EDAD 8193 A06: Dissertation Methods

EDAD 8193 - Seminar in Educational Research--Dissertation: Methodology

Fall 2026 Syllabus, Section A06, CRN 44253,

Credit hours: 2

Course Meeting Times

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Instructor

Phyllis Paul

Email: pmpaul@ysu.edu

Public Instructor Information

Instructor Title: Dr. Phyllis M. Paul, Professor
Instructor Professional Qualifications: Ph.D., Music Education, Florida State University, 2003
Instructor Office Location: N/A
Instructor Office Phone: N/A

Course Description

8193. Seminar in Educational Research--Dissertation: Methodology. Students will build knowledge and skills in developing Chapter 3 of their dissertation. Writing of Chapter 3 will be broken down into manageable milestones, following the guidelines set forth in the YSU Educational Leadership Dissertation Guidelines and template. Admission to the Ed.D program required. Prereq. or Coreq.: EDAD 8191. 2 s.h.

Course Readings

Group Title Author ISBN
Required Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation (4th Ed) Merriam, S.B. & E.J. Tisdell 111900361X, 9781119003618
Required Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. 4th Edition Rudestam, K. E. & R. R. Newton 9781452260976

Required Texts:

  • Merriam, S.B. & E.J. Tisdell (2016). Qualitative Research: A guide to design and implementation. 4th Edition. Jossey Bass: San Francisco.
  • Rudestam, K.E. & R.R. Newton (2015). Surviving your dissertation: A comprehensive guide to content and process. 4th Edition. Sage: Los Angeles.
  • Morrissey, C.T. The two-sentence format as an interviewing technique in oral history fieldwork. "Oral History Review", 15(1), 43-53. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3674957
  • YSU's elements of informed consent
  • YSU's IRB website

The course readings are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, research developments, current events, and/or to ensure better learning.  

Course Learning Outcomes/Objectives/Goals

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How to Succeed in This Course

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Attendance Expectations

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Late Work Submission Policy

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Additional Course Expectations

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Artificial Intelligence Policy Statement

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Assignments/Assessments

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Grading and Grading Scale

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University Policies

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Schedule of Topics and Assignments

Week of Reading(s) Proposed Topic Due/To Prepare for Class
8/24 1) Merriam & Tisdell, pp. 76-80
2) Rudestam & Newton, pp. 99-107
Research Method, Sample, & Role of Researcher 1) Module 1 Assignment: Write the following subsections (40 Points) *Introduction of Chapter *Research Method *Participants-Sample/Role of Researcher/Validity
2) Discussion (2 Points): What is an appropriate role for a researcher?
9/28 1) Merriam & Tisdell, pp. 107-136; pp. 195-236
2) Rudestam & Newton, pp. 108-135
3) Morrisey, pp. 43-53
Data Collection & Analysis 1) Module 2 Assignment: Write the following subsections (20 Points) *Data Collection/Instruments •Data Analysis, Validity, Limitations
2) Discussion (2 points) Identify someone who you feel is a good interviewer. What qualities make that person a good collector of data?
10/19 1) Rudestam & Newton, pp. 313-332
2) YSU’s Elements of Informed Consent
Ethical Considerations & Summary of Chapter 1) Module 3 Assignment: Write the following subsections (20 points): *Ethical Considerations *Summary of Chapter
2) Discussion (2 points) Give an example from your own work or life of an ethical dilemma associated with discovering or reporting information. How does your status as an insider / outsider to an organization affect your ability to gain knowledge?
11/9 1) YSU’s IRB Website
2) YSU’s Informed Consent Template
Complete an IRB Application 1) Module 4 Assignment (4 points) *Upload your completed IRB application
2) Discussion (Optional) Students may post to discussion board about any questions/concerns with the IRB application.
11/30 Make final revisions to Chapter 3 Module 5 Assignment (10 points) *Upload a consolidated document that tracks changes (i.e., you show the edits made) to all subsections. In other words, you are revising and resubmitting Modules 1-3.

The course schedule, policies, procedures, and assignments in this course are subject to change in the event of extenuating circumstances, by mutual agreement, and/or to ensure better learning.