Merlie G. Aggabao (Author)

Abstract

Thesis and dissertation writing remain a critical but challenging requirement for graduate students, which often delays degree completion and discourages persistence. This study uncovered the difficulties experienced by 31 graduate students of Northeastern College, Santiago City, Philippines, in completing their research reports. Using a descriptive design, survey questionnaires and interviews were conducted to assess students’ perceived difficulties, hindering factors, and suggested interventions. Results revealed that students considered thesis writing “much difficult,” with data analysis, literature review, and methodology selection as the most problematic areas. External barriers such as heavy workloads, financial constraints, personal issues, and unsupportive adviser-student relationships further hindered completion. No significant differences were found between master’s and doctoral students in difficulty perception. Students recommended seminar-workshops, instructional modules, access to databases, and stronger faculty support. These findings emphasize the need for institutional strategies to enhance research capability, foster supportive supervision, and strengthen graduate research culture.

Keywords: thesis and dissertation writing, graduate students, research difficulties, institutional support, research report

DOI: http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0403471

Recommended citation:

Aggabao, M. G. (2025). Strengthening research capability: Addressing graduate students’ struggles in thesis and dissertation writing. Pantao (The International Journal of the Humanities and Social Sciences) 4 (3), 5078-5087. http://doi.org/10.69651/PIJHSS0403471

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