Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
SCHOOL OF COUNSELING AND HUMAN SERVICES
DOCTORAL PROJECT PLAN
STATEMENT OF ORIGINAL WORK
I understand that Capella University’s Academic Honesty Policy (3.01.01) holds learners
accountable for the integrity of work they submit, which includes, but is not limited to,
discussion postings, assignments, comprehensive exams, and the Capstone. Learners are
expected to understand the policy and know that it is their responsibility to learn about
instructor and general academic expectations with regard to proper citation of sources in
written work as specified in the APA Publication Manual, 6th Ed. Serious sanctions can result
from violations of any type of the Academic Honesty Policy, including dismissal from the
university.
I attest that this document represents my own work. Where I have used the ideas of others, I
have paraphrased and given credit according to the guidelines of the APA Publication Manual,
6th Ed. Where I have used the words of others (i.e., direct quotes), I have followed the
guidelines for using direct quotes prescribed by the APA Publication Manual, 6th Ed.
I have read, understood, and abided by Capella University’s Academic Honesty Policy
(3.01.01). I further understand that Capella University takes plagiarism seriously; regardless
of intention, the result is the same.
Signature for Statement of Original Work (MUST COMPLETE)
Learner
Name
Mentor Name
Learner
Email
Mentor Email
Learner ID
Date
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
Capstone Project Plan Process
You will use this form to successfully complete your keystone class, obtaining Milestone 1,
and obtaining Milestone 2 approval. The goals of this process are: (1) facilitate the planning
of the details of your doctoral research project, (2) allow for scientific merit review, and (3)
facilitate your progress through the Capstone. You must obtain approval of your Doctoral
Project Plan before seeking IRB approval, collecting data, and writing your Capstone
manuscript. Approval of your Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) will satisfy the Capstone Milestone
2, indicating that the Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) has passed the scientific merit review part of
the IRB process.
The scientific merit process is designed to ensure that a proposed research study contains an
appropriate level of scientific rigor and merit prior to ethical review. Rigor is achieved if the
study is well-designed and has adequate resources so that participants are not exposed to
unnecessary harms. Merit is achieved if the rights and welfare of the human research
participants are protected
**Obtaining Scientific Merit approval for the Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) does not
guarantee you will obtain IRB approval. A detailed ethical review will be conducted
during the process of IRB approval.
How to Use This Form
This Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) form is intended to help you plan the details of your
Capstone Project. It provides a space for you to work out all the details of your design. Once
you have obtained Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) approval, you should be able to easily expand
on the information you have submitted here to complete the deliverable of your proposed
Capstone Project and write the Capstone Final Report because these sections follow the
outline of the Doctoral Capstone Report. It is recommended that you use this form in a stepby-step way to help you design your study. Expect that you will go through several
revisions before obtaining approval of this form. Research planning is an iterative
process; each revision often sparking the need for further revisions until everything
is aligned. These iterations and revisions are a necessary and customary part of the
research process.
Do’s and Don’ts
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Do use the correct form!
Don’t lock the form. That will stop you from editing and revising within the form.
Do complete the “Learner Information” and Section 1 first.
Don’t skip items or sections. If an item does not apply to your study, type “NA” in
its field.
Don’t delete the descriptions and instructions in each section!
Do read the item descriptions carefully. Items request very specific information. Be
sure you understand what is asked.
Do use primary sources to the greatest extent possible as references. Textbooks are
NOT acceptable as the only references supporting methodological and design
choices. Use textbooks to track down the primary sources.
If you change any design elements after your DPP is approved, you must
submit a revised Doctoral Project Plan. A current DPP must be on file
before your IRB application is submitted.
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
Complete the following steps to prepare and submit your DPP for Scientific Merit
Review (SMR) approval for your doctoral Capstone Project.
• Keystone Learners: Your Keystone Instructor will facilitate the initial process.
• Capstone Learners: Your Mentor will facilitate this process.
CITI Research Training
Mentees must complete the CITI Research training and submit your CITI completion
certificate to your Keystone Instructor.
CITI Training Module
Milestone 1: Topic Approval
Complete Section 1 (1.1 and 1.2) of the DPP form for topic approval.
There are two ways to achieve Milestone 1:
1. If Section 1 of your DPP meets the rigor for a viable topic, your keystone instructor will
submit for school review. Receiving 80% on the DPP does not mean that it is ready for
the topic plan review.
a. You will work on all sections of the DPP during the Keystone Course, even if you do
not achieve topic approval. This will allow the Keystone Instructor to introduce you
to the necessary components of the Doctoral Project Plan.
2. If Section 1 is not submitted for topic approval during the Keystone Course (HMSV8700),
your Mentor will submit the topic plan in the Capstone Course – HMSV9971.
Milestones 2: Doctoral Project Plan
1. Work with your Capstone Mentor to complete and make any necessary refinements to the
DPP form.
a. If you did not receive topic approval in the Keystone Course, you will refine
sections 1 (1.1 and 1.2) and submit to your Capstone Mentor. Your Capstone
Mentor will submit section 1 for topic approval. After topic approval, you will
proceed to step 2.
2. Once you have topic approval (whether in the Keystone or Capstone Course), you will
refine and complete sections 2 – 7 in the DPP form. Make sure all sections are aligned
with the DHS Programs of Professional Practice and the DHS Doctoral Capstone Handbook.
—changes in one section could necessitate changes in another section.
3. After you have a polished version, you should review the DPP criteria with the rubric to
ensure you have provided the required information to demonstrate you have met each of
the scientific merit criteria.
4. Submit the completed form to your Capstone Mentor.
Scientific Merit Review(SMR)
The scientific merit reviewer will review each item against a rubric to determine whether you
have met each of the criteria. You must meet all the criteria at a level of “Proficient” or
greater to obtain reviewer approval. The reviewer will designate your Doctoral Project Plan
(DPP) as one of the following:
• Approved
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
• Deferred
• Not Ready for Review
If the Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) is Deferred or Not Ready for Review:
• The SMR reviewer will provide feedback on any criteria that you have not met.
• You are required to make the necessary revisions and obtain approval for the revisions
from your Mentor.
• Once you have Mentor approval for your revisions, your Mentor will submit your
Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) for a second review.
• You will be notified if your Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) has been approved or deferred
for revisions.
• Up to three attempts to obtain Scientific Merit Review (SMR) approval are allowed.
Researchers, Mentors, and Reviewers should make every possible attempt to resolve
issues before the Doctoral Project Plan (DPP) is deferred for the third time. If a learner
does not pass the scientific merit review on the third attempt, then the case will be
referred to the Research Chair and/or Program Chair in your School for review,
evaluation, and intervention.
• While you await approval of your Doctoral Project Plan (DPP), you should begin
working on your Ethics Paper. Your Mentor has a template for you to follow.
• Once you have gained approval on your DPP (Milestone 2), you are ready to submit
your Ethics Paper and IRB application and supporting documents for review by the IRB
Committee.
Milestone 3: IRB Approval
1. Once you obtain SMR approval, you will begin and complete an eight to 10 page ethics
paper. This paper is a conceptual analysis of ethical principles typically related to all
professional Capstone Projects. Your Mentor has a template for you to follow.
2. Once your Mentor has approved your Ethics Paper, you will complete your IRB
application through IRBManager and submit any accompanying materials.
3. Consult the Research and Scholarship area within iGuide for IRB forms and detailed
process directions.
**You are required to obtain scientific merit approval (SMR) before you may receive IRB
approval. Obtaining SMR approval does not guarantee that IRB approval will follow.
Milestone 4: Pre-Data Collection Call
1. Once you have gained approval by the IRB, you are ready to schedule your Pre-Data
Collection Conference Call. You may not proceed to data collection until you have
completed this call.
2. Work with your Mentor and Doctoral Committee to set a date for the conference call.
3. Upon successful completion of the Pre-Data Collection Conference Call, your Mentor will
mark Milestone 4 complete, and you may proceed with data collection.
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
Learner and Specialization Information
(MUST BE COMPETED)
Learners, please insert your answers directly into the expandable boxes that have been
provided.
Learner Name
Learner Email
Learner ID Number
Mentor Name
Mentor Email
Specialization (check one)
Leadership and Organizational Management
Program Evaluation and Data Analytics
Specialization Chair Name
Specialization Chair Email
Committee Member #1 Name
Committee Member #1 Email
Committee Member #2 Name
Committee Member #2 Email
Capstone Type (check one)
Deliverable (check one)
Research Paper
Professional Product
Research Paper
Action Research Monograph
Program Evaluation
Professional Product
Service Project
Change Management Plan
Section 1. Topic Endorsement
Please, use single-spaced, Times Roman 11 pt. throughout the form – the boxes will
expand as you input text.
1.1
Capstone Topic (2 paragraphs)
Clearly describe the topic of the Capstone Project.
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
This section should include:
 FIRST PARAGRAPH: State the topic of the capstone project. The topic statement
should include the problem or opportunity for improvement in the project. The
concepts of the topic must be clear and focused and well supported in the
literature.
o Begin this paragraph with, “The topic is…”
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SECOND PARAGRAPH: Describe the significance of this topic to Human Services
AND the specialization within your program. Include a statement about the
practical implications of the project by describing the impact of this Capstone
Project on the organization or community of interest.
Example – The topic of this capstone project is the effectiveness of a transitional
summer program, Helping Others, Inc., on middle school students’ chance of
success (graduation) in high school.
The topic should be correctly formed:
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The topic should be appropriate for the specialization.
The topic should use appropriate language for key concepts/phenomena.
The type of action proposed should be clearly specified.
The community of interest/organization/program or community and target population
should be named.
The concepts should be appropriately focused.
The topic should be supported by at least ten (10) citations.
The topic should be in alignment with current literature and the DHS Programs of
Professional Practice.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
1.2 Research Problem (2 Paragraphs)
Write a brief statement of the problem or need for improvement at the capstone site or
program. Clearly describe the gap in current practice, service, process, policy, and/or the
identified outcome. Identify the performance gap you wish to close and the potential root
causes of the problem.
This section should include:
 FIRST PARAGRAPH: Write a brief statement that fully describes the problem being
addressed. This paragraph introduces the problem that is informing the research
and warrants the need for this study.
o Begin this paragraph with the statement, “The problem is…”
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
Example: The problem is that Helping Others, Inc’s transitional summer program
has not consistently improved high school graduation rates.
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SECOND PARAGRAPH: Identify the need for the study. The need should be directly
related to the problem presented in the first paragraph. It must clearly identify a
gap in current practice, service, process, policy, or programs. It must clearly
identify the need for the research and the desired outcome.
Example: This study is needed because high school graduation rates are decreasing in
the service community where Helping Others Inc. provides its transitional summer
program. Decreased graduation rates have negatively affected the unemployment
rate in the area.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
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Learners
Specialization Chair Topic Approval
After completing Section 1, Keystone or Capstone Learners should submit the DPP
form to your Keystone Instructor or Capstone Mentor for approval.
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Collaborate with your Keystone Instructor or Capstone Mentor until you have
approval for Section 1, “Topic Approval.”
•
After you have received your Mentor’s approval for Section 1, your form will be
submitted for SMR review.
Approved
Deferred
Not Ready For Review
Reviewer Name:
Reviewer signature:
Date:
Comments:
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
Section 2. Rationale for Study
2.1 Capstone Project Problem Background
This section should further expound on the research problem and will include a brief
SUMMARY of the review and synthesis of the research literature on the topic. This should
include citations from at least 15 articles but should indicate that you have performed a
full review of the literature on the topic.
This section should include:
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A statement about the body of existing literature on the topic.
A summary of recent research findings on the topic that highlights the most
relevant findings of the proposed study.
A demonstration of how the proposed research could add to the existing literature
on the topic.
Be sure to provide appropriate in text citations and include references in the reference
section.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
*This will not be your Capstone Project literature review but an initial foundation. You will
continue to add to your literature review throughout your Capstone.
2.2 Need for the Project and Evidence to Make Change
Provide a rationale supported by current information regarding the need for this Capstone
Project.
This section should include:
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The results of a needs assessment or an analysis for the project.
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A description of issues identified in the workplace, project, or community.
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Any relevant population and organizational demographics and statistics related to
the proposed Capstone Project.
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A description of why the study is important.
A description of whom the study will benefit.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
2.3 Theoretical Foundations
Briefly describe the primary theoretical framework or model to be used for the study that
will serve as the lens through which you will view the research problem and research
questions.
NOTE: The theoretical foundation should be a theory from your discipline that supports
the topic and should reflect on how you understand the topic and constructs in the study.
To select the theory of model for the study, review the DHS Programs of Professional
Practice.
This section should include:
• A review or discussion of the theory that will guide the project.
• An explanation of how the theory or model defines the variables or constructs of
the study.
• An explanation of how the theory or model will guide the study.
• A list and explanation of any study assumptions.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
2.4 Researchers Positionality
In this section, you will define your role, position, and how positionality will impact your
research study.
This section should include:
• The title of your role or position in the organization, program, or community in
your site.
• A description of your job duties at the site.
• A description of how your position will impact the research project.
• A statement that identifies if you are an insider (work or volunteer with the
organization) or outsider, or a collaborator with insiders (no affiliation, but working
with stakeholders within the organization).
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
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Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
2.5 Practical Implications
Please describe the specific practical implications of your findings that can be used by the
stakeholders.
This section should include:
 A minimum of two (2) paragraphs. Every statement must be supported by the
literature.
 A description of the specific practical implications (who may benefit) from the
research that can be used by any or all of the following stakeholders:
o the population being studied,
o practitioners, clinicians, or medical practitioners,
o community-based service providers or health organizations,
o educators, colleges/universities or
o the wider community itself.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support
statements. Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are
not considered peer-reviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all
resources.
REMEMBER
NOTE: Be cognizant of the limitations and scope of the proposed research. Do not
promise practical implications that are beyond the scope of the research.
Section 3. Research Theory
3.1 Purpose of the Study
State the purpose of the study. The purpose of the study is to answer the research
question or provide practical answers to a problem or weaknesses of the current practice,
service, or process, policy.
This section should include:
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A summary of the intended outcomes of the study.
An identification of who can benefit from this research and how they might benefit.
A statement of the purpose of the study and the need that it addresses.
A statement about the outcomes or findings of the Capstone Project and how they
will be sustained.
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
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3.2 Research Question(s)
List the primary research question and any sub-questions that the proposed study will
address. The research question(s) should be correctly formed.
This section should include a research question(s) or sub-questions that:
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Align with the research problem, the research topic, and the Capstone title.
Identify the intended analysis.
Is phrased in a way that will be answered by the intended methodology and analyses.
Identify the specific variables to be explored, use language consistent with the
research design or approach, and clearly identify the population being studied.
Qualitative Example: How can DHS caseworkers help the homeless population become
self-sufficient?
Quantitative Example: How does employee morale in millennial research analysts affect
creativity?
Use current (within 5-7 years), scholarly, PRIMARY resources to support statements.
Textbooks are not primary resources. Theses and dissertations are not considered peerreviewed published articles. Use APA style in citing all resources.
3.3 Capstone Project Title
The Capstone Project Title should be correctly formed:
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The title should be aligned with the Research Problem (1.2) and Research Question
(2.2), (use the same terminology for all).
The title should reflect the key variables or constructs to be studied.
The title should reflect the method to be employed in the research.
The title should be concise (12 words or less).
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Section 4. Research Methodology
4.1 Summary of methodology
Briefly describe the Capstone Project research design.
This section should include:
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A description of the methodology (qualitative or quantitative).
A description of the design (case study, generic qualitative, correlation, etc.).
A description of the type of action research (participatory action, critical action
research, action science research, or appreciative inquiry).
A description of what data will be collected (validated instruments, interviews,
archival data, organization policies, and procedures, etc.).
A description of data analysis that will be used (thematic analysis, descriptive
statistics, inferential statistics).
4.2a Quantitative Measures and Instruments
List and describe each variable and the data collection instrument or measurement tool
you will use to collect these data. These should include standardized questionnaires,
demographic data, and surveys, etc. See Appendix A for an example of a completed
chart. Only standardized instruments can be used in quantitative studies.
Attach a copy of each instrument you plan to use as an appendix to the
Capstone research form.
Variable
Type
Variable
Name
Survey/Questions/
Calculations
Variable Level of
Measurement
Instrument
Name
Reliability
Estimates
*Insert more rows as needed
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4.2b Qualitative Constructs and Interview Guide
List and describe each qualitative construct and the data collection method you will use to
collect these data. Include the alignment of the data collection source with the concept.
See Appendix B for an example of a completed chart.
Attach a copy of the interview guide you plan to use
as an appendix to the Research Plan.
Data Source
Specific Data Source
Constructs of
Interest
Specific
Interview
Question
*Insert more rows as needed
*4.3 Field Tests
Only complete if the research study is greater than minimal risk.
Field tests must be completed for qualitative interview questions if the study is greater
than minimal risk.
According to 45 CFR 46.102(i), minimal risk means, “The probability and magnitude of
harm or discomfort anticipated in the research are not greater in and of themselves than
those ordinarily encountered in daily life or during the performance of routine physical or
psychological examinations or tests.”
If you are unclear about the nature of the study, please consult with the Research Chair or
Capella’s IRB. IRB approval is not required before a field test is conducted. The results of
the field test should be submitted as part of the IRB application once the DPP is approved.
Field test experts should be practitioners in the field that are knowledgeable about the
topic. You may use a Capella faculty who has a relevant background.
This section should include:
 A list of the original interview questions (before the field test).
 A rationale for each original interview question that explains how the question will
provide answers to the specific research question.
 The identification of field test experts (name and credentials).
 A description of the suggestions, comments, or recommendations from the field
test experts.
 A list of the final, updated interview questions.
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4.4 Data Analysis
Detail the actual data analyses to be conducted to address each research question.
For each research question and sub-question provide the following:
 A description of the data source.
 A description of how raw data will be analyzed (transcription, calculation of scaled
variables, etc.).
 A description of how data will be managed, processed, and prepared.
 The method of qualitative analysis or statistical analysis.
 A description of how data will be stored and protected.
4.5 Sample Size
For each data source, describe the sample size, and provide references to support sample
size decisions.
4.6 Assumptions
Identify the key (A) theoretical, (B) topical, and (C) methodological assumptions of the
Capstone Project.
This section should include:
A. A description of the theoretical assumptions which will include the fundamental
constructs of the theoretical foundation that you selected in Section 2.3.
B. A description of the topical assumptions which will include the assumptions
revealed from previous research, the literature on the topic, and
assumptions made by researchers in the field.
C. A description of the methodological assumptions which will include an explanation
of the epistemological, ontological, and axiological philosophical assumptions that
support the research methodology.
4.7 Limitations
Evaluate the weaknesses of the Capstone Project at this time.
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This section should include:
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The areas that need to be improved before starting the Capstone Project.
The areas that cannot be improved.
The reasons for not redesigning to address any of the limitations identified.
Section 5 Sample and Design (Approach)
5.1 Sampling and Recruitment
For each data source, describe the sampling plan. Describe how you plan to select the
sample. Include the steps you will take to recruit participants.
This section should include:
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A brief description of the data source, the sampling plan, and inclusion and
exclusion criteria.
The recruitment strategies (where applicable).
5.2 Expected Site
Describe the organization or site(s) from which you expect to draw the sample.
This section should include:
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The
The
The
The
name of the agency.
type of agency (profit, nonprofit, government).
population served.
agency’s mission and/or human services they provide.
5.3 Site Permission
This section should include:
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The name of the authorized individual allowing the use of the organization or site.
A statement of whether the site has an IRB.
The process to obtain permission to access the stakeholders, population, or data
source.
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5.4 Participant Contact
How will potential participants first be contacted? How will participants be contacted
following the study?
5.5 Action Plan and Time Frame
Describe the steps and time it will take to complete the Capstone Project. Provide a
quarter-by-quarter listing of activities from start to finish. Describe the exact procedures
that will be needed to carry out this study. This should read like a recipe for conducting
the study. Be sure to include all the necessary details so that someone else would be able
to follow this to replicate the study. (See Appendix C for an example of a completed
chart.)
This section should include:
 A step-by-step description of exactly how the research will be conducted.
Quarter
Activity
Estimated time
frame
*Insert more rows as needed
5.6 Action Research Feedback Loop and Dissemination Plan
Describe the plan for providing feedback to stakeholders and the dissemination of the
Capstone Project findings.
This section should include:
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The specific type of meeting (focus group, board meeting, community meeting,
presentation meeting, etc.).
The specific audience (executive administrators, directors, board members,
stakeholders, etc.).
The type of information that will be disseminated (written executive summary,
verbal presentation of results, etc.).
The key messages based on stakeholder feedback.
The timeline for the feedback.
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5.7 Action That Will Result from This Project
Describe the action sought by the project and how the action plan will be implemented.
For example, the development of a task force that will be implemented by the
organization with community members.
Section 6. Ethics
6.1 Ethical Considerations
Describe any ethical considerations given the sample and/or topic.
This section should include:
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An explanation of how you plan to protect participants during recruitment, data
collection, and data analysis.
A description of any ethical concerns related to researcher positionality and how
the concerns will be addressed.
A description of any possible coercion and how it will be avoided.
6.2 Risk Assessment
Describe any risk to the participants and/or the organization. Reference the CITIT course
for more information about minimal risk studies.
This section should include:
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A statement of whether the study is more than minimal risk.
A statement of whether the study collects data from a vulnerable population.
A description of any special steps will be taken to protect participants.
Section 7. References
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List all references used in proper APA Style. You should include a minimum of 30 for the
research plan but will need at least 50 for the Final Capstone Project.
First DPP Review
Approved
Deferred
Not Ready For Review
Reviewer Name:
Reviewer signature:
Date:
Second DPP Review
Approved
Deferred
Not Ready For Review
Reviewer Name:
Reviewer signature:
Date:
Third DPP Review
Approved
Deferred
Reviewer Name:
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Reviewer signature:
Date:
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APPENDIX A
SAMPLE QUANTITATIVE MEASURES CHART
Variable
Type
Demographics
Independen
t Variables
Variable
Name
Survey/Questions/
Calculations
(see attached survey)
Gender
Q#1
Variable
Level of
Measurement
Nominal
Age
Ethnicity
Type of
neighborho
od
Cultural
competenc
e
Q#2
Q#3
Q#4
Interval
Nominal
Nominal
Q# 5 through Q# 19
All items on the scale will
be summed together
1= Totally unprepared
2= Somewhat unprepared
3= Prepared but need
practice
4= Ready to practice
5= Competent
Ordinal
Instrument
Name
Reliability
Estimates
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Attitude,
Skills,
Knowledge
(ASK)
Cronbach’s
alpha in
other
studies
ranged
between
.91-.95 for
social work
practitione
rs
*The total number of
questions in the cultural
competency scale is 14.
The range for the scale
equals 14 to 70.
The higher the number,
the higher the level of
cultural competency.
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20
Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
APPENDIX B
SAMPLE QUALITATIVE DATA CHART
Data Source
Specific Data Source
Constructs of
Interest
Specific
Interview
Question
Archival Documents
Agency Background Information
Service statistics including
numbers served, types of services
provided, client demographics;
diagnostic profiles (frequency and
distribution); agency budgets,
funding sources, the board of
directors composition; staff data
including licenses represented,
years of service, length of
employment, attrition rates,
gender, racial and ethnic
composition.
Attitude toward
gay men and
women and gay
affirmative
practice.
N/A
Researcher
Observation
For the purposes of this case
study, research observation will
include participant as an observer
(researcher spends an extended
amount of time in the setting but
does not play an actual role) and
observer as a participant
(researcher interacts, interviews,
and questions people within the
setting) as the observational
approaches. Field notes will
document the content of these
observations and experiences
within the setting and will provide
a primary source of reflective data
for the case study. Field notes
must be detailed and descriptive,
containing both the observed data
and the researcher’s responses,
feelings, and impressions of the
setting (Patton, 2002).
Attitude toward
gay men and
women and gay
affirmative
practice.
N/A
Individual
Interviews
Agency personnel
Attitude toward
gay men and
women and gay
affirmative
practice.
Can you
describe the
overall
attitude of
the agency
toward
discussing
gay and
Version 6.0 effective April 2020
21
Doctoral Project Plan (DPP)
Data Source
Specific Data Source
Constructs of
Interest
Specific
Interview
Question
lesbian
issues? (see
attached
interview)
Program
Statements/Website
Review/Media
Review
Agency mission statements,
agency values/vision statements,
diversity statements, client
handbooks, brochures, web sites,
Facebook, and other social media
sites, newspaper clippings, video
representations, electronic
communications.
Attitude toward
gay men and
women and gay
affirmative
practice.
APPENDIX C
SAMPLE TIMELINE CHART
Quarter
Q1 2017
Q1 2017
Activity
Recruit agency supervisors
Conduct face to face interviews with
agency supervisors
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Estimated time frame
Weeks 1-4
Weeks 1-10
22

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