National University Library (n.d.). What is the difference between scholarly and peer reviewed journals? Frequently asked questions LibAnswers. https://ncu.libanswers.com/faq/168491
National University Library. (n.d.). Writing an annotated bibliography. https://resources.nu.edu/writingresources/annotatedbibliography
An annotated bibliography is a summary and evaluation of a resource. Writing an annotated bibliography will help you gain an in-depth understanding of your topics and is useful for organizing and cataloging resources for use when developing an argument.
National University Library (n.d.). Steps to narrowing down your topic. https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=1013602&p=7404588
Selecting a topic can sometimes be the most difficult part of any dissertation. For information on selecting a workable topic visit the Steps to Narrowing Down Your Topic page at the Library’s Applied Dissertation Center.
National University Library (n.d.). Applied doctoral project. https://resources.nu.edu/c.php?g=1013602&p=7342053
The Applied Doctoral Dissertation Center offers several tools to help you conduct and organize your literature search. One example is to use a synthesis matrix. This method allows you to organize sources by theme and to efficiently identify similarities and differences, patterns in methodology, and recommendations for future research. In short, a synthesis matrix can assist you in both synthesizing and analyzing your literature review.
The Nature of Applied Research Hedrick, T. E., Bickman, L., & Rog, D. J. (1993). Applied research design: A practical guide. Sage Publications, Inc. https://dx-doi-org.proxy1.ncu.edu/10.4135/9781412983457.
This book focuses on planning applied research and is geared toward those new to this research. It will be useful throughout this course. It brings to light that applied research is an iterative process and rethinking and replanning are sometimes called for, just as real-world events can create a deviation for your original plan. Read the first chapter which will help you better differentiate between applied and basic or traditional research.
Allen, B.A. (n.d.). Narrowing your dissertation topic: Purple toenails. https://commons.ncu.edu/sites/default/files/entity/paragraph/2019/narrowing_your_topic_presentation.pdf
This whimsical, yet informative PowerPoint will walk you through how to narrow your topic of interest for your applied dissertation. It discusses creating a research question and problem statement. The presentation also touches on various methodological approaches.
