Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation

Allan A. Glatthorn (1924–2007) was a major contributor to the third and fourth editions; his research used in the preparation of the first and second editions of Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide was the foundation for the third edition. He was the Distinguished Research Professor of Education (Emeritus) in the College of Education of East Carolina University, where he advised doctoral students, chaired dissertations, and taught courses in supervision and curriculum. He was formerly Professor of Education at the Graduate School of Education of the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to his university assignments, he was a high school teacher and principal. In his work as a professor, he chaired close to 100 dissertations. He is the author of numerous professional books, several of which have been published by Corwin. Randy L. Joyner is an adjunct professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. He is retired from the Department of Educational Leadership in the College of Education of East Carolina University, where he directed or served as committee member for 25 dissertations. Furthermore, he has served as a doctoral committee member at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia; and North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina. He has received several awards for his research: the Delta Pi Epsilon doctoral research award, the Omicron Tau Theta Iota Chapter Research Award, and the Delta Pi Epsilon Alpha Chapter Research Award. The results of his research have been published in numerous national and international journals.

Preface and Acknowledgments
About the Authors
Part I: Establishing the Foundations
1. Laying the Groundwork for the Thesis and Dissertation
Understanding the Special Nature of the Dissertation
Making Ethical Choices With Respect to the Dissertation
Securing the Needed Resources
Understanding the Key Differences Between the Thesis and the Dissertation
A Look Ahead
2. Finding a Research Problem
Make a Personal Assessment of Topics
Conduct a Broad Scan of the Literature
Reflect and Discuss
Fix on the Research Topic and Research Problem
3. Conducting a Focused Review of the Literature
Reorganize Your Files
Retrieve All Related Abstracts
Evaluate the Results
Retrieve the Full Texts of the Most Useful Sources
Use Primary Sources
Develop an Annotated Bibliography
A Concluding Note
4. Making a Preliminary Choice of Methodology
Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives
Research Types
Research Methods
Make Preliminary Choices
5. Organizing and Scheduling Your Work
Develop a Planning Chart
Make the Tentative Entries
6. Developing the Prospectus and Organizing the Committee
A Rationale for the Prospectus
Developing the Prospectus
Choosing and Organizing the Committee
7. Using Peer Collaboration
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
Structuring the Collaboration
Prepare for Comprehensive Examinations
Formalize the Structure and Request Adviser Approval
Help the Group Remain Productive
8. Using Technology
The History of Technology and the Dissertation
Preparing Yourself
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Data Bases
Reference Formatting
Information Retrieval
Cautions in Using the Technology
9. Learning From the Pre-Proposal Conference
Schedule the Conference
Examine the Research Problem
Examine the Methodology
Review Your Schedule
Determine the Nature of the Proposal
Follow Up on the Conference
Part II: Developing and Defending the Proposal
10. Conducting a Comprehensive Critique of the Literature
Maintain Good Research Practices Throughout the Search
Develop an Outline for the Search
Establish Parameters for the Search
Conduct a Comprehensive Search
Critique All Sources Retrieved
A Concluding Note
11. Detailing the Methodology
The Research Design: Its General Nature
The Research Design: Type-Specific Issues
Develop Your Research Design
12. Developing and Defending the Proposal
Develop the Proposal: The Big Picture
Develop the Proposal: Writing Chapter 1
Develop the Proposal: Writing Chapter 2
Develop the Proposal: Writing Chapter 3
Develop the Proposal: The Appendix
Hold the Proposal Defense
Part III: Researching and Writing the Thesis or Dissertation
13. Carrying Out the Research Design
Communicate Periodically With the Chair
Ensure Access to the Research Site
Avoid Premature Data Collection
Develop a Detailed Planning Calendar
Change the Schedule as Needed
Prevent Problems With the Intervention
Use Computers Mindfully
Ensure a High Rate of Return on Surveys
Maintain Careful and Duplicate Records
14. Mastering the Academic Style
Follow the Recommended Style Guide
Use the Writing Process
Master the Academic Style
15. Organizing the Dissertation
How Are Dissertations Organized?
What Principles Govern the Organization of Individual Chapters?
How Can the Organization be Made Clear to the Reader?
How Is the Dissertation Finally Packaged?
16. Writing the Introductory Chapter
Introduction to the Chapter
The Background of the Study
The Problem Statement
The Professional Significance of the Study
Overview of Methodology
Delimitations and Definitions
17. Writing the Review of the Literature
Update the Comprehensive Critique of the Literature
Reread All Sources
Develop the Final Outline
Use Levels of Headings That Reflect the Outline
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Write the First Section of the Review
Write the Remaining Sections, Including a Summary
Some Specific Reminders
Evaluate and Revise
18. Explaining the Methodology
Prepare to Write the Chapter
Use an Objective Style in Writing the Chapter
Determine the Content of the Chapter
Outline the Chapter and Use Headings Appropriately
Describe the Context for the Study
Identify the Subjects or Participants
Identify the Instruments Used to Collect Data
Explain the Procedures in Carrying Out the Design
Explain How the Data Were Analyzed
Write a Summary
19. Presenting the Results
Prepare to Present the Results
Decide on the Contents and Format of the Chapter
Determine the Organization of the Chapter
Develop the Tables and Figures
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Write the Remaining Sections, Using Appropriate Headings
Revise the Chapter and Submit It for Review
Write the First Section
20. Summarizing and Discussing the Results
Review the Results Reported
Develop an Outline of the Final Chapter
Write the Introductory Paragraph
Restate the Problem and Review the Methodology
Summarize the Results
Discuss the Meaning of the Study
21. Preparing the Dissertation for Defense
Secure the Needed Resources
Edit the Dissertation
Check on Content and Order
Write the Abstract
Write the Title and Approval Pages
Write the Acknowledgment Page
Write the Table of Contents and Lists of Tables and Figures
Include the Chapters
List the References
Include Any Appendices
Submit the Dissertation
Part IV: Defending and Profiting From the Dissertation
22. Holding a Successful Defense
Prepare for the Defense
Hold the Defense
After Your Presentation
Publishing From the Thesis or Dissertation
Add to the Research Knowledge Base
Present a Scholarly Paper
Publish a Journal Article
Develop a Plan to Publish a Book
Part V: Solving Problems Throughout the Dissertation Process
24. Solving Problems With the Committee
Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee
The Dynamics of the Committee
Preventing Problems With the Committee
Dealing With Committee Problems
25. Solving Personal Problems With the Dissertation
Problems Near the End of Course Work
Problems at the End of Course Work
Problems After the Proposal
Problems After the Defense
References
Index