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Picking an area of research for your dissertation or doc project does not need to be overwhelming if you answer three questions and complete a simple exercise.

Want to follow along with the worksheet? Get it here: https://www.expandyourhappy.com/opt-in-c22f8874-30c7-4740-90ab-6b3780aff8bb

Three Questions

1. My degree program (and if appropriate, specialization) is:
2. Where do I see myself 5-years post-degree? 
3. What do I genuinely want to be an expert in, that would be a logical step to my answer(s) in #2? Need help? If you were to give a TED Talk, what do you see yourself speaking about?

 Exercise for clarity (do this for each general research area you listed in #3 above)

Listen to episode #29: Leverage Your Librarian (https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8431136) and then get into your university library. Locate and read at least 7 articles (you will likely need to scan 2-4 times that amount to land on a solid 7 articles).
Tips:

• Limit search to last 3 years (expand if you need to, but don’t go past 5 years)
•  Look for systematic literature reviews and/or meta-analyses (get a librarian's help if you can’t find these and note you might have to extend the time frame a bit)
•  If you don’t already have a system for organizing your articles, now is a good time to do that – check out the free resources on my website: 
•  Highlight/keep notes of possible research ideas 

After reading 7 articles, you should have a pretty good idea as to whether or not you are onto something in terms of a GENERAL research area (or areas).

Your next step is to listen to episode #14: The Best Dissertation is a DONE Dissertation (link below) and then meet with a faculty member to discuss your thoughts.

Additional Resources
The Doctoral Process: Things You Need to Know (that they probably won't tell you): https://www.expandyourhappy.com/HDSP121
The Best Dissertation is a DONE Dissertation:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/7455607
Applied vs. PhD Degrees (what is the difference?):
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8409468
Reality Check: Is a Doc Program for You?
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8609514
Leverage Your Librarian:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/8431136
Free Reference Software:
https://www.ExpandYourHappy.com/Store
Pick up your Happy Doc Student Swag here:
https://www.ExpandYourHappy.com/Store

Support the show

Support this free content: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1547113/supporters/new
Get The Happy Doc Student Handbook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578333732
Other resources at: http://Expandyourhappy.com

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