Writing a Proposal for Your Dissertation: Guidelines and Examples

The second edition of the bestselling book "Let's Start Writing a Dissertation" provides comprehensive guidance for students to craft a strong dissertation proposal. It includes new advice for developing methodology-specific problem statements, an expanded discussion of the literature review, coverage of the four-chapter dissertation model, and more. The book features user-friendly features such as exercises, case-study examples, checklists, and practice tests, and appendices showcase an exemplary proposal written three ways to demonstrate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 13 October 2022
Publisher: Guilford Publications

The revised second edition of the acclaimed book has become a invaluable guide for thousands of students as they navigate the intricate process of crafting a robust dissertation proposal. This comprehensive resource has been meticulously updated to provide fresh insights and guidance for developing methodology-specific problem statements, conducting an expanded literature review, exploring the four-chapter dissertation model, and much more. Authored by experienced educator Terrell, the book delves into the intricacies of writing each chapter of the proposal, including the problem statement, purpose statement, research questions, and hypotheses; the literature review; and comprehensive plans for data collection and analysis.

To aid in the writing process, the book includes engaging Let's Start Writing exercises, which serve as building blocks for constructing a complete proposal. Additionally, user-friendly features such as case-study examples from diverse disciplines, "Do You Understand?" checklists, and end-of-chapter practice tests with answers are included to enhance the learning experience. Appendices provide valuable examples of exemplary proposals written in quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, showcasing the versatility of these approaches. Furthermore, the book discusses the structure of a four-chapter dissertation, offering valuable guidance for students embarking on this academic journey.

In this new edition, the book offers an introduction that provides a concise overview of the entire proposal-writing process and the doctoral experience. It also provides additional assistance with tailoring problem and purpose statements for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies, ensuring that students can effectively communicate their research objectives. The discussion of the review of literature has been expanded to include a criterion for judging the quality of primary versus secondary sources, aiding students in selecting the most relevant and reliable sources for their research.

The book is brimming with new examples from various disciplines, ranging from studies on depression treatments to approaches to reducing offender recidivism, health effects of irradiated crops, strength training in college football, and remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. These examples not only illustrate the practical applications of research but also showcase the diversity of research topics and methodologies in the field.

Furthermore, the focus on the five-chapter model has been broadened to include specific guidance for four-chapter dissertations. This adaptation ensures that students have the necessary tools and resources to develop a well-structured and comprehensive proposal, regardless of the specific requirements of their academic program.

In conclusion, the revised second edition of the book has emerged as a must-have resource for students embarking on the dissertation proposal writing process. With its comprehensive coverage, engaging exercises, and user-friendly features, it equips students with the skills and knowledge required to produce a high-quality and impactful proposal that sets the foundation for their academic success. Whether you are a novice researcher or an experienced scholar, this book will be your trusted companion on the path to completing your dissertation.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781462550258
Edition number: 2 ed