A lengthy process that should be well planned. In this chapter, the basic knowledge of scientific writing is required, i.e. you should be able to deal with sources adequately, have practice in literature research, in evaluating sources and in professional formulation. You also know how to structure a dissertation systematically and logically. As a result, this chapter only addresses the essential aspects that you should take into account, especially in an extensive scientific project such as a dissertation. Another important topic is academic writing. Our knowledge database provides you with many tips and examples. But if you want to get professionals help then check the best dissertation writing service.
How do you find your topic for the dissertation?
Already when planning a dissertation, you realize that you should choose the topic according to your own interests, because it is more difficult to maintain the motivation for an externally imposed topic of the doctoral thesis, in which you are only moderately interested. Since the scope of a dissertation is around 250 to 300 pages, you should be clear from the start about your own motivation, the effort and the time to be invested and be sure that you have both the interest and the the stamina to plan, implement and complete the project.
Get an early overview of your research question
The next step is to get an overview of the sources on your topic. You can research suitable scientific literature such as specialist books, monographs, journals and other subject-specific publications. With regard to the selected sources, the following applies: quality before quantity! Already in this phase of the literature research you should take notes or use a program for literature management, narrow down the main topics, overview the necessary literature and investigate whether it is available or only visible on site – in the country or abroad.
Beware of getting bogged down
With a scientific work of this scope, there is a great danger of getting bogged down. Make sure that you properly weigh up which aspects and research questions are relevant to your topic. Avoid areas that are too far away. You prove that you have mastered your topic and that you can proceed systematically.
Keep in mind that a dissertation of 500 or more pages definitely weighs more, but it is not necessarily “heavier”, i.e. innovative. It is also usually more difficult to publish later or it has to be shortened before publication. It is essential that you deliver new research results on a clearly formulated topic, complete them in a fixed time and publish the dissertation quickly.
Find the right supervisor
A factor that should not be underestimated is the search for a suitable supervisor who will accompany you professionally, i.e. for a “doctoral supervisor” or a “doctoral supervisor”. Ideally, your supervisor should not only have professional, but also human qualities to accompany you over this period. Supervisors help to find a topic that can be mastered in three years, they also advise on content and methodological questions and make suggestions. Look for regular contact, because if you only visit your supervisor once and then continue as a lone fighter, you’re doing yourself!
