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

Subjects:

• Communications » Books & Publishing
• Education » Higher Education

Reviews:

• ..students in the social and behavioral sciences-and in such allied fields as education, social work, and business are likely the ones for whom this volume will be most useful. The writing style throughout is intentionally conversational, as is the authors were talking directly with students...The book includes a current, extensive bibliography and subject index.
  —College Student Journal June 2002 vol 36 no 2

• Endorsement From Seymour B. Sarason
  Professor of Psychology Emeritus
  Yale University: Coming generations of graduate students will be in debt to Professors Thomas and Brubaker for providing a long overdue guide to the rite of passage called the Theses and Dissertation. This book is realistic, clear and refreshingly sensitive to what the student too frequently does not but needs to know. Why such a book has not been written before is mystifying.
• Endorsement From John Hattie
  Professor, Head of School of Education
  University of Auckland, New Zealand: Too many students complete their thesis or dissertation and say `If only I had known x.' Thomas and Brubaker have provided the book that will help all such students. The clear exposition, the recognition of problems, multiple perspectives, and advice coming from years of experience make this an essential book for those considering, and completing theses and dissertations. The Checklists, the breadth of coverage, and the attention to details and depth provide readers (both students and supervisors) with an excellent resource. As a supervisor of 180+ students, the book is invaluable both for my students and me. I will use the book to help initiate students into the supervision process, assist when we reach the usual impasses, and provide perspectives for both. Too often the thesis or dissertation is a once-only experience for students and Thomas and Brubaker's book will be the voice of experience for the student.

Table of Contents:

• Preface
• The Nature of Theses and Dissertations
• Preparing the Way
• Sources of Guidance
• Searching the Literature
• Choosing and Defining Research Topics
• Sources and Types of Research Problems
• Building and Adapting Theories
• Stating the Problem and Its Rationale
• Collecting Information
• Types of Research Methods and Sources of Information
• Data Collection Techniques and Instruments
• Things That Go Wrong
• Organizing Information
• Classification Patterns
• Summarizing Information Verbally, Numerically, and Graphically
• Interpreting the Results
• Modes of Interpretation
• Presenting the Finished Product
• Writing the Final Version
• Mounting a Persuasive Defense
• Reaching a Wider Audience
• Appendix: Outline of a Dissertation Proposal
• References
• Index