A study of the relationship between administrators’ characteristics and the implementations of mandated change dissertation.

Appendix G

SAMPLE TITLE PAGE

DISSERTATION

Presented in Partial Fulfillment of the

Requirements for the Degree of

Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing

Barry University

Mary Grant Seacole

2012

Appendix H

SAMPLE APPROVAL/SIGNATURE PAGE

A STUDY OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN 

ADMINISTRATORS’ CHARACTERISTICS 

AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MANDATED CHANGE

DISSERTATION

by

Mary Grant Seacole

201X

APPROVED BY:

____________________________________

Florence Nightingale, PhD, RN 

Chairperson, Dissertation Committee

_____________________________________

Clara Barton, EdD, RN 

Member, Dissertation Committee

_____________________________________

Mary Breckinridge, PhD, ARNP-BC 

Member, Dissertation Committee

____________________________________

Jessie M. Colin, PhD, RN, FRE FAAN

Program Director Division of Nursing

____________________________________

John McFadden, PhD, CRNA

Dean, College of Health Sciences

Appendix I

SAMPLE COPYRIGHT PAGE

(Put upper middle center)

                                               Copyright by Mary Grant Seacole, 201X                                    

All Rights Reserved

APPENDIX J

ABSTRACT FORMATTING AND SAMPLE ABSTRACT                                      

(SEE APA MANUAL)

Guidelines from APA give suggestions for a length of journal submissions (word count 120).  

But according to Dissertation Abstracts International, a dissertation abstract can be as long as 

350 words.  Be sure to keep your abstract within the 350-word limit.  An example of headers for 

an acceptable format for an abstract follows, along with a sample abstract.  

The abstract is page iv of your dissertation. This page will follow your copyright page.  Review:  The first three pages are the title page with no number, the approval page with no number, and a copyright page with no number.  The abstract on page iv is numbered with the page number (iv) centered at the bottom of the first page of the abstract.  If the abstract is longer than one page, the second page of the abstract will be number v, also centered at the bottom.    

The word “Abstract” (upper and lower case) is centered at the top with no name on this page.  The length of each section will vary but suggestions are offered.  Bold the headers and do not bold anything else. A sample abstract that was modified from a recent dissertation follows.  This type of format is similar to formats for research conference submissions, so you may find this format helpful as you present your dissertation findings elsewhere.       

Abstract

Background: (one or two sentences). 

Purpose:  (your purpose, research question(s) and/or hypothesis(es)—one or two sentences).  

Theoretical Framework/Philosophical Underpinning (if qualitative study):  (one sentence).    

Methods: (two or three sentences).   

Results: (two or three sentences).   

Conclusions: (two sentences).

Abstract 

Background: The aged population is growing worldwide with an increased need for nurses willing to care for elders.  Few student nurses have an interest in elder care but interest may increase if students’ self-transcendence can be stimulated.

Purpose:  To test the hypothesis that students in an eight-week Creative Bonding Intervention (CBI) experimental group (n = 100) would have greater self-transcendence and increased positive attitudes toward elders when compared with a Friendly Visit (FV) control group (n = 94).  

Theoretical Framework: Reed’s theory of self-transcendence.    

Methods: A pre-post-test quasi-experimental design was used to test the effects of the CBI in senior Taiwanese nursing students enrolled in a gerontology course.  Before student interaction with elders, students participated in the CBI (art activities and communication guidelines); students in the FV group received communication guidelines but no art activities. Instruments were demographic data, Reed’s Self-Transcendence Scale, revised Kogan’s Attitudes toward  Old People statements, and open-ended questionnaires. 

Results: Both groups had a significant improvement in their attitudes toward elders (p < .005).  The CBI group had more positive attitudes than the FV control group (p < .05). In the CBI group, self-transcendence was promoted but was non-significant (ns; p = .07); willingness to care for elders was significant (p < .005). The CBI appeared to stimulate young students’ self-transcendence and strengthened student-elder bonding.   

Conclusions: The CBI can be used to provide an innovative approach in caring for elders and lead to a new framework for gerontological nursing education and excellence in care of elders.

Appendix K

SAMPLE TABLE OF CONTENTS AND RELATED COMMENTS

Note: This is a sample dissertation table of contents. Please consult with the chair for other specifications.

Chapters—(match up names exactly with headers within dissertation—this is a sample and applies to a quantitative study—some headers will require a change for a qualitative study)  

Pagination.  First three pages ARE NOT NUMBERED. It should be obvious that you will enter your pages into the table of contents when you complete everything.  However, the first three pages (with no numbers) will always be the same.  

Title page is a little i but not put on the page itself.  (See example, Appendix F.)

Signature page is a little ii but not put on the page itself. (See example, Appendix G.)

Copyright page is a little iii but not put on the page itself. (See example, Appendix H.) 

The abstract is the first page that is numbered on the page itself. (See example I for format and abstract example).  Place a small roman numeral iv in the center at the bottom, and all other small roman numerals follow on each consecutive page on these first pages.    

Following the ABSTRACT page or pages come the pages which are titled:  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, DEDICATION, TABLE OF CONTENTS, LIST OF TABLES, LIST OF FIGURES (IF NEEDED)—all these are paginated with small roman numerals in the center at the bottom.  

(Note:  This is a sample dissertation table of contents guide for a quantitative study.  It should be double-spaced.  A sample format for a qualitative study follows the quantitative format.  You and your chair may decide to add additional subsections depending on the nature of your study.     

Appendix M

Qualitative Dissertation Outline: 

Note:  The proposal for the dissertation would contain CHAPTERS ONE, TWO, AND THREE described in the outline below.  The completed dissertation would include CHAPTERS FOUR AND FIVE.  The content listed below is considered essential but variations of organization within chapters may be appropriate depending on the nature of the study.  See sample chapter page and format consistently.    

CHAPTER ONE 

Problem and Domain of the Inquiry

This chapter contains the introduction of the topic that is to be studied.  It includes the purpose of the study the significance of the study topic, the research questions of the study, and the limitations and delimitations of the study. 

The dissertation chapter format should be as follows:

One or two paragraph(s) introducing the topic (There is no heading for introductory paragraph.  (See APA page 27.)

Content Headings: 

Background of the study

Statement of the Problem or Statement of Intent

Purpose of the Study

Research Questions

Philosophical Underpinnings 

Importance/Significance of the Study

Significance to Nursing

Education

Practice

Research 

Health/Public Policy

Scope and Limitations of the Study 

Chapter Summary

One paragraph which includes a brief summary of the of the chapter contents. It is suggested that the section begins with “This chapter discussed…”

CHAPTER TWO 

Review of the Literature

Introduction/Overview (no heading).  In qualitative research, this chapter contains the knowledge that is the context for the study. It is used to demonstrate the potential for complexity of the phenomenon. Include a restatement of the purpose, the search engines used, key terms, date parameters with justification. This section should conclude with a list of the content heading identified from the review.

Historical context. It can include the tracing of the historical background of the study focus, the tracing of the conceptual threads of the study, and the disciplinary perspective of the focus, 

Content Headings. Content headings will be dependent on the particular phenomenon being studied.  The subheadings within the chapter should reflect a logical pattern of knowledge content surrounding the focus of the study. Heading structure alerts readers to the order of ideas within the document; seriation helps the reader understand the organization of key points within sections, paragraphs, and sentences. (See APA, page 62). Each section within the content heading should conclude with a synthesis that supports the need for the study.

Experiential context. Address your personal knowledge or involvement with this topic. Explain how you will bracket, explain epoche in relation to your study. 

Chapter Summary. One paragraph which includes a brief summary of the of the chapter contents. It is suggested that the section begins with “This chapter discussed…”

CHAPTER THREE

Methods

Introduction/Overview:  The chapter contains a thorough explanation of the strategies that will be used to conduct the study and to formulate the answers to the research question(s).  Sufficient detail is given to demonstrate that the researcher knows and understands the qualitative method being used.  

Content Headings 

Research design. A thorough description of the qualitative method and rationale for use of this method. You may want to include a diagram that can help describe the design. 

Sample and Setting.  Description of the characteristics of the sample including, size of the sample with justification. Include access and recruitment of the sample. 

Purposive or theoretical sampling

The purpose of the sampling

Characteristics of potential types of persons, events, or processes to be sampled. 

How decisions about sampling will be made. 

       Sample size estimates provided based on previous experience, pilot work, etc. 

Access and Recruitment of the Sample. Interviews/Data Collection Procedures:  (Procedures should be explained clearly and in detail) 

Examples of Procedure Types: 

Individual interviews

Participant observation

Focus groups

Personal and public documents

Internet-based data.

Videos

 Inclusion Criteria. Inclusion and exclusion criteria are a means of establishing   

 precision in your study participants. Inclusion criteria need to be clearly defined in an  

 objective manner, so that anyone involved in the study (or anyone attempting to 

 replicate the study) can reproduce participant inclusion decisions precisely. 

Exclusion Criteria. This is the criteria for excluding participants from the study. 

Ethical Considerations/Protection of Human Subjects. Provide a detailed plan and   refer the reader to the IRB documents in the appendix.   

Data Collection Procedures. Explain in detail your procedure for data collection. Every step you will use should be included here.

Interview Questions.  Briefly explain the purpose of the interview, relate to the qualitative tradition and the research design. Include the leading question. The actual list of questions should be in an appendix.

Demographic Data.  What data will you collect and why.

Data Analysis. 

Analysis process explicitly and methodically described. 

(Content will be dependent on the specific qualitative method being used). 

Reflexivity addressed (self-analysis within the analytic process).

Research Rigor. This section should address criteria for rigor and trustworthiness and how they apply and will be pursued in your study. Data storage and organization should be addressed as you discuss the various components of rigor. Discuss where data will be kept, how organized, and how retrieved.

Chapter Summary. One paragraph which includes a brief summary of the of the chapter contents. It is suggested that the section begins with “This chapter discussed…”

CHAPTER FOUR

Findings of the Inquiry

Content headings:

• Restate the problem and provide an overview of the chapter.
• Sample description.
• Results of the data collection, including theme/codes. 
• Restatement of research question(s) Provide results of exploration of the data to assure it meets assumptions necessary and appropriate for the method.  Report the findings according to identified themes/codes.
• Connection to or formulation of a theory
• Chapter summary. One Paragraph which includes a brief summary of the of the chapter contents.

Logical explanation of the findings with the use of subheaders that is appropriate for the content of the study and the qualitative method that was employed.  

CHAPTER FIVE 

Discussion and Conclusion of the Inquiry

Exploration of the Meaning of the Study

Interpretive Analysis of the Findings

Implications/significance of the Study for Nursing Knowledge

Education

Practice

Research

Health/Public Policy

Strengths and Limitations

Recommendations for Future Study

Conclusions 

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

Example of References

Please follow APA format from the most recent edition.

Bottorff, J. L. Writing Qualitative Research Proposals. (n.d.). Retrieved November 7, 2005, from http://www.vchri.ca/i/pdf/WritingQualitative.pdf 

Piantanida, M., & Garman, N. B. (1999).  The qualitative dissertation: A guide for students and faculty. Thousand Oaks, CA: Corwin Press. 

Appendix N

TABLE OF CONTENTS 

(Sample modify for qualitative study) 

TITLE PAGE.…………………………………………………………………………………..i

SIGNATURE PAGE………………………………………………………………………..…ii

COPYRIGHT PAGE……………………………………………………………………….…iii

ABSTRACT .………………………………………………………………………………….iv

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS………………………………………………………………………

DEDICATION……………………………………………………………………………………

TABLE OF CONTENTS………………………………………………………………………….

LIST OF TABLES…………………………………………………………………………………

LIST OF FIGURES……………………………………………………………………………….

CHAPTER ONE:  …………………….. ………………………………………………………

        Introduction (no heading for introductory paragraph)………………………………………

        Background of the Study ……………………………………….………………………. …

        Problem Statement……………………………………………………………………………

Purpose of the Study………………………………………………………………………….

Definitions of the Key Terms—Theoretical and Operational . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Research Questions and Hypotheses …………………….…………………………………..

Theoretical Framework………… …………………………………………………………….

Assumptions…………………………………………………………………………………. 

        The significance of the Study……………………………………………………………….

Education……………………………………………………………….………….

Practice…………………………………………………………………………….

Research……………………………………………………………………………

Health/Public Policy……………………………………………………………….

Scope and Limitations of the Study…………………………………………………….……

Threats to External Validity………………………………………………………….………

Threats to Internal Validity……………………………………………………………………

Chapter Summary………………………………………………….…………………………

Other chapters follow according to the format you have chosen.  Reminder: Chapter headers must match the table of contents.  

Summary about numbering.  Preface pages.  Little roman numerals starting on the fourth page with iv in the middle at the bottom.  

Dissertation body.  The first chapter starts with the number 1 at the top right hand corner and continues.  

 CHAPTER TWO:  Review of the Literature

Introduction to the literature review. (Be sure to restate the purpose.)

Use specific content headers to organize each section within the chapter. (Work with   

dissertation chair on this.)  

Chapter Summary

CHAPTER THREE:  Methods

Introduction to the Methodology (Be sure to restate purpose) ………………………………

Hypotheses and/or Questions Reviewed………………………………………………………

Overview of the Design……………………………………………….………………………

Sample and Setting…………………………………………………………………….…….

Inclusion Criteria……………………………………………………………………………..

Exclusion Criteria………………………………………………………………………..…..

Ethical Consideration/Protection of Human Subjects………………………………………..

Recruitment Procedures………………………………………………………………………

Data Collection Procedures……………………………………………………………………

Data Management and Storage…………………………………………………………….

Instruments/Measures (This should include validity and reliability.)………………………

The write up for each instrument must be clear and should include the scoring procedure for the instrument. In addition include at least one study that used the instrument and supported the reliability and validity of the instrument.

Address quality assurance (Address issues of missing data, outliers, exploring for assumptions to include discussion regarding normality and colinearity.)

Data Analysis…………………………………………………………………………………

         Chapter Summary…………………………………………………………………………..

CHAPTER FOUR:  Findings of the Study

Introduction (Restates the problem and provides an overview of the chapter)……………

Finding of the Study……………………………………………………………………….

Describe the Sample and Statistical Results from Any Instruments ………………………

Response to Measurement Instrument(s)…………………………………………………….

Descriptive findings for major study Variables………………………………………………

Hypotheses Testing………………………………………………………………………….

            Chapter Summary…………………………………………………………………………  

CHAPTER FIVE:  Summary and Discussion of Findings

Introduction (include statement of the problem, the purpose of the study, and Summary of the Study which is a brief discussion of the findings from different standpoints)

Summary of the Findings (demographic & background characteristics, relationship between major study variables)………………………………………………………………………….

Significance of the Study to Nursing………………………………………………………….

Education……………………………………………..…………………………….

Practice……………………………………………………….…………………….

Research…………………………………………………………………………….

Health/Public Policy………………………………………………….…………….

Strengths and Limitations of the Study……………………………………………………….

Recommendations for Future Study………………………………………………………

Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………………

REFERENCES

APPENDICES

VITA—2 pages only