Making a Theoretical Contribution to Research
As a doctoral candidate, making an independent original contribution to knowledge evidenced with your dissertation study is the final requirement to complete your doctoral degree. The dissertation is no fancy essay and is a demanding qualification requiring and demonstrating expert knowledge along with a cadre of skills such as critical thinking, analytical abilities, creativity, organization, time management, and so much more. Sometimes, using and developing these skills can be a daunting task.
Many students begin their academic journey only to realize the unexpected demands of undertaking the doctoral level research requirements. Without the right guidance, insufficient motivation creeps in and before long, many succumb to the pressure and quit before graduating. This outcome can however be avoided and using certain strategies such as a dissertation coach has been shown to have a positive influence on increasing graduation rates.
As a dissertation coach for over 12 years, my observations of students include difficulties most have with understanding the role of a theory in their study. Many students are confused about the meaning and purpose of a theory. Simply put, theories are the basis for explanations such as behaviors or predictions. For example, if A happens, B will engage in Y activity. A theory is effective when there is the ability to specify how various concepts or factors of phenomena relate to each other in the way that they relate.
Although qualitative studies use concepts, these concepts are foundational in theories and are stated as applied propositions. In quantitative studies, theories are measurable and stated as a hypothesis. The hypothesis itself is not a theory, it is simply a prediction that is supported by theoretical argument through empirical research. One requirement of a dissertation is making original contributions to knowledge. Originality is a connection between accepted prior knowledge and new discoveries or ideas within a study. New knowledge is the difference between what was already known and what is unknown that confirms existing knowledge, extends existing knowledge, or disconfirm prior knowledge.
There are many ways to make new contributions, which need not be difficult. Lack of understanding about these basic requirements when conducting a dissertation can cost you much wasted time, money, energy, and negative psychological outcomes. Using a dissertation coach can help you avoid these pitfalls and keep you on the road to completion.
If you believe you can benefit from the help of a dissertation coach, please feel free to reach out to me. I am more than happy to help you.
Kindly,
Dr. D. Chris Alleyne, DBA-ISM, MBA-TM, BSBA-PM
Dissertation Coach (Over 12 yrs. Experience)
Private Pilot, Classical Pianist, Six Sigma Blackbelt
US: 1-980-722-2627
Contact Us – Alleyne Academics Inc.