The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

by Carol Roberts

It’s an uphill climb―but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile. A dissertation can be challenging, but this informative book helps you overcome the obstacles along the way. Using graphics, checklists, and sample forms, this guide readies you for each step of the process, including selecting the committee, getting acclimated to academic writing, preparing for your oral defense, and publishing your research. New features include:

Genres: Education, Writing, Research, Nonfiction, Textbooks, Reference

248 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2010

About the author

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Reviews

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as helpful as I wanted it to be, but I think it might be really helpful to someone working in social sciences/education/ some other area not in the humanities. It seemed pitched towards a project focusing on surveys/collecting scientific or experimental data than an English project.

[Emma Refvem · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great guide to all steps in writing a social science dissertation. I will definitely be coming back to this for reference as I work through my writing process... we read this for a class and I'm glad to have read it before undertaking the task so I know which points can be helpful. The focus on the more emotional or motivational aspects of this large writing task are as helpful as the nitty gritty tips and tricks for how to actually write the thing.

[Alicia Tapia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know what I would have done without this book. It answers all the questions you feel apprehensive about asking anyone else for fear of looking like a worrisome idiot. It is clear, motivational, practical, and as a fan of metaphors... keeps you chuckling throughout the long and arduous journey that is the doctoral dissertation.

[Mark Attew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Encouraging and easy to read. Using for a thesis, but definitely not overkill.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book and wish I had read it sooner.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, good "lay of the land" overview of the process from beginning to end. This book is not really for learning specific details of how to do any one piece of the dissertation, but more for understanding what each step of the process will entail, i.e. "demystifying" the process. I would recommend reading entirely to understand the process, and then reviewing each specific section before starting the corresponding step in the process to help with "Where do I start?" and "What exactly am I trying to get done with this section/chapter/step again?" Reading the last chapters (about oral defense day and liberation that comes with it) could be helpful in those dreary moments in the middle to help keep you pushing.

[Mohamed Yehia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read book for any postgraduate students. It provides you with the mere basics of writing your dissertation, the most difficult part of the study, from the beginning to the end.

The usage of the journey & the mountain as metaphors was really clever and include a very good motivational aspect. The comparison tells a lot. If you are going to climb a mountain you have to make yourself ready & also patient to make phase after the other, this is the same on doing your dissertation, it will never be a one shot thing.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I signed up for a doctoral program without considering all the implications of how much time and energy it would require. After reading “The Dissertation Journey” – a reading requirement before I even start the program – I’m not sure I should be more anxious or more at ease. I’ve decided that Roberts’ map for writing a dissertation has put me more at ease. I know what I’m getting myself into and I know what to do.

[Josiah Aston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great practical overview of the dissertation writing process. Where Robert's does not sufficiently cover a topic, she provides ample resources and suggestions for further in depth study of those areas. I would recommend this book for anyone currently in or entering the process of writing a dissertation.

[Kelli Boling · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're looking for someone to tell you how to do this crazy thing called a dissertation, Roberts walks you through step-by-step in a very simple and clear manner. I really can't recommend this book enough for someone that is just beginning their dissertation (or needs motivation to finish).

[Lauren Elizabeth Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

In three years I'll let you know if it was a 5 star book. For now, I'm giving it 4 stars. It was a haul, but I think it'll be helpful. Also, I had Miley Cyrus' "It's the Climb" stuck in my head for half of the book.

[Kimberly Read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this is a great reference book. I've also found it encouraging. I'm know I'm going to keep it quick-to-hand as I march forward with my dissertation.

[Amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would completely recommend this for anyone getting started on the road to their dissertation - I really wish I would have read this book during the first year of my program.

[Jamison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very helpful as I prepare to write my doctoral application and proposal. While reading I took many notes and will probably refer to this handy guide often whilst starting to write the dissertation.

[Richard Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for doctoral students. It provides practical and thorough information of the dissertation process. I recommend this to any doctoral student.

[Timothy Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful. I will undoubetedly return to this many times over the next few years.

[Jennifer]

Metaphorically speaking, of course :)

[Jason Alligood · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very helpful book for engaging the dissertation process.

[C.J. Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Generally helpful, though the entirety of it won't be applicable to every doctoral student. However, just about any doctoral student should be able to find some useful tips in this book.

[Readerjen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found myself visiting and revisiting this book as time progressed in my doctoral studies.

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very helpful and motivational read - even for an undergraduate dissertation.

[Priscila Drummond · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good and clear guide for Ph.D. students. Being a third-year candidate, I feel I would have benefitted reading it earlier on. But I still got some of my questions answered.