SCIENTIFIC MERIT REVIEW FORM School of Public Service Leadership Scientific Merit Process Dissertation researchers will use this form to go through the process of scientific merit review (SMR). The goals of this process are to: (1) Facilitate the planning of the details of your dissertation research project. (2) Allow for scientific merit review. (3) Facilitate your progress through the dissertation. This is not an addition to your dissertation but rather a step to assist you in obtaining mentor, committee, school, and IRB approval more efficiently. You must obtain scientific merit approval before writing your full dissertation proposal. Scientific merit approval is part of Dissertation Milestone 3, Mentor Approval. Scientific Merit Criteria The following criteria will be used to establish scientific merit. The purpose of the review will determine if the study: Advances the scientific knowledge base. Makes a contribution to research theory. Meets certain “Hallmarks” of good research methodology.