Different Sections of a Dissertation
• Your name
• Institutional affiliation
• Date
2. Abstract:
• A concise summary of the dissertation's main objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions. It should be brief and informative.
3. Acknowledgments:
• A section where you express your gratitude to individuals, institutions, or organizations that supported your research or provided assistance during the dissertation process.
4. Table of Contents:
• An organized list of all the major sections and subsections in the dissertation, along with their page numbers.
5. List of Tables and Figures:
• A list that provides the titles and page numbers of all tables and figures included in the dissertation. 6. List of Abbreviations or Acronyms (optional):
• A list of abbreviations or acronyms used in the dissertation, along with their full explanations.
7. List of Symbols (optional):
• A list of symbols used in the dissertation, along with their meanings.
8. Introduction:
• An opening section that presents the research problem, objectives, and research questions. • A review of relevant literature.
• The rationale for the study.
• A brief overview of the methodology used.
9. Literature Review:
• A comprehensive review of existing literature and research related to your topic.
• Analysis and synthesis of prior research to establish the context for your study and identify gaps in the literature.
10. Methodology:
• Detailed description of the research methods and techniques employed.
• Explanation of data collection and analysis procedures.
• Discussion of the research design and rationale for choosing specific methods.
11. Results:
• Presentation of the research findings, often using tables, figures, and text.
• Objective reporting of the data without interpretation or discussion.
12. Discussion:
• Interpretation and analysis of the results in the context of the research questions and literature.
• Exploration of the implications of the findings.
• Addressing limitations and potential sources of bias.
13. Conclusion:
• Summarization of the main findings and their significance.
• Reiteration of the research objectives.
• Suggestions for future research.
14. References:
• A comprehensive list of all sources cited in the dissertation, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
15. Appendices (optional):
• Additional material such as questionnaires, surveys, interview transcripts, or supplementary data.
• Any material that is too detailed or lengthy to be included in the main body of the dissertation.
16. Vita or Biographical Statement (optional):
• A brief biography or curriculum vitae of the author, highlighting academic and professional accomplishments.
Remember to consult your institution's guidelines and the specific requirements of your dissertation committee or advisor to ensure that you meet all formatting and content expectations.
