Tool for Dissertation Proposal Review

Tool for Dissertation Proposal Review

REVIEW OF A RESEARCH INTRODUCTION	Yes	No	Comments
1.      Does the introduction describe the problem, issue, or question that interests the author?
2.      Does the introduction review the background and context of the problem?
3.      Does the introduction establish what has been said and done in the problem area by referring to the theoretical, empirical, and non-research literature?
4.      Does the introduction identify gaps in the body of knowledge?
5.      Does the introduction explain what the author hopes to add to this body of knowledge?
6.     Does the introduction explain why the gaps selected for investigation are important/significant enough for investigation (the rationale and significance of the research)?
7.     Does the introduction outline how the author delimits the scope and parameters of the research?
8.     Does the introduction outline the content and structure of the research report?
REVIEW OF A LITERATURE REVIEW
1.     Does the literature review review the research relevant to the study?
2.     Does the literature review review the theoretical perspectives that underpin or inform the research?
3.     Does the literature review review any non-research literature (e.g. reports, etc.) that summarizes and synthesizes background and contextual information
4.     Does the literature review critique numbers 1-3 above by (a) identifying arguments for and against issues and controversies and (b) weighing up the value of various theories, arguments, claims, conclusions, methodologies/designs (including an identification of strengths and weaknesses)?
5.     Does the literature review identify gaps or shortcomings in this knowledge?
6.     Does the literature review justify why the gap(s) are important and significant enough to be investigated?
7.     Does the literature review explain how the design and execution of the research is informed by the above activities (e.g. how the literature provided a focus for the research questions/hypotheses and guided the methodology and design)?
REVIEW OF A METHODOLOGY SECTION
1.     Does the methodology describe and justify the methodological approach best suited to the research questions/hypotheses?
2.     Does the methodology describe and justify the research design best suited to examine the research questions/hypotheses?
3.     Does the methodology describe and justify the specific methods to be employed for data collection?
4.     Does the methodology explain how the quality standards of the study are achieved?
5.     Does the methodology describe and justify the data collection procedures?
6.     Does the methodology describe and justify the data analysis procedures?