Assignment: Following the Prospectus description in the Doctoral Project Manual, use the criteria and information from previous activities to draft your Prospectus. Use your Research Question(s) as your focus for the discussion. Complete a Prospectus, providing sufficient information about your topic of interest, providing information on how the students plans to do the research, and explaining the value of this work. The document is 4-7 pages.
The Prospectus will contain the following parts: Introduction, Background of the Problem, Statement of the Problem, and Purpose of the Study (with Research Questions).
Introduction (no heading): The introduction puts the study in perspective for the reader. The introduction also acquaints the reader with the topic and the methodology used to study the problem. Introduce key areas of the study which support the aim of the study. Finish with the aim of the study.
Background of the Problem: Articulates why the topic is being studied. Why is the problem of pressing societal concern or theoretical interest? Describe the societal situation and the problem that the doctoral candidate will address by conducting the project. Information to be included is relevant historical and statistical information. Establish the disparities, discrepancies, issues, or challenges relevant to the key areas of your study. The background of the problem illustrates why the topic is appropriate, worthwhile, and feasible.
Statement of the Problem: The statement of the problem situates the key areas of the study in the existing literature. Above you would have detailed major issues or concerns, here using the current literature establish the focus of your study. Establish a benchmark or the parameters of the study using what is known and unknown from the literature. This discussion will mirror your Chapter 2. Purpose of the Study: Articulate the purpose (how you are going to approach the research problem) and state the research questions. The questions for research should be comprehensive and reflect the major areas of the study and relevant to the selected phenomenon. Follow with the Theory you will use to guide the inquiry.
Submit paper of your discussion using points of emphasis above. 4 to 7 pages.