We share our experiences with the doctoral study process from the views of both students and professors. In a linear fashion, we offer our perspectives on the various decision points and pain points inherent in the modern doctoral dissertation, with an eye toward the strategies, resources, and personal touches that made it work. We conclude with…

Graduate students initiating qualitative research, like any inquiry, must hone and refine what they will study--the purpose of the research. Without clarity in the research purpose, the study's design will not likely unfold in a systematic way. However, narrowing one's research focus, such that methods follow research question, is much easier said…