Surviving Your Dissertation

Perfect for graduate students as well as behavioral and social scientists who supervise and conduct research! In the fully updated Fourth Edition of their best-selling guide, Surviving Your Dissertation, Kjell Erik Rudestam and Rae R. Newton answer questions concerning every stage of the dissertation process, including selecting a suitable topic, conducting a literature review, developing a research question, understanding the role of theory, selecting an appropriate methodology and research design, analyzing data, and interpreting and presenting results. In addition, this must-have guide covers topics that other dissertation guides often miss, such as the many types of quantitative and qualitative research models available, the principles of good scholarly writing, how to work with committees, how to meet IRB and ethical standards, and how to overcome task and emotional blocks. With plenty of current examples, the new edition features an expanded discussion of online research, data collection and analysis, and the use of data archives, as well as expanded coverage of qualitative methods and added information on mixed methods.

This book offers a user-friendly guide to preparing a perfect dissertation. Rather than focusing only on how to draft the report itself, the authors provide readers with material on generating a researchable question, as well as methods for assessing blind spots and learning styles that may get in the way of completing a dissertation. Using examples from a wide variety of disciplines, the authors demonstrate how to write up results, develop appropriate writing skills, and ways to construct tables and figures. In addition, the book includes information on writing up qualitative research, using computer technology effectively to assist in the dissertation process and following ethical guidelines in conducting research.

How to Survive Your PhD is your insider's guide to avoiding mistakes, choosing the right program, working with professors, and just how a person actually writes a 200-page paper When you're getting your PhD, you never know what surprises to expect. But now, you can be prepared! How to Survive Your PhD is your step-by-step guide to the right way to tackle every part of the doctoral process. Getting your PhD is not an easy process, and the decisions you make before and during your doctoral work can mean the different between having a PhD in four years or eight, Jason Karp has been there – and made the mistakes – and he shows you just what to avoid, what you should be doing, and how to make the best use of your time and resources. Plus insider tips on: Choosing Your School Dealing with Finances Picking the Right Academic Advisor Researching the Dissertation Managing Your Time The Exams Tricks of the Trade The Defense And so much more

... This is the most comprehensive and user-friendly book available for helping graduate students complete both quantitative and qualitative dissertations in the social sciences.

This book is not a technical manual to help doctoral students through the minutiae of conducting in-depth qualitative or quantitative research. Instead, this how-to manual will focus on the practical aspects of writing and organizing a dissertation, in particular, the psychological and social hurdles that are involved. The author uses a conversational and encouraging tone along with plenty of graphics, quotes, illustrations, and sample forms to guide doctoral students through the process of preparing, writing, and defending their dissertations. Features } checklists, organizing graphics, in-depth list of resources for further inquiry, quotations, illustrations, and other user-friendly elements } full of easily accessible, practical advice that is administered in small bites. } conversational, warm, and personal writing style unique to this genre.

For those undertaking a higher degree research qualification, 'How To Survive Your Thesis' describes clearly the challenges and complexities of successfully engaging in both the research process and thesis writing.

This book is written by a successful survivor! This clear and supportive text provides a detailed synthesis of, and rationale for, the key issues involved in a PhD and is highly recommended for anyone contemplating embarking on a PhD programme - it should be read from start to finish before starting the journey and consulted at regular intervals throughout the journey using the lists of dos and don’ts as checklists at strategic milestones along the way. Professor Eleri Jones, Professor Emerita, Cardiff Metropolitan University Dr Iornem presents the topic of a PhD journey in the same way as he undertook the journey itself: with enthusiasm and joy. Any student wanting to tackle this daunting task should use this book as a guide and as a motivator. Dr Iornem recognizes the hurdles and the fears which face a research student and addresses them with realism, pragmatism and humour, based on his own personal experiences. Dr John Koenigsberger, PhD supervisor: Cardiff Metropolitan University; University of Wales, Trinity St. Davids From development of the research proposal to preparing for the viva voce and post-doctoral career options, this handy survival guide provides an invaluable source of advice and inside knowledge on the entire PhD process. All stages are explained in simple terms, and potential pitfalls are clearly highlighted, along with how to avoid them. This accessible, informative and engaging book is highly recommended as essential reading to anyone considering undertaking a PhD. Dr Hillary J. Shaw, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Urban Research on Austerity, De Montfort University The doctorate is an emotional and academic journey, filled with dilemmas and obstacles that are normal for every student. Offering a new perspective to help navigate and adjust to a new environment and culture of learning, this book seeks to answer questions like: •What if my research is not up to a PhD standard? •What makes a thesis original? •What if I cannot finish the course before the stipulated 3-year period? •What kind of training do I need before commencing a PhD? Drawn from the author’s own experience, alongside the stories of other students and graduates, the book illustrates possible solutions to the academic and emotional challenges faced by today’s PhD student. Key features: 1.Reflections from contemporary PhD students and graduates. 2.Comprehensive table of contents including research, proposal writing, avoiding plagiarism, publishing, and preparing for the viva voce. 3.Accessible and practical approach to the common problems faced by today’s doctoral students. 4.Conversational style for an easy-to-read experience, particularly useful for international students whose first language is not English. 5.Simplified coverage of the research journey in a logical step-by-step format from pre-application to the final Thesis Defence. Essential reading for students and supervisors, A Social Science Student’s Guide to Surviving Your PhD will also be of use to international students seeking to gain further insight into the application process and the demands of research degrees in the UK. Dr Kohol Shadrach Iornem is a senior lecturer at the International Foundation Group, London, UK, where he teaches Business Management, Organisational Behaviour and Study Skills. He is also the Director of Programmes at London Graduate School.