Dissertation Pitfalls

Below are examples of dissertation pitfalls that should be avoided:

Title: Not reflective of true intent

Purpose: Trivial

Process:

•  the dissertation as disciplined inquiry 
  
• thinking this has to be clear in your head before you write 
  
• amassing material without “accounting” and digesting it 
  
• formatting, Word commands, APA 
  
• thinking this is another paper 
  
• major life changes (job, move, family, health) 
  
• comparing yourself to others 
  
• not a detail person
  

Chapter 1: Introduction	Chapter 2: Review of Literature	Chapter 3: Research Design
Assumptions about audience and how it will read your document  Definition of Terms missing or too many  Multiple statements of purpose, unclear research questions	Not in past tense  Focuses on the “trees” and ignores “forest” “LOST”  Wanders and unfocused  Research written as a serial  Lacks national/state perspective  Omits dissertation research	Review of research methods missing  Forgets that others are supposed to be able to do and understand how to do the study  Lacks credibility

References

Chapter 4: Data Interpretation	Chapter 5: Conclusions
Disorganized  If qualitative, long unfocused text that is hard to read and searching for conclusions  If quantitative, tedious	Candidate is tired and careless  Conclusions over- reaching beyond purpose of study  Discussion non-existent