For NCU dissertations, Chapter 3 contains the information about how the study was completed. The reader is adequately oriented to the topic areas covered. An outline of the logical flow of the chapter is presented. All major themes/concepts are introduced. Describes how the research method and design are aligned with the study problem, purpose, and research questions. Uses scholarly support to describe how the design choice is consistent with the research method, and alternate choices are discussed.

For Qualitative Studies: Describes the study phenomenon, boundaries of case(s) and/or constructs explored. Provides a description of the target population and the relation to the larger population. Inclusion/exclusion criteria for selecting participants (sample) of the study are noted. For Quantitative Studies: Power analysis is described and appropriately cited. Provides a description of the instruments associated with the chosen research method and design used. Includes information regarding instrument origin, reliability, and validity.

For Quantitative Studies: (e.g., tests or surveys). Includes any permission needed to use the instrument(s) and cites properly. For Qualitative Studies: (e.g., observation checklists/protocols, interview or focus group discussion Handbooks). Describes process for conducting an expert review of instruments (e.g., provides justification of reviewers being credible - reviewers may include, but not limited to NCU dissertation team members, professional colleagues, peers, or non-research participants representative of the greater population); describes use of a field test if practicing the administration of the instruments is warranted.

For Pilot Study: Explains the procedure for conducting a pilot study (requires IRB approval for pilot) if using a self-created instrument (e.g., survey questionnaire); explains use of a field test if practicing the administration of the instruments is warranted. Describes study variables in terms of being measurable and/or observable. (Reviewer - mark Meets/NA for Qualitative studies) Describes the procedures to conduct the study in enough detail to practically replicate the study, including participant recruitment and notification, and informed consent. IRB ethical practices are noted. Provides a description of the data collected and the processes used in gathering the data. Explains alignment between the data collected and the research questions and/or hypotheses of the study. For Quantitative Studies: Includes the data analysis processes including, but not limited to, describing the statistical tests performed and the purpose/outcome, coding of data linked to each RQ, the software used (e.g., SPSS, Qualtrics).

For Qualitative Studies: Identifies the coding process of data linked to RQs. Describes the transcription of data, the software used for textual analysis (e.g., Nivo, DeDoose), and describes manual analysis by researcher. Describes the use of a member check to validate data collected. Outlines the assumptions/limitations/delimitations to the choice of method and design. For Quantitative Studies: Includes key elements such as, but not limited to, threats to internal and external validity, credibility, and generalizability. For Qualitative Studies: Includes key elements such as, but not limited to threats to credibility, trustworthiness, and transferability. Describes compliance with the standards to conduct research as appropriate to the proposed research design and aligned to IRB requirements. Chapter concludes with an organized summary of key points discussed/presented in the Chapter.