The Tales and Woes of Completing a Dissertation Proposal

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The Tales and Woes of Completing a Dissertation
Proposal

• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New
  Jersey
• School of Health Related Professions
• Psychiatric Rehabilitation Colloquium Series
• Peggy (Margaret) Swarbrick, PhD, OTR, CPRP
• March 16, 2006

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There is HOPE!!!!!

• I will share
• How I started
• How I prepared
• How I endured
• (the blood, sweat and tears)
• and
• How I actually finished

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Overview

• I will provide an overview of why and how I
  completed the requirements for a Doctoral of
  Philosophy at New York University.
• I will share how I started, how I got stuck (then
  unstuck) and how I did finally accomplish this
  goal.
• Hopefully this session will provide you insights
  and lessons that will help you move forward in
  your process.

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Background

• I had no real career ambitions though I did get
  into the habit of working.
• While working in the state hospital I found the
  need to continue my education.
• Pursuing on-going education (especially while
  working in the field) helped my personal and
  professional recovery.

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The Process

• I started the coursework in 1998 and completed
  the coursework by early 2001.
• I submitted the document, March 2005 and defended
  July 5th 2005.

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The Gaps

• There was a gap between 2001-2003.
• My period of being stuck.
• I second guessed my original topic and question.
• I had to change my original 2 member committee (I
  made the mistake of working directly with an
  adjunct who left the department).

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• How I decided on my topic?
• How did (or did) the literature review influenced
  the topic selection?
• How did the topic change as I moved forward?
• How did I take an interest and translate that
  into a researchable study?
• What I learned from the process things I would
  avoid or do differently?

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• What strategies didn't work for me and why?
• What would I have done differently?

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• How I identified and met personal targets for
  completing the dissertation.
• How I defined tasks and timeframes for
  completion.
• How I engaged others in keeping me on track, and
  how.
• Who was helpful and why- who was not.

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Vision

• Be clear about why you are pursuing the a) degree
  and the b) specific topic
• Reason- the basis or cause for the mental power
  concerned with forming conclusions or
  inferences(why you want to do this)
• Purpose- intended or desired result
  determination design and resolve (what will this
  lead to)

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Topic Research Question (s)

• Where does your burning desire come from?
• Identify topics of interest- (list and
  prioritize)
• Some considerations
• Something of interest but not too close to home

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Time Management

• Planning and Organization is key
• Create a Table of Contents Section
• Set a Work Plan
• Set aside a specific time and day each week you
  will work on aspects of the dissertation

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Work Plan

• Set a work plan for yourself (like a treatment or
  support plan)- list tasks, timeline, supports and
  resources.
• Find mentors and supporters.

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Flexibility
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Supporters

• People in your life who can check in with you,
  can motivate you, and can be there to provide
  helpful feedback
• Family
• Other students
• Primary Mentor (advisor)
• Children

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Strategies

• Write your reasons (on index card) for doing this
  and questions (reminder).
• For dealing with frustration and motivation find
  hobbies (or distractions) that can fit into your
  schedule (swimming).
• Find opportunities to report your progress-
  attend seminars and colloquiums.
• Outline your strengths and weaknesses and find
  others to help learn the skills where you feel
  weak (less competent).

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Questions
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