Lit Review: Starting to write c. 2

You have done some literature searches and have piles of articles. Now what?? First, make an outline of c. 2, include the information provided in the checklist. Then start adding in your theory(s) to the outline and your variables. The more detail you can provide the better! Remember, start from the most general topics and work to the more specific. So if you are interested in resilience and aging, the start of your outline might look something like this:

I. Aging

II. Resilience

III. Aging and resilience

Once you have an outline you should consider sending it to your chair for feedback – is there anything else he or she thinks you need? Now you are to start writing, which of your items on the outline do you feel the strongest with? I suggest starting on that topic.

There are a number of approaches with this type of writing. One is start off with a brain dump of everything you know off the top of your head, then go back and find empirical support and add citations. This works well if you have been reading a lot in the area or you have a background on this topic. If you don't have this background then you need to begin general and work to the specific on the topic. Start off with definitions, then look at where the theory/ variable developed. You want to explore the last 5 years of research literature that relates to your topics. Finally, make sure that you tie the literature back to your study. How will your study address any gaps or problems you have discovered? Why is it important to include this variable in your study? Next, pick another topic and go through the same process.

Keep in mind that you are building a case as to why your study is needed. You are trying to prove to your reader that what you are studying is important and relevant.

Next time I will take a field trip to graduation.  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

New researcher interview

Check out the new interview with Walden's own researcher: Dr. Tifffany Rush-Wilson! http://jsbhseditorblog.blogspot.com/

Lit Review: Finding Articles

If you are a regular reader, you know that I suggest starting with chapter 2, the literature review. How do you start? How do you do library searches and not be overwhelmed with distantly related articles? The first step is doing the outline of your chapter 2, including the information required by the checklist and your variables. Then you are ready to begin the library search. Pick a variable and let's get started!

You may want to start your search in the psychology databases, however, be sure you check related ones too (e.g., Thoreau, Sage, CINAHL, Medline, ERIC). Let's start with getting some general background on your topic, let's say you are interested in "resilience" in older adults, begin with a search resilience, review, older adults (you will also need to try elderly and aging). This search will bring up literature reviews on the topic. There are 3 that look to fit your interests. Read those. They will have references that relate to your specific interests- look those up. Also, take note of the keywords lists with each of your articles, they may offer suggestions that you had not considered.

When you find mention of theories, make a note of authors related to them. Look up those authors, you may find additional information on your topic.

It is very important that you are keeping a research journal as you search. You need to keep track of your search terms and databases used- as these will be included in chapter 2. You should also keep notes as you go, perhaps marking articles that you want to be sure to check carefully. 

Next time we will discuss how to start writing chapter 2.  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

Where did I put my motivation?

Do you feel sometimes like you have lost your motivation? Today I am going to suggest some ideas to help you find it again. Do you have a dissertation journal? If not, now is the perfect time to start one- write down how you are feeling, try to determine what exactly is bothering you- do you feel frustrated? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Describe why and how it makes you feel. Then the important next step is to write down why you originally started this process. What led you to be in graduate school and working on your dissertation? What led you to select the topic that you did? Now you need a plan, how will you work through your current emotions to get to where you want to be? If you need help on this, your chair should be a great resource. You need a definitive plan to move forward! Some ideas to consider- working with the writing center (talk to your chair about the writing center's developmental editing service). Consider a writing intensive- this is a 4-day retreat with faculty to help you write (see the residency website). Get a dissertation coach (this doesn’t have to be formal, a friend or mentor can be in this role- set weekly goals and be accountable to them).

Another suggestion is to use affirmations to help keep you going. Something like – "I am intelligent, creative, and capable- I will complete my dissertation and be Dr. (your name)." Tailor it to fit your needs. Then say it to yourself frequently. Write it out and post it near your computer, make it your current life's motto.

A final suggestion is to use visualization regularly. Picture yourself graduating, putting on your cap and gown and walking on the stage. See yourself receiving your doctoral hood and being called doctor. Having a hard time seeing it? Attached is a photo of the "new" Dr. Veronica Semenova being hooded at graduation. See yourself in the picture!

Next time we will begin working through a literature review.  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 

Celebrating Small Milestones

It is very important to acknowledge and celebrate the small milestones in your dissertation progress as well as the big ones (e.g., defenses, IRB). What are the small ones? Having your prospectus accepted, completing sections of the paper, having your chair approval chapters. You can even break them down further, with reaching your goal for a week or a day.

Think of each small step as a goal that you have completed on your journey. Celebrating them will give you an emotional boost and increase your motivation to push on. How to celebrate them? Perhaps you can think of a range of celebrations and rewards depending on how big the step is- a dinner and movie out with your favorite person for completing a chapter. Maybe going for a long walk or getting ice cream with the kids for reaching your goal for the week. Your reward should be something that is worth working toward that would make you happy and relaxed.

The dissertation is such a long and difficult journey; you need frequent rest stops and rewards for each step on the way. I think it is a great idea to include your significant other and family in your celebrations. It will allow them to be part of your journey and to support you. 

Next time we will look for some motivation.  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

Courage and the dissertation

In honor of today, the 4^th of July, I would like to talk about courage. One does not generally think of this word when considering dissertations, however, it is an integral part of the process. It took great courage for you to decide to move from the path you were on, to that of a doctoral program. You may have left on the old path, friends and even family members who did not understand your new direction. That can be painful and lead to second thoughts. You left comfort and went into the unknown, an exciting but also frightening decision.

You have probably questioned that decision many times, wondering if you are "good enough" to finish. While this is normal, it is also takes courage to face your deepest fears and continue. Along the way, you have you have had your writing (and maybe your ideas) criticized and had to rewrite, yet you have bravely continued. Today, reflect on your courage and the example you are to others. Because of your example, your children, grandchildren, friends, and people you do not even know may find the courage to face the unknown in order to find a better future. Today, celebrate courage and independence. You have earned it!

Next time I will talk about celebrating small milestones.  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 

Giving back

When you are in the midst of a high stress situation, such as your dissertation (along with work and family) it is difficult to even consider doing things for others. However, I feel it is important for you to consider a few low time ideas to give back to others. Why? Think of all of the people who have helped you in your educational process, from teachers, to family, to friends. They have given you their time, their wisdom, and their faith in you, it is time to pass on some of that.

Here are a few suggestions. Take a few minutes to write 3 short emails. Send one to someone who has supported you in your graduate program (ideas: teachers, peers, family, friends). Tell them what they did that showed their support. Tell them why it has been important to you. Then send the other two emails to other students you know at Walden who could use a little support. Remind them that what they are doing is important and you believe in them.

Why did I decide on that ratio of one to someone who has supported you and two to people you can support? While it important to thank those that have helped us, I believe it is even more important to help others. The minute you take to support a friend or peer will make their day; it may be what keeps them working on their paper instead of doing something else clamoring for their attention. You may provide the motivation to keep them from quitting when it gets difficult.

You have been given so many gifts; sometimes it is hard to remember it, because it is easy to take them for granted. You are intelligent and determined- how do I know that? Because you are working on your dissertation, you wouldn’t be here if you were not both of those things. I believe that you can get your dissertation done, and receive your doctorate. I believe that someday soon you will be able to have Ph.D. after your name, and people will call you doctor. Just keep writing! 

Next time I will talk about courage.  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