Discussion 3

Research Design Alignment Table | Using an alignment table can assist with ensuringthe alignment of your research design.
Research Design Alignment Table Video Tutorial (YouTube) | Doctoral Research Design
Alignment Appointments or Office Hours
Note. At the prospectus stage, not all items in the table below can be identified (e.g., data points, data
analysis). Please complete the items that you have identified in this form. During proposal development,
you will revisit this plan to adjust, as needed, and finalize your research design.
Hover over bold font for Instructions and click links for resources.
Research
Problem,
Purpose, and
Framework
Problem: Replace
text with response.
Purpose: Replace
text with response.
Framework:
Replace text with
response.
Research
Question(s),
Method, & Design
RQ1: Replace text
with response.
Method: Choose
method
Design: Replace text
with response.
RQ2: Replace text
with response.
Method: Quantitative
Types of Data to be
Collected and Data
Collection
Instruments
Data Sources
Data Analysis
Replace text with
response.
Replace text
with response.
Replace text
with response.
Replace text with
response.
Replace text
with response.
Replace text
with response.
Replace text with
response.
Replace text
with response.
Replace text
with response.
Design: Replace text
with response.
RQ3: Replace text
with response.
Method: Choose
method
Design: Replace text
with response.
Note. The information in the first column must align with all rows, and each individual RQ row must show
alignment across the columns for that row.
Once your Research Design Alignment Table is completed, reflect on your
design alignment. Ask yourself:
1. Is there a logical progression from the research problem to the purpose of
the study?
2. Does the identified framework ground the investigation into the stated
problem?
3. Do the problem, purpose, and framework in the left-hand column align with
the RQ(s) (all rows)?
4. Does each RQ address the problem and align with the purpose of the study?
5. Does the information across each individual row match/align with the RQ listed for that row?
• By row, will the variables listed address the RQ?
• By row, will the analysis address the RQ?
• By row, can the analysis be completed with the data points that will be collected?
Rubric Standard | Aligned > Do the various aspects of the prospectus align overall? The
nature of the study should align with the problem, research questions, and tentative approaches to
inquiry.