Health Professions Division Dissertation Guide

7 THE DISSERTATION PROCESS This guide describes expectations for the dissertation, dissertation components, and their proper sequence as well as general instructions for successful completion of the dissertation process. This guide defines a dissertation, how to find a topic, how to select a dissertation advisor/chair, the dissertation committee, and how the candidate will prepare and submit each of three key documents to complete in the process: the idea paper proposal, the dissertation proposal, and the dissertation report. The dissertation is the most important requirement for the PhD degree. With the help and approval of an advisor, the candidate is expected to select an appropriate topic of sufficient scope to satisfy the requirements for the dissertation. The dissertation is original, rigorous research work carried out with substantial independence by the doctoral candidate. It represents a significant extrapolation from a base of solid experience or knowledge in the area of concentration. In a significant way, the dissertation advances knowledge, improves professional practice, or contributes to understanding in the field of study. Dissertation work is presented in a logical and understandable fashion. Originality, independence, and rigor deserve some explanation. Originality means that the research is conceived, performed, and documented primarily by the doctoral candidate. To be rigorous, the research work is characterized by strict accuracy and scrupulous honesty and presents precise distinctions among facts, implications, and suppositions. Rigor is achieved by using demonstrable facts when reporting procedures and results, by building on a foundation of facts when drawing conclusions, by specifying links to facts when inferring implications, by always bringing forward all relevant data, and by being both self-critical and logical in reporting (Mauch & Birch, 1993). The dissertation must be of sufficient strength to be able to distill from it a paper worthy of publication in a journal or in conference proceedings or to use it as the basis of a textbook or monograph. Candidacy Requirement The candidacy examination is a comprehensive written examination that candidates will take after the completion of all the required course work and before beginning the dissertation phase of the PhD program. It is designed for the candidate to demonstrate that he/she is a suitable candidate for a PhD degree. Successful completion of the comprehensive examination is required to move to advanced standing and begin dissertation research. Getting Started Candidates are encouraged to keep a running list of possible dissertation research topics as they proceed in the program. For each topic, provide a title, a short description of the possible idea, an indication of the source of the idea, relevant references, and topic discussion feedback from faculty members. The candidate’s research interests may change throughout the program, thus keeping track of even mildly interesting potential topics can be worthwhile. It is important for candidates to communicate with faculty members about interests and possible topics. Candidates can communicate with faculty via e-mail or phone. In addition,