Qualitative Dissertation Checklist
Below is an example of how to approach filling out the checklists for a qualitative dissertation based on the structure provided in your course. Please note that this is a generic template, and you will need to fill it in with specific information from the dissertation you select from the St. Thomas Library.
Dissertation Title: [Insert Dissertation Title Here]
Author: [Insert Author’s Name Here]
Year: [Insert Year of Publication Here]
Chapter 1 Checklist: Introduction
1. Problem Statement
– Does the dissertation clearly articulate a specific problem or issue?
– Is the significance of the problem discussed?
2. Purpose of the Study
– Is the purpose of the study clearly stated?
– Does it align with the problem statement?
3. Research Questions
– Are the research questions explicitly stated?
– Do they guide the inquiry and align with the purpose of the study?
4. Theoretical Framework
– Is there a theoretical framework or lens that guides the study?
– Is its relevance to the research problem discussed?
5. Significance of the Study
– Does the author explain why this research is important?
– Are the potential contributions to the field identified?
6. Definitions of Key Terms
– Are key terms defined clearly for the reader?
7. Overview of Methodology
– Is there a brief overview of the qualitative methodology used?
– Does it indicate how data will be collected and analyzed?
Chapter 2 Checklist: Literature Review
1. Scope of the Literature Review
– Does the review cover relevant literature comprehensively?
– Is there a clear focus on studies related to the research problem?
2. Critical Analysis of Literature
– Does the author provide a critical analysis rather than just a summary?
– Are gaps in the existing literature identified?
3. Theoretical Framework Integration
– Is there an integration of the theoretical framework within the literature review?
– How does existing literature support or challenge this framework?
4. Research Gaps
– Are specific research gaps stated clearly?
– Is there a justification for why further research is needed?
5. Relevance to Current Study
– Does the literature review connect to the proposed study?
– Are implications for future research outlined?
Chapter 3 Checklist: Methodology
1. Research Design
– Is the qualitative research design (e.g., phenomenology, grounded theory) clearly stated?
– Does it align with the research questions and purpose?
2. Participants/Sample Selection
– Are the criteria for participant selection described?
– Is the sample size justified?
3. Data Collection Methods
– Are data collection methods (e.g., interviews, focus groups) outlined in detail?
– Is there a rationale provided for these methods?
4. Data Analysis Procedures
– Are the procedures for data analysis (e.g., thematic analysis) clearly described?
– Is there a discussion on how trustworthiness and credibility will be established?
5. Ethical Considerations
– Are ethical considerations discussed, including informed consent and confidentiality?
– Is there mention of approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB)?
6. Limitations of the Study
– Are potential limitations acknowledged and discussed?
7. Summary of Methodology
– Is there a concise summary that encapsulates the methodology used in the study?
Final Steps
1. Review Internal Review Board Guidelines:
Make sure that you have reviewed the St. Thomas Internal Review Board Guidelines to ensure compliance for research involving human subjects.
2. Upload Dissertation:
After filling out all checklists, upload the selected dissertation along with your completed checklists as per your course requirements.
3. Double-Check Checklists:
Carefully review your checklists to ensure they are thoroughly filled out and reflect your understanding of the dissertation structure.
This template serves as a guide for completing your assignment. Be sure to fill in each section with specific information relevant to the dissertation you choose from the library, and follow any additional requirements provided by your instructor.
