ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses five aspects of dissertation work: whether students should conduct a pilot study of their methods prior to, or as part of, their dissertation, how to develop and manage a dissertation research team, the pros and cons of collecting data prior to their proposal meeting, possibilities for funding their research, and what to do if they get stuck along the way. A pilot study is a small-scale preliminary study conducted in order to evaluate some or all aspects of students research methods prior to beginning the full study. A research team can help students complete the required tasks in their dissertation, provide social and instrumental support, help to maintain their high level of motivation, and provide valuable conceptual and methodological suggestions and assistance. Dissertation research will often be supported by grant funds received by advisors. Many dissertations can be conducted with minimal expense but, even in those cases, external funding can be helpful.
