How does a dissertation look like in composition?

A dissertation in composition typically follows a specific structure and format. Here is a general outline of how a dissertation in composition may look like:

1. Title page: This page includes the title of the dissertation, the author's name, the institution, and the date of submission.

2. Abstract: A brief summary of the dissertation, including the research question, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

3. Table of contents: A list of chapters and sections in the dissertation, along with page numbers.

4. Introduction: An overview of the research topic, the research question, and the significance of the study.

5. Literature review: A review of existing literature on the topic, including key theories, concepts, and previous research studies.

6. Methodology: A description of the research methods used in the study, including data collection methods, sampling techniques, and data analysis procedures.

7. Findings: Presentation of the research findings, including data analysis, tables, and figures.

8. Discussion: Interpretation of the findings, discussion of the implications of the study, and comparison with previous research.

9. Conclusion: A summary of the key findings and conclusions of the study, as well as recommendations for future research.

10. References: A list of all sources cited in the dissertation, following a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA).

11. Appendices: Additional materials that support the dissertation, such as survey instruments, interview transcripts, or additional data analysis.

Overall, a dissertation in composition should be well-organized, clearly written, and supported by evidence from existing literature and original research. It should also demonstrate the author's critical thinking skills, analytical abilities, and expertise in the field of composition.

Structure

- Title Page: Title, author, institution, degree, year
- Abstract: Concise summary of the dissertation (typically 200-300 words)
- Table of Contents: Lists chapters and sections
- Introduction:
- Provides background information on the topic
- States the research question(s) or hypotheses
- Outlines the structure and scope of the dissertation
- Literature Review:
- Reviews relevant previous research
- Identifies gaps in knowledge and justifies the need for the current study
- Methodology:
- Describes the research design, methods, and procedures
- Explains how data was collected and analyzed
- Results:
- Presents the findings of the research
- Uses graphs, tables, and other visual aids to support the results
- Discussion:
- Interprets the results and discusses their implications
- Compares the findings to previous research
- Identifies limitations and suggestions for future research
- Conclusion:
- Summarizes the main findings
- Emphasizes the contributions of the dissertation to the field
- References:
- Lists all sources cited in the dissertation
- Appendices:
- Optional sections that provide supplementary materials (e.g., data tables, questionnaires)

Formatting

- Typically 50-100 pages in length (excluding appendices)
- Double-spaced, with 1-inch margins
- 12-point font in a legible typeface (e.g., Times New Roman, Arial)
- Includes page numbers

Style

- Formal, academic language
- Objective and evidence-based
- Clear and concise writing
- Proper grammar and punctuation
- Uses citations and references to support all claims

Visual Presentation

- Use clear headings and subheadings to organize the content
- Include tables, graphs, and figures to illustrate findings
- Format references and citations consistently according to a specified style guide (e.g., APA, MLA)