To earn a doctoral degree, you will usually have to write a dissertation. The process of writing a dissertation is complex: you will have to draft a viable project, do your own research, and write a manuscript that advances the original argument and makes a contribution to your field of knowledge. Your individual experience will vary significantly, according to field of study, university, department and project. Fortunately, you can follow these steps to make your dissertation writing process easier:
Step
Part 1 of 4: Finding Projects
Step 1. Start as early as possible
While you won't start researching or writing a dissertation until the final stages of doctoral studies-usually, after several years of graduate studies and other exams-you should start thinking about potential projects well in advance. Your first years in graduate school are crucial as you will be introduced to important areas of your academic field. As you work towards mastering the field, you should also start thinking about what things you can add to it. Make a list of these things in your mind and think about the following questions:
- Are there areas in your academic field that could be further developed?
- Can you apply existing academic models to renewable situations?
- What academic arguments can be challenged in the presence of new, appropriate evidence?
- Are there academic debates in your field that could be discussed using a different focus?
Step 2. Understand the purpose of the dissertation
Within the same field of study, each department can provide different ways of approaching the dissertation project. You should find out what a satisfactory dissertation looks like in your field, university, with support from your department, and, ideally, from members of your advisory committee. Fundamental research will help you feel more confident and make the dissertation process more open. You will also be better able to choose a project that will allow you to meet your department's expectations.
- Ask a question. A postgraduate study supervisor or directorate can provide you with information on departmental standards for a dissertation and answer common questions you may have.
- Check dissertations from your department. Most universities upload doctoral dissertations on the internet or archive them in the library. Check out some of the latest. How many pages in it? What kind of research is done in it? How is it organized?
Step 3. Seek help to identify the best ideas for potential projects
As you get closer to starting your dissertation, you should share your ideas with people who can help you: your supervisor, professors who are experts in your field, other students (especially those who have gone through the dissertation process earlier), and other sources. other potential. Be an open minded person and welcome their suggestions and input.
Keep in mind that people who have gone through the dissertation process will be better able to identify the problems with your ideas. If they give you suggestions that an idea you have is too ambitious or that you will find it difficult to find evidence to answer a particular research question, you should listen to that input
Step 4. Be realistic
You should choose a project that can be completed in a reasonable time with the available resources. Unfortunately, this means that you sometimes have to put your most interesting and ambitious ideas aside. Remember: if you can't finish your dissertation within the time limit, then your ideas-no matter how brilliant or revolutionary the content is-will be meaningless.
- Also think about your department and university timetable. Most doctoral programs limit the number of years of the dissertation. Know your time constraints, and include them in the factors to consider when selecting a project.
- In many areas, you also have to think about the funding factor. How much money for travel, archival research, and/or laboratory work does your project require? How will you fund all of the work? How much money, realistically, will you be able to collect? The answers to these questions will help you determine how realistic your ideas are.
Step 5. Choose something that really interests you
After you've gathered input, thought of a practical problem, and sharpened your choices, think about which project will interest you the most. The dissertation process will take a long time. You will live and breathe the project for a long time. Choose a project that you are truly passionate about.
Step 6. Read a lot
Once you've selected a project, read the available academic materials on the topic and other related subjects. Perform an in-depth search of the various available databases for your field. The worst thing that can happen is, when you are halfway through your dissertation, you find that someone else has published it, or that someone has tried to do the same as you and finds the project unworkable.
Part 2 of 4: Starting the Dissertation Process
Step 1. View your project as a question to be answered
After you've chosen a project and read a lot of related subjects, the process of getting started can still be difficult at times. At this point, you haven't done the research needed to build a solid argument. So, for the time being, think of your project as a question you want answered. Later, when you have found the answer, you can use it as a thesis-an original argument that will be raised by your dissertation.
In general, “how” and “why” questions are very suitable for dissertation because they will produce rich and complex answers
Step 2. Seek funding as soon as possible
Once you know what you need to get started and what work you need to do, start seeking funding from various sources such as departments, universities, or external organizations. It's important to know that academic funds move slowly. For example, if you apply for a funding in October, you will receive notification of acceptance (or rejection) of your application in March, and you will only be able to use the money at one point in June. If you don't start early, it will take you years to get dissertation funding.
Step 3. Choose a mentor carefully
Your mentor will be the one who directs the research, supports you emotionally and mentally throughout the project, and ultimately approves your work. It's a good idea to choose someone whose work you value, who is easy to work with, and who is able to communicate effectively.
You should also seek out a mentor who, in addition to being happy to provide guidance, will also allow your work to be your own. Someone who is too rigid will be difficult to work with at the revision stage or when your work needs to change direction
Step 4. Choose your committee carefully
Your supervisor may be able to recommend several faculty members to serve on your committee. In general, choose people who you have worked closely with and whose areas of expertise also vary. Often times, a different perspective will add a lot of value.
Be aware that not all institutions will allow you to elect committee members. The formation of an in-person advisory committee is common in the United States, but in other countries, the dissertation supervisor often acts as a committee member for the student
Step 5. Develop a research strategy and record-keeping system
It is very important to find a system that you can use well at the beginning of the dissertation process. This way, you'll be able to organize yourself well and keep track of what you've read. Ask supervisors, committee members, and other graduate students what system would work best for your project.
Electronic note-taking systems such as Zotero, EndNote, and OneNote are widely used by students. These systems can be used to keep scientific articles and research records in an organized manner and make it easier to search for information in them. We recommend that you use one of these systems unless you prefer to use paper and pencil. Try them out one by one to see which one you like better
Step 6. Use the formatting rules in your field
You should familiarize yourself with the formatting rules for your field as you begin to write. By using the authorship format and citation of bibliography from the very beginning of the project, you will find it easier to work on the final stages.
- Format rules will vary between fields. Commonly used rule systems are APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian.
- In addition to using the “main rules” of your field, the institution you work for may also have specific formatting rules for the dissertation. Some institutions even provide templates to use when compiling a dissertation. Check with your supervisor or postgraduate study directorate before you start writing for information on formatting.
Part 3 of 4: Going through the Long Term Process
Step 1. Be flexible
Realize that even if you have put together a very detailed and in-depth plan, you may find that, in the middle of the process, your project is going down the wrong path. Perhaps the initial lab test results weren't great, or the file you visited didn't have the evidence you wanted. Perhaps, after doing extensive research, you realize that you are asking a question that is impossible to answer. This does not mean the end of everything. Most doctoral students have to adjust their dissertation plans midway.
It is normal for the final form of a dissertation to differ significantly from the proposal. As you research, the direction of your work may change
Step 2. Maintain communication with the committee
The dissertation process can feel very isolating. You research and write alone, sometimes for years. You may also find that no one is asking about your progress. Therefore, make sure you contact your supervisor and other committee members with the latest news about your work and any questions that may arise. This will prevent unpleasant surprises in the middle of the process. If, for example, a committee member does not like the direction your project is going, it is best to communicate this as early as possible rather than realizing it when you are submitting the manuscript.
Step 3. Break your dissertation into smaller parts
Starting a 300 page manuscript from page 1 would be very difficult. Try to work on a chapter (and a subchapter of a chapter) first.
Step 4. Write regularly
Even if your research is not finished, you can start outlining and writing small sections of your dissertation. You should start as early as possible to get used to your writing.
Don't assume that you have to start with the first chapter and work your way up to the end. If your first research yielded something solid about the third chapter, start there. Write in random order if you feel it suits you
Step 5. Create a schedule
You may be able to set your own schedule, or you may have to consult with your supervisor to work out a schedule. Do the arrangement flexibly and realistically, but with the main targets on a certain date limit. Many people find the reverse calendar very helpful in writing a dissertation
Step 6. Use your most productive time
Do you feel productive in the morning? Write for an hour or two as soon as you wake up. Do you usually stay up late at night? Write during that period. Whenever it is, write in your most productive time of the day.
Step 7. Create a special workplace If you try to write a dissertation on a bed or sofa, your attention will be easily distracted
Having a limited space for productive work will help you focus.
Step 8. Share your work regularly
Don't wait until you've completed your first draft to get meaningful feedback. At a minimum, send a draft for each chapter to your supervisor as soon as you complete it. Better yet, share draft chapters you're working on with other students or a trusted mentor in your field.
Most departments offer writing training for graduate students. If you're offered, go along for good feedback on your work
Step 9. Take time to rest
Ideally, you have one day per week to be completely free from work. You need time to recharge so you can get back to work with a fresh energy and perspective. So hang out with friends or family, go out for recreation, or do other things that make you feel good.
Try to take a long leave in the middle of the process. If you wait until the end of your dissertation to take time off, you will be very tired. Take three days off every weekend, for example, you finish drafting a chapter. Celebrate the end of a difficult period of field research with a week of relaxation. This does not mean that you are lazy; this is necessary to maintain your health
Step 10. Take care of your health
Doctoral candidates often experience health problems resulting from stress, anxiety, depression, irregular eating patterns, lack of exercise, and poor sleep. If you take better care of yourself, you will become stronger and more productive.
- Eat regularly. Consume protein, fiber, vitamins, and drink lots of water. Avoid foods with high sugar content, alcohol, and ready-to-eat menus.
- Exercise regularly. Set aside at least thirty minutes each day for exercise-biking, running, or even just walking.
- Enough sleep. You can complete your dissertation without staying up all night. Sleep at least eight hours per day to maintain health.
Part 4 of 4: Overcoming the Final Barriers
Step 1. Be a professional in your field
The dissertation writing period is a time for you to become an active person in your field. Discuss with your supervisor the possibility of publishing part of your research before completing your dissertation. Attend the conference. Give a presentation or poster session for your research. Discuss your work with others in your field for input and suggestions.
- Dress and exude a professional demeanor while you are at the conference.
- The prospect of becoming a professional academic can help you stay motivated in the later stages of the dissertation process.
Step 2. Understand your degree completion process
At the end of your dissertation, you will need to know the requirements of your department and university in order to obtain a doctoral degree. Do you have to undergo a dissertation trial? Who must approve your work? What documents do you have to collect? Once you can answer these questions, you will be able to plan the final stages of your doctoral program.
Step 3. Discuss with each committee member individually
Have a meeting with each member. Inform them that your dissertation is nearing completion, and ask them what they like about you. When do they need your manuscript? Did they find a problem you had to deal with?
This process will be made easier if, as suggested earlier, you keep in touch with the committee members throughout the dissertation process. Ideally, this should be done to avoid the unexpected
Step 4. Do an exercise to state your argument and its significance
If you are going to have to go through a dissertation trial, do an exercise to effectively explain your argument and, more importantly, lay out the value of your work. This will be very useful in court and, afterward, in conferences or job application interviews.
Practice answering, especially questions about significance. Imagine a committee member asking you, “So you have shown that this is what it is. What is the significance?” How should you answer it? Know the meaning and significance of your work for your field of study
Step 5. Seek help rereading and reviewing the last revision
Dissertations are very long, and it will take you a long time if you have to edit them from start to finish. Ask a few people to read your draft before you submit it. This will eliminate avoidable mistakes and identify sentences that are still not clear enough.
Step 6. Remember that you are now an expert
As you complete your dissertation, you will begin to worry about what the committee thinks about your work. Remember that no one knows your job as well as you do. Believe in yourself. You are the only expert in this small aspect of your field.
Step 7. Cope with stress and pressure
As you try to complete your dissertation, you may start to feel anxious about the trial, the content of your job, finding a new job, etc. These things are perfectly normal to feel, but don't let them fall for you. Talk to friends you can trust, and take care of your health as described above.
Step 8. Be proud of your work
Regardless of the trial, the completion of a dissertation is a massive and once-in-a-lifetime achievement. Enjoy, be proud of the results of your efforts. Share this moment with friends and family. Celebrate your work. Now, you are a PhD!
Tips
- Take care of your mental health. The dissertation is a stressful and painstaking process. It's normal to feel anxious and depressed, but if you start to feel both very unbearable, talk to a psychologist.
- Don't isolate yourself. Compared to the early years of graduate school-when you're still attending regular classes and meeting other students-the final part of the dissertation process has to be done by yourself. However, there is no reason to isolate yourself any more than necessary. Join a writing group; maintain contact with friends and coworkers.
- Set your expectations. Your dissertation doesn't have to be perfect; the most important thing is that your writing is complete and satisfying. Perfectionism will keep your work bogged down, so remember this old adage: the best dissertation is a completed dissertation.
