From ABD to PhD: A Qualitative Study Examining the Benefits of a Support Group During Dissertation in an Online Doctoral Program

Abstract

This qualitative case study examines the personal experiences of the authors as members of an informal support group during the dissertation phase of their doctoral process. The group consisted of four Caucasian women ranging in age from 33 to 51 years of age when the group formed. Group e-mail messages in the form of archival data taken from their electronic conversations were analyzed, and thematic analysis with constant comparison resulted in three themes emerging: motivation, attachment, and cooperation. The depth of each theme is explored, and personal stories from each author are presented. The article concludes with recommendations that colleges and universities seek ways to encourage cohort group development, both in online and traditional graduate programs.

Keywords:

• dissertation
• support
• online
• doctoral
• cohort

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Paige M. Denman

Paige M. Denman is Adjunct Instructor at Bellevue University, Grand Island, NE,

Jill M. Corrales

Jill M. Corrales is Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy, Santee, CA,

Stephanie Smyth

Stephanie Smyth is Contracts Negotiator at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport, RI, and

Katie Craven

Katie Craven is Senior Manager of Fraud Strategy & Analytics, Accertify, an American Express Company, Fife, WA.