Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation : A Step-by-Step Guide

by Allan A. Glatthorn

• ISBN13: 9780761939610
• ISBN10: 076193961X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-03-16
• Publisher: Corwin Pr

Summary

Updated Edition of Bestseller! The classic for masters and doctoral students--newly revised and updated! Writing your masters thesis or doctoral dissertation can be a daunting task. Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation, Second Edition demystifies the process, helping you prepare your scholarly work. This experience-based, practical book takes you through the process one step at a time! Newly revised and updated, this edition uses a step-by-step approach, providing specific models and examples that will take you through the complex writing process. Included are chapters on: Laying the groundwork for the thesis or dissertation Organizing and scheduling your work Peer collaboration Using technology Developing and defending your work Conducting quality research and writing a winning report Defending and publishing your dissertation Solving problems throughout the dissertation process This excellentresource, used in its first edition by tens of thousands of students, will provide you with clear direction for structuring a winning thesis or dissertation.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi
Acknowledgments	xii
About the Authors	xv
Part I: Establishing the Foundations	1	(82)
Laying the Groundwork for the Thesis and Dissertation	3	(14)
Understanding the Special Nature of the Dissertation	4	(4)
Making Ethical Choices With Respect to the Dissertation	8	(5)
Securing the Needed Resources	13	(2)
Understanding the Key Differences Between the Thesis and the Dissertation	15	(1)
A Look Ahead	16	(1)
Finding a Research Problem	17	(14)
Make a Personal Assessment of Topics	18	(5)
Conduct a Broad Scan of the Literature	23	(6)
Reflect and Discuss	29	(1)
Fix on the Research Topic and Research Problem	29	(2)
Conducting a Focused Review of the Literature	31	(8)
Reorganize Your Files	31	(1)
Retrieve All Related Abstracts	32	(1)
Evaluate the Results	33	(2)
Retrieve the Full Texts of the Most Useful Sources	35	(1)
Use Primary Sources	36	(1)
Develop an Annotated Bibliography	37	(1)
A Concluding Note	38	(1)
Making a Preliminary Choice of Methodology	39	(8)
Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives	39	(2)
Research Types	41	(3)
Research Methods	44	(1)
Make Preliminary Choices	45	(2)
Organizing and Scheduling Your Work	47	(6)
Develop a Planning Chart	48	(2)
Make the Tentative Entries	50	(3)
Developing the Prospectus and Organizing the Committee	53	(10)
A Rationale for the Prospectus	53	(1)
Developing the Prospectus	54	(3)
Choosing and Organizing the Committee	57	(6)
Using Peer Collaboration	63	(6)
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages	63	(1)
Structuring the Collaborative	64	(1)
Prepare for Comprehensive Examinations	64	(2)
Formalize the Structure and Request Adviser Approval	66	(1)
Help the Group Remain Productive	66	(3)
Using Technology	69	(8)
The History of Technology and the Dissertation	69	(2)
Prepare Yourself	71	(1)
Word Processing	71	(1)
Spreadsheets	72	(1)
Databases	72	(1)
Reference Formatting	73	(1)
Information Retrieval	73	(1)
Cautions in Using the Technology	74	(3)
Learning From the Pre-Proposal Conference	77	(6)
Schedule the Conference	77	(1)
Examine the Research Problem	78	(1)
Examine the Methodology	78	(1)
Review Your Schedule	79	(1)
Determine the Nature of the Proposal	79	(2)
Follow Up on the Conference	81	(2)
Part II: Developing and Defending the Proposal	83	(44)
Conducting a Comprehensive Critique of the Literature	85	(12)
Maintain Good Research Practices Throughout the Search	86	(1)
Develop an Outline for the Search	86	(3)
Establish Parameters for the Search	89	(1)
Conduct a Comprehensive Search	90	(2)
Critique All Sources Retrieved	92	(3)
A Concluding Note	95	(2)
Detailing the Methodology	97	(10)
The Research Design: Its General Nature	97	(1)
The Research Design: Type-Specific Issues	98	(7)
Develop Your Research Design	105	(2)
Developing and Defending the Proposal	107	(20)
Developing the Proposal: The Big Picture	108	(1)
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 1	109	(6)
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 2	115	(6)
Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 3	121	(1)
Developing the Proposal: The Appendix Section	122	(1)
Holding the Proposal Defense	122	(5)
Part III: Researching and Writing the Thesis or Dissertation	127	(92)
Carrying Out the Research Design	129	(6)
Communicate Periodically With the Chair	129	(1)
Ensure Access to the Research Site	130	(1)
Avoid Premature Data Collection	131	(1)
Develop a Detailed Planning Calendar	131	(1)
Change the Schedule as Needed	131	(1)
Prevent Problems With the Intervention	132	(1)
Use Computers Mindfully	133	(1)
Ensure a High Rate of Return on Surveys	133	(1)
Maintain Careful and Duplicate Records	134	(1)
Mastering the Academic Style	135	(20)
Follow the Recommended Style Guide	135	(1)
Use the Writing Process	136	(6)
Mastering the Academic Style	142	(13)
Organizing the Dissertation	155	(8)
How Are Dissertations Organized?	155	(2)
What Principles Govern the Organization of Individual Chapters?	157	(1)
How Can the Organization Be Made Clear to the Reader?	157	(4)
How Is the Dissertation Finally Packaged?	161	(2)
Writing the Introductory Chapter	163	(8)
Introduction to the Chapter	164	(1)
The Background of the Study	165	(1)
The Problem Statement	166	(1)
The Professional Significance of the Study	167	(1)
Overview of Methodology	168	(1)
Delimitations and Definitions	168	(3)
Writing the Review of the Literature	171	(14)
Update the Comprehensive Critique of the Literature	172	(1)
Reread All Sources	172	(1)
Develop the Final Outline	173	(2)
Use Levels of Headings That Reflect the Outline	175	(2)
Write the Introductory Paragraph	177	(1)
Write the First Section of the Review	178	(4)
Write the Remaining Sections, Including a Summary	182	(1)
Some Specific Reminders	183	(1)
Evaluate and Revise	183	(2)
Explaining the Methodology	185	(12)
Prepare to Write the Chapter	185	(1)
Use an Objective Style in Writing the Chapter	185	(1)
Determine the Content of the Chapter	186	(1)
Outline the Chapter and Use Headings Appropriately	187	(3)
Describe the Context for the Study	190	(2)
Identify the Subjects or Participants	192	(1)
Identify the Instruments Used to Collect Data	193	(1)
Explain the Procedures Used in Carrying Out the Design	194	(1)
Explain How the Data Were Analyzed	195	(1)
Write a Summary	196	(1)
Presenting the Results	197	(6)
Prepare to Present the Results	197	(1)
Decide on the Contents and Format of the Chapter	197	(1)
Determine the Organization of the Chapter	198	(1)
Develop the Tables and Figures	199	(1)
Write the Introductory Paragraph	200	(1)
Write the First Section	201	(1)
Write the Remaining Sections, Using Appropriate Headings	202	(1)
Revise the Chapter and Submit It for Review	202	(1)
Summarizing and Discussing the Results	203	(8)
Review the Results Reported	203	(1)
Develop an Outline of the Final Chapter	204	(1)
Write the Introductory Paragraph	204	(1)
Restate the Problem and Review the Methodology	205	(1)
Summarize the Results	205	(2)
Discuss the Meaning of the Study	207	(4)
Preparing the Dissertation for Defense	211	(8)
Secure the Needed Resources	211	(1)
Edit the Dissertation	212	(1)
Check on Content and Order	213	(1)
Write the Abstract	214	(1)
Write the Title and Approval Pages	214	(1)
Write the Acknowledgments Page	215	(1)
Write the Table of Contents and Lists of Tables and Figures	215	(1)
Include the Chapters	215	(1)
List the References	216	(1)
Include Any Appendices	216	(1)
Submit the Dissertation	217	(2)
Part IV: Defending and Profiting From the Dissertation	219	(18)
Holding a Successful Defense	221	(6)
Prepare for the Defense	221	(1)
Hold the Defense	222	(4)
After Your Presentation	226	(1)
Publishing From the Thesis or Dissertation	227	(10)
Add to the Research Knowledge Base	227	(1)
Present a Scholarly Paper	228	(1)
Publish a Journal Article	229	(5)
Develop a Plan to Publish a Book	234	(3)
Part V: Solving Problems Throughout the Dissertation Process	237	(22)
Solving Problems With the Committee	239	(10)
Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee	239	(1)
The Dynamics of the Committee	240	(1)
Preventing Problems With the Committee	241	(3)
Dealing With Committee Problems	244	(5)
Solving Personal Problems With the Dissertation	249	(10)
Problems Near the End of Course Work	250	(3)
Problems at the End of Course Work	253	(2)
Problems After the Proposal	255	(2)
Problems After the Defense	257	(2)
References	259	(2)
Index	261