How to write a successful thesis or dissertation
The notion that a dissertation must be completely original is a misconception, for no research is completely original. All research is based on the work of others to some extent. In fact, the most useful kind of research simply builds on research that has already been done. Some of the most successful theses and dissertations simply extend the knowledge base one step further in an area by examining a new variable within a well-established line of inquiry, collecting data on a different sample, testing a new methodology, or introducing a new statistical technique. Thus, as you begin to focus progressively on a broad search for a topic, you gain a more thorough understanding of what has been done in an area and what needs to be done. The term original “implies some novel twist, fresh perspective, new hypothesis, or innovative method that makes the dissertation project a distinctive contribution”
Students often ask when the search for a topic should begin. In some universities students do not begin to search for a thesis or dissertation topic until after they have passed the comprehensive examination. We recommend that a serious search for a dissertation topic start as soon as doctoral study begins. By selecting a dissertation topic early in the graduate experience, you can then use assigned course research papers as a means of doing preliminary work on your projected research.
Typically Chapter One of a dissertation proposals should be titled “Introduction,” Chapter Two, “Review of the Literature,” and Chapter Three, “Methodology.” However, for some qualitative dissertations, the proposal may appear differently. In most cases, after you collect and analyze your data, your Chapters One, Two, and Three will require only minor revisions to be ready for the final dissertation. Even if you must edit some later, you should be writing the proposal and the dissertation simultaneously. For those of you who are doing a qualitative dissertation, you may have to do some major rewriting of the first three chapters as your data emerge.
Theories
Theories are developed to explain phenomena in a field or to provide structure or framework to the knowledge base in a field. A new theory may be developed, or an existing theory may be modified or extendedHow to select a topic for a thesis or dissertation
In selecting an appropriate topic for a thesis or dissertation, the following criteria should be considered as important:- Interest
- Significance
- Available data
- Knowledge and skills
- Manageability
- Funding.
Interest
It is the fortunate dissertation student who investigates a topic that is both professionally and personally compelling. Writing a dissertation is hard work. Try to find a topic for which you have substantial curiosity and perhaps even passion to sustain you though the process.Significance
Dissertation is a test of your preparation to conduct independent research and make a significant contribution to the field. Basically, a significant topic has the potential to do at least one of the following:- Contribute to the development of a new theory
- Test an existing theory
- Uncover new facts or principles
- Challenge existing truths or assumptions
- Suggest relationships between phenomena
- Provide new insights into phenomena
- Suggest new interpretations of known facts
- Alter other people’s perceptions about phenomena
- Extend a research methodology or statistical procedure
Available Data
The ability to collect data needed for your study is a major consideration. Access to data is so important that you might consider identifying your research participants first and then seek to select a topic. You need to be certain the data for your dissertation will be available and accessible when you come to the collection phase of your dissertation. The timing of the data collection is just as important as the topic itself in the calculation of its research-ability.Knowledge and Skills
Selecting a topic consistent with your knowledge and skills is also important. First, you will save time, because you will be dealing with a familiar topic. Second, you can talk knowledgeably about your topic. Third, you are more likely to get support from your dissertation chair and committee for a topic about which you have some knowledge.Manageability
Your dissertation chair cannot provide useful advice until you get it clear in your own mind exactly what it is that you want to study. By narrowing your topic, you make the purpose of your research clear to yourself and others. Sufficiently narrowing your topic helps you organize your literature review and produce a specific problem statement with an accompanying theoretical framework. Part of this narrowing process is writing meaningful research questions.In addition, we recommend that you try to assess the amount of time you will need to complete the thesis or dissertation early in the selection process. The average amount of time required for the final completion of dissertations is from one year to 18 months. The time may be longer if you work full time. The average master’s student requires from four to nine months to complete the master’s thesis.