Lterature Review

LITERATURE REVIEW

The Paper Store integrates a variety of different research resources into their example dissertations, for use as tutorial aids in support of the learning process. Mark Alan Stewart (1999), in his book Real A+ Term Papers, provides an overview of the services of The Paper Store and states that the company provides beneficial research assistance and exemplary documents that help students design their own research studies. Stewart's evaluation of The Paper Store promotes the idea that on-line resources and research assistance are beneficial components of the "teaching-by-example" process and are based in a student-motivated approach to the learning process.

Researchers have stated that both technology and teaching-by-example (also known as "learning-by-example") are beneficial elements in determining the success of learners in higher education. (ETRD, 1994). Markwood and Johnstone (1994), for example, support the use of examples as a new pathway towards educational development, and have also called for the integration of technology. Further, the use of examples through the push for increasing technology in the college setting has also determined a shift in the way educational development is pursued. Clearly, the changing focus of the educational environment promotes the use of technology and variety of learning approaches in order to determine the greatest gains.

Current literature also supports the notion that personal factors have an influence on the development of individual perceptions about "teaching-by-example" in the educational model (Crooks, 1977). In fact, Rutherford and Grana (1995) called for a change in the way faculty view specific technology-based educational tools, calling for changes in both the attitudes and practices related to technology, including the use of exemplary documents in the development of college theses and dissertations. Smith (1990) also stated that collaborative and interactive writing, especially writing techniques that are motivated by learner activity, are beneficial to the writing process. The development of effective communication skills and the practices related to both writing and the use of technology are elements that have shifted approaches to dissertation writing (Rutherford and Grana, 1995). The Paper Store has recognized the shift towards technology-based learning tools and has supported this shift through the availability of on-line support resources including such websites as dissertationsandtheses.com

METHODOLOGY

The methodology for this study is based on a longitudinal approach to assessing the increasing use of Web-based paper examples from companies like The Paper Store. This design focuses on the responses of a large subject population and determines the perspectives of the subjects on the use of The Paper Store's services for thesis and dissertation assistance.

Rationale for the Study

The rationale for this study is based on creating a factual representation of a subject population and their use of research, thesis and dissertation example services to assist them in the creation of their own research studies. This longitudinal, quantitative analysis should accomplish three goals: First, it should report the findings of a study of a subject population as well as provide an overview of the current literature and current findings on this subject. Second, it should interpret these facts based on a comparative reading of the sources relative to the experimental outcome. Third, the descriptive research study must analyze the "trends in attitudes, events, and facts in terms of their commonality and potential for prediction" (Smith, 1997, p. 34), supporting the continued use of these types of services in the future.

Instruments and Data Collection

The instruments for this study include a Web-based survey, telephone interviews, e-mail statements, referrals and written feedback. The staff at TPS Enterprises collected data as a component of their customer support process, and noted referrals from other customers when they occurred. Documentation included notes regarding the positive aspects of customer support, second purchases (including additional research on the same subject) and the response of customers regarding their own thesis or dissertation writing successes.

Subject Population

The primary sample population in this study consisted of subjects who were directed to a Web-based survey after having purchased a sample thesis, dissertation or research example paper. In order to effectively delineate the subjects based on possible gender, age or racial biases, demographic considerations for this study included both for the primary subjects, broken down by age, gender, race, & educational level.

Data Collection

The data collection process occurred over the course of 6 years between May of 1994 - May of 2000. The data collection process continued until enough subjects were evaluated to provide a solid subject population for the study based on a response-based criteria. A total of 60,000 subjects was attained to provide a substantial base for the assertions and to increase the applicability of the findings. The researcher then discussed the findings with a statistician and created a document representing the data in a quantitative format.

DISSERTATION/PROJECT HINTS: READING ON RESEARCH METHODOLOGIES

Last updated by Hazel Hall, 12 February 2003

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Note on content of this material

Below is suggested reading to help you to devise a suitable methodology for your research work. You should also use such material to justify the methodology that you have chosen by making reference to specific work when you write up Chapter 3. You should check the library catalogue for full bibliographic details and exact locations of material.

This list was originally compiled by Hazel Hall who supervises students working on studies that are largely qualitative using data collected by survey or interview. Check with your supervisor and/or