The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation

It's easier to discuss what is NEW about this edition than what is the same as the previous. It's entirely like a whole new book. This book continues to be the number one book I recommend to doctoral candidates worldwide. In all, this book is , by far, the best book of the many that are out there regarding the writing of the dissertation because of the breadth of material this book covers. This book has many great features. First, it provides a no-nonsense, clearly stated approach to the dissertation writing process. In my own dissertation writing and in the dissertation mentoring process that I undertake with many mentees, this book lays out not only the successful processes that finish dissertations, but provides clear information about each section and how to go about each step of the process as well. Second, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt, in this third edition, not only updated for the latest and greatest methods and technologies for dissertation writers but also added numerous features. For example, in the first 96 pages, the authors offer all the prework that needs to be undertaken to start the research process. In my experience, this is one of the most lacking areas in both writers and the books that talk about the dissertation process. Chapters 8-14 that follow offer a wonderful step-by-step discussion of each epoch of the dissertation process -- which is slightly different than a chapter-by-chapter approach to writing. Many people reading this will be caught up in "writing chapter 1" when they should actually be "Reviewing the Literature" as the book suggests. Through the first edition of this book, the idea of going and reviewing the literature first was the BIG "AH-HAH" that got me propelled at lightning speed to finish my dissertation -- and Dr. Roberts was the one that gave me this realization through her book. READ THIS CHAPTER!!! (Chapter 9). Finally, Dr. Roberts and Dr. Hyatt provide the reader the ability to check out each chapter of the dissertation before writing it. Before writing each dissertation chapter, I would read the associated “Dissertation Journey” chapter in this book and see the clear purpose of what I am about to write. The authors follow a "what is the purpose of this?" approach to nearly every section of the dissertation. VERY VERY cool. In all, if you want a book that will propel you in completing your dissertation, get this book. It will help you (as long as you read and follow it)! :) Some additions that make buying the third edition worth it, even if you have the second are: -A MASSIVE update to the visuals of the book, including visual progress tracking tools and resources; -A color interior (not full color, but VERY helpful with more than just black and white) that allows for ease of reading and contextual clues; -Updated for trends currently in doctoral programs worldwide. Why I keep recommending this book: -It's a step-by-step approach; -It can be digested with as much energy as you have to bring. Great with a glass of wine - Great with high-octane coffee. What I mean to say is that it's not so academic that you can't understand what you are reading! This book is solid for use in a research classroom without the boredom associated with most research texts. It feels encouraging to read this book! -Where other resources may be needed, it points you to those resources. -Worth triple than how it's priced.

While I'm reading this for class, I'm grateful for the assignment in this course. This was an engaging read and broke down the dissertation process in a way that is informative and encouraging. I will likely make this a quick refresher read each year along my journey.

This book at the right time in my dissertation journey! It encouraging and uplifting with practical tips and helps as well.

This book was assigned for an Applied Inquiry course to support writing a draft of Chapter 1 and will be a useful reference as I write the chapters of my dissertation.

I saw this and thought it couldn’t hurt to read. Glad I got it it offers insight into the thesis process and great encouragement

Easy to read, it goes ti the point. Very specific when providing instructions about what to do.

This can be used during any phase of your dissertation journey. It's a road map from beginning to end on what is required, what is needed and how to accomplish it. Great help and insightful.

This book is similar to another I read (which actually recommended this one, too) but differed in that it is less about the overall process and more a step-by-step guide through the research and writing of each chapter. While I enjoyed the other book more as a general read and "pre-process" book, the Dissertation Journey was better in fully explaining the details of each dissertation chapter. I will have the Dissertation Journey by my side as I complete each chapter.

Excellent and edifying

Good overview of the dissertation process. Also excellent tips for various stages. The chapter on methodology seems a bit under developed.