Research+Method

__**The following is taken from the Concept Paper Template: (Suggestions for how to complete for classical grounded theory research method may be found in the Discussion section for this page. Feel free to post your own unique response to this section in the Discussion area)**__

Here discuss the proposed research method (quantitative, qualitative, or mixed). In this section the appropriateness of the method and design are substantiated and includes a brief discussion of why the method/design(s) was/were chosen over others. Discussion is not simply a listing and description of research designs; rather, elaboration demonstrates how the proposed method and design accomplish the study goals, why the design is the optimum choice for the proposed research, and how the method aligns with the purpose and research questions. Be sure to provide a brief discussion of the proposed data collection and analysis procedures. Provide appropriate foundational support for the proposed study design; for example, refer to Moustakas and other appropriate authors to describe a phenomenological design. Note: Avoid introductory research design and analyses descriptions as well as excessive reference to textbook authors such as Creswell and Trochim.

(Quantitative/Mixed Studies Only) Identify each of the primary constructs associated with the proposed topic, problem, research question(s), and hypotheses. Include a brief overview of how each will be operationally defined for the proposed study


 * **Description/Operational Definition. **
 * Describe each variable, the nature of the variable (e.g., nominal, ordinal, interval), how each variable will vary (e.g., the range (1 – 5, 0 – 100) or levels (low, medium, high; male, female) and the data sources (e.g., archival data, survey items, and if appropriate, how the items will be combined to form the variable construct). Consult research design sources and ensure that the nature of each variable is appropriate to the proposed statistical analyses. **

 Measurement **Provide a brief description of how study data will be collected, measured and analyzed. Describe the proposed instrument. Please note that survey self-development should be considered only after an exhaustive search for an existing validated instrument and will require a multi-step pilot and validation process. Although a detailed description is not required at the CP stage, the variables must demonstrate appropriateness to the study purpose and meet the assumptions of the proposed statistical tests. For qualitative studies, describe the proposed instrument or collection (e.g., interviews, observations), and how concepts will be coded and analyzed as appropriate to the proposed design. Include appropriate support for the application of the proposed design. Consult research design and analysis sources including those available in the Dissertation Center for guidance.**

Summary
References**

__Instructions:__ This section of the Concept Paper is a list of references cited in text, including the literature review. All resources cited in the concept paper must be included in the list of references.

List all references in APA format with the exception noted below. For each reference listed, there should be at least one corresponding citation within the body of the text, and vice-versa.

Formatting: Single space each reference citation, along with a .5 inch hanging indent; double space between consecutive references in the reference list (See the Dissertation Handbook located in the Dissertation Center for NCU exceptions to APA format).

Tips: Sort in alpha surname/title order. Only capitalize the first word of the title and of the subtitle, if any. Do not bold the title. Know when to italicize and when not to (i.e., periodical/non-periodical/publication versus book/report/paper). Italicize volume (i.e., //Journal Name 4//, pp. 12-22.)

Note: APA6 Requires Digital Object Identifier (DOI), if one has been assigned (see page 191).

Example (note single-space references, with double-spacing in-between):

Winslade, J., & Monk, G. (2001). //Narrative mediation: A new approach to conflict resolution//. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers.

Ahn, J. (2004). Electronic portfolios: Blending technology, accountability and assessment. //T.H.E. Journal, 31//(9), 12-18.

U.S. Government Printing Office. (2006). //Catalog of U.S. Government publications: New electronic titles//.

Replace with the variable name/label