\documentclass[aspectratio=169,12pt]{beamer} % Encoding \usepackage[utf8]{inputenc} \usepackage[T1]{fontenc} % Theme - professional and formal for defense \usetheme{Boadilla} \usecolortheme{whale} % Remove navigation symbols \setbeamertemplate{navigation symbols}{} % Page numbers with total \setbeamertemplate{footline}{ \leavevmode% \hbox{% \begin{beamercolorbox}[wd=.333333\paperwidth,ht=2.25ex,dp=1ex,center]{author in head/foot}% \usebeamerfont{author in head/foot}\insertshortauthor \end{beamercolorbox}% \begin{beamercolorbox}[wd=.333333\paperwidth,ht=2.25ex,dp=1ex,center]{title in head/foot}% \usebeamerfont{title in head/foot}\insertshorttitle \end{beamercolorbox}% \begin{beamercolorbox}[wd=.333333\paperwidth,ht=2.25ex,dp=1ex,right]{date in head/foot}% \usebeamerfont{date in head/foot}\insertshortdate{}\hspace*{2em} \insertframenumber{} / \inserttotalframenumber\hspace*{2ex} \end{beamercolorbox}}% \vskip0pt% } % Section pages \AtBeginSection[]{ \begin{frame} \vfill \centering \begin{beamercolorbox}[sep=8pt,center,shadow=true,rounded=true]{title} \usebeamerfont{title}\insertsectionhead\par% \end{beamercolorbox} \vfill \end{frame} } % Graphics \usepackage{graphicx} \graphicspath{{./figures/}} % Math \usepackage{amsmath, amssymb, amsthm} % Tables \usepackage{booktabs} \usepackage{multirow} % Citations \usepackage[style=authoryear,maxcitenames=2,backend=biber]{biblatex} \addbibresource{references.bib} \renewcommand*{\bibfont}{\scriptsize} % Custom colors - conservative for formal defense \definecolor{universityblue}{RGB}{0,60,113} \definecolor{accentgold}{RGB}{179,136,12} \setbeamercolor{structure}{fg=universityblue} \setbeamercolor{title}{fg=universityblue} \setbeamercolor{frametitle}{fg=universityblue} \setbeamercolor{block title}{fg=white,bg=universityblue} % Title page information \title[Dissertation Defense]{Title of Your Dissertation:\\Comprehensive and Descriptive} \subtitle{Dissertation Defense} \author[Your Name]{Your Name, M.S.\\ \vspace{0.3cm} Doctoral Candidate\\ Department of Your Field} \institute[University]{ University Name\\ \vspace{0.3cm} \textbf{Dissertation Committee:}\\ Prof. Advisor Name (Chair)\\ Prof. Committee Member 2\\ Prof. Committee Member 3\\ Prof. Committee Member 4\\ Prof. External Member } \date{\today} % University logo % \logo{\includegraphics[height=0.8cm]{university_logo.png}} \begin{document} % Title slide \begin{frame}[plain] \titlepage \end{frame} % Committee and acknowledgments \begin{frame}{Dissertation Committee} \begin{center} \textbf{Committee Chair:}\\ Prof. Advisor Name, PhD\\ Department of Your Field \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Committee Members:}\\ Prof. Member 2, PhD -- Department of Related Field\\ Prof. Member 3, PhD -- Department of Your Field\\ Prof. Member 4, PhD -- Department of Statistics\\ Prof. External Member, PhD -- External Institution \vspace{0.8cm} \textit{Thank you to my committee for your guidance, support, and invaluable feedback throughout this dissertation research.} \end{center} \end{frame} % Overview \begin{frame}{Dissertation Overview} \begin{exampleblock}{Central Thesis} Brief statement of the overarching thesis or argument that ties together all dissertation studies. \end{exampleblock} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Dissertation Structure:} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{Chapter 1:} Introduction and theoretical framework \item \textbf{Chapter 2:} Study 1 -- [Brief description] \item \textbf{Chapter 3:} Study 2 -- [Brief description] \item \textbf{Chapter 4:} Study 3 -- [Brief description] \item \textbf{Chapter 5:} General discussion and conclusions \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Outline} \tableofcontents \end{frame} %============================================== % CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION %============================================== \section{Chapter 1: Introduction and Background} \begin{frame}{The Problem} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Real-World Significance:} \begin{itemize} \item Prevalence: X affects Y million people \item Impact: Costs \$Z billion annually \item Need: Current solutions inadequate \item Opportunity: New approach needed \end{itemize} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{problem_figure.pdf} \framebox[0.9\textwidth][c]{[Problem Illustration]} \caption{Visualization of the problem} \end{figure} \end{column} \end{columns} \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{alertblock}{Central Question} How can we understand and address this critical challenge using novel theoretical framework X? \end{alertblock} \end{frame} \subsection{Theoretical Framework} \begin{frame}{Theoretical Background} \textbf{Historical Development:} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{Early theories (1950s-1980s):} Established foundational concepts \cite{foundational1975} \item \textbf{Modern frameworks (1990s-2000s):} Refined understanding \cite{refinement2000} \item \textbf{Recent advances (2010s-present):} Novel approaches emerge \cite{recent2018} \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Key Theoretical Constructs:} \begin{enumerate} \item \textbf{Construct A:} Describes mechanism X \item \textbf{Construct B:} Explains process Y \item \textbf{Construct C:} Predicts outcome Z \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{block}{Theoretical Gap} Existing theories fail to account for interaction between A and B under conditions C \end{block} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Literature Review: What We Know} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Established Findings:} \begin{itemize} \item Finding 1: Well-replicated \item Finding 2: Meta-analytically supported \item Finding 3: Cross-culturally validated \item Finding 4: Mechanism partially understood \end{itemize} \vspace{0.3cm} \textbf{Methodological Advances:} \begin{itemize} \item Technique A: Improved measurement \item Technique B: Better controls \item Technique C: Novel analysis \end{itemize} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Remaining Questions:} \begin{itemize} \item[\alert{?}] How does A interact with B? \item[\alert{?}] What role does C play? \item[\alert{?}] Does effect generalize to D? \item[\alert{?}] What are boundary conditions? \end{itemize} \vspace{0.3cm} \begin{exampleblock}{Dissertation Focus} This dissertation addresses these gaps through three complementary studies \end{exampleblock} \end{column} \end{columns} \end{frame} \subsection{Dissertation Aims} \begin{frame}{Overarching Goals and Specific Aims} \begin{block}{Overall Dissertation Goal} To develop and test a comprehensive framework for understanding how X influences Y through mechanisms A, B, and C across contexts. \end{block} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Specific Aims:} \begin{enumerate} \item \textbf{Study 1:} Establish relationship between X and Y \begin{itemize} \item Method: Cross-sectional survey (n = 500) \item Goal: Characterize X→Y relationship \end{itemize} \item \textbf{Study 2:} Identify mediating mechanisms A and B \begin{itemize} \item Method: Longitudinal study (n = 250, 3 waves) \item Goal: Test mediation and temporal precedence \end{itemize} \item \textbf{Study 3:} Test causal model and generalizability \begin{itemize} \item Method: Experimental manipulation (n = 180) \item Goal: Establish causality and boundary conditions \end{itemize} \end{enumerate} \end{frame} %============================================== % CHAPTER 2: STUDY 1 %============================================== \section{Chapter 2: Study 1} \begin{frame}{Study 1: Overview} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Research Question:}\\ Does X predict Y, and is this relationship moderated by individual difference Z? \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Hypotheses:} \begin{enumerate} \item H1: X positively predicts Y \item H2: Z moderates X→Y \item H3: Effect varies by demographic factors \end{enumerate} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Design:} \begin{itemize} \item Cross-sectional survey \item N = 500 participants \item Online recruitment \item Power: .95 for medium effects \end{itemize} \vspace{0.3cm} \textbf{Measures:} \begin{itemize} \item X: Validated scale (α = .89) \item Y: Performance measure \item Z: Individual difference \item Controls: Demographics \end{itemize} \end{column} \end{columns} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 1: Methods} \textbf{Participants:} \begin{itemize} \item N = 500 (62\% female; Age: $M = 34.2$, $SD = 11.5$) \item Recruited via university participant pool and online platforms \item Inclusion: Ages 18-65, fluent in English \item Exclusion: Prior participation in related studies \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Procedure:} \begin{enumerate} \item Informed consent and demographics \item Battery of questionnaires (45 minutes) \item Debriefing and compensation \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Analysis:} \begin{itemize} \item Hierarchical regression for H1 and H2 \item Moderation analysis using PROCESS macro \item Subgroup analyses for H3 \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 1: Results} \begin{columns}[c] \begin{column}{0.6\textwidth} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{study1_main_result.pdf} \framebox[0.9\textwidth][c]{[Study 1: Main Result]} \caption{X predicts Y ($\beta = 0.47$, $p < .001$, $R^2 = .22$)} \end{figure} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.4\textwidth} \textbf{Key Findings:} \begin{itemize} \item H1 supported: Strong X→Y relationship \item H2 supported: Z moderates effect \item H3 partially supported: Age effects found \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{block}{Conclusion} Study 1 establishes foundational X→Y relationship \end{block} \end{column} \end{columns} \end{frame} %============================================== % CHAPTER 3: STUDY 2 %============================================== \section{Chapter 3: Study 2} \begin{frame}{Study 2: Overview} \begin{exampleblock}{Research Question} What mechanisms (A and B) mediate the X→Y relationship, and what is the temporal ordering? \end{exampleblock} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Rationale:} \begin{itemize} \item Study 1 showed X→Y relationship exists \item Need to identify mediating processes \item Longitudinal design establishes temporal precedence \item Tests proposed theoretical model \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Design:} \begin{itemize} \item Three-wave longitudinal study \item N = 250, assessments 6 months apart \item Measures: X (T1), A and B (T2), Y (T3) \item Analysis: Cross-lagged panel model, mediation \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 2: Methods} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Sample:} \begin{itemize} \item N = 250 at baseline \item Retention: 88\% at T2, 82\% at T3 \item Age: $M = 36.4$, $SD = 12.1$ \item 58\% female, diverse sample \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Timeline:} \begin{itemize} \item T1 (baseline): X measured \item T2 (+6 months): A, B measured \item T3 (+12 months): Y measured \end{itemize} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{study2_design.pdf} \framebox[0.9\textwidth][c]{[Longitudinal Design]} \caption{Three-wave design with proposed mediation model} \end{figure} \end{column} \end{columns} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Analysis:} \begin{itemize} \item Structural equation modeling for mediation \item Cross-lagged panel model for temporal precedence \item Missing data handled via FIML \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 2: Results} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=0.8\textwidth]{study2_mediation.pdf} \framebox[0.75\textwidth][c]{[Mediation Model with Path Coefficients]} \caption{Serial mediation: X → A → B → Y} \end{figure} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Path Coefficients:} \begin{itemize} \item X → A: $\beta = 0.42$, $p < .001$ \item A → B: $\beta = 0.35$, $p < .001$ \item B → Y: $\beta = 0.38$, $p < .001$ \item X → Y (direct): $\beta = 0.18$, $p = .032$ \item Indirect effect: $\beta = 0.29$, 95\% CI [0.19, 0.41] \end{itemize} \alert{61\% of total effect mediated by A→B pathway} \end{frame} %============================================== % CHAPTER 4: STUDY 3 %============================================== \section{Chapter 4: Study 3} \begin{frame}{Study 3: Overview} \begin{alertblock}{Research Question} Can we establish causality by experimentally manipulating X, and does the effect generalize across contexts? \end{alertblock} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Motivation:} \begin{itemize} \item Studies 1-2 showed correlational evidence \item Need experimental test for causality \item Test generalizability to applied context \item Examine boundary conditions \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Design:} \begin{itemize} \item 2 (X: low vs. high) × 2 (Context: lab vs. field) factorial \item N = 180 (45 per condition) \item Random assignment to conditions \item Outcome: Y measured post-manipulation \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 3: Methods} \textbf{Experimental Manipulation:} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{Low X condition:} Control procedure \item \textbf{High X condition:} Experimental manipulation designed to increase X \item Manipulation check: Successful ($t(178) = 8.92$, $p < .001$, $d = 1.34$) \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Contexts:} \begin{itemize} \item \textbf{Lab context:} Controlled laboratory setting (original) \item \textbf{Field context:} Applied real-world setting (generalization test) \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Measures:} \begin{itemize} \item Primary outcome Y (same as Studies 1-2) \item Mediators A and B \item Moderator Z \item Potential confounds \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Study 3: Results} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=\textwidth]{study3_results.pdf} \framebox[0.9\textwidth][c]{[Experimental Results]} \caption{Main effect of X on Y} \end{figure} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{ANOVA Results:} \begin{itemize} \item Main effect of X: $F(1,176) = 45.2$, $p < .001$, $\eta^2_p = .20$ \item Main effect of Context: $F(1,176) = 2.1$, $p = .15$ \item X × Context: $F(1,176) = 0.8$, $p = .38$ \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{block}{Key Finding} Causal effect of X on Y confirmed; generalizes across contexts \end{block} \end{column} \end{columns} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Mediation:} Experimental mediation analysis confirmed A and B as mechanisms \end{frame} %============================================== % CHAPTER 5: GENERAL DISCUSSION %============================================== \section{Chapter 5: General Discussion} \begin{frame}{Synthesis Across Studies} \begin{table} \centering \caption{Summary of findings across three studies} \small \begin{tabular}{lccc} \toprule \textbf{Finding} & \textbf{Study 1} & \textbf{Study 2} & \textbf{Study 3} \\ \midrule X → Y relationship & Yes & Yes & Yes (causal) \\ Mediation by A & --- & Yes & Yes \\ Mediation by B & --- & Yes & Yes \\ Moderation by Z & Yes & Yes & Yes \\ Generalization & --- & --- & Yes \\ \bottomrule \end{tabular} \end{table} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Convergent Evidence:} \begin{itemize} \item Robust X→Y relationship across designs and samples \item Consistent mediation by A→B pathway \item Moderation by Z replicated \item Effects generalize from lab to field \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Theoretical Contributions} \begin{exampleblock}{Novel Theoretical Framework} This dissertation proposes and validates the XYZ Model, which integrates constructs A, B, and C to explain how X influences Y. \end{exampleblock} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Specific Contributions:} \begin{enumerate} \item \textbf{Integration:} Bridges previously separate literatures on A and B \item \textbf{Mechanism:} Identifies A→B as key mediating pathway \item \textbf{Boundary conditions:} Specifies role of moderator Z \item \textbf{Generalizability:} Shows effects across contexts \item \textbf{Causality:} Establishes X as causal factor \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Advances Beyond Prior Work:} \begin{itemize} \item More comprehensive than Theory 1 \cite{theory1} \item Resolves contradictions between Studies A and B \item Provides testable predictions for future research \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Practical Implications} \begin{columns}[T] \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Clinical Applications:} \begin{itemize} \item Assessment: Screen for X \item Intervention target: Increase A and B \item Tailoring: Consider moderator Z \item Outcome: Expect improvement in Y \end{itemize} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Implementation:} \begin{itemize} \item Feasibility demonstrated in field study \item Scalable to larger populations \item Cost-effective approach \end{itemize} \end{column} \begin{column}{0.5\textwidth} \textbf{Policy Recommendations:} \begin{enumerate} \item Support programs targeting X \item Fund interventions enhancing A \item Consider individual differences Z \item Monitor outcomes Y \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \begin{alertblock}{Impact} Findings suggest potential to improve outcomes for population experiencing low X \end{alertblock} \end{column} \end{columns} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Limitations and Future Directions} \textbf{Study Limitations:} \begin{enumerate} \item \textbf{Sample:} Primarily university-educated, young adults \begin{itemize} \item Future: Community samples, diverse populations \end{itemize} \item \textbf{Measures:} Some reliance on self-report \begin{itemize} \item Future: Multi-method assessment (behavioral, biological) \end{itemize} \item \textbf{Time frame:} Longest follow-up was 12 months \begin{itemize} \item Future: Longer-term longitudinal studies \end{itemize} \item \textbf{Mechanisms:} Other pathways may exist \begin{itemize} \item Future: Explore alternative mediators \end{itemize} \end{enumerate} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Future Research Program} \begin{block}{Immediate Next Steps} \begin{itemize} \item Replicate in clinical populations \item Develop intervention based on findings \item Test with diverse samples \item Examine individual differences in response \end{itemize} \end{block} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Long-Term Research Agenda:} \begin{enumerate} \item \textbf{Mechanism refinement:} Neural/biological underpinnings \item \textbf{Intervention development:} RCT of theory-driven treatment \item \textbf{Moderator exploration:} Genetic, environmental factors \item \textbf{Translation:} Dissemination and implementation science \item \textbf{Extension:} Apply framework to related phenomena \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Collaboration Opportunities:} \begin{itemize} \item Clinical partners for intervention trials \item Neuroscientists for mechanism studies \item Community organizations for implementation \end{itemize} \end{frame} %============================================== % CONCLUSIONS %============================================== \section{Conclusions} \begin{frame}{Dissertation Conclusions} \begin{exampleblock}{Central Thesis (Revisited)} Through three complementary studies, this dissertation demonstrates that X influences Y through mechanisms A and B, moderated by Z, with effects generalizing across contexts. \end{exampleblock} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Key Achievements:} \begin{enumerate} \item Established robust X→Y relationship across designs \item Identified and validated A→B mediating pathway \item Demonstrated causality via experimental manipulation \item Showed generalizability from lab to field \item Proposed novel XYZ theoretical framework \end{enumerate} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Significance:} \begin{itemize} \item Theoretical advancement in understanding X→Y processes \item Methodological contribution through multi-study design \item Practical applications for intervention and policy \item Foundation for sustained research program \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Final Thoughts} \begin{block}{Take-Home Message} This dissertation provides compelling converging evidence that X causes Y through mechanisms A and B, offering both theoretical understanding and practical pathways for intervention. \end{block} \vspace{1cm} \textbf{Broader Impact:} \begin{itemize} \item Advances scientific understanding of fundamental process \item Provides evidence-based framework for practitioners \item Opens new avenues for future research \item Demonstrates potential to improve outcomes for affected populations \end{itemize} \vspace{1cm} \begin{center} \textit{"The best way to predict the future is to create it."} \\ -- Peter Drucker \end{center} \end{frame} \begin{frame}[plain] \begin{center} {\LARGE \textbf{Thank You}} \vspace{1cm} {\Large Questions from the Committee} \vspace{1.5cm} \textbf{Your Name, M.S.}\\ Doctoral Candidate\\ Department of Your Field\\ University Name\\ \texttt{yourname@university.edu} \vspace{1cm} {\footnotesize \textbf{Funding Acknowledgment:}\\ This research was supported by [Grant Agency] Grant \#[Number],\\ [Fellowship Name], and [University] Dissertation Fellowship \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Special Thanks:}\\ My advisor Prof. [Name], committee members, lab colleagues,\\ study participants, and my family for their unwavering support } \end{center} \end{frame} %============================================== % BACKUP SLIDES %============================================== \appendix \begin{frame}{Backup: Study 1 Full Results} \begin{table} \centering \caption{Complete regression results for Study 1} \footnotesize \begin{tabular}{lcccc} \toprule \textbf{Predictor} & $\boldsymbol{\beta}$ & \textbf{SE} & \textbf{$t$} & \textbf{$p$} \\ \midrule \multicolumn{5}{l}{\textit{Step 1: Demographics}} \\ Age & 0.12 & 0.04 & 3.00 & .003 \\ Gender & 0.08 & 0.05 & 1.60 & .110 \\ Education & 0.15 & 0.04 & 3.75 & < .001 \\ \midrule \multicolumn{5}{l}{\textit{Step 2: Main Effect}} \\ X & 0.47 & 0.04 & 11.75 & < .001 \\ \midrule \multicolumn{5}{l}{\textit{Step 3: Moderation}} \\ Z & 0.18 & 0.04 & 4.50 & < .001 \\ X × Z & 0.12 & 0.04 & 3.00 & .003 \\ \bottomrule \multicolumn{5}{l}{Final model: $R^2 = .28$, $F(6,493) = 32.1$, $p < .001$} \\ \end{tabular} \end{table} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Backup: Study 2 Model Fit} \textbf{Structural Equation Model Fit Indices:} \begin{table} \centering \begin{tabular}{lcc} \toprule \textbf{Index} & \textbf{Value} & \textbf{Criterion} \\ \midrule $\chi^2$/df & 2.34 & < 3.0 \\ CFI & 0.96 & > 0.95 \\ TLI & 0.95 & > 0.95 \\ RMSEA & 0.045 & < 0.06 \\ SRMR & 0.038 & < 0.08 \\ \bottomrule \end{tabular} \end{table} \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Conclusion:} Excellent model fit, proposed model fits data well \vspace{0.5cm} \textbf{Alternative Models Tested:} \begin{itemize} \item Direct-only model: $\Delta\chi^2(2) = 45.6$, $p < .001$ (worse fit) \item Reverse mediation: $\Delta\chi^2(2) = 38.2$, $p < .001$ (worse fit) \item Proposed model provides best fit \end{itemize} \end{frame} \begin{frame}{Backup: Study 3 Additional Analyses} \textbf{Subgroup Effects:} \begin{figure} \centering % \includegraphics[width=0.7\textwidth]{study3_subgroups.pdf} \framebox[0.65\textwidth][c]{[Subgroup Analysis Results]} \caption{Effect of X on Y by moderator Z levels} \end{figure} \begin{itemize} \item High Z: $d = 0.95$, $p < .001$ \item Medium Z: $d = 0.72$, $p < .001$ \item Low Z: $d = 0.45$, $p = .008$ \item Moderation: $F(2,174) = 6.8$, $p = .001$ \end{itemize} \end{frame} %============================================== % REFERENCES %============================================== \begin{frame}[allowframebreaks]{References} \printbibliography \end{frame} \end{document}