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Helen M. Hazi, Ph.D.
Professor Emerita, Educational Leadership Studies

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

Appendices: (Forgets to use this to house examples, some analysis, and other helpful info to replicate study.)

The final document:
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

  •  Contents and headings will vary is Quantitative/Positivist or Qualitative/Interpretive design 
  • The more Chapters 1,2, 3 are developed (and polished) for the prospectus, the less work for the final document.