Dissertation Resource Center

The Graduate College is committed to ensuring your success in engaging in authentic and original research as part of your advanced degree program. As you prepare to carry out your dissertation research, please consult the resources below. These resources are very broad; please consult your advisor and/or committee chair for more detailed information about your dissertation process.

Getting Started

1. Visit the University Software Center to download programs you may need, including Microsoft Office.
2. Set SMART goals for yourself. SMART goal tips.
3. Manage your library research.
4. Develop an organizational system to fit your needs.
5. Be sure to maintain a catalog of resources and citations throughout your research process. University Libraries provides a citation tools guide as well as a guide to managing your library research.

Within your Program

1. Talk with your faculty advisor and/or committee chair about your department or college’s dissertation expectations.
2. Develop your research questions with your committee chair.
3. Understand the basics of a literature review.

Conducting Research

1. Before doing any research, consult with your faculty advisor and/or principal investigator to determine what training and approval you may need from the Office of Research Compliance.
2. Collect your data.
   1. If you are conducting interviews as part of your research, consider the following tools to support your process:
      1. When scheduling interviews use calendaring tools to coordinate and book time with participants efficiently.
      2. Consider virtual meeting platforms that support recording, making it easier to review and transcribe conversations later.
      3. Consider transcription services to convert your recorded interviews into text for analysis.
   2. If you are using surveys:
      1. Access to Qualtrics is available to you as a Kent State student.
      2. Other survey tools may be useful to you as well.
3. Analyze your data.
   1. Visit the University Software Center to download NVivo, JMP, SAS, or SPSS
   2. Make an appointment with Statistical Consulting for assistance familiarizing yourself with these programs.