Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide

The classic step-by-step guide to thesis and dissertation success, fully updated for 2018.   From selecting your topic to defending your finished work, a masters thesis or doctoral dissertation is a major undertaking. Since 1998, this book has been the go-to resource for scholars seeking guidance and best practices at every phase of the process.  This revised and updated fourth edition is the most comprehensive guide yet to researching, writing, and publishing a successful thesis or dissertation. It includes:  Insights on leveraging new technologies to maximize your efficiency.  Current case studies demonstrating the book’s teachings in action.  Tested principles of effective planning, an engaging writing style, defense preparation, and more.   Written in an easy, digestible style perfect for a thesis or dissertation-writer’s busy schedule, this latest edition of a contemporary classic belongs on every advanced degree candidate’s shelf.  Dr. Joyner and Dr. Rouse have again put together an in-depth, comprehensive, and practical guide that is a valuable resource for graduate students. This edition includes important information related to current and emerging trends in technology and valuable case studies focusing on the most common problems encountered in writing at the master’s and doctoral levels.  James R. Machell, Dean College of Education and Professional Studies, University of Central Oklahoma  Writing the Winning Dissertation is an essential guidebook for students writing a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. I used the first edition to write an award-winning dissertation and now use the updated edition with the doctoral students I advise. I highly recommend it to both students and advisors. Susan Colby, Director of Faculty Professional Development, Appalachian State University; Boone, NC Appalachian State University 

Table of Contents:
List of Exhibits Preface About the Authors Publisher’s Acknowledgments Part I: The Foundations Chapter 1. Groundwork for Theses and Dissertations Dissertation’s Special Nature Securing the Needed Resources Thesis and Dissertation Key Differences Chapter 2. The Thesis or Doctoral Committee Roles and Responsibilities of the Committee The Dynamics of the Committee Preventing Problems With the Committee Dealing With Committee Problems Solving Personal Problems With the Dissertation Chapter 3. The Degree-Granting Institution’s Requirements Degree Completion Time Lines Styles Specific University Guidelines or Requirements Chapter 4. The Institutional Review Board Knowledge Requirements (Training) IRB Resources Certification Time Frame Case Study I: Selecting Members of the Doctoral Committee Forming the Committee/Selecting Committee Members Points to Ponder Part II: Research Problem Development Chapter 5. The Research Problem Make a Personal Assessment of Topics Reflect and Discuss Fix on the Research Topic and Research Problem Chapter 6. The Focused Review of the Literature Reorganize Your Files Retrieve All Related Abstracts Evaluate the Results Check for Prior Dissertations Retrieve the Full Texts of the Most Useful Sources Use Primary Sources Develop an Annotated Bibliography Chapter 7. Comprehensive Critique of the Literature Maintain Good Research Practices Throughout the Search Develop a Focused Outline of the Search Establish Parameters for the Search Conduct a Comprehensive Search Critique All Sources Retrieved Chapter 8. Focused Review of Available Methodologies for Data Collection and Analyses Quantitative and Qualitative Perspectives Research Types Research Methods Make Preliminary Choices Chapter 9. Selected Methodology The Research Design: Its General Nature The Research Design: Type-Specific Issues Develop Your Research Design Case Study II: Selecting/Developing a Research Topic Developing a Research Topic Points to Ponder Part III: The Prospectus Preparation Chapter 10. The Work Plan Develop a Planning Chart Make the Tentative Entries Chapter 11. The Prospectus Overview Peer Collaboration Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages Structuring the Collaborative Formalize the Structure and Request Adviser Approval Help the Group Remain Productive Chapter 12. The Doctoral Committee and the Prospectus Developing the Prospectus and Organizing the Committee Prospectus Rationale Prospectus Development Committee Selection Committee Dynamics Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 1 Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 2 Developing the Proposal: Writing Chapter 3 Developing the Proposal: The References Developing the Proposal: The Appendices Chapter 13. The Prospectus Defense Coordinate Committee Schedules: Date and Time Prepare for the Proposal Defense Present the Proposal Defense Facilities Deal With Other Defense Issues Committee Requirements Postproposal Steps Case Study III: Developing the Research Proposal The Research Proposal Points to Ponder Part IV: The Dissertation Chapter 14. The Communication Process and the Writing of the Dissertation 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 Chapter 15. Academic Style Recommended Style Guide The Writing Process The Academic Style Writing Software Chapter 16. The Dissertation Organization 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? Chapter 17. The Introduction Introduction to the Chapter The Background of the Study The Problem Statement The Professional Significance of the Study Overview of Methodology Limitations and Delimitations Definition of Terms Chapter 18. Review of the Literature Comprehensive Critique of the Literature Reread All Sources Develop the Final Outline Levels of Headings Write the Introductory Paragraph First Section of the Review The Remaining Sections, Including a Summary Chapter 19. Methodology Prepare to Write Use an Objective Writing Style Determine the Chapter Content Outline the Chapter and Use Headings Appropriately Describe the Study’s Context Identify the Subjects or Participants Identify the Data Collection Instruments Explain the Research Design Procedures Explain the Data Analysis/Analyses Procedure(s) Write a Summary Chapter 20. Data Analysis/Analyses 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 First Section Write the Remaining Sections, Using Appropriate Headings Revise the Chapter and Submit for Review Chapter 21. The Results Discussion 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 Case Study IV: Writing the Dissertation The Dissertation Points to Ponder Part V: The Dissertation Defense Chapter 22. Defense Committee Meeting Planning Secure Needed Resources Edit the Dissertation Check on Content and Order Write the Abstract Write the Title and Approval Pages Write the Acknowledgments Page Write the Table of Contents and Lists of Tables and Figures Include the Chapters Finalize the References Finalize Any Appendices Submit the Dissertation Holding the Defense After Your Presentation After the Defense Institutional Review Board Completion Requirements Chapter 23. The Degree-Granting Institution’s Graduation Requirements Handbooks: A Source of Information Graduation Requirements Chapter 24. The Publication of the Dissertation Add to the Research Knowledge Base Present a Scholarly Paper Publish a Journal Article Develop a Plan to Publish a Book Case Study V: Defending the Dissertation The Dissertation Defense Hearing Points to Ponder Part VI: Technology Chapter 25. Technology and the Dissertation University Research Librarians Software Software Capabilities Creating Charts Creating Figures and Tables Collecting and Analyzing Data Numbering Pages Editing the Style Editing the Content Telecommunicating Software Compatibility Formatting Packaging the Final Dissertation References Index