A doctoral degree is a popular choice for those looking to deepen their academic knowledge through a research-focused program. These programs typically involve several years of coursework followed by extensive research, leading to the completion and defense of your dissertation.
If you’re asking what is a dissertation? or how to pick the right direction for your research, this guide is for you. Here, you'll learn what a dissertation involves and how to choose a dissertation topic that matters to your field. Plus, we’ll help you narrow down your focus to get started on your research with confidence.
What Is a Dissertation?
Let’s start by answering the question, “What is a dissertation?” A dissertation is a long research paper where you explore a topic in depth, presenting new findings or analyzing existing data. It’s a critical part of earning a doctoral degree and involves the research methods learned during your program. There are two main types of dissertations:
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Empirical (new research): These dissertations involve collecting new data. This can be done through methods like observing participants in labs or other settings. This approach is common in natural and life sciences, but it’s not limited to them.
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Non-empirical (existing research): These dissertations focus on existing data and research to form new ideas or support existing arguments. You won’t collect new data, but you will gather information from various sources like surveys or books. Critical thinking and original analysis are key to this type of research.
How to Choose a Dissertation Topic
Now that you understand what a dissertation is and the two types to choose from, it's time to select your dissertation topic. Follow these six simple steps to help you narrow down your topic and start building an outline for your final project.
Step 1: Start with a Broad Focus
By the time you're in your third or fourth year of your program, you've probably identified some general topics that interest you. It's a great idea to begin with these areas. For example, if you're pursuing a PhD in psychology, you might be drawn to fields like abnormal psychology, social psychology, or forensic psychology.
Choose a subject you are passionate about or have prior experience in. Once you’ve selected your broad area, you can focus on a specific question or issue within that field for your dissertation.
Step 2: Understand the Guidelines
Next, review your school’s dissertation requirements carefully. Look for important details such as the required sources, word count, deadlines, and any guidelines for fieldwork or academic focus. By understanding these requirements upfront, you’ll be able to narrow down your topic.
Knowing what’s allowed and what’s not will help you focus your research and ensure you're staying within the resources available to you.
Step 3: Research the Field
A big part of your dissertation work is understanding the field you’re studying. Before collecting original data or using existing research, take the time to learn about past studies and current trends in your area. This research will be useful when writing your literature review and will give your analysis a solid foundation. Knowing where the field stands will help you position your research effectively.
Step 4: Narrow Down Your Topic
As you dive deeper into your research, think about what truly excites you within your chosen field. Look for studies, events, or conclusions that you either want to support or challenge. By focusing on these specific areas, you’ll discover what areas spark your curiosity the most. These narrowed-down topics will guide your original research and help shape your dissertation in meaningful ways.
Step 5: Make Your Research Topic Stand Out
Once you’ve picked a topic that fits your interests and meets your school’s requirements, it’s time to make sure your approach is original. Don’t simply repeat what others have already done. Challenge the way people think about the topic.
Look for new questions to ask and fresh methods to explore. Think about how you can offer a unique perspective or approach. This originality will be the heart of your dissertation and make your research stand out.
Step 6: Get Feedback from Your Advisor
Your dissertation advisor is one of the best resources you’ll have. They’ve been through the process themselves and can offer valuable advice and guidance. As experts in your field, advisors help you stay on track and offer feedback throughout your dissertation.
Lean on them for support at every step, from selecting your topic to finishing your research. Their experience can save you from making mistakes and help you refine your ideas.
Choosing the right dissertation topic is a big task, and these six steps can guide you toward success. Take the time to think carefully about your topic, it’s worth it! Revisit these steps as often as needed to fine-tune your research. Don’t forget to consider how your topic fits with your career goals, as your dissertation could play a big role in your future.
Does Your Dissertation Topic Matter After You Graduate?
Whether your dissertation topic will have an impact after graduation largely depends on your career path. For example, if you aim to work in biochemistry, your dissertation should closely align with this field.
Your dissertation represents a significant time investment and is the culmination of your academic journey. Therefore, you should consider how it will shape your career. If you plan to teach at a higher level or continue research in academia or government, your dissertation will influence what you teach and explore in the future. This is one possible outcome. On the other hand, there’s also the chance that your dissertation may not matter much after graduation.
There are several possible scenarios for what can happen to your dissertation post-graduation, according to Francesco Lelli. These range from less impactful to more meaningful outcomes:
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Your dissertation may be mostly forgotten.
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Another student may use your dissertation for their own research.
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A student group may find your dissertation useful.
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Your dissertation may aid your supervisor’s research.
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You may collaborate on a publication that includes your dissertation content.
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Your dissertation may contribute to a national or international research project.
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Your dissertation may be useful at the company where you interned.
While some outcomes may seem less significant, it’s important to recognize that the impact of your dissertation depends on how you use it in your professional life. You have the power to decide how your research fits into your future, whether that’s a small contribution or a significant one.
How Long Is a Dissertation?
When it comes to the length of your dissertation, the key is simple: it should be long enough to answer your research question fully. The exact length of your dissertation isn’t something you can decide until you’ve done thorough research. This includes reviewing existing literature and collecting relevant data, followed by detailed analysis.
Only after you’ve gathered and examined your findings will you understand how much content your dissertation requires to present a complete answer to your question.
What Chapters Are in a Dissertation?
While dissertation chapters may differ slightly depending on your field—such as humanities versus life sciences, the essential structure typically stays the same. After conducting your research and gathering your data, your dissertation will usually include the following core chapters:
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Introduction
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Literature Review
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Methodology
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Results
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Discussion
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Conclusion
These chapters will guide the flow of your dissertation, helping you present your findings in a clear and organized manner.
What Skills Do You Need to Write Your Dissertation?
Writing a dissertation involves a variety of skills that you’ll develop throughout your graduate program. Along with the knowledge gained from your classes, you’ll need to refine other essential skills as you research and write. Some important skills to focus on include:
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Critical thinking: Analyze and evaluate different perspectives.
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Time management: Plan and manage your dissertation writing schedule effectively.
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Project management: Break down large tasks into manageable steps.
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Organization: Keep track of sources, notes, and deadlines.
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Research: Collect and assess data relevant to your topic.
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Public speaking: Present your findings confidently, especially during your dissertation defense.
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Networking: Engage with experts and peers to refine your ideas.
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Writing: Communicate your research clearly and concisely.
Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic
Choosing the right dissertation topic is crucial, and there are several tips to help you get started. First, keep your topic realistic. It's easy to get excited about broad ideas, but it's important to ensure your topic can be fully explored within the time you have. Overly ambitious topics can lead to frustration as you realize they’re too broad or complex.
Additionally, stay passionate about your chosen topic. Your enthusiasm for the subject will fuel you through the long research and writing process. Remember, your dissertation topic can also influence your career path, so it’s important to choose something that excites you and aligns with your future goals.
Conclusion
Choosing a dissertation topic is an important decision that can be both tough and fulfilling. While some factors like time, resources, and institutional guidelines are out of your control, you can still shape your dissertation by focusing on what interests you most.
Take the time to think about how you want to spend the next months or even years working on your project. Aim to find a balance between being open to new ideas and focusing on a dissertation topic that excites you and adds value to your field of study.
