Theses and Dissertations

R. Murray Thomas is professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara.Dale L. Brubaker is Professor, Educational Leadership and Cultural Studies, University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

• Preface The Nature of Theses and Dissertations Preparing the Way Sources of Guidance Searching the Literature Choosing and Defining Research Topics Sources and Types of Research Problems Building and Adapting Theories Stating the Problem and Its Rationale Collecting Information Types of Research Methods and Sources of Information Data Collection Techniques and Instruments Things That Go Wrong Organizing Information Classification Patterns Summarizing Information Verbally, Numerically, and Graphically Interpreting the Results Modes of Interpretation Presenting the Finished Product Writing the Final Version Mounting a Persuasive Defense Reaching a Wider Audience Appendix: Outline of a Dissertation Proposal References Index

"..students in the social and behavioral sciences-and in such allied fields as education, social work, and business are likely the ones for whom this volume will be most useful. The writing style throughout is intentionally conversational, as is the authors were talking directly with students...The book includes a current, extensive bibliography and subject index." - College Student Journal