Describing fundamental statistical concepts—and the interpretation of these statistical applications for an appropriate design selection and accurate statistical analysis—is a critical skill for doctoral students completing a dissertation. Reviewing some prior doctoral dissertations helps to hone these analytical skills and capabilities.
Locate 2 or 3 prior doctoral dissertations that use either a correlational, regression, or ANOVA analysis by using the following steps:
Access the University Library.
Click on the Databases tab.
Click on Dissertations & Theses @ University of Phoenix.
Use Basic Search, Browse, or enter search terms to locate dissertations for review.
Review Ch. 1 and 3 of the selected dissertations, and identify the distinctive design elements that pertain to the particular correlation or regression design. The use of statistical applications should be evident in an overview of the nature and scope of the dissertation research study in Ch. 1. More relevant details and applications are explained in Ch. 3 of the dissertation.
Assess the design, major statistical concepts, applications, and methodologies.
Select 1 of the dissertations you reviewed, and write a 1,400- to 1,750-word paper that includes a synopsis of the research design and methodologies.
Describe how major statistical concepts were applied in the context of the research study and the administration of the selected dissertation.
Analyze the major features of the correlation or regression design itself, and explain how the applications fit the selected model. Did the hypotheses include sufficient testing to respond adequately to the research questions? Provide justification for your response.
Explain any potential gaps in the research study. Gaps include variables or elements that are pertinent to the study topic or context of the study setting that appear to be missing or minimally studied. Gaps might also include any expansions or extensions of the original study context that might make the outcomes more meaningful.
Draw conclusions about the overall research study design elements and the overall effectiveness or validity of the outcomes.
Include references on both the method/design features and the relevant content. Include in-text citations in the narrative of the text and the reference list at the end of the paper. For the reference list, include only references that are included in the text (not all references that are reviewed).
Format your paper according to APA guidelines.
