You may have encountered the daunting dissertation writing task as a postgraduate student. Dissertation writing requires time, effort, and dedication to produce a well-researched and well-written document. While you may have access to various online resources, a good book can sometimes provide the necessary guidance and inspiration to write a great dissertation. In this article, we have compiled a list of the seven best books to help you write a dissertation.
Introduction
Dissertation writing is a crucial part of a postgraduate student’s academic journey. It is an opportunity to demonstrate your understanding of the subject matter and showcase your research and writing skills. However, it can be overwhelming, and you may need help figuring out where to start. That is where these seven books come in. They provide practical guidance, tips, and examples to help you write an excellent dissertation.
Choosing the Right Topic
The first step in dissertation writing is selecting the right topic. It should be relevant, original, and feasible. A useful book to guide you through this process is “How to Choose a Research Topic” by Kathryn L. Macmillan and William G. Trochim. It provides strategies for generating research ideas, selecting and refining research questions, and evaluating the feasibility of a research topic.
Writing the Proposal
Once you have selected a topic, you must write a proposal outlining your research objectives, methodology, and expected outcomes. “The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Planning, Writing, and Defending Your Dissertation” by Carol M. Roberts is an excellent resource for writing a proposal. It provides step-by-step guidance on developing a proposal and includes examples of successful proposals.
Conducting Research
After your proposal has been approved, it’s time to conduct research. “Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches” by John W. Creswell is a comprehensive guide to research design. It covers the different research approaches, data collection methods, and analysis techniques, providing a framework for designing and conducting research.
Organising the Dissertation
Organizing your dissertation is essential to ensure your ideas are coherent and logically flow. “Demystifying Dissertation Writing: A Streamlined Process from Choice of Topic to Final Text” by Peg Boyle Single provides a practical approach to organizing your dissertation. It includes templates and checklists to help you structure your dissertation and ensure you have covered all the necessary elements.
Writing the Dissertation
Dissertation writing can be challenging, especially if you have never written a long-form document. Fortunately, there are several excellent dissertation writing books available to help guide you through the process. “How to Write a Better Thesis” by David Evans, Paul Gruba, and Justin Zobel is one such book. It covers the different sections of a dissertation, from the introduction to the conclusion, providing tips for writing each section. This book and other dissertation writing books can be a valuable resource for anyone embarking on a dissertation writing project.
Revising and Editing
After you have completed your first draft, it’s time to revise and edit your work. “Revising Your Dissertation: Advice from Leading Editors” by Beth Luey provides insights into the revision and editing process. It includes advice from leading editors and authors on improving your dissertation and getting it ready for publication.
Conclusion
Writing a dissertation can be challenging, but with the right resources and guidance, it can be a rewarding experience. These seven books provide practical guidance, tips, and examples to help you write an excellent dissertation. Remember, the key to a successful dissertation is to start early, stay organised, and be persistent.