The lack of a planned, disciplined, and well-supervised approach to research which frustrates a student's timely completion of a Ph.D. program is addressed. Some practices are discussed which, if adopted, could lead many more students to complete their Ph.D. expeditiously. A framework is presented that is intended to help the student and the…

A discussion of the process and problems of supervising a doctoral candidate examines the nature of the task and relationship, the stages of research (defining the topic, design, gathering material, writing, defense, and dissemination), criticism and intellectual growth, and references and sponsorship. (MSE)