25 Jun Milestone document templates are pre-formatted to conform to Northcentral
Question
Applied Degree
Concept Paper
Template
The Graduate School
Version: January 2013
© Northcentral University, 2013
HOW TO USE THIS TEMPLATE
Milestone document templates are pre-formatted to conform to Northcentral
University dissertation requirements. Templates include the required section headings
for each milestone document. Refer to the corresponding Applied Degree Guidebook for
supplemental information for each chapter and section.
Northcentral Milestone Document Templates represent the standards of the
research and academic communities for research writing. Also, the Concept Paper
Template (CPT) provides the framework for the structure and content of the Dissertation
Proposal, which, in turn, provides the framework for the Dissertation Manuscript.
Therefore, it is important for students’ Concept Papers to strictly adhere to the templates
in terms of content, organization, and format. In addition, the template serves as a
valuable guide to the logical flow of the document, ensuring alignment among the
problem, purpose, and methodological design and analysis, allowing the reason for, and
the nature of, the study to be fully clarified. Adherence to the milestone templates in
terms of content, organization, and format will greatly facilitate the development of
acceptable milestone documents throughout the dissertation process.
Enter text directly into the template. Eliminate template instructions and example
text. Do not change the format, section headings, margins, page numbering, or font.
Exceptions to APA 6th edition (e.g., 1.5 inch margin on the left, single-spaced
references) unique to dissertations are reflected in the templates and take precedence over
APA format. Refer to the Dissertation Center for current resources. Milestone
documents submitted to the Graduate School that are not formatted using the template
will be returned without review.
Submission of a milestone document for Graduate School Review indicates that
the dissertation chair, student, and committee have read the Dissertation requirements
described in the Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide, guidebooks, and templates.
Additionally, submission for Graduate School Review indicates that the dissertation chair
and committee have carefully read the student’s milestone document and attest that it
meets all of the requirements set forth.
Title
Concept Paper
Submitted to Northcentral University
Graduate Faculty of the School of XXXXXXXXXXX
in Partial Fulfillment of the
Requirements for the Degree of
DOCTOR OF XXXXXXXXX
by
NAME
Prescott Valley, Arizona
Month Year
Table of Contents
Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..1
Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………………………..1
Purpose of the Study…………………………………………………………………………………………2
Research Questions…………………………………………………………………………………………..3
Hypotheses………………………………………………………………………………………………………4
Definition of Key Terms…………………………………………………………………………………………5
Brief Review of the Literature…………………………………………………………………………………5
Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Research Method…………………………………………………………………………………………………..7
Operational Definition of Variables……………………………………………………………………9
Measurement………………………………………………………………………………………………….10
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………………………….11
References…………………………………………………………………………………………………………..12
Appendix A: Annotated Bibliography…………………………………………………………………….13
1
Introduction
[Text…Introduce the dissertation topic in one or more paragraphs (2 pages
maximum). The study topic should be briefly described to establish the main ideas and
context. Include recent, scholarly, peer-reviewed sources to support each assertion. The
Introduction should orient the reader to all of the concepts presented in the sections that
follow. Key words related to the research topic should be defined clearly and precisely
upon first use and used consistently throughout the paper. This will help to establish and
maintain the central focus of the paper. Review the Doctoral Candidacy Resource Guide
for more information about applied degree expectations with regard to the study topic and
design requirements.]
Note: Do not describe the study purpose or method in the introduction as these
belong in later sections.
Statement of the Problem
(Approximately 250 to 300 words) Articulation of a concise problem statement is
the key to a successful proposal/dissertation manuscript and typically requires many
revisions before the proposal is approved. The problem statement is a brief discussion of
a problem or observation succinctly identifying and documenting the need for and
importance of the study. Clearly describe and document the problem that prompted the
study. Include appropriate published or relevant primary sources to document the
existence of a problem worthy of doctoral level research. A lack of research alone is not
a compelling problem (many things are not studied but do not necessarily warrant
research).
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The documented problem that is identified may be a practical problem or issue in
the profession or study context for which there is not already an acceptable solution. In
defining the problem a clear discrepancy must be drawn between that which exists
currently and that which is desired. Although an applied study design does not
necessarily require generalizability beyond the study site, worthy problems must be
relevant and documented beyond any particular study site. To identify and articulate a
problem, consider the potential negative consequences to the field or stakeholders if the
proposed research is never conducted.
[Text… Present a general issue/observation that is grounded in the research
literature and leads to the need for the study (in most cases scholarly citations within the
last 5 years are required to document the general and specific problem). Follow with a
focused, documented problem that directly reflects and leads to the need for a research
response.]
Note: Ensure that the concepts presented in the problem statement lead to and
align directly with the Purpose Statement. Use of a “logic” map is highly recommended
in order to ensure direct alignment and avoid “surprises” among the key elements:
problem purpose research questions proposed method and design.
Purpose of the Study
The purpose statement should be one concise paragraph that describes the intent
of the study and it should flow directly from the problem statement. Specifically address
the reason for conducting the study and reflect the research questions. Begin the purpose
statement with a succinct sentence that indicates the study method and overarching goal.
3
[Text…“The purpose of this [quantitative, qualitative, mixed method] study is
to… (describe the study goal that directly reflects and encompasses the research
questions).” Follow with a brief, but clear overview of how, with what instruments/data,
with whom and where (as applicable).]
Within the Purpose Statement:
The research method is identified as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method.
The stated purpose reflects the research questions: variables/constructs and/or
phenomenon/concept/idea are identified (See the Applied Degree Guidebook for
additional information).
The research design is clearly stated and is aligned with the problem statement.
The participants and/or data sources are identified (See the Applied Degree
Guidebook for additional information).
The geographic location of study is identified (as appropriate).
Before moving forward, ensure that the purpose is a logical, explicit research response to
the stated problem. The study results should make a contribution to the field or practice
and have implications that are relevant beyond any particular study site.
Research Questions
Before listing the research questions, introductory information should be
presented in a discussion context. The research questions are to be distinct and
answerable, given the identified constructs/phenomenon and population.
Note: Do not include specific interview or survey question/items here.
Quantitative: Research questions are included and the question list is followed by
corresponding list of proposed hypothesis(es). Ensure the research questions and
4
hypothesis(es) are aligned with the purpose statement. The research questions and
hypotheses must be directly answerable, specific and testable based on the data collected.
Qualitative: Proposed research questions that are related to the phenomenon are
stated. The proposed research questions must be aligned with purpose statement.
Qualitative research questions should be open-ended and reflect the nature of the
qualitative design (avoid yes/no and closed ended questions).
Mixed Method: includes all of the above. Separate and indicate the qualitative and
quantitative questions, followed by corresponding quantitative hypotheses.
[Text…Brief introductory text. Note: Avoid redundant text]
Q1.
Q2.
Additional questions as needed.
Hypotheses
(Quantitative/Mixed Studies Only. Delete this section if the proposed study is
qualitative.)
Both null hypotheses and alternative hypotheses must be stated. Each must
directly correspond with a research question. Hypotheses must be stated in testable,
potentially negatable, form with each variable operationalized. Note: Each hypothesis
represents one distinct testable prediction. Upon testing, each hypothesis must be entirely
supported or entirely negated.
H10. [Null Hypothesis Text…]
H1a. [Alternative Hypothesis Text…]
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