A dissertation denotes an extensive research paper essential for the completion of an academic degree. Typically, students are required to craft a dissertation towards the culmination of their program as a means to demonstrate their expertise and contribute novel research to their field. The conferral of the degree is contingent upon the quality of their paper and its presentation.
Dissertations present one of the most arduous challenges in research paper composition, demanding a significant investment of time, focus, and energy. While they adhere to the fundamental principles of a research paper, dissertations encompass elements not commonly found in standard research papers. Here, we furnish a fundamental guide to assist you in approaching the task of dissertation writing without becoming overwhelmed.
A dissertation serves as the culminating assessment for various academic degrees. While procedures vary among different institutions and countries, students generally submit a dissertation with guidance from an advisor, after which it undergoes evaluation by experts in the field to determine qualification for the degree. It is common for students to also deliver an oral presentation on their topic, known as a dissertation defense.
The term “dissertation” is often used interchangeably with “thesis paper,” leading to confusion due to varying usage across countries. In the United States, “dissertation” is typically associated with doctoral degrees, while “thesis” is used for bachelor’s or master’s degrees. Conversely, in the UK and Ireland, “dissertation” pertains to undergraduate degrees, and “thesis” is more commonly used for doctoral degrees.
Dissertations can be classified as empirical or nonempirical, contingent upon the field of study. Empirical dissertations (or quantitative dissertations) are prevalent in the sciences, necessitating students to gather original data, with their research methodologies subject to scrutiny. Nonempirical dissertations (or qualitative dissertations) rely on existing data, demanding students to furnish original and innovative analyses.
Although dissertations are fundamentally research papers, their composition is significantly more intricate and technical than other academic papers. Crafting a dissertation involves a more elaborate format, encompassing sections for literature reviews, appendices, methodology, among others.
The length of a dissertation is not universally defined, as it varies based on the academic degree, field of study, institution, and country.
However, here are approximate estimates to provide insight into typical lengths:
Bachelor’s: 10,000–15,000 words (35–50 pages)
Master’s: 18,000–22,000 words (65–80 pages)
Doctorate: 80,000–100,000 words (200–300 pages)
It’s evident that a doctoral dissertation demands a significant commitment, essentially resembling the authoring of a book. It’s important to note that these figures are rough estimates, and actual lengths can be more flexible. For instance, dissertations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields generally tend to be shorter than those in non-STEM disciplines.
Dissertation Structure and Requirements
Title Page
The primary focus of your dissertation’s title page is, unsurprisingly, your title. Your dissertation’s title should succinctly encapsulate the topic you are exploring and directly connect to your research question or thesis statement. It should effectively convey the subject matter to anyone reading it.
Regarding the formatting of the title page, the requirements vary based on the specific guidelines of your academic institution and the designated style. Usually, it involves including the name of the university, your program, and the date. It’s advisable to consult your advisor for precise details.
Acknowledgment
This optional section provides an opportunity to express gratitude to those who have contributed to your dissertation, akin to a dedication page or an acceptance speech. If included, it is best to maintain a formal and concise approach.
Abstract
The abstract is a concise summary of the dissertation located at the beginning of the paper. It succinctly outlines the major points discussed within your paper and often provides a brief mention of the methodology. Abstracts typically consist of a single paragraph, spanning approximately 300 to 500 words.
The term “abstract” is often used interchangeably with “executive summary.” Despite common usage suggesting their equivalence, the two are technically distinct: An executive summary delves into the research’s findings or conclusions, whereas an abstract does not.
Table of Contents
The table of contents encompasses a comprehensive listing of all chapter titles, headings, subheadings, and their corresponding page numbers. Additionally, it includes supplementary sections, such as the bibliography, appendices, and optional elements like a glossary, list of abbreviations, or a list of figures and tables.
List of Figures and Tables
For dissertations containing significant visual data in the form of figures or tables, a complete list along with their respective page numbers can be included at the outset of the paper. Think of this as analogous to a table of contents for visual representations and charts.
List of Abbreviations
Similarly, if your dissertation extensively employs abbreviations, it is advisable to incorporate an alphabetized key at the beginning of the paper, elucidating the meaning of each abbreviation. This holds particular significance if your dissertation relies on field-specific abbreviations that may not be familiar to readers outside the discipline.
Glossary
A glossary provides definitions for complex terminology used in your paper, serving as a compact version of a dictionary. Similar to the list of abbreviations, including a glossary proves beneficial when using specialized jargon that may not be universally understood by readers outside your field.
Introduction
The first of the “core chapters” and the de facto commencement of your paper, the introduction establishes your research topic and provides the necessary contextual background to comprehend it. At this juncture, you distinctly articulate your thesis statement or research question and provide a glimpse of how your paper will delve into it.
The introduction typically follows a structured format with each chapter receiving its own concise summary. It should allude to your methodology and outline your approach (without delving into excessive detail), while elucidating the current state of research on the topic, thus situating your dissertation within this framework.
How extensive should a dissertation introduction be? The unofficial guideline prescribes 10 percent of the entire paper; therefore, if your dissertation consists of 20,000 words, your introduction should comprise approximately 2,000 words. It is important to note that this is a rough estimate, as the length of your introduction may vary.
Literature Review
Throughout your research process, you will have gathered and examined the primary and secondary sources most pertinent to your topic. As the name implies, the literature review is where you assess and critique these sources, not only summarizing their conclusions but also identifying shortcomings and establishing connections between them.
A pivotal concept in a literature review is the research gap, which pertains to specific areas of a topic that have not been sufficiently explored. These “blind spots” often form the foundation for superior dissertation topics, and your objective should be to fill them in with new data or analysis. The literature review should comprehensively elucidate the research gap and how your dissertation addresses it.
Another crucial aspect of the literature review is delineating your theoretical framework, which comprises the established theories upon which your own research rests. Essentially, the theoretical framework encompasses all essential existing knowledge about your topic.
Methodology
The methodology chapter delineates how you conducted your research, enabling the reader to ascertain its credibility. Typically, you provide detailed insight into how you gathered your data, administered tests, and analyzed the data, as well as the rationale behind your chosen methods. Additionally, you specify any tools or equipment utilized in your research and provide concrete details, such as the location and timing of your tests.
You may also address any challenges or obstacles encountered. If your topic is susceptible to biases, you should elucidate how your methods mitigated those biases.
Results
The core of your dissertation, the results chapter comprehensively investigates your findings. This is where you present your data or original analysis, along with any visual aids, such as graphs or charts.
For empirical dissertations, organize the results section by individual data findings, analyzed in depth one by one. For nonempirical dissertations, structure this section by themes, patterns, or trends you have observed in your research.
Do not overlook the importance of linking your findings back to the central research question or thesis statement.
Discussion
The discussion chapter contextualizes the findings outlined in the previous chapter. What significance does the data hold for this topic? Did it align with the theoretical framework? How does it reshape our perspectives? These are the types of themes the discussion chapter elaborates on.
Feel free to discuss any surprises or unexpected results you encountered. Transparency is encouraged as a means to establish credibility, making this a suitable place to share your personal opinions on the research process.
Conclusion
Similar to all research paper conclusions, dissertation conclusions consolidate everything. This concluding chapter should reassess your thesis statement or definitively address your research question. It is essential to refrain from introducing new data or evidence in the conclusion, but rather to recap and emphasize the findings you presented earlier.
Bibliography
The bibliography features comprehensive citations for all the sources used, along with their publishing details. In APA style, the bibliography is referred to as a reference page, while in MLA it is called a works cited page.
Bibliographies adhere to specific formats based on the style you use. Make sure to consult citation guidelines for APA, MLA, and Chicago styles to ensure adherence to the appropriate rules.
Appendices
The appendices encompass various sections of nonessential yet relevant materials. While essential materials should be incorporated in the body of the paper, supplementary materials—such as maps, interview transcripts, or tangential explanations—should be placed at the end of this section. Each piece of content is termed an appendix, representing the singular form of appendices.
Title: Crafting a Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide
Selecting an Optimal Topic
The selection of a topic holds paramount significance in dissertation writing, particularly in doctoral studies. It is imperative to ensure that the chosen research topic not only holds relevance but also provides substantial content to meet the page requirement.
While choosing a topic, it is beneficial to articulate your ideas in the form of a thesis statement or a research question. A thesis statement encapsulates the fundamental point being addressed, whereas a research question presents an inquiry that the research aims to resolve.
As previously noted in connection with literature reviews, it is crucial to identify a research gap within the areas of interest. Identifying aspects of these subjects that have not undergone comprehensive exploration or require additional data serves as the foundation for promising dissertation topics.
Preliminary Research Endeavors
After determining your topic, engaging in preliminary research is essential for gaining a comprehensive overview of its current status. At this stage, a complete response to the research question is not necessary, but it is important to understand where to seek pertinent information.
While reviewing sources, it is advisable to make note of significant discoveries or prevalent theories in your field of study. Jot down any inquiries that arise, enabling you to address them later. Additionally, commence contemplation on the structure of your dissertation, which proves beneficial when formulating a research proposal.
Submission of a Research Proposal
In advanced dissertation endeavors, particularly within doctoral programs, submitting a research proposal may be a prerequisite before commencing actual work. In this proposal, you delineate your intentions for the dissertation, outlining how you intend to address a research gap and the methodology you plan to employ. The proposal undergoes evaluation by your supervisor, who determines its acceptance based on its merits.
Conducting Primary Research
Upon completion of preliminary research and the acceptance of your proposal, the pivotal stage of principal research comes into play, marking one of the most crucial steps in the dissertation writing process.
At this juncture, the objective is to attain comprehensive knowledge about the chosen topic, ideally encompassing all existing knowledge as accumulated by researchers to date. It is paramount to define the specific parameters of the research gap to precisely delineate what requires testing or analysis.
Furthermore, delving into primary sources (referencing materials directly associated with an event, such as eyewitness accounts or raw experimental data) and secondary sources (referencing materials derived from secondhand sources, such as books interpreting historical events or analyses of raw data) is essential.
Drafting an Outline for Your Dissertation
Formulating a research paper outline aids in structuring your dissertation prior to its composition. Although the outline is not an official component of dissertations, it proves invaluable for organizational purposes. It allows for the reordering of topics, points, and evidence before the actual writing process commences.
Your dissertation outline should encompass the key subjects to be addressed in the main chapters: introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. If direct quotations or passages are to be included, it is advisable to indicate their location within your outline to alleviate the need for subsequent searches.
Compose the Initial Draft
Crafting a dissertation can span days, months, or even years, so prepare for the long process. Once your outline is meticulously crafted, generating the initial draft entails simply following it and expanding upon the ideas.
The core of your paper should be straightforward; systematically present the data or analysis to the best of your ability, point by point. Allow your research and findings to eloquently advocate for themselves.
Many students encounter challenges when drafting an introduction. The introductory chapter can be particularly demanding as it necessitates a broad, abstract approach, as opposed to merely itemizing specifics. Similarly, composing the conclusion of the research paper demands a more generalized treatment of the subject and can pose a substantial writing challenge.
Seek Guidance from Your Mentor
Your mentor is available to assist you throughout the entirety of the dissertation writing process. Feel free to approach them with any inquiries and routinely touch base with them as you work on the initial draft.
Once your initial draft is complete, seek your mentor’s input. They can identify any problematic areas or steer you in a new direction. Do not hesitate to seek their input—that is precisely why they are there.
Gather Input
Apart from feedback from your mentor, consider having additional individuals review your work. Ideally, seek the perspective of someone experienced in your field to provide a professional assessment, but anyone well-versed in dissertations can offer valuable insights on how to enhance yours. The more feedback you receive before the final draft, the better.
Develop the Final Draft
After consolidating all the feedback, produce a final draft that incorporates all the changes and enhancements. While some sections may remain unaltered, others might necessitate complete rewrites. This stage also presents an opportune moment to eliminate any sections not directly related to your main topic. Simultaneously, you may need to introduce entirely new segments to address aspects that were not covered in the initial draft.
Revise and Proofread
Prior to submitting your dissertation, the final step involves rectifying any errors and finalizing your edits. We recommend reviewing your dissertation multiple times, with at least one pass specifically aimed at identifying grammatical errors or misspellings. You may also consider utilizing our online spell-checker to pinpoint any spelling inaccuracies.
Defend Your Dissertation
In select programs, you are required to deliver an oral presentation to an expert panel on your dissertation topic. This is known as a dissertation defense, during which the panel will pose challenging questions to ensure the reliability of your research and findings.
A dissertation defense can be a daunting experience, not only due to the public speaking aspect but also because it influences your attainment of the degree. Strive to remain composed and remind yourself that nearly everyone pursuing an advanced degree has undergone this process—and if all goes well, you will not have to repeat it!
Examples of Dissertations
Dissertations exhibit significant diversity, characterized by varying styles based on the subject, research methodology, educational institution, country, and academic degree type. Reviewing examples of dissertations is often advantageous, but it is essential to select an exemplar that closely aligns with the specific nature of the dissertation being composed.
We suggest using the NDLTD to seek a dissertation akin to yours. This database empowers users to explore over 6 million online dissertations by utilizing keywords and filtering results according to language, year, or specific tags.
Dissertation Writing FAQs
What constitutes a dissertation?
A dissertation represents a comprehensive research document prepared as a requisite for the attainment of an academic degree. Typically, students undertake dissertation authorship toward the culmination of their program to both demonstrate their expertise and contribute fresh scholarly inquiry within their respective discipline. The term “dissertation” is at times used interchangeably with “thesis paper.”
What is the purpose of a dissertation?
A dissertation serves two primary objectives. Firstly, it attests that a student possesses the requisite knowledge, proficiency, and comprehension to obtain their degree and progress into more demanding academic arenas. Secondly, it provides original and innovative research within an academic domain with identified “research gaps.”
What are the essential components of a dissertation?
The fundamental chapters of a dissertation encompass the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Additionally, there are supplementary segments including the appendices, bibliography, glossary, and abstract.
