The document discusses challenges faced by PhD students during the dissertation process and provides guidance on preparing a dissertation proposal. It highlights the importance of identifying research interests early, reviewing literature, and developing a strong research question. The document also emphasizes overcoming obstacles such as time management, adherence to formatting, and data analysis skills.

1.
Culture
of
Research
and
Educa2on
(CORE):
Disserta(on
Pi-alls:
Naviga(ng
Common
Issues
in
your
Disserta(on
1
Dr. Frank Gomez
Professor of Health Sciences
Dr. Carlos Cardillo
Professor of Health Science

2. 2
Position:
Professor of Health Sciences
Expertise/Experience:
17 years working with PhD students in the
Dissertation Phase of their studies.
Education/Training:
DrPH and MPH, UCLA School of Public Health;
Environmental Health
Accomplishments:
Authored and Coauthored publications and book
chapters; Received several awards from national/
state professional associations; Served as General
Chair and member of a national accreditation
body in Environmental Health

3. 3
Position:
PhD Mentor, Health Sciences Program
Professor of Health Sciences
Expertise/Experience:
Health science and human factor research
Electroneurophysiological Research and Biostatistics
Research design, data management and statistical analysis
Education/Training:
PhD, Health Science Research/Educator, Trident university International, Cypress, CA
MS, Biostatistics, New York Medical College
Accomplishments:
Authored and Coauthored publications and book chapters
Principal and co-investigator in large research projects

4. 4
If
we
knew
what
we
were
doing,
it
wouldn’t
be
called
research.
-­‐
A.
Einstein
INTRODUCTION
Preparing
a
disserta1on
proposal
is
probably
the
most
difficult
parts
of
the
PhD
program
and
the
disserta1on
process.
It
may
take
months
and
several
dra@s
un1l
ready.
The
disserta1on
proposal
presents
and
summarizes
the
scope
of
the
research
and
the
methods
to
use
for
the
inves1ga1on.
When
completed,
the
disserta1on
proposal
must
present
a
linear
and
persuasive
argument
about
an
original
research
ques1on
and
that
YOU
are
the
right
candidate
conduct
this
research.

5. 5
¡ Believing
that
a
PhD
is
“just”
an
advanced
“Masters
Degree.”
¡ Pursing
a
PhD
for
the
wrong
reason(s).
¡ Beginning
a
PhD
Program
without
having
iden1fied
your
area
of
research
interests.

6. ¡ Difficul1es
developing
a
“good”
research
ques1on(s)
and/or
hypothesis(es).
¡ Scholarly
wri1ng
is
required
but
wri1ng
is
not
my
strongest
aTribute.
¡ Difficul1es
with
1me
management
to
review,
write
and
execute.
¡ Nega1ve
emo1ons
and
fear
to
own
capacity
(cri1cal
thinking,
research
design,
sta1s1cal
analysis,
etc…)
6

7. ¡ Iden1fy
area
of
research
interests
when
you
decide
to
pursue
a
PhD.
¡ Begin
reviewing
peer-­‐reviewed
literature
in
your
field
early
on
the
program
and
keep
records
with
detailed
notes,
etc.
¡ Develop
a
“Prepared
Mind”
¡ Learn
the
language
of
your
area
of
research
interests
¡ Learn
to
format
MS
Word
to
APA
6th
Ed.
7

8. ¡ Iden1fy
area
of
research
interests
as
soon
as
possible.
¡ Review
peer
reviewed
literature
in
your
field
very
early
on
the
program
and
keep
a
record
¡ Learn
APA
6th
Ed.
8
¡ Develop
a
“Prepared
Mind”
¡ Learn
the
language
of
research.
¡ Overcome
your
fears
and
weaknesses.
¡ Read,
inves1gate,
learn.

9. A@er
listening
to
this
presenta1on,
please
indicate
which
of
the
following
problems
are
key
obstacles
to
you
comple1ng
your
disserta1on.
9
1. Selection of Topic
2. Adhering to APA Format
3. Literature Review
4. Develop Theory and Methodology
5. Data Management and Statistical Analysis
6. Finding the time to complete the work

10. Visit
hTps://www.trident.edu/webinars/core/
to
Register
10

11. 11

12. ¡ How
to
prepare
your
teaching
philosophy
for
jobs
in
academia
¡ How
to
prepare
your
research
philosophy
for
jobs
in
academia
¡ Round
table:
A
highlight
of
careers
in
the
field
¡ How
to
cri1cally
review
a
research
ar1cle
¡ Repor1ng
data:
How
to
write
and
present
sta1s1cs
¡ Qualita1ve
Research
Methodology:
An
Overview
12

13. ¡ Questions or comments on dissertation
Pitfalls? Please ask Dr. Gomez and Dr.
Cardillo now
¡ C.O.R.E Contact: Dr. Bernice B. Rumala
bernice.rumala@trident.edu
¡ Learn more about our doctoral programs in
business, health sciences and education:
https://www.trident.edu/degrees/doctoral/
Thank you for attending! 13