Literature based dissertation - How to structure it and ensure it's critical and analytical

Summary

Dr. Elizabeth Yardley explains how to structure a literature-based dissertation, focusing on its unique characteristics compared to traditional research-based dissertations. She outlines key elements such as the introduction, theoretical frameworks, and how to engage with existing literature rather than collect new data. Yardley advises on structuring the dissertation effectively, avoiding confusion between research-based and literature-based formats. She emphasizes the importance of theory, theme chapters, and a clear discussion and conclusion. Her approach provides a comprehensive guide to writing a well-organized and impactful literature-based dissertation.

Takeaways

• 😀 A literature-based dissertation is a comprehensive review of existing literature, not involving data collection or analysis.
• 😀 In a literature-based dissertation, the original contribution to knowledge comes from critically reviewing and synthesizing the literature, not from new data.
• 😀 The structure of a literature-based dissertation should be clear and distinct from a research-based dissertation to avoid confusion.
• 😀 The introduction should set the stage by explaining the topic, providing context, defining key terms, and outlining the aims, objectives, and research questions.
• 😀 The approach or method section explains how the literature was searched and selected, including sources, keywords, and boundaries for inclusion/exclusion.
• 😀 A chapter on theories or theoretical frameworks is essential for grounding the dissertation in relevant theories, which should be referenced and critiqued throughout.
• 😀 Theme chapters address specific issues or themes within the topic, such as historical context, contemporary debates, policy implications, and cross-cultural comparisons.
• 😀 Each theme chapter should be analyzed through the lens of the chosen theories, questioning their applicability and limitations in explaining the topic.
• 😀 The discussion chapter brings together the insights from all chapters, answering the research questions and identifying any gaps in the literature.
• 😀 The conclusion provides a summary of the findings, the dissertation's impact, and suggestions for future research, zooming out to reflect on the broader implications of the study.

Q & A

What is a literature-based dissertation, and how does it differ from a traditional dissertation?

A literature-based dissertation is primarily a comprehensive review of existing literature, without any original data collection or analysis. The aim is to critically review literature to answer specific research questions, providing new insights or perspectives from existing work. This differs from a traditional dissertation, which typically involves gathering and analyzing original data.

What should be included in the introduction of a literature-based dissertation?

In the introduction, you should explain your topic in various ways to demonstrate understanding, outline the context and background of your research, define key terms and concepts, present your aims and objectives, and pose the research questions you hope to answer through the literature review. You should also provide a roadmap of the dissertation's structure, though it's best to write this last.

Why is it important to avoid a hybrid structure when writing a literature-based dissertation?

A hybrid structure, where elements of both research-based and literature-based dissertations are mixed, can confuse your examiner. It creates an unclear dissertation that doesn’t follow a clear format, making it hard for the reader to understand the contribution of your work. Sticking to a clear literature-based format ensures clarity and focus.

What role does the approach or method section play in a literature-based dissertation?

The approach or method section explains how you searched for and selected the literature included in your dissertation. You should describe your search strategies, including the databases, keywords, and types of literature used, and justify any sources you excluded. This section can be part of the introduction or a separate chapter, depending on university guidelines.

How should theory be incorporated into a literature-based dissertation?

Theory should be central to your dissertation, and you should engage with it throughout. A dedicated chapter for theoretical frameworks is useful to identify and evaluate relevant theories and their application to your topic. Theories should then be referenced and critically applied in each of the theme chapters that follow.

What are theme chapters in a literature-based dissertation, and how are they structured?

Theme chapters focus on specific issues or themes related to the dissertation topic. Each chapter contributes to a broader understanding of the topic. Possible themes include historical developments, contemporary debates, policy implications, cross-cultural analysis, and case studies. Each chapter should critically engage with theory and link the literature to the research questions.

What should the discussion section of a literature-based dissertation cover?

The discussion section synthesizes the findings from all previous chapters, exploring how they combine to answer the research questions. It delves into the new insights gained through the literature review, assesses the strengths and limitations of the theories used, and identifies areas for further research.

How is the conclusion of a literature-based dissertation different from the discussion?

The conclusion provides a broad summary of the dissertation’s findings and their significance, highlighting the main insights and their impact. It looks at the bigger picture and suggests potential future research areas. Unlike the discussion, which zooms in on the literature’s complexities, the conclusion zooms out to reflect on the overall contributions of the dissertation.

Why is it important to be confident and concise in your writing for a literature-based dissertation?

Confidence and clarity in writing help convey your understanding and the strength of your arguments. Avoid unnecessary filler and repetition, which can undermine your authority and weaken the impact of your work. Being concise and direct shows that you are clear about your ideas and are presenting them effectively.

How can incorporating various types of literature enhance a literature-based dissertation?

Incorporating a diverse range of literature, including reports from third-sector organizations or other non-academic sources, broadens the scope of your research and provides a more comprehensive understanding of your topic. It demonstrates that you’ve considered various perspectives and contributes to a richer analysis.