2018-2019 Student Catalog | Doctor of Ministry Program | Academic Program | Dissertation
Chapter Checklist
Typical Dissertation Chapter Checklist
(May vary depending on research method employed)
Front Matter
- Title page
- Copyright page
- Abstract
- Acknowledgements
- Table of Contents
Chapter One
- Problem introduced, often with personal vignette
- Purpose of study stated clearly and concisely
- Brief description of theoretical framework and grounding in literature
- Context of study established
- Research question(s) identified
- Research methodology described
- Design of study described
- Instrumentation explained
- Key terms defined
- Data collection and analysis described
- Independent and dependent variables identified
- Delimitations and generalizability described
- Biblical/theological foundations introduced
- Overview of remaining chapters
Chapter Two
- Relevant sources identified and discussed
- Critical interaction with sources
- Themes emerging from literature developed in essay style
- Structure developed logically and coherently around themes, not around specific resources
- Discussion related clearly to problem of the study
- Quality of literature discussed as important as quantity (use primary sources as much as possible)
- Theoretical framework summarized by end of chapter
Chapter Three
- Clear description and analysis of key biblical passages and themes
- Discussion of central theological and ecclesiological issues
- Demonstrate sound exegesis and astute theological reflection
- Integrate relevant insight from the history of the church and leading theologians
Chapter Four
- Problem/purpose restated
- Research questions restated and explained
- Detailed description of every component of the research
- Selection of participants described and explained; rationale given
- Population and sample described
- Instruments explained
- Independent and dependent variables explained
- Control procedures described
- Data collection and analysis detailed
- Reliability and validity data provided
- Ethical guidelines described
- Describe study with such exhaustive detail and clarity that another researcher could easily replicate your study in order to verify it
Chapter Five
- Provide the answers to the research questions
- Focus on significant findings
- Use statistical analysis correctly and appropriately
- Use tables, graphs, and figures as appropriate
- Organize chapter around answers to the research questions
- Evaluate and discuss findings
Chapter Six
- Describe implications and significance of research
- Key contributions of this research
- Limitations of research
- Unexpected observations
- Recommendations for further research
- Practical applications
- Personal impact
- Concluding thoughts
Back Matter
- Appendices (Copies of research instruments such as surveys, questionnaires, curriculum, letters, etc.)
- Bibliography