Ed.D. Doctor of Education Doctor of Education Dissertation Proposal 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a mixed-methods EdD dissertation proposal, which sequencing model collects quantitative data first to identify participants for deeper qualitative exploration?
- Convergent parallel design
- Explanatory sequential design (Correct answer)
- Exploratory sequential design
- Embedded design
Correct answer: Explanatory sequential design
The explanatory sequential design collects and analyzes quantitative data first, then uses those results to inform a qualitative phase that explains or elaborates the findings.
Question 2: Which section of a dissertation proposal describes how the researcher's own background, beliefs, or position might influence the study?
- Delimitations
- Positionality statement (Correct answer)
- Scope of the study
- Operational definitions
Correct answer: Positionality statement
A positionality statement discloses the researcher's identity, experiences, and perspectives that could shape data collection and interpretation.
Question 3: A proposal committee asks a doctoral candidate to clarify why the chosen theoretical framework was selected over alternatives. The best response addresses:
- The cost-effectiveness of applying the framework
- How the framework's assumptions align with the study's ontological stance (Correct answer)
- The historical popularity of the framework in the field
- The number of citations the framework has received
Correct answer: How the framework's assumptions align with the study's ontological stance
Selecting a theoretical framework requires justifying how its underlying assumptions about reality and knowledge align with the study's worldview and research questions.
Question 4: When a proposal uses purposeful sampling, the primary criterion for selecting participants is:
- Random probability to ensure generalizability
- Maximum demographic diversity regardless of experience
- The participants' ability to provide rich, relevant information (Correct answer)
- Availability and willingness to participate first and foremost
Correct answer: The participants' ability to provide rich, relevant information
Purposeful sampling selects individuals who can provide the most informative and relevant data for addressing the research questions.
Question 5: Which IRB risk category typically applies to an EdD study that involves anonymous online surveys about publicly observable professional behaviors?
- Exempt review (Correct answer)
- Expedited review
- Full board review
- Waived review
Correct answer: Exempt review
Research involving anonymous surveys about non-sensitive topics often qualifies for exempt review because the risk to participants is minimal.
Question 6: A doctoral candidate's proposal problem statement claims teachers lack collaboration time, but cites no data. The committee's main critique will likely focus on:
- Overly complex language in the statement
- Insufficient empirical evidence to establish the problem's existence (Correct answer)
- The absence of a theoretical framework linking the problem
- Using a deficit lens toward teachers
Correct answer: Insufficient empirical evidence to establish the problem's existence
A problem statement must be grounded in documented evidence—statistics, reports, or prior studies—to justify the need for the proposed research.
Question 7: In action research proposals, the 'reconnaissance' phase refers to:
- Recruiting participants through community outreach
- Gathering preliminary data to understand the current situation before planning action (Correct answer)
- Reviewing reconnaissance-related military literature for analogies
- Conducting a pilot test of all instruments
Correct answer: Gathering preliminary data to understand the current situation before planning action
Reconnaissance in action research is an initial fact-finding stage where the researcher examines the current context to inform the action plan.
Ed.D. Doctor of Education Doctor of Education Dissertation Proposal 2
In a mixed-methods EdD dissertation proposal, which sequencing model collects quantitative data first to identify participants for deeper qualitative exploration?