Starting to write

You are staring at a blank white screen, you write your name down… now what? Starting to write a dissertation sounds very scary. But let's take it a little bit at a time. Let's start with an outline of your prospectus. That's workable, so pull out the prospectus guidebook (from the research center), and copy down the topic headings they give you: 

Title Page

Problem Statement

Significance

Background

Framework

Research Question(s)

Nature of the Study

Possible Types and Sources of Information or Data

References 

Hey, you already have half page! You can do this! I suggest starting with the background section – this is the literature review. I recommend doing an outline of what you feel needs to be discussed- this will keep you from wandering off into other tangents. Let's say your topic is partner adaptation to testicular cancer. Your main topics will be: 

Testicular cancer (always start with the broadest topic)

Partner Adaptation 

Now think about some subtopics. Under testicular cancer you would want statistics (look at National Institute of Health and American Cancer Society [ACS]). Effect of the cancer on the patient and family (check ACS). Under Partner adaptation, you should talk about other research on partners with other forms of cancer. Anything that has looked at testicular cancer and partners. End with a statement of gap in the literature and how your study will address it. Always pay attention to the research methods used in previous studies. So our final outline is: 

Testicular cancer

Statistics (look at National Institute of Health and American Cancer Society [ACS]).

Effect of the cancer on the patient and family (check ACS). Research methods?

Partner Adaptation

Research on partners with other forms of cancer. Research methods?

Testicular cancer and partners. Research methods?

Statement of gap in the literature and how study will address it. 

Great start! Next time I will post an updated index for the blog. Do you have an issue or a question that you would like me to discuss in a future post? Would you like to be a guest writer? Send me your ideas! leann.stadtlander@waldenu.edu