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Comment by Author: Note. This cover page and template instructional content should be removed before drafting chapters. Keep the template instructions in a separate location for ongoing reference as you develop chapter content within the manuscript format. You may find the Quick Guide to the 2019 DP/DM Template useful as you start adding content. Instructions for how to use this template and guide: Type directly into the template at “Begin writing here...” or “Text…”. Doing so should help to ensure the document is properly formatted. Use reminders in the comments relating to formatting as well as helpful tips for guidance purposes. Additionally, in each main section, use the checklist relating to content so you know what to include before you begin to organize your thoughts. Refer to the checklist continuously as you develop each section. As you self-evaluate each section, you can actually check off each box by clicking on it to ensure you have met all the requirements. Please note these lists are resources and not meant to be exhaustive, as it is impossible to cover the details of every method and design. The length of a section can vary, unless a guideline is provided. Once you have developed each section, refer to the comments and checklists one last time to be sure the section matches them as discussed with your Chair, then delete them. To delete a comment, right click on the comment, then select “Delete Comment.”. For additional strategies and guidance, click here.
Dissertation Proposal and Dissertation Manuscript
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Version: March 2019
© Northcentral University, 2019 Comment by Author: Ensure every section in the document meets the following requirements: Use 12-point and Times New Roman font. Write in the future tense when referencing the proposed study in the dissertation proposal. Write in the past tense when referencing the completed study in the dissertation manuscript. Use economy of expression to present information as succinctly as possible without oversimplifying or losing the meaning. Avoid personal opinions and claims. Support all claims in the document with recent, scholarly, peer-reviewed sources published within 5 years of when the dissertation will be completed, unless they are seminal sources or no other literature exists. For additional information and guidance relating to scholarly and peer-reviewed sources, click here. Avoid anthropomorphism (i.e., giving human qualities to inanimate objects) such as “The article claims…”, “The study found…,”, or “The research explored…”. Clearly and precisely define key words upon their first use only.
Understanding the Different Experiences of Females Who Survive Intimate Partner Violence: Stories of Strengths, Resilience and Mechanisms Which Led Them to Leave the Violent Relationships
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in Partial Fulfillment of the
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Detroit, Michigan
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Briefly introduce the study topic, state the research problem, and describe who or what is impacted by this problem.
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Provide details about the research methodology, participants, questions, design, procedures, and analysis.
Clearly present the results in relation to the research questions.
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Do not include citations and abbreviations or acronyms, except those noted as exceptions by the American Psychological Association (APA).
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Table of Contents Comment by Author: Use the Table of Contents feature in Word. For additional information on creating a table of contents, click here. For additional information on updating the table of contents, click here. Comment by Author: For Academic Success Center resources on formatting the table of contents, click here. For assistance, use the videos in the Tables and Headers tab and handouts in the Format tab. Comment by Author: Ensure the headings in the table of contents match those in the document. Please note the place holders are included in this table of contents: “XXX” under Chapter 2 must be replaced with the themes generated from the integrative critical review of the literature. If your study is qualitative, “Operational Definitions of Variables” under Chapter 3 must be deleted. “XXX” under Chapter 4 must be replaced with “Trustworthiness” for a qualitative study, “Validity and Reliability” for a quantitative study, and “Trustworthiness/Validity and Reliability” for a mixed methods study. The number of research questions listed under Chapter 4 must align with the number of research questions in your study. Under Appendices, each “XXX” must be replaced with the titles of the appendix.
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Chapter 1: Introduction 
Domestic violence (DV) affects people of all ages, races, religions, and incomes throughout the world. It refers to the violence or abuse that afflicts many people within a domestic setting, which occurs in close intimate relationships (Matthews et al., 2017). Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is a form of domestic violence that describes abuse or violence that is common in a relationship between a partner or a spouse (Matthews et al., 2017). Most of the abuse consists of violence perpetrated by men against women whom they are currently in an intimate and personal relationship with (Semahegn & Mengistie, 2015). Matthews et al. (2017) suggests that DV exists in many different forms, such as physical abuse, psychological abuse, economic abuse, sexual abuse, and emotional abuse. The violent and controlling behavior consists of physical assault, sexual abuse, rape, threats of intimidation, and harassment, which normally occurs over a period Most victims of DV incidences do not report to law enforcement officers since the perpetrators usually threaten them about the negative impacts of telling. (Matthews et al., 2017). Furthermore, most victims feel ashamed of the violence perpetrated against them or hold the perception that police and members of society will not be believe them, whereas others have received punishment from attempts to report their abusers (Middleton,
Sachs, & Dorahy, 2017). Blame may be placed on the women, which may become an obstacle to leaving the violent relationship. Obstacles may also include systematic, social and interpersonal barriers to leaving, along with the danger in perpetuating those stereotypes of those who have been abused (Jacobson & Gattman, 1998). 
The journeys of the women may not end once the abuse is left, as control has already been taken from the victim. The removal of control may dramatically be life altering. Some women return due to culture, income level and psychological reasons (Lacey, 2010).
Nonetheless, some victims of DV eventually succeed in leaving their partners permanently, often after encountering a myriad of obstacles (Sukeri & Man, 2017). Khew and Hardesty (2007) link
the escape of these abusedpersons to empowerment of women and financial independence. 
IPV is a global issue that affects all cultures, religions, and socioeconomic groups (Krug, Mercy, Dahlberg & Ziwi, 2002; World Health Organization, [WHO], 2012). Based upon Owen, Thompson, & Kaslow (2006) this form of violence is considered as a major public health crisis. IPV threatens the well-being of individuals, families and communities (American Bar Association [ABA], 2002), which are known as the most common form of violence occurring in the United States (Owen, Thompson, & Kaslow, 2006). Another possible cause of IPV is the lack of attention, even though this problem is recognized (Daugherty & Houry, 2000; Tjaden & Thoennes, 2000).
DV generated through IPV is an abuse problem that continues to proliferate a complex societal issue. This issue continues despite the advancements in the problems of abuse and violence (Daugherty, 2008). Due to IPV being a global and national threat, women are not the only ones who are affected, as society is also threatened (ABA, 2010; Krug, Mercy, & Dahlberg, 2002). For instance, the Feminist Majority Foundation (2014) indicated that DV continues to have a direct impact on future generations. This violence causes lives to be lost daily, along with the intergenerational transmission of abuse. Unless the public familiarizes themselves through awareness and the willingness to be more open to the issue, the future may be affected. Becoming more verbal is very important, as this will enable more awareness of the issues pertaining to domestic violence (Feminist Majority Foundation, 2014). Providing early awareness of the signs pertaining to the abuse through prevention/intervention services may help to decrease or eliminate the issue of intergenerational, along with other transmissions of violence (Anderson, Renner & Danis 2013). 
Women are victimized the most by IPV-related violence (ABA, 2010). Since IPV is a form of family violence, children exposed are also at risk for negative outcomes. When children are exposed to the risk of negative outcomes, this may maximize the resilience of the survivors, as it is essential for them to achieve safety for their children who are being exposed to the violence (Knutson, Lawrence, Taher, Bank, & DeGarmo, 2009). According to Matthews et al. (2017) victims usually experience a range of emotions, which includes fear, reluctance, uncertainty worry and stress when wanting or attempting to leave the abusive relationship. These emotions can have a direct impact on their self-esteem and confidence (Matthews et al., 2017).
When victims have a clear understanding of how important it is to leave abusive and violent situations, the women can then be able to extricate themselves from the violent environment. Leaving can lead them to moving on to living a healthier life free of abuse (Anderson, Renner & Danis, 2013). Some survivors might be able to provide suggestions on different techniques that can be utilized to help others who are being victimized to leave the abuse. These techniques can provide public awareness where society could benefit from said suggestions. When victims are given the opportunity to recount their traumatizing experiences, some types of strength and resilience may be shown. During the recounting to these experiences, this may allow them the opportunity of being able to heal, give back to other women, while serving as a source of empowerment to others. According to Anderson, Renner, and Danis (2013), when provided with this opportunity, the women may feel stronger and more empowered. If the women feel more equipped, the women may be less likely return to an abusive relationship/situation. 
According to Griffing and colleagues (2002), women may be affected in a dramatic way when subjected to IPV, which causes them to be ready for a change. Based on Lacey (2010), this problem negatively impacts the survivors in many ways. The stories of survivorship are important as these stories may contribute to helping through providing support. A space for healing is also important, as the women may not be prepared for or be aware of how to deal with the after-effects of the trauma which has been experienced. According to each story of the survivor, the stories may possess commonalities to the stories of others. Each of the domestic experiences may differ, as the stories may likely be unique, specific, while being reflective to the women’s survivorship. When understanding the lived experiences of the women survivors better, this might provide a complete picture of their relationship from the initial stages to the ending stages, which may provide a more supportive approach that may be used to empower others to live free of abuse, as it may show them just how important leaving the situation has become (Jacobson & Gattman, 1998). 
Some women may be unaware of the resources that are available to them, in which these women need to be informed. The resources might either not be easily accessible or might not exist within their community. Sometimes larger cities have resources that are made more readily available, while those smaller cities might not, which results as a disadvantage of them receiving the support in which they need. A way of addressing the matter is to ensure that the smaller cities receive the resources needed, in which agencies and/or community centers may work together to disseminate the information (Tjaden and Theonnes, 2000). Support may be provided via therapeutic means, along with providing platforms for the women to share their story with others via support groups, creative outlets or public speaking groups (Anderson et al., 2013). 
There seems to be a dearth of research regarding the issue of recovery from intimate
partner violence. Accordingly, Jacobson and Gattman (1998) assert the need to conduct qualitative research might as a means of highlighting the lived experiences of the women.
Discovering and disclosure of IPV is a great help seeker along with the ability of terminating violent relationships. When the decision to escape to safety is made, great danger may arise, as there may be an increased lack of the basic resources needed (Lacey, 2010). Due to the departure cycle being a repetitive one, some survivors may attempt to leave many times before leaving permanently. 
Statement of the Problem 
The problem to be addressed in this study is to highlight and acknowledge the possible reasons as to why women remain in domestic violence relationships and what prompts them to finally leave them. IPV continues to affect many households across the globe (Khew & Hardesty, 2007). Violent partners continue to expose up to 275 million children across the globe every year (Howell, Barnes, Miller, & Graham-Bermann, 2016). Children of such households report a significant high rate of abuse and neglect. The failure to explore the manner in which battered partners eventually experienced healing can make it exceedingly challenging to understand the most effective interventions. Howell et. al. (2016) suggests that there is a steady rise in the prevalence of IPV. Although a significant proportion of victims do not report their partners. IPV often contributes to drugs and alcohol use and abuse, poor mental health, and other health risks (Mason & O'Rinn, 2014). However, many people who suffer from IPV do not seek medical intervention or any other appropriate care. However, there seems to be a dearth of research in the experiences of IPV victims who have overcome this problem. Failure to explore this subject may affect the potential to gain insight into the most effective strategies to overcome IPV.
Purpose of the Study 
The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to identify women's perceptions of the recovery process along with adapting to the aftermath of domestic violence
Flasch, Murray, and Crowe (2017) emphasize the need to conduct such research due to the evident gap regarding the recovery process of IPV victims and the most appropriate support that are critical to this process. Semi-structured, face-to-face interviews will be conducted with women who survived domestic violence and temporarily residing in a domestic violence shelter. The face-to-face interviews will consist of questions generated from a formatted script questionnaire that will be recorded via audio.  The interviews will be conducted at the Genesis House II, which is a Domestic Violence Shelter that provides temporary housing to women and children who are victims of domestic violence abuse.  The shelter is located in Detroit and the shelter allows the women to get away from the perpetrators, while providing them with opportunities for a new beginning that consist of the resources needed to begin their new life that is free from abuse.  The data obtained from the interviews will be used to compare the similarities pertaining to different stories provided from those women who were interviewed.
The intent of this study is to get a clearer understanding of a woman 's story of how she left and overcame being victimized by domestic violence abuse. Obtaining a better understanding may allow the opportunity of preventing other victims from experiencing the same form of abuse (Feminist Majority Foundation, 2014). When one understands, it may prevent abusive situations from occurring or continuing. When women are educated and are provided with a clearer understanding of the effects of subjecting themselves to these types of abusive situations, they may be equipped with the tools and resources needed to prevent or to extricate once it begins. This may cause them to think twice before entering the abusive relationship, along with staying in them and just accepting it for an extended period. When educated and provided with knowledge, preparation to leave may be easier than when a person has no knowledge or understanding at all (Jacobs, 2014).The Feminist Majority Foundation (2014), indicates that when a complete picture of their relationship development from the beginning to leaving is examined, this may lead the survivors into a more supportive approach that may empower other women to live a life that is free from abuse. Understanding the different sources of strength, resilience and mechanisms may assist in the process of why leaving the abusive relationship is so important (Burman 2003). 
The study population will consist of twelve women who are currently residing in a domestic violence shelter and are no longer victims. Initially, the domestic violence shelter will be contacted and informed of the study that is being conducted and permission will be asked and hopefully granted via the administration, along with requesting those individuals who may be interested in participating in the study.  The research questions will focus on the scenarios in which each woman experienced. Interviews will consist of women from different walks of life (race, financial status, and mental state). Interviews will be conducted and recorded privately, which will allow them to tell their stories in full detail. NVivo software will be employed for data analysis. Thus, the intent of this study is to establish perceptions of the abused persons regarding the delivery of relevant services, with a keen focus on the value of those services in enabling the victims to overcome and the manner in which such services could be improved.  
Theoretical Framework 
The theoretical framework of a study is aimed at providing a tentative theory of the phenomenon that the researcher plans to investigate (Maxwell, 2005). Feminist theory will be the guiding theoretical framework for this research. Proponents of this theory maintain that violence against women creates and maintains men’s power over women, which makes it difficult for them to leave the abusive relationships due to their lack of strength and power (Harne & Radford, 2008). Thus, this theory is useful in exploring the phenomenon of IPV and recovery of women who have overcame such a traumatic experience through their strength and resilience of being able to extricate themselves from the abusive relationship. The feminist theory on violence against women is centered in a historical context of cultural and structural power imbalances between men and women.  McCarthy, Mehta, and Haberland (2018) suggests that power and control are the core issues in domestic violence. The wide range of abusive behavior men use to control their female partner includes physical and sexual assault; intimidation; emotional abuse; isolation; denial and blame; using male-privilege, the use of children and economic sanctions
Researchers have suggested that acceptance of condoning of battery inflicted upon intimate partner may be rooted in traditional patriarchal cultural ideologies (Hoffman, Demo & Edwards,
1994; Lee & Hadeed, 2009; Xu, Campbell, & Zhu, 2001; Yoshihama, 2005). No woman wants to be abused and those who are abused play an active role in attempting to reduce, along with ending the abuse.  Some women stay on while others leave the relationship permanently (Hoffman et. al, 1994).  
Nature of the Study 
The qualitative method will be used to conduct this analysis as this research method is
used to study human behavior, opinions, themes, and motivations. The phenomenological method is the appropriate method and design for the research as it aims to describe, understand, and interpret the meanings as it relates to women who experienced domestic violence situations and how they left those situations (Mackl, Woodsong, MacQueen, Guest, & Namey, 2005; Ospina, 2004). This systematic subjective approach describes life experiences, while providing a formal, objective and systematic meaning. This study will use the phenomenological approach to examine the experience of the resilience of adult women survivors who were victims of intimate partner violence. 
Qualitative methods of research are characterized by the immersion of the researcher’s work that may allow an understanding of the topic from the perspective of the population in which it involves. Data that is being gathered via the engagement in fieldwork and through in-depth interviews may provide the participants’ voices and perspectives within an invariable privilege (Mackl et. al. 2005; Ospina, 2004). Questions in qualitative research consist of broad questions while asking for an exploration of the central phenomenon or concept within the study while providing a greater depth and nuance of understanding the unknown phenomenon (Creswell, 2009). The study will be organized in a manner that is consistent with a qualitative approach to the study of psychological phenomena. This method will be completed using the information obtained from the domestic violence survivorsvia interviews. 
Research Questions 
RQ1. What reasons do women have that leads them to leave a physically abusive relationship? 
RQ2. What are the inner sources of strengths and resilience of women who have survived IPV? 
RQ3. What reasons play a role that causes a woman to want to be free from the abusive behavior? 
RQ4. What is the process of the women leaving the relationship? How do they describe their lives once they have extricated? 
RQ5. What is the women’s perspective to the process of leaving? What were the barriers to leaving? What were the resources that support their leaving? 
Significance of the Study 
This qualitative study focuses on the experiences of abused women as it pertains to their leaving process along with the kind of resources needed to enable them to leave permanently, including the sustaining factors upon leaving. The knowledge gained can then be utilized to aid women who are trying to remove themselves from an abusive relationship.  The women can be given practical assistance, along with support using data gleaned from women who have already left as they too moved through the process of ending the abuse in their lives. The information gleaned from this study will be useful in many ways.  Firstly, an in-depth understanding of the women’s experiences of the IPV endured, along with the resources they relied upon for strength can help to inform the helping profession regarding what is the best way to assist those being abused.  Secondly, understanding the complexities involved in the leaving process as it may help various people to be empathetic in helping abused women who are trying to leave an abusive relationship.  The knowledge of sustaining factors upon leaving may improve the ability of helpers to provide proper support.  When knowing the resources needed to help the abused women in their leaving process, policy makers may want to consider making these resources more accessible or provide them for women who are trying to leave. 
According to the thoughts of Barnett (2000), increased understanding of the dynamics involved in leaving will lead toward studies that will define appropriate counseling intervention for abused women.  Leaving an abusive relationship is very difficult for most women.  The long-term nature of the effects of trauma, the pattern of repeated assaults by intimate partners typically means misery for the women involved (Barnett, 2000).  The study will also provide a means for women to tell their stories and possibly raise the consciousness of those who read their narratives as they are given a voice regarding this phenomenon.  By sharing their stories, it might shed light for other women who are still un an abusive relationship, while helping to see an alternative way out.  Providing a more thorough understanding of the complex dynamics involved in leaving an abusive relationship will enable counselors to become more receptive to the needs of the abused women from the perspective of how these women are experiencing their realities (Barnett, 2000).
Barnett (2000) suggests that the experiences as told by the abused women who have left can promote continuation of social activism and advocacy to heighten public awareness, raise public conscience, while generating greater understanding of the plight of women who struggle to free themselves from the grip of IPV.  This needs to be translated into practical support, along with interventions from family, religious authorities, social welfare departments, the criminal justice system, along with all other parties concerned.  Knowledge is power and understanding opens up the possibility of change (Barnett, 2000). 
Definitions of Key Terms 
Abusive Behavior. Behaving abusively, causing substantial emotional and/or physical pain and injury to an individual, which can also lead to death as well (Mouradian, 2000).
Barriers to Leaving. Barriers to leaving consists of the threat to personal safety when attempting to end an abusive relationship that includes shame/social acceptance, money, kids, religion, immigration status, fearing of being outed, promises to change by the abuser and love (Focht, 2020).
Domestic Violence (DV). Domestic violence is defined as the power misused by one adult in a relationship to control another through the establishment of control and fear in a relationship through violence and other forms of abuse (Kaur, & Garg, 2008).
Economic Abuse. Economic abuse includes behaviors that controls a victim’s ability to acquire, use, and maintain resources that threatens economic security and potential self-sufficiency, which controls what the victim can and cannot do. It occurs when the abuser gains complete control over the victim’s financial resources (Stylianou, Postmus, & McMahon, 2013).  
Emotional Abuse. Emotional abuse consists of verbal abuse, harassment, confinement and deprivation of physical, financial and personal resources (Kaur, & Garg, 2008).
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). IPVis defined as physical violence, sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a current or former partner and is a major public health concern (Stylianou, Postmus, & McMahon, 2013)
Physical Abuse. Physical abuse is defined as when an abuser uses their body or other objects to cause bodily harm or injury that is used to establish and maintain power and control over the victim. It includes hitting, kicking, biting, pushing, scratching, slapping, strangling, beating, punching, throwing, burning, poisoning, stabbing and the use of a weapon (DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2019).   
Psychological Abuse. Psychological abuse is a form of abuse with no signs of physical abuse that can affect your inner thoughts and feelings along with exerting control over your life. It can destroy intimate relationships, friendships and even a person's own relationship with themselves (Tracy, 2019). 
Recovery. Recoveryis defined as learning to regain one's feelings of safety and mental stability (Holly, 2015). 
Resilience. Resilienceis defined as knowing how to cope despite setbacks, barriers or limited resources. It measures how much a person wants something and how much they are willing to overcome certain obstacles to achieve it (Alessandra 2014). 
Sexual Abuse. Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, where the perpetrator uses force, makes threats or takes advantage of victims not being able to give consent (American Psychological Association, 2019). 
Strength. Strengthis defined as being physically and mentally strong, as it is having the power to resist force, solidity, and toughness (Vocabulary.com, 2019). 
Survivor. Survivoris defined as the person who was or is being abused or harmed by the other person (DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2019). 
Trauma. Trauma is experiencing an event that inflicts injury or stress to the victim’s physical or psychological well-being, (DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2019). 
Victimized. Victimized is defined as a person being subjected to abuse, harm or being killed by another person, (DC Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2019). 
Summary 
Domestic violence is a common issue across the globe that affects people of all ages, races, religions, and incomes (Matthews, O’Leary, Turner, & Sleeper, 2017). Within the United States, intimate partner violence is a multi-causal, multi-faceted phenomenon. According to Fossey et al. (2002), current research on factors that are relative to the strength and resilience lacks in helping women who are victims of intimate partner violence to extricate themselves from their violence relationships. Thus, the problem to be addressed in this study is to highlight and acknowledge the possible reasons as to why women remain in domestic violence relationships and what prompts them to finally leave them. The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study is to identify women’s perceptions of the recovery process along with adapting to the aftermath of domestic violence. Five core questions will guide this research.
This research will be conducted by carrying out face-to-face interviews with women who are in these domestic violence situations to understand their views of the phenomenon of interest. The qualitative approach is appropriate to this research since scholars have completed limited studies to explore the topic. The phenomenological design is useful because it is useful in describing, understanding, and interpreting the meanings of the phenomenon of interest, which is consistent with the goal of understanding the experience of women and domestic violence situations and how they overcame those situations. Thus, this study is significant because survivors’ experiences can inform the community of ways they can be involved in helping and supporting women in their experience of being abused while assisting them in ending the harmful relationship in the event in which they make the decision to do so. Understanding the mechanisms that will help battered women to extricate themselves from violent relationships is very important for many reasons (Morrow, 2005). It may also be helpful to provide information about treatments that can be therapeutic, along with social support services, which may be created for diverse backgrounds that include ethnicity, culture, socioeconomic status, and other demographic characteristics. Through the development of more effective interventions and support, women who are in these violent relationships can be empowered to leave them and make valuable life changes that may have a long-reaching ripple effect on their lives and the lives of their children in the future, along with an overall impact on society.
Chapter 2: Literature Review Comment by Author: Tip: Think of Chapter 2 as a funnel and lead the reader from the broad context of the study to an explanation of why this specific study is needed. Comment by Author: Tip: To ensure your study is relevant and current, continue to expand and update the literature review through the final dissertation manuscript draft. Comment by Author: Tip: For exemplars on what synthesis and critical analysis look like, try searching the published literature using the following terms “critical review of the literature [school]”, inserting the name of your school. Comment by Author: Replace comment above with the following: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on Synthesis and Analysis. Learn more about this session and find the link to register here.
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Begin with a summary of the purpose statement that leads to a brief explanation of the organization of the literature review. Do not simply cut and paste the Purpose Statement section from Chapter 1.
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Chapter 3: Research Method
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Explain how the sampling guidelines associated with the chosen methodology and design will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) followed. For qualitative studies, evidence must be presented that saturation will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) reached. For quantitative studies, a power analysis must be reported to include the parameters (e.g., effect size, alpha, beta, and number of groups) included, and evidence must be presented that the minimum required sample size will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) reached.
Describe how the participants will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) recruited (e.g., email lists from professional organizations, flyers) and/or the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) obtained (e.g., archived data, public records) with sufficient detail so the study could be replicated. Comment by Author: Tip: Many qualitative and mixed methods studies require multiple sources of data. Describe how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) obtained from each source.
Materials or Instrumentation Comment by Author: Tip: In quantitative studies, the development of a new instrument is discouraged due to the time and skills required to create a valid and reliable instrument. A thorough and extensive search of the literature should be done to locate an appropriate psychometrically sound instrument. However, if such an instrument is not located after a thorough search, and you plan to develop a new instrument, consult survey item and instrument development resources and plan piloting and validation procedures. Describe the development process in detail and provide evidence of the instrument’s validity and reliability. Include the final instrument developed based on those findings. The evidence of validity and reliability should be reported in Chapter 4. In qualitative studies, using a newly developed interview protocol based on the literature is more common and acceptable. Describe the development process in detail followed by the field testing processes used and subsequent modification made. Comment by Author: Select the heading that reflects which of the two you will be doing.
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Describe the instruments (e.g., tests, questionnaires, observation protocols) that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used, including information on their origin and evidence of their reliability and validity.
Describe in detail any field testing or pilot testing of instruments to include their results and any subsequent modifications. Comment by Author: Verify with the IRB whether permission is needed or a pilot application needs to be completed.
Include evidence permission was granted to use the instrument(s) in an appendix.
Operational Definitions of Variables Comment by Author: Include this section in quantitative/mixed methods studies only. Comment by Author: Operational definitions are distinct from the conceptual definitions provided in the Definition of Terms section. Specifically, operational definitions indicate how the variables will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) measured. Comment by Author: A paragraph is not required to introduce the operational definitions; a single sentence introducing this section is sufficient.
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XXX. Text… Comment by Author: Replace “XXX” with the first study variable. Repeat this process for all the study variables.
Checklist:
For quantitative and mixed methods studies, identify how each variable will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used in the study. Use terminology appropriate for the selected statistical test (e.g., independent/dependent, predictor/criterion, mediator, moderator).
Base the operational definitions on published research and valid and reliable instruments.
Identify the specific instrument that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used to measure each variable.
Describe the level of measurement of each variable (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval, ratio), potential scores for each variable (e.g., the range [0–100] or levels [low, medium, high]), and data sources. If appropriate, identify what specific scores (e.g., subscale scores, total scores) will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) included in the analysis and how they will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) derived (e.g., calculating the sum, difference, average).
Study Procedures
Checklist:
Describe the exact steps that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) followed to collect the data, addressing what data as well as how, when, from where, and from whom those data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) collected in enough detail the study can be replicated.
Data Collection and Analysis Comment by Author: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on both Writing Quantitative and Writing Qualitative Analysis. Learn more about these sessions and find the link to register here.
Begin writing here…
Checklist:
Describe the strategies that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used to code and/or analyze the data, and any software that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used.
Ensure the data that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) collected and the analysis can be used to answer the research questions and/or test the hypotheses with the ultimate goal of addressing the identified problem.
Use proper terminology in association with each design/analysis (e.g., independent variable and dependent variable for an experimental design, predictor and criterion variables for regression).
For quantitative studies, describe the analysis that will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) used to test each hypothesis. Provide evidence the statistical test chosen is appropriate to test the hypotheses and the data meet the assumptions of the statistical tests.
For qualitative studies, describe how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) processed and analyzed, including any triangulation efforts. Explain the role of the researcher.
For mixed methods studies, include all of the above.
Assumptions Comment by Author: Tip: Assumptions, limitations, and delimitations are related but distinct concepts. For additional information, click here.
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Discuss the assumptions along with the corresponding rationale underlying them.
Limitations Comment by Author: Tip: The study limitations will be revisited in Chapter 5.
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Discuss the measures taken to mitigate these limitations.
Delimitations Comment by Author: Tip: Limited time and resources are not considered to be limitations or delimitations, as all studies are limited by these factors.
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Describe the study delimitations along with the corresponding rationale underlying them.
Explain how these research decisions relate to the existing literature and theoretical/conceptual framework, problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions.
Ethical Assurances Comment by Author: Tip: When research involves human subjects, certain ethical issues can occur. They include but are not limited to protection from harm, informed consent, right to privacy, and honesty with professional colleagues.
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Checklist:
Confirm in a statement the study will (proposal) or did (manuscript) receive approval from Northcentral University’s Institutional Review Board (IRB) prior to data collection.
If the risk to participants is greater than minimal, discuss the relevant ethical issues and how they will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) addressed. Comment by Author: Tip: For guidance on ethical considerations in human subjects research, click here.
Describe how confidentiality or anonymity will be (proposal) or was (manuscript) achieved.
Identify how the data will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) securely stored in accordance with IRB requirements.
Describe the role of the researcher in the study. Discuss relevant issues, including biases as well as personal and professional experiences with the topic, problem, or context. Present the strategies that will be (proposal) or were (manuscript) used to prevent these biases and experiences from influencing the analysis or findings.
In the dissertation manuscript only, include the IRB approval letter in an appendix.
Summary
Summarize the key points presented in the chapter.
Logically lead the reader to the next chapter on the findings of the study.
Chapter 4: Findings
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Checklist:
Begin with a brief overview of the purpose of the study and the organization of the chapter.
Organize the entire chapter around the research questions/hypotheses. Comment by Author: Tip: Review peer-reviewed research articles to locate examples of how to report results generated using the research design used in your study.
XXX of the Data Comment by Author: Replace “XXX” with “Trustworthiness” for a qualitative study or “Validity and Reliability” for a quantitative study. For mixed methods studies, replace “XXX” with “Trustworthiness/Validity and Reliability.”.
Begin writing here…
Checklist:
For qualitative studies, clearly identify the means by which the trustworthiness of the data was established. Discuss credibility (e.g., triangulation, member checks), transferability (e.g., the extent to which the findings are generalizable to other situations), dependability (e.g., an in-depth description of the methodology and design to allow the study to be repeated), and confirmability (e.g., the steps to ensure the data and findings are not due to participant and/or researcher bias).
For quantitative studies, explain the extent to which the data meet the assumptions of the statistical test and identify any potential factors that might impact the interpretation of the findings. Provide evidence of the psychometric soundness (i.e., adequate validity and reliability) of the instruments from the literature as well as in this study (as appropriate). Do not merely list and describe all the measures of validity and reliability.
Mixed methods studies should include discussions of the trustworthiness of the data as well as validity and reliability.
Results Comment by Author: Tip: Present sufficient information so the reader can make an independent judgment regarding the interpretation of the findings.
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Checklist:
Briefly discuss the overall study. Organize the presentation of the results by the research questions/hypotheses.
Objectively report the results of the analysis without discussion, interpretation, or speculation.
Provide an overview of the demographic information collected. It can be presented in a table. Ensure no potentially identifying information is reported.
Research question 1/hypothesis. Text… Comment by Author: Repeat this process for each research question.
Report all the results (without discussion) salient to the research question/hypothesis. Identify common themes or patterns.
Use tables and/or figures to report the results as appropriate. Comment by Author: Tip: Tables and figures should not be included on the same page. If you introduce a table or figure in the middle of the page and there is not enough room to include the entire table or figure on the page, it must be placed on the next page. Perform a hard right return (hold down the shift key while hitting the return key) and begin the table on the next page. Comment by Author: Tip: Tables and figures should be placed with the corresponding research question. The formatting of tables varies, depending on the statistical test. Follow APA formatting requirements for tables, titles, figures, and captions. Comment by Author: Tip: Tables and figures must be referenced in the text. Please refer to APA guidelines regarding when and how to use tables and figures. Do not fully describe data in the text and also present them in a table.
For quantitative studies, report any additional descriptive information as appropriate. Identify the assumptions of the statistical test and explain how the extent to which the data met these assumptions was tested. Report any violations and describe how they were managed as appropriate. Make decisions based on the results of the statistical analysis. Include relevant test statistics, p values, and effect sizes in accordance with APA requirements.
For qualitative studies, describe the steps taken to analyze the data to explain how the themes and categories were generated. Include thick descriptions of the participants’ experiences. Provide a comprehensive and coherent reconstruction of the information obtained from all the participants. Comment by Author: Tip: Review published articles that used the same design for examples of how to present qualitative, thematic findings.
For mixed methods studies, include all of the above.
Evaluation of the Findings Comment by Author: The Academic Success Center has a weekly group session on both Writing Quantitative and Writing Qualitative Analysis. Learn more about these sessions and find the link to register here.
Begin writing here…
Checklist:
Interpret the results in light of the existing research and theoretical or conceptual framework (as discussed in Chapters 1 and 2). Briefly indicate the extent to which the results were consistent with existing research and theory.
Organize this discussion by research question/hypothesis.
Do not draw conclusions beyond what can be interpreted directly from the results.
Devote approximately one to two pages to this section.
Summary
Summarize the key points presented in the chapter.
Chapter 5: Implications, Recommendations, and Conclusions Comment by Author: Tip: A common tendency is to rush through Chapter 5 and fail to develop ideas fully. Take time to remember why the study was important in the first place and ensure Chapter 5 demonstrates and reflects the depth and importance of the study. Refer back to the study problem and significance and consider what professional and academic organizations might be interested in your research findings. As you complete Chapter 5, seek out avenues to present and publish your research.
Begin writing here…
Checklist:
Begin with a brief review of the problem statement, purpose statement, methodology, design, results, and limitations.
Conclude with a brief overview of the chapter.
Implications
Checklist:
Organize the discussion around each research question and (when appropriate) hypothesis individually. Support all the conclusions with one or more findings from the study.
Discuss any factors that might have influenced the interpretation of the results.
Present the results in the context of the study by describing the extent to which they address the study problem and purpose and contribute to the existing literature and framework described in Chapter 2.
Describe the extent to which the results are consistent with existing research and theory and provide potential explanations for unexpected or divergent results.
Recommendations for Practice
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Checklist:
Discuss recommendations for how the findings of the study can be applied to practice and/or theory. Support all the recommendations with at least one finding from the study and frame them in the literature from Chapter 2.
Do not overstate the applicability of the findings.
Recommendations for Future Research
Checklist:
Based on the framework, findings, and implications, explain what future researchers might do to learn from and build upon this study. Justify these explanations.
Discuss how future researchers can improve upon this study, given its limitations.
Explain what the next logical step is in this line of research.
Conclusions
Checklist:
Provide a strong, concise conclusion to include a summary of the study, the problem addressed, and the importance of the study.
Present the “take-home message” of the entire study.
Emphasize what the results of the study mean with respect to previous research and either theory (PhD studies) or practice (applied studies).
Appendices Comment by Author: Each appendix referenced in the text should appear in this section at the end of the manuscript. Appendices should be listed in the order referenced in the text. Remember to include each appendix in your Table of Contents.
Appendix A: XXX
Insert Appendix A content here… Comment by Author: Be sure to de-identify all materials so readers cannot identify participants or where data were specifically collected.
Appendix B: XXX
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