When designing, undertaking and presenting research, there are many decisions to be taken by a researcher. This paper explores the author’s experiences and reflections in respect of some of those decision points. The paper is based on a central narrative thread in the author’s dissertation for their Master’s degree - an action research study to develop and use a new perception-themed coaching approach. These practitioner-researcher insights, which shed light on the dissertation process, could be considered useful for fellow coaches and mentors when planning, undertaking and presenting their own research, as well as for tutors supporting dissertation students.