Theses and Dissertations

A Guide to Planning, Research, and Writing
Second Edition
R. Murray Thomas - University of California, Santa Barbara (Emeritus)
Dale L. Brubaker - University of North Carolina, Greensboro, North Carolina
Theses and Dissertations
August 2007 | 352 pages | Corwin
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ISBN: 9781452294735
Available from January 0001
Paperback
ISBN: 9781412951166
Available from January 0001

Description

"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!

Contents

Preface

Preface

About the Authors

About the Authors

1. The Nature of Theses and Dissertations

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

Description

"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!

Contents

Preface

Preface

About the Authors

About the Authors

1. The Nature of Theses and Dissertations

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
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Theses and Dissertations

A Guide to Planning, Research, and Writing


August 2007 | 352 pages | Corwin

Format Published Date ISBN Price
Paperback 27/02/2023 9781412951166 $47.95
Hardcover 27/02/2023 9781412951159 $99.95
Lifetime 01/02/2026 9781452294735 $44.00

"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!


Table Of Contents:

  • 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

Recent Product Reviews:

"A top pick for any basic college-level collection catering to graduate students, this book is sure to be a popular, often-consulted, and practical reference."
The Bookwatch, October 2007
"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 known as theses and dissertations. This book is realistic, clear, and refreshingly sensitive to what the student needs to know. Why such a comprehensive and helpful book has not been written before is mystifying."
Seymour B. Sarason, Professor of Psychology Emeritus, Yale University
"Too many students complete their thesis or dissertation and say, 'If I had only known X.' Thomas and Brubaker have provided the book that will help all such students. The clear exposition, the recognition of problems, the multiple perspectives, and the advice coming from years of experience make this an essential book for those considering or completing theses and dissertations. The checklists, breadth of coverage, and attention to details provide readers (both students and advisors) with an excellent resource."
John A. Hattie, Professor of Education, University of Auckland, New Zealand
"Moves beyond simplistic discussions of 'procedures to follow' that are commonly found in dissertation or thesis guides to in-depth discussions of stages in the research process that provide strong reference points and examples for students as they embark on the disciplined inquiry of thesis and dissertation research. This book is 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

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