Definition of Terms and Theoretical Framework

See the attached files to get feedback on week 3

Assignment

Due February 2 at 11:59 PM

Week 4 Project: Definition of Terms and Theoretical Framework

Work with your chair to determine any specific instructions or guidance that he or she may have for you about your topic selection development document.

Now that the purpose of the study has been determined and the statement of the problem has been composed, there may be issues of definitions that must be resolved. On occasion, the same word/term may be used to mean more than one thing. For this reason, a Definition of Terms section is needed to specify the meaning of the major terms that are in use in the research. The terms to be defined should only be those that are directly applicable to the topic (and subtopics) that will be investigated in the research.

In the instructions for prior weeks, a sample problem statement arose in questioning the existence of a relationship between a transformational leadership style and the ethical values and behaviors of those who are following the transformation leader. In this context, it may be necessary to provide a definition of transformation leadership. Although you might be able to develop a definition of your own, a preferred approach is to be able to cite a definition that has been used in a previously-published piece of research. This ties your work to the literature that has already been published and strengthens the linkage of your research to that of others.

The theoretical framework for the dissertation provides the skeleton on which the entire body of the dissertation hangs. Using the transformational leadership example once again, on what theoretical basis might one suggest the anticipated impact on ethical values and behaviors? Just because one anticipates or suspects something does not mean that it is grounded in theory. Some examples of leadership theories would include servant, connective, self-sacrificial, complex, contextual, shared, spiritual, authentic, and ethical. On which of these leadership theories (or other leadership theories, since this is not an exhaustive list) is the supposition or anticipation based?

Creating the theoretical framework for a research study may be one of the most difficult aspects of designing a research study. However, by tying the research to an already-published theory, you will be building upon the work of others and providing to yourself a collection of publications that draw upon the same theoretical framework as your research.

Submission Details:

• Present this weeks work in a paper that integrates an introduction to your topic, the definitions of the terms that directly relate to your study, and the theoretical framework, including appropriate documentation.
• Use APA style in preparing your paper and citing references.
• Post the problem statement in the Week 4 Submissions Area.
• Notify your chair (e.g., e-mail) when you have submitted the topic paper.