Since a dissertation represents one of the most challenging and time-consuming tasks, the dissertation outline becomes an integral element that helps identify structure and strategic research goals. The task also includes writing dissertation thesis, which is an obligatory stage in every student´s postgraduate studies. Before one starts with creation of scientific masterpiece, it is necessary to learn the difference between dissertation and thesis and develop an accurate plan for making inquiry clear and well-structured. In order to help you with essential steps that should be taken, we created dissertation proposal outline guide, including essay outline templates online and general rules.
An outline should represent a guide specifying what tasks must be fulfilled to achieve academic goals. It aims to determine what ideas and concepts are obligatory for addition to one's paper. In the sections below, you will find brief explanation of what is expected in excellent dissertation paper outline and how to organize it correctly. EduBirdie has "write my dissertation for me" services, your work will be the perfect one!
What is an Outline: Definition and Purpose
The dissertation structure aims to keep students focused on the proposed topic, so no time is wasted, and no extra ideas are introduced in progress. Planning thesis academically enables collecting required data and getting it organized scientifically in more logical and structured way. The paper draft serves as a guideline that helps to achieve goals and connect arguments to the main thesis. An outline helps to avoid confusion and repetition as lengthy paper is brought together.
Additionally, when a dissertation proposal outline is submitted to a college or university professor, most young scientists have to work with a sketch that reveals the topic and general ideas. Once composed correctly, it serves as a proposal for the overall assignment.
Different university professors in the United States may follow different dissertation structure outline, yet in most cases, the common structure consists of five sections, like in a general scientific paper: introduction, detailed literature review, methodology, analysis of presented data, and conclusion paragraph. Before we proceed with dissertation chapters, let us review several writing tips and things to check before starting! Are you stuck with your dissertation? Hire our dissertation writing service, and be done with stress headaches.
Useful Outline Writing Tips
- Start with a relevant topic and field of study you know and can support well with a sufficient number of scientific sources.
- Before choosing the main thesis, look through academic journals, manuals, and reviews on the subject in advance.
- Discuss every concern with the academic advisor, focusing on approach, methodology, and argumentative position. Show outline or sources for approval.
- Reading through scientific works on the topic, take notes for outline.
- Compose each section of the thesis offered, according to ideas presented without the introduction of extra bits.
- Working on dissertation proposal, with appendix and notes.
- Present all available information to the academic advisor so all unnecessary information is left out.
- The general rule is to avoid new ideas in conclusion and channel attention towards future objectives and calls to additional research.
- Compose a list of objectives beforehand as a personal checklist to "proofread the dissertation" this way.
- Proofread and polish your paper or ask professionals to provide thesis help.
Sections of Dissertation in a Nutshell
It should be noted that there is no absolutely correct dissertation outline template that would fit every subject. While Social Sciences, for example, may include 4-5 parts, an assigned committee may introduce changes, so it is always better to check twice in advance. In our guide, we will focus on 5 chapter method with outline variations specified. Anyone can face struggles with writing such complex types of academic papers so you can hire an article review writer for confidential help.
- Introduction
As a rule, it encloses a general introduction and background description of the problem addressed. Next comes the problem statement that serves as a general thesis idea. The following part should present the study purpose and research questions that are significant for this specific work. The next section should focus on the significance of the chosen study, which usually includes topic relevance. Do not forget to provide clear definitions of terms used. It is also where personal assumptions and discovered limitations are mentioned. For conclusion of primary section, ensure to provide additional study details, if necessary.
- Literature Review
As the name suggests, dissertation chapter 2 describes, lists, investigates, and studies all implemented literature in depth. One has to provide a conceptual and/or theoretical framework to justify the use of provided materials. Depending on the topic variables, one should enclose a detailed review of the sources involved.
Note: Third chapter may differ, depending on topic and methods chosen or required!
- Qualitative Methodology
This is one of the trickiest sections because it has to show the research design, scientific relevance questions, provide a setting for analysis, and describe participants or objects of study. Next, a data collection paragraph is presented, which is followed by extensive analysis. This is where one must use citations when and if necessary. The final part should contain a brief overview of method justification.
- Quantitative Research Methods
In this case, it follows research design with problem description, problem questions, and hypotheses made. What makes it different are provided samples and population statistics related to methodology. Moreover, it has to include instrumentation used for accurate collection of data. It ends with their analysis.
- Combined Methodology Analysis
Choosing mixed approach, start with brief overview and strategy pattern. Continue by focusing on hypotheses and goals. Provide setting and sample(s) next. After collecting the data, it has to relate to the chosen work methods. Analysis has to include both opinion and references to scientific journals. With such an option, this section of the dissertation has to make the chosen methods obvious to the audience.
- Research Outcomes
The fourth chapter aims to explain the findings. It is recommended to organize them either by the research questions specified or the hypotheses given. Remember that the introduction must describe what has been found, while the conclusion is a summary that explains whether the research has been successful or not.
- Conclusion: Discussion and Future Research Suggestions
The final part has to provide a more detailed findings summary. It differs from previous chapter in depth of personal analysis involved. After one lists achieved goals, it is necessary to provide conclusion that includes analytical thought. To make things easier, continue with discussion of topic, describing paper's research, or contact us to write my discussion post for you. If appropriate and available, mention suggestions for additional investigation or what is necessary to add. Wrapping one's work together, remember to check twice not to forget anything. The last part of the dissertation plan is a good place to include opinions and justify the style used.
Dissertation Outline Template for Students
Here is a basic outline of dissertation sections that you can adjust to your paper topic and subject.
Chapter 1: Introduction
- Intro
- Issue & Its Background
- Issue Statement
- Research Purpose & Questions
- Significance
- Glossary of Terms (optional)
- Limitations & Assumptions
- Concluding paragraph
Chapter 2: Literature Review
- Intro
- Description of literature search
- Framework
- Review of Literature
Chapter 3: Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative/Mixed)
- Intro
- Research Design
- Research Hypotheses & Question
- Setting/Sample & Population
- Participants/Instrumentation
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Concluding section
Chapter 4: Findings
- Intro
- Findings
- Conclusion
Chapter 5: Discussion and Suggestions for Further Research
- Intro
- Findings Summary
- Conclusions
- Discussion
- Suggestions for Further Investigation
- Final Conclusion Part
Read also: Research proposal writing help from real experts!
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