Dissertation outlines

All in one: proposal and dissertation outline and formats

Dissertation Outline

• Outline of prospectus (shorter form):

• Sample Outline for Dissertation Prospectus*

• About purpose and elements in the prospectus: Why should anyone care about this project? Can it be done?
• Thesis statement:A reasonable model for your thesis statement is the abstract found at the beginning of some journal articles~ it is a statement of the historical problem you are researching, the tentative conclusion about that problem you hope your research will support, and an explanation of why this problem, and your solution, are historically significant.
• Literature review/historiographical essay:
• Statement of primary sources:
• Methodology:
• Research plan:
• Chapter outline:
• Bibliography:

• Notes for dissertation prospectus

• Another reminder/ checklist

• Dissertation Proposal Outline

• An example of prospectus in economics:

• Dissertation Proposal

• A general detailed outline of dissertation:

• Sample Outline for Dissertation DISSERTATION COVER ...

• Quantitative study oriented:

• Recommended Outline of Dissertation Proposal for Quantitative Research

• Details of format
• http://www.rackham.umich.edu/downloads/oard/Dissertation_Format_Guidelines.pdf
• Timeline

• A SAMPLE TIMELINE FOR COMPLETING A DISSERATION

Multi-paper format

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
3. Explanation of related papers (Glue)
4. Three to four publishable journal style articles
5. Conclusion
6. Future Research
7. Appendix

• Other requirements from committee

• Comprehensive Literature review

MULTI-PAPER DISSERTATION
Another outline:

• Abstract
• Introduction of domain and preview of related papers (Glue)
  
• Paper 1
• Paper 2
• Paper 3
• Conclusion (Glue reprised)
  

Microsoft PowerPoint - Straub-the Multi-Paper Dissertation V201.ppt

Presentation of a multi-paper dissertation (example)

Electronic Surveys: Biggest Bang for the Buck

Conclusion:

1. Abstract (Thesis statement: what will be done~leave to the last)
   
2. Introduction (Glue for the 3 papers~introduction of the domain and preview of the 3 papers; historical significance)
3. Paper 1 (Short introduction, Literature review, Method, ...etc)
4. Paper 2
5. Paper 3
6. Conclusion

Conclusion (revisited):
~Using the first reference and a 3-paper format

DISSERTATION PROPOSAL CONTENTS AND FORMAT

FRONT MATTER

Title Page

Approval Page

Abstract (maximum of 350 words (about a half page) ; written in future tense-optional for proposal)

Table of Contents

List of Tables

List of Figures

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

(Glues of the 3 studies)

Introduction (Introducing the topic of study—2 to 3 pages)

Statement of the Problem (basic difficulty - area of concern, felt need and goal to be

achieved)

Purpose of the Study (goal oriented-emphasizing practical outcomes that “may” occur)

Research Questions (to be answered or investigated)

Research Hypotheses (not null)

Significance of the Study (relevance, need—may overlap with the statement of problem)

Assumptions (postulates)

Limitations and Delimitations of the Study (limitation—factor that may affect the

study but is not under your control, i.e. lack of generalizability; delimitation

factor that is under your control, i.e. narrowing the focus)

Definition of Terms (largely conceptual here-with citations; operational definitions may

follow in Methodology Chapter)

Organization of the Study (outline remainder of the proposal in narrative form)

(Review of the literature and Methodology are done in separate 3 papers)

CHAPTER II

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Introduction (organization of the chapter – overview)

Historical Background/Overview (overview of the theory and research literature)

The theory/research specific to the topic (sections/subsections should match questions)

Review of Literature Summary (what is known and unknown about the topic)

Contribution of the Study (what this study will add to the field)

CHAPTER III

METHODOLOGY

Introduction (organization of the chapter – overview)

Research Questions (restated here)

Null Hypotheses (if needed)

Research Methodology (quan., qual., or mixed)

Research Design (e.g., correlational, comparative, descriptive, etc.—Explain your

variables of analysis here)

Population and Sample (Define very specifically the population AND sample)

Instrumentation (tests, measures, observations, scales, and questionnaires)

Procedures (Field, classroom or laboratory e.g., instructions to subjects or distribution of

materials; data collection and recording—everything BEFORE analysis)

Data Analysis (statistical analysis or qualitative analysis explained in detail)

Reliability and Validity (here or as a subheading UNDER Instrumentation)

Summary of Methodology

BACK MATTER

References (must be in APA format)

Appendices (each Appendix has own title page; IRB in one appendix)

Vita