Many students agonize over the writing of a dissertation. Although a dissertation is a very complex document that is unique to each topic, there are some common points.

Every dissertation needs to:

• Identify and define the issues that motivated the research. What is the problem you are trying to solve, or the process you are trying to improve?
• Review what other researchers have done so far. Your Review of Literature must cover both the theoretical framework for your variables, and the empirical studies as well.
• Describe your new contribution to the field.
• Draw conclusions. Itemize the possibilities for future research.

    Although you should check with your advisor and/or university department for exact specifications or requirements, the following links might be of help to you:

• Dissertation Writing Tips