Dissertation Ideation Tool
Navigate the critical first phase of your dissertation journey with this intelligent ideation tool designed for both Master's and PhD students. Features a dynamic flowchart that adapts based on your chosen methodology (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods), with a built-in decision helper for students unsure of their approach. Includes discipline-specific examples from healthcare, psychology, computer science, education, and business. The tool guides you through 10-12 steps covering problem definition, literature review, research questions, data planning, and methodology selection. Supports draft saving with JSON export/import for iterative work, localStorage persistence for seamless continuation, and generates formal PDF proposals for advisor review. Designed to bridge Phase 1 (ideation) with Phase 2 (comprehensive outline development) through structured JSON output for AI processing.
Key Features
- Dynamic flowchart with methodology-based branching
- Methodology decision helper with guided questions
- Real-time progress tracking and visualization
- LocalStorage auto-save functionality
- JSON import/export for draft management
- PDF generation for advisor review
- Discipline-specific examples (5 fields)
- Array field management for questions/hypotheses
- Validation logic preventing incomplete progression
- Adaptive form sections based on methodology
- Research question and hypothesis builders
- Data source and variable planners
- Methods section guidance for all approaches
- Challenges and limitations tracker
- SubThesis.com integration ready
- Phase 2 AI-compatible JSON structure
- Browser-native solution (no dependencies)
- Single-file component architecture
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does the dissertation ideation tool help me develop my research topic?
This tool guides you through a structured flowchart covering 10-12 steps of dissertation development: defining your problem, reviewing literature, formulating research questions, selecting methodology, planning data collection, and identifying challenges. It adapts based on whether you choose qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods, ensuring your topic development aligns with your chosen approach. You can save progress, export drafts, and generate PDF proposals for advisor review.
What if I do not know which methodology to use yet?
The tool includes a built-in methodology decision helper that asks guided questions about your research goals, the nature of your phenomenon, available data, and desired outcomes. Based on your responses, it recommends qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods approaches. You can then proceed through the methodology-specific flowchart appropriate for your study.
Can I save my progress and come back later?
Yes! The tool automatically saves your progress to browser localStorage, so you can close and return anytime without losing work. Additionally, you can export your dissertation draft as JSON to save externally, share with advisors, or import later to continue editing. PDF export is also available for formal proposal submission.
Is this tool suitable for both Master's thesis and PhD dissertation?
Absolutely. The tool is designed for both Master's and PhD-level research. The flowchart adapts to your degree level and methodology choice. While PhD dissertations typically require more comprehensive development, Master's students can use the same structured approach at a more focused scale appropriate for thesis requirements.
Is the dissertation ideation tool free?
Yes, completely free with no registration or subscription required. Save unlimited drafts, export as many PDFs as needed, and access discipline-specific examples without any cost. Designed specifically for graduate students navigating the challenging early phases of dissertation development.