Introduction
Students must have come across the process of dissertation writing if they have gone through and passed comprehensive examinations or are considering enrolling in a PhD programme. Researching, writing, and defending a dissertation is a significant milestone in attaining a doctorate. However, what exactly constitutes a dissertation? Well, a dissertation is an original piece of scholarly work that contributes to the field of study. Doctoral candidates typically spend 1-3 years working on their dissertations, which often exceed 200 pages. Starting on the right track can significantly aid in completing your dissertation. Breaking down the process into manageable steps also facilitates finishing your dissertation. In this blog, we will explore practical ways to adequately prepare for writing a dissertation.
Dissertation Writing: 12 Steps
Writing a dissertation is a demonstration of expertise in a particular subject. But how do you go about writing a dissertation? Let's break it down into 12 steps to guide you through the process successfully.
1. Choose a Topic
Choosing a topic may sound simple, but it plays a crucial role in the success of your dissertation. Depending on your field, your dissertation advisor may suggest an issue, or you may have to develop one independently. When considering potential topics, assess the feasibility based on your available resources. Discuss your ideas with your faculty advisor or dissertation writer and incorporate their feedback.
2. Conduct Preliminary Research
Before diving into your dissertation, you need to conduct preliminary research. This can involve visiting archives, reviewing scholarly literature, or running lab tests, depending on your field of study. Use this primary research to refine your research question and topic. Take detailed notes, especially on areas where you can expand your analysis.
3. Read Secondary Literature
A crucial aspect of a dissertation is demonstrating your mastery of the field. This requires reading a significant amount of scholarly literature related to your topic. Dissertations often include a literature review section or chapter. Create a list of books, articles, and other literary works early on, and continue adding to it as you progress. Refer to the works cited to identify key literature and take thorough notes to facilitate the writing process.
4. Write a Research Proposal
Before beginning your dissertation in many PhD programmes, you must develop and successfully defend a research proposal. The length and format of the proposal will vary depending on your field. Generally, a recommendation will span 10-20 pages and provide a detailed discussion of your research topic, methodology, and secondary literature.
5. Research, Research, and Research
Doctoral dissertations aim to make an original contribution to the field, and your research will form the foundation of that contribution. The nature of your research will depend on your academic discipline. For example, you might analyse complex datasets in computer science to gain insights into machine learning. You might delve into unpublished papers of a poet or author in English. Psychology may involve designing a study to test stress responses, while education could require creating surveys to measure student experiences. Work closely with your dissertation services provider as you conduct research. They can often guide you towards valuable resources or suggest areas for further exploration.
6. Looking for Examples of Dissertations
When it comes to writing a dissertation, it can be overwhelming. Graduate students are familiar with writing seminar papers or a master's thesis, but a dissertation is like writing a book.
To get a better understanding of what your discipline expects from a successful dissertation and to set realistic expectations, it can be helpful to look at examples of dissertations. You can ask your thesis writing services if they have recent dissertation examples available.
While students often read a lot of monographs and articles, they tend to neglect reading dissertations. However, reading expertly written scholarly work, particularly critical ones, could create an unattainable bar for your dissertation writing.
7. Writing the Body Chapters
You have already accomplished a great deal when you write your dissertation. You've picked a subject, presented your argument, and done research. It's time to group your writing into chapters.
The structure of your dissertation will depend on your field, and your department will likely provide guidelines for structuring your work. Dissertations commonly include chapters on the technique, findings, and literature review in many areas. In other fields, each chapter functions more like an article contributing to your overall argument.
Start with the chapter in which you feel the most confident. Expand on the literature review you presented in your proposal to provide an overview of the field. Analyse the outcomes and describe the methodology of your research.
8. Meeting with Your Dissertation writer
It is essential to have regular meetings with your advisor throughout the dissertation process. You can give your advisor chapters while you're writing them for comments. They can offer suggestions on how to improve your dissertation and assist in identifying any problems.
Maintaining close communication with your advisor will also increase your confidence when defending your dissertation. It may also be beneficial to share your work with other committee members.
9. Writing Your Introduction and Conclusion
It may seem counterintuitive, but writing your introduction and conclusion last is generally a good idea. Your introduction should provide an overview of your project and explain its significance in the field.
Many doctoral candidates find referring to their dissertation proposal helpful when writing the introduction. If your project has evolved significantly, you must adjust and reframe the opening accordingly. Ensure that you provide sufficient background information to set the context for your dissertation and give a preview of your methodology, research aims, and results.
The conclusion is usually a shorter section. Summarise the main points you have demonstrated throughout your dissertation and explain how your work contributes to the field.
10. Editing Your Draft
Once you have completed a draft of your dissertation, it is time to edit it. The editing process can be more challenging for many doctoral candidates than the research or writing. Most dissertations are at least 100-200 pages long, with some exceeding 300 pages.
When editing your dissertation, tackle it chapter by chapter. Go beyond checking grammar and spelling to ensure your ideas are communicated clearly and effectively. Find any sections that are repeated and improve any weak arguments.
11. Incorporating Feedback
Writing a dissertation can often feel isolating. You spend months or even years focusing on a single topic, and much of the work is done alone. However, receiving feedback is crucial for improving your dissertation.
You will receive feedback from your advisor and other committee members as you progress through the dissertation writing process. Doctoral candidates participate in peer review groups in several departments to offer comments to one another.
External readers will point out confusing sections and offer recommendations for changes. Make sure to incorporate this feedback throughout the writing and editing process.
12.Defend Your Dissertation
Congratulations! You have reached the stage of defending your dissertation. Typically, the services that assist you in writing your dissertation, like HomeOfDissertations, will only allow you to schedule the defence if they are confident you will pass. Consider the dissertation defence as the culmination of your work rather than an important test.
The specific format of your defence will vary depending on your department. In specific fields, you will present your research; in others, the defence will involve a detailed discussion with your committee.
Approach your defence with confidence. As a result, you have become an expert in your field. Answer questions briefly and address any weaknesses in your study. Once you complete the defence, you will earn your doctorate.
Conclusion
Students write dissertations to obtain their degrees. However, what exactly is a dissertation, and how do you create one? You can refer to the step-by-step guide provided above for assistance. If you have managed your time effectively and followed a plan, even if things don't go exactly as you envisioned, there is no need to panic. Remember, you selected your dissertation topic after careful consideration, so dismiss any irrational thoughts about starting from scratch. Your dissertation is an opportunity to conduct research, generate knowledge, and address a significant issue within your field of study. Stay focused on your objective and take pride in your efforts. Ultimately, your dissertation will be one of your most outstanding achievements. While there may be challenges, dissertation writing services are available to provide expert assistance. Take full advantage of these resources, and you will look back on your journey with pride.
Students write dissertations to obtain their degrees. However, what exactly is a dissertation, and how do you create one? You can refer to the step-by-step guide provided above for assistance. If you have managed your time effectively and followed a plan, even if things don't go exactly as you envisioned, there is no need to panic. Remember, you selected your dissertation topic after careful consideration, so dismiss any irrational thoughts about starting from scratch. Your dissertation is an opportunity to conduct research, generate knowledge, and address a significant issue within your field of study. Stay focused on your objective and take pride in your efforts. Ultimately, your dissertation will be one of your most outstanding achievements. While there may be challenges, dissertation writing services are available to provide expert assistance. Take full advantage of these resources, and you will look back on your journey with pride.