines writing

guidelines, identifies required sections for each chapter, and provides printing guidelines for

the

final dissertation document. The handbook is to be used by instructors, dissertation chairs,

and

committee members to ensure high standards related to the form and appearance of dissertations.

Doctoral Research Committee

Doctoral research committees are made up of three members, including the chair, and

two committee members. Each member has specific responsibilities, as outlined below.

Choosing Committee Members

While enrolled in DSRT 930, the candidate and the chair will identify instructors to serve

on his/her dissertation committee. The DSRT course instructor will serve as the chair. Other

members are to be instructors teaching at the graduate level at the University of the

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 4

Cumberlands. These members should be chosen based on doctoral research topic expertise and

candidate needs. The chairs will provide candidates with a list of instructors available to serve on

committees. The committee member request form is submitted to the academic department, and

any committee changes must be resubmitted to the academic department.

Committee chair responsibilities.

Responsibilities of the committee chair include:

 Advising the candidate through the doctoral research process.

 Guiding the candidate in the selection of two additional committee members.

 Assisting the candidate in meeting deadlines for completion of the

doctoral research.

 Assisting the candidate in navigating the IRB approval process.

 Guiding the candidate in achieving a high level of technical and ethical quality in

doctoral research.

 Advising the candidate in the selection of methods/procedures for data collection and

analysis.

 Advising the candidate in proper APA style.

 Determining when a document is ready for review by the committee and communicate

such with committee members. The candidate should avoid consulting the full committee

for feedback without prior approval of the chair.

 Advising the candidate in preparation for the dissertation defense.

 Notifying the department chair of the date, time, and location of all dissertation defense

meetings.

 Submitting the defense scoring rubric from committee members to the department chair

promptly after the defense.

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 5

 Submitting a print-ready copy of the doctoral research to the department chair before the

anticipated graduation date of the candidate.

Responsibilities of other committee members

Responsibilities of other committee members include:

 Providing subject matter expertise as requested by the chair or candidate.

 Reading drafts and providing meaningful feedback.

 Corresponding with the chair and candidate as needed for clarification and resolution of

methodological issues during the dissertation process.

 Immediately notifying candidate and doctoral research chair when major flaws that are

likely to result in a candidate’s unsuccessful defense are identified.

 Signing the signature page of the dissertation promptly.

Candidate Responsibilities

Responsibilities of the doctoral research candidate include:

 Coordinating with the chair to select committee members based on expertise in the

doctoral research topic area. The candidate is encouraged to select at least one member

with expertise in data collection and analysis.

 Completing the IRB process to obtain approval for research before collecting data.

 Choosing a topic, submitting proofread drafts of materials to the chair, preparing

adequately for consultations, and communicating regularly with the chair.

 Contacting the chair in the event of any significant change in the personal or professional

situation which may interfere with program completion.

 Successfully defending research.

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 6

 Submitting an error-free, print-ready copy of the dissertation as a pdf document to the

dissertation chair and the academic department promptly after a successful defense.

Doctoral Research Guidelines

Choosing a Research Topic

Candidates begin thinking about doctoral research topics when applying for admission to

the program. The doctoral research topics must be grounded in theory, related to program goals,

and have implications for practitioners. Candidates are encouraged to choose research topics of

personal relevance and significance. When opportunities arise in coursework, candidates should

begin researching these topics in the form of literature reviews and other assignments that allow

for research. The research topic will be narrowed to a research study and approved by the

department chair/director when candidates enroll in the first doctoral research course, DSRT 736.

The Graduate School provides a link for topic approval in the DSRT 736 course.

Doctoral Research Timeline

Candidates submit the topic approval form in 736, and the academic department

coordinates the topic approval process with the 736-course professor. Candidates complete the

review of the literature (Chapter Two) while enrolled in DSRT 736. Completing DSRT 736 is a

requirement for enrolling in DSRT 839. While enrolled in DSRT 839, candidates complete

Chapter One, the introduction to the study, and Chapter Three, the methodology section.

Candidates must apply for approval for their research from the Institutional Review Board while

enrolled in DSRT 839. IRB approval is required before collecting any data.

A completed Chapter One, Two, and Three are required before candidates enroll in

DSRT 930. Candidates complete Chapter Four, which presents their research findings, while

enrolled in DSRT 930. Once enrolled in DSRT 931, candidates complete Chapter Five. In

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 7

Chapter Five, candidates interpret their findings, discuss implications of those findings, present

recommendations for further study and action, and discuss how their study fills a gap in the

literature and contributes to the field of study. The doctoral research committee, Graduate

School Quality Control representative and the APA editor will recommend the doctoral research

for oral defense when it meets the Graduate School Guidelines. Candidates orally defend their

doctoral research while enrolled in DSRT 931-932, which is the final step in the doctoral

research process. After a successful defense, candidates submit a pdf of the approved doctoral

research with the signature sheet to the academic department. At that time, the Program Director

recommends the candidates for graduation.

The DBA, EdD, and PhD programs are designed for doctoral research to be completed in

four courses. Candidates needing additional time may enroll in additional courses providing the

total time in the program does not exceed five years. Department chairs or Program Directors

must approve enrollment in courses beyond DSRT 931.

Doctoral Research Probation Process

To protect the doctoral research timeline, the following probation process is proposed. This

follows our academic probation process. A “missed deadline” occurs when a student does not

satisfactorily pass any dissertation course and is forced to repeat the course OR when a student

does not complete the doctoral research in the prescribed timeline and begins taking additional

courses toward degree completion (DSRT 932).

1st missed deadline – Student is placed on academic probation.

2nd missed deadline – Student is removed from and prohibited from participating in CPT.

3rd missed deadline – Student is dismissed from the program.

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 8

Doctoral Research Style

The doctoral research, a scholarly document, is written for professionals in the field. The

research questions at hand primarily determine the dissertation style. For instance, a student may

utilize an existing database to evaluate their hypotheses. Access to the database as originally

published is highly encouraged. Alternatively, they could build a novel testing or survey

instrument to gather data needed for their study. Another example may employ an in-depth

comparative case study.

Moreover, a dissertation can center around the development of a piece of software or

business model that addresses a significant need or issue in the literature or industry. Ultimately,

the doctoral research will fall into one of the following broad outlines: a quantitative, qualitative,

or mixed-methods study. The seventh edition of the Publication Manual of the American

Psychological Association (APA) is the style manual to be used in writing the doctoral research.

Candidates should follow all APA guidelines.

Quantitative Research

While there is no set number of pages, quantitative research typically includes

approximately 100 pages. This word requirement applies to the text of the dissertation only; it

does not cover the title page, acknowledgments, table of contents, or other non-content related

pages. There are two options for the quantitative research: Traditional five chapter dissertation

or Applied Research. There is additional information on reporting statistical results in Appendix

E.

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 9

Traditional Five Chapter Quantitative Dissertation

The traditional quantitative dissertation follows a five-chapter format and a deductive

approach. The required sections for the five chapters of the quantitative dissertation are located

in Appendix A.

Applied Research

The Applied Research Option, designed to extend or apply research, is a second option

for the quantitative dissertation of the DBA, EdD, and PhD programs. The applied research

option may include software or application development. Candidates complete the Applied

Research during professional research courses (DSRT 736, 839, 930, 931), which are the last

four courses taken during the program (See Appendix B).

Qualitative Dissertations

Unlike the quantitative dissertations, which follow a five-chapter format, the qualitative

dissertation is not bound by those requirements. Rather, the qualitative dissertation should be

approximately 45,000 words. This word requirement applies to the text of the dissertation only; it

does not cover the title page, acknowledgments, table of contents, or other non-content related

pages. Thus, with a small indulgence in tautology, the dissertation should be as long as it needs

to be, as long it meets the minimum word requirement (See Appendix C).

Mixed-Methods Dissertations

The program director must approve the mixed-methods dissertation methodology, and the

dissertation committee will provide guidance and expertise on the formatting requirements for this

type of dissertation (See Appendix C).

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 10

Final Document

The final doctoral research document must be submitted while enrolled in the last

research course, typically DSRT 931. The candidates submit an error-free, print-ready copy final

doctoral research documents after the successful oral defense. The final doctoral research must

include all committee members, Graduate School Quality Control representative, and APA editor

recommended edits in the final pdf document. The copy is to be submitted electronically to the

academic program. If a candidate would like bound doctoral research copies, then he or she may

submit two printed copies (using white, 24 lb. résumé paper) of the doctoral research to the

academic program office before the designated semester deadline. After having those copies

bound, the UC Binding Department will return the two copies to the candidate. If the candidate

wishes to request more than two bound copies, he/she should submit the number desired. The

Binding Department will bill the student for the additional copies at a minimal cost per copy.

Doctoral Research Approval Process

Approval for conducting doctoral research must be obtained while enrolled in DSRT 839

and is a pre-requisite to enrolling in DSRT 930. The Institutional Review Board application to

conduct research, and all supporting documents must be submitted in DSRT 839. Students may

self-register for the IRB and Research Organization in iLearn for forms, tutorials, and materials.

The doctoral research chair will review the document, and then the student should submit the

documents to the IRB chair at irb@ucumberlands.edu. Candidates will receive an IRB

Approval Letter once the research has been approved. No research is to be executed until IRB

approval is granted, and all necessary consents (adults) and assents (minors) are secured from

participants. The IRB Approval Letter is to be placed in the doctoral research as Appendix A.

mailto:irb@ucumberlands.edu

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 11

Oral Defense

While enrolled in the final doctoral research course, the candidate must present an oral

defense of her/his research. This oral defense is presented after the committee chair, and all

committee members have given feedback, and all edits have been made to the doctoral research

document. The academic department will schedule the defense session after the Graduate School

completes a Quality Check of the doctoral research (defense ready file). All three committee

members must be present for the oral defense. The oral defense session normally takes 45-60

minutes. The committee members and chair ask questions and offer comments. The committee

dismisses the candidate for committee deliberation. Once the committee and chair have

deliberated and reached a decision, the candidate is invited to re-join the group for the committee

decision. The committee makes one of the following decisions:

 approved with no revisions,

 approved with minor revisions,

 provisionally approved with major revisions, or

 not approved with the recommendation to write new doctoral research.

If one of the first two decisions is determined, the committee chair works with the candidate to

get the final document ready to send to the department chair for review. If the committee

decision requires major revisions or a new doctoral research, the candidate enrolls in another

research course to complete the revisions or rewrite. The defense must be successfully

completed by the department defense deadline for the semester. The doctoral research chair and

committee evaluate the candidate using the department rubric (see Appendix D).

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 12

Graduation

Candidates should apply for graduation at the beginning of the semester in which they

plan to graduate. The application for graduation is located at

https://inside.ucumberlands.edu/academics/registrar/graduation_application.php. Once the

research has been successfully defended, and copies of the doctoral research are received by the

department chair, then the department chair notifies the registrar that the candidate has

completed all program requirements and is eligible to graduate. Graduation exercises are held in

May. Candidates are hooded during the graduation exercise.

https://inside.ucumberlands.edu/academics/registrar/graduation_application.php

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 13

Appendix A: Quantitative Dissertation (Traditional Five Chapter Format)

Title Page

Signature Page

Acknowledgments

Abstract (150 words maximum)

Table of Contents

List of Tables

Chapter One (Introduction)

Overview

Background and Problem Statement

Purpose of the Study

Research Questions

Theoretical Framework

Limitations of the Study

Assumptions

Definitions

Summary

Chapter Two (Review of Literature)

Introduction

Subsections based on a deductive approach

Summary

Chapter Three (Procedures and Methodology)

Introduction

Research Paradigm (quantitative)

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 14

Research Design

Sampling Procedures and or/

Data Collection Sources (reference Informed Consent and IRB approval placed in

Appendices)

Statistical Tests

Summary

Chapter Four (Research Findings)

Introduction

Participants and Research Setting

Analyses of Research Questions (one at a time)

Supplementary Findings (if any)

Summary

Chapter Five (Summary, Discussion, and Implications)

Introduction

Practical Assessment of Research Questions

Limitations of the Study

Implications for Future Study

Summary

References

Appendices (This section contains any tables, figures, and possible data sources that could not

be placed in the text of the paper due to its size, as well as copies of consent forms and IRB

letters).

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 15

Appendix B: Quantitative Dissertation (Applied Research Format)

Title Page
Signature Page
Acknowledgments
Abstract (150 words maximum)
Table of Contents
List of Tables
Chapter One (Introduction)
Overview
Background and Problem Statement
Purpose of the Study

Research Questions

Theoretical Framework
Limitations of the Study
Assumptions
Definitions
Summary
Chapter Two (Review of Literature)
Introduction
Subsections based on a deductive approach
Summary
Chapter Three (Procedures and Methodology)
Introduction

Research Paradigm (quantitative)

Research Project Design

Sampling Procedures and or/

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 16

Data Collection Sources (reference Informed Consent and IRB approval placed in Appendices)

Statistical Tests (if applicable)

Summary
Chapter Four (Research Findings)
Introduction

Participants and Research Setting (if applicable)

Project Analysis

Analyses of Research Questions (one at a time)
Supplementary Findings (if any)
Summary
Chapter Five (Summary, Discussion, and Implications)
Introduction

Practical Assessment of Project Analysis

Limitations of the Study
Implications for Future Study
Summary
References

Appendices (This section contains any tables, figures and possible data sources that could not be placed

in the text of the paper due to its size, as well as copies of consent forms and IRB letters.)

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 17

Appendix C: Qualitative and Mixed Methods Dissertation Information

Title Page
Signature Page
Acknowledgments
Abstract (150 words maximum)
Table of Contents

Chapter One

Additional Chapters

References

Appendices

*Specific formatting guidelines will be specified by program director, dissertation chair, and

committee.

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 18

Appendix D: Doctoral Research Evaluation Rubric

Standard Score 4 3 2 1 Score

I.

Demonstrates

critical and

reflective

thinking

capable of

facilitating

institutional,

informational

technology, or

business-related

problem-

solving or

institutional

improvement.

Demonstrates

a professional

level of critical

and

reflective

thinking

leading to

problem-

solving or
institutional

improvement.

Demonstrates

an

acceptable

level of critical
and reflective
thinking
leading to
problem-
solving or
institutional
improvement.

Demonstrates an

acceptable level

of critical and

reflective

thinking, but

with minimal

connections to

leading to

problem-solving

or institutional

improvement.

Minimal

demonstration

of critical and
reflective

thinking.

II.

Demonstrates

consideration for

the

impact of

leadership,

information

technology, or

business on

institutional

constituents.

Demonstrates
a professional

level of

consideration

for the impact

of leadership,

information
technology, or
business on
institutional
constituents.
Demonstrates

an acceptable

level of
consideration
for the impact
of leadership,
information
technology, or
business on
institutional
constituents.

Needs minimal

improvement

related to the

impact of

content on

constituents.

Needs

significant

improvement
related to the
impact of
content on
constituents.

III. Demonstrates

effective analytical

and

communication

skills.

Demonstrates
a professional

level of

skills

associated

with

formatting,

grammar,

spelling,

syntax, and

use of

numbers.

Demonstrates
acceptable
skills

associated with

formatting,
grammar,
spelling,

syntax, and use

of numbers.

Needs minor

improvement in

skills associated

with formatting,

grammar,

spelling, syntax,

and use of

numbers.
Needs
significant
improvement in
skills associated
formatting,
grammar,
spelling, syntax,
and use of
numbers.

IV.

Demonstrates

knowledge of

genres, paradigms,

theories or trends

in Business,

information
technology, or

leadership.

Demonstrates
a professional
level of

knowledge.

Demonstrates
an acceptable
level of

knowledge.

Needs minor
improvement in
the
demonstration

of knowledge.

Needs
significant
improvement in
the
demonstration
of knowledge.

Score

DISSERTATION HANDBOOK 19

Appendix E: Reporting Statistical Tests

For quantitative dissertations, report the statistical tests in the abstract and Chapter Four.

Set the alpha at .05. Some common examples of tests used in the quantitative analysis are listed

below as examples. Italicize all statistical symbols. For all tests listed below, report the degrees

of freedom (except the Spearman’s rs, where you report the number of pairs).

Symbol Report findings Null hypothesis

Chi-Square Test X2 (X2 [df, N = ] = result, p < or >

.05)

The variables are independent.

Spearman’s rs rs (rs [number of pairs] = result, p

< or > .05)

There is no relationship between

the ranked data.

t-test

(Independent

and paired

samples)

t (t [df] = result, p < or > .05) There is no difference in the

means.

ANOVA F F [df] = result, p < or > .05) There is no difference in the

means.

(If the null hypothesis is rejected,

then run post-hoc testing).

Regression or

Pearson Product

moment

correlation

coefficient r

r r [df] = result, p < or > .05) There is no relationship between

the variables.

*For additional tests, please follow current APA guidelines.

Student Services Academic Department

COURSE SYLLABUS

Course Information

INTR899 – M01 Applied Learning Prac, DSRT

Fall 2020 Full Term

Course Format: Hybrid

CRN: 11023

 

Instructor Information

Name: Dr. Pamela Smith

Email: pamela.smith@ucumberlands.edu

Phone: 606-539-3577

Office Location: Adams Center

Office Hours/Preferred Contact Times: Mon-Fri 9am – 4pm EST

Course Description

INTR 899. Applied Learning Practicum, Doctoral Programs INTR899 is designed to

enhance the educational experience of the dissertation phase for doctoral

students.

Students will utilize the course to maintain dissertation progress and ensure alignment

of research topic with a professional setting within the student’s academic discipline

and professional experience/interests. Through this course, the University will have a

Collaborative/Cooperative Agreement with all practicum or internship sites before the

student is permitted to begin the field placement work. Department approval is required

to determine if the placement aligns with the program of study. As an integral part of

the executive formatted programs, this course must be taken every semester during the

dissertation phase for executive-format students. Credit, 3 hours.

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course:

Provide students with an opportunity to enhance their learning via professional

experiences.

Provide a deeper understanding of how program curriculum is applied to real

world workplace environments.

Compose effective communication through professional writing, speaking, and

other forms of business communication in DSRT courses.

Participation in business operations and decision making.

Course Website

Access to the course website is required via the iLearn portal on the University of the

Cumberlands website: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/ilearn/ 

or https://ucumberlands.blackboard.com/

Required Books and

Resources

Title: To Text Required

Course Required text can be found and purchased via the UC Barnes and Noble

Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/page/find-textbooks

Requirements and Policies

Academic Integrity/Plagiarism

At a Christian liberal arts university committed to the pursuit of truth and

understanding, any act of academic dishonesty is especially distressing and cannot be

tolerated. In general, academic dishonesty involves the abuse and misuse of

information or people to gain an undeserved academic advantage or evaluation. The

common forms of academic dishonesty include:

Cheating – using deception in the taking of tests or the preparation of written

work, using unauthorized materials, copying another person’s work with or without

consent, or assisting another in such

activities.

Lying – falsifying, fabricating, or forging information in either written, spoken, or

video presentations.

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Plagiarism—using the published writings, data, interpretations, or ideas of another

without proper documentation

Plagiarism includes copying and pasting material from the internet into

assignments without properly citing the source of the material.

Episodes of academic dishonesty are reported to the Vice President for Academic

Affairs. The potential penalty for academic dishonesty includes a failing grade on a

particular assignment, a failing grade for the entire course, or charges against the

student with the appropriate disciplinary body.

Participation Policy

Study after study has linked successful academic performance with good class

participation. Those who assume positions of responsibility must “show up” in order to

be effective. Therefore, students are expected to actively participate in intelligent

discussion of assigned topics in all areas (Discussion Board Activities, Synchronous

Sessions, Forums, Shared Papers, etc.) to help process course material and/or to

demonstrate understanding of course content. Point adjustments will be taken for non-

participation. 

Disability Accommodations

University of the Cumberlands accepts students with certified disabilities and provides

reasonable accommodations for their certified needs in the classroom, in housing, in

food service or in other areas. For accommodations to be awarded, a student must

submit a completed Accommodations Application form and provide documentation of

the disability to the Disability Services Coordinator (Mr. Jacob Ratliff, Boswell Campus

Center, Student Services Office Suite, jacob.ratliff@ucumberlands.edu). When all

paperwork is on file, a meeting between the student and the Coordinator will be

arranged to discuss possible accommodations before accommodations are formally

approved. Students must then meet with the Coordinator at the beginning of each

semester before any academic accommodations can be certified for that term.

Certifications for other accommodations are normally reviewed annually.

Academic Appeal

Both undergraduate and graduate students have the right to challenge a grade. If

discussions with the course instructor and department chair do not lead to a satisfactory

conclusion, students may file a formal written appeal with the Vice President for

Academic Affairs, who will forward the appeal to the chair of the Academic Appeals

mailto:jacob.ratliff@ucumberlands.edu

Committee. This formal written appeal must be filed by the end of the 4th week of

classes in the next regular term following the term in which the course in question was

taken. The Academic Appeals Committee then gathers information from the student, the

instructor, and any other relevant parties. The Committee will deliver its

recommendation on the complaint to the Vice President for Academic Affairs. After

reviewing this recommendation and concurring or amending it, the Vice President for

Academic Affairs will inform the student and instructor of the disposition of the

complaint no later than the last day of classes of the term in which the complaint was

filed. Records of all actions regarding academic grade appeals, including their final

disposition, are maintained by the Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Academic

Appeals Committee. (Undergraduate Catalog/Graduate Catalog)

Student Responsibilities

Students should: 

Use University of the Cumberlands email system for all academic, administrative,

and co-curricular communication between faculty, staff and peers. 

Check for email and class announcements using iLearn (primary) and University of

the Cumberlands webmail (secondary) daily. 

Demonstrate Cumberlands Character in and outside the classroom per the

University Mission & Vision

Ensure you have consistent required technology for the course

Participate in courses regularly to:

Find announcements and updates

Complete assignments on time. Keep in mind that all deadlines use Eastern

Standard Time (EST).

Engage in discussion

Connect with fellow students and faculty

Present written work in an academic and professional manner.

Take examinations on the designated dates and times. Students should make

arrangements with faculty before the designated date for any needed

accommodations. 

Contact faculty or student success coordinator with questions or concerns.

Course Policies

Deadlines and Dues Dates: Recognizing that a large part of professional life is meeting

deadlines, it is necessary to develop time management and organizational skills. Failure

to meet the course deadlines may result in penalties. Keep in mind that all deadlines are

set using Eastern Standard Time (EST). Late assignments will NOT be accepted. 

Course Activities and Experiences

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/academic-catalog

Students are expected to: 

Review any assigned reading material and prepare responses to homework

assigned. 

Actively participate in activities, assignments, and discussions. 

Evaluate and react to each other’s work in a supportive, constructive

manner. 

Complete specific assignments and exams when specified and in a professional

manner. 

Utilize learned technologies for class assignments. 

Connect content knowledge from core courses to practical training placement and

activities.

Links to Support

UC Academic Catalog: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/academic-catalog

UC Student Handbook: https://www.ucumberlands.edu/student-handbook

Academic Resources & Writing Center: www.ucumberlands.edu/learningcommons

Library: http://www.ucumberlands.edu/library/ 

Bookstore: https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/home

About University of the Cumberlands:

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/about/presidents-welcome

Course Evaluation

A student will be evaluated/weighted on the following basis:

Module 1, General Overview (30%)

Module 2, Job Search Resources (15%)

Module 3, Student Employment & Professionalism and Student/Employee

Etiquette

(20%) 

Module 4, Applied Learning Practicum Reflection (35%) 

Grading Scale

Graded work will receive a numeric score reflecting the quality of performance as given

above in evaluation methods. The overall course grade will be determined according to

the following scale:

A= 90 – 100 (90% – 100%)

B= 80 – 89 (80% – 89%)

C = 70 – 79 (70% – 79%)

F < 69 (Below 69%)

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/academics/academic-catalog

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/student-handbook

http://www.ucumberlands.edu/learningcommons

http://www.ucumberlands.edu/library/

https://cumber.bncollege.com/shop/cumberlands/home

https://www.ucumberlands.edu/about/presidents-welcome

Course Schedule

Unit Assignment Points

Module 1, General

Overview 

Quiz #1

Dissertation Discussion

Board

20

10

Module 2, Job Search

Resources

Quiz #2 
15

Module 3, Student

Employment &

Professionalism and

Student/Employee

Etiquette

Quiz #3 20

Module 4, Applied

Learning Practicum

Reflection

Survey / Reflection 35

TOTAL POINTS: 
100

Syllabus Disclaimer

This syllabus contains important information critical to your success in this course. It

includes guidelines for this course and the instructor’s current expectations about

content, schedule, and requirements necessary for each student to achieve the best

educational results. While you must review and become familiar with the contents of

this syllabus, the instructor reserves the right to make adjustments or change in the

syllabus from time to time. Any changes to the syllabus will be discussed with the

students.