The dissertation research process normally begins with the choice of the topic for the dissertation. The topic chosen for the dissertation should be interesting, able to lend itself to substantial research, up to date, and preferably within an area of the writer’s competence.
Having successfully chosen the topic, the dissertation writer can move to the next step in the process of dissertation research. This involves defining the problem. It involves carrying out significant research to establish the background to the problem, and to gain more insight about the problem. Once this is done, a testable hypothesis can be formulated. A hypothesis is a conjecture. The whole process of dissertation research will therefore be based on collecting sufficient and credible evidence to either confirm or refute this conjecture. The hypothesis, the statement of the problem, its importance, as well as the scope of the research will be included in the first part of the dissertation.
After the introduction, the process of dissertation research usually proceeds to the literature review. This involves conducting a comprehensive analysis of the findings of studies carried out on the same problem by other researchers. As well as understanding what they have said, the review should also isolate the lasting contributions made, and the areas that have not been addressed. The dissertation research process will next proceed to the methodology. The research here involves the collection of data through techniques such as questionnaire surveys, experimentation, and observation. The process also involves data analysis and its presentation, and a discussion of both the limitations faced, and the assumptions made.
The evidence gathered in the methodology will be reported and used to make inferences and conclusions as to whether the hypothesis is true or not. This data is organized and written into a dissertation that starts with the introduction, proceeds to the literature review, methodology, findings, and conclusion. Other than research and writing, the process also includes editing.
