Indicators of rigor in dissertation research

J Prof Nurs. 2024 Nov-Dec:55:57-64. doi: 10.1016/j.profnurs.2024.07.011. Epub 2024 Aug 7.

Abstract

In a previous article, we focused on dissertation research related to rigor and the central role of rigor in Ph.D. dissertation research (Goodman et al., 2020). In this article, we focus on representations of dissertation rigor as it relates to the major components of the dissertation chapters (nature of the study, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion). We address the critical and central importance of good writing in dissertations, identify indicators of rigorous research, and discuss implications for nursing faculty, doctoral students, and the nursing profession.

Keywords: Dissertation; Doctor-level rigor; Research quality; Scholarship; Writing proficiency.

MeSH terms

  • Academic Dissertations as Topic*
  • Education, Nursing, Graduate*
  • Faculty, Nursing
  • Humans
  • Nursing Research*
  • Research Design*
  • Students, Nursing
  • Writing* / standards