Writing and Publishing Your Thesis, Dissertation, and Research A Guide for Students in the Helping Professions

by Heppner, Puncky Paul; Heppner, Mary J.

• ISBN13: 9780534559748
• ISBN10: 0534559743
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-07-21
• Publisher: Cengage Learning

Summary

This book provides masters and doctoral students with an in-depth and comprehensive guide to the process of writing a thesis or dissertation. It breaks down this often foreboding and overwhelming goal into achievable steps, presenting models that prepare readers for each stage of the process. Within each step, the authors supply all the tools and detailed instructions necessary for the successful completion of a thesis or dissertation. Along the way, the book offers readers skills and techniques that can help them cope more effectively with the psychological or emotional blocks that often get in the way of accomplishing their goal.

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	xvii
Setting Yourself Up for Success: Alleviating Barriers That May Impede Your Progress	1	(14)
Factors That May Impede Your Success	3	(9)
Lack of Time	3	(1)
Lack of Space	4	(1)
Nonsupport from Partners, Families, and Friends	5	(1)
Lack of Organization	6	(1)
Emotional and Psychological Obstacles	7	(3)
``Shoulds'' Students Tell Themselves	10	(1)
A Poor Working Relationship With Your Advisor	10	(1)
Lack of Control of Data Collection and Analyses	10	(2)
Conclusions	12	(1)
Exercise 1.1: Strengths and Barriers	12	(2)
Exercise 1.2: My Thesis or Dissertation Self-Care Plan/Contract With Myself	14	(1)
Identifying Your Topic and Making It Researchable	15	(23)
The Affective Side: Focusing on Your Feelings	16	(2)
Factors in Selecting a Research Topic	18	(7)
Assessing One's Level of Research Skill	19	(1)
Following the Advisor's Areas of Expertise	20	(1)
Clearing a Hurdle	21	(1)
Continuing a Previous Line of Research	22	(1)
Developing Specific Skills	22	(1)
Promoting a Transition Into a Chosen Career Field	23	(1)
Following a Personal Passion	23	(1)
Responding to a Significant Societal Need	24	(1)
Acceptable/Practical Time Considerations	24	(1)
Finding Research Topics	25	(3)
Reading the Professional Literature	25	(1)
Talking to Experts in the Field	26	(2)
Testing Theory	28	(1)
Examining Applied Experiences	28	(1)
Developing a Topic Into a Researchable Study	28	(3)
Narrowing the Scope for a Study and Identifying Possible Variables	29	(1)
Using Theory to Guide the Initial Selection of Variables	30	(1)
Further Refining a Topic by Identifying Initial Research Questions	31	(2)
Testability	32	(1)
Feasibility	32	(1)
Significance	32	(1)
Grant Support for Graduate Research	33	(1)
Conclusions	33	(1)
Exercise 2.1: Developing a Focus to Your Research Topic	34	(1)
Grant Opportunities	34	(4)
Overview: Setting the Stage for the Thesis or Dissertation	38	(14)
The Funnel: An Essential Writing Tool	39	(2)
Key Elements of the Overview Chapter	41	(8)
Engage the Reader in the Topic	41	(2)
Build a Convincing Rationale for Why This Study Is Important to Do	43	(1)
Include Potential Implications for the Study	44	(1)
Concisely State the Purpose of the Study	45	(1)
List the Hypotheses and Research Questions	46	(1)
Provide Needed Definitions, Parameters, Limitations, and Assumptions	47	(1)
Assumptions, Limitations, and Delimitations	48	(1)
Conclusions	49	(1)
Checklist for Chapter 1 of the Thesis or Dissertation	49	(3)
Searching and Reviewing the Relevant Literature: Finding What Has Come Before	52	(15)
The Search Process: A Highly Specialized and Nonlinear Process	53	(4)
Resources to Conduct a Literature Search	57	(5)
Handbooks	57	(1)
Annual Reviews	57	(1)
Major Review Articles in a Specialized Area	57	(1)
People Resources	58	(1)
Informed Use of Search Engines	58	(1)
Interdisciplinary Search Engines	59	(1)
Librarians	60	(1)
Not All Articles Are Created Equal	60	(1)
Work Backward	60	(1)
Key Authors	61	(1)
Social Sciences Citation Index	61	(1)
Soon-to-Be-Published Sources	61	(1)
Dissertations	62	(1)
Government Sources	62	(1)
Organizing the Results of Your Search	62	(4)
Conclusions	66	(1)
Research Hypotheses: The Motor That Drives the Study	67	(15)
Specifying Research Questions	68	(1)
Types of Research Questions	69	(1)
Descriptive Questions	69	(1)
Relationship Questions	69	(1)
Difference Questions	69	(1)
Criteria for Developing Research Questions	70	(1)
Examples of Research Questions Within a Programmatic Line	71	(3)
Descriptive Designs	72	(1)
True Experimental Designs	73	(1)
Quasi-Experimental Designs and Time Series	73	(1)
Conclusions	74	(1)
Specifying Research Hypotheses	74	(1)
Writing Research Questions and Hypotheses	75	(2)
Summarizing the Literature to Establish Research Questions and Hypotheses	77	(3)
Conclusions	80	(2)
Writing Your Literature Review: Integration and Case Building	82	(26)
Structural Elements in Writing a Literature Review	83	(8)
The Funnel	84	(1)
Introduction and Focus of the Topic	85	(1)
Road Maps	86	(1)
Sections and Subsections: Mini--Road Maps	87	(1)
Explicit Topic Sentences	88	(1)
Transitions	89	(1)
Summary and Conclusions	90	(1)
Describing, Analyzing, and Synthesizing the Literature	91	(8)
Prototype or Classic Studies	92	(1)
Integrating Articles Within a Sociohistorical Context	92	(1)
Quantifying Patterns	93	(1)
Summarizing Studies on One Variable	93	(1)
Tables	94	(1)
Design and Methodological Issues	94	(2)
Identifying Problems	96	(1)
Drawing Conclusions	96	(1)
Future Research Directions	97	(2)
Writing Style and Process	99	(3)
Revising and Polishing	99	(1)
Anticipating Questions	99	(1)
Having a Voice in the Review	100	(1)
Substantiating Claims and Plagiarism	100	(1)
Using Professional Jargon	101	(1)
Using Colloquial Language	101	(1)
Using Repetition and Parallel Construction	102	(1)
Conclusions	102	(1)
Exercise 6.1: Synthesizing Information Across Studies	103	(2)
Checklist for Chapter 2 of the Thesis or Dissertation	105	(3)
Quantitative Methods: Mapping Your Research Plan	108	(28)
Where to Begin: The Chapter Road Map	109	(1)
Participants	109	(8)
Who Are the Participants, and Where Will You Obtain Them?	110	(3)
The Sampling Method: Random or Nonrandom?	113	(1)
Sample Homogeneity Versus Heterogeneity	114	(1)
Representing Underrepresented Groups	115	(1)
Number of Participants: How Many Do I Need?	115	(2)
Instruments	117	(4)
Procedures	121	(6)
Data Collection	121	(5)
Internet Data-Collection Procedures	126	(1)
Statistical Analyses	127	(5)
Conclusions	132	(1)
Checklist for Chapter 3 of the Thesis or Dissertation	133	(3)
Qualitative Methods: On the Road to Exploring the Unknown Co-authored with Yu-Wei Wang	136	(43)
Before Telling You the Story: What Is Qualitative Research?	138	(4)
Definition of Qualitative Research	138	(1)
Myths and Facts About Qualitative Research	139	(1)
Where Does This Story Start?	140	(2)
Paradigms: The Ground Rules	142	(36)
Strategies of Inquiry: Getting Your Road Map	146	(2)
Grounded Theory	148	(1)
Definition and Purpose	148	(1)
Theory Is Grounded in the Data	148	(2)
Constant Comparative Method	150	(2)
Memo Writing	152	(2)
Theoretical Sampling	154	(2)
Consensual Qualitative Research	156	(2)
Researchers and Researchers' Biases	158	(1)
Interviewees and Participant Selection	159	(2)
Interview Protocols and Pilot of the Protocol	161	(2)
Training of the Research Team	163	(1)
Interview (Data Collection)	164	(2)
Transcribing the Interviews	166	(1)
Data Analytic Procedure	166
Phenomenology/Hermeneutics	165	(3)
Philosophical Perspectives and Epoche	168	(3)
Research Questions and Lived Experiences	171	(1)
Sampling and Data Collection	172	(2)
Data Analysis	174	(2)
Essence of the Experiences	176	(1)
Trustworthiness of Qualitative Research	176	(2)
Conclusions	178	(1)
Exclusion Is Easier, Inclusion Is Better: Diversifying Samples Co-authored with M. Meghan Davidson	179	(19)
Advantages of Diversifying Samples	182	(3)
Reaping Intrinsic Rewards	182	(1)
Investigating Underserved and Understudied Populations	183	(1)
Acquiring New Opportunities and Research Projects	183	(1)
Clarifying and Enhancing One's Research Self-Efficacy	183	(1)
Enhancing the Generalizability of the Research	184	(1)
Increasing One's Personal Knowledge	184	(1)
Bridging the Gap Between Academia and the Community	185	(1)
Drawbacks to Diversifying Samples	185	(2)
Time Demands	185	(1)
Financial Costs	185	(1)
Students' Time Lines Versus Agency Operations	186	(1)
Different Levels of Understanding of Research Methodologies and Agency Procedures	186	(1)
Psychometric Concerns	187	(1)
Advice for ``Drawing the Circle Bigger''	187	(10)
Determine What Sample Is Most Appropriate for the Topic	187	(1)
Do Not Be Afraid to Work Outside Familiar Settings	188	(1)
Seek Out Supportive People	188	(1)
Research Your Deep and Abiding Passion	189	(1)
Develop and Use Your Networks	190	(2)
Determine How Your Research Can Benefit Others	192	(1)
Demonstrate Respect for Research Allies	193	(1)
Be Explicit About What You Need From the Research	194	(1)
Give Back to People Who Have Given to You	195	(1)
Expect Things to Go Wrong	195	(2)
Conclusions	197	(1)
Working With Your Advisor and Committee	198	(20)
Working With the Advisor	198	(3)
Understanding the Advisor's Role	199	(1)
Keeping the Advisor Informed	199	(1)
Allowing Ample Time for the Advisor to Read and Respond to Multiple Drafts	200	(1)
Formation of the Committee	201	(2)
Contacting Potential Committee Members	203	(1)
Level of Contact With Committee Members Outside of Meetings	204	(1)
Providing Copies of the Proposal to the Committee and Scheduling the Meeting	205	(1)
Preparing for the Proposal Meeting	205	(11)
Do You Believe the Project Is Feasible?	205	(1)
What Is the Departmental Culture Like During Committee Meetings?	206	(1)
Anticipate the Hardest, Most Critical Question	206	(2)
Practice With Peers or Advisor	208	(1)
Prepare a Concise Visual Presentation of the Main Points	209	(1)
Provide a Table That Indicates Each Research Question and Each Corresponding Type of Analysis	210	(1)
Study the Type of Analysis and the Research Design	210	(3)
Approach Committee Members Who May Have Concerns	213	(1)
Breathe, Meditate, Relax	213	(1)
Feeling and Presenting a Confident Image	214	(1)
Practice Nondefensiveness	214	(2)
Data Collection and Analysis	216	(1)
Scheduling and Presenting the Defense	216	(1)
Conclusions	217	(1)
Demonstrating Integrity and Professionalism in Your Research	218	(13)
Attitudes Toward Conducting Research	219	(1)
Reflecting on Each Phase of the Research Process	220	(10)
Topic Selection	220	(1)
Conducting a Literature Review	221	(1)
Working With Research Allies and Assistants	222	(1)
Methods	223	(1)
Selecting Participants	223	(1)
Soliciting Participants	224	(1)
Procedures Used in the Investigation	225	(2)
Instrumentation	227	(1)
Qualitative and Observational Studies	227	(1)
Data Analysis and Presenting Results	228	(1)
Discussing Your Results	229	(1)
Conclusions	230	(1)
Conducting Quantitative Analyses and Presenting Your Results Co-authored with Dong-gwi Lee and Hyun-joo Park	231	(74)
Where to Begin: The Chapter Road Map	232	(1)
Common Preliminary Components of the Results Chapter	233	(14)
Data Screening	233	(7)
Preliminary Analyses	240	(5)
Descriptive Statistics	245	(2)
Writing Statistical Analyses to Describe the Results	247	(47)
Chi-Square	248	(1)
Writing the Results Using Chi-Square	249	(1)
t Tests	249	(1)
Writing the Results Using t Tests	250	(1)
Analysis of Variance (ANOVA)	251	(1)
One-Way ANOVA	252	(1)
Two-Way ANOVA	253	(3)
Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA)	256	(3)
Repeated-Measures ANOVA	259	(1)
Three Types of Multiple Regression	260	(1)
Simultaneous Regression	261	(2)
Stepwise Regression	263	(1)
Hierarchical Regression	264	(5)
Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA)	269	(1)
Writing the Results Using a MANOVA	270	(1)
Cluster Analysis	271	(1)
Writing the Results Using Cluster Analysis	272	(5)
Factor Analysis	277	(1)
Exploratory Factor Analysis	278	(8)
Confirmatory Factor Analysis	286	(2)
Structural Equation Modeling	288	(1)
Writing the Results Using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)	289	(5)
Conclusions	294	(1)
Checklist for Chapter 4 of the Thesis or Dissertation	294	(8)
Useful References for Other Statistical Techniques	302	(3)
Qualitative Results: The Meaning-Making Process	305	(22)
Grounded Theory	306	(6)
Consensual Qualitative Research	312	(4)
Phenomenology/Hermeneutics	316	(9)
Conclusions	325	(2)
The Discussion: Making the Data Sing	327	(19)
Affective Reactions	327	(2)
Running Out of Steam	327	(1)
Doubting the Significance of the Research	328	(1)
Fear of Making Your Work Public	328	(1)
Most Important Elements of a Discussion Chapter	329	(16)
The ``So What?'' Factor	329	(1)
Staying Close to the Data	329	(1)
A Road Map	330	(1)
A Discussion of the Results of the Hypotheses	330	(5)
The Relationship of the Results to Previous Theory or Research	335	(1)
Implications for Practice and Future Research	336	(2)
Methodological Implications	338	(2)
Limitations	340	(3)
Summary and Conclusions of the Discussion Chapter	343	(2)
Conclusions	345	(1)
Checklist for Chapter 5 of the Thesis or Dissertation	345	(1)
Citations and Reference Lists: The Devil Is in the Details	346	(9)
Style of Citing References in the Text	347	(1)
Common Problems in Compiling References	348	(1)
Utilizing Bibliographic Computer Programs for Your References	349	(1)
Common Reference List Errors	350	(3)
Conclusions	353	(1)
Sample Reference List	353	(2)
Publishing the Thesis or Dissertation	355	(24)
Affective Reactions	356	(4)
Myths About the Writing Process	360	(7)
Steps on the Road to Professional Publication	367	(7)
Identifying Where to Send Your Manuscript	367	(2)
The Structure of the Editorial Team	369	(1)
Preparing the Manuscript for Publication	370	(1)
The Editorial Review Process	371	(3)
Common Problems in Manuscripts Submitted for Publication	374	(4)
Manuscript Length	374	(1)
Rationale and Conceptualization of the Constructs	374	(1)
Measurement of Constructs	375	(1)
Sampling Procedures	376	(1)
Data Collection	376	(1)
Data Analyses	377	(1)
Discussion of the Results	377	(1)
Conclusions	378	(1)
Appendix A: Example Cover Letter to the Editor	379	(3)
References	382	(13)
Credits	395	(1)
Index	396