Prospectus

The prospectus phase is an essential step in ensuring that the doctoral candidate has a well-defined and feasible research plan before embarking on the more extensive and time-consuming dissertation work. It helps set the foundation for a successful and meaningful research project. Here are key aspects that a doctoral candidate should expect during the prospectus phase:

​

Topic Selection:

Identifying a research topic that is relevant, original, and contributes to the existing body of knowledge is crucial for advancing the field. The topic should address current issues or emerging trends, filling a gap in the literature while offering new insights or perspectives. By selecting a topic with the potential to expand understanding or offer practical applications, the research can make a meaningful impact.

​

Literature Review:

Conducting an in-depth review of relevant literature to demonstrate a thorough understanding of the current state of research in the chosen area. This review should not only summarize key findings but also critically evaluate methodologies, identify research gaps, and highlight emerging trends. Such an analysis will provide a solid foundation for positioning your research within the broader academic context and for justifying the significance of your study.

 

Research Questions or Hypotheses:

The research questions or hypotheses in the dissertation should clearly address key aspects of the chosen topic and align with gaps in existing knowledge. The study should investigate underlying mechanisms, relationships, or outcomes to provide insights the literature has yet to explore, thereby advancing the field through new perspectives or refinement of prior findings.

​

Theoretical Framework:
A theoretical framework provides the underlying structure that connects research questions to established theories or models, grounding the study in existing knowledge. It helps to explain how and why the research topic is relevant and directs the methodology and analysis. By situating the research within a theoretical framework, researchers can ensure coherence and alignment between the study's objectives, hypotheses, and the broader field of inquiry.

​

Methodology:

The dissertation will use a qualitative or quantitative design. Qualitative methods like interviews and focus groups explore lived experiences, while quantitative methods such as surveys and statistical analysis test hypotheses and measure variables. Both approaches align with the research objectives and ensure meaningful insights. 

​

Significance and Contribution:

Clearly state the significance of the research by explaining how it fills existing knowledge gaps and advances understanding in the field. Highlight the importance of these gaps, the new insights or practical applications the study offers, and how its outcomes could inform future research, policy, practice, or theory—demonstrating its relevance to both scholars and practitioners.

​

Feasibility:

Address the feasibility of the research plan by evaluating its timeline, required resources, and ethical considerations. Determine if the proposed timeframe is realistic within the scope of the research and any deadlines. Review ethical considerations, including informed consent and data privacy, to ensure compliance with relevant guidelines. Additionally, discuss potential challenges that may arise, such as limited access to data or unforeseen delays, and propose strategies to address them.
 

Advisor and Committee Involvement:

Work closely with your dissertation advisor and committee members throughout the process, maintaining open communication and regularly seeking their guidance. Be prepared to receive detailed feedback and engage in multiple rounds of revisions, as these interactions are essential for refining your prospectus. This collaboration ensures that the prospectus meets the required standards and is thoroughly vetted before it reaches the formal approval stage.