ADLL Preregistered Dissertations
About Preregistered Dissertations
A preregistered dissertation is a 3-chapter research plan created during coursework.
Once it is completed and defended to a panel of faculty, the candidate graduates.
It is then posted to a public repository, where the research community can view it and work with the graduate to carry out the research.
Kevin Roessger, Ph. D., Program Coordinator
What’s the Difference?
Preregistration
Preregistration is when a researcher defines the research questions and publishes the analysis plan in a public repository before observing the research outcomes.
Dissertation
A unique work showcasing your research skills and innovative thinking, traditionally consisting of five chapters that detail every aspect of your research project. It should address a relevant topic within your field and adhere to the recommended citation style of your program.
Preregistered Dissertation
An innovative, one-of-a-kind approach to the dissertation process that removes traditional barriers for working professionals while maintaining academic rigor.
| Traditional 5-chapter Dissertation Process | Our Preregistered Dissertation Process |
|---|---|
| Separate from courses, takes an additional 1-3 years | Is built into our 3-year program |
| Candidate graduates after writing and carrying out the research plan | Candidate graduates after defending the research plan, and is free to carry out the research plan after graduation |
| Starts after coursework (2-4 years) | Starts on the first day of class |
| Is a written, academically rigorous research study | Is a written, academically rigorous research plan |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do you not have a traditional 5-chapter dissertation process?
Our preregistered dissertation process allows our students to participate in better social science research methods while maintaining the academic rigor of a traditional approach. We designed the program to reduce barriers, such as time or costs, that usually inhibit working professionals from attaining terminal degrees.
How does it work?
In Year 1, students write the first chapter of their dissertation during ADLL 7001. During Year 2, students create two full dissertation prospectuses during ADLL 6463 and ADLL 6413 and select one for the basis of their dissertation. In Year 3, students write the final research proposal and defend their dissertation during ADLL 6443 and ADLL 7003, then graduate! All dissertation work is designed into the program.
Do these dissertations require approval from the University of Arkansas’ IRB?
Since these dissertations are research plans, and no human subjects research will be conducted as a part of these plans at the University of Arkansas, these dissertations are not subject to approval from the University of Arkansas’ Institutional Review Board. If the graduate conducts the research via another institution after commencement, the plan may be subject to the other institution’s policy.
Does a candidate have to defend their dissertation before graduating?
Yes, candidates have to successfully complete a dissertation defense as a requirement for graduation. Students must also successfully complete a candidacy exam and take dissertation hours along with other traditional dissertation practices.
I am a graduate, and I carried out my preregistered dissertation. How can I register the final study in the Repository?
Congratulations on carrying out your study! Please fill out the Contact Us form on this website with your information. We will send you instructions on how to register the final study.