How to write great dissertations and projects provides all of the tips and
techniques that a student is likely to need to choose, research, write and present
dissertations and projects that will guarantee you top marks.
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. Tackling a dissertation or project report– how to do your best right from the
start
2. Choosing a dissertation or project report– how to decide on a theme for your
investigation
Planning your research
3. Writing a proposal – how to structure a successful dissertation or research
proposal
4. Time management – how to write your dissertation or project while balancing
family, work and leisure
5. Planning for dissertations – how to begin your research and evolve a model for
your writing
6. Planning for experimental projects – how to organise your efforts effectively
Finding and filtering information
7. Information literacy – how to make the best use of the library resources
8. Effective academic reading- how to read efficiently and with understanding
9. Analysing and evaluating source material- how to filter and select relevant
material as part of the research process
10. Note-making from source material- how to create effective notes to support your
dissertation and project research
Applying research techniques
11. Principles of quantitative research – how to obtain and analyse numerical
information
12. Principles of qualitative research – how to obtain and analyse descriptive
information
13.Experimental research and field visits – how to develop and apply your skills
14. Thinking critically- how to develop a logical approach to analysis and
problem-solving
Working with Data & Numbers
15. Number crunching- how to solve problems in arithmetic and algebra
16. Interpreting and presenting data- how to understand & produce graphs, tables
& basic stats
Addressing issues of plagiarism, referencing & ethics
17. Plagiarism and copyrightinfringement - how to avoid being accused of ‘stealing’
the ideas & work of others
18. Citing and listing references– how to refer appropriately to the work of others
19. Ethics in researching and reporting – how to follow good research practice
Writing a first draft
20. Structuring a dissertation- how to organise your writing within a standard
framework
21. Structuring a project report- how to select and shape your content appropriately
22. Academic writing style - how to adopt appropriate language conventions
Editing, revising and presenting
25. Reviewing, editing & proof-reading- how to make sure that your writing is
concise and correct
26. Exploiting feedback- how to understand and learn from what your supervisor writes
on your work
27. Presentation of dissertations and reports – how to follow the appropriate
academic convention
304 pages, Paperback