A dissertation is definitely one of the most significant academic papers during the time of your studying. Besides, it is also one of the most time-consuming works as well that cannot be properly written during the week prior to the deadline. Therefore, make sure that you plan your dissertation well in time in order to make this task manageable.
Steps towards Writing a Quality Dissertation
1.Think of your academic interests
What subject is your favorite? What topic would be the most interesting for you to write on? Which discipline do you derive the most enjoyment from? Try to investigate such things before you choose on which subject to write your dissertation. Make the process of writing as exciting as it is possible. Probably, if you don’t know at all which topic arouses interest in you, try doing some preliminary research: read some articles in different disciplines and decide for yourself what appeals to you most.
2.Select an appropriate approach and come up with the best title
Try to figure out what your line of inquiry is going to be. For example, you may opt to extend some previously conducted study by bringing in some new aspect. Besides, you may provide a critique of the theoretical application to some kind of practical issue. Moreover, you might come up with a specific approach and provide a thorough analysis of some idea. Actually, when you have chosen a suitable approach, it will help you to define your title. However, before starting to write, do not forget to get the title approved by your professor. Usually, professors or academic supervisors are really helpful as they will suggest some additional materials to study or help you formulate the topic in a better way.
3.Provide an outline
Generally, the structure is similar to that of any other academic papers: you need to have an introduction, the main body, and conclusion. However, a dissertation typically has more subsections as it is a long paper. Therefore, you can break each of the abovementioned sections into smaller subsections. You should clearly formulate dissertation hypothesis after the dissertation introduction. Then in your main body, you will want to provide such sections as methodology, data analysis, alternative arguments, etc. In the dissertation conclusion, make sure to briefly summarize your findings and indicate whether there is a solution, what aspects remain unresolved, and what implications are needed for the future research.
4.Go on to the reference list
Make sure to provide credible sources: include full bibliographic information to the books, articles, and other sources that you are using. You may even start working on your references during your planning stage.
5.Make the final adjustments in the plan
Don’t worry if your original plans have changed a bit and you see that you have many alterations in your dissertation. This is a totally common thing. As you study scientific sources, your initial plan will change and there’s nothing to worry about. As you gain some new focus, you can then adjust your paper title and organization of other sections before you begin your final draft.