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dissertation

Definition of dissertation

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“Dissertation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissertation. Accessed 13 Dec. 2024.

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• American English : dissertation / dɪsərˈteɪʃən /
• Brazilian Portuguese : dissertação
• Chinese : 论文 学位
• European Spanish : tesina
• French : mémoire
• German : Dissertation
• Italian : tesi
• Japanese : 学位論文
• Korean : 논문 학위
• European Portuguese : dissertação
• Latin American Spanish : tesina

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Home » Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Table of Contents

A dissertation is a significant piece of academic work that presents original research on a specific topic, often required to complete a degree. Writing a dissertation involves extensive research, critical analysis, and a thorough understanding of the subject. This guide provides an overview of the format, an example of a typical dissertation structure, and a template to guide you through the process.

Dissertation

A dissertation is a formal, structured document that reports on independent research, typically undertaken at the end of an undergraduate or postgraduate degree. Its purpose is to demonstrate the author’s ability to conduct research, analyze findings, and contribute new insights to the field.

Key Components of a Dissertation :

• Title Page : Includes the dissertation title, author’s name, institution, and date.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the research, findings, and implications.
• Acknowledgments : An optional section to thank contributors or supporters.
• Table of Contents : A list of all sections and subsections, with page numbers.
• Introduction : Introduces the topic, background, research questions, and objectives.
• Literature Review : Summarizes and analyzes existing research related to the topic.
• Methodology : Details the research design, data collection, and analysis methods.
• Results : Presents the research findings without interpretation.
• Discussion : Analyzes findings, interprets results, and compares them with existing literature.
• Conclusion : Summarizes the research, answers the research questions, and suggests implications.
• References : Lists all sources cited in the dissertation.
• Appendices : Contains supplementary materials, such as raw data or additional documentation.

Dissertation Format

A dissertation format follows a structured layout, with each chapter serving a specific purpose. Universities may have different formatting requirements, but most dissertations share a common structure.

1. Title Page

The title page is the cover of your dissertation. It should include:

• Title of the dissertation
• Author’s full name
• University name and department
• Submission date
• Supervisor’s name

2. Abstract

The abstract provides a concise summary of the research, including:

• Research question or objective
• Methodology
• Key findings
• Conclusion or implications

Example Abstract : “This study explores the impact of social media on consumer purchasing behavior. Using a mixed-methods approach, survey and interview data were collected from 300 participants. The findings indicate a positive correlation between social media usage and purchase intention, highlighting the significance of social media in influencing consumer decisions.”

3. Acknowledgments

In this optional section, you can thank anyone who contributed to the completion of the dissertation, including advisors, colleagues, friends, or family.

4. Table of Contents

The table of contents lists all main sections and subsections, providing page numbers for easy navigation.

5. Introduction

The introduction sets the context for your research, presenting:

• Background information
• The research problem or gap
• Research questions or hypotheses
• Objectives of the study

Example Introduction : “With the rapid growth of social media, consumers’ interactions with brands have fundamentally changed. This dissertation examines the relationship between social media exposure and consumer purchasing behavior, aiming to understand how platforms like Instagram and Facebook influence buying decisions.”

6. Literature Review

The literature review analyzes existing research related to your topic, focusing on:

• Relevant theories and models
• Key studies and findings
• Gaps in the literature

Example Literature Review Structure :

• Introduction to Key Theories : Overview of theories related to consumer behavior and social media influence.
• Analysis of Existing Research : Discussion of studies that explored social media’s impact on marketing.
• Identification of Gaps : Highlight areas that lack research, justifying the need for the current study.

7. Methodology

The methodology section explains your research approach, including:

• Research design (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods)
• Data collection methods (surveys, interviews, experiments)
• Sampling techniques
• Data analysis techniques

Example Methodology : “A mixed-methods approach was chosen for this study. Quantitative data was collected through an online survey with 300 respondents, while qualitative data was gathered from ten in-depth interviews. The survey data was analyzed using SPSS, and interview transcripts were coded to identify themes.”

In the results section, present your findings objectively:

• Summarize key data points and patterns.
• Use tables, charts, and graphs to visualize results.
• Avoid interpreting the results here—save that for the discussion.

Example Results : “Out of the 300 survey respondents, 65% indicated that they are likely to purchase a product after seeing it on social media. Analysis also showed that younger users, particularly those aged 18-24, are more influenced by social media advertising.”

9. Discussion

The discussion section interprets your results, linking them to the research questions and literature review. This section should:

• Analyze what the results mean in the context of your research questions.
• Compare findings with previous research.
• Identify limitations and implications of your research.

Example Discussion : “The positive correlation between social media usage and purchase intention supports existing literature on digital marketing effectiveness. However, the study’s reliance on self-reported data may limit generalizability. Future research should consider longitudinal designs to explore long-term effects.”

10. Conclusion

The conclusion provides a summary of the study, covering:

• Answers to research questions
• Implications for theory, practice, or future research

Example Conclusion : “This study concludes that social media significantly influences consumer purchasing behavior, particularly among younger demographics. Businesses should consider targeted social media strategies to engage this audience effectively.”

11. References

All sources cited in the dissertation should be listed in the references section, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).

12. Appendices

The appendices section includes supplementary materials, such as:

• Survey questions or interview guides
• Raw data or calculations
• Additional charts, graphs, or tables

Dissertation Template

[University Name]

Dissertation Title

[Author’s Name]

[Submission Date]

• Brief summary of the research, methodology, and findings.
• Express gratitude to those who helped with the research.
• List of chapters, sections, and subsections with page numbers.
• Background, research questions, and objectives.
• Summary and analysis of relevant research, identifying gaps.
• Description of research methods, sampling, and analysis.
• Presentation of findings with tables or charts.
• Interpretation of findings, comparison with existing research.
• Summary of findings, answers to research questions, implications.
• List of all sources cited in the dissertation.
• Supplementary materials or data.

Tips for Writing a Dissertation

• Plan and Organize : Create a clear outline before you begin writing, and follow a timeline for completing each chapter.
• Use Reliable Sources : Ensure that your literature review includes credible and recent sources to strengthen your research.
• Stay Objective : Present findings objectively, without inserting personal bias.
• Edit and Proofread : Carefully review each chapter, and consider using professional editing services for the final draft.
• Follow Formatting Guidelines : Adhere to your institution’s formatting and citation guidelines to meet academic standards.

Writing a dissertation requires careful planning, thorough research, and a systematic approach to presenting findings. By following the recommended format, using a clear structure, and organizing each chapter effectively, you can create a comprehensive dissertation that showcases your research skills and knowledge.

• Murray, R. (2011). How to Write a Thesis . Open University Press.
• Ridley, D. (2012). The Literature Review: A Step-by-Step Guide for Students . Sage Publications.
• Thomas, G. (2017). How to Do Your Research Project: A Guide for Students in Education and Applied Social Sciences . Sage Publications.
• Turabian, K. L. (2013). A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations . University of Chicago Press.
• Creswell, J. W. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches . Sage Publications.

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• September 24, 2024
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Writing a dissertation is a great milestone in any educational adventure. Whether you’re a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. individual, the writing manner can seem challenging and daunting initially but with careful planning, writing, and perseverance, you can efficiently navigate through it. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through every component of dissertation writing from choosing a subject and structuring each phase to overcoming demanding situations, and even getting your work published.  Let’s delve deeper into trying to master the artwork of dissertation writing and set themselves on the path to academic achievement.

Table of Content

What is a Dissertation?  

A dissertation is a formal, academic research typically written by college students in their degree program. The number one reason is to illustrate your ability to independently study a topic, significantly examine information, and contribute new findings or perspectives to your area of study. 

 Whether you are pursuing a Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D., a dissertation is required to showcase your academic prowess, and for a Ph.D. College students represent a significant contribution to the field. 

How Do You Write Your Dissertation?  

The process of writing a can be stated down into the subsequent key steps: 

1. Choosing a Topic  

Your topic ought to be something you’re captivated by, as you will be running on it for an extended duration. It must also fill a gap in existing studies, supplying new insights or views. At the Ph.D. Level, the subject wants to contribute authentic information for your area. 

2. Conducting Research  

Research is the foundation of your dissertation. It includes reading present literature, figuring out the key questions, and growing hypotheses. Depending on your subject, you may need to accumulate number one facts or depend on secondary terms to guide your thesis. 

3. Writing the Proposal  

Before you begin writing, you ought to put up a research inspiration outlining your research questions, methodology, and ability impact. This acts as a roadmap to your mission and needs approval from your advisor or instructional committee. 

4. Drafting the Dissertation  

With research in hand, begin drafting each section. Remember to stay prepared, observe a timeline, and write in levels rather than waiting until the last minute. 

What is the Format for Writing a Dissertation?  

While the layout of a dissertation may vary relying on the institution, most dissertations follow a comparable structure. Here is an overview of the standard sections you’ll encounter: 

1. Title Page  

The title page includes crucial information, inclusive of the writing topic, your name, institutional association, department, submission date, and now and then the name of your manager. It ought to be concise but descriptive of your topic. 

2. Acknowledgments  

This segment allows you to thank people who supported your studies. Typically, this consists of your advisors, colleagues, and own family contributors. 

3. Abstract  

The abstract brings about a short summary of your studies, including your research work, methodology, effects, and conclusions. It needs to be more than 300 words and serves as an introduction to your work. 

4. Table of Contents  

The desk of contents lists all sections and subsections of your dissertation, including page numbers. It enables readers to navigate their records effortlessly. 

5. Introduction  

The basic introduction sets the right degree. It outlines your study’s query, goals, and the significance of the look-for. This section must provide the outline and basic gist of your entire research paperwork. 

6. Literature Review  

In this phase, you evaluate the existing literature associated with your topic. You become aware of gaps in modern-day research, frame your research questions, and justify why your look is wanted. 

7. Methodology  

The methodology chapter describes the research design, data collection strategies, and analysis strategies. This section wishes to be clear and permit others to copy your study if vital. 

8. Results/Findings  

This is where you present the findings of your studies. Whether it is quantitative information, qualitative insights, or a combination of both, you need to objectively present the statistics without including interpretations. 

9. Discussion  

The discussion phase permits you to interpret your outcomes in the context of your research questions and hypotheses. This is where you connect your findings to the larger body of literature and explore their implications. 

10. Conclusion  

The conclusion summarizes the primary findings of your research, its barriers, and capability areas for similar studies. It must provide a clean and concise wrap-up of the whole dissertation. 

11. References  

The reference section lists all sources you’ve been referred to in your dissertation. Ensure you follow the appropriate citation style required by using your group, whether it’s APA, MLA, Chicago, or any other format. 

12. Appendices  

Any supplementary substances together with raw information, surveys, or questionnaires used on your research are included within the appendices. 

How Long is a Dissertation?  

The period of a dissertation can vary depending on the level of observation and the specific subject of study. A proper dissertation for bachelor studies can generally range between 8,000 to 12,000 words, at the same time as a Master’s dissertation is usually among 15,000 to 25,000 phrases. Ph.D. Dissertations are generally much longer, starting from 40,000 to 80,000 words, depending on the subject. 

How to Write and Structure a Dissertation  

The Writing Process  

The key to writing a successful dissertation is time management and organization. Break down the writing method into doable tasks and set time limits for every section. Regular writing will assist you keep away from last minute hassle. 

Structuring the Dissertation  

A clear structure is important to offer your research coherently. Each chapter ought to go with the flow logically from one to the subsequent. Start together with your creation, observed by the literature review, methodology, results, dialogue, and end. 

What is the Typical Structure of a Dissertation?  

As cited in advance, the everyday shape of a dissertation consists of: 

• Title Page 
• Acknowledgments 
• Abstract 
• Table of Contents 
• Introduction 
• Literature Review  
• Methodology 
• Results 
• Discussion 
• Conclusion 
• References 
• Appendices 

Each phase has its reason, and ensuring you comply with the desired form will make it simpler to navigate for your readers. 

Common Challenges During the Dissertation  

Writing a dissertation may be hard, and students often come across the subsequent problems: 

• Time Management : Balancing studies, writing, and responsibilities can be overwhelming. 
• Writer’s Block : At a few factors, many students need to begin or continue writing. 
• Data Collection Issues: Sometimes records are harder to accumulate than expected, mainly to delays. 
• Maintaining Consistency: It’s vital to preserve consistency in your argument, language, and citation style. 
• Procrastination: Avoid delaying duties as this results in remaining  stress free and rushed work. 

To overcome those challenges, set a practical schedule, destroy down obligations into smaller desires, try to find help when wanted, together with your guide.  

Publication of the Dissertation  

For Ph.D. Students, one goal is frequently the guide of their dissertation. You can both put up the complete dissertation as a book or extract key sections to post to educational journals. Publishing your research work will increase your visibility within the instructional network and can result in similar career opportunities. 

Examples of Successful Dissertations  

Studying examples of well-written dissertations can be useful. Many universities maintain digital libraries wherein you could locate dissertations from preceding students. Look for a hit example for your subject, taking note of how they shape their argument and present their studies. 

Key Sections of the Dissertation  

Each phase has a wonderful purpose. Here is an extra special rationalization of the important thing sections: 

• Title Page: Reflects the middle of your studies succinctly. 
• Acknowledgments: Personal thanks to supporters of your academic journey. 
• Abstract: The image of your complete dissertation. 
• Table of Contents: Organized shape of your paintings. 
• Introduction: Lays out the muse of your studies. 
• Literature Review: Reviews present studies and sets up your have a look at. 
• Methodology: Explains your studies procedure and equipment. 
• Results: Provides the results of your research. 
• Discussion: Interprets your findings. 
• Conclusion: Summarizes and proposes destiny studies regions. 
• References: Cites all educational assets. 
• Appendices: Provides extra files and materials used in your research. 

Research: The Foundation of a Dissertation  

At the heart of every dissertation is rigorous research . Research is the foundation upon which your complete research work is built. Without research, it lacks credibility. Whether qualitative or quantitative, studies allow you to make contributions to valuable insights on your area of study. Always make sure your studies are thorough, well-documented, and ethically carried out. 

Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. : A Guide for Students  

Depending on the level of your academic journey, the expectations to your dissertation will vary. 

• Bachelor’s Dissertations: Typically recognition on demonstrating know-how of present literature and primary studies abilities. 
• Master’s Dissertations: Require more in-depth studies and frequently consist of primary data series. 
• Ph.D. Dissertations : Represent an original contribution for your subject and require comprehensive research, analysis, and a clear argument. 

From Choosing a Topic to Writing the Draft  

The dissertation adventure starts with selecting a topic. Here’s the way to continue: 

Choosing a Topic : Select a subject that interest you and is applicable to your field of study. Ensure it’s neither too huge nor too narrow. 

Conducting Research: Gather information, overview literature, and pick out gaps within the cutting-edge studies. Primary studies (surveys, interviews, experiments) or secondary studies (present literature) is vital depending on your field. 

Writing the Draft: Start by outlining your chapters. Write a rough draft of every phase, refine it, and seek comments from your advisor.  

Final Thoughts  

In end, writing a dissertation is an extended and complex system, but with cautious making plans and execution, you can produce a meaningful academic document that showcases your expertise. Whether you’re at the Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Ph.D. level, this guide provides a structured approach to help you guide through the journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions

A dissertation serves to showcase a student’s capacity to behaviour unbiased research, significantly examine records, and make a contribution of unique insights to their discipline of observation. It is a great academic requirement, especially for superior ranges like a Ph.D., to illustrate understanding and make a meaningful academic contribution. 

Choose a topic that aligns together with your pastimes and fills an opening in existing studies. It ought to be applicable, conceivable in the time frame, and provide possibilities for large contribution, in particular on the Ph.D. Level. 

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Key components usually include the Title Page, Acknowledgments, Abstract, Table of Contents, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion, References, and Appendices. 

The length varies by means of educational level and subject of have a look at. A Bachelor’s dissertation is frequently eight,000–12,000 words, a Master’s ranges from 15,000–25,000 words, and a Ph.D. Dissertation can range from 40,000 to 80,000 phrases or more. 

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an extremely famous actor, singer, musician, sports player, etc.

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dissertation

[ dis-er- tey -sh uh n ]

• a written essay, treatise, or thesis, especially one written by a candidate for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.
• any formal discourse in speech or writing.

/ ˌdɪsəˈteɪʃən /

• a written thesis, often based on original research, usually required for a higher degree
• a formal discourse

Derived Forms

• ˌdisserˈtational , adjective
• ˌdisserˈtationist , noun

Other Words From

• disser·tation·al adjective
• disser·tation·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissertation 1

Example Sentences

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This included one example of a student trying to write a dissertation on their mobile phone.

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Now overseeing England's defence, Hunter was a star interviewee for Westcombe-Evans' dissertation on the barriers female coaches face in rugby.

She studies at an art college in London and said the collection, and the comments it had generated, would form the basis of her final year dissertation.

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