This book is designed to help students understand the details of the thesis or dissertation (T/D) process and to provide faculty with an instructional tool to use in seminars on research and with advisees. Ten chapters cover the following areas : (1) the meaning and purpose of the T/D and the characteristics of high-quality student research; (2) the role and responsibilities of the research advisor; (3) the development of an acceptable T/D proposal; (4) the preparation of the proposal; (5) the role of the T/D committee; (6) approval of the study plan; (7) the conduct of the T/D study and the reasons why many students drop out during the research stage; (8) writing the manuscript; (9) defense of the T/D; and (10) the completed T/D and future growth, including advice on publication and future research. Three appendixes list research-related computer technology, suggested proposal and project guidelines, and a course outline for a research seminar that incorporates the book. Contains approximately 210 references. (MDM)