Navigating the Doctoral Journey

A Handbook of Strategies for Success

Amanda J. Rockinson-Szapkiw, Lucinda S. Spaulding, Amanda J. Rockinson

• Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield
• Year: 2014
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9781475803754
• Topic: Education
• Subtopic: Higher Education

This co-edited book provides doctoral candidates with a practical, cross-discipline handbook for successfully navigating the doctoral process – from initial program selection to the final dissertation defense and preparing for the faculty interview. Invited chapters from established higher education experts cover topics ranging from university and program selection, preparing for comprehensive exams and dissertation research, self-care and self-management strategies, and recommendations for maintaining personal and professional support systems.

Each chapter includes strategies for success and practical tips, including how to create a study guide for the comprehensive examination, how to create a professional support group, how to talk to your family about the doctoral process, how to select and work with a chair and committee, how to identify an appropriate research design, how to navigate the IRB process, and how to master the research and writing process.

Table of contents

• Title Page
• Foreword
• Preface
• Acknowledgments
• Introduction
• The Entry Stage
• Choosing the Right Type of Program
• Communicating Needs and Nurturing Familial Relationships
• Assessing and Allotting Resources
• The Knowledge and Skill Development Stage
• Using Neuro-Informed Education as a Self-Intervention for Doctoral Success
• Managing Stress and Burnout
• Overcoming Statistics Anxiety and Being Successful in Data Analysis
• Leveraging Technology for Scholarship
• Creating a Scholarly Community and Collegial Support System
• The Consolidation Stage
• The Transition from Autonomous to Self-Directed Learning
• Building Professional Relationships with Faculty
• The Comprehensive Examination
• The Research and Scholarship Stage
• Learning to Think Critically Using Cognitive and Metacognitive Strategies
• Making a Case in Your Literature Review
• Right-Sizing Your Research Topic
• Right-Sizing Your Research Method
• The Nature of Qualitative Research
• The Nature of Quantitative Research
• Ethical Considerations in Research Involving Human Participants
• The Completion Stage
• From Dissertation to Publication and Presentation
• From Student to Professor
• Index
• About the Editors
• About the Contributors