The dreaded ABD (all but doctorate). There are many reasons why researchers can get stuck in ABD status. To better understand how this situation arises and resolving it, this question is posed to gain insight from those with knowledge of ABD and resolving it to completion.
Without expressing an opinion on whether it is appropriate or not, it is being observed that doctoral theses are not as long as they used to be. But, current doctoral tutors, I believe, are still thinking of old practices. Doctoral students sometimes encounter many setbacks because they do not get along with their tutor.
There are many reasons why researchers get stuck in ABD status.
It has been my limited experience that far too often they did not first prepare a written plan to get them from where they are (in a school), to where they wish to go (out of school into the “Real World”). For example, they miss the fact they cannot begin their real-world work until AFTER they complete and have their dissertation and oral defense approved within their educational system.
This lack of clarity results for too many in starting with a topic such as “To solve World Hunger!”
Instead, propose and have your choice approved for a more time-sensitive-goal:
“To identify constraints and opportunities in providing safe drinking water to the village of “Wherever.”
Once this work is accepted, completed, and approved you will be able to leave school out into the real world
to do what your passion is moving you towards.
Stay Healthy!
Cheers,
Bill
Gustavo Eduardo Toledo Lara , I would agree that mentor conflicts can occur. Who is responsible for resolving them? A school's administration?
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