The dissertation is an original document that is required to satisfy the requirements of an advanced degree. Dissertations consist of the description, analysis, and discussion of original research in the student's chosen field. Different universities and departments may have house styles or formatting guidelines that students are required to follow. A student beginning the dissertation process should first check with his or her dissertation committee for any special guidelines or requirements.
In general, dissertations consist of the following sections: an introduction, a literature review, a methodology, a discussion, and a conclusion. In the introduction, the student introduces the dissertation research and briefly describes the overall project and findings. In the literature review, the student cites and discusses related papers and dissertations within the field which are related to the student's own dissertation topic. The student's dissertation should explore a gap in the existing literature or take on a question raised by research that has been conducted previously in the student's field.
The methodology is a detailed description of the student's research. Depending on the field of study involved, dissertation research can involve anything from a series of scientific experiments, to gathering and exploration of survey and statistical data, to in-depth study of one or more works of art or literature. In any case, the student must write a methodology that describes the research process in detail.
In the dissertation's discussion section, the student interprets the data gathered or other research conducted. The successful dissertation discussion will show how the questions raised by the student's research topic have been answered, and what the answers mean in the context of the student's field of study. In some cases, a student's dissertation findings may contradict earlier research and findings. In this case, the student should draw attention to this contradiction in a balanced, well-reasoned fashion.
In the conclusion, the student summarizes the entire dissertation, including the questions asked and answered, and the interpretations drawn from the research. The student can also highlight any new questions that have been raised by the research conducted, thus suggesting possible dissertation topics for future degree candidates within the student's field.
