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Scholarly Writing Outline for Thesis or Dissertation

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Abstract

This is an outline for how a graduate school thesis or dissertation should be structured. It is based on my own experience and advising/editing many theses over the years. It is intended for social science research and can include quantitative and qualitative methodology. Of course, individual universities may have specific requirements that are not part of this outline. For an outline of how to structure a journal manuscript, which is shorter than a thesis, see: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267509823_Research_Study_Manuscript_Outline
Scholarly Writing Outline for
Thesis or Dissertation
by Michael Marek
Wayne State College - Wayne, Nebraska, USA
Mimarek1@wsc.edu
Cover Page
Copyright page
Acknowledgements
Abstract
Table of Contents (chapters, headings, & sub-
headings)
Chapter 1: Introduction
Define the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Research Questions
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Delimitations of the Study
Assumptions
Organization of the Study/Thesis
Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and
Research
Begin with a listing of the subsections of the
literature review
Use frequent headings to help readers follow
your organization
Conclude with a short summary.
Consider a length in the range of 20+ pages
Chapter 3: Methodology
Begin with a paragraph explaining the purpose
of this chapter
Purpose of the Study (to refresh memory)
Research Questions (to refresh memory)
Review of Related Literature and Research
summary
Method your research framework
Data Collection - show how your data collection
addresses each research question)
Role of the Researcher (Optional - if you are
performing qualitative analysis, you should
explain your role, how you interacted with the
participants, your background, etc.)
Data Analysis Describe; show how your data
analysis addresses each research question
Final transition paragraph, such as:
Chapter 3 has presented the methodology for collection of
data for this study. Chapter 4 presents research findings
and Chapter 5 presents conclusions, discussion, and
recommendations for future research.
Chapter 4: Findings
Begin with a paragraph orienting the reader to
the chapter (because some readers will jump to
this location in your thesis/dissertation and not
read the earlier chapters)
Present your findings in logical order, with
tables and figures as needed and with frequent
use of headings to help readers follow your
organization
If you use mixed methodology, present
quantitative then qualitative findings
Conclude with a summary of the findings, and a
transitional paragraph, such as:
Chapter 4 has presented qualitative and qualitative
research findings addressing the four research questions of
this study. Chapter 5 presents conclusions, discussion, and
recommendations for future research.
Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, Discussion, and
Recommendations
Begin with a paragraph orienting the reader to
the chapter (because some readers will jump to
this location in your thesis/dissertation and not
read the earlier chapters), such as:
Chapter 5 provides conclusions based on research findings
from data collected on ____________, as well as discussion
and recommendations for future research. This chapter will
review the purpose of the study, research questions,
literature review, and findings of the study. It will then
present conclusions, discussion of the conclusions, and
recommendations for practice and for further research.
Summary - similar to the beginning of chapter 4,
including purpose of the study, research
questions, summary of the literature review,
summary of the methodology, plus a summary
of the findings
Conclusions Your conclusions about what the
data means the most important critical
thinking insights revealed by your data
Discussion In this section, discuss each of
your conclusions or major findings. Summarize
each one BRIEFLY, but do not stop there.
Show how your conclusions/findings compare to
other previous research, and discuss why each
is important. This is where YOU as a researcher
present what you have actually learned from
your research.
Recommendations for Practice Provide a list
of several things that teachers, researchers,
administrators, etc., working in the topic on
which you did your research should DO as a
result of your study
Suggestions for further research
Conclusion your final thoughts
Appendices
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