Structure of the Dissertation: This structure meets the requirements for a 10,000 word dissertation. It is adapted from Aveyard (2010). It is based upon using a research question with three main themes; this will vary however and you may have fewer or more. All aspects of the content of your dissertation will be discussed throughout the module. Section title Indicative Content Indicative size Title page Acknowledgements Contents List of tables and figures Abstract * 200 Introduction Descriptive background to include: • The reason why this topic is important and relevant • Identification of research question • Definitions of any complex terminology that is referred to throughout the dissertation • Introduce the main ideas that your dissertation will discuss (chapter by chapter) in the order you will address them (tell us what you are going to tell us) * c. 750- 1,000 Methodology and methods To Include: Literature review strategy Types of evidence to be considered Inclusion/exclusion criteria Critical framework to be used Data extraction Themes within research question (chapter titles) * c. 750-1000 Findings chapter (theme #1) Outline guidance: (in the introduction you have told us what you are going to tell us, so now tell us. We don’t want to see a an evaluation of each paper you use, we want you to tell us about the subject area but in so doing, demonstrate evidence that you have questioned the literature) • Introduction to chapter • Provide evidence to support this topic/issue. This involves using evidence that you have found from your search of the literature/research. • You need to demonstrate evidence of critical appraisal • Check that you are retaining focus on your research question At end of chapter: Summary of what has been discovered Link to next chapter * Findings chapter (theme #2) As for theme 1 * Findings chapter (theme #3) As for theme 1 and 2 (you might have two or three themes depending on your topic and what you want to focus on) * Discussion Summary of main findings; answer to research question Synthesis of main findings- what is new? Recommendations for practice Limitations of study and evidence Concluding reflection on dissertation process * c. 1,000-2,000 References In alphabetical order – using Harvard Reference System Appendices *Included within word count This is only one way to plan your dissertation. If both you and your supervisor can identify a structure which allows you to address your research question in greater depth, with more analysis or more creatively, then you are welcome to do so. Please note however that the items of ‘indicative content’ should all be present and clearly identified. What we don’t want to see is a critique of each paper individually; we want to see a story emerge from your writing. Look at how authors in journals present their literature reviews for guidance. You do however need to demonstrate that you have: • Tried to make sense of the evidence • You are asking: So what? Why is this important? How does it help us understand the question posed? For example: While this viewpoint considers some aspects of….it does not take into account….. What Taylor’s view shows us in the context of…is that…… To take this idea further we might want to consider…… To get a good mark in your dissertation you should: Be familiar with the DMU revised Undergraduate mark descriptors and build in the qualities required for a high mark. Consider using the following points for guidance: • Be concise in your descriptive writing where you justify your choice of topic and describe background knowledge • Have a clear literature review strategy which shows how and why you made your selection of evidence • Make clear how you identified your themes • Make clear how you reviewed your evidence • Show that you can recognise the main types of evidence you review and appraise their suitability within the context of the review • Show the ability to critically review sources • Make reasonable judgements, supported by suitable literature, as to the strength of the evidence which you review • Construct a clear and convincing narrative from the evidence you review • Creatively summarise the main findings of the review • Make clear recommendations for practice • Reflect on what you have learnt from the process Presentation of the Dissertation • The dissertation should be 10,000 words in length. There is an allowance of + or – 10%. If the dissertation exceeds this allowance, grade/ mark penalties will be incurred according to the policy of the School of Nursing and Midwifery. The word limit includes the abstract, introduction, main body, conclusion and references within the assignment ,including tables and figures, but not the reference list, bibliography or appendices. • The dissertation must be word processed using a size 12 font. It should be 1.5 spaced on A4 paper. • All pages must be numbered and have your P number listed. • Do not use the DMU logo on the front of your dissertation. • Abbreviations: These should be explained in full where they are first used. If abbreviations are used repeatedly, provide a glossary at the beginning of the work, e.g. after the contents page. • Referencing must follow the revised Harvard system. Correct referencing is essential for degree level work. Marks will be lost for inadequate referencing. • The standard DMU regulations for extensions and deferrals apply to the dissertation. • A standard dissertation front page is included at the back of the module guide. • Standard DMU marking guidelines will be used, and are included in the module guide. Your supervisors will also be given a copy of the guidelines you have been given on the previous page to help structure their marks and feedback. • Excellent academic technique is expected for your dissertation. Do not lose marks through poor technique. This includes lapses of: Referencing Grammar Structure Vocabulary • You must make full use of your dissertation supervisor to plan and review your work to get good marks.