The Fastest Path to a PhD?
Okay, I may be stepping out on a limb here, but after years of teaching doctoral research courses as a professor, serving as dissertation Chair to nearly 100 doctoral graduates, and finally as Coach to motivated and struggling doctoral candidates, I’ve reached an opinion as to the fastest path to earn a doctorate. Ready?
The optimal (and fastest) path to a doctoral degree (via dissertation or thesis research) and development is:
Quantitative research method
…Using secondary/archival data
…With three well-defined variables to ensure sufficient doctoral rigor (e.g,. 2 IVs with 1 DV)
…Asking 3-5 quantitative research questions (each with paird null and alternative hypotheses)
To what extent does IV1 relate to DV?
To what extent does IV2 relate to DV?
Which, if either, IV1 or IV2 is a better predictor of DV?
…Conducting multiple regression (MR) statistical analysis to reject, or not, each null hypothesis
That’s it!
Too easy? Likely, as there are a number of other factors and caveats to consider, including:
Topic viability, including:
A real and substantial problem cited from the recent scholarly literature
An associated gap in the literature - justifying the need for further research
A viable source for secondary/archival data for collection and analysis
Sufficient data exists for quantitative (random) sampling
Sufficient recent scholarly literature exists on the topic to construct a literature review
…ensuring that the topic is appropriate, based on your degree specialization for university approval
Considering how to achieve a dissertation research topic that meets the above criteria, one approach/strategy is to conduct “bullseye” topic development; whereby, the data source is first identified, such as from work, government, or other (make sure that you have permission), then develop the quantitative research questions based on variables derived from the data. Once identified and all criteria checked, then it’s simply a matter of completing each chapter and section of the dissertation or thesis while progressing through the required courses, deliverables, and milestones.
The above documents what I believe to be the fastest path to doctoral (PhD) completion where a dissertation or thesis research project is required, and assumes that all criteria are available to the student for completion. Of course, this raises the question of what the student is to do if/when all items are not in place? The good news is that there are options, and while PhD completion may require more time, effort, and money, it can still be done (and usually is). However, to discuss all options is a blog for another day. Stay tuned!
For more on this topic, see:
https://mydissertation.coach/blog/developing-a-dissertation-research-topic
https://www.quora.com/In-your-own-words-what-is-quantitative-research/answer/Lawrence-Ness-4
Need an expert review of your dissertation topic or interested in hiring a dissertation coach or editor? Contact Dr. Lonny today at help@mydissertation.coach, along with a copy of your current dissertation (if applicable) for an initial assessment and quote.
MY DISSERTATION COACH
My Dissertation Coach offers doctoral students comprehensive dissertation coaching, consultation, expertise, and resources. Dr. Lonny focuses on the dissertation fundamentals, to serve doctoral level candidates towards successful fulfillment of their terminal degree through individualized 1-on-1 dissertation coaching/mentoring. Dr. Lawrence (Lonny) R. Ness has significant experience in successfully overseeing and guiding doctoral research candidates from topic selection to final dissertation oral defense, and all steps in-between. Click HERE for more information…
ABOUT DR. LONNY
Dr. Lonny is a senior dissertation coach and chair with many years of experience at multiple online universities, as well as through personal consulting engagements, with over 80 graduated doctoral mentees. Dr. Lonny is qualified to walk you through your doctoral journey once you’ve decided to take the plunge! If interested, please complete the inquiry and/or contact form to let Dr. Lonny know that you would like to speak further about your desire to partner with a professional coach towards doctoral degree completion – or any phase/aspect of the process thereof. Dr. Lonny can be reached directly via email at drness@dissertation101.com or help@mydissertation.coach.
Keywords: dissertation coach help phd doctorate highered thesis
