Cathy A.
Cathy A.

Dissertation Writing - Step by Step Guide With Examples

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Published on: Oct 4, 2019

Last updated on: Jan 26, 2023

Dissertation Writing

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Writing a dissertation for your academics means that the end of this educational journey has finally come.

A dissertation is written and completed by an individual who wishes to complete their degree in one particular field or discipline.

Therefore, there are many tasks involved with these assignments, including researching and writing papers. So, you need to do this properly without plagiarism.

The purpose behind completing such work would show off skills related specifically within any given subject matter area. Critical thinking skills must play heavily into how well versed we become when tackling tough situations.

What is a Dissertation?

A dissertation is a primary requirement to pass graduate and undergraduate programs throughout the world. It is the form of writing in which in-depth research takes place to study the chosen topic. In this academic assignment, the writing skills of a writer are thoroughly tested.

Writing a dissertation requires working on an original piece. It is to offer an analysis of a topic and collect data from extensive research.

Dissertation vs. Thesis

A dissertation is often confused with a thesis assignment. Both of the assignments are based on research and interpretation, but there are certain similarities and differences between the dissertation and thesis.

A thesis similar to case studies is a shorter work that marks your master’s or semester’s end. It states a compilation of research to prove you’re knowledgeable about information learned in the course.

A dissertation is a paper you write to earn your doctorate degree. It helps others in the field who are doing similar work by giving them ideas and new ways to do things. Spark a new concept, establish it, and defend its existence.

There are some differences between the two terms. For example, one might have a degree requirement while another does not. One might use different research methods to collect data, and one might be longer than the other.

No matter which assignment you are given to write, write them correctly as your grade and degree depend on it.

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What is a Dissertation Structure

The dissertation structure differs according to the field and discipline you are writing your paper for. For a humanities project, the structure is like a long essay. You will need to prove your topic using evidence from other sources.

While writing a dissertation for the subject of science, the structure is complex and lengthy.

The following are the basic elements involved in writing a dissertation

quick guide key elements dissertation writers info

Before you start working on your assignment, a dissertation proposal is written. It is a part of the dissertation in which the research question and the hypothesized results are presented.

It is on the strength of the research question that an instructor decides whether the research should be done or not.

How to Write a Dissertation?

Writing a dissertation accurately is not an easy job. A writer needs to follow a structured planning and writing process to draft an impactful dissertation. The planning process of a dissertation is also a very time-consuming task. It involves the following steps:

  1. Choosing a topic or subject for the research
  2. Creating a hypothesis/deciding on a thesis statement
  3. Developing an outline
  4. Select a research methodology to gather information
  5. Conduct research

Once you have all the required information for the paper, the actual writing process begins in the following order.

1. Dissertation Title Page

The first page of a dissertation is the title page. On it, you can write the title of your research, your name, your school, and what degree program you are in. You will also include the date on which it was submitted.

The title page is like the back of a book. You can put information on it about who you are and where your work came from.

2. Acknowledgments

It is an optional section where acknowledgments and appreciations are given to the people who helped write the dissertation. This includes your instructor, supervisor, friends, colleagues, researchers, etc.

3. Abstract

An abstract is the shortest section of the dissertation, yet the most important one. It contains a summary of the paper. Although this section comes in the beginning, it can be written after completing the whole paper.

The abstract of the paper answers the following questions:

    • What did the writer do with the paper?
    • What is the purpose of the paper?
    • What were the results and implications?

4. Table of Contents Page(s)

The table of content in the dissertation presents all the individual chapters, headings, and subheadings, along with their page numbers. It provides an overview of the paper’s structure and makes it easier for the readers to navigate the work.

5. Introduction

The introduction is the section where the writer sets up the topic of the paper. Here, the paper’s purpose, along with the relevance, and the thesis statement, is presented. The introduction section is written, providing the following information:

    • Present the dissertation topic by providing relevant background information.
    • Scope of your research.
    • The relevance of your topic to the bigger problem or issue.
    • Thesis statement and objectives of your dissertation
    • Overview of the structure of the dissertation

6. Literature Review

The literature review of the dissertation is written, including the following information:

  • Highlighting the current state of research in the defined area
  • Locating any closely located areas, which you should refer
  • Looking out for gaps where you think future research is necessary
  • Evaluating the plan you’ll follow to address that research gaps.

The literature review offers you the leverage to include additional sections as well:

    • Methodological context
    • Theoretical context
    • Practice context

7. Methodology

As the name suggests, the research methodology section reveals how the research was conducted. This section includes:

    • Whether the research was qualitative, quantitative, experimental, or ethnographic
    • How the data was collected. For example, interviews, surveys, etc.
    • Methods of analyzing the data
    • Tools used
    • Evaluation and interpretation of the methods.

8. Sources or Results

In this section, the writer reports the results obtained from the research. This part can be written using hypotheses, sub-questions, and topics. Depending on the field, the result section is either separated or combined with the discussion section.

In the result section, first, the writer has to check the style of reporting used in the field:

  • Scientific dissertations involve a clear separation between results and their discussion.
  • A social sciences paper may involve a separate chapter named findings to bring both the discussion and results together.

The results of the research can be given in the following way:

  • Beginning with the initial overview of the findings followed by details.
  • Moving immediately to the results section details
  • What will be the order of presenting the results?
  • What will be the balance of word space kept across the spread of findings in the paper?

The result section can include tables and charts. Think of the best ways in which the result of the data gathered can be presented.

9. Discussion

In this part, the writer reviews the research in comparison to the expanded context. To complete this part, refer back to the rationale described in the literature review. Further, add the contribution of the research you conducted.

An appropriate practice acknowledges the limitations of the study and its impact on the validity or effectiveness of results.

10. Conclusion

The concluding paragraphs sum up all the points made in the research. Here the writer briefly answers the research question leaving the audience with a clear understanding of the thesis statement.

Moreover, the writer highlights the limitations of the research and provides recommendations for future research on the same topic. To make your conclusion strong, state how the research findings contribute to the field and its importance.

11. Bibliography or Reference List

Providing all the references used in the research is an integral part of a dissertation. Gather all the sources and them down in the bibliography or reference section. All the work cited in the dissertation needs an explanation to do the research and writing authentic.

The composition of this section depends on the format chosen for the dissertation. Whether you are writing the dissertation in MLA or APA format, cite and provide a reference list accordingly.

12. Appendices

The appendices contain all the documents such as survey questions, interview transcripts, figures, or tables used in the dissertation. It is important to check whether or not appendices count for the word limit or not.

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Dissertation Example

Understanding a dissertation’s writing process will be difficult if you have not gone through the examples before. To compose any form of work, study a few examples to understand the structure and writing process.

The dissertation examples provided below are the perfect guide for all undergraduate and graduate students.

Dissertation Topics

A topic matters a lot in any kind of writing. But when it is for a dissertation, it is one of the most important elements. Coming up with the right topic for your dissertation is not an easy task. It is because a writer has to choose a topic that has not been explored previously.

Besides, it is essential to choose a topic that interests the writer. Only an interesting topic will push the writer to conduct extensive research.

If you haven’t decided on a topic, here is a list of dissertation topics you can choose from.

  • A comparative study on In-House Audit and External Audit
  • Management strategies for employee’s performance and happiness
  • Comprehensiveness in advertisement
  • Disadvantages of modern nursing system
  • Occupational therapy for criminals
  • Taking emotional support from animals to treat depression
  • The influence of listening to music on sports performance
  • How advancement in technology has influenced different art forms
  • Lexical borrowing and globalization
  • Can we expect more discoveries of new species?

If you need more topic ideas and writing assistance for your dissertation, ask professional writers at MyPerfectWords.com. The expert dissertation writers will provide you with all sorts of material and guidance.

Dissertation Writing Tips

Students often face trouble while writing a dissertation for so many reasons. Mostly the reason behind a poorly constructed dissertation is the writer’s problem in managing the time. A dissertation is a time taking task that can not be done in a few hours. So dedicating a huge chunk of your time to this assignment is essential.

To speed up the writing process, and write a professional dissertation, follow the tips provided by MyPerfectWords.com below:

  • Start your dissertation early.
  • Set deadlines for each day and work accordingly
  • Get feedbacks frequently
  • Understand the dissertation prompt and the requirements
  • Make sure that the topic chosen is interesting.
  • Give a good start to your dissertation by explicitly stating the thesis statement and purpose in the introduction section.
  • Gather information from credible sources such as journals, research papers, books.
  • Choose a citation style earlier (if not instructed) and do in-text citation accordingly.
  • The word count is important to follow, no matter if you are writing a dissertation or thesis.
  • Proofread your work at least thrice before submitting it.

Following these tips will make your research project effective and impressive.

A dissertation is a type of academic writing on which the student’s degree and career depend. The importance of writing this assignment perfectly can not be underestimated. So make sure that your dissertation is structured correctly, and each part is written carefully

If you are still confused about writing a dissertation, contact us for the best writing services and assistance. MyPerfectWords.com is a writing company that provides original control and satisfies all the writing needs of the people.

Whether you need help writing your dissertation proposal or the dissertation itself, you can get everything at MyPerfectWords.com.

So hire our essay writer service at the most affordable price.

Frequently Asked Question

Which is the hardest part of dissertation writing?

The hardest part of the dissertation is writing the literature review. It is also the most important part because it tells what has been done before and what needs to be done next.

Cathy A.

WRITTEN BY

Cathy A. (Literature, Marketing)

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

Cathy has been been working as an author on our platform for over five years now. She has a Masters degree in mass communication and is well-versed in the art of writing. Cathy is a professional who takes her work seriously and is widely appreciated by clients for her excellent writing skills.

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