How to Write a Good Dissertation

A complete dissertation usually has the following part: abstract, introduction, literature review, methodology, results discussions, conclusion and recommendation.  They are written to gain knowledge in the particular field that you are studying and not for people in other disciplines or laymen. They are also not categorized as textbooks thus do not need any lengthy discussions. Identifying the gap in knowledge is the first step to take when you want to write a dissertation.

Abstract

This is located in the preliminary pages and consists of 4 small paragraphs.  It can also be written after the study is complete. 

This identifies the problem, purpose of study, methods, findings, conclusions and recommendations.
Introduction

This is a review of the literature that has to pass through the committee members who will approve it before a person can begin their research.  Chapter one is very important as it drives the rest of the paper. This should introduce the problem; have a background of the problem, a statement of the problem, purpose of study, research questions, hypotheses, research design, assumptions, and limitations, definition of terms as well as the significance of the study.

 

The literature review

This usually proves that a person is familiar with the gap in knowledge that they are about to work on. This should be laid out in a number of sections and should end with a conclusion that states what the study is going to be about.

 

Methodology

This is where the writer has to deal with objectives of the study, appropriateness of the research design that will be used, research approach, pilot study, participants, instruments that will be used, procedures, data processing and analysis, ethical considerations and external and internal validity.

 

Results

This is where the writer is supposed to summarize all the data that has been collected and also deal with the statistical treatment.  The problem should be restated so that you can explain the data analysis.

 

Discussion and recommendation

Remind the readers about the purpose of the study, procedures and methods used, major findings, discussions held, conclusions drawn and the recommendations that you have come up with.

 

References

Make sure these follow specific formats like Chicago, APA or any other.

 

Appendices

If you are doing the study in an organization you might have to get a letter that will permit you to conduct the study with minimal problems. Minors also have to get a letter from the parents. The appendices also include figures and tables and there are some institutions that need a vita. More on dissertation transcription