DEV Community: Dissertation Complete Coaching

Motivating Yourself to Complete Your Dissertation Part One: Your Work Space

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Wed, 28 May 2025 09:28:17 +0000

Hi there!
Researching and writing a doctoral dissertation is often a long and lonely process. It can take anywhere from two or three years to what seems forever. Unless you’re a newly-minted graduate student with a few teaching duties and a scholarship that allows you to spend most of your time on your scholarly work, writing your dissertation must be shared with family, employment and/or a myriad of other obligations. After a while, the pressures of dealing with your dissertation – in addition to everything else – may make you feel you feel stuck and unable to move forward.

And so you reach out to your doctoral dissertation advisor. If your mentor is engaged and responsive, then that can be of immeasurable help. But still, when you face that pile of resources and the blank screen every day, you need to motivate yourself on a daily basis. What can you do to get the project on track?

Location, Location, Location! As any successful small business owner will tell you, no matter how good or desirable their product, location will have a huge impact on their success. A delectable restaurant or shop on the wrong street outside the flow of traffic in an obscure location will usually fail. Visual artists generally require a studio that provides them with sufficient space/light and musicians depend on an acoustically decent space in which they can practice without interruption. As far as writers are concerned, Hemingway and Roth had their dedicated writing rooms, J.K. Rowling wrote endlessly in her favourite local cafe and Karl Marx produced his best work in the British Museum reading room.

If you are endlessly stuck writing your dissertation then perhaps your writing space is part of the problem. If you’re lucky, you may have an assigned office of your own in which to work. Look carefully at how that space is organized and designed: Are the desk and chair combo functional and ergonomic? Is the room lit effectively? Avoid harsh overhead lights – use natural and task lighting as much as possible. Can you purge clutter and organize your resources in a way that contributes to a sense of calm and order in the room? Is it time to spend some time refreshing the space with a new paint colour? Not that I am encouraging a major procrastination cycle by going on a redecorating deep-dive, but a couple of hours could produce fabulous results!

For a greater sense of the impact of physical space on the imagination, check out this Princeton review of Diane’s Fuss’ biography: “The Sense of the Interior: Four Writers and the Rooms that Shaped Them”.

Your Brain is a Saboteur: The Science Behind Why You Can’t Write at Home

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Fri, 25 Apr 2025 13:05:55 +0000

When I was working on my dissertation years ago, one thing was certain: my home had never been cleaner. Every writing session was the perfect opportunity for distraction…and I took full advantage.

Floors were scrubbed, bookshelves meticulously rearranged and dust bunnies eradicated with exacting precision. When my dissertation was finished, my home returned to its natural state of what I call “comfortable chaos.” If you’ve found yourself wiping down baseboards or reorganizing your bookshelves in alphabetical order instead of completing your dissertation, you’re not alone.

The good news? It’s not just laziness or a personal failing. Your brain is actively working against you and science details why.

The Lazy Intern Theory: Your Brain Prefers Short-Term Rewards

Your prefrontal cortex, the area of your brain responsible for focus and long-term planning, is constantly battling your limbic system which is wired for immediate gratification.

Writing a dissertation is an enormous, abstract task with a far-off reward. On the other hand, cleaning a kitchen, is simpler (hopefully), immediate and satisfying.

In short, the brain would much rather give you a quick dopamine hit from a sparkling countertop than wrestle with the daunting task of tackling an unwritten chapter.

Brain Hack: Trick your brain by breaking writing into small and manageable tasks with immediate payoffs. Write one messy paragraph and reward yourself with a coffee. Or set a timer for 20 minutes and give yourself a guilt-free scroll through social media.

Context Matters: Why Your Brain Thinks Home = Relaxation and Not Work

Neuroscience tells us that environments shape behavior. Your brain likely associates home with relaxation, comfort and non-work activities. Which is a good thing. Home should feel good and comforting after all.

This is why you can write an entire dissertation-length email to a friend about a personal matter but can’t seem to get through a single page of academic writing at your desk.

Brain Hack: Create a dedicated writing space—preferably somewhere that isn’t your bed or your favorite Netflix-watching couch. It doesn’t have to be fancy but dedicated spaces truly matter when it comes to work.

If space is limited, use small cues to signal “work mode,” like lighting a specific candle, playing ambient music or even wearing a designated “writing sweater.”

Decision Fatigue: Why You Suddenly Care About Folding Laundry

Writing at home forces you to make endless micro-decisions: Where should I sit? Which chapter should I start with? Should I check my email first?

Every decision drains your mental energy, making avoidance activities like laundry or vacuuming feel downright productive. Decision fatigue is real and affects almost all of us these days.

Brain Hack: Reduce decisions ahead of time. Set a strict writing schedule, decide in advance what section you’ll work on and eliminate any unnecessary choices. Put together a bullet list of dissertation subsections and assign each a timeline goal. The fewer decisions your brain has to make, the more energy it has for actual writing.

The Myth of the “Right Mood” for Writing

Waiting for the perfect mood to write is a trap.

One of the biggest lies we tell ourselves is that we’ll write when we feel ready. Neuroscience proves that action precedes motivation, not the other way around.

When you sit down and force yourself to write, even if it’s an imperfect draft, your brain is still engaging with the material.

It’s like a car engine warming up, making connections and easing back into the topic, whether you realize it or not. The first few sentences might feel rocky and stiff but somewhere between paragraph one and paragraph two, you may start to find a rhythm.

Suddenly, a decent idea appears. Before you know it, the words flow more easily—not because inspiration magically arrived but because you primed your brain for the work.

Brain Hack: Start writing before you feel like it. Even if it’s just a sentence or a stream-of-consciousness mess. Once you begin, your brain will adjust and motivation will follow.

ChatGPT vs. Human Dissertation Coaches: What AI Can’t Do for Your Ph.D.

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 04:21:08 +0000

Recently, I decided to put ChatGPT to the test. I asked it a question I often hear from many of the Ph.D. students I coach: “How can I strengthen my dissertation argument?”

The AI response was technically correct and well-structured—it suggested reviewing literature, refining the thesis statement and ensuring strong supporting evidence.

But something was…missing.

What ChatGPT didn’t do was ask follow-up questions or customize the advice to a specific research topic. It didn’t stop to consider the nuances of methodology, the expectations of a scrutinizing dissertation committee or the unique struggles of a student who has been stuck in a revision loop for months.

This is exactly where AI falls short and where real coaching makes all the difference.

Let’s break down what AI can and can’t do for doctoral students and why real-life, human coaching is still essential for finishing a dissertation.

It’s obvious: artificial intelligence is affecting higher education and many Ph.D. students are turning to tools like ChatGPT to assist with research and writing. It’s also true that AI can summarize journal articles, build out well-structured outlines and even refine academic language.

While ChatGPT provides truly valuable assistance, it has very definite limitations.

A dissertation is more than just compiling research and structuring arguments; it requires an in-depth level of critical thinking, strategy and personal resilience. And it’s in this arena where AI falls short and where human Ph.D. coaching offers more.

AI Can Provide Information But a Dissertation Coach Provides Strategy
AI is generic. Coaching is customized. ChatGPT can readily answer general questions about topics such as dissertation structure but it does not offer personalized guidance.

A dissertation coach understands the nuances of individual programs, advisor expectations and the specific challenges a student may be facing.

For example, a dissertation coach helps students:

Break down research into manageable chunks or milestones

Navigate often complex institutional requirements

Adjust strategies based on unique writing styles and strengths

AI operates with a vast reservoir of pre-existing data—a dissertation coach operates with real-world experience tailor-made to the student.

The Sleep Factor: How to Improve Mental Acuity and Memory

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 04:30:03 +0000

Writing your dissertation can be a long and arduous process, albeit one with significant rewards. It can also cause a serious amount of apprehension and anxiety…enough to interfere with our sleep.

Here’s the catch: unless we’re sufficiently rested, not only does it affect our ability to learn but our ability to retain what we learn. Hence, a critical part of effectively and efficiently navigating the dissertation process is good sleep hygiene.

According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School:

Research suggests that sleep helps learning and memory in two distinct ways. First, a sleep-deprived person cannot focus attention optimally and therefore cannot learn efficiently. Second, sleep itself has a role in the consolidation of memory, which is essential for learning new information.

So what is a graduate student to do while working multiple jobs, raising children, maintaining a household and writing a dissertation? Sleep is often first on the cutting board. The problem is this: everything else suffers, including your ability to complete your dissertation.

The suggested amount of sleep per night is 7 – 9 hours. About one-third of us get less than that. So how can we improve the amount of sleep we’re getting, regardless of the amount?

Maintain a regular sleep routine. Even if you’re not able to get at least 7 hours of sleep, take your sleep time seriously. Consistency is one of the keys to a good night’s sleep.

Embrace the power nap. Naps are amazingly restorative and do some of the job of missed sleep, including improving our memory and acuity. But not all naps are created equal. An ideal “power nap” is about 10 – 20 minutes.

Enjoy caffeine in moderation. Yes, coffee can be your best friend when studying for your dissertation improving memory and sharpness, but only in moderation. When consumed excessively, it affects your sleep. Remember this general rule: caffeine stays in your system for up to 10 hours. So do the math and move away from the mug so as not to interrupt precious sleep.

Avoid the screen before bed. I’ve left the hardest tip for last: discontinue the use of all devices ideally several hours before bedtime. The blue light emitted from computer screens (and televisions too) has been proven to disrupt sleep.

Consider blue light solutions like screen filters or computer glasses or discontinue all device usage 2 to 3 hours before bed.

Embrace the joy of reading. As a student, you undoubtedly have actual written material to read (aka books). Reading is not only relaxing but constitutes another method of learning – a real win/win.

Insomnia tip: If you are lying awake for more than 5 or 10 minutes, get out of bed and complete a small task (household or otherwise) or try reading (an actual book) while sitting in a chair. Don’t fight against insomnia; it only exacerbates it. You’ll find once you’re ready to lie down again, its much easier to drift off.

Defend Your Ph.D. Dissertation in 3 Easy Steps

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Wed, 05 Mar 2025 05:38:04 +0000

Public speaking continues to take top billing when it comes to typical human fears, even beating out the fear of death! Fortunately, there are proven ways you can head into your doctoral defence with the confidence needed to successfully finish your Ph.D.

It’s undeniable that defending your dissertation can be considered public speaking times ten, since it’s much more than just giving a speech. Years of work have gone into your doctoral research project and dissertation, with so much riding on the outcome. A successful dissertation defence requires that you know your material thoroughly and defend it adeptly.

So what can be done to tip the scales in your favour when your committee members are waiting expectantly and your nerves are poised to get the best of you?

Know your material like the expert you are. This goes without saying but the more intimately you understand the unique, key content of your research project, the better you are able to defend it. This is why it’s critical to go back through your work, even if you completed it some time ago, and ensure that you’re clear on its development, methodology and analysis. What areas of your dissertation are the strongest? The weakest? What nuanced questions can you expect? This is one of the few times that being your own worst critic can work to your advantage!

Dress rehearse…and then repeat. Practice may not make your dissertation defence perfect but it can take out a lot of the guesswork out of the equation. Seize any opportunity to discuss your thesis with other people, from within academia or otherwise. If necessary, bribe a colleague or relative with lunch to drill you on questions about your topic. Those dry runs help you familiarize yourself again with the structure of your own work. And providing detailed explanations aloud to others also naturally highlights areas that need tightening. (You’ll often know your weak spots when you falter or lose your way. There’s a reason you stumble in the same locations.)

Slow down, you might enjoy it. When you speak quickly, you send an unequivocal message to others as well as yourself: you’re nervous. And while examiners expect a degree of nervousness, you can display poise and self-control simply by taking your time. The key? Breathing. Slow, rhythmic breathing not only grounds you but helps you speak better, without so much air and breathiness in your voice. This rule also applies when being you’re asked a question: Take a moment, take a breath and then respond. It shows that you’re thoughtful and less prone to rapid-fire reactions. Remember that, during that all-important hour, you are the expert in your own research area.

What ChatGPT Can (and Can’t) Do for Your Dissertation

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 05:33:08 +0000

It’s a daily occurrence for the dissertation students I work with to ask me about ChatGPT and how they can safely use it. It’s like AI is the new academic caffeine—everyone’s buzzing about it but no one’s quite sure how much is too much.

It’s certainly true that artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT have transformed the way students approach their research and academic writing.

From brainstorming ideas to editing content, many new dissertation apps and tools provide a level of support that would have been impossible a few years ago.

But as impressive as AI can be, it is not a substitute for the personalized guidance and expertise of a good supervisor or a dissertation coach.

ChatGPT lacks a comprehensive understanding of your specific topic.

While ChatGPT can generate general relevant information, its understanding of complex and/or niche topics is limited to what exists in its training data. AI doesn’t comprehend the nuances and depth of your field and can’t offer well-rounded insights into emerging research.

AI does not provide critical feedback or improve your argumentation.

AI tools can identify grammar mistakes and suggest edits but they can’t evaluate the power and strength of your arguments or the coherence of your dissertation as a whole.

A dissertation coach provides constructive feedback in real time that sharpens the quality of your work: by challenging your assumptions, pointing out gaps in your logic, and firmly guiding you toward a more polished final product.

Chat won’t hold you accountable.

After a decade of working in the dissertation field, I can safely say that one of the biggest challenges of writing a dissertation is staying on track.

ChatGPT doesn’t enforce deadlines or motivate you to keep working when you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges.

A dissertation coach provides accountability and helps you set realistic goals that work within the structure of your life.

Chat doesn’t understand institutional expectations.

Every academic institution has unique requirements for dissertation projects, from structure and content to citation styles and other broader editing issues.

ChatGPT doesn’t have the ability to customize its output to meet these specific guidelines. A Ph.D. coach understands these expectations and makes sure your work adheres to them.

Chat can’t address emotional and mental hurdles.

Trust me on this one: writing a dissertation is as much an emotional journey as it is an academic one. Impostor syndrome, writer’s block, procrastination and burnout are common challenges that AI tools are poorly equipped to address.

A dissertation coach offers encouragement, helps you manage stress and provides personalized strategies for overcoming psychological barriers like perfectionism.

Chat is not an expert in scholarly writing.

Although ChatGPT can generate text that comes across as polished, it often misses the mark when it comes to academic tone and style. A dissertation coach can help you write with precision and authority, ensuring your work meets the standards of your discipline.

We can all agree: Chat is a revolutionary tool that can support your dissertation process but it’s not a replacement for the expertise, accountability and personal support of human support.

Preparing For Your Upcoming Dissertation Defense

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 05:43:59 +0000

Hi there,
Great news! You are now almost at the end of a long and challenging journey. It’s so very, very close.

You never thought this day would arrive, but miraculously, you have completed your dissertation. It’s been vetted by your advisor and the other members of your committee. All that is remaining between you and that highly anticipated doctoral degree is the final defense.

Most university programs require you to orally present and defend your work to a critical committee of internal and external scholars in your field. Although it is ideally a positive experience, it is also rigorous and you will understandably experience some anxiety before the big event.

So, how do you get through this academic grand finale and convince your future peers across the room that you are ready to join them in the ranks of those who have completed the highest level of academic attainment? Several key preparation practices will ensure you move through the process with relative ease. Now is not the time to walk into the room unprepared and hope for the best!

First, it’s invaluable to witness other dissertation defenses – ideally in the same program area at your university. There was a time (pre-pandemic) when many universities opened defenses to the public. Now, however, defenses are primarily conducted online via Zoom. You may need to make special arrangements to view the defense of a peer or friend. If that’s not possible, you can access a range of defenses online. Go to YouTube and narrow your search to both university and subject.

In terms of the platform for your defense, now that more campuses are opening up, you may be given the option to do your defence either on-campus or via Zoom. After coaching many clients to the defense stage over the past year, I’ve noticed that students defending over Zoom generally find the experience less stressful and easier to prepare for. Instead of facing down a formal committee across a room, the Zoom platform allows for a more egalitarian and conversational experience. Plus, you can have extensive notes (for yourself) organized on your desk beside you or on the wall behind the computer – and no one will see them! Even if you don’t need them, having them at the ready does give you a sense of security.

Part of your defense will invariably be a presentation of the key components of your dissertation project, including a summary of each chapter. If you are using Powerpoint as part of the presentation phase of your defence, make certain that it’s well structured and clear. Don’t include too much text on each slide and prepare notes to enrich the slide information – rather than reading verbatim. Make sure your slides are to the point, well composed and visually attractive.

Unlock Your Ph.D. Potential in 2025

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 04:43:32 +0000

When I first started working in academia many years ago, the long and winding road to earning a Ph.D. was frequently reserved for the few who could navigate its formal structures and significant costs.

Cut to today: the landscape has radically transformed. As a dissertation coach working with students across the U.S., Canada and beyond, I’ve witnessed first-hand how pursuing a doctorate has become more accessible and doable.

If you’ve been thinking about taking the academic leap, 2025 presents unique opportunities that make it one of the best times in recent history to pursue a Ph.D.

The Demand for Expertise is Soaring

The world is changing at an unprecedented pace and with it comes an increased demand for specialized knowledge.

Fields like artificial intelligence, climate science, global health and education policy are not just growing—they’re redefining how we live and work.

Governments, corporations and non-profits alike are seeking experts who can solve complex problems and drive innovation. This means as a freshly minted Ph.D., you position yourself at the frontline of these fields.

Even in more traditional subject areas, the recognition of the value of research-driven expertise is rising. Think about the societal challenges we’ve faced in the last decade: the pandemic, economic/political uncertainty and the urgent need for sustainable solutions.

Post-Pandemic Adaptations Have Changed the Landscape for Ph.D. Students

One surprisingly silver lining of the pandemic is how it has revolutionized traditional academic structures.

Remote research tools, virtual collaboration platforms and flexible study formats have made pursuing a Ph.D. more accessible than ever.

Think about it: you don’t need to uproot your life or live near a specific university to complete your dissertation. In particular, Starlink satellite internet has made even the most remote locations completely connected.

Many reputable doctoral programs now offer hybrid or fully online possibilities, accommodating full-time professionals, working parents and international students in ways that were nearly unthinkable a decade ago.

For my clients who balance demanding careers and family responsibilities (which is most of them), these changes have opened doors that were previously closed.

*Evolving Funding Opportunities for Doctoral Students *

I won’t sugarcoat it: funding for Ph.D. programs remains competitive but there are unique opportunities for aspiring scholars who take a strategic approach.

Governments, universities and private organizations continue to offer grants, fellowships and scholarships with targeted initiatives for underrepresented groups, interdisciplinary projects and research focused on global challenges.

In Canada, for instance, organizations like the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) maintain robust funding streams for doctoral candidates, particularly in the humanities and social sciences.

Similarly, U.S. programs such as the Fulbright and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellowships provide substantial support for researchers (though they remain highly selective).

Additionally, employer-sponsored degrees are on the rise, as companies increasingly value employees with advanced expertise. For example, STEM fields often see partnerships between universities and industry leaders aimed at fostering innovation and workforce development.

The Dissertation Process and Your Health

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 04:38:26 +0000

Think of your favourite athlete and what he or she must do to prepare for a competition. It goes beyond a physical skill and extends into areas of nutrition, sleep and mental health. When it comes to completing your dissertation, consider yourself an academic athlete. All areas of your health need to be in peak condition to perform optimally.
We recently discussed the need for proper sleep while going through the dissertation process. Now, let’s discuss the critical importance of nutritional needs when working through your Ph.D.

Eating for Peak Mental Acuity
My grandmother used to refer to fish as “brainfood.” I considered this advice to be just another one of her old-time rules, like when she insisted I sleep with all the windows closed because night air was bad for me. Years later, it seems like grandmother was right. There are scientifically solid recommendations for eating specific foods like fish to help ensure mental clarity.

These Foods Support Brain Health, Increase Concentration and Improve Memory

Fatty Fish
Seafood such as salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, trout and herring contain omega-3 fatty acids which build brain and nerve cells and are essential for memory and learning. A tunafish sandwich or can of sardines might be the best choice for lunch on a busy day.

Coffee, the Elixir of Academia!
Recent research has shown that three to four cups a day reduce the risk of neurological diseases. Caffeine and antioxidants increase alertness and may boost dopamine levels that feed your “feel-good” neurotransmitters and raise your ability to concentrate. (Just remember: since too much coffee can lead to increased anxiety and insomnia, count your cups.)

Green Tea
With less caffeine and a heaping helping of antioxidants (via catechins), green tea is an excellent alternative for those avoiding coffee. Green tea enhances cognitive function and improves memory. For additional antioxidant benefits, add some lemon to your cup.

Demystifying the Main Types of Literature Reviews

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:32:52 +0000

Tackling a doctoral dissertation demands careful research, critical analysis, and a deep understanding of the existing body of knowledge in your field. At the heart of this journey lies the notorious literature review—a crucial section that not only demonstrates your scholarly prowess but also lays the groundwork for your research. One question I had recently from a dissertation coaching client involved choosing the type of lit review that would be most appropriate for her dissertation project. To clarify, let’s explore the main types of literature reviews and what distinguishes them from each other.

Narrative Literature Review: Navigating the Landscape

The narrative literature review, often referred to as the traditional or comprehensive review, is akin to painting a landscape of your research area. In this type of review, you’ll embark on a journey through a wide array of literature aligned with your research questions, summarizing and synthesizing existing research to provide a holistic overview. This approach is well-suited for interdisciplinary topics or exploratory research, where a narrative narrative can help identify trends, controversies, and gaps in the literature.

Systematic Literature Review: Providing Methodical Rigor

For those who crave methodical rigor and transparency, the systematic literature review is a prime choice. This approach involves a clearly defined search criteria, systematic screening and selection of studies, and a standardized process for analyzing and synthesizing findings. The systematic review’s objective is to minimize bias and ensure repeatability, making it ideal for addressing specific research questions or providing evidence-based insights. (See this article for more on conducting a systematic lit review.)

Meta-analysis: Generating Quantitative Insights

Delving further into the realm of systematic reviews, we encounter the meta-analysis—an approach that brings quantitative prowess to the table. By pooling data from multiple studies and conducting statistical analyses, a meta-analysis uncovers patterns, relationships, and trends that individual studies might not reveal. This type of review is a powerful tool for finding statistically significant conclusions and enhancing the robustness of your research findings.

Stay Focused and Energized During the Winter Months

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Wed, 23 Oct 2024 05:01:52 +0000

If nothing was expected of you during the cold winter months–no dissertation, work or family obligations–what would you do? For many, the answer would be:

Sleep.

Eat.

Drink.

Nap.

Watch TV.

Read a book.

Repeat.

While these responses may sound a lot like depression, they are also just a natural reaction to the realities of winter. The days are short, the nights are long and (for many) it’s colder. Physiologically, it’s hard to be motivated. Our tendency is to “bear up” and hibernate, whether we want to or not.

With that said, SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is very real and can wreak havoc on completing your dissertation and other projects that need your attention.

According to the Mayo Clinic, the signs and symptoms of SAD may include:

Feeling listless, sad or down most of the day, nearly every day
Losing interest in activities you once enjoyed
Having low energy and feeling sluggish
Having issues with sleeping too much (or too little)
Experiencing carbohydrate cravings, overeating and weight gain
Having difficulty concentrating
Feeling hopeless or worthless

Even if you don’t suffer from SAD, getting tasks completed, such as your dissertation, can feel like a slow, painful climb uphill during the winter months.

How Long Should My Dissertation Be? (Hint: There is No One Right Answer)

Dissertation Complete Coaching — Wed, 02 Oct 2024 05:28:52 +0000

As a dissertation coach who has worked with students all around the world, one of the most common questions I get from students is:

“How long should my dissertation be?”

The answer is not straightforward but is a crucial consideration for anyone embarking on this academic journey.

So let’s break it down, shall we?

The Length Question: Is There a Magic Number?

Short answer: Doctoral dissertation lengths can vary widely depending on various factors including the field of study, program guidelines, committee expectations and the scope of the research.

Generally, a dissertation falls between 200 to 300 pages, though this is a broad range. Some disciplines, such as the humanities, often lean toward the longer end of the spectrum due to the need for extensive literature reviews and detailed analysis. On the other hand, STEM fields might produce more concise dissertations, focusing heavily on data and empirical findings. Such dissertations may be composed of multiple journal articles instead of the standard five chapter format.