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What Is a Dissertation? How Doctoral Students Navigate the Process?
So, when does a person start getting interested in writing a dissertation? You can still be a university student, thinking about starting the doctorate program, or maybe you are already done with the comprehensive exams, and the dissertation process is about to start.
Surely, all doctoral candidates must write a dissertation to get the degree they have been working on for years, yet what else? In this article, you will learn about what a dissertation is, as well as dive into the step-by-step process to successfully complete one.
What Is a Dissertation?
Let's start by answering the most important question: what is a dissertation? A dissertation is an extended written scholarship project prepared at the end of an academic program that is founded on the original research. This will be the last submitter work before completing the PhD program.
Chances are, this work will become the longest you have ever created. To present your ideas and theories, you will have to do a thorough analysis and extended research. Such massive hard work might seem impossible to write, and with the focus all over the place, the starting point is very hard to find.
The dissertation varies according to your field of study. The university department will usually guide students and provide dissertation examples and general outlines. At the same time, you can always have a discussion with your supervisor and ask him to overview your ideas and research process.
Are Thesis and Dissertation the Same Thing?
A lot of times, the terms 'Thesis' and "Dissertation" are used to describe the same type of work. Both are an essential part of many disciplines and entire educational courses. However, there are many differences between the two:
- Who has to complete the writing?
The dissertations are created by the doctoral candidates who are preparing to receive their PhD. In contrast, the thesis is a research paper for students who are learning to receive a master's or bachelor's degree.
- The required research level.
The dissertations always require doctoral candidates to conduct their own research. To complete a thesis, the student has to base their review on the existing research.
The amount of chapters, pages, and words differ significantly. An undergraduate thesis will take 60 pages or more. However, a master's thesis can be as long as 100 pages. The dissertation takes from 150 to 300 pages. That's why many doctoral students begin the writing process as soon as the doctorate program starts.
Dissertation Committee Stage
After you pass all the comprehensive exams, you become one of the doctoral candidates. The only thing standing between you and your PhD is a completed dissertation. However, before you start writing one, you have to create a proposal as well as form a committee.
The committee will include the chosen advisor and other faculty members. These can be from your university department, or you can choose members from another relevant department. These are going to be the people who will be providing aid throughout the dissertation process.
The proposal is a document you have to analyze that outlines goals and research aims and provides evidence of why the dissertation topic is relevant. After you pass this step, you can start working on the research.
Successful Dissertation Structure
The final structure of your dissertation depends on the number of variables, including your specialty, subject, and general rules of the university. When it comes to humanitarian students, their dissertations resemble prologue essays with argumentative research in every chapter that defends the chosen thesis.
For the hard science-focused faculties, the dissertations include a methodology analysis of the existing research as well as your presentation of the results. Though the definition of a successful dissertation for specialties is very different, the general structure remains the same. So, let's dive into it.
Every dissertation starts with the title page. Here, you present all the essential information, including your full name, specialty, and degree details, as well as a submission date. You must design this page according to the rules of your department, which might require displaying supplemental information like your supervisor's name, identification numbers, etc.
In this part, you are providing reasoning for choosing the topic as well as personal reflection, which might not be closely related to the dissertation research. You can also add the 'acknowledgments' to thank specific people, like friends or family, as well as your supervisor.
The abstract presents a short overview of your entire dissertation. It includes 150 to 300 words, yet it remains one of the most valuable parts of the work since it acts as an introduction to the readers.
It includes the dissertation topic and goals; research methods received data results, and your personal conclusions.
Table of Contents
The table of contents lists every chapter of your research with the page number it starts on, usually with hyperlinks when accessed digitally. New technologies and document editors make it easy to create o in a couple of seconds. Make sure that the received results comply with the dissertation rules of law faculty and include all the necessary chapters.
Additional Lists
Such include lists of tables, figures, and abbreviations. Based on the amount of these in your dissertation, you might want to add a chapter that provides a quick summary of the additional background information. You can even create a glossary to share the definitions of the specialized terms.
Introduction
The introduction is necessary to outline the topic, goal, and general relevance of your dissertation. It also helps to set expectations for the readers by including:
- Research topic as well as additional information to set the context;
- Define the focus of your original research as well as existing work in the matter;
- List the objectives of your dissertation and outline the flow of the work.
Literature Review
A literature review is a chapter where you review all the existing research related to your topic to learn what work has already been written. You have to look into credible resources and literature as well as establish various connections to support your point of view.
The created structure will help you find gaps that require additional research. This way, you are explaining the need for your research and creating a solution to the four issues.
Methodology
In mythology, you have to describe all the details of how exactly you have conducted the research, allowing all the data to act as evidence in proving your theories. The report should describe the approach and methods used to collect and analyze the data.
Data Results
This chapter is an outcome of research done with the chosen methodology. It should revolve around the data results and avoid any subjectivity. Present all the statistics, question results, or transcripts and how they are related to the research question.
In those sections, you are explaining the received results, whether they met your expectations, and how they are relevant to the existing research and your previous assumptions. Look into limitations as well as significant discrepancies and write about more interpretations and the meaning of the outcome.
The conclusion is the final wrap of the completed research stage, where you have a discussion about the outcomes of the dissertation research.
Here, you write about what you have received and how it moves them in the thesis subject and leave possible recommendations. The person who reads your dissertation should have a clear understanding of your accomplishments and their potential influence.
Reference list
You have to always provide the list of works cited for your dissertation. You will not only clarify the sources but also avoid accusations of plagiarism. Students must always follow the citation rules throughout the text stated by the institution.
Dissertations should include only the crucial part. However, there can be parts of the research, like questions, which can be added to the Appendices.
Dissertation Writing Process Step By Step
Since you already know what part your dissertation consists of, you are probably wondering where to start. Here's a step-by-step guide to help students write their dissertations.
Choosing the Topic and Conducting the Initial Research
It might seem like an easy thing to do, yet choosing the topic will navigate the entire dissertation. For some specialties, a supervisor will provide you with an example; in others, you'll have to develop one yourself.
The topic you choose must align with what research you can do based on the existing resources and literature. So, you have to look into what can be provided by your university, like laboratories or software, as well as a library with books and articles on the related subject.
Create a Research Proposal
We have already mentioned a proposal that you presented to your committee. Your second step is creating one. You will write 10 to 20 pages with the definition of your tips and theories.
Conduct Further Research
Original research is the base of any dissertation. However, to know how you can contribute to the subject and write a good piece, you must conduct a deep analysis.
Based on your area, you can collect data in different ways, including creating a study or conducting an interview. Ask your supervisor for guidance to avoid common mistakes.
Look into the List of Dissertations to Use as an Example
Chances are, other students have already explored your subject. Many universities store lists of dissertations inside their systems. A supervisor can help you locate such examples, which will help you choose methodologies and arguments as well as collect additional evidence.
Write Chapters of the Main Body
After the initial work is done, it is finally time to create the final piece. The format, the way you should introduce your evidence, and the method of presenting the results will differ based on your faculty.
Write the chapter you are mostly sure of first. Show how the analysis is related to the literature review, and outline the process as well as results and your conclusions and how they support your overall argument.
Schedule Checkups with the Advisor
There are many reasons why you should be in contact with your supervisor. He can advise you on the methodologies, spot the potential errors, and provide a general form of your dissertation. He can also add some positive vibes with reassuring feedback.
Writing the Introduction and Conclusion
These chapters include the general summary of the dissertation. There might be significant changes to your initial vision. So, you must write your introduction and conclusion last, to sum up the dissertation rightfully.
Edit the Draft
This can be either the easiest or the most complicated part of the writing. On the one hand, you do not have to write any additional text. On the other, looking through over 200 pages of text can be challenging. Divide the piece into reasonable parts that you can consume, and do not overload yourself with too much in one go.
Dissertation Defense
We are finally here - the last step is defending your dissertation. The definition of this process is very different from faculty to faculty.
You can have an open discussion regarding the subject and speak about only the analytic part or just the results. It does not matter how the process will do; your main weapon is confidence.
You have been working on our dissertation for long enough to become an expert and will be able to answer the questions regarding the subject. Many departments even allow close friends and family to attend so they can become your additional support.
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How to Write a Dissertation: Step-by-Step Guide
- Doctoral students write and defend dissertations to earn their degrees.
- Most dissertations range from 100-300 pages, depending on the field.
- Taking a step-by-step approach can help students write their dissertations.
Whether you’re considering a doctoral program or you recently passed your comprehensive exams, you’ve probably wondered how to write a dissertation. Researching, writing, and defending a dissertation represents a major step in earning a doctorate.
But what is a dissertation exactly? A dissertation is an original work of scholarship that contributes to the field. Doctoral candidates often spend 1-3 years working on their dissertations. And many dissertations top 200 or more pages.
Starting the process on the right foot can help you complete a successful dissertation. Breaking down the process into steps may also make it easier to finish your dissertation.
How to Write a Dissertation in 12 Steps
A dissertation demonstrates mastery in a subject. But how do you write a dissertation? Here are 12 steps to successfully complete a dissertation.
Choose a Topic
It sounds like an easy step, but choosing a topic will play an enormous role in the success of your dissertation. In some fields, your dissertation advisor will recommend a topic. In other fields, you’ll develop a topic on your own.
Read recent work in your field to identify areas for additional scholarship. Look for holes in the literature or questions that remain unanswered.
After coming up with a few areas for research or questions, carefully consider what’s feasible with your resources. Talk to your faculty advisor about your ideas and incorporate their feedback.
Conduct Preliminary Research
Before starting a dissertation, you’ll need to conduct research. Depending on your field, that might mean visiting archives, reviewing scholarly literature , or running lab tests.
Use your preliminary research to hone your question and topic. Take lots of notes, particularly on areas where you can expand your research.
Read Secondary Literature
A dissertation demonstrates your mastery of the field. That means you’ll need to read a large amount of scholarship on your topic. Dissertations typically include a literature review section or chapter.
Create a list of books, articles, and other scholarly works early in the process, and continue to add to your list. Refer to the works cited to identify key literature. And take detailed notes to make the writing process easier.
Write a Research Proposal
In most doctoral programs, you’ll need to write and defend a research proposal before starting your dissertation.
The length and format of your proposal depend on your field. In many fields, the proposal will run 10-20 pages and include a detailed discussion of the research topic, methodology, and secondary literature.
Your faculty advisor will provide valuable feedback on turning your proposal into a dissertation.
Research, Research, Research
Doctoral dissertations make an original contribution to the field, and your research will be the basis of that contribution.
The form your research takes will depend on your academic discipline. In computer science, you might analyze a complex dataset to understand machine learning. In English, you might read the unpublished papers of a poet or author. In psychology, you might design a study to test stress responses. And in education, you might create surveys to measure student experiences.
Work closely with your faculty advisor as you conduct research. Your advisor can often point you toward useful resources or recommend areas for further exploration.
Look for Dissertation Examples
Writing a dissertation can feel overwhelming. Most graduate students have written seminar papers or a master’s thesis. But a dissertation is essentially like writing a book.
Looking at examples of dissertations can help you set realistic expectations and understand what your discipline wants in a successful dissertation. Ask your advisor if the department has recent dissertation examples. Or use a resource like ProQuest Dissertations to find examples.
Doctoral candidates read a lot of monographs and articles, but they often do not read dissertations. Reading polished scholarly work, particularly critical scholarship in your field, can give you an unrealistic standard for writing a dissertation.
Write Your Body Chapters
By the time you sit down to write your dissertation, you’ve already accomplished a great deal. You’ve chosen a topic, defended your proposal, and conducted research. Now it’s time to organize your work into chapters.
As with research, the format of your dissertation depends on your field. Your department will likely provide dissertation guidelines to structure your work. In many disciplines, dissertations include chapters on the literature review, methodology, and results. In other disciplines, each chapter functions like an article that builds to your overall argument.
Start with the chapter you feel most confident in writing. Expand on the literature review in your proposal to provide an overview of the field. Describe your research process and analyze the results.
Meet With Your Advisor
Throughout the dissertation process, you should meet regularly with your advisor. As you write chapters, send them to your advisor for feedback. Your advisor can help identify issues and suggest ways to strengthen your dissertation.
Staying in close communication with your advisor will also boost your confidence for your dissertation defense. Consider sharing material with other members of your committee as well.
Write Your Introduction and Conclusion
It seems counterintuitive, but it’s a good idea to write your introduction and conclusion last . Your introduction should describe the scope of your project and your intervention in the field.
Many doctoral candidates find it useful to return to their dissertation proposal to write the introduction. If your project evolved significantly, you will need to reframe the introduction. Make sure you provide background information to set the scene for your dissertation. And preview your methodology, research aims, and results.
The conclusion is often the shortest section. In your conclusion, sum up what you’ve demonstrated, and explain how your dissertation contributes to the field.
Edit Your Draft
You’ve completed a draft of your dissertation. Now, it’s time to edit that draft.
For some doctoral candidates, the editing process can feel more challenging than researching or writing the dissertation. Most dissertations run a minimum of 100-200 pages , with some hitting 300 pages or more.
When editing your dissertation, break it down chapter by chapter. Go beyond grammar and spelling to make sure you communicate clearly and efficiently. Identify repetitive areas and shore up weaknesses in your argument.
Incorporate Feedback
Writing a dissertation can feel very isolating. You’re focused on one topic for months or years, and you’re often working alone. But feedback will strengthen your dissertation.
You will receive feedback as you write your dissertation, both from your advisor and other committee members. In many departments, doctoral candidates also participate in peer review groups to provide feedback.
Outside readers will note confusing sections and recommend changes. Make sure you incorporate the feedback throughout the writing and editing process.
Defend Your Dissertation
Congratulations — you made it to the dissertation defense! Typically, your advisor will not let you schedule the defense unless they believe you will pass. So consider the defense a culmination of your dissertation process rather than a high-stakes examination.
The format of your defense depends on the department. In some fields, you’ll present your research. In other fields, the defense will consist of an in-depth discussion with your committee.
Walk into your defense with confidence. You’re now an expert in your topic. Answer questions concisely and address any weaknesses in your study. Once you pass the defense, you’ll earn your doctorate.
Writing a dissertation isn’t easy — only around 55,000 students earned a Ph.D. in 2020, according to the National Center for Science and Engineering Statistics. However, it is possible to successfully complete a dissertation by breaking down the process into smaller steps.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dissertations
What is a dissertation.
A dissertation is a substantial research project that contributes to your field of study. Graduate students write a dissertation to earn their doctorate.
The format and content of a dissertation vary widely depending on the academic discipline. Doctoral candidates work closely with their faculty advisor to complete and defend the dissertation, a process that typically takes 1-3 years.
How long is a dissertation?
The length of a dissertation varies by field. Harvard’s graduate school says most dissertations fall between 100-300 pages .
Doctoral candidate Marcus Beck analyzed the length of University of Minnesota dissertations by discipline and found that history produces the longest dissertations, with an average of nearly 300 pages, while mathematics produces the shortest dissertations at just under 100 pages.
What’s the difference between a dissertation vs. a thesis?
Dissertations and theses demonstrate academic mastery at different levels. In U.S. graduate education, master’s students typically write theses, while doctoral students write dissertations. The terms are reversed in the British system.
In the U.S., a dissertation is longer, more in-depth, and based on more research than a thesis. Doctoral candidates write a dissertation as the culminating research project of their degree. Undergraduates and master’s students may write shorter theses as part of their programs.
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