Getting the Best of Your Dissertation: Practical Perspectives for Effective Research

by Dave Harris

Writing a doctoral dissertation is often viewed as an ordeal to tolerate and survive. This book looks at the dissertation in a different light, examining the dissertation project from several different perspectives with the aim of helping scholars understand the project better, work more effectively, and ultimately get the best of their dissertation. When you write your dissertation do you want to survive? Or do you want to thrive? Writing a dissertation requires a lot of time and effort and offers plenty of frustration, but it’s not mindless drudgery. It may be difficult, but it can be interesting and personally rewarding. If you approach it right, writing a dissertation can be a positive experience that helps you develop skills that will serve you well whether you are going to pursue an academic or professional career. If you approach it right, you may experience the same satisfaction of learning and discovery that the Ancient Greeks called the love (philia) of wisdom (sophia), giving us our modern word “philosophy.” Drawing on ideas from cognitive science, psychology, philosophy of science, and the study of design methods and processes, as well as the author’s experience working with dissertation writers and other scholars, this book presents a series of perspectives on the dissertation aimed at helping you work more efficiently and effectively, with a better sense of purpose, and with more satisfaction. Subjects include fitting the dissertation into the rest of your life, developing a good writing practice, dealing with professors, designing research, and more. If you work more effectively and with a greater sense of purpose, you'll be able to finish more quickly and have a greater sense of the value of your efforts.

172 pages, Paperback

First published August 17, 2015

About the author

Dave Harris has been working as an editor and academic writing coach since 2002, the year he finished his own Ph.D. at the University of California, Berkeley. His clients are graduate students writing dissertations and theses and post-graduate scholars writing for publication. As an editor, he helps scholars clarify their arguments and reasoning so that they can develop and present their work more effectively. As a coach, he helps scholars manage the larger process of designing, carrying out, and writing about a research study.

Dave draws on a wide and eclectic range of ideas in his work, among which his areas of greatest strength are cognitive science, design theories and methods, linguistics, literary criticism, philosophy of science, with a particular interest in epistemology: the study of knowledge and what can be known, which is a concern to all researchers.

With first author Jean-Pierre Protzen, Dave (formally "David") wrote "The Universe of Design: Horst Rittel's Theories of Design and Planning," Routledge, 2010.

In 2015, Dave published his own book: "Getting the Best of Your Dissertation" under the Thought Clearing imprint. The name "Thought Clearing" was chosen to represent Dave's commitment to clarity of thought and expression in scholarly work.

Reviews

[Dave Harris]

Apparently I'm allowed to write a review for my own book. So here it is.

There are a lot of good books out there for writing dissertations, academic writing, and research, but I believe mine adds value to the discussion. Many characteristics of my book are shared with others. For example, the advice to write every day or almost every day is standard fare in books on writing. Less common is the idea that you can grow to love the process of research and writing, which I have seen emphasized in only one book on dissertations and academic writing: Joan Bolker's (admittedly, there are many dissertation and research books that I have not read), but the idea that one can enjoy writing, despite the hard work, is common in books on non-academic writing.

Most books on dissertations that I know focus on what to do--they give instructions for how to do things. I take a slight step back to consider _why_ researchers do certain things--what does a researcher do, and why?--because I believe that people can act more effectively when they have a solid understanding of how each task relates to the larger project. And, following the ideas of Viktor Frankl, I believe that people benefit from seeing meaning in their work. I believe that if you can see the different dimensions to the dissertation, and can understand the needs of research, you will work more effectively and benefit more from your efforts.

[Shiqi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book while preparing for my dissertation and found it particularly helpful in shifting my perspective on the process. As a first-generation student trained in the U.S. doctoral model, I’ve often been told that a productive scholar carefully plans their project. But I struggle with rigid planning—I get excited by new ideas, sometimes scrapping everything to follow unexpected inspirations.

What sets this book apart from a few other dissertation guides I've read is its recognition of uncertainty as a natural part of research. The author notes that “the difficulty in dissertations arises from the unavoidable uncertainty that comes from the attempt to understand and explain that which is not yet understood” (p. 8) and emphasizes that effective work processes grow not just from good plans, but from good practices that support adaptability (p. 9).

Making good plans is not just about following a predetermined structure. It’s about understanding what needs to be done, assessing available resources, and learning from “failed” attempts. As the author suggests, “the more aspects we see, and the richer our understanding of what is involved, the better we are able to make productive choices” (p. 18). So, my biggest takeaway is to approach the dissertation with a learning mindset—to explore different angles, stay open to change, and let the broader meaning of my work guide me. This perspective makes the process feel less restrictive and more engaging, allowing for both structure and flexibility.

[Natalya Androsova · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the literature on dissertation writing, rarely can a book so comprehensive be found. Getting the Best of Your Dissertation: Practical Perspectives for Effective Research by Dave Harris explores not only the writing itself, but also the psychology, philosophy and politics of dissertation writing as well.

This book focuses not only on the structure of the dissertation, like many other books in this genre, but also on the process of planning, researching, writing, thinking, rethinking and rewriting, etc. It also contextualizes the task of writing within institutional and disciplinary background. Not only that – the book also includes considerations of the human factor, like working with people on your committee and in your institution. Perhaps, my favourite part is the fact that the book considers the philosophy of the entire research process, a sort of a larger “why” if you will.

The book offers a whole constellation of perspectives on the entire enterprise of dissertation writing and combines both immediately practical advice with theoretical considerations. For example, it simplifies the process by giving specific and practical strategies from time-management advice to organizational tips and setting limits to your work. At the same time, it is not afraid to point out the complexity of the entire process and tackles such issues as imperfections, incompleteness, and uncertainty.

The book offers a healthy perspective on the issues of maintaining mental health and wellness during the writing process. In particular, it does not shy away from addressing such invisible issues as emotional and physical health, overwhelm, anxiety, perfectionism, lack of confidence or of authenticity. Most importantly, the book leaves space for your own discovery gently guiding you through the challenging and exhausting process of dissertation writing and pointing out the best and the healthiest strategies that could help you on this journey.

[Dona · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway.

This book is excellent as an aid to writers who are working on a dissertation, or perhaps some other academic writing project. I especially like the two chapters on developing research questions. Anyone writing a scholarly project will benefit from using the effective writing strategies described in Dave Harris's book.

[Susan Csoke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its not only difficult to write a dissertation, it can also be quite frustrating. It takes alot of time and effort. This book offers a series of perspectives to help the reader work more efficiently and effectively. Very Informative. THANK YOU GOODREADS FIRSTREADS FOR THIS FREE BOOK!!!

[Kirsten Foot · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an advisor to many doctoral students past and present, I am delighted that Dave Harris wrote this invaluable book! It provided immensely helpful strategies for thinking well about one's dissertation, and living well during the process of researching and writing it.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great resource for help with this very complex and stressful issue. Love it. I was lucky enough to win this through GoodReads.