’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!
Innehållsförteckning
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
Om författaren
Dale L. Brubaker is Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has also served on the faculties of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He received his doctorate in foundations of education from Michigan State University. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books on education and educational leadership, including CREATIVE CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP (Corwin), STAYING ON TRACK, (Corwin), and CREATIVE SURVIVAL IN EDUCATIONAL BUREAUCRACIES.