Dealing with the Dissertation Blues
John Barrow, Ed.D.
Dissertations–can’t live with ‘em, can’t live without ‘em, at least if you’re a graduate student. Preparation and defense of a dissertation can be one of the most satisfying and exciting experiences of a graduate student’s life-and one of the most challenging, frightening and frustrating. The demands differ from those faced by students in their previous academic careers. Most writing projects during undergraduate school and the first two years of graduate school are relatively short-term activities that can be accomplished with a sprint to the finish. The dissertation quest is a marathon that tests the student’s stamina and requires new levels of originality, independence, time management, academic inquiry and tolerance for ambiguity. It can also be a political process fraught with testy egos and departmental politics that will challenge the interpersonal skills of the savviest student. It can be a very lonely endeavor that becomes highly public at key times.
Here are a few guidelines that might help you navigate this challenging process:
Be realistic and clear when formulating a dissertation topic.
You want something that can be accomplished in a year or two, not a life’s work. Most students need to sharpen their focus and limit their research goals. Get input from other researchers, particularly those who are more experienced.
Develop a strategic plan.
Seen in totality, the research and writing of a dissertation can be intimidating. Considering the stages–from identifying a topic to holding a defense–divide the process into small steps and set realistic time goals for each.
Think about how you want your dissertation to fit into your life.
What other priorities are important to you and how do they rank? You will need balance in your life, so don’t expect to cut out fun, rest, and time with others, other responsibilities, or maintaining your health. At the same time, depending on how soon you wish to complete your dissertation, you may have to accept some restrictions during this demanding but circumscribed period of your life.
Approach the dissertation like a “job.”
Decide how much time you want to commit to your dissertation and schedule your week accordingly. Then, when it’s “dissertation time,” grab your lunch pail and head to work.
Talk and plan with family members and significant others.
Discuss how your dissertation time needs will impact these relationships.
Seek information about how the process works in your department.
Look at several proposals and dissertations. Talk with a number of more advanced students and faculty. Attend several defenses of other students before your own is held.
Monitor procrastination.
Are you procrastinating? OK, not surprising. It probably means that you are feeling a need to avoid the dissertation– perhaps because an aspect of it seems daunting. Recognize and accept that you are procrastinating, then identify the specific step you can be taking and cajole (or kick) yourself toward it. If the impulse to procrastinate is really strong, you may need a break. Consciously award it to yourself along with specifying when the break will end.
Accept meandering.
The dissertation process is not always linear. Time is needed to let ideas “mull.” Going down several “dead ends” in thinking, researching, or writing may be necessary in order to clarify. Remind yourself that such journeys are part of the process rather than “wasted time.”
Expect roadblocks.
Despite your best intentions, you will encounter obstacles and delays. You may need to take a few days or weeks to tend to the roadblock, but don’t let the time you spend stretch beyond what is necessary. View the obstacle as a challenge to be overcome and generate a list of alternatives for getting past the problem.
Be flexible.
If your usual strategy for coping with a difficulty is not working, try a different tactic.
Cultivate your relationship with your advisor.
Think about personal chemistry and supportiveness in addition to expertise when you select an advisor. Keep your advisor well informed. Respect your advisor’s time–be prepared and organized when you meet. If tension develops in the relationship, talk it through with a confidant to see if you can find a way to clear up the impasse.
(This article originally appeared in the Winter 2001 issue of The GRIND.)
Last updated: 08/04/2005