The Finished Dissertation

An overview of the principles of topic selection. 

Looks at using databases like ProQuest to narrow down a dissertation topic. 

A dissertation topic you enjoy will drive you to completion. 

Joining an academic conversation is key to selecting a worthwhile dissertation topic. 

Don't get too influenced by the eminent scholars; at some point you must find your contribution. 

Don't bite off more than you can chew. Pick a small slice of a topic. 

Learn why a topic is not a thesis, and how to find your thesis. 

Avoid the temptation to choose a "hot topic." Stay true to yourself. 

Look for the important but unexamined aspects of your topic. 

Even your favorite parts of your topic must be cut if they don't fit. 

An overview of the principles of the literature review. 

Recognize the power of influence and learn how to escape influence and have an opinion -- eventually. 

Learn how to use the abstract to speed up your literature review process.

Resist the temptation to keep searching for more sources. 

Understand the principles of note-taking to encourage memorization and avoid losing details. 

Are you manually formatting your bibliographies? Automate the process to save you time. 

Get your keywords right from the start of the literature search. 

Other scholars have already done the heavy lifting -- mine their bibliographies to jumpstart your literature review. 

Books can weigh you down, literally. Understand why you should be a book miser during the literature review. 

Final thoughts on the literature review. 

An overview of this section of the course. 

Problems with research design and methods can lead to a failed defense. 

Learn about the software that can keep research in order. 

Learn about the purpose of a method and quantitative and qualitative methods. 

Your own preferences will determine which method you choose. Learn why preferences matter. 

The importance of explaining the method early on in a document.

Understand why an argument about the method's value to the dissertation is key. 

Why the size of the sample will affect the strength of your conclusions. 

Keep your methods and data in the right place. 

Learn when you should convert numbers to visuals and avoid long blocks of text. 

Don't do your dissertation alone. This video outlines some assistance for dissertation students. 

Recognize the assistance available from professional statisticians and online and face-to-face study groups. 

Professionals can even help you with seeking out and working with literature. 

Sports athletes are not the only ones who need coaches. 

If grammar and style are not your forte, professional editors can massage your dissertation into shape. 

An overview of the importance of the student/chair relationship. 

Explains why it's so important to pick the right supervisor.

Understand that the career level of your potential chair could have consequences on your ability to finish on time. 

Choose a chair with a solid history. 

Choose a chair who has similar research interests and uses similar methods. 

Avoid being too deferential to your chair -- push back when necessary but keep it professional. 

Discusses the dilemma of PhD students when it comes to time management: having too much time. 

Argues that you don't need to work 40 hour weeks on your dissertation; Fewer hours worked consistently leads to success. 

It's easy to get distracted. This lecture explains how to avoid distractions and get work done. 

Recognize that some methods will take you more time. 

Stay on track with long-term schedules. 

This procrastination prevention tip is easy to use. 

A collection of writing tips to speed up the dissertation writing process. 

Choosing the right place and right time to write can speed up your dissertation writing process. 

Staying organized is key to finishing fast. This lecture describes some software, including Scrivener, and methods for staying organized. 

It's easy to get overwhelmed mentally by the dissertation work. We provide some tips for refreshing yourself. 

Recognize the realities of completing a dissertation when you've got a full-time job, and how to overcome that workload. 

Avoid perfectionism by producing a "good enough dissertation."