1. Writing and Supporting a Problem Statement Track 2  Saturday, July 14, 2018 9:15-10:45 a.m.
Gina Peyton, Ed.D, Associate Professor David B. Ross, Ed.D, Associate Professor

2. Brief Disclaimer
We will be reviewing a brief style for your dissertation
Numerous faculty philosophies
Teaching styles
Courses, dissertation chair, and dissertation committee member
Various writing styles
Only APA 6th edition format
Different philosophies of hiring an editor
Be careful Do your homework

3. Introduction to the Prospectus: DISR 8966
Your ultimate goal is to select a research topic/problem/phenomenon and develop the initial components of the dissertation.
This is the student’s selection for many reasons:
Will assist them in a future position or job
Dedication, commitment, and buy-in
Passion and personal
(Bookmark this)

4. The Topic
Identify the topic of the dissertation. This is a brief description of the proposed area of study (include at least two sentences).
As a student, you are to identify an area of need or problem in a work setting or field of interest.

5. Possible topic ideas may include
Personal interest
Organizational support
Ethical issues
Relevance of the study
Contribution to the field
Time constraints
Breath/scope
Economic Factors
Hopefully, by now, most of you have already identified a problem and reviewed related literature (via RES 9300 – Methods of Inquiry).

6. The Problem Statement
What is a Problem Statement? It is a statement that identifies a problem or issue of importance to the work setting or field.
If you already know the answer, the study does not need to be addressed.
If you can identify the answer to the problem from existing studies, the study does not need to be addressed.
Common error with dissertation students: Just because your work setting is lacking something does not mean there is a problem. It is what is happening because of that lack that is the problem. The key is to support your problem with evidence.

7. Writing and Supporting the Problem Statement
Statement of the problem should include the following:
A clear statement of what is wrong or needs to be addressed – What is the problem?
A clear statement that the problem exists – Why is it a problem?
Probable causes related to the problem – What may have caused the problem?
Evidence that supports the existence of the problem – Supporting documentation/Proof
Evidence of an existing trend that has led to the problem – again, supporting documentation/Proof
Who has researched the problem? – again, supporting documentation/Proof
A clear description of the setting of the study.

8. The Importance of the Problem Statement:
It supports the topic;
It creates interest; and
It demonstrations how the study will add to the existing literature.

9. Supporting the Problem Statement
Must show evidence of the problem
Justification based on what other researchers have found;
Justification based on personal or workplace experiences; and
Justification based on the experiences that others had in the workplace.
General
Specific

10. How to know if a problem should be researched
Questions to ask yourself:
Can you study the problem?
Do you have access to the research site?
Do you have the time, resources, and skills to carry out the research?
Should you study the problem?
Does it advance knowledge to the field?
Does it contribute to the practice?
Will your study update, fill a gap, or void in the existing literature?
Will your study replicate a past study but examine different participants and research sites?
Will your study extend past research or examine the topic more thoroughly?
Will your study give voice to people not heard in your field?

11. Creating A Problem Statement
The problem of this study is __________________
What is occurring?
Leadership is creating a toxic environment.
When did the problem start?
Since this person has held the titled position.
Where is the occurrence and who is impacted?
The study site.
What is the magnitude of the problem?
Morale issues, low productivity, absenteeism . . .

12. Problem Statement
The problem addressed through this study is that not all school leaders understand how their leadership style directly impacts school climate in a real and significant way. Further, it is imperative for school leaders to understand that a positive school climate will improve faculty morale, productivity, and retention, as well as improve the likelihood of success amongst students.
By developing a more globalized understanding of the characteristics of what constitutes a joyful and positive school climate, school leaders will be better equipped to measure existing levels of climate and then implement strategies demonstrated through best practice to improve and enhance school climate for faculty, staff, and students.

13. Problem Statement
Narcissistic leadership is a form of leadership that has been linked to ineffective and immoral leadership, counterproductive leadership, counterproductive work behavior, and low job satisfaction. Therefore, employees who work under this leadership within organizations, are experiencing a decrease in motivation and moral, stress, and faced with unsatisfying work conditions. There is a lack of research that observes employees’ perceptions about their leaders within all fields and how they utilize their power which in turn causes a toxic workplace environment.

14. Professors’ contact information Department of Higher Education Leadership and Instructional Technology
Dr. David B. Ross
Associate Professor
Dr. Gina Peyton
Associate Professor
Tommy Peyton PowerPoint Developer