Where do I start with writing my dissertation?
My name is Dr. James Lani, and in this short blog, I hope to demystify aspects of the dissertation writing process, overcome dissertation writing barriers, have you feel confident that you can write your dissertation, and move on with your life.
What is the first step in the dissertation writing process?
The very first step to dissertation writing is overcoming your fear. Yes, the idea of writing a dissertation can be ominous. But here’s a key: your attitude is going to make the difference! For example, have you ever thought something was going to be hard—and then it was? The same principle applies in writing your dissertation writing. When something is new, we can get afraid—and writing a dissertation is no different. First, acknowledge that you made it this far, your almost there, and you can complete this too. I’m suggesting you acknowledge, and then overcome your fear (Yes, thank your fear and move on). Now let’s spend your time thinking and writing!
OK, we’re a bit more empowered, now what?
Obviously, dissertation writing implies you have something to write about—you need a dissertation topic! You don’t need a world changing dissertation topic, just a topic. I don’t agree that it has to be a “large project.” It’s a paper with components—that’s all.
Dissertation topic, dissertation writing, and time management books
Forget all of these dissertation writing books and time management books (heck, if we had enough time to read a book, we’d have already completed method section). Dissertation writing is a task to completed to be sure, but dissertation writing process need not be associated with a study in itself.
How do I write my dissertation?
I’m going to make this very easy. Start with the method section. I’ll tell you, if you can settle on a few research questions and find some survey instruments that can test those research questions, you are almost home. From there we can write the data analysis section (we can help: James@StatisticsSolutions.com; 877-437-8622), and get information on the reliability and validity of the instruments, almost always available from the instruments’ authors. You can then focus on the rationale for doing your study, then focus the lit review on the research variables of interest. This will get you through the proposal.
Dissertation Writing Help
Seek out help to write your dissertation. A company like ours (James@StatisticsSolutions.com; www.statisticssolutions.com) can help you organize your topic and research questions, and help with the dissertation writing process. I hate to confess that our company can organize a method section in one day! How can that be? Because we don’t have the baggage of “it’s tough,” and we’ve been doing it for 16 years. So get the help to move forward with your dissertation writing.
Final thoughts on the dissertation writing process and completing your dissertation
Life is not without bumps on the road, and writing a dissertation is no different. As an old friend once said, let the bumps on the road be your stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks. Get help, get support, get sleep, and if you’re depressed and anxious, get a therapist. Never get defeated, never give up. You can and will complete the dissertation writing process. I sincerely wish you well!
James Lani completed his dissertation in 2003 from Miami University in Oxford Ohio, an APA-approved Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology. He was blessed with a chair that was tough on his dissertation writing. That toughness has now inspired James to assist literally thousands of students smooth the dissertation writing road, and help students move on with their best lives. His company, StatisticsSolutions.com is based in Clearwater, FL with office opening in New York City, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, Phoenix, and Chicago. He can be reached at James@StatisticsSolutions.com or at 877-437-8622.
