Write a Quality Prospectus

Catalog description

Section information text: In this course, students acquaint themselves with the format and requirements of the PhD Prospectus Form and begin working on the components of their Prospectus under the direction of their chair. The Prospectus Form is a formal document and is the first formal step in completing a dissertation. Students will distinguish between a social problem and a research problem that is based on scientific literature; describe the problem the research will address and why it is appropriate for a dissertation; formulate a clear research question or questions; and identify a study methodology. The emphasis in the class will be on iterative development and alignment of all elements of the Prospectus. The draft Prospectus Form students produce in this course should not be considered a final product that is ready for approval. Once registered for PSYC 9000, Dissertation Research, students will work with their Chair and Committee Member to continue to refine and finalize the Prospectus Form. In addition to the prerequisites for this class, it is expected that students will have assembled and have available a list of peer-reviewed articles relevant to their potential research topic as part of their previous academic studies. Students will add to this collection as this course and all future dissertation work proceeds apace.