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Overcoming dissertation roadblocks
Dissertations are an
important method of demonstrating that you can identify a topic
of concern to the field, and read, understand and incorporate
the relevant literature into a new research question to be
investigated. The dissertation process allows you to design and
implement a study that illuminates the research question,
followed by analyzing the data, discussing the results and
identifying the implications.
For many, this process seems daunting,
particularly if you adopt the belief that your dissertation
topic will determine your career trajectory and earmark your
area of study and expertise forever. While producing a quality
dissertation is necessary, the process is much more important
than the outcome. The dissertation is an academic exercise to
prove one's ability for entry into the profession.
Following are some of the most common roadblocks that students
must overcome to successfully finish the dissertation.
 Not carefully selecting your chair
and committee members. A good
chair and committee can make the process infinitely difficult
or very smooth (if you do your part). What makes a good chair? Someone who is available,
committed to helping you move along and finish in a reasonable time
frame, flexible, consistent, sees the dissertation being primarily
about you (not him or her), and able to get along with his or her
own colleagues. Students sometimes forget that they are consumers:
You are paying tuition for an educational service, which includes
dissertation assistance. Be sure that your chair and members are
going to be able to help you in the ways that you need it. You
should interview all potential chairs and committee members.
Consider these questions: How many other
dissertations are they chairing? What types of dissertations
have they overseen before? What's the average time
it's taken for their students to complete their project
from start to finish? How do they prefer to communicate about
revisions and suggestions? How often are they willing to meet
with you? How long does it usually take them to read drafts and
provide feedback? Are they planning a sabbatical or leave of
absence? Do they have any special requirements or expectations?
How do they handle differences of opinion with students and
committee members?
Not understanding the requirements
of the program/university. It is
critical that you have read and know your program handbook
well, which outlines dissertation and other requirements.
Understand the procedures for conflict resolution. Know what
types of dissertations are acceptable in your program, as well
as any unwritten expectations. Confirm whether changes in
program requirements
after you started the program apply to you.
You should know your program's timelines, sequencing of
requirements for advancement to candidacy and dissertation
policies. It can be helpful to map out a detailed schedule for
every phase of your dissertation and share it with your chair for
feedback. Be sure to schedule regular time each day or week for
dissertation tasks in a manner that is compatible with your work
style. If changes are made to your dissertation plan, confirm them
in writing.
Not knowing when to say
"enough!" Your
dissertation need not become your life's work, even
though it may seem as if it is at the time. The dissertation is
designed for you to demonstrate critical–thinking and research
skills appropriate for an entry–level psychologist. You will
write and rewrite your dissertation many times, but it is
endlessly perfectible. You have to stop at some point. Thus,
you should work to restrict, not expand topics, and conclude
your literature review even though new data is being published
on your topic all the time. Take full responsibility for
completion by initiating communication and updates with
your chair and members. Don't wait for them to come to
you, and don't become so obsessed with the process that
you lose sight of the objective.
Not taking time for yourself. Although it may be tempting when you're
pressed for time, avoid eliminating self–care activities. This
is the biggest mistake students can make, because when
you're overtired and keep working, you end up being less
effective for longer periods, and become even more exhausted,
depleted, stressed and even angry. You deserve guiltless
self–care and should find ways to celebrate dissertation
milestones along the way. It's always important to
consider life balance and maintain perspective throughout the
process so that dissertation roadblocks can be addressed and
overcome.
By Dr. Carol Williams–Nickelson
APAGS Associate Executive Director
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