Trends in Editor Questions Blog:

Trends in Editor Questions Blog

October 2019

Question 1

Student Question: Are there recommendations for page lengths for the Chapter 1 sections in the Proposal? Such as Background, Conceptual Framework?

Editor Response: For length and content recommendations, you should take a look at the specific rubric for your program or check directly with your advisor. Another way you could get a good idea of length expectations would be to review one or two award-winning dissertations in your program. You can find those listed here, in the bottom right-hand corner: https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/doctoralcapstoneresources.

Question 2

Student Question: Do I use first person or third person when I am writing Chapters 4 and 5 of my dissertation? I thought 1st was acceptable, but I have read several published dissertations in which they used 3rd. I asked my Chair, and he asked me to ask you.

Editor Response: Both Walden and APA prefer the more direct and accurate first-person language. For additional information, please visit our: Letter from the Editor on the First Person.

Question 3

Student Question: I am working on my doctoral capstone and have run into a problem regarding APA style. I have de-identified the organization I am researching throughout my document; however, I have obtained a great deal of information from the organization’s website, such as organizational charts, management style information and info regarding the clients served. How should I go about referencing that information, both in text and in the reference section, to keep the organization anonymous while also citing appropriately? Please advise.

Editor Response: De-identification takes precedent over proper reference. So, what you do in the text is state, “According to the organization’s website…” and then give the information. Do not use citations for the information. If you are using a chart, put in the note below the figure that this chart came from the organization’s website. You do not need to include the website in your reference list.

Question 4

Student Question: I have two appendices in my capstone research project: Appendix A and B. Are the different items listed in each appendix supposed to show up on the TOC or just the titles of Appendix A and Appendix B?

Editor Response: The full title of the appendix should appear in the TOC. For example: Appendix A: Interview Questions. The entirety of that title, but not the contents of the appendix, should appear in the TOC.