This provides graduate students in the social and behavioural sciences with the specific set of skills needed to write a successful dissertation proposal. It gives guidance for the whole process, from introducing the role of the advisor and helping students narrow down their area of specialization, to assisting them with identifying their research question. Helpful advice on reading, the literature review, writing, defining the research question, and methods are provided. The book includes a substantive chapter on the proposal itself, followed by guidance on giving an oral presentation. There are also skill-building activities within each chapter to help the student create each section of the proposal.
Elizabeth A. Wentz is the Director for the School of Geographical Sciences and Urban Planning, a professor of geography and planning, and a member of the Executive Committee of the GeoDa Center at Arizona State University. Her research focuses on the design, implementation, and evalua-tion of geographic technologies with a particular emphasis on applying these tools to study and understand the urban environment. She has authored numerous research articles and book chapters and has served on panels for the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, and other national and international agencies.
Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Ethics Chapter 3: Curriculum Vita Chapter 4: Area of Specialization Chapter 5: Effective Reading Chapter 6: Effective Writing Chapter 7: Literature Review Chapter 8: The Academic Village Chapter 9: Conceptualizing a Research Idea Chapter 10: Problem Statement Chapter 11: Research Methods Chapter 12: Research Proposal Chapter 13: Oral Presentations Chapter 14: Next Steps
"Excellent book for a doctoral and/or orientation program." -- Nydia Cummings "The inclusion of the author's personal anecdotes brings the text to the student in a friendly manner." -- Anne J. Hacker "The activities to help students conceptualize the major elements of an effective proposal will be well received by graduate students at the master's and doctoral levels." -- David L Brown "After reading MANY books on the dissertation process, I was still as confused and frustrated as before reading them, as they were not very helpful. Most of them just broadly mention the content of the chapters without going into details. Fortunately, I came across the reference for your book, How to Design, Write and Present a Successful Dissertation Proposal. I was amazed. I am gaining so much insight on the process of writing the proposal. I like your approach in this book. In addition to your very clear explanation of the process and suggestions, the To Do List, Quick Task and Action Item are great guides in helping me to think through what I am doing." -- Monica B. - Graduate Student
