Theses and Dissertations 2/e

R. Murray Thomas (Ph.D., Stanford University) is an emeritus professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where for three decades he taught educational psychology and directed the program in international education. He began his 50-year career in education as a high school teacher at Kamehameha Schools and Mid-Pacific Institute in Honolulu, then continued at the college level at San Francisco State University, the State University of New York (Brockport), and Pajajaran University in Indonesia before moving to Santa Barbara. His professional publications exceed 340, including 46 books for which he served as author, coauthor, or editor. Dale L. Brubaker is Professor of Education at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He has also served on the faculties of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. He received his doctorate in foundations of education from Michigan State University. He is the author or coauthor of numerous books on education and educational leadership, including CREATIVE CURRICULUM LEADERSHIP (Corwin), STAYING ON TRACK, (Corwin), and CREATIVE SURVIVAL IN EDUCATIONAL BUREAUCRACIES.

Preface About the Authors 1. The Nature of Theses and Dissertations Stage I. Preparing the Way 2. Sources of Guidance 3. Searching the Literature Stage II. Choosing and Defining Research Topics 4. Sources and Types of Research Problems 5. Building and Adapting Theories 6. Stating the Problem and Its Rationale Stage III-A. Collecting Information 7. Types of Research Methods and Sources of Information 8. Data Collection Techniques and Instruments 9. Things That Go Wrong Stage III-B. Organizing Information 10. Classification Patterns 11. Summarizing Information Verbally, Numerically, Graphically Stage IV. Interpreting the Results 12. Modes of Interpretation Stage V. Presenting the Finished Product 13. Writing the Final Version 14. Mounting a Persuasive Defense 15. Reaching a Wider Audience Appendix: Outline of a Dissertation Proposal References Index

"Coming generations of graduate students will be in debt to Professors Thomas and Brubaker for providing a long-overdue guide to the rite of passage known as theses and dissertations. This book is realistic, clear, and refreshingly sensitive to what the student needs to know. Why such a comprehensive and helpful book has not been written before is mystifying." -- Seymour B. Sarason, Professor of Psychology Emeritus "Too many students complete their thesis or dissertation and say, 'If I had only known X.' Thomas and Brubaker have provided the book that will help all such students. The clear exposition, the recognition of problems, the multiple perspectives, and the advice coming from years of experience make this an essential book for those considering or completing theses and dissertations. The checklists, breadth of coverage, and attention to details provide readers (both students and advisors) with an excellent resource." -- John A. Hattie, Professor of Education "Moves beyond simplistic discussions of 'procedures to follow' that are commonly found in dissertation or thesis guides to in-depth discussions of stages in the research process that provide strong reference points and examples for students as they embark on the disciplined inquiry of thesis and dissertation research. This book is a valuable text for proposal writing classes, faculty members who direct dissertations and theses, and students throughout the research process." -- Betty J. Alford, Chair of Secondary Education and Educational Leadership "A top pick for any basic college-level collection catering to graduate students, this book is sure to be a popular, often-consulted, and practical reference." -- The Bookwatch, October 2007