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. Here are some tips.
  3. Manage your library research.
  4. Choose an organizational system. Apps like Awesome Note, Evernote, Todoist, and Trello may be helpful.
  5. Be sure to maintain a catalog of resources and citations. You can use spreadsheets or a dedicated software like Zotero, EndNote, or Mendeley.

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:
      1. Tools like Calendly, Doodle, and SignUpGenius may be helpful.
      2. Meeting via Google Meet, Skype, Microsoft Teams, or Zoom allows your interviews to be recorded.
      3. Transcription services like the EHHS Research & Evaluation Bureau, oTranscribe, Temi, and Transcribe are available.
    2. If you are using surveys:
      1. Access to Qualtrics is available to you as a KSU student.
      2. Google Forms, Survey Monkey, and Survey Planet may be useful to you.
  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.