This essential guidebook takes you step-by-step through the dissertation process, with checklists, illustrations, sample forms, and updated coverage of ethics, technology, and the literature review.

"Few books provide such a concise overview of the dissertation process. From understanding your relationship with faculty to collating materials for each chapter, Roberts provides a clear, step-by-step guide on how to plan, write, and defend your doctoral research. Do not procrastinate; read this book and proceed on the road to successful completion of your dissertation!" -Deborah A. Schreiber, Assistant Professor of Education

"The Dissertation Journey is a must-have resource for any doctoral student venturing out on his or her own. Dr. Roberts presents a systematic approach that transforms what at first seems insurmountable into achievable. Trust the process, it works!" -Bruce R. Schultz, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs

Foreword
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface
A Note to Doctoral Candidates
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Quests and Questions
Do You Have What It Takes?
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
What are the Inner Essentials?
Summary
What Exactly Is a Dissertation?
What Is a Doctoral Dissertation?
Typical Dissertation Structure
Studies Using Quantitative Methodology Sample Format
Studies Using Qualitative Methodology Sample Format
Alternative Formats
Components of a Typical Dissertation
Major Steps in the Dissertation Process
Roles and Responsibilities
Summary
What are Ethical Considerations in Research?
Rights of Human Subjects
Ethical Considerations 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
Preparing for the Climb
Choosing a Dissertation Topic
Approaches to Choosing a Topic
Where to Look for Potential Topics
Some Criteria for Topic Selection
Replication Studies
Replication Studies Do's and Don'ts
Summary
Creating Your Dissertation Team
Peak Principle: Always Climb Fully Equipped
Selecting a Dissertation Advisor
Selecting the Committee
The Care and Nurture of Advisors and Committee Members
How to Approach a Potential Advisor
What If No One Agrees to Be Your Advisor?
Choosing Outfitters and Bearers (Other Specialized Consultants)
Where to Locate Specialists
Summary
Dissertation Support Groups
Critical Decisions
Strategies and Structures of Successful Support Groups
Other Considerations
Summary
Organizing Yourself
Organize Your Workspace
Organize Your Time
Working Smart
Maintain Balance
Strategies for Getting a Life While Dissertating
Summary
Beginning The Climb
Using the Internet and Technology to Conduct Research
Conducting Literature Searches
Online Help
Helpful Technology
Collecting and Analyzing Data
Communicating Via the Internet
Using Your Library's Electronic Search Capability
Using Your Instructional Technology Center
Additional Online Resources
Tips to Keep You Sane and Productive
Summary
Reviewing the Literature
Purpose and Scope
Preparation
Steps in Conducting a Literature Review
Techniques for Writing the Literature Review
Advice on Writing a Literature Review
Literature Review Checklist
Summary
Mastering the Academic Style
Qualities of Scholarly Writing
Common Writing Problems
Tips for Good Writing
Further Reading
Helpful Web Sites
Summary
Climbing to Base Camp
Writing the Introduction Chapter
Problem Statement
Theoretical or Conceptual Framework
Purpose Statement
Research Questions/Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
Delimitations
Assumptions
Definition of Terms
Organization of the Study
Summary
Selecting and Describing the Methodology
Selecting the Methodology
Describing the Methodology
Summary
Holding the Proposal Meeting
Before the Meeting
During the Meeting
After the Meeting
Summary
Final Preparations For The Peak
Analyzing and Presenting the Results
Understanding the Data
Writing the Introductory Paragraph
Tables and the Narrative Description
Presenting the Findings
Further Reading
Summary
Summarizing and Discussing the Results
Reflect on Findings
Chapter Organization
Questions to Ask About Summarizing and Discussing the Findings
Summary
Final Ascent And View From The Top & Beyond
The Oral Defense: D-Day
A Defense Scenario
Helpful Hints: Prior to the Oral Defense
During the Oral Defense
After the Oral Defense
Summary
The Next Peak
The Descent
Letting Down
Mount Analogue
Helping Others
Mentoring
Disseminating Your Study's Findings
Summary
Parting Thoughts
Appendices
References
Index
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

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The Dissertation Journey; A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

9781412977982

1412977983

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