The Dissertation Journey
A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation
- Carol Roberts - University of La Verne, USA
- Laura Hyatt
How to reach the pinnacle of academic achievement
The dissertation is a tough mountain to climb; half of all doctoral students never make it to the top. To overcome the practical, social, and psychological obstacles along the way, you need a knowledgeable guide and the right tools. Written in an engaging and motivational style, The Dissertation Journey is a comprehensive how-to guide for graduate students faced with the challenge of developing and writing a quality dissertation. Readers of this new edition will find
- Expanded and updated coverage of crucial topics such as conducting a literature review, dissertation support groups, and harnessing technology to conduct research
- Graphics, quotes, illustrations, progress tracking tools, sample forms, a new chapter-ending resources feature, and other user-friendly elements
- Thoroughly updated and revised chapters with the most current need-to-know information
This clear, practical guidebook will make the journey to “doctor” smoother and help you reach your academic goals.
"The Dissertation Journey has been a valuable read for more than a decade. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt bring years of doctoral teaching and dissertation advising experience to this essential book."
—Stuart Allen, Professor of Organizational Leadership
Robert Morris University
"This book contains sound academic research advice in an easy to understand and follow format. The book’s benefits extend beyond the dissertation to any subsequent scholarship that the reader undertakes."
—Farzin Madjidi, Associate Dean, Education Division
Pepperdine University
| Why Take This Journey? |
| Do You Have What It Takes to Journey to the Peak? |
| Avoiding the Hazards of High-Altitude Climbing |
| Procrastination |
| Emotional Barriers |
| Writer’s Block |
| Lack of Concentration |
| What Are the Inner Essentials? |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| What Is a Doctoral Dissertation? |
| Typical Dissertation Structure |
| Studies Using Quantitative Methodology: General Sample Format |
| Studies Using Qualitative Methodology: General Sample Format |
| Alternative Formats |
| Components of a Typical Dissertation |
| Major Steps in the Dissertation Process |
| Roles and Responsibilities |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Institutional Review Boards |
| Rights of Human Subjects |
| Ethical Issues in Data Collection |
| Ethical Issues in Data Analysis and Interpretation |
| Ethical Issues in Reporting Research Findings |
| Ethics of Writing Up Research |
| Other Ethical Considerations |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Approaches to Choosing a Topic |
| Where to Look for Potential Topics |
| Some Criteria for Topic Selection |
| Replication Studies |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Peak Principle: Always Climb Fully Equipped |
| Selecting a Dissertation Advisor |
| How to Approach a Potential Advisor |
| Selecting the Committee |
| The Care and Nurture of Advisors and Committee Members |
| Choosing Outfitters and Bearers (Other Specialized Consultants) |
| Where to Locate Specialists |
| Dissertation Support Groups |
| Critical Decisions |
| Other Considerations |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Organize Your Workspace |
| Organize Your Time |
| Working Smart |
| Maintain Balance |
| Strategies for Getting a Life While Dissertating |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Qualities of Scholarly Writing |
| Common Writing Problems |
| Guidelines for Successful Academic Writing |
| Other Distinguishing Characteristics of the Academic Style |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| The Introductory Paragraph |
| Problem Statement |
| Theoretical or Conceptual Framework |
| Purpose Statement |
| Statement About Method Type and Research Questions/Hypotheses |
| Significance and Relevance |
| Delimitations |
| Assumptions |
| Definition of Terms |
| Organization of the Study |
| Summary |
| Purpose and Scope |
| Preparation |
| Techniques for Writing the Literature Review |
| Advice on Writing a Literature Review |
| Helpful Technologies for Searching the Literature and Collaboration |
| Tips to Keep You Sane and Productive |
| Literature Review Checklist |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| The Methodology of Research |
| Describing the Methodology |
| Data Collection Procedures |
| Data Analysis |
| Limitations |
| Methodology Chapter Elements—A Checklist |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Preparing for the Proposal Meeting |
| During the Proposal Meeting |
| After the Proposal Meeting |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Understanding the Data |
| Writing the Introductory Paragraph |
| Tables and the Narrative Description |
| Presenting the Findings |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Reflect on Findings |
| Chapter Organization |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| Virtual Participation Options |
| A Defense Scenario |
| Helpful Hints: Prior to the Final Defense |
| During the Final Defense |
| After the Final Defense |
| Summary |
| Resources |
| The Descent |
| Mount Analogue |
| Helping Others |
| Summary |
| Resources |
"The Dissertation Journey has been a valuable read for graduate and doctoral students for more than a decade, providing an accessible and practical guidebook for the journey of research. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt bring years of doctoral teaching and dissertation advising experience to this essential book. My students’ comments and my own experiences with referring to the book for my dissertation seminars reinforce the value of this highly recommended text."
"This book offers an excellent practical guide for doctoral students working on their dissertations. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt’s work ensures the student will have a rigorous,yet rewarding dissertation experience. The book contains sound academic research advice in an easy to understand and follow format. The book is thorough and its benefits extend beyond the dissertation to any subsequent scholarship that the reader undertakes."
This edition includes updates of previous topics, as well as new information integral to successfully navigating the dissertation process:
- Every chapter in this edition has been reviewed and revised to offer the reader current information.
- The revisions provided an opportunity to redistribute the material and amalgamate some chapters for greater clarity and utility
- A new section titled Resources is incorporated at the end of the chapters, which includes websites that are useful throughout the course of completing the dissertation.