Writing a Proposal for Your Dissertation: Guidelines and Examples

by Steven R. Terrell

The encouraging book that has guided thousands of students step by step through crafting a strong dissertation proposal is now in a thoroughly revised second edition. It includes new guidance for developing methodology-specific problem statements, an expanded discussion of the literature review, coverage of the four-chapter dissertation model, and more. Terrell demonstrates how to write each chapter of the proposal, including the problem statement, purpose statement, and research questions and hypotheses; literature review; and detailed plans for data collection and analysis. "Let's Start Writing" exercises serve as building blocks for drafting a complete proposal. Other user-friendly features include case-study examples from diverse disciplines, “Do You Understand?” checklists, and end-of-chapter practice tests with answers. Appendices present an exemplary proposal written three ways to demonstrate quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches, and discuss how to structure a four-chapter dissertation.
 
New to This Edition
*Introduction offering a concise overview of the entire proposal-writing process and the doctoral experience.
*Additional help with tailoring problem and purpose statements for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies.
*Expanded discussion of the review of literature, including a criterion for judging the quality of primary versus secondary sources.
*Many new examples from different disciplines, such as studies of depression treatments, approaches to reducing offender recidivism, health effects of irradiated crops, strength training in college football, and remote teaching and learning during COVID-19.
*Focus on the five-chapter model is broadened to include specific guidance for four-chapter dissertations.
*Broader, more detailed reference list and glossary.
 

Genres: Writing, Academia, Nonfiction, Research

Kindle Edition

First published October 21, 2015

Reviews

[Said AlMaskery · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful introductory book on research writing. It gives you the basics and allows you to build a framework in your mind for writing your proposal.

Probably a book that will always go back to when I want to write something.

[Gretel · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's not bad or anything, just not particularly useful for anyone that doesn't do data analysis (with interviews, questionnaires, number crunching, etc.) or STEM subjects. There are useful tips one can use for historical and other humanities approaches but generally speaking, this is rather one sided and I feel like I can't use most of the tips and instructions as they don't apply to my research. I had to break down every tip to its barest bones to be able to apply it to my work. However, it did give me a good template for my own proposal structure to stay focused and the writing style is easily understandable with lots of examples.

I guess the actual benefit of the book depends on what kind of research you do and if you do quantitative data analysis and not historical research, then this is certainly for you.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Writing a dissertation is a daunting task. This book did a great job of helping me to begin to tackle the task of writing my proposal. I found it especially helpful that the author addresses quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies separately.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent resource
highly recommended

[Kara Rochester Garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is as boring as the title sounds.... nevertheless, it is necessary and helpful. Sigh.