Getting to Grips with Doctoral Research [Paperback]

This text demystifies the doctoral research process and provides readers with a better understanding of the processes, conventions and expectations involved. It recognises the challenges faced by students and proposes practical solutions to common problems. Early chapters provide an overview of the research process and key decisions that will need to be made. Subsequent chapters give guidance on refining a research topic, developing a proposal, carrying out research and writing the thesis. Each chapter is enlivened by case studies which focus on real students experiences of the different stages of doctoral research.

This will be an indispensable resource for current and prospective doctoral students of all subject areas. 

Introduction.- Getting Started.- Getting a Handle on the Topic, Questions and the Literature.- Getting Close to Theory.- Getting Designs on Methods.- Getting Underway with the Research Proposal.- Getting Alongside Support.- Getting on with Writing .- Getting Examined.- Getting Your Research 'Out There'.- Further Reading.- Bibliography .- Index.MARGARET WALSHAW is a Professor and a Research Director at Massey University, New Zealand. She has undertaken research with students on doctoral engagement and has a wealth of experience as a doctoral supervisor and a doctorate programme coordinator. She is the author of several articles on education and is an associate editor of the Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education (JMTE). Her book publications include Working with Foucault in Education, Mathematics Education within the Postmodern and Unpacking Pedagogy: New Perspectives for Mathematics Classrooms.

'I would definitely recommend this book to students who are accepted into PhD programmes. As I was reading it, I kept thinking about my own experience as a doctoral student - and how spot on the book is!' - Professor Kristen Williams, Clark University, USA