Alongside other coursework due at the same time, writing the dissertation was a formidable challenge!. In efforts to alleviate the stress, I designed a step by step guide which I found benefitted my time much more effectively. I believe that sharing these tips with others may also prove beneficial to them in times like this.
Step 1: Choosing Your Dissertation
Creating a dissertation starts with creating the perfect research question which summarises the research in question. Your question has to be one that can provide in-depth exploration but also isn’t the same as previous research. This task is a lot harder than it sounds! Especially when ethical considerations come into play.
Creating An Ideas List
To devise my research plan, I had to retreat into a quiet space where I could concentrate properly, in front of a blank word document. By doing this, I was able to reflect on previous modules I had done, my own personal life experiences and elements which I envisioned as gateways to my future profession.
After narrowing down potential subjects, I dedicated time into deciding which topic intrigued me the most. From this, I devised a research question encapsulating what I wanted to discover in my research.
Example: I found that I was the most interested in working with personality traits and criminal behaviour. This lead me to delve into the different personality disorders Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD), Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD), I found that these were the most relevant disorders when looking at criminal behaviour. My research was focused on whether the traits linked to these particular disorders compared against ‘normal’ personality traits could serve as an explanation for crime.
Example: This is how I laid out my list of ideas.
Ensure That There Is Plenty Of Information Available On Your Topic!
During your topic selection phase, make sure that there is an ample pool of information available to write about as you will be writing 10,000+ words. A Google search and exploration of your university’s online library should be able to help with this task.
Step 2: Plan! Plan! Plan!
Use Your Advisor
Embrace the ‘practice what you preach’ mantra and learn from my own mistake- be sure to utilise your advisor’s expertise. Despite hearing bad things about my advisor from others, I wish I would have used him for extra help. I strongly advise reaching out your advisor as that’s what they are there for and they want you to do well!
Engaging with your advisor can potentially elevate your grades by bridging gaps in your research for example. Beyond the academic benefits of using your advisor, it’s important to build rapport with your advisor as they can serve as a credible reference in your post-university endeavours.
Read Other People’s Dissertations
Engaging with published dissertations online may sound studious, but it can prove to be a valuable strategy in your dissertation planning. It can help not only with the layout of your dissertation but exploring others’ work provides insights into elevating the quality of your own project.
Tailoring your exploration to dissertations that genuinely interest you, even if unrelated to your course, is a smart approach. This not only maintains engagement but also imparts a holistic understanding of the dissertation structure.
Sourcing Correct Information
The struggle to find relevant references is a shared challenge among all uni students. It’s wise to gather a few references before embarking on your dissertation writing journey, ensuring a smooth and coherent flow to your writing. This approach provides a foundation which allows you to integrate additional references into your work along the way.
Where my university’s online library fell short, I turned to Google Scholar, providing more information if permitted by your university. Google searching also proved useful. A diverse search approach can be the key to assembling the perfect reference list.
As universities will tell you, Google searching can be a bit risky however, if you use relevant sources such as Gov UK, the NHS and the Office For National Statistics then these are classed as academic sources with correct referencing information on them. Making sure that your sources have relevant reference information is an essential task as you will be marked down for non-academic sources.
Be wary of sources such as Wikipedia or Simply Psychology as these can pose as academic sources but can be changed by editors. While newspaper articles can be included, it is essential that you use a reputable newspaper such as The Daily Mail or The Guardian. Make sure to steer clear of tabloids like The Sun or The Daily Star as we all know they are not reputable newspapers.
Plan Your Research Method
For those embarking on a research-orientated dissertation, collaborative planning with your advisor is key. Define your research method and if using surveys, draft a comprehensive set of questions which you believe will help you achieve your research goals. Seek your advisor’s input for refinement. In sensitive fields like Criminology, meticulous attention to ethical considerations is paramount- ensuring your piece of research aligns with ethical standards is crucial for a robust and responsible study.
Step 3: Writing Your Dissertation
Make Sure You Are Happy With The Information You Have
Prior to diving into your dissertation writing, ensure that you are satisfied with your collected information. Address any perceived gaps or areas needing more depth to foster a cohesive and balanced narrative. Drafting a preliminary piece can serve as a valuable road map, allowing for easier revisions and ensuring your work maintains a smooth flow while adequately covering all essential aspects.
Don’t Rush It!
Tackling a dissertation project at the last minute just doesn’t seem feasible, while some thrive under pressure, the nature of a dissertation project calls for careful planning. Individual work styles vary so if you find yourself working better under pressure, embrace it. However, make sure to recognise the intricate nature of a dissertation, which often requires more time and effort to achieve the best results. Remember that this project can be used for your future profession or to level up in university if you are wanting to do a Masters degree. Achieving a balance between your working style and your dissertation is the key to a successful outcome.
Take Regular Breaks
Maintaining connections with friends and family is crucial during dissertation time. Regular breaks are equally as crucial as extended periods of work can lead to diminished cognitive function. Avoid reaching the point where your ability to articulate thoughts falters. Strive for consistency in your work, ensuring that both halves of your dissertation are of high quality. Balancing work and breaks is key to sustaining productivity and overall well-being during this extensive academic endeavour.
I found the best way to avoid burnout was to start working later on in the day, and finish early evening. Making sure you have regular breaks, your favourite drink and snacks helps you to maintain high energy levels. Taking a couple of days off in between provides valuable mental respite, preventing the risk of rushed writing and fostering a more thoughtful and polished dissertation. Balancing work with breaks and occasional breaks from the project is a holistic approach to maximise productivity.
Split It Up In Your Head
Dividing essays and my dissertation up into mental sections, allocating specific word counts for each helped me to feel less overwhelmed with the amount of work I had left to do. By breaking down the word count into manageable portions, you can focus on individual sections, enhancing both clarity and organisation into your writing process.
Proof-Read & Proof-Read Again!
Proof-reading is paramount. After reviewing your own work, asking someone else to proof-read as well provides a fresh perspective, uncovering potential mistakes or areas for improvement that you may have not noticed. Eliminating small errors enhances the overall quality of your dissertation, ensuring that your hard work is not marred by avoidable oversights.
Don’t Leave It Until A Couple Of Hours Before The Deadline To Hand It In!
Do not rely on time assumptions. Unexpected computer issues and glitches can arise, so submitting your work a day or two in advance acts as a prudent measure. This not only accounts for unforeseen challenges but also allows for adjustments if your similarity score on TurnItIn is unexpectedly high. Managing the final submission timeline helps mitigate potential stressors and ensures a smoother conclusion to your dissertation.
Thankyou to anyone who has read through these tips, I sincerely hope that these tips prove beneficial to you during your time of need. Navigating the stress of a dissertation is a formidable challenge, and enduring it alone diminishes the experience significantly. I give you all my best wishes for success in your dissertations and hope that some of you progress current research. I also trust that these tips will contribute significantly to securing your envisioned career.
Despite the current challenges you’re facing, rest assured that you will overcome them, and there is indeed a light at the end of the tunnel. The sensation of graduating with a degree is truly indescribable. Picture yourself confidently crossing the stage in your cap and gown, surrounded by the immense pride for yourself, from your family, friends and even your lecturers. Picturing this moment can give you a powerful source of motivation when you need it. It is all worth it in the end I promise you!
