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Theses and Dissertations
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Theses and Dissertations
A Guide to Planning, Research, and Writing

Second Edition

August 2007 | 352 pages | Corwin

"This text moves beyond simplistic 'procedures to follow' to in-depth discussions of stages in the research process, providing strong reference points and examples for students embarking on the disciplined inquiry of thesis and dissertation research. A valuable text for proposal writing classes, faculty members who direct dissertations and theses, and students throughout the research process."
—Betty J. Alford, Chair of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership
Stephen F. Austin State University

"Graduate students will be in debt to professors Thomas and Brubaker for providing a long-overdue guide to the rite of passage known as theses and dissertations. This book is realistic, clear, and refreshingly sensitive to what students need to know."
—Seymour B. Sarason, Professor of Psychology Emeritus
Yale University

Take the anxiety out of preparing your thesis or dissertation!

This revised classic helps graduate students approach the thesis or dissertation writing process with confidence, offering updated references and new information on Internet searches, narrative summaries, plagiarism, and Internet publishing options. The authors help readers stay on track by providing checklists and multiple examples as they progress through five critical stages:

  • Preparation
  • Selecting research topics
  • Collecting and organizing information
  • Interpreting the results
  • The final presentation

With thorough guidelines for evaluating research options, this indispensable resource helps make the writing process a satisfying and rewarding one!


 
Preface
 
About the Authors
 
1. The Nature of Theses and Dissertations
 
Stage I. Preparing the Way
 
2. Sources of Guidance
 
3. Searching the Literature
 
Stage II. Choosing and Defining Research Topics
 
4. Sources and Types of Research Problems
 
5. Building and Adapting Theories
 
6. Stating the Problem and Its Rationale
 
Stage III-A. Collecting Information
 
7. Types of Research Methods and Sources of Information
 
8. Data Collection Techniques and Instruments
 
9. Things That Go Wrong
 
Stage III-B. Organizing Information
 
10. Classification Patterns
 
11. Summarizing Information Verbally, Numerically, Graphically
 
Stage IV. Interpreting the Results
 
12. Modes of Interpretation
 
Stage V. Presenting the Finished Product
 
13. Writing the Final Version
 
14. Mounting a Persuasive Defense
 
15. Reaching a Wider Audience
 
Appendix: Outline of a Dissertation Proposal
 
References
 
Index

a very good and precise support tool for students involved in theses and dissertations. At the risk of copyright infringment, this book does exactly what it says on the cover.

Mr Gerard Ryan
Business Department, Staffordshire University
January 21, 2011

Useful tips and easy to read.

Mrs Sue Shaw
Health , Huddersfield University
April 28, 2010

A good general book to support higher level study

Mrs Jane Wood
Vocational Education , Edge Hill University
October 4, 2009
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Key features
  • Outlines 5 stages of writing a thesis or dissertation
  • Conversational tone and style helps graduate students approach this intimidating topic
  • Each chapter includes checklists to help readers stay on track and make continual progress toward their goal
  • Includes a sample outline of a dissertation proposal

For instructors

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