Your previous Residency concluded with you presenting a defense of your topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology. Those components should have undergone some degree of revision, and you have now moved them to the prospectus template to continue developing them. You have also added the purpose statement and an explanation of the significance of the study (how the study advances scientific knowledge). In this assignment, you will present a refined defense of your choices of topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology as revised since your first residency and an initial defense of the purpose and significance of your study.
General Requirements:
Use the following information to ensure successful completion of the assignment:
- Locate the appropriate Prospectus Template on the DC Network:https://dc.gcu.edu/research/residency/rsd884
- This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
- Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. The APA Style Guide is located in the Student Success Center.
- Refer to the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for specific guidelines related to doctoral level writing. The Manual contains essential information on manuscript structure and content, clear and concise writing, and academic grammar and usage.
- This assignment requires that at least two additional scholarly research sources related to this topic, and at least one in-text citation from each source be included.
- You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. A link to the LopesWrite technical support articles is located in Class Resources if you need assistance.
Directions:
Using the appropriate Prospectus Template found in the DC Network and the most current versions of your topic, problem space, foundational theory, problem, and methodology, prepare a presentation to defend your choices or proposed research design, target population and sample, data collection plan, and data analysis plan. Your choices must be defended with relevant current research.
Quantitative Prospectus Instructions for Learners
General Instructions
Additional Information for Completing Each Slide
Use this template only if you have a Quantitative topic.
This is a working document. You will work on and revise this PPT starting in year one of your program up through x-955.
Instructions per Course Type:
Research (RES) Courses: Refer to your course syllabus to determine which slides you should complete or revise.
Residency (RSD) Courses:
RSD-851 – complete slides in RSD1 section.
RSD-883/881 & x-955 – revise/update slides from RSD1 and complete slides in RSD2 section.
Requirements, hints, and alignment notes are found in the Speaker Notes section.
To view speaker notes, click the “View” tab at the top of the application and select “notes.”
Hint: You may need to expand the notes section in order to see all of the notes contained for each slide.
To view comments/feedback from faculty, click the “review” tab at the top of the application and select “Show Comments.”
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Instructions for Faculty
General Instructions
Additional Information
Written feedback is to be provided via bubble comments.
Comments can be created by holding Ctrl+M (for PC) or Command+Shift+M (Mac) on your keyboard, or via the Review tab.
To access the Comment pane, click the “review” tab and select “Show comments.”
The notes section in each slide contains the slide requirements.
Feedback should be focused on helping the learner meet the slide requirements.
See the supplementary faculty job aid materials for grading and other resources.
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Understanding the Impact of Team Cohesion on Performance Improvement in the Workplace
Edgar Rangel
Dr. Singer Pressman
4/9/2024
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Alignment Table
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Problem Statement: Examining the impact of cognitive processes and behaviors on performance, through quantitative study seeks to understand the key factors that promote or hinder performance improvement in organizations | Purpose Statement: To quantitatively identify and analyze the key factors that significantly influence problem-solving approaches, task management, performance evaluation, strategy implementation, goal attainment, and indicators tracking in organizations to examine how it impacts team cohesion |
Variables: Cognitive processes, Behaviors, Performance metrics, Key factors such as emotions, leadership psychology, and workplace attitudes and cultures | |
Research Questions and Hypotheses: Through examination, the following research questions and hypotheses are necessary for the study •RQ1: Does team cohesion significantly influence task management and goal attainment in organizations? H10 There is no significant relationship between team cohesion and task management as well as goal attainment in organizations. H1A There is a significant positive relationship between team cohesion and task management as well as goal attainment in organizations. •RQ2: To what extent does team cohesion impact performance evaluation and strategy implementation in organizations? H20 There is no significant relationship between team cohesion and performance evaluation as well as strategy implementation in organizations. H2A There is a significant positive relationship between team cohesion and performance evaluation as well as strategy implementation in organizations. | |
Methodology & Justification: Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) since it s a comprehensive statistical technique that would allow the research to simultaneously analyze the complex relationships among multiple variables. | Design & Justification: Quasi-experimental designs since it involves the manipulation of an independent variable, but lack random assignment of participants to experimental and control groups due to practical or ethical constraints hence would it would accommodate the complexity and dynamics of real-world work environment setting. |
Objective:
The alignment table provides a visual organization of the research components of the dissertation topic. As changes are made to the components on this slide, learners should copy the changes to the appropriate slides.
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Literature Review: Background to the Problem
History, human relations and their value concerning attitudes in the workplace and societal etiquette
It can change with civil rights movements and the resultant societal etiquette allows for appreciation of specific traits or their discrimination and thus can often affect criteria for talent choice.
The aspects can affect the school of thought of the individuals within the micro-cultures of an organization (Riggio, 2017).
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Objective:
The outline on this slide is used in the Prospectus to develop the Background of the Study in Chapter 1 and the Background of the Problem Space in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
Present findings from prior research related to the history of the problem in practice, issue, and/or topic.
In bullet format, provide a history of:
When and how the problem emerged in the literature.
Describe trends in research and literature since its emergence.
Describe how the research focus has changed over the past five years.
Support information with empirical citations.
Hints:
Research older than 5 years is allowed for bullets (a) and (b) above.
Primary sources (not secondary sources) must be cited.
Use the GCU Library Doctoral Research guide! https://libguides.gcu.edu/QuantitativeDoctoralResearch/Empirical
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Literature Review: Problem Space
It is essential to understand the psychology behind social change and the development of these environments
Thus the topic is examination of the impact of cognitive processes and behaviors on performance, through quantitative study
Intention is to seek an understanding the key factors that promote or hinder performance improvement in organizations
It necessitates devising approaches to proper policy controls and tools of performance appraisals.
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Objective:
The outline on this slide is used in the Prospectus to develop the Introduction/Background of the Study in Chapter 1 and the Background of the Problem Space in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
In bullet format, describe the problem space related to the topic from empirical literature or research. The following bullets are required for this slide:
State the problem in practice, issue, and/or topic to be studied.
Describe what is already known about the problem, issue, and/or topic from recent and relevant empirical research.
Describe what still needs to be studied or understood about the problem, issue, and/or topic from recent and relevant empirical research.
Synthesize the overall problem space into a 2-3 sentence argument demonstrating the relevance and need for your proposed topic.
Citations are required for each description and/or argument.
Hint:
Using empirical literature dated primarily within the past 5 years, identify and support what still needs to be understood regarding the problem space through a combination of arguments:
Professional and/or broader societal need identified in the literature
Directions for future research based on limitations, recommendations, and/or conflicting findings
Synthesis of broader topics to study in combination
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Literature Review: Theoretical Foundations
Le Bon Gustavo and Tarde Gabriel, theories recognize the potential of similar thinking and mob mentality through the influence of individuals in a group and in this way determined that mob psychology as instinctual for self-preservation.
Thus fundamentally emotions can steer individuals towards bonding and, thus, similar ways of interactions.
A crowd is led easily when there is the benefit of personal preservation and an additional feeling of belonging and safety (Borch & Schiermer, 2021).
There is thus an underlying element that points to the organization's actions in support of specific ways of behavior, affecting how those can be perceived as positive or negative.
Perception of a group can be drawn to behave in specific way seen to result in positive outcomes within the group.
Borch & Schiermer (2021) analyzed the theory and determine that there is a foundational truth that can be deduced from the human need for gratification hence the behavioral change to match it.
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Objective:
In the Proposal this information is used to develop the research questions for chapter 1 and 3. It is expanded significantly in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
There should be one slide for each theory, model, or concept in outline format.
Duplicate this slide if more than one is needed (right click on the slide, click “Duplicate Slide”)
For each, describe the overall theory/model/concept using seminal citations.
Focus on describing the theory/model/concept and how it will be used in the proposed topic, not how it has been used in prior studies.
If a visual is available, it may be included. Visuals do not replace a written explanation.
Every variable must be defined using a theory, model, or concept.
Indicate which variable(s) this theory, model, or concept is defining.
4. If using two or more theories or models, indicate how one theory or model informs the other, if applicable.
Hints:
Ways to find models or theories are:
Find studies related to your topic and see what theoretical foundation theory, model, or concept they used. Then research it to find a quantitative instrument that is used to collect data on it.
Look for validated quantitative instruments that measure variables you are studying.
Do a GCU Library or Google Scholar search on the instrument to see which theory, model, or concept the author(s) used.
Examine the theory, model, or concept the instrument author(s) used to create their instrument.
Once identified, trace back historically to the creator of the initial theory, model or concept to find the seminal source.
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Literature Review: Review of Literature
Major Topic/Theme (name the topic) | Topic/Theme Description (2-3 sentences with at least 3 in-text citations per topic) |
Psychology of microcultures | Mob psychology as instinctual for self-preservation. Emotions can often steer individuals towards bonding and, thus, similar ways of interactions |
Reinforcing mob psychology theory | A crowd is led easily when there is the benefit of personal preservation and an additional feeling of belonging and safety organization's actions in support of specific ways of behavior, affecting how those can be perceived as positive or negative |
Prompts of cultures ins work setting | mental picture of thinking as started either by a behavior, there is recognition of how these elements, in general, affect performance Behaviors guide the approach to problem-solving and, in the process, involve how a team can coexist hence its task management and completion including overall evaluation |
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Objective:
In the Prospectus this slide is used to provide an outline of the topics/themes that will be included in the Review of Literature section, which is 30+ pages in Chapter 2.
Slide Requirements:
Identify 3-5 major topics/themes in the literature related to the proposed problem space
Each bullet should include:
2-3 sentences defining/describing each topic
At least 3 empirical sources supporting each topic
Hints:
For quantitative studies, themes could include:
Studies describing and/or relating the variables
Studies on related research such as factors associated with the themes
Studies on the instruments used to collect data
Studies on the broad population for the study
Studies defining the need from a community, professional, or organizational perspective
Studies similar to the topic
If additional space is needed, duplicate this slide.
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Problem Statement
It is not known the level of significance behavior and microcultures influence team cohesion with regard to problem-solving approaches, task management, performance evaluation, strategy implementation, goal attainment, and indicators tracking in organizations
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Objective:
This slide is used to provide the problem statement, which will be expanded upon in the Chapter 2: Problem Statement section.
Slide Requirements:
State the specific problem for research with a single, clear, declarative sentence.
Alignment: The problem statement must align with the established problem space as described on previous slides.
Hints:
The problem statement does not include citations.
Unless specifically stated by the problem space, the problem statement does not include a specific population or geographic location.
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Variables
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Variable Name (and Role if Applicable) | Conceptual Definition | Operational Definition | Measurement Level | Instrument/Data Source |
Team cohesion | Extent to which team members are connected, supportive of each other, and work together towards shared goals, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the team | The perceived degree of interpersonal attraction, trust, and cooperation within team members, alongside their collective dedication to team objectives | Ordinal | Group Environment Questionnaire looking at participants rate agreement in perceptions of social cohesion, task cohesion, and individual attraction to the team by based on a Likert scale |
Task management & Problem Solving Strategies | The approaches, methodologies, and tools employed by individuals or teams to discern, assess, and resolve issues, along with proficiently handling and sequencing tasks within the organizational framework | The observable actions, behaviors, and decision-making processes utilized by individuals or teams to tackle challenges, make decisions, distribute resources, and synchronize activities to accomplish organizational objectives | Ordinal level | Validated questionnaires and surveys |
Performance evaluation and strategy implementation | The proficiency, efficiency, and attainment of predefined objectives by individuals or teams within the organizational setup, realized through the execution of devised plans with the drive to fulfill organizational aims | A measurable evaluation of individual or team performance according to predetermined criteria for effectively executing and harmonizing the day-to-day operations and initiatives outlined in organizational action plans | Ordinal level | Questionnaires, Participation Survey, and Rating Scales |
Objective:
State and define each variable in table format. The table is used in Chapter 3: Research Questions and Hypotheses in the dissertation template.
Slide Requirements:
Complete the table for each variable.
In column 1, along with variable name, identify the role of the variable in the study if applicable (e.g., independent, dependent, predictor, criterion, moderator, etc.).
Included citations as appropriate.
Hints:
The conceptual definition is ‘what does it mean’. Refer back to the theoretical foundation slide(s).
An operational definition is how one recognizes the construct under investigation. In psychology, the operational definition is often a behavior. The scale (instrument) provides a measurement of the operational definition. For example, extraversion is operationalized as the desire of an individual to seek social activity. The scale then measures the extent of the operational definition, which becomes a measure of the extent to which an individual seeks out social activity.
The measurement level is whether the variable is nominal, ordinal, interval, or ratio.
The instrument/data source is the name of the instrument used to measure the variable.
Most variables are measured via a valid and reliable instrument.
Other acceptable data source may include:
Demographic questionnaire if the variable is commonly reported via this method.
Archival data.
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RQ1: Does team cohesion significantly influence task management and goal attainment in organizations?
H10 There is no significant relationship between team cohesion and task management as well as goal attainment in organizations.
H1A There is a significant positive relationship between team cohesion and task management as well as goal attainment in organizations.
RQ2: To what extent does team cohesion impact performance evaluation and strategy implementation in organizations?
H20 There is no significant relationship between team cohesion and performance evaluation as well as strategy implementation in organizations.
H2A There is a significant positive relationship between team cohesion and performance evaluation as well as strategy implementation in organizations.
Research Questions & Hypotheses
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Objective:
State and define each research question and hypothesis. This information is expanded upon in Chapter 3: Research Questions and Hypotheses in the dissertation template.
Slide Requirements:
State the research question(s) and hypotheses guiding the proposed study.
State the hypotheses for each research question.
If using only one research question, a minimum of two sets of hypotheses is required.
Alignment: Research questions and hypotheses must align with the problem statement presented on the previous slide.
Hints:
Do not introduce new variables/constructs in the research questions that were not introduced in the problem statement or theoretical foundation.
One research question may have more than one set of hypotheses.
Because the variables have been formally defined on the previous slide, it is unnecessary to include the instrument name as part of the RQ or hypothesis. The definition of the variable carries with it the inherent characteristics of the variable as defined on Slide 10.
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Methodology Justification
Quantitative |
Main attributes of quantitative methodology: Control Over Variables Naturalistic Settings Longitudinal Analysis Practical Considerations Statistical Analysis |
Justification for quantitative: Control Over Variables: This control enhances the internal validity of the study by minimizing confounding variables. Naturalistic Settings: accommodate such complexities by allowing researchers to study phenomena in their natural settings, making the findings more ecologically valid and applicable to real-world situations. Longitudinal Analysis: assess the long-term effects of cognitive processes, behaviors, and interventions on organizational performance, providing insights into sustainability and durability of performance improvements. Practical Considerations: offer a practical alternative by utilizing naturally occurring groups or pre-existing conditions as quasi-independent variables making the research more feasible and ethical. Statistical Analysis: support rigorous statistical analysis, including methods such as analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to control for pre-existing differences between groups, propensity score matching to address selection bias, and hierarchical linear modeling (HLM) to account for nested data structures common in organizational research. |
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Objectives:
The approach on this slide is used to justify the methodology using methodology articles and resources
The information presented on this slide is used to develop one of the three paragraphs comprising the methodology section in Chapter 3. In addition, a second paragraph is added justifying why the opposite methodology is not as appropriate. A third paragraph is developed that uses similar and related empirical articles to justify the proposed methodology for the study
Slide Requirements:
First Column (Quantitative):
Describe the main attributes of quantitative methodology, citing 2-3 empirical and/or seminal sources.
Justify why quantitative methodology is appropriate for the proposed topic based on those attributes.
Second Column (Qualitative)
Describe the main attributes of qualitative methodology, citing 2-3 empirical and/or seminal sources.
Justify why qualitative methodology is not appropriate for the proposed topic based on those attributes.
Hint:
Do not summarize prior research in this slide
Hint: consider epistemological characteristics, such as the role of theory, instrumentation, objectivity, inductive vs. deductive paradigms, etc.
Having trouble finding articles to support this slide?
For the quantitative description and justification, use the Quantitative Knowledge Base resources and articles: https://dc.gcu.edu/research/quantitative/rationale_for_a_quantitative_methodology
For the qualitative description and justification, use the Qualitative Knowledge Base resources and articles: https://dc.gcu.edu/research/qualitative/rationale_for_qualitative_methodology_and_design
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Design
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Design | Definition | Justification (use /not use) |
Pre-Experimental | Single group of participants research | Not ideal- weak internal validity and it lacks the necessary control group |
Quasi-Experimental | A design that manipulates an independent variable but lack random assignment of participants hence manipulate unique to environment to allow complex analytical prospect | Not ideal – Requires random assignment of participants, feasible and relatively at looking and complexities of various aspects of organizational performance in real-world settings. |
Correlational or Associative | A design that examines the relationship between variables without manipulating them | Suitable – Allows for the examination of the relationship between variables and impacts that identify potential predictors of outcomes. |
Correlational-predictive | Is a design that build upon correlational designs to examine variables predictability and forecast | Can be used – Explores improvement necessary to improve organizational performance |
Comparative | A design that involves comparing two or more groups or conditions to examine the differences or similarities through random (RCTs) and control groups. | Not ideal – time consuming |
Ex Post Facto | Research that examines the relationship between variables choosing participants based on pre-existing conditions to be manipulated | Not ideal |
Objectives:
When completing the proposal, the information on this slide is used to develop the Chapter 3 Rationale for Quantitative Design section.
Slide Requirements:
Complete table for all six designs listed (see six on slide).
Definition Column: In 2-3 sentences, describe/define each design using empirical or authoritative sources.
Justification Column:
For the design selected for your proposed topic, justify why you