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How to write a literature review for a dissertation, published by steve tippins on july 5, 2019 july 5, 2019.

Last Updated on: 22nd May 2024, 04:06 am

Chapter 2 of your dissertation, your literature review, may be the longest chapter. It is not uncommon to see lit reviews in the 40- to 60-page range. That may seem daunting, but I contend that the literature review could be the easiest part of your dissertation.

It is also foundational. To be able to select an appropriate research topic and craft expert research questions, you’ll need to know what has already been discovered and what mysteries remain. 

Remember, your degree is meant to indicate your achieving the highest level of expertise in your area of study. The lit review for your dissertation could very well form the foundation for your entire career.

In this article, I’ll give you detailed instructions for how to write the literature review of your dissertation without stress. I’ll also provide a sample outline.

When to Write the Literature Review for your Dissertation

Though technically Chapter 2 of your dissertation, many students write their literature review first. Why? Because having a solid foundation in the research informs the way you write Chapter 1.

Also, when writing Chapter 1, you’ll need to become familiar with the literature anyway. It only makes sense to write down what you learn to form the start of your lit review.

Some institutions even encourage students to write Chapter 2 first. But it’s important to talk with your Chair to see what he or she recommends.

How Long Should a Literature Review Be?

There is no set length for a literature review. The length largely depends on your area of study. However, I have found that most literature reviews are between 40-60 pages.

If your literature review is significantly shorter than that, ask yourself (a) if there is other relevant research that you have not explored, or (b) if you have provided enough of a discussion about the information you did explore.

Preparing to Write the Literature Review for your Dissertation

Step 1. Search Using Key Terms

Most people start their lit review searching appropriate databases using key terms. For example, if you’re researching the impact of social media on adult learning, some key terms you would use at the start of your search would be adult learning, androgogy, social media, and “learning and social media” together. 

If your topic was the impact of natural disasters on stock prices, then you would need to explore all types of natural disasters, other market factors that impact stock prices, and the methodologies used. 

You can save time by skimming the abstracts first; if the article is not what you thought it might be you can move on quickly.

Once you start finding articles using key terms, two different things will usually happen: you will find new key terms to search, and the articles will lead you directly to other articles related to what you are studying. It becomes like a snowball rolling downhill. 

Note that the vast majority of your sources should be articles from peer-reviewed journals. 

Step 2. Immerse Yourself in the Literature

When people ask what they should do first for their dissertation the most common answer is “immerse yourself in the literature.” What exactly does this mean?

Think of this stage as a trip into the quiet heart of the forest. Your questions are at the center of this journey, and you’ll need to help your reader understand which trees — which particular theories, studies, and lines of reasoning — got you there. 

There are lots of trees in this particular forest, but there are particular trees that mark your path.  What makes them unique? What about J’s methodology made you choose that study over Y’s? How did B’s argument triumph over A’s, thus leading you to C’s theory? 

You are showing your reader that you’ve fully explored the forest of your topic and chosen this particular path, leading to these particular questions (your research questions), for these particular reasons.

Step 3. Consider Gaps in the Research

The gaps in the research are where current knowledge ends and your study begins. In order to build a case for doing your study, you must demonstrate that it:

• Is worthy of doctoral-level research, and
• Has not already been studied

Defining the gaps in the literature should help accomplish both aims. Identifying studies on related topics helps make the case that your study is relevant, since other researchers have conducted related studies.

And showing where they fall short will help make the case that your study is the appropriate next step. Pay special attention to the recommendations for further research that the authors of studies make.

Step 4. Organize What You Find

As you find articles, you will have to come up with methods to organize what you find. 

Whether you find a computer-based system (three popular systems are Zotero, endNote, and Mendeley) or some sort of manual system such as index cards, you need to devise a method where you can easily group your references by subject and methodology and find what you are looking for when you need it. It is very frustrating to know you have found an article that supports a point that you are trying to make, but you can’t find the article!

One way to save time and keep things organized is to cut and paste relevant quotations (and their references) under topic headings. You’ll be able to rearrange and do some paraphrasing later, but if you’ve got the quotations and the citations that are important to you already embedded in your text, you’ll have an easier time of it.  

If you choose this method, be sure to list the whole reference on the reference/bibliography page so you don’t have to do this page separately later. Some students use Scrivener for this purpose, as it offers a clear way to view and easily navigate to all sections of a written document.

Need help with your literature review? Take a look at my dissertation coaching and dissertation editing services.

How to Write the Literature Review for your Dissertation

Once you have gathered a sufficient number of pertinent references, you’ll need to string them together in a way that tells your story. Explain what previous researchers have done by telling the story of how knowledge on this topic has evolved. Here, you are laying the support for your topic and showing that your research questions need to be answered. Let’s dive into how to actually write your dissertation’s literature review.

Step 1. Create an Outline

If you’ve created a system for keeping track of the sources you’ve found, you likely already have the bones of an outline. Even if not, it may be relatively easy to see how to organize it all. The main thing to remember is, keep it simple and don’t overthink it. There are several ways to organize your dissertation’s literature review, and I’ll discuss some of the most common below:

• By topic. This is by far the most common approach, and it’s the one I recommend unless there’s a clear reason to do otherwise. Topics are things like servant leadership, transformational leadership, employee retention, organizational knowledge, etc. Organizing by topic is fairly simple and it makes sense to the reader.
• Chronologically. In some cases, it makes sense to tell the story of how knowledge and thought on a given subject have evolved. In this case, sub-sections may indicate important advances or contributions. 
• By methodology. Some students organize their literature review by the methodology of the studies. This makes sense when conducting a mixed-methods study, and in cases where methodology is at the forefront.

Step 2. Write the Paragraphs 

I said earlier that I thought the lit review was the easiest part to write, and here is why. When you write about the findings of others, you can do it in small, discrete time periods. You go down the path awhile, then you rest. 

Once you have many small pieces written, you can then piece them together. You can write each piece without worrying about the flow of the chapter; that can all be done at the end when you put the jigsaw puzzle of references together.

Step 3. Analyze

The literature review is a demonstration of your ability to think critically about existing research and build meaningfully on it in your study. Avoid simply stating what other researchers said. Find the relationships between studies, note where researchers agree and disagree, and– especiallyy–relate it to your own study. 

Pay special attention to controversial issues, and don’t be afraid to give space to researchers who you disagree with. Including differing opinions will only strengthen the credibility of your study, as it demonstrates that you’re willing to consider all sides.

Step 4. Justify the Methodology

In addition to discussing studies related to your topic, include some background on the methodology you will be using. This is especially important if you are using a new or little-used methodology, as it may help get committee members onboard. 

I have seen several students get slowed down in the process trying to get committees to buy into the planned methodology. Providing references and samples of where the planned methodology has been used makes the job of the committee easier, and it will also help your reader trust the outcomes.

Advice for Writing Your Dissertation’s Literature Review

• Remember to relate each section back to your study (your Problem and Purpose statements).
• Discuss conflicting findings or theoretical positions. Avoid the temptation to only include research that you agree with.
• Sections should flow together, the way sections of a chapter in a nonfiction book do. They should relate to each other and relate back to the purpose of your study. Avoid making each section an island.
• Discuss how each study or theory relates to the others in that section.
• Avoid relying on direct quotes–you should demonstrate that you understand the study and can describe it accurately.

Sample Outline of a Literature Review (Dissertation Chapter 2)

Here is a sample outline, with some brief instructions. Note that your institution probably has specific requirements for the structure of your dissertation’s literature review. But to give you a general idea, I’ve provided a sample outline of a dissertation ’s literature review here.

• Introduction
• State the problem and the purpose of the study
• Give a brief synopsis of literature that establishes the relevance of the problem
• Very briefly summarize the major sections of your chapter

Documentation of Literature Search Strategy

• Include the library databases and search engines you used
• List the key terms you used
• Describe the scope (qualitative) or iterative process (quantitative). Explain why and based on what criteria you selected the articles you did.

Literature Review (this is the meat of the chapter)

• Sub-topic a
• Sub-topic b
• Sub-topic c

See below for an example of what this outline might look like.

How to Write a Literature Review for a Dissertation: An Example 

Let’s take an example that will make the organization, and the outline, a little bit more clear. Below, I’ll fill out the example outline based on the topics discussed.

If your questions have to do with the impact of the servant leadership style of management on employee retention, you may want to saunter down the path of servant leadership first, learning of its origins , its principles , its values , and its methods . 

You’ll note the different ways the style is employed based on different practitioners’ perspectives or circumstances and how studies have evaluated these differences. Researchers will draw conclusions that you’ll want to note, and these conclusions will lead you to your next questions. 

Next, you’ll want to wander into the territory of management styles to discover their impact on employee retention in general. Does management style really make a difference in employee retention, and if so, what factors, exactly, make this impact?

Employee retention is its own path, and you’ll discover factors, internal and external, that encourage people to stick with their jobs.

You’ll likely find paradoxes and contradictions in here that just bring up more questions. How do internal and external factors mix and match? How can employers influence both psychology and context ? Is it of benefit to try and do so?

At first, these three paths seem somewhat remote from one another, but your interest is where the three converge. Taking the lit review section by section like this before tying it all together will not only make it more manageable to write but will help you lead your reader down the same path you traveled, thereby increasing clarity. 

Example Outline

So the main sections of your literature review might look something like this:

• Literature Search Strategy
• Conceptual Framework or Theoretical Foundation
• Literature that supports your methodology
• Origins, principles, values
• Seminal research
• Current research
• Management Styles’ Impact on employee retention
• Internal Factors
• External Factors
• Influencing psychology and context
• Summary and Conclusion

Final Thoughts on Writing Your Dissertation’s Chapter 2

The lit review provides the foundation for your study and perhaps for your career. Spend time reading and getting lost in the literature. The “aha” moments will come where you see how everything fits together. 

At that point, it will just be a matter of clearly recording and tracing your path, keeping your references organized, and conveying clearly how your research questions are a natural evolution of previous work that has been done.

PS. If you’re struggling with your literature review, I can help. I offer dissertation coaching and editing services.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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Mastering Your Dissertation Outline: A Comprehensive Guide for Students

• By Ethan Tremblay
• Academic Writing

Understanding the significance of a dissertation outline is paramount for any researcher aiming to achieve a successful academic project. A well-crafted outline serves as a roadmap, guiding you through the complex journey of research and writing. It ensures that your study is systematically organized, with each section logically flowing into the next, thereby providing clarity and direction from the outset.

By establishing a clear framework early on, you can identify potential challenges and address them proactively, saving time and effort in the long run. Moreover, a comprehensive outline is an invaluable tool for maintaining focus on your research objectives, aligning your content with your research questions, and ensuring that all necessary components are included and cohesively presented.

Understanding the Dissertation Structure: Key Components of a Dissertation Outline

A standard dissertation  outline    typically includes several key components: an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Each of these elements serves a distinct purpose in the construction of a scholarly argument.

• Introduction: This initial section sets the stage for your research, presenting the thesis statement and the objectives of your study.
• Literature Review: Here, you’ll map out the existing research, showing how your work fits into the larger academic conversation.
• Methodology: This part details the research methods you used to gather and analyze data, providing enough information for reproducibility.
• Results: The results section is where you present your findings, usually accompanied by tables and figures to illustrate your data.
• Discussion: In this segment, you interpret your results, discussing their implications and how they relate to your hypotheses or research questions.
• Conclusion: The final part of your dissertation summarizes your findings, discusses their significance, and suggests areas for future research.

Each of these components plays a pivotal role in the overall coherence and academic rigor of your dissertation. Crafting a clear and comprehensive dissertation outline is the first step towards a successful research project.

Starting with a Strong Introduction in Your Dissertation Outline

Beginning your dissertation with a compelling introduction is crucial. It sets the stage for your research and captures the reader’s interest. To craft an effective introduction for your dissertation outline , start by clearly defining the research problem. This involves presenting the issue that your study will address in a way that underscores its importance.

• State the objectives of your research succinctly, ensuring they are measurable and achievable within the scope of your study.
• Provide a brief overview of the methodology and the theoretical framework to give readers a preview of your approach.
• Outline the scope of your study, including the boundaries of your research and any limitations you anticipate.

Remember, the introduction should not only be informative but also engaging. It should invite your audience to read further, promising them that the journey through your dissertation will be both enlightening and rewarding.

Literature Review in Your Dissertation Outline: Synthesizing Knowledge and Identifying Research Gaps

The literature review is a cornerstone of a well-structured dissertation outline , serving as a framework to position your research within the existing body of knowledge. It involves a critical analysis of the current literature to identify what has been done and where your research fits in. To construct an effective literature review in your dissertation outline, start by categorizing the existing research into themes or sectors relevant to your study.

• Summarize key findings and theories from each source.
• Discuss the methodologies used in previous studies.
• Highlight any debates, conflicts, and contradictions among sources.
• Identify gaps in the research that your dissertation aims to fill.

By synthesizing the information, you not only showcase your understanding of the field but also build a strong foundation for your research question. Remember, the literature review should lead logically to the identification of your research question or hypothesis, setting the stage for your methodology and subsequent findings.

When detailing your literature review in the dissertation outline, ensure that each point flows smoothly to the next, creating a narrative that supports the necessity and relevance of your work. This section should not only reflect a comprehensive grasp of the topic but also demonstrate how your research will contribute to the existing academic discourse.

Methodology: Detailing Your Research Approach in Your Dissertation Outline

Key elements of the methodology.

When detailing your research approach in the dissertation outline , the methodology section is crucial. It should comprehensively describe the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. This part of your dissertation serves as a blueprint, guiding readers through the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings.

• Research Design: Clarify whether your study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods, and justify your choice.
• Data Collection: Detail the procedures for gathering data, including instruments used, such as surveys or interviews, and the rationale behind selecting these methods.
• Data Analysis: Explain the techniques you will use to analyze the data collected, whether it’s statistical analysis, thematic analysis, or another method.

It’s essential to provide clear, replicable procedures that enable other researchers to understand or replicate your study. This transparency adds to the credibility of your research.

Ensuring Clarity and Replicability

Each step in your methodology should be clearly outlined to allow for replication. This includes any preparations made, challenges faced, and how they were overcome. By doing so, you contribute to the field’s body of knowledge and uphold the integrity of your research.

Presenting Results and Discussion in Your Dissertation Outline

Organizing your findings.

When you reach the stage of presenting your research results, clarity is key. Begin by summarizing your findings with precision, ensuring that they directly address your research question. Use visual aids like charts and graphs to make complex data more accessible. Remember, the way you present your data can significantly influence the reader’s understanding and interpretation of your research.

Engaging in Critical Discussion

The discussion section is where you interpret your results. This is your opportunity to demonstrate how your findings contribute to the field. Discuss any unexpected outcomes and consider their implications. It’s essential to relate your analysis back to the literature you reviewed, highlighting how your work fills gaps or adds new perspectives.

Structuring the Narrative

Structure your results and discussion sections in a logical sequence that guides the reader through your thought process. Begin with the most significant findings and then delve into the finer details. Each point should seamlessly lead to the next, culminating in a comprehensive understanding of your research’s impact.

Concluding with Impact in Your Dissertation Outline

Key elements of a powerful conclusion.

Concluding your dissertation with impact is crucial to leave a lasting impression on your readers. In this section, we’ll explore how to effectively summarize your research findings, reflect on the broader implications, and propose future research avenues. A well-crafted conclusion should not only restate your thesis but also synthesize the insights gained from your study. It’s important to highlight how your research contributes to the existing body of knowledge and to discuss any limitations that may have arisen. Lastly, suggesting areas for further investigation can demonstrate the ongoing relevance and potential of your work.

• Summarize key findings and their significance
• Discuss the implications of your research
• Address the limitations of your study
• Propose directions for future research

Understanding Citation Styles in Your Dissertation Outline

Why citation style matters.

Choosing the correct citation style is crucial in a dissertation as it lends credibility and ensures the recognition of authors’ intellectual property. Different academic disciplines favor specific citation styles that best suit their method of research and publication. For instance, APA is commonly used in psychology, while MLA is preferred in literature studies.

Variations Across Fields

Each field of study has its nuances, and the citation style must reflect this. The sciences often use concise styles like Vancouver or AMA, focusing on efficiency and numerical referencing. Humanities, however, may require more comprehensive bibliographic information, as seen in Chicago or Turabian styles.

Maintaining Academic Integrity

Adhering to the appropriate citation style is a testament to a scholar’s commitment to academic integrity . It prevents plagiarism, which is the unethical practice of using someone else’s work without proper acknowledgment. By meticulously following citation guidelines, researchers uphold the standards of their academic community.

Tailoring Your Dissertation Outline to Different Academic Disciplines

When crafting a dissertation outline , it’s crucial to consider the unique requirements and conventions of your specific field of study. The structure and emphasis of your outline can vary significantly depending on the discipline. For example, a dissertation in the humanities may prioritize a comprehensive literature review, while a scientific dissertation might focus more on the methodology and results sections.

• In social sciences , the emphasis might be on case studies and surveys, requiring a detailed methodology section to justify the research approach.
• For STEM fields , the outline may feature a more technical analysis and a precise description of experimental procedures.
• In arts and humanities , theoretical frameworks and historical context might form the backbone of the dissertation, leading to a more extensive literature review.

Understanding these nuances is key to developing a tailored dissertation outline that adheres to disciplinary expectations and advances your research effectively.

Concluding Your Dissertation Outline with Clarity and Precision

As we draw this guide to a close, the main takeaways are clear: a well-structured dissertation outline is invaluable. It serves as a strategic roadmap, guiding you through the complex journey of dissertation writing. From crafting a compelling introduction to presenting your research findings, each step has been designed to help you create a coherent and persuasive argument.

Your outline is more than a mere plan; it’s a framework that supports your academic endeavor, ensuring each chapter flows logically into the next. The literature review, methodology, and results discussion are not isolated elements but interconnected pieces of a larger puzzle. By adhering to the appropriate citation style, you maintain academic integrity and contribute to the scholarly conversation within your field.

In conclusion, remember that your dissertation is a significant contribution to your field of study. Use your outline to navigate the research process with confidence, knowing that a well-prepared plan is key to a successful dissertation.

Ethan Tremblay

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• Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on 8 June 2022 by Tegan George .

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation, such as:

• Your anticipated title
• Your abstract
• Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organisational structure of your thesis or dissertation . This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, frequently asked questions about outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

• Working Title
• ‘Elevator pitch’ of your work (often written last).
• Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
• Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
• Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope, population , and data collection ).
• Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
• Answer the research question in a concise way.
• Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilising some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the ‘IS-AV’ (inanimate subject with an active verb) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The I construction

Another option is to use the ‘I’ construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and ‘I’ construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as ‘discuss’, ‘present’, ‘prove’, or ‘show’. Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organise your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

George, T. (2022, June 08). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved 31 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/thesis-dissertation/outline-thesis-dissertation/

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• Dissertation Structure & Layout Explained + Examples

How do you write a dissertation chapter structure? Which chapter comes first and which one comes last? What do you write in your dissertation chapters and how do you write them? In this article, you will be getting the answers to all of these questions so keep reading.

Dissertation Chapters Outline

• Chapter One: Introduction

The dissertation chapter 1 outline basically comprises a hook, a background, the research aims/questions and the topic. In your dissertation chapter 1, the first thing you should write is the hook. The hook is what will determine whether the reader will be interested in further reading or get bored or confused with your dissertation. So, try to make your hook as interesting, controversial, or bold as possible.

After your hook, the next thing to do is write the background for your topic. This will let the reader relate to your topic as they can now understand what events led to it.

Next, state your research aims or questions. It is always best to break these into a list of numbered items.

Finally, introduce your topic and the other chapters. You may also choose to introduce your topic in the middle of the introduction or at the end of your dissertation chapter 1 example.

Note: Your reader must be able to fully understand the intent of your dissertation just by reading your introduction. What many students do not know is that the introduction, the methodology and the analysis chapters get the most points. So, you have to write them well.

• Chapter Two: Review of Literature

In this chapter, you will discuss your sources and show how their information is relevant to your topic. The dissertation chapter 2 outline consists of showing the relevance of other literature to your research work, why you chose them, how your dissertation differs from them, and your theoretical framework.

In your dissertation chapter 2, you should also critique this literature and point out the research gaps in them.

Now it is important to mention that you should only cite academic materials in your literature review and your entire dissertation. Citing sources from random blogs or websites may cost you some marks. Also, you do not have to limit your sources to written texts, you can use videos but do not forget to cite according to your school’s reference system.

• Chapter Three: Methodology

After writing your chapter two, the next chapter to write is your methodology chapter in your dissertation chapters structure. Here, you will explain your research design, the tools you use, and why you chose them. You will also mention if you encountered any challenges in the course of your research and what you did about them. Finally, you will write your ethical considerations. The ethical considerations usually entail proof that you did not force participants (if any) without their consent to fill questionnaires or partake in interviews. Also, you will mention if you employed the help of other researchers during your research.

Here, in your methodology chapter, you may need to use graphs, charts, tables, or any relevant image to give a visual representation of what you are explaining. Lastly, you will also tell if there is any new data or information you added to your research (that was not in your research proposal) and why you added them. Similarly, if you removed any data or information, you should state so in this chapter.

Now for some students, your methodology chapter may be as few as 1000 words while for some others, it may be as much as 3000 words. This depends on how much you have to write.

• Chapter Four: Analysis

In this chapter, you will present the data you have gotten during your research. You will carefully analyze each one of them from relevant to irrelevant. You will also point out any flaws or perfection in the data you have written. Your analysis chapter has to be well-written, detailed, and easy to understand as it is this chapter that most markers usually award the most points.

It is also in this chapter that you may use the most word count. You may also use the most word count in your results and discussion chapter. However, this is not always the case.

• Chapter Five: Results and Discussion

In this chapter, you present the results of your analysis and you discuss them. For some students, the results and discussion chapter may be merged with the analysis chapter to become one. In this chapter, you will discuss in detail the results you got from analyzing all the data you discovered. You will also point out research gaps, flaws, or perfection in your results. Make sure your interpretation of your analysis is broken down in a manner that your reader can understand.

• Chapter Six: Conclusion

Lastly, write the conclusion of your dissertation. Your conclusion is almost like writing your introduction. However, you will show what you have done rather than what you will do. That means you may use more past tense. Here, you will start from the beginning of what your dissertation aimed to do. Next, you will summarize the literature review, your methodology, and your analysis chapters. You will also make recommendations to future researchers that may use your research work for reference.

Writing a dissertation chapter outline does not have to be confusing or terrifying to you. Simply follow the steps and instructions in this article and you will find it easier to write.

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Home » Thesis Outline – Example, Template and Writing Guide

Thesis Outline – Example, Template and Writing Guide

Table of Contents

Thesis Outline

Thesis outline is a document that outlines the structure and content of a thesis , which is a long-form academic paper that presents an original argument or research on a particular topic. The outline serves as a roadmap for the thesis, providing an overview of the major sections, sub-sections, and the general flow of the argument.

Thesis outline typically follows a standard format and includes the following sections:

• Title page: This page includes the thesis title, author’s name, department, university, and the date of submission.
• Abstract : This section is a brief summary of the thesis, highlighting the main points and conclusions. It usually contains around 150-300 words.
• Table of contents: This page lists all the chapters, sections, and subsections of the thesis, along with their page numbers.
• Introduction: This section introduces the topic of the thesis, presents the research question or hypothesis, and provides an overview of the methodology and the scope of the study.
• Literature review: This chapter provides a critical analysis of the existing literature on the topic, highlighting the gaps, inconsistencies, and controversies.
• Methodology : This section explains the research design, data collection methods, and data analysis techniques used in the study.
• Results : This chapter presents the findings of the study, using tables, charts, and graphs to illustrate the data.
• Discussion : This section interprets the results and relates them to the research question or hypothesis. It also discusses the implications, limitations, and future directions of the study.
• Conclusion : This section summarizes the main points of the thesis, restates the research question or hypothesis, and provides a final conclusion.
• References : This page lists all the sources cited in the thesis, following a specific citation style (APA, MLA, etc.).
• Appendices : This section includes any additional materials, such as questionnaires, interview transcripts, or raw data, that are relevant to the study but not included in the main text.

Thesis Outline Example

Thesis Outline Example and Template Sample is as follows:

I. Introduction

• Background and Context
• Problem Statement
• Research Questions
• Objectives and Scope
• Significance of the Study
• Chapter Overview

II. Literature Review

• Introduction to Literature Review
• Theoretical Framework
• Previous Research on the Topic
• Critical Analysis of the Literature
• Summary and Conclusion

III. Methodology

• Introduction to Methodology
• Research Design and Approach
• Sampling Strategy
• Data Collection Methods
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Ethical Considerations
• Limitations and Delimitations

IV. Results

• Introduction to Results
• Presentation of Data
• Analysis of Findings
• Discussion of Results

V. Discussion

• Introduction to Discussion
• Interpretation of Results
• Comparison with Previous Research
• Implications and Applications of the Findings
• Limitations and Future Directions

VI. Conclusion

• Summary of Findings
• Conclusions and Recommendations
• Contribution to the Field
• Implications for Future Research

VII. References

VIII. Appendices

• Survey Instrument
• Data Tables and Figures
• Institutional Review Board Approval
• Informed Consent Form

How to Write Thesis Outline

Here are some steps to follow when writing a thesis outline:

• Identify the purpose and scope of your thesis: Before you start writing, you should have a clear understanding of the research questions , objectives, and hypotheses of your thesis, as well as the specific requirements and guidelines of your institution.
• Organize your ideas into sections: Divide your thesis into logical sections, such as introduction, literature review , methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. Think about the main points you want to make in each section and how they relate to the overall theme of your thesis.
• Write a brief summary for each section: Write a few sentences summarizing the main ideas and objectives of each section. This will help you stay focused and avoid including irrelevant or redundant information.
• Create a table of contents: List the main sections and subsections of your thesis, along with their page numbers, to create a clear and organized outline.
• Review and revise your outline: Make sure your outline follows a logical and coherent structure, and that each section flows smoothly into the next. Revise your outline as necessary to ensure that it accurately reflects the content and structure of your thesis.
• Seek feedback from your advisor or committee: Share your outline with your thesis advisor or committee members to get their feedback and suggestions for improvement.

Purpose of Thesis Outline

The purpose of a thesis outline is to provide a clear and organized structure for your thesis, which will help you to:

• Stay organized : An outline helps you to break down your thesis into manageable sections, making it easier to plan your research and writing process.
• Ensure logical flow: A well-structured outline ensures that your thesis has a logical and coherent flow, with each section building on the previous one.
• Avoid duplication and irrelevant information: An outline helps you to avoid including duplicate or irrelevant information, ensuring that your thesis is focused and to-the-point.
• Meet institutional requirements: Many institutions have specific guidelines for the structure and format of a thesis, and an outline can help you to ensure that your thesis meets these requirements.
• Get feedback and guidance: An outline can be shared with your thesis advisor or committee members for feedback and guidance, helping you to refine your research and writing approach.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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