Valuable Help on How to Write a Dissertation/Thesis Proposal

Writing a dissertation proposal can feel overwhelming and even a little intimidating. At the same time, it also represents an exciting step towards completing your degree. The process comes with countless questions. The questions may include:

• What is a dissertation proposal?
• What should I include?
• How should I present the material in it?
• What should I leave out?
• What will my advisor want to see in it?

These are all important questions that you should seek answers to before writing your first draft. With that in mind, let's explore five tips for writing a fantastic dissertation proposal that provides answers to these questions.

1. Know What a Dissertation Proposal Is

To understand the expectations associated with a dissertation proposal, you must know what a dissertation is. Think of a dissertation as a piece of academic writing in long-form. Unlike an essay, however, you decide the topic, focus, and scope of the work. Clearly state your topic, focus, and scope decisions in the dissertation title. Once you've developed an appropriate title, formulate your research question. Then, explain how you'll approach solving this question in your proposal. 

Your dissertation proposal represents a comprehensive statement on the extent and nature of your research interests. This proposal will be submitted to your doctoral committee for their review before moving forward in your program.

2. Understand What to Include

Your dissertation proposal should explore your research question in-depth as well as outline how you plan to conduct research, collect data, and analyze your findings. The proposal should also focus on the readings you've done thus far and any relevant conclusions based on conversations with your advisor. In other words, it should include a thorough literature review pertinent to the research problem. After all, research is a collaborative effort. The best examples build on the thoughts, revelations, and errors of others.

The proposal should also address research limitations, ethical considerations, and a justification for your choice of data. Keep reading for a refresher on how to cite your sources so that you avoid plagiarism.

3. Follow a Clear Outline When Presenting Your Material

How do you structure presenting all of this information to your committee? It should include the following elements:

• Introduction
• Main body
• Mini-conclusion

The "main body" is where extensive arguments and observations will take place, so let's explore that section a bit further. Your "main body" should include:

• Methodology
• Aims and objectives
• Literature review
• Research limitations
• Ethical considerations
• Timeframe

While some institutions don't require students to write out a proposal, most will. What's more, the process ensures you're on the same page with your committee members. It also opens a comprehensive dialogue between you and your committee about any research areas that may be lacking in your work or places where you may have gotten off track. As you write, keep in mind the requirements for proposals within your institution and department. Some universities and departments have specific formats and word counts, so research them carefully.

4. Decide What NOT to Include

Including the most relevant research and data in your proposal also means excluding sources that don't fit the bill. For example, carefully check the date of publication for all sources. If it's more than five years old, you've likely got outdated sources. Ask your advisor about their preference for source material when it comes to the date of publication. This date cut-off will vary depending on the department. You should also consider the following questions when determining whether or not to include a specific study:

• Can you identify methodological errors in this study that would undermine the results presented by the author(s)?
• Have any significant developments occurred since this research was conducted that impact the study's results or credibility?
• Do you have ethical concerns about this research that require rectification in any future studies of the topic?
• Do you see bias on the part of the author?
• Are there any external events or factors that coincided with the research that may have affected its findings?
• Can you think of any significant developments that have occurred since the study that would impact its results?

When you find research that raises red flags based on the questions above, then don't include these sources in your literature review. Or, if you must, note their limitations, biases, and prejudices. If you're not sure whether or not a particular study requires inclusion, consult with your advisor and other members of your committee for guidance.

5. Remain Conscious of What Your Advisor Want to See

The best writing takes into account what the audience payoff is. This consideration holds no less true when it comes to dissertation proposal writing. Know what your advisor and committee members are looking for. Then, provide them with a meaningful payoff. For starters, make sure that you've clearly stated the purpose of your research, thereby providing a fundamental basis for further investigation.

You must also effectively address research limitations and ethical considerations. Or else, you leave your work open to criticism. No matter how groundbreaking your research, without addressing limitations and ethics, don't expect to get far. Your advisor and committee members will also want to see a detailed list of your aims and objectives. That way, you can avoid criticism about your work being self-aggrandizing or self-serving. Remember, value and integrity are two key characteristics of significant research. To communicate both of these throughout the process, you must uphold the highest standards when it comes to planning, research, and writing your dissertation.

Your Dissertation Proposal

Writing a dissertation proposal is a critical step towards completing a program of study, and it's not one to be taken lightly. Start thinking about a dissertation topic early in your degree program. Then, begin your research proposal development in conjunction with your advisor and committee members. Still feeling overwhelmed? Learn more about the services we provide and how we can help you develop an excellent dissertation proposal.