Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide by Randy L. Joyner (Editor), Allan A. Glatthorn (Editor)

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 theResearch 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