how to write a psychology dissertation

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How to Write a Psychology Dissertation?

How to Write a Psychology Dissertation: A Comprehensive Guide to Thriving in Your Academic Journey

Embarking on the journey of writing a psychology dissertation can feel like setting out to conquer an uncharted wilderness. You’ve taken countless courses, poured over numerous books, and spent long nights researching theories and experiments. Now, the culmination of years of study lies ahead, and the challenge feels both exciting and daunting.

What is a psychology dissertation, exactly? At its core, it’s a systematic and comprehensive exploration of a chosen topic in the realm of psychology. It’s a formal, written work that presents your original research and findings, acting as a testament to your scholarly competence and your contribution to the field.

Crafting a psychology dissertation indeed feels like moving mountains—an undertaking that requires a firm grasp of the subject matter, meticulous research, and adept academic writing. Understanding the “how to write a psychology dissertation” process begins with demystifying the task itself, breaking it down into manageable pieces, and realizing its nature within the field of psychology. It’s a mountain that can be moved. With the right knowledge, tools, and strategies, you can navigate this journey successfully, transforming your psychology dissertation from a looming mountain into a manageable and rewarding endeavor.

In this article, we’ll be your experienced guide, helping you understand the nature and structure of a psychology dissertation. We’ll outline the step-by-step process involved in writing your dissertation, provide a treasure trove of innovative dissertation topics in psychology for inspiration, and offer top tips to survive—and even thrive—during this process. So, lace up your academic boots and get ready for a journey that will not only shape your psychology career but will also hone your skills as a researcher and a scholar.

Laying the Foundations: Psychology Dissertation Structure

Structuring your psychology dissertation involves more than simply organizing chapters. It’s about creating a logical sequence of arguments, evidence, and conclusions that guide your reader through your research journey. To come up with the perfect structure for your psychology dissertation, you first need to understand the dissertation definition psychology uses—it’s a formal, extensive piece of original research on a specific topic in the field of psychology. Here’s how you can shape each of its key components:

• The Abstract of your dissertation should be a microcosm of your research. It’s a short yet comprehensive snapshot of your dissertation, serving as a trailer that entices readers to delve into the main feature.
• Your Introduction sets the stage, presenting your research question and clarifying its significance. The key here is to captivate your readers, piquing their interest and illustrating what lies ahead. It’s important to clearly set out your objectives, painting a picture of the destination at the end of the research journey.
• In your Literature Review , you wear the hat of a detective, sifting through previous studies related to your topic and identifying the research gap your study intends to fill. This section is your opportunity to show your comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
• The Methodology section is where you share the blueprint of your research design. It’s important to detail your approach, including the participants, materials, and procedures used, ensuring that your study could be replicated based on this information.
• Next, the Results section presents your findings. The spotlight here is on the data, presented clearly and objectively, often supported with visual aids for easier understanding. Your analysis should be transparent, making it easy for your readers to connect the dots themselves.
• The Discussion allows you to wear the hat of a storyteller. Here, you interpret your results, draw comparisons with previous research, and create a narrative that links back to your research question.
• Finally, the Conclusion is your reflective moment, summarizing the research journey, the insights gained, and the implications of your study. It’s also here that you propose future research directions inspired by the strengths and limitations of your study.

Remember, a dissertation is akin to a carefully crafted story—your research story. Building it with a solid and clearly outlined structure not only helps you, the author, but also your readers, helping them understand your thought process, follow your research journey, and appreciate your scholarly contribution.

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Climbing the Ladder: Sequential Steps in Writing a Psychology Dissertation

Understanding the structure of a psychology dissertation is the first stepping stone. The journey towards completing it in full may initially seem daunting, but breaking the task into digestible steps can substantially lighten the load.

• Picking a Relevant and Original Topic

The first step towards writing your psychology dissertation is selecting a suitable topic. It should be something you are passionate about, as it will keep your interest during the long research and writing process. It should also be original, meaning it either hasn’t been researched before or offers a new perspective on an existing topic.

• Conducting an Extensive Literature Review

Having pinpointed your subject of interest, it’s time to dive deep into the existing scholarly work. Knowing what’s already been explored and identifying the uncharted territories not only frames the context of your research but also highlights its significance by filling an identified gap in the current body of knowledge.

• Crafting a Strong Hypothesis

Based on your topic and literature review, you’ll develop a hypothesis or research question. This statement should be clear, focused, and answerable within the scope of your study. It will guide the rest of your research.

• Detailing Your Methodology

Next, you need to decide how you’ll answer your research question. This involves picking a research method, identifying participants or data sources, choosing measurement instruments, and planning your data analysis. Detailing your methodology with precision is crucial for the validity of your study.

• Collecting and Analyzing Data

With your methodology in place, you’re ready to collect your data. This step can vary greatly depending on your research method but often involves running experiments, conducting surveys, or gathering existing data. Once collected, you’ll analyze your data using appropriate statistical techniques.

• Discussing Your Findings

After analyzing your data, it’s time to interpret your results. Discuss your findings in relation to your research question and the existing literature. It’s also important to acknowledge any limitations in your study and suggest areas for future research.

• Referencing Properly: APA Style in Psychology

Throughout this process, you’ll be drawing on the work of others to inform your study and support your claims. Always be diligent in crediting these sources to maintain academic integrity. Within psychological academia, referencing and bibliographies adhere to the stylistic prescriptions of the American Psychological Association (APA).

Crafting a psychology dissertation is indeed a demanding endeavor, but breaking the process into manageable tasks prepares you to confront upcoming challenges and ultimately, to contribute a substantial piece of work to your field.

Inspiration Awaits: 50 Innovative Psychology Dissertation Topics

Before you gear up for the rigorous task of crafting a psychology dissertation, choosing a captivating topic that intrigues you and has the potential to add something new to your field is crucial. The joy of your dissertation journey is enhanced manifold when the topic strikes a chord with you. Given the wide range of psychology subfields, you have an abundance of choices. Below, we offer fifty innovative topics spanning diverse areas of psychology to stimulate your creative thought process. Our aim here is to spark your imagination and provide you with a collection of innovative psychology dissertation ideas, which will serve as a springboard for your unique research, or you can just go ahead and pick the topic that speaks to you from our list.

Broadening Perspectives: Clinical Psychology

• The Impact of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy on Anxiety Disorders
• The Effectiveness of Teletherapy in Treating Depression
• The Role of Resilience in Coping with Chronic Illness
• The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Mental Health
• Psychotherapy Approaches for PTSD in Military Veterans

The Enigma of the Mind: Cognitive Psychology

• The Influence of Multitasking on Cognitive Load
• Memory Retention Strategies for Alzheimer’s Patients
• Decision-Making Processes in High-Pressure Situations
• The Role of Attention in Learning and Retention
• Cognitive Biases in Financial Decisions

Delving Deeper: Developmental Psychology

• The Influence of Parenting Styles on Child Self-Esteem
• Effects of Bullying on Adolescent Mental Health
• The Impact of Screen Time on Child Development
• How Does Gender Identity Unfold in a Child’s Developmental Journey?
• The Role of Play in Cognitive Development

Bridging the Gap: Social Psychology

• The Impact of Social Media on Body Image Perceptions
• Prejudice and Discrimination: Factors and Mitigation Strategies
• The Psychology of Altruism: Why Do We Help Others?
• The Role of Empathy in Conflict Resolution
• The Effect of Stereotypes on Interpersonal Relationships

Inside the Workplace: Organizational Psychology

• The Influence of Leadership Styles on Employee Satisfaction
• Emotional Intelligence: A Key Ingredient for Success in the Workplace?
• Impacts of Remote Work on Employee Productivity
• Strategies for Reducing Job Burnout
• The Effect of Organizational Culture on Employee Loyalty

The Mysterious Unconscious: Psychoanalytic Psychology

• The Influence of Childhood Trauma on Adult Relationships
• Understanding Defense Mechanisms: A Modern Perspective
• The Role of Dreams in Psychoanalysis
• Freud’s Theory of Personality: Modern Applications
• Transference and Countertransference in Therapeutic Settings

The Mind-Body Connection: Health Psychology

• The Psychological Impacts of Chronic Pain
• The Role of Self-Efficacy in Managing Diabetes
• Coping Mechanisms for Patients with Terminal Illnesses
• The Influence of Stress on Immune Response
• Mental Health Outcomes of Weight Loss Surgery

Life’s Final Chapter: Geriatric Psychology

• Mental Health Challenges in Aging Populations
• The Influence of Social Networks in Promoting Healthy Aging
• Cognitive Stimulation Therapies for Dementia Patients
• The Psychological Impact of Retirement
• Depression and Anxiety in Elderly: Intervention Strategies

Bridging Species: Comparative Psychology

• The Study of Animal Emotion: Can Animals Feel Joy or Sadness?
• Comparing Problem-Solving Abilities in Different Species
• The Influence of Environment on Animal Behavior
• Inter-species Communication: Myth or Reality?
• Studying Animal Behavior to Understand Human Psychology

Into the Unknown: Parapsychology

• Exploring Reports of Near-Death Experiences
• The Psychology Behind Belief in Paranormal Activities
• The Impact of Extra-sensory Perception (ESP) Beliefs on Anxiety Levels
• A Study on the Popularity and Psychological Impact of Astrology
• Analyzing the Effects of Hypnosis on Pain Management

Whether you’re captivated by cognitive processes, intrigued by interpersonal dynamics, or fascinated by the underpinnings of abnormal behavior, these topics offer a launching pad for your exploration. Remember, the best dissertation topic is one that excites your intellectual curiosity and aligns with your career aspirations.

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Surviving and Thriving: Top Tips for Navigating Your Psychology Dissertation Journey

Embarking on your psychology dissertation is a substantial endeavor that requires not only intellectual effort but also strategic planning, emotional resilience, and diligent self-care. Here are ten tips to help you navigate this journey smoothly:

• Start early. The sooner you begin, the better. Start thinking about your dissertation topic well before it’s due. Early planning gives you plenty of time for thorough research, careful writing, and thoughtful revision.
• Choose a topic you love. Passion for your topic will fuel your research and keep you motivated during the lengthy writing process. Choose a topic that excites your intellectual curiosity and aligns with your career aspirations.
• Develop a work plan. Create a realistic timeline for your dissertation, breaking down the process into manageable tasks. Regularly update and refine your plan as you progress.
• Assemble a support team. Your supervisor is an invaluable guide, but don’t forget to build a broader support network. Seek out peers, mentors, and even professional support like writing consultants or tutors.
• Embrace the research process. Be prepared for unexpected findings and potential roadblocks. They are part of the research journey. Embrace them as learning opportunities that refine your problem-solving skills.
• Write regularly. Make writing a daily habit. Even if you only write a few sentences a day, this regular practice will keep your project moving forward and reduce the chance of writer’s block.
• Practice self-care. Burnout is a real risk during the dissertation process. Remember to prioritize self-care. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, adequate sleep, and mindfulness practices can all help maintain your mental and physical well-being.
• Seek constructive feedback. Regularly share your work with your supervisor and trusted peers. They can provide fresh perspectives and constructive criticism that help improve your dissertation.
• Cherish minor milestones. Each stride you make, irrespective of its size, is a step in the right direction. Recognizing these small achievements can lift your spirits and keep you fueled with determination.
• Keep the end goal in sight. Always remember why you’re undertaking this journey. Whether it’s to further your career, contribute to the field, or simply for the love of psychology, let your end goal be your guiding light.

Remember, the dissertation journey is not a sprint but a marathon. Embrace the process, nurture your resilience, and know that every challenge faced is an opportunity for growth.

Embracing the Journey: Making Your Psychology Dissertation an Achievable Endeavor

We completely understand that plunging into a psychology dissertation can seem like embarking on a voyage across an endless sea. It can be strenuous and, at times, tediously repetitive, but don’t lose your bearing. Your destination is there, even if it’s not immediately apparent.

This colossal endeavor, while daunting, is a remarkable landmark in your academic journey and a testament to your resolve, grit, and intellect. Granted, the journey is lengthy, strenuous, and at times, it will stretch your endurance. However, bear in mind that the most formidable journeys often end with the most gratifying outcomes.

When the dissertation journey seems too steep, remember why you chose this path in the first place – your passion for psychology, your quest for knowledge, and your desire to make a meaningful contribution to the field. Hold onto these motivations when the going gets tough.

If you find yourself cornered at times, don’t be hard on yourself. It’s an inherent part of the journey. Esteemed scholars have also experienced hurdles and unexpected shifts in their plans. When that happens, as it probably will, don’t hesitate to ask for assistance. Your advisors, peers, and a myriad of online platforms can serve as your navigational guide, leading you through these challenges. Additionally, maintain vigilance over your physical and mental health during this daunting yet exciting academic journey.

Regular respites, physical exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient rest can immensely contribute to sustaining your drive and concentration. Remember, every single step you take, regardless of its size, nudges you closer to your objective.

With tenacity, resilience, and the right network of support, this formidable project will progressively morph into an attainable goal. As you progress, your expertise in your chosen topic will broaden, and you will glean precious revelations about your own capacities and fortitude.

Embarking on the task of writing a psychology dissertation is utterly demanding, but it’s a task well worth tackling. So, inhale deeply, keep your eyes fixated on your goal, and march forward with bravery and resolve. You are capable of this!

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Writing A Psychology Dissertation Tips And Tricks

Writing a psychology dissertation can be daunting. It takes dedication, creativity, and commitment to create a great product. This article offers crucial advice for writing a successful psychology dissertation.

Formulating an effective research question or thesis statement is the first step in finishing a dissertation. It should reflect the research’s main focus and be broad enough to allow further exploration. When choosing a research question, consider ethics and practicality.

Once you’ve chosen your research question, start reading relevant literature. Before starting their dissertations, students should read relevant journals, articles, and books on their topic. Library databases like EBSCO and JSTOR can help here. Use Google Scholar and Open Access Journals to find relevant material quickly and easily.

Choosing A Topic

It’s crucial to pick a topic that will keep you interested. It can be difficult to choose a topic from so many. Here are some pointers on choosing a psychology dissertation topic:

• Start with your psychology speciality. You can study social behaviour, cognition, or developmental or abnormal psychology. Think about what interests you and how it could become a meaningful research question.
• After identifying your general area of focus, brainstorm dissertation topics related to this broad field. Consider making an informal list of all potential topics and then narrowing it down based on feasibility, relevance, and personal preference. “Is this idea relevant?” and “What would I need to do if I chose this project?” This will help you determine which projects are feasible given your time and resources.

Research Design

Dissertation research design is a crucial component of writing a psychology dissertation. Experimental, survey, qualitative, and quantitative research methods exist. Mixed methods design can combine two or more of these methods depending on the study’s goals.

In an experimental design, independent variables are manipulated to test their effects on dependent variables. This type of research allows researchers to control research conditions and establish cause-and-effect relationships between variables. Survey design involves administering questionnaires or interviews to examine attitudes, beliefs, or behaviours within specific populations. Qualitative studies use observation and unstructured interview techniques, such as focus groups or participant observations, to explore participants’ opinions on a topic. Quantitative designs allow us to generalise findings across larger sample sizes than qualitatively driven studies because they use numerical data from surveys, experiments, or existing statistics.

Data Collection And Analysis

Data collection and analysis are essential steps in the psychology dissertation process. To write a successful dissertation, you must collect and analyse data carefully.

Quantitative and qualitative methods are used to collect data. Quantitative methods like surveys and questionnaires use numerical data, while qualitative methods like interviews and observations use subjective data. Depending on the topic of your dissertation, one method may be better than another; choose accordingly. Also, follow psychology professional organisations’ ethical guidelines for data collection.

Analyze your data after collecting it from various sources. Statistical software helps psychologists visualise their findings in ways that would be impossible to do manually, but using it requires knowledge of statistical methods used in psychological research papers.

Writing A Proposal

Writing a dissertation proposal for a psychology research project is crucial to finishing your dissertation. It’s important to spend time on your proposal because it will serve as the basis for your dissertation.

Be sure to include background information about the topic, objectives of your study, methods used to conduct research, expected results, potential implications of your findings, and other relevant details in your proposal. Make sure you explain why this project is worth doing—what new knowledge or understanding will be gained? Keep university guidelines and funding agency requirements in mind when writing your proposal (if applicable). When submitting your final draught for review, follow proper formatting.

To succeed with this major project, plan ahead: Set target dates for different stages of completion; set realistic goals for yourself; seek guidance from faculty advisors who specialise in psychology research; ask colleagues who have written a dissertation for advice; use online resources available through university library services.

Structuring The Dissertation

Any psychology student who wants to succeed needs a well-structured dissertation. The structure of the dissertation should be carefully planned and constructed to convey information effectively and logically.

When developing your dissertation structure, consider how you want to present your research findings and conclusion. Create an outline with headings, subheadings, and bullet points. Each chapter or section is guided by these elements. Make sure every section of your paper supports your thesis or argument. A logical flow between chapters and sections helps maintain consistency throughout the work.

It’s also important to properly cite all sources, including direct quotes from published works and indirect references. Appendices with relevant data may also be needed depending on your project’s scope. Plagiarism can be avoided by keeping track of sources.

Creating An Outline

Structure and organisation in an outline help you identify the steps needed to finish your project. It’s also useful for tracking deadlines and making sure all parts are included. How to create an outline:

• Identify Your Thesis Statement: This statement should be concise but comprehensive so readers understand what your paper will focus on.
• Brainstorm Ideas: Consider any aspects or questions that could relate to your thesis statement; generate ideas by researching relevant topics and resources, brainstorming with colleagues or peers, or using mind mapping techniques.
• Organize Your Thoughts: Make sure your ideas flow logically from one point to another to ensure that each idea builds on the last. Also, think about how long each section should be (as well as which sections need more attention than others).
• Outline Heuristically: Use “top-down” thinking to outline subsection headings broadly and then more specifically.
• Use Visualizations To Help You See Connections: If needed, use diagrams/illustrations to help you understand the connections between different parts of your research question/idea. This may help you identify key points when writing up results.

Drafting The Paper

It’s important to remember that the draught paper format should match the overall structure of your dissertation.

Writing in sections helps simplify complex topics. Start by outlining your arguments, brainstorming ideas, and gathering relevant resources. After collecting these materials, organise them to create an outline for each section of your paper. This can help you write your paper. Editing follows completion. Reading aloud or having someone else read it may reveal flaws or areas for improvement, as will checking for grammar and typos. Finally, when writing your psychology dissertation, make sure to follow the guidelines for the introduction, literature review, results, discussion, and conclusion!

Citing Sources And References

Writing a psychology dissertation requires properly citing sources and references. APA (American Psychological Association) or MLA citation style should be used (Modern Language Association). Citing sources in a psychology dissertation:

• Read your chosen citation format to learn how to use it correctly.
• Include author(s), publication year, title, publisher, place of publication, and other pertinent information when citing a source.
• Check your citations against the original sources.
• At the end of your paper, list references alphabetically by author’s last name or title if there is no author. Include any necessary details, such as page numbers, and always double check that each reference matches its corresponding in-text citation throughout your work.

Editing And Revising

When writing a psychology dissertation, editing and revising are crucial steps. Editing ensures accuracy in your work. It should be done twice before submitting a paper for publication or presentation. Start by reading your entire document to find any errors or omissions. Once these are identified, use spell checkers, online grammar checks, and other online tools to improve your writing.

Revision is crucial to finishing a psychology dissertation. This involves rewriting sentences and paragraphs, adding relevant evidence, and making sure all ideas are logically connected.

Formatting Guidelines

One of the most important aspects of the dissertation is formatting it in accordance with APA standards. This section offers formatting advice for your dissertation.

Adjusting page margins is the first step in formatting your psychology dissertation. According to APA standards, you should set one-inch margins on all sides (top, bottom, left, right) (top, bottom, left, right). Choose a suitable font for the text next. Academic papers like dissertations typically use Times New Roman 12 point font. Make sure all paragraph lines are double-spaced and no longer than 6 inches. Include page numbers in the upper right corner of every page after the cover page but before any tables or figures. Finally, Arial 11pt and Calibri 11pt fonts must be legible at normal reading distance. By adhering closely to these formatting guidelines for psychology dissertations per APA style requirements you can avoid errors which could lead to lower grades or even rejection of your dissertation altogether!

Preparing For Defense

A long and difficult road to a degree ends with the dissertation defence. Psychology students must prepare for their dissertation defence to ensure success and protect their research investment. Once you know your topic, start preparing. Consider the defence questions and prepare answers. To prepare for your presentation, practise presenting your work aloud with family or friends.

There are ways to streamline the dissertation defence preparation process. First, learn about your institution’s dissertation defence policies. Create a presentation outline and review it before presenting. You’ll know how much to cover and what to emphasise this way. Finally, explain why your conclusions were valid rather than just providing evidence for them to demonstrate that you understand your research’s implications.

Publishing Opportunities

Publishing a psychology dissertation is an important step for any student to take. It’s the culmination of their research and can be used to share findings with other scholars. There are many opportunities for publishing a psychology dissertation. One such opportunity is academic journals.

There are specific procedures you must adhere to when submitting your dissertation for publication:

• Read the journal’s guidelines before submitting.
• Check the article’s content for compliance.
• Submit your dissertation electronically or via mail according to what is specified by the journal
• It’s also important to make sure all authors have agreed to publish the paper and understand their copyright rights. Some journals may require permission letters from study participants or proof of ethics approval, if applicable.

Once these requirements are met, you can submit your psychology dissertation!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i stay motivated when writing a lengthy dissertation.

Writing a lengthy dissertation requires dedication, motivation, and discipline. Staying motivated throughout the process is crucial to success. Here are some ways to stay motivated while writing a dissertation:

• Break down the project into smaller tasks to build momentum and make progress.
• Set daily deadlines to stay focused and track progress.
• Celebrate milestones – rewarding yourself helps you keep going during tough times.
• Take regular breaks – taking regular breaks from the dissertation gives your mind time to rest, recharge, and refocus so you return energised and ready to start the next step.
• Find support networks – having friends or peers who understand what you’re going through can provide invaluable emotional support and give you the strength to carry on when things get overwhelming.

These tips were created by online psychology dissertation tutors for students who struggle to stay motivated.

What Resources Are Available To Help Me Write My Dissertation?

Writing a dissertation is difficult, especially when you’re writing about psychology. Don’t let feeling overwhelmed stop you from achieving your research goals!

There are many options for finding assistance with all aspects of writing your dissertation, from online writing tools like Grammarly or Hemingway Editor to citation guides like APA and MLA. Many universities have dissertation offices where students can get one-on-one help with their projects. Counseling, tutoring, workshops on dissertation writing, and access to library databases with citations and relevant articles are common services offered by student support centres.

The American Psychological Association website provides guidelines for formatting papers in APA style, PsycINFO has millions of journal article citations, and Psychology Wiki offers scholarly advice on conducting psychology research. Professional organisations like The Society for Industrial & Organizational Psychologists offer free webinars with project completion tips.

How Much Time Should I Plan For Each Stage Of The Dissertation Writing Process?

When it comes to dissertation writing, planning and time management are essential components of the process. Depending on your project, each stage of the dissertation writing process will take different amounts of time. To ensure that you have enough time for each step, plan ahead and set realistic expectations about how much work needs to be done for each part of the dissertation timeline.

First, identify which stages make up your unique dissertation process: research, literature review, data collection/analysis, discussion and conclusion. Second, give yourself enough time for research, draughts, and revisions at each stage. Since unexpected issues may arise while writing your thesis, it’s best to overestimate task duration. If needed, factor in extra hours or days to stay flexible with deadlines.

By taking into consideration these factors when devising a dissertation timeline, students can create an ideal schedule that allows them to finish their projects without feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic expectations regarding how much they can accomplish within a given period.

How Can I Make Sure I Am Using The Correct Citation Format?

One of the most important parts of writing an academic paper is citing and referencing all sources. Understanding which citation format to use for a psychology dissertation can be confusing, as different referencing styles have their own rules. These steps will help you cite and reference correctly:

• Become familiar with the two main citation formats, APA and MLA.
• Check your professor’s or department’s citation guidelines.
• Format books, websites, journal articles, and more using Purdue Owl.

Bibliography requirements for each style can be found in university library databases. Having a good understanding of both APA and MLA will help you determine which citation format is best-suited for your project. Additionally, following the guidelines outlined by your professor or departmental regulations ensures that all sources will be accurately credited while also helping you avoid plagiarism issues down the line.

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Writing your dissertation - structure and sections

Posted in: dissertations

In this post, we look at the structural elements of a typical dissertation. Your department may wish you to include additional sections but the following covers all core elements you will need to work on when designing and developing your final assignment.

The table below illustrates a classic dissertation layout with approximate lengths for each section.

Hopkins, D. and Reid, T., 2018.  The Academic Skills Handbook: Your Guid e to Success in Writing, Thinking and Communicating at University . Sage.

Your title should be clear, succinct and tell the reader exactly what your dissertation is about. If it is too vague or confusing, then it is likely your dissertation will be too vague and confusing. It is important therefore to spend time on this to ensure you get it right, and be ready to adapt to fit any changes of direction in your research or focus.

In the following examples, across a variety of subjects, you can see how the students have clearly identified the focus of their dissertation, and in some cases target a problem that they will address:

An econometric analysis of the demand for road transport within the united Kingdom from  1965 to 2000

To what extent does payment card fraud affect UK bank profitability and bank stakeholders?  Does this justify fraud prevention?

A meta-analysis of implant materials for intervertebral disc replacement and regeneration.

The role of ethnic institutions in social development; the case of Mombasa, Kenya.

Why haven’t biomass crops been adopted more widely as a source of renewable energy in the United Kingdom?

Mapping the criminal mind: Profiling and its limitation.

The Relative Effectiveness of Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C

Under what conditions did the European Union exhibit leadership in international climate change negotiations from 1992-1997, 1997-2005 and 2005-Copenhagen respectively?

The first thing your reader will read (after the title) is your abstract. However, you need to write this last. Your abstract is a summary of the whole project, and will include aims and objectives, methods, results and conclusions. You cannot write this until you have completed your write-up.

Introduction

Your introduction should include the same elements found in most academic essay or report assignments, with the possible inclusion of research questions. The aim of the introduction is to set the scene, contextualise your research, introduce your focus topic and research questions, and tell the reader what you will be covering.  It should move from the general  and work towards the specific. You should include the following:

• Attention-grabbing statement (a controversy, a topical issue, a contentious view, a recent problem etc)
• Background and context
• Introduce the topic, key theories, concepts, terms of reference, practices, (advocates and critic)
• Introduce the problem and focus of your research
• Set out your research question(s) (this could be set out in a separate section)
• Your approach to answering your research questions.

Literature review

Your literature review is the section of your report where you show what is already known about the area under investigation and demonstrate the need for your particular study. This is a significant section in your dissertation (30%) and you should allow plenty of time to carry out a thorough exploration of your focus topic and use it to help you identify a specific problem and formulate your research questions.

You should approach the literature review with the critical analysis dial turned up to full volume. This is not simply a description, list, or summary  of everything you have read. Instead, it is a synthesis of your reading, and should include analysis and evaluation of readings, evidence, studies and data, cases, real world applications and views/opinions expressed.  Your supervisor is looking for this detailed critical approach in your literature review, where you unpack sources, identify strengths and weaknesses and find gaps in the research.

In other words, your literature review is your opportunity to show the reader why your paper is important and your research is significant, as it addresses the gap or on-going issue you have uncovered.

You need to tell the reader what was done. This means describing the research methods and explaining your choice. This will include information on the following:

• Are your methods qualitative or quantitative... or both? And if so, why?
• Who (if any) are the participants?
• Are you analysing any documents, systems, organisations? If so what are they and why are you analysing them?
• What did you do first, second, etc?
• What ethical considerations are there?

It is a common style convention to write what was done rather than what you did, and write it so that someone else would be able to replicate your study.

Here you describe what you have found out. You need to identify the most significant patterns in your data, and use tables and figures to support your description. Your tables and figures are a visual representation of your findings, but remember to describe what they show in your writing. There should be no critical analysis in this part (unless you have combined results and discussion sections).

Here you show the significance of your results or findings. You critically analyse what they mean, and what the implications may be. Talk about any limitations to your study, evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of your own research, and make suggestions for further studies to build on your findings. In this section, your supervisor will expect you to dig deep into your findings and critically evaluate what they mean in relation to previous studies, theories, views and opinions.

This is a summary of your project, reminding the reader of the background to your study, your objectives, and showing how you met them. Do not include any new information that you have not discussed before.

This is the list of all the sources you have cited in your dissertation. Ensure you are consistent and follow the conventions for the particular referencing system you are using. (Note: you shouldn't include books you've read but do not appear in your dissertation).

Include any extra information that your reader may like to read. It should not be essential for your reader to read them in order to understand your dissertation. Your appendices should be labelled (e.g. Appendix A, Appendix B, etc). Examples of material for the appendices include detailed data tables (summarised in your results section), the complete version of a document you have used an extract from, etc.

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