Doctoral Faculty

We work with a large number of clients from various doctoral degree concentrations:

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
• Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
• Doctor of Business Administration (D.B.A.)
• Both Quantitative and Qualitative Methodologies

We are ready to assist you in developing a plan that drives your proposed dissertation study from start to finish.

In discussing the various types of dissertations, it is essential to understand the differences between qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods dissertations. We primarily focus on assisting students with quantitative dissertations across diverse academic fields, including social sciences, psychology, education, business, medical and biological sciences, sports science, and other science-based disciplines. However, it is worth exploring the fundamentals of qualitative and mixed methods dissertations to determine if they align with your research objectives.

Quantitative Dissertations

Quantitative dissertations involve a specific approach to research, emphasizing theory development, the exploration of research questions and hypotheses, the formulation of research strategies, and deriving conclusions from empirical results. Whether adopting an original approach, replication-based studies, or data-driven research, quantitative dissertations share key characteristics. They aim to build upon or test theories, address quantitative research questions or hypotheses, and typically align with positivist or post-positivist research paradigms. 

Utilizing various quantitative research designs, such as descriptive, experimental, quasi-experimental, or relationship-based approaches, these dissertations often employ probability sampling techniques to generalize findings. Data collection methods include structured interviews, questionnaires, laboratory-based methods, and statistical analysis techniques to evaluate the data's reliability, validity, and construct validity. Findings are presented through statements, data, tables, and graphs, which are scrutinized in the context of the research questions and existing theories.

Qualitative Dissertations

Qualitative dissertations encompass an alternative research approach, utilizing methods like unstructured interviews, focus groups, and participant observation. These dissertations extend beyond methodological choices to encompass a unique research process, including the formulation of research questions, theory development, and presentation of findings. The approach varies depending on the chosen route, which may include case study research, ethnographies, grounded theory, narrative research, or phenomenological research. 

Common features of qualitative dissertations include an emergent design, the flexible use of theory, alignment with diverse research paradigms (e.g., interpretivism, constructivism), and an emphasis on in-depth data collection in natural settings. Qualitative data are interpreted by researchers, leading to the identification of themes and patterns, and findings are presented through personal accounts, case studies, narratives, and other qualitative means. These findings are discussed in the context of research questions, providing theoretical insights.

Mixed Methods Dissertations

Mixed methods dissertations represent a fusion of qualitative and quantitative approaches to research. We recognize the value of such dissertations, where qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods are combined, either separately or through integration. Researchers often employ mixed methods when multiple research phases are necessary, such as conducting qualitative research to explore themes before using quantitative research to measure relationships. 

A challenge in mixed methods research is balancing the fundamental differences between qualitative and quantitative approaches. Researchers must carefully consider the research objectives and decide whether qualitative and quantitative components should be integrated or kept separate to achieve the best outcomes.

In summary, we provide guidance for students pursuing various types of dissertations, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Understanding the distinct characteristics of each dissertation type is essential for making informed research decisions.