Dissertation Proposal Outline Template

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Working Title:  

Student:     Advisor:  

Program:     Date:  

Chapter 1: Introduction

1.1 Background of the Problem

Provide context for your study. What is the broader issue? Why does it matter? Use statistics, recent events, or trends to establish relevance. (1-2 paragraphs)

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Clearly articulate the specific problem your research addresses. What gap exists in current knowledge or practice? (1 paragraph)

1.3 Purpose of the Study

State the purpose of your study in one clear sentence. Begin with: "The purpose of this [qualitative/quantitative/mixed methods] study is to..." (1 paragraph)

1.4 Research Questions (or Hypotheses)

List your research questions or hypotheses. Quantitative studies typically use hypotheses; qualitative studies use open-ended questions.

1.5 Theoretical or Conceptual Framework

Briefly introduce the theory or framework guiding your study. Explain how it connects to your research questions. (1-2 paragraphs; expanded in Chapter 2)

1.6 Significance of the Study

Explain why this study matters. Who benefits? How does it contribute to theory, practice, or policy? (2-3 paragraphs)

1.7 Definition of Key Terms

Define specialized terms that readers need to understand your study.

1.8 Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations

Assumptions: What you take as true without proof. Limitations: Potential weaknesses. Delimitations: Boundaries you set.

Chapter 2: Literature Review

2.1 Introduction to the Literature Review

Briefly describe the scope and organization of your review. What topics will you cover and in what order?

2.2 Theoretical Foundation

Discuss the theory or model that undergirds your study. Explain its origins, key constructs, and how it has been applied in prior research.

2.3 Theme 1: [Name Your First Theme]

Synthesize the literature on your first major theme. Group by findings, methodology, or chronology -- not source by source.

2.4 Theme 2: [Name Your Second Theme]

2.5 Theme 3: [Name Your Third Theme]

2.6 Summary and Gap Analysis

Summarize the key findings from the literature. Clearly identify the gap your study will address.

Chapter 3: Methodology

3.1 Research Design

Describe and justify your research design (e.g., qualitative case study, quantitative correlational, mixed methods explanatory sequential).

3.2 Population and Sample

Describe the target population and your sampling strategy. Include sample size justification (power analysis for quantitative; saturation for qualitative).

3.3 Instrumentation

Describe the instruments you will use (surveys, interview protocols, observation checklists). Include reliability and validity information.

3.4 Data Collection Procedures

Describe step-by-step how you will collect data. Include recruitment, consent, and data storage procedures.

3.5 Data Analysis Plan

Describe how you will analyze the data. Include specific statistical tests or qualitative analysis methods, and the software you will use.

3.6 Validity and Reliability (or Trustworthiness)

Address threats to validity (quantitative) or describe trustworthiness strategies (qualitative: credibility, transferability, dependability, confirmability).

3.7 Ethical Considerations

Describe how you will protect participants. Include IRB review level, informed consent, confidentiality measures, and data security.

References

List all sources cited in your proposal, formatted according to your required style guide (APA, Chicago, etc.).

Appendices

Include: survey instruments, interview protocols, consent forms, IRB approval letter, recruitment materials, and any other supplementary materials.