Dissertation Methodology

Methodological Approach

Analyzing the Topic

• To analyze a topic, one must carefully study the statement, determining its limits to avoid treating a topic that is too broad, too general, or too narrow.
• The golden rule of dissertation is: The topic, the whole topic, and nothing but the topic.
• Steps to analyze a topic:
  • Read the topic carefully
  • Identify the structure (parts) of the topic
  • Identify and clarify key words or expressions
  • Reformulate the topic
  • Identify the theme
  • Identify the problem
  • Analyze the instruction

Developing a Detailed Plan

• A plan is essential to a dissertation, like a skeleton is to a body.
• It reflects one's writing skills, richness of ideas, and relevance of argumentation.
• There is no good dissertation without a coherent plan.
• Developing a detailed plan involves organizing ideas in a logical and structured manner with transitions to facilitate writing.
• Steps to develop a detailed plan:
  • Mobilize or research ideas
  • Organize ideas into a plan
• Sources of ideas:
  • Literary or artistic works
  • Personal culture (readings, personal experiences)
  • Current events
• Ideas must be confronted with the thesis and justify or refute it.
• Organizing ideas involves:
  • Disposing arguments with justifications, examples, and illustrations in different parts of the plan
  • Providing transitions between parts
• Types of plans: analytical, thematic, comparative, binary.