DISSERTATION – CLASSICAL STRUCTURE

Conducting and writing a dissertation can be a challenging, frustrating, exhausting, and exhilarating experience for even the most knowledgeable and prepared student. First of all, you are going to have to do research that will support your particular thesis. The research must be original and substantial, and your dissertation must prove that it is so. To put it another way, a dissertation will highlight all original contributions. Nowadays, the students have a right to choose the topic for their dissertation and everyone tries to choose the one which seems more or less interesting to him or her. So logically it doesn’t seem to be a hard task but it sure is.

Following is the standard structure of a dissertation. Plan your writing by considering the following structure and distribute your time and effort as needed. Alternately you have an option of buying dissertation. Anything that goes with a proper plan usually comes with good result.

• Title page

• Acknowledgements

• Contents page: chapters, appendices, tables, figures, illustrations

• Abstract

Summary and outline of main findings

• Introduction

Outline scope of study and what background material will be discussed.

Define abstract concepts in the context

Explain complex or technical words

Describe how study conducted – data collection methods used.

Outline and explain order of material.

State major findings.

Summarise conclusion.

• Literature Survey

Put your own work into context.

Move from general background/standard theoretical works to more precise, recent work relevant to your topic.

Cover range of positions – not just those you agree with.

Show how existing theories/research findings illuminate your work.

• Methodology

Explain approach taken and why particular dissertation methods and techniques were used.

Describe procedures, size of samples, methods of selection, choice of variables and controls, any tests of measurement, etc.

Mention deficiencies in methods.

• Results

Present the findings clearly.

Use tables, charts, diagrams etc., if appropriate.

Highlight significant aspects of findings in text.

Avoid interpretation/conclusions

• Discussion

Interpret findings.

Construct a logical, consistent argument based on findings.

• Conclusion

Summarize main points and state any conclusions which can be drawn.

Indicate how firm the conclusion is

Make any recommendations

• References

• Bibliography - background reading but not cited

• Appendices - e.g. blank questionnaire, transcript of interview, extended case studies, letter of invitation.