Here are the most common proposal problems I see repeatedly as I am editing people’s proposals and dissertations. These problems are most likely to motivate reviewers to reject your dissertation proposal. If you address these before you submit your paper, you are more likely to receive a happy outcome.
Lack of alignment
By far, the most common problem I see in proposals and dissertations is a lack of alignment between the problem, purpose, research questions, and methodology/methods. Alignment means all these elements logically flow from one to the next. This is such an important requirement that I devote an entire chapter to it in my book (see REASON 14).
Inconsistent terminology
From the variety of ways people write about the core elements of their project (the core elements I’m referring to are the problem, purpose, research questions, and methodology/methods), I get the feeling that we dissertators have a fear of being boring. However, this isn’t creative writing, and you are not an entertainer. Maybe you like to think you are the life of the party, but the purpose of your project is not to entertain your audience. I talk more about this problem in REASON 24.
Too many quotations
Uncertain researchers rely too heavily on other re-searchers’ words. Paraphrasing is an art you can master, and it’s worth practicing. A dissertation or proposal that is half quotes gives the impression the dissertator lacks critical thinking skills. Giant blocks of quoted text is a dead giveaway you don’t know what you are doing. Inordinate amounts of quoted material are red flags for reviewers. I address this problem in REASON 24.
Not enough citations
I hope you are familiar with the word plagiarism. Odds are, if you don’t cite your sources properly, you will soon learn what that word means—the hard way. Plagiarism is the unattributed use of someone else’s words, thoughts, ideas, and concepts. Whatever you borrowed, if you don’t say clearly who you borrowed it from and provide a usable reference back to the original source, you run the risk of being accused of plagiarism, which can get you expelled from your program. Yep. Expelled. Kind of a big deal. I talk more about this problem in REASON 22 and REASON 27.
Lack of compliance with a style guide
Did you know on top of everything else you have to contend with, you must comply with a specific set of style guidelines? Every field uses some sort of style guide. Medical dissertators will likely use AMA guidelines. If you are in the social sciences, you most likely will use the APA style manual. Style guides may seem arbitrary, but you need to find out which one your institution, department, or program uses, buy the manual, and study it. Find more on APA style guidelines in REASON 25.
Noncompliance with template
A few lucky dissertators attend programs at institutions where in terms of format, it’s the Wild West. Just about anything goes. Odds are very good you don’t go to one of those schools. Sorry. That means you must comply with some kind of structure and format. Getting Word to help and not hinder you in this task can make you want to tear out your remaining hair. Never fear. Help is in REASON 26.
