A Practical Guide to the Qualitative Dissertation: For Students and Their Advisors in Education, Human Services and Social Science

How do you write a good qualitative dissertation? This book offers advice about and examples of the primary tasks and hidden complications in writing a qualitative dissertation. The long process of bringing a dissertation to completion involves making many choices—substantive, organizational, and interpersonal. This guidebook takes you through the process—from the first formulation of the topic and selection of a committee to development of an argument and, finally, preparation for the defense.

“I wish I had this book when I was a doctoral student. My dissertation would have been better and it would have been a lot easier to write. This book lives up to its title. I recommend it to doctoral students in a broad range of disciplines.”
—Robert Bogdan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Syracuse University

“This candid, engaging guide includes an inspired set of strategies that demystifies the dissertation process and provides encouragement. Experienced and novice researchers alike will benefit from the wisdom offered by Biklen and Casella.”
—Wendy Luttrell, Harvard Graduate School of Education

“Any student writing a qualitative dissertation anywhere will benefit from reading this book.”
—Gita DasBender, Seton Hall University, New Jersey

“Biklen and Casella provide a clear roadmap toward the completion of a qualitative study. This book is a wonderful tool for doctoral students!”
—Adria Hoffman, Ph.D. Student in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Maryland at College Park