1. How does one get through the dissertation topic
selection successfully and satisfy both the department
and the candidate when they disagree?
Find a new
school/ more
appropriate
program
Create a video game in
which the ultimate
objective is coming up
with an appropriate
dissertation topic
Write on a different
potential dissertation topic
for one hour each day for a
week. Select the one that
excites you the most and
cater it to your
departmental requirements
Most Practical
This gets the process moving and helps to develops
different ideas in different trajectories, so there is are
fallback options. Ideally this would be harvesting ideas
from a previous brainstorming session.
Most Disruptive
This option likely requires starting over with coursework and
comprehensive examination. It is most disruptive as it would be
the most time consuming, while remaining a realistic option
Favorite
Because the idea of it is so outlandish and the prospect so
useful.

2. Prototype of the Practical Idea

3. Prototype of the Disruptive Idea

4. Testing
Reactions to the Prototypes
• The practical prototype was well received
and considered to be a clearly defined
procedure for tackling the problem that had
the additional benefits of instilling the habit
of daily effort on the dissertation.
• The disruptive prototype was considered to
be open-ended and loosely defined.When it
was discussed the additional time required,
it was rejected as an option.