The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation (Updated)

Correction Notice: Corwin Press made an error when printing the cover for this update. MLA 8 should not be included. How to reach the pinnacle of academic achievement The dissertation is a tough mountain to climb; half of all doctoral students never make it to the top. To overcome the practical, social, and psychological obstacles along the way, you need a knowledgeable guide and the right tools. Written in an engaging and motivational style, The Dissertation Journey is a comprehensive how-to guide for graduate students faced with the challenge of developing and writing a quality dissertation. Readers of this new edition will find  Expanded and updated coverage of crucial topics such as conducting a literature review, dissertation support groups, and harnessing technology to conduct research  Graphics, quotes, illustrations, progress tracking tools, sample forms, a new chapter-ending resources feature, and other user-friendly elements  Thoroughly updated and revised chapters with the most current need-to-know information This clear, practical guidebook will make the journey to “doctor” smoother and help you reach your academic goals.     "The Dissertation Journey has been a valuable read for more than a decade. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt bring years of doctoral teaching and dissertation advising experience to this essential book." —Stuart Allen, Professor of Organizational Leadership Robert Morris University  "This book contains sound academic research advice in an easy to understand and follow format. The book’s benefits extend beyond the dissertation to any subsequent scholarship that the reader undertakes." —Farzin Madjidi, Associate Dean, Education Division  Pepperdine University 

Table of Contents:
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

About the Author :
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. Previously, Dr. Hyatt was a tenured professor and chair at the University of La Verne where she earned emeritus status. 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.    

Review :
"The Dissertation Journey has been a valuable read for graduate and doctoral students for more than a decade, providing an accessible and practical guidebook for the journey of research. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt bring years of doctoral teaching and dissertation advising experience to this essential book. My students’ comments and my own experiences with referring to the book for my dissertation seminars reinforce the value of this highly recommended text." "This book offers an excellent practical guide for doctoral students working on their dissertations. Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt’s work ensures the student will have a rigorous,yet rewarding dissertation experience. The book contains sound academic research advice in an easy to understand and follow format. The book is thorough and its benefits extend beyond the dissertation to any subsequent scholarship that the reader undertakes."