When You Can’t Access the Data for Your Dissertation

Описание: I've seen too many people defend their proposals and then go:
"Geez, can I get the data?"

And then find out after months of trying that they don't actually have access to data.

This causes all kinds of stress, having to go back to your committee and maybe to the IRB for different approvals.

I've watched brilliant students hit this wall repeatedly.

Before you write a single word of your proposal:
✅ Confirm data availability
✅ Get written permissions
✅ Test access to databases
✅ Verify IRB requirements
✅ Have backup data sources ready

Your research question isn't just "interesting"—it needs to be ANSWERABLE with data you can actually get.
The best dissertation is the one you can actually complete.

Plan for access first.

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