Doctoral Dissertation Research in Rehabilitation Counseling: 2012

Abstract

This article continues a series of reviews of rehabilitation doctoral dissertation research. In 2012, there were 30 doctoral dissertations completed from identified doctoral programs in rehabilitation counseling. Dissertations were indexed by research topic, methodology used, model, and statistical analysis. An annotated bibliography is provided. A consideration of institutional productivity and doctoral graduate employment outcomes were also included in the analysis. Results of the current analysis show that a majority of studies comprised quantitative descriptive research designs. Unlike analyses from previous years, advanced and basic statistics were utilized equitably. The proportion of dissertations focusing on attitudes toward persons with a disability was greater than any of the prior reporting periods. Predictive outcome studies and clinical population research also remain prevalent. Implications for the practice of rehabilitation counseling, education, and future research are discussed.

Doctoral Dissertation Research in Rehabilitation Counseling: 2013

“…However, despite quantitative methods being the most frequently used, when compared to the dissertation reviews from 2005 to 2012, it had the lowest rate (72.73%). The rate of qualitative dissertations (18%) was the highest since the 2006 dissertations review (9.09%; , and it was a little over two times more than the rate in the 2012 annual disseratation review (6.67%; Phillips et al, 2021). Despite students being required to receive training in qualitative and quantitative research methods, it remains uncertain why quantitative methods tends to be the more utilized method.…”

“…Researchers have also called for rehabilitation counseling faculty to (a) conduct more quasi-experiment and experimental research (Phillips et al, 2021) to increase the amount of experimental research in the field and (b) provide more adequate mentorship for doctoral students interested in pursuing this type of research. Faculty with such experience will have the ability to share resources and/or projects that can help students overcome the challenges of conducting experimental studies (e.g., financial and time constrains; Phillips et al, 2021). In situations where the doctoral program may not be conducting experimental research, faculty should provide mentorship to help doctoral students identify mentors and/or dissertation committee members who are involved in intervention-related research (Phillips et al, 2021).…”

“…Faculty with such experience will have the ability to share resources and/or projects that can help students overcome the challenges of conducting experimental studies (e.g., financial and time constrains; Phillips et al, 2021). In situations where the doctoral program may not be conducting experimental research, faculty should provide mentorship to help doctoral students identify mentors and/or dissertation committee members who are involved in intervention-related research (Phillips et al, 2021).…”

“…These factors can then further complicate the development and completion of their dissertation. However, adequate support and mentorship from the student's advisor and dissertation committee throughout this process can make this developmental milestone more attainable (Phillips et al, 2021).…”

“…The purpose of this doctoral dissertation review was to summarize dissertations from 2013 in the rehabilitation counseling field and compare findings to former dissertation annual reviews. This study is focused on dissertations published in 2013 only, given the most recent review was focused on 2012 dissertations (Phillips et al, 2021). It therefore is a continuation of the overall collection of annual dissertations reviews in rehabilitation counseling.…”