There is always a starting point, whether it is to write a thesis chapter or to plan the thesis framework. Usually, planning comes first in order to set priorities.
We can consider the thesis writing process as a process of drawing. Just like the initial outline, there has to be a clarity of what you need to do like setting your research objectives and hypothesis so that you can set the research area and do the literature review.
In addition to that, just like coloring an image, let’s say an apply, one can either color the leaf first and then the apple because in any way the result will be the same. Like the table of content can either be made beforehand and then the content chapters can be written or it can be done vice-versa.
However, to give shades to the upper most layer, different layers of color can be used without which the color pigmentation can go wrong. Same is the case with thesis chapter writing. In order to derive the result, you have to go through the process of questionnaire development, data collection, data analysis, and data interpretation. It cannot be done in any different order.
The General Format of A PhD Thesis
Moving on from our drawing example, it is time to talk about PhD Thesis writing in a clear and straightforward way.
A PhD Thesis needs to be presented in a general order which might differ from one another depending on the subject, research type, and content requirement. Like some research work has the research methodology chapter and others don’t. Below is the PhD Thesis structure and chapters which need to be arranged in the given order.
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Title Page
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Abstract
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Table of Contents
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List of Figures (Depending on the Subject and Research)
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List of Tables (Depending on the Subject and Research)
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Introduction
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Literature Review
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Research Methodology
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Results
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Discussions
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Conclusions
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Recommendations & Acknowledgements
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References
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Appendices
This is a general framework or say structure in which PhD Thesis is presented. Some universities come up with guidelines where two chapters are combined into one like results and discussions as one chapter; whereas, other universities follow the separated framework. However it does not change the fact and the order in which these chapters or sections are written.
Simple Approach Of Writing
To keep it simple for the beginners and young researchers, let us state i w]very clearly that the order of writing chapters in a thesis may or may not be the same as the order in which they are written.
Here is a simplified approach that one needs to follow in order to write their PhD research thesis.
- The structure needs to be planned in a logical order to support the research argument before actually writing it down.
- Based on the arguments, the graphics, tables, and illustrations need o be finalised (where and when necessary).
- Then content for the main sections need to be decided; background (includes the introduction part), description of argument made in the research (literature review), pointing out the reasoning (research objectives and scope), finding out the ways to analyse those arguments (research methodology), and finally coming to the answers (results, discussions and conclusions).
- After the content has been sorted, it becomes important to plan the chapters in which that content needs to be divided and under which section or subsection.
- Lastly, the planning part needs to move to the writing part and it should be decided in terms of paragraphs, sentences and words rather than going the other way.
BONUS : Tips To Write Down Your PhD Thesis
Writing a PhD does not depend on the framework, it depends on the priority. The priority in which you need the content and information to keep writing and progressing without getting stuck or missing an important step.
After working with expert researchers and seeing how a research work proceeds, we have brought some tips which can help you in planning, writing, and presenting your PhD Thesis.
- Make preliminary notes on the background of your research topic which will help in setting objectives as well as will be used in writing the introduction chapter.
- While researching find a research gap, do literature study, come across reliable research methodology, and accordingly plan your data collection techniques.
- After getting the data, decide on the research hypothesis and objectives which will help you in finalising how you need to present the data based on which you can choose the research methodology.
- Evaluate the data and findings (based on your research type), and derive the results and one or two sentence interpretation.
- Now, all the major areas have been covered and these points can now be used to start writing the final PhD thesis. Put the information in the selected chapters, sections, and subsections in a way they make the research understandable and sorted.
- Work on the table of contents, lists, conclusions, references, recommendations, and abstract.
- Take a short break and after that, go through your PhD thesis to edit it. See the areas which need to be improved and work on those. Reduce or increase the content wherever necessary to set a consistency in the reading flow.
- Once assured, submit your work.