Basically, it is not so easy to craft a dissertation. But to make the process easier, it is advisable to create a dissertation outline because it will help to identify the strategic research goals and structure easily. Moreover, it will act as a planner to organize the ideas. In case, you are unaware of how to write a dissertation outline, check this blog post. Here, we have explained in detail the effective steps and tips for preparing the dissertation outline. Furthermore, from here, you can also learn the benefits of writing dissertation topics and outline.
Before moving the steps for writing a dissertation outline, first, let us look at the overview of it.
What is a Dissertation Outline?
A dissertation outline is a simple guide that will specify the main ideas and concepts to be added to each section of a dissertation paper. In simple, it sketches a practical list of what needs to be done. By following any methods such as linear planning and concept planning, the thoughts and ideas to be presented in the thesis can be structured in the outline. Remember, with the help of a well-structured outline, a coherent dissertation can be created.
Benefits of Writing a Dissertation Outline
In general, college and university students may find it difficult to craft a dissertation outline. But if you write a neat and clear outline, then using that, you can organize the information in a Ph.D. paper properly. The outline serves as a proposal for the overall assignment papers.
The benefits of writing a dissertation outline are many. Mainly, you can save time and manage deadlines when you have a well-structured outline. The following are a few key benefits that you will earn if you write a good dissertation outline.
- Throughout the write-up, the dissertation outline gives a clear overview of what is to be included in every paragraph and chapter of the thesis.
- The progress can be easily tracked.
- All the important points can be covered without omitting any.
- The repetition of points and unnecessary confusion regarding the topic can be avoided.
- The focus on the topic can be maintained, without any deviation.
- The entire dissertation writing process can be simplified.
- The ideas or arguments for a thesis statement can be connected easily.
Learn How to Write a Dissertation Outline
In the United States, different universities and colleges follow different dissertation structures. But, the majority of educational institutions follow the common dissertation structure that includes 5 sections – introduction, detailed review, methodology, data analysis, and conclusion.
Listed below are the simple steps for writing a dissertation outline.
- Firstly, find out a valid research topic related to your field of study.
- Secondly, before selecting your main thesis, read plenty of academic journals, manuals, and reviews that are related to your research topic.
- Thirdly, have a deep discussion with your instructor regarding your research methodology and argumentative position.
- Fourthly, prepare notes for the outline by referring to all the relevant scientific works.
- Fifthly, for your dissertation, plan a structure.
- Next, compose each section of the dissertation with the gathered ideas.
- Then, create a dissertation proposal with the appendix and notes.
- Give more attention to additional research and future objectives.
- Next, to proofread your content, prepare a list of objectives as a personal checklist.
- Finally, proofread your entire dissertation.
Standard Templates of a Dissertation Outline
Mentioned below are the basic dissertation outline templates that you can alter and use as per your research paper topics or subject.
Dissertation Outline Template-Sample 1
Introduction
- Intro
- Issue & its background
- Issue Statement
- Research Questions
- Significance
- Glossary of Terms (optional)
- Limitations & Assumptions
- Concluding paragraph
Literature Review
- Intro
- Description of literature search
- Framework
- Review of Literature
Methodology (Qualitative/Quantitative/Mixed)
- Intro
- Research Design
- Research Hypotheses & Questions
- Setting/Sample & Population
- Participants/Instrumentation
- Data Collection
- Data Analysis
- Concluding section
Findings
- Intro
- Findings
- Conclusion
Discussion and Suggestions for Further Research
- Intro
- Findings summary
- Conclusions
- Discussion
- Suggestions for future investigation
- Final conclusion part
Dissertation Outline Template-Sample 2
Front Part
- Title Page
- Signature Page
- Abstract
- Table of contents
- Optional or upon the scientific supervisor’s request: Dedication, Acknowledgment, Copyright Notifications, List of figures, and list of tables
Introduction
- Basic topic explanation and the main problem
- Statement of the research questions
- The objective and importance of the investigation
- Definitions of the terms (if needed)
- Organization of the research
Literature Review
- Introduction
- Theoretical background
- Review of the used sources
- Critical assessment of the literature
Research Methodology
- Main questions and design
- Statement of the chosen research method
- Explanation of the methodology value
- Specification of procedures applied to collect and analyze the data
- Limitations
- Ethical considerations
Results of the Study
- Statement of the received results and their analysis
- Comparison of the obtained results and initial goals/questions
Summary
- Discussion of the research results
- Comparison of the obtained results with the findings of prior researchers
- Suggestions regarding the use of the obtained findings for the further development of the topic and future investigation
The List of References
Appendices
Components of Dissertation Outline
For writing a dissertation outline, there is no defined template. Depending on your research topic you can prepare a dissertation outline with 4 or 5 parts. If your university introduces any changes in the structure, then make sure to stick to that.
In a nutshell, here we have discussed the essential sections of the dissertation outline. Go through that and learn how to compose each section.
Introduction
Begin the dissertation outline with an introduction section. Here, enclose the general introduction and brief background information on the research problem to be addressed. Next to that, mention the problem statement that acts as a thesis idea. Following that, specify the study purpose and research questions that are significant to the thesis. Along with that, present the importance of the chosen study, including topic relevance.
When writing the introduction section, never forget to provide a clear definition of terms. Also, mention the personal assumptions and discovered limitations, if needed. Additional study details, if necessary, can also be included in the conclusion of the primary section.
Literature Review
This part focuses on the literature described, listed, investigated, and studied in depth. In order to justify the use of provided materials in the dissertation, provide a conceptual or theoretical framework. Additionally, make sure to include a detailed review of all the involved sources depending on the topic variables.
Qualitative Methodology
It is one of the trickiest sections in the dissertation outline. Primarily, it deals with research design, scientific relevance questions and provides the setting for analysis, and describes the objects of study or participants. Next to that, present data collection and extensive analysis. In this section, citations must be used wherever it is necessary. The final part of this section should give a brief overview of the method justification.
Quantitative Research Methods
It encloses the research design with problem description, problem questions, and hypotheses made. Here, the samples and population statistics that are related to methodology make this part different from others. Most importantly, it includes instrumentation used for the accurate collection of data. Its conclusion ends with a complete analysis.
Combined Methodology Analysis
Begin this section with a brief overview and strategy pattern by choosing a mixed approach. Then, continue to focus on goals and hypotheses. Next, provide the setting and relevant samples. Choose the work methods that are related to the data collected. The complete analysis should cover both opinions and references to scientific journals. In this dissertation section, using opinion, make the chosen methods obvious to the audience
Research Outcomes
This chapter aims to explain all the findings. Mainly, it is suggested to organize the findings either by hypotheses or research questions mentioned. The introduction should speak on what has to be found and the conclusion should summarize whether the outcome is successful or not.
Conclusion
It is the final part of the dissertation outline that should provide a detailed findings summary. After the achieved goals are listed, the conclusion that gives analytical thought must be included. In order to make things easier, it is recommended to continue with the topic discussion and research paper description. Mention suggestions for additional investigation, if it is appropriate. Before wrapping up the work, check twice whether everything is included. In the dissertation plan, the last part is the best place to share opinions and justify the style used.
Final Words
We hope you are now clear about how to write a well-structured dissertation outline. In case, you are still not confident about it or if you need an expert to help you in preparing your dissertation outline, contact us immediately.
