The Dissertation Journey · A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation by Roberts, Carol M. -- Read -- Imperial Library of Trantor

Index

Title Copyright Contents Foreword New to This Edition Preface A Note to Doctoral Candidates Acknowledgments About the Author PART I: QUESTS AND QUESTIONS

1. 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

2. 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

3. What Are the Ethical Considerations in Research?

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 Recommended Websites Recommended Books Summary

PART II: PREPARING FOR THE CLIMB

4. Choosing a Dissertation Topic

Approaches to Choosing a Topic Where to Look for Potential Topics Some Criteria for Topic Selection Replication Studies Replication Studies Dos and Don’ts Summary

5. 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

6. Dissertation Support Groups

Critical Decisions Strategies and Structures of Successful Support Groups Other Considerations Summary

7. Organizing Yourself

Organize Your Workspace Organize Your Time Working Smart Maintain Balance Strategies for Getting a Life While Dissertating Summary

PART III: BEGINNING THE CLIMB

8. Using the Internet and Technology to Conduct Research

Conducting Literature Searches Other Helpful Technology Using the Internet for Data Collection Using Your Library’s Electronic Search Capability Using Your Instructional Technology Center Additional Online Resources Tips to Keep You Sane and Productive Summary

9. 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

10. Mastering the Academic Style

Qualities of Scholarly Writing Common Writing Problems Tips for Good Writing Useful Verbs Further Reading Helpful Websites Summary

PART IV: CLIMBING TO BASE CAMP

11. Writing the Introduction

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

12. Selecting and Describing the Methodology

Selecting the Methodology Further Reading Describing the Methodology Data Collection Procedures Data Analysis Limitations Checklist of Elements to Include in the Methodology Chapter Summary

13. Holding the Proposal Meeting

Before the Meeting During the Meeting After the Meeting Summary

PART V: FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE PEAK

14. Analyzing and Presenting the Results

Understanding the Data Writing the Introductory Paragraph Tables and the Narrative Description Presenting the Findings Further Reading Summary

15. Summarizing and Discussing the Results

Reflect on Findings Chapter Organization Summary

PART VI: FINAL ASCENT AND VIEW FROM THE TOP AND BEYOND

16. The Oral Defense: D-Day

A Defense Scenario Helpful Hints: Prior to the Oral Defense During the Oral Defense After the Oral Defense Summary

17. The Next Peak

The Descent Letting Down Mount Analogue Helping Others Mentoring Disseminating Your Study’s Findings Summary

Parting Thoughts Appendix A: Sample Dissertation Timeline—Gantt Chart Appendix B: Source of Data Chart Appendix C: Sample Participant Letter and Questionnaire Appendix D: Sample Table—Presenting the Results Appendix E: Dissertation Content Checklist Bibliography Helpful Websites Index

← Prev
Back
Next →

← Prev
Back
Next →