Revised 10/2024
Introduction
This manual provides specific guidelines to be followed in completing the dissertation component of the clinical psychology doctoral program (PhD or PsyD). Although the manual intends to describe the process in a sequential manner, we acknowledge that no document can address every type of problem or dilemma that may arise during the completion of a dissertation project. Nonetheless, by closely following the steps herewith described, we hope to help each student make of their dissertation process a positive and growth-enhancing experience.
The faculty also acknowledges that doctoral dissertations are usually social events that involve many persons within a support system. In addition to the student, the process may involve the dissertation committee and other faculty members, statistical and software consultants, research subjects or participants, typists, editors, among others. These individuals are involved at different stages of the process and are welcome to participate and to assist students with their dissertation project. However, all intellectual contributions and assistance with scientific processes need to be expressly recognized by the student. Ideas borrowed from other writers or other resources must always be acknowledged and properly credited following the latest APA publication guidelines. Intellectual honesty is essential to this process. Consequently, collaboration with any aforementioned party requires that the student exercise personal responsibility and professional integrity at every step.
Our program’s philosophy also holds that the dissertation process is an in-depth learning experience through which the student hones many of the scholarly skills and scientific procedures learned throughout their exposure to our academic curriculum. Therefore, the members of the Dissertation Committee assume a mentoring role with the specific mandate of making this learning process as rewarding and pleasant as possible for all involved.
This manual will be modified periodically to accommodate those changes informed by the experience of faculty members and students. Honest feedback about the policies and procedures here presented from all persons involved in dissertation processes will be a crucial component in the continuous efforts towards improving the manual.
Objectives
The primary objective of the dissertation process is to ensure the student becomes well-versed in their specific topic of research.
The dissertation is also intended to:
• Enhance the understanding of the student’s chosen area of study.
• Provide research experience in a particular area or in developing an action program with the potential for implementation.
• Develop and offer opportunities to demonstrate analytic skills by evaluating data and conclusions within the student’s study area.
• Require conducting a comprehensive literature review.
• Demonstrate the student’s ability to design and carry out a distinct, original research project that contributes to the study area’s theoretical, societal, or practical (clinical or methodological) aspects.
• Facilitate recognition of the fundamental role of ethics in the field of study.
• Develop project planning, time management, organization, and study implementation skills.
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