This all-inclusive, practical guide will help graduate students design, conduct, and finish an academic dissertation or thesis with minimal drama. The structure of the book follows the sequential flow of a dissertation process from choosing a smart study topic, selecting research design options, to presenting a successful oral defense. Filled with protocols, tips, and reminders, the book presents the best, most direct and timely research practices based upon theoretical and empirical evidence, as well as the perspective and experiences of the author and others who have survived writing their dissertations. This indispensible guide will help students: pick the best members to serve on his/her dissertation committee including pointers for managing the committee dynamics and feedback; understand the legal regulations and ethical guidelines for all parts of the research process; work through common barriers, such as procrastination, perfectionism, and writer's block, and more.