Often, when people think of the word research in relation to studying for a doctorate, they have in mind the original research that is conducted to acquire data about a topic of interest that is the focal point of the dissertation. Before getting to this point; however, there is another type of research that is a crucial component of the dissertation study. Specifically, it is vital to determine how and where to search for appropriate literature to help guide the development of the dissertation topic and the research process for the study.

With this in mind, it is important to now begin to develop your library research skills because as you begin to work on your dissertation project, you will need to be proficient at searching for appropriate scholarly sources. For this assignment, please go to the CTU Library > Doctoral Resource Center > Library Research > Conducting Library Research area and familiarize yourself with the content. Then, click on your degree program link (e.g., DCS or DM), and do the following:

Explore at least 3 academic databases that are listed there, and once you have explored each of those 3, select 1 of these databases that you think will be promising as you begin your search for journal articles that are likely to be helpful in learning more about your dissertation topic area.
After you have determined the database, type a key word or phrase in the top search box that is closely related to your possible topic.
Then, also find and check the box that allows you to limit your search to peer-reviewed publications.
Finally, limit your search to articles published within 3–5 years if this option is available.

With these key parameters in place, select 1 peer-reviewed article published within the last 3–5 years to explore, and write a 4–6-page double-spaced narrative that responds to the following:

Appraise why you think this article is potentially relevant to your proposed dissertation project.
Distinguish what theoretical or conceptual information is included that seems like it could be beneficial.
Establish what research findings are discussed in this article if it is a report of original research. Note that not all published journal articles are reports of original research, but if the article reviews information about previous studies published in this topic area, articulate how this could still be useful to you.
Articulate the conclusions that the author of this article presented that are related to your potential dissertation topic.
Elaborate on what you learned from engaging in this process of reviewing and writing about a peer-reviewed journal article.
Assess how this exercise helped you think about why it will be necessary to learn your way around the research databases available through the CTU Library.

Provide an APA formatted citation for the article that you chose.

Note that this first Individual Project (IP) assignment for RSCH860 offers you an opportunity to practice paragraphing as it is presented in Duke University’s MEAL plan for writing that you will work with later in this course. We encourage you to view the short video “Using the Duke University MEAL Plan for writing your dissertation” for a quick introduction. In your 4–6-page narrative for this assignment, try to transform each of the bullet points into its own paragraph with a topic sentence and evidence, and you will get a preview of how you can utilize evidence-based writing in your writing.