Dissertation Writing Dos and Don’ts: What Every Student Should Know

Are you a graduate student working on your dissertation? Do you need help to stay focused, manage your time, or write a coherent and compelling document? You’re not alone. Dissertation writing can be daunting, requiring various skills and knowledge that are only sometimes taught in coursework. But with the right strategies and mindset, you can succeed and enjoy the process.

In this article, we’ll share the most important dissertation writing do’s and don’ts , drawing on the latest research and expert advice. Whether you’re just starting or nearing the finish line, these tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and achieve your academic and professional goals.

So, let’s dive in and discover what every student should know about writing a successful dissertation.

Plan Your Dissertation

Writing a dissertation is an arduous task that requires a lot of planning. Before starting, you need to clearly understand what you want to achieve, what your research question is, and how you plan to answer it. One of the most important things to consider is your timeline. Ensure you give yourself enough time to conduct thorough research, write, edit, and proofread your work. Break the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks and set realistic goals for each.

Another aspect of planning is choosing the right methodology. Your methodology should be aligned with your research question and objectives. For instance, if you’re conducting a qualitative study, you must decide on the best approach to gather and analyze data, such as interviews, focus groups, or observations.

Ultimately, planning your dissertation requires careful consideration of your research question, methodology, timeline, and goals. With a well-thought-out plan, you can tackle your dissertation with confidence and ease.

Conduct Thorough Research

Conducting thorough research is a crucial part of writing your dissertation. The first step is to identify relevant sources. You can start with a general search on databases such as Google Scholar, JSTOR, and PubMed, then narrow your search to specific keywords and topics.

When evaluating sources, consider the author’s credibility, the publication date, and the relevance to your research question. Take detailed notes and organize them according to themes and sub-themes. This will help you stay organized and make it easier to write your literature review.

Consider alternative sources such as archives, primary sources, and interviews. These can provide unique insights and perspectives on your research question.

Conducting thorough research is a time-consuming but essential part of writing your dissertation. By being diligent and organized, you’ll be able to gather the necessary evidence to support your arguments and answer your research question.

Dissertation Writing Do’s and Don’ts

Writing a dissertation can be a daunting task, and there are several common things that students need to correct. One of the biggest things that could be improved is procrastination. It’s easy to put off writing, but it can lead to unnecessary stress and a rushed dissertation.

Another common mistake is not seeking feedback. Feel free to share your work with peers, mentors, and professors. They can offer valuable insights and help you improve your writing.

Also avoid being too repetitive or overly descriptive. Your dissertation should be concise and focused on answering your research question.

Ensure you proofread and edit your work thoroughly. Typos and grammar errors can detract from the quality of your work and reduce your credibility as a researcher. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly increase your chances of success in writing a dissertation. It is essential to remember that dissertation writing is a lengthy and challenging process that requires dedication, hard work, and discipline.

It is crucial to give yourself enough time to complete each section of the dissertation and not rush through the writing process. One of the most common mistakes students make is procrastinating and leaving the writing until the last minute. This approach will lead to a poorly written dissertation and increase stress and anxiety levels.

Another common mistake is failing to plan and organize the dissertation properly. Before starting to write, creating a detailed dissertation outline is essential, including the research question, objectives, methodology, and data analysis. This approach will ensure that you stay on track and stay consistent with the main topic of the dissertation.

Only copy and paste information from other sources with proper citations. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense that can lead to severe consequences, including losing academic credibility and even expulsion from the university.

Writing a dissertation can be daunting, but following these dos and don’ts can significantly increase your chances of success. Remember to give yourself enough time, plan and organize the dissertation properly, and avoid common mistakes such as procrastination and plagiarism. With dedication and hard work, you can write a high-quality dissertation that earns you the recognition you deserve.

Seek Feedback and Support

As a dissertation writer, seeking feedback and support is crucial to success. Writing a dissertation is a long and often challenging process, and it’s easy to get lost in your thoughts or become discouraged. However, seeking feedback and support from your supervisor, peers, friends, and family can help you stay on track and remain motivated.

Your supervisor is your first port of call for feedback and support. They can provide you with constructive criticism, help you refine your research questions, and give you tips on improving your writing. They can also help you navigate any challenges during the dissertation process.

Peers can also be a valuable source of feedback and support. Joining a dissertation writing group or forum can allow you to discuss your work with others in the same boat as you. You can share your progress, ask for feedback, and even gain new insights and ideas from others.

Consider the power of support from your friends and family. They may not be experts in your field, but they can still provide the emotional support you need to keep going. Sometimes a kind word or a listening ear can make all the difference.

Seeking feedback and support is essential to the dissertation writing process. Contact your supervisor, peers, or loved ones for help and encouragement. You can overcome any obstacle with the right support system and complete your dissertation.

Dos and Don’t of Dissertation Formatting

Formatting your dissertation can seem tedious, but ensuring that your work is presented professionally and meets the required standards is essential. Here are some dos and don’t of dissertation formatting:

Do:

• Follow the guidelines provided by your institution or department for formatting your dissertation.
• Use consistent formatting throughout your dissertation, including headings, fonts, margins, and spacing.
• Include a table of contents, a list of figures, and a list of tables if required.
• Use proper citation and referencing styles as per the guidelines provided.

Don’t:

• Use non-standard fonts, font sizes, or spacing.
• Overuse bold or italics for emphasis.
• Use unnecessary images or graphics that don’t add value to your work.
• Refrain from proofreading your dissertation for formatting errors before submitting it.

Following these dos and don’t of dissertation formatting will ensure that your work is well-organized and meets the required standards, making it easier for your readers to navigate and understand your research. Remember always to consult your institution’s guidelines for specific formatting requirements.

Get Feedback and Revise Your Work

Getting feedback from your supervisor, peers, or other experts in your field is an essential part of the dissertation writing process. It can provide valuable insights and help you identify areas for improvement in your work. While feedback may sometimes be difficult to hear, it is crucial to take it constructively and use it to enhance your writing.

When you receive feedback, take the time to consider each comment and suggestion carefully. Look for patterns in the feedback and prioritize the areas multiple reviewers identified as needing improvement. Make notes on specific changes you want to make and develop a plan to implement them in your work.

Once you have made revisions based on feedback, you must proofread and edit your work thoroughly. This process should involve checking for spelling, grammar, and punctuation errors and reviewing your work for clarity, consistency, and coherence. Ensure your dissertation follows your department’s guidelines, including formatting and citation requirements.

Getting feedback and revising your work is integral to dissertation writing. By taking the constructive feedback into account and implementing changes to improve your work, you can ensure that your dissertation is well-written, well-researched, and compelling.

Use the Right Tools and Resources

Writing a dissertation requires extensive research, analysis, and writing skills. Therefore, using the right tools and resources to enhance your work’s quality and efficiency is crucial. Here are some essential tools and resources to consider:

1. Reference managers – Users such as Zotero, Mendeley, and EndNote can help you manage and organize your research materials, including articles, books, and other sources. These tools can also help you cite your sources properly, which is essential for avoiding plagiarism.
2. Writing software – Writing software such as Grammarly, ProWritingAid, and Hemingway can help you improve your writing skills by checking your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. These tools can also help you enhance your writing style and readability.
3. Statistical software – Statistical software such as SPSS, SAS, and Stata can help you analyze your research data effectively. These tools can also help you visualize your data and present your findings clearly and concisely.
4. Online databases – Online databases such as JSTOR, ProQuest, and EBSCO can provide you with access to thousands of academic articles, books, and other sources. These databases can help you conduct thorough research and find relevant sources for your dissertation.
5. Writing communities – Joining writing communities such as Writing.com, Scribophile, and Reddit writing groups can provide you with support and feedback from other writers. These communities can also help you stay motivated and accountable during your dissertation writing process.

Using the right tools and resources can help you write a high-quality dissertation efficiently. Therefore, investing time and effort in finding the right tools and resources for your dissertation writing process is crucial.

Be Organized and Consistent in Your Writing Style

One important aspect of writing a successful dissertation is maintaining a consistent and organized writing style throughout the document. This means using the same tense, voice, and formatting conventions throughout the text.

First choose a tense and stick with it. Most dissertations are written in the past tense, describing research already conducted. However, some sections, such as the methodology, may require the present tense. Regardless of the tense used, it is important to be consistent throughout the document.

Maintain a consistent voice throughout the dissertation. This means choosing between active and passive voice and using it consistently throughout the text. The active voice is generally preferred in academic writing, making it more direct and engaging.

Use consistent formatting conventions throughout the document. This includes headings, subheadings, citations, and references. Be sure to follow the formatting guidelines your academic institution or department provides. Consistency in formatting makes the document easier to read and demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism.

Being organized and consistent in your writing style is crucial for a dissertation. Maintaining consistent tense, voice, and formatting conventions ensures that your document is clear, professional, and easy to read.

Let Us Help You Write the Best Dissertation!

Writing a dissertation can be daunting, but following these dos and don’ts can make the process smoother and more manageable. Remember to stay organized, plan, and seek feedback. And if you need additional support, don’t hesitate to contact our dissertation services for expert assistance.

We have a team of experienced writers and editors who can help you with every process step, from topic selection to formatting and editing. With our help, you can submit a high-quality dissertation that showcases your research skills and academic achievements. So why wait? 

Contact us today and take the first step toward a successful dissertation submission.