Dissertation Outline: A Scheme to Follow

Each dissertation is organized according to a relatively strict scheme. A dissertation outline is therefore a set of building stones with which you create your dissertation step by step. Therefore, in order to comply to the accepted academic standards, it is vital for you to create a correct dissertation outline according to which you will write your paper. We have done half the work for you: below you may find a dissertation outline with a brief explanation as to content of each section.

Dissertation Outline: Introduction and Background

This dissertation section includes the following:

• problem context and background;
• problem statement and goals;
• research questions and hypotheses;
• significance of problem researched.

Dissertation Outline: Literature Review

This dissertation section includes the following:

• bibliographic methods used;
• literature review proper;
• implications and unresolved questions.

Dissertation Outline: Methods and Procedures

This dissertation section includes the following:

• research paradigm and design;
• variables, operational definitions;
• subjects and units of analysis;
• instrumentation, data collection;
• reliability and validity;
• data analysis plan;
• methodological assumptions and limitations.

Dissertation Outline: Results and Findings

This dissertation section includes the following:

• data collection and validation;
• data analysis application;
• data presentation.

Dissertation Outline: Discussion

This dissertation section includes the following:

• key relationships, patterns, and themes;
• consistencies with prior research.

Dissertation Outline: Conclusions and Recommendations

This dissertation section includes the following:

• conclusions and implications;
• limitations;
• generalizations;
• unanswered questions and recommendations;
• summary.

Following our dissertation outline, you should also take into account the individual requirements of your dissertation and adjust the sections accordingly.