Being Bright Is Not Enough: The Unwritten Rules of Doctoral Study

This third edition has been well revised and continues with the ideas expressed in the previous two editions. The details and reactions in light of experiences of the intervening years have been updated and expanded. This particularly interesting book is written from a student advocacy perspective, intended to speak to non-traditional students as well as those typical of past generations. Specific topics include: (1) how doctoral study differs from previous pursuits; (2) choosing a dissertation topic; (3) your chair, your committee, and you; (4) writing the proposal; (5) the dissertation; (6) defense of the thesis; and (7) spouses, family and friends. From the Preface: 'Looking back upon my academic career, one of the memories that brings me the most pleasure are the words students used to pass along to each other, 'If you have a problem, go see Peggy Hawley.' My distress at seeing bright students drop out and my interest in social science research combined to provide the impetus for writing this book. On a year-long sabbatical leave I interviewed hundreds of doctoral students and dozens of professors across the nation. Then as professor emeritus, I finally found the time to put my thoughts into words . . . .' In making the unwritten rules of doctoral study more explicit, the author has attempted to be insightful rather than scientific, personal rather than objective, and practical rather than theoretical. This guide will therefore help to pave the way for those recipients who will pursue and capture academe's highest award: the terminal degree in a particular field of study.