7.++Reflection

Enlightening; this is how we would describe our overall experience related to analyzing a notable dissertation. As a rule of thumb in teaching, modeling or demonstrating how to accomplish a task is part of a quality lesson plan. However, for a research based dissertation this task can be somewhat daunting. As our group debriefed about how we took a step-by step approach to analyzing the dissertation, we felt that taking it apart bit by bit was beneficial. The first assignment of analyzing citation quality was helpful in that we discussed and were reminded of high quality journals and APA citation requirements. Having said this, we also found this to be challenging. When looking at references, especially ones that are not immediately related to our area of expertise, some of us found it difficult to judge the scholarliness; the timeliness and relevance were easier. Using Cooper's Taxonomy of Literature Reviews in concert with Boote and Beile's Literature Review Scoring Rubric provided much needed information in regards to what a thorough and sophisticated literature review entails. Although this is a very informative dissertation, and we agree with many of the points the author made, it would have been even more powerful if the author had a somewhat more extensive and exhaustive review. She should have looked beyond and beside her field of expertise, rather than rooting most of her background and research in one field of study and a few major researchers. As a whole, this process has been a powerful way to construct the importance of rooting our own research with those who have come before; before we can see where we need to go.