How does one get through the dissertation topic selection successfully and satisfy both the department

and the candidate when they disagree?���

Find a new school/ more appropriate

program���

Create a video game in which the ultimate

objective is coming up with an appropriate

dissertation topic���

Write on a different potential dissertation topic for one hour each day for a week. Select the one that excites you the most and

cater it to your departmental requirements���

Most Practical���This gets the process moving and helps to develops different ideas in different trajectories, so there is are fallback options. Ideally this would be harvesting ideas from a previous brainstorming session.���

Most Disruptive���This option likely requires starting over with coursework and comprehensive examination. It is most disruptive as it would be the most time consuming, while remaining a realistic option���

Favorite���Because the idea of it is so outlandish and the prospect so useful.���

Prototype of the Practical Idea���

Prototype of the Disruptive Idea  

Testing���Reactions to the Prototypes���

•  The practical prototype was well received and considered to be a clearly defined procedure for tackling the problem that had the additional benefits of instilling the habit of daily effort on the dissertation.���

•  The disruptive prototype was considered to be open-ended and loosely defined. When it was discussed the additional time required, it was rejected as an option.���