This is designed to help you with an understanding of how the doctoral dissertation is formatted. Your dissertation may/will have a different layout, but this provides you a starting point to begin your document layout.

Much is similar between qualitative and quantitative. Each section provides a narrative to help differentiate, as needed.

Front Matter
Quantitative and Qualitative: The front matter includes acknowledgments, where the author expresses gratitude to those who supported the research, lists of tables and figures to guide readers to visual elements, and other administrative details. These sections provide an overview of the dissertation’s organization and supporting materials.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Title Page Copyright Notice Acknowledgments/Dedication Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures Abstract	Title Page Copyright Notice Acknowledgments/Dedication List of Tables List of Figures Abstract

Chapter 1: Introduction
Quantitative: This chapter introduces the research topic, explaining its significance and providing context. It outlines the study’s theoretical framework, purpose, research questions, and hypotheses. The chapter also discusses limitations, delimitations, and definitions of key terms, providing a foundation for understanding the dissertation’s scope.

Qualitative: This chapter introduces the study’s focus and context, detailing the significance of the topic and the research questions guiding the study. It outlines the theoretical framework, purpose, and objectives. Key terms, limitations, and delimitations are discussed to clarify the scope and boundaries of the research.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Introduction Background Need for the Study Theoretical Framework Purpose of the Study Research Questions or Hypotheses Limitations Delimitations Definitions of Terms Summary	Introduction Background Problem Statement Research Questions Purpose of the Study Significance of the Study Theoretical or Conceptual Framework Limitations Delimitations Definition of Key Terms Summary

Chapter 2: Literature Review
Quantitative: The literature review examines existing research related to the study topic, identifying gaps the dissertation seeks to fill. It discusses key themes, theoretical frameworks, and historical perspectives, creating a conceptual foundation for the study. This chapter demonstrates the study’s relevance within the broader academic field.

Qualitative: The literature review establishes the scholarly foundation for the study, synthesizing existing research relevant to the topic. It identifies gaps in knowledge, situating the study within a broader academic context. This chapter also provides theoretical or conceptual frameworks underpinning the research.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Introduction Key Themes or Constructs in Literature Historical Context Recent Trends and Gaps Synthesis and Critique of Existing Studies Theoretical or Conceptual Frameworks Identification of Research Gap Summary	Introduction Key Themes or Constructs in Literature Historical Context Recent Trends and Gaps Synthesis and Critique of Existing Studies Theoretical or Conceptual Frameworks Identification of Research Gap Summary

Chapter 3: Methodology
Quantitative: This chapter details the research methods, including design, sampling, data collection, and analysis procedures. It explains the rationale behind methodological choices and addresses ethical considerations. The methodology ensures that the study can be replicated and provides transparency about its execution.

Qualitative: This chapter explains the qualitative research design, describing the approach (e.g., phenomenology, grounded theory, case study). It details the sampling strategy, participant recruitment, data collection methods (e.g., interviews, observations), and data analysis techniques (e.g., thematic coding). Ethical considerations are addressed to ensure rigor and integrity.

Quantitative

Qualitative

Introduction Research Questions Research Design Population Sample Instrumentation Data Collection Procedures Data Analysis Ethical Considerations Informed Consent Confidentiality Summary

Introduction Research Design and Rationale Qualitative Approach (e.g., phenomenology, grounded theory, case study) Participant Selection Sampling Strategy Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria Participant Demographics Data Collection Methods Interviews Observations Document Analysis Data Analysis Techniques Coding Process (e.g., open, axial, selective) Thematic Analysis Ethical Considerations Informed Consent Confidentiality Trustworthiness and Credibility Triangulation Member Checking Limitations of Methodology Summary

Chapter 4: Results
Quantitative: The results chapter presents the study’s findings using descriptive statistics, tables, and figures to summarize data. It includes instrument validation and hypothesis testing, offering a clear view of the outcomes. The chapter focuses on presenting facts without interpretation.

Qualitative: This chapter presents the key themes and patterns emerging from the data. It provides rich, descriptive narratives supported by quotes from participants to illustrate findings. The chapter focuses on conveying participants’ lived experiences or perspectives while staying true to the study’s purpose.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Introduction Descriptive Statistics Instrument Validation Analysis of Research Questions/Hypotheses Summary of Key Findings	Introduction Themes and Subthemes Theme 1: [Name of Theme] Subtheme 1.1: [Name] Subtheme 1.2: [Name] Theme 2: [Name of Theme] Participant Quotes and Narratives Summary of Key Findings

Chapter 5: Discussion and Conclusions
Quantitative: This chapter interprets the findings, connecting them to the literature and theoretical framework. It explores the implications of the results for theory and practice, identifies limitations, and offers recommendations for future research. The conclusion provides a closing reflection on the study’s contributions.

Qualitative: This chapter interprets the findings in light of the research questions and existing literature. It explores the study’s implications for theory, practice, and policy. Limitations and challenges encountered during the research are discussed, along with recommendations for future studies. A concluding section reflects on the study’s contributions.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Overview Summary of Findings Discussion of Results In Relation to Literature In Relation to Theoretical Framework Implications for Practice Implication for Research Limitations of the Study Recommendations for Future Research Conclusion	Overview Discussion of Findings In Relation to Research Questions Connection to Theoretical Frameworks Implications for Practice Implication for Research Limitations of the Study Recommendations for Future Research Concluding Reflection

Appendices
Quantitative: The appendices contain supplemental materials, such as instruments, IRB approvals, consent forms, and additional data. These resources provide transparency and support for the dissertation’s methodology and findings, enabling further exploration by readers.

Qualitative: The appendices include supporting documents such as interview protocols, observation guides, ethical approval letters, consent forms, and additional data. These materials provide transparency and allow others to understand the tools and processes used in the study.

Quantitative	Qualitative
Instruments Used IRB Approvals Consent Forms Supplemental Tables Figures Data	Instruments Used IRB Approvals Consent Forms Interview Protocols Observation Guides Ethical Approval Letters Supplemental Tables Figures Data

References
The references section lists all sources cited in the dissertation, formatted according to a specified academic style. This ensures the research is properly grounded in existing scholarship and provides a trail for readers to consult the original works.