Canonical Organization Structure

The preparation of a doctoral dissertation is a very formal process. With most formal processes, following accepted standards and protocols ensures proper communication with the targeted audience. Dissertations are a different breed, however; each dissertation has unique needs and demands. Even in their uniqueness, there are specific requirements that all dissertations have in common.

A Dissertation Format

Dissertations must define the problem, issue or subject that motivated or is the target of the dissertation’s research and why it is important. The student then performs an exploration of existing research and the subject’s history. Introduction of the new contribution and documentation of any experiments is next, validating the contribution. Finally, the student draws his or her conclusions. Novices writing the dissertation may find the following a good starting point for his or her dissertation organization.

Chapter 1: Introduction

In the introduction, the student provides an overview of the problem. In the overview, the student describes the core issue, problem or subject and explains why it is important. Next, the student performs a brief summarization of existing work. The last part of the introduction is a statement of the hypothesis or specific question the student is going to address. The student should make the introduction readable by anyone.

Chapter 2: Definitions

In the second chapter, the student defines terms, phrases and concepts used in the dissertation clearly and concisely. Make explanations in this section in a completely unambiguous manner. Only new terms, phrases and concepts or those used in manners inconsistent with commonly accepted definitions are included. This should be one of the last sections written, incorporating any necessary terms, phrases or concepts that crop up during the dissertation writing process.

Chapter 3: Subject History and Pre-Existing Research

The student presents what history and pre-existing research located during his or her research. It is important to note that in this process the student must not omit research that is contradictory to his or her hypothesis but must be ready to challenge such contradiction. Reviewers generally perceive omission of such information to be academic dishonesty.

Chapter 4: Conceptual Model

Describe the central concept of your dissertation, making it a “theme” which will be used to bind your arguments together. The student answers, at the conceptual level, the basic question or hypothesis presented in the introduction. The student could also add an additional chapter to present additional information about the issue or the proposed solutions.

Chapter 5: Experimental Measurements and Core Arguments

After presenting and detailing the concept, the student addresses any direct experimentation, relevant evidential information, or the core arguments in support of his or her thesis. Experiments and relevant information should focus on the concept’s proof-of-concept (demonstrating the viability of the concept) or efficiency (showing the method or technique provides a better performance than existing methods or techniques).

Chapter 6: Corollaries and Consequences

The student should also explore the variations of the subject and proposals regarding it. Discussions of any logical extensions of the new concept are an integral part of this exploration as are any other possible applications of the concept and subject. As with the background history and research in Chapter 3, the student should also explore potential negative consequences and effects.

Chapter 7: Conclusions

Finally, the student should summarize what was learned and how it can be applied. Discussion of the possibilities for future research should also be included. The student’s final recommendations are made and supportive arguments summarized.

Abstract: The Introductory Summary

Some students make the mistake of trying to write their abstract first. The abstract should actually be the last thing you write. It is a brief summary (a few paragraphs at most) of the contents of the dissertation. It describes the basic problem and research approach. Original research and contributions are emphasized and the results at least mentioned.