Writing a Dissertation for Dummies

Synopsis

Producing a dissertation has become a major requirement of most university courses, both undergraduate and Masters. It's likely to be the largest single piece of work you'll have to submit - and also the hardest!

Writing a Dissertation For Dummies walks you through all the practical and theoretical aspects of writing a dissertation to help you produce a first-class work. This guide is ideal for any student in the broad range of the social sciences, from anthropology to law, psychology to media studies. From choosing a topic, to researching the literature, utilising your supervisor, managing your time, and structuring and writing your dissertation, you'll be able to avoid all the common mistakes and stay on top of your workload throughout the process. You'll also find tips on the best way to reference your work, and expert advice on presentation and binding. This is a must if you want to maximise your marks on your university dissertation.

Writing a Dissertation For Dummies covers:

Part I: What is a Dissertation?
Chapter 1: So You Have to Write a Dissertation
Chapter 2: Thinking About a Research Question

Part II: Getting Set Up for Your Dissertation
Chapter 3: The Structure of Your Dissertation
Chapter 4: Getting Started
Chapter 5: Finalising Your Research Question, Dissertation 'Type' And Considering Ethics
Chapter 6: Reading Efficiently and Taking Useful Notes

Part III: Getting On With Your Research
Chapter 7: Researching in Libraries and the Using the Internet
Chapter 8: Creating Your Own Empirical Data
Chapter 9: Analysing Data And Drawing Conclusions
Chapter 10: Staying on Track

Part IV: Writing and Polishing
Chapter 11:  Managing Your Argument: 'Writing Up' Your Non-Empirical Dissertation
Chapter 12: Writing Up Your Empirical Dissertation
Chapter 13: Writing Effectively
Chapter 14: References, Bibliographies and Appendices
Chapter 15: Sorting Out The Presentation of Your Dissertation

Part V: Managing The Overall Experience
Chapter 16: Your Work Habits
Chapter 17: Looking After Yourself Physically and Emotionally
Chapter 18: Ten Common Dissertation Pitfalls to Avoid
Chapter 19: Ten Essential Tips For Completing Your Dissertation
Chapter 20: Ten Items For Your Very Final Checklist

Summary

Chapter 1: Getting Your Head in the Game

* Summary: This chapter introduces the concept of a dissertation and its purpose in academic research. It guides students in understanding the importance of choosing a topic and developing a focused research question.
* Real Example: A student studying education might choose to research "The impact of differentiated instruction on student achievement in secondary mathematics."

Chapter 2: Doing the Research: Diving into the Literature

* Summary: This chapter emphasizes the significance of a thorough literature review. It provides strategies for finding relevant sources, critically analyzing them, and using them to support research arguments.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 would conduct a literature review on differentiated instruction and its effects on student achievement in mathematics.

Chapter 3: Methodology: The Road Less Traveled

* Summary: This chapter covers the various research methodologies available to students. It outlines the key components of each method, such as experimental design, surveys, and case studies.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 might choose to use a mixed-methods approach, including a quasi-experimental design and a survey of teachers.

Chapter 4: Analysis: Making Sense of the Data

* Summary: This chapter guides students through the process of analyzing their data. It covers both statistical and non-statistical methods and provides techniques for interpreting the results.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 would analyze the data from the quasi-experiment to determine the impact of differentiated instruction on student math scores.

Chapter 5: Putting It All in Writing

* Summary: This chapter focuses on the writing process. It provides guidance on structuring a dissertation, creating strong arguments, and communicating research findings effectively.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 would use the results of their analysis to develop a written dissertation that includes an introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion.

Chapter 6: The Road to Completion: Staying on Track

* Summary: This chapter offers practical advice on maintaining motivation, managing time, and overcoming challenges. It emphasizes the importance of seeking support from advisors and mentors.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 would develop a realistic writing schedule, consult with their advisor regularly, and join a research group for support.

Chapter 7: Defending Your Dissertation: The Final Frontier

* Summary: This chapter prepares students for the oral defense of their dissertation. It provides tips for structuring the presentation, handling questions, and managing stage fright.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 would practice their defense, anticipate potential questions, and dress professionally for the event.

Chapter 8: Beyond the Dissertation: The Next Step

* Summary: This chapter highlights the career opportunities available to students who have earned a doctorate. It emphasizes the importance of developing transferable skills and exploring different paths.
* Real Example: The student from Chapter 1 might pursue a career in academia, industry research, or educational policy.