The Dissertation Journey

Carol Roberts is a professor emerita from the University of La Verne, where she taught Leadership in the Doctoral Program. She advised doctoral students, chaired dissertations, and taught a variety of leadership courses, primarily in personal leadership, communication, conflict, and coaching. She has served as a consultant and seminar leader specializing in organizational and team development, strategic planning, conflict resolution, coaching, and personal mastery. Dr. Roberts has been a consultant and trainer for the Administrator Trainer Center and Effective Schools Program, the California School Leadership Academy, and the California School Boards Association. She received her doctoral degree in planning, policy, and administration from the University of Southern California. Carol has also served on the executive board for the Southern Counties Women in Educational Management and was awarded its Woman of the Year award.  Laura Hyatt is a professor and chair at Pepperdine University, Graduate School of Education and Psychology. She is also the Executive Director of Academic Affairs for the Graduate School of Education where she encourages scholarly research. She is an Associate of a global think tank, participated as an advisor to the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation at the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington, D.C., and was appointed to a White House Policy Conference by the President of the United States. Prior to teaching, she was Vice President of Education for a production company and part of a collaborative effort that won several awards in the entertainment industry. She earned her doctorate degree from Pepperdine University. Dr. Hyatt has authored books, book chapters, and journal articles and serves on editorial boards for peer-reviewed journals. Dr. Hyatt has received recognition and grants for her research, which focuses on the intersections of learning, neuroscience, change, and the powerful climates created by our convergent stories as individuals, organizations, and communities.    

NEW TO THIS EDITION
PREFACE
A NOTE TO DOCTORAL STUDENTS
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
ABOUT THE AUTHORS
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
Lack of Concentration
What Are the Inner Essentials?
Summary
Resources
2. WHAT EXACTLY IS A DISSERTATION?
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
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
Summary
Resources
PART II: BEGINNING 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
Summary
Resources
5. CREATING YOUR DISSERTATION TEAM
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
6. ORGANIZING YOURSELF
Organize Your Workspace
Organize Your Time
Working Smart
Maintain Balance
Strategies for Getting a Life While Dissertating
Summary
Resources
7. MASTERING THE ACADEMIC STYLE
Qualities of Scholarly Writing
Common Writing Problems
Guidelines for Successful Academic Writing
Other Distinguishing Characteristics of the Academic Style
Summary
Resources
PART III: CLIMBING TO BASE CAMP
8. WRITING THE INTRODUCTION
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
9. REVIEWING THE LITERATURE
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
10. SELECTING AND DESCRIBING THE METHODOLOGY
The Methodology of Research
Describing the Methodology
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis
Limitations
Methodology Chapter Elements—A Checklist
Summary
Resources
11. THE PROPOSAL MEETING
Preparing for the Proposal Meeting
During the Proposal Meeting
After the Proposal Meeting
Summary
Resources
PART IV: FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE PEAK
12. ANALYZING AND PRESENTING THE FINDINGS
Understanding the Data
Writing the Introductory Paragraph
Tables and the Narrative Description
Presenting the Findings
Summary
Resources
13. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Reflect on Findings
Chapter Organization
Summary
Resources
PART V: FINAL ASCENT AND VIEW FROM THE TOP AND BEYOND
14. THE FINAL DEFENSE
Virtual Participation Options
A Defense Scenario
Helpful Hints: Prior to the Final Defense
During the Final Defense
After the Final Defense
Summary
Resources
15. THE NEXT PEAK
The Descent
Mount Analogue
Helping Others
Summary
Resources
PARTING THOUGHTS
APPENDIX: DISSERTATION CONTENT CHECKLIST
REFERENCES
INDEX