Posted: January 4th, 2017

Post your draft problem statement, the most recent version of your research question(s) section of the PhD Prospectus Template, as well as a completed Change Matrix form.

As you know, in popular usage, the term litmus test refers to a minor test a person or product must pass to be considered to meet a required standard. For a problem statement to lead to a doctoral-level dissertation, it is very important that researching the problem will result in an original contribution to the field of knowledge. But how do you take a topic that you are passionate about and craft a problem statement that can effectively guide your research endeavors throughout an entire dissertation?

As you draft your problem statement, make sure that it can pass each litmus test question successfully. Use the Litmus Questions Problem Statement Toolbox document, found in this week’s Learning Resources, to assist you.

With these thoughts in mind:

Post your draft problem statement, the most recent version of your research question(s) section of the PhD Prospectus Template, as well as a completed Change Matrix form.

The Change Matrix, if completed correctly, will evidence that you successfully integrated the feedback from your peers (when appropriate to do so) and any resources provided by the Instructor to you and your classmates during Weeks 2–3. Please note the grading rubric for this Discussion includes criteria and point values for the change matrix activity. Points will be earned based upon how well prior revision requests and recommendations are integrated into this Discussion posting.