The Qualitative Dissertation : A Guide for Students and Faculty

"The authors coach students through processes of conceptualizing the dissertation and treating it as an integral dimension of the journey of living. They enable students to develop the dissertation into a line of inquiry that evolves and enriches a career in academe or practical leadership."
—William H. Schubert, Professor of Education, Director of Graduate Studies
University of Illinois at Chicago

Make reflection an integral part of your dissertation journey!

Most dissertation guides offer a basic recipe for the research and writing process. Like those books, this resource provides all the necessary steps for crafting and conducting a qualitative dissertation, but it also adds one key ingredient: reflection.

This book guides students through the issues and questions that may arise as they conduct qualitative research, taking a reflective, experiential approach to turn student-researchers into instruments of inquiry. The authors show readers how to integrate themselves into the research and writing process by using their own beliefs, experiences, interests, and strengths. Updated with new examples and cases, this comprehensive resource guides readers through the process of:

• Preparing for the dissertation journey
• Rethinking the concepts of method and data
• Working through the proposal process
• Defending the dissertation
• Living life after the dissertation

This essential guide helps student-researchers learn both the practical aspects of writing a qualitative dissertation as well as the mental and emotional preparation required for success.