Writing about Methods in Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Writing Center’s presentation of Annotated Bibliography Basics. My name is Hillary Wentworth, and I will be your presenter for this evening. This presentation will be about 30 – 45 minutes in length. During the presentation, feel free to use the Q and A box on the right hand side of the screen to type questions as you think of them. I will also answer these questions at the end. Do know that this presentation will be recorded, so you can always watch it again if you need to. The slides will also be available for you to download and keep for your records. Walden University Writing Center

Session objectives Learn how methods concern your research Identify components of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies Connect components to present in your proposal Learn writing tips and university resources to use in researching and writing your proposal In this webinar, we’ll be discussing the annotated bibliography section of your KAM’s Depth, including its purpose, format, and organization. I’ll also provide some strategies for approaching this section and ensuring expectations are met. Finally, together, we’ll review some example writing to determine what the annotated bibliography looks like and what the author is doing well. Hopefully you’ll be able to then use these as models while writing your own.

Methods in the capstone EdD Research option: Section 3; see EdD research study rubric Project option: Section 2; see EdD project study rubric DBA Section 2; see DBA doctoral study rubric PhD Chapter 3; see PhD dissertation checklist and rubric New PhD rubric webinar (Center for Research Quality) Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Methods and the proposal Conduct preliminary research and research between drafts Literature first Draft literature review Draft methods section Draft introduction Introduction first Draft literature review C. Do not begin with the method Your research problem dictates your method, so you need to identify your problem first. Research problem webinar Before we get into how to create an annotated bibliography, we need to understand the purpose of the assignment. Overall, there can be many functions. [CLICK] As a writer, creating an annotated bibliography allows you to demonstrate your knowledge on a current topic. It also requires you to think critically about a source’s value (or lack of value) to help inform future researchers. Specifically in your KAM, the annotated bibliography appears at the beginning of the Depth section, so it can be seen as a stepping stone to the literature review. Essentially, through the annotated bibliography, you are gathering your sources—and your thoughts on those sources.

Research methods Qualitative Quantitative Mixed methods Grounded theory (brief note) Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Qualitative studies Purpose To explore a phenomenon in great detail Approach Inductive (specific to general; phenomenon to patterns/themes to interpretation to conclusion) Language Open-ended (e.g., “explore the lived experiences…” or “examine the narratives…”); typically two or three research questions. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Qualitative studies: Components Topics in methods section Data collection Introduction Data analysis Justification of method/design Data quality Role of the researcher Ethical considerations Questions and subquestions Conclusion Researcher-participant relationship Criteria for selecting participants Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Qualitative studies: Connecting components Describe and justify design (derives from problem) Include research questions (no hypotheses) Explain Context of study Criteria for selecting participants. Data collection procedures. How and when the data will be analyzed Address your potential bias (the researcher’s role) Describe measures for ethical protection of participants Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Quantitative studies Purpose Approach Language To examine the relationship between two or more quantifiable variables Approach Deductive (general to specific; theory to hypothesis to observation to conclusion) Language Open-ended (“what is the relationship between X and Y”?) Variables should be identified. The independent variable should be conceptualized as a variable that affects the dependent variable. Number of research questions can depend on number of variables. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Quantitative studies: Components Topics in methods section Data collection Introduction Data analysis Justification of method/design Ethical considerations Research questions and hypotheses Conclusion Setting and sample Treatment (if applicable) Instrumentation and materials Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Quantitative studies: Connecting components Describe and justify design (derives from problem) Include research questions (hypotheses) Explain Setting, population, and sample. Treatment, instrumentation, and materials. Name and type; concepts measured; reliability/validity Data collection and analysis procedures. Explanation of descriptive and/or inferential analyses Pilot study results, if applicable Describe measures for ethical protection of participants Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Mixed-method studies Purpose Approach Language To explore a multifaceted phenomenon. Some components of the phenomenon should be quantified, and others should be in narrative form. Approach Both inductive and deductive Language Research questions presented in two sections One section includes qualitative, open-ended questions One section includes quantitative questions with variables and null and alternative hypotheses Components (subheadings) Relevant qualitative and quantitative components Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Mixed-method studies: Connecting components Describe and justify design (derives from problem). Address relevant qualitative and quantitative content (see preceding slides). Explain measures for ethical protection of participants. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Grounded theory Grounded theories are typically based on qualitative methods but may use quantitative approaches, too. Any grounded theory study results in a theory. This important outcome is often missing in student work. Grounded theories use an abductive approach (beginning with incomplete data & proceeding to likeliest possible explanation). Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Use the Q&A box on your screen Type a question, and I will answer it. Questions Use the Q&A box on your screen Type a question, and I will answer it. This concludes our presentation on Annotated Bibliography Basics for this evening! If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask them using the Questions box. I will remain online for a few more minutes to make sure I have resolved any of your questions. I’ll answer them in the Q and A box, but if I feel like something should be addressed verbally, I’ll do so. Also, if you think of any questions at a later date, know you can always email the writing tutors at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.

Introduction to the Study and methods Parts of Chapter/Section 1 concerning methods include Problem Statement: guides the choice of method Nature of the Study: provides overview of method/design Limitations: determines generalizability of final results Delimitations: clarifies the focus of the study. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Problem statement and methods Identifies a gap in literature or in education/business practice Quantitative: Gap is best addressed by examining the relationship between two or more variables Qualitative: Gap is best addressed by increasing understanding about an issue (the “issue” cannot or should not be quantified) Mixed method: Gap is best addressed through multiple methodological approaches. Employing only one method will not adequately address the gap. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Nature of the study and methods Provides a brief introduction to your methods Include details (e.g., number of participants, names of instruments) Direct readers to methods section for more information (e.g., “See Chapter 3 for an extended discussion of the proposed study’s methods.”) Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Limitations and methods Characteristics of the design or method that set parameters on application or interpretation of the study’s results Sample size: Small samples lessen the ability to draw conclusions from sample data about a larger group. Instruments used for data collection: Instruments may limit the validity of participant responses. Time frame for data collection: A short time frame may prohibit causal claims between the variables. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Delimitations The boundaries of the inquiry, usually determined in the development of the proposal. Delimitations should explain what a study does not intend to cover, with justification for not doing so. These decisions should be based on criteria as “not directly relevant” or “not feasible" and the like. Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

Writing tips For the proposal, write in the future tense. “I will run a regression analysis…” After the proposal has been approved and data have been collected and analyzed, write in the past tense. “I ran a regression analysis…” Be specific Recipe card analogy (how many participants, which instruments, etc.) Anthropomorphism is giving human traits to inanimate objects. Because it can be confusing, APA says to avoid this structure in your sentences. An example of anthropomorphism would be the article stated… or The study found. Because an article cannot really say anything and a study itself cannot find, these should not be in your annotations—or any scholarly writing, for that matter. [CLICK] A good revision is to identify the authors—either through their actual names or “the authors” and “the researchers.” In the critique section I tend to see many general opinion-based statements like “The researchers did an excellent job.” I read this and ask “Why were the researchers excellent? What about the article was so good?” I am looking for specific examples to justify that assessment. As a reader, I want to believe your critique—but I need more information to be able to believe. Example: Example: The researchers effectively described the study procedures by listing them chronologically, in a logical format.

Take-home points Writing is a process. Allow yourself multiple revisions of each section and take advantage of the Writing Center’s services. The research problem dictates the method. Do not impose a “pet” method to address an ill-fitting research problem. The method components should be clear. The description of the method should be detailed enough so that others could replicate the study. Anthropomorphism is giving human traits to inanimate objects. Because it can be confusing, APA says to avoid this structure in your sentences. An example of anthropomorphism would be the article stated… or The study found. Because an article cannot really say anything and a study itself cannot find, these should not be in your annotations—or any scholarly writing, for that matter. [CLICK] A good revision is to identify the authors—either through their actual names or “the authors” and “the researchers.” In the critique section I tend to see many general opinion-based statements like “The researchers did an excellent job.” I read this and ask “Why were the researchers excellent? What about the article was so good?” I am looking for specific examples to justify that assessment. As a reader, I want to believe your critique—but I need more information to be able to believe. Example: Example: The researchers effectively described the study procedures by listing them chronologically, in a logical format.

Resources Center for Research Quality Research resources See Research Planning and Writing See Research Design and Analysis Forms (arranged by program: DBA, EdD, PhD) Writing Center Webinars See Scholarly Writing Webinars See Graduate Level Webinars See Capstone Webinars This webinar is not your only way to become more knowledgeable about the annotated bibliography and the KAM as a whole. You can contact the library for help locating scholarly sources. If you would like additional examples of what your KAM sections should look like, see the Writing Center’s KAM Exemplars page. The university also offers KAM Intensives, which are like PhD residencies but smaller and focused only on producing your KAM. The Writing Center also has other tips regarding scholarly writing in general on our website.

Questions Email research questions to the Center for Research Quality (see Contact Us page) Email writing questions to the Writing Center Course papers/KAMs: writingsupport@waldenu.edu Capstone proposals/studies: editor@waldenu.edu This concludes our presentation on Annotated Bibliography Basics for this evening! If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask them using the Questions box. I will remain online for a few more minutes to make sure I have resolved any of your questions. I’ll answer them in the Q and A box, but if I feel like something should be addressed verbally, I’ll do so. Also, if you think of any questions at a later date, know you can always email the writing tutors at writingsupport@waldenu.edu.