A dissertation is an extended piece of writing based on comprehensive reading and research, written by an academic scholar at an undergraduate, masters or post graduate level. In some cases, a dissertation is referred to an academic research document written at PhD level, while a Thesis may be one which is written by an academic at Masters or Undergraduate level; however the opposite is also true in other cases. In British English, a dissertation is usually written for a master's degree and a thesis is written at PhD level.
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Etymology
The word ‘dissertation’ was derived from the Latin word 'dissertātiō which means ‘discourse’ or ‘path’.
Types of Research
There are two types of research which can be done to develop a thesis or dissertation:
Practical Research: The practical approach consists of the empirical(based on testing or experience)study of the topic under research and chiefly consists of hands on approach. This involves first hand research in the form of questionnaires, surveys, interviews, observations and discussion groups.
Theoretical Research: A non empirical approach to research, this usually involves perusal of mostly published works like researching through archives of public libraries, court rooms and published academic journals.
Qualitative
This type of research methods involve describing in detail specific situation using research tools like interviews, surveys, and observations. Qualitative Research is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or hypotheses for potential quantitative research. Qualitative Research is also used to uncover trends in thought and opinions, and dive deeper into a the problem. Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques. Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews, and participation/observations. The sample size is typically small, and respondents are selected to fulfil a given quota. (sanchez,1998)
Quantitative
This type of research methods requires quantifiable data involving numerical and statistical explanations. Quantitative Research is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors, and other defined variables – and generalize results from a larger sample population. Quantitative Research uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover patterns in research. Quantitative data collection methods are much more structured than Qualitative data collection methods. Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys, paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, konline polls, and systematic observations.
Correlation/Regression Analysis
This research method involves determining the strength of the relationship between two or more variables (e.g. are violent video games correlated with aggression in children).
Meta-analysis
The basic tenet behind meta-analyses is that there is a common truth behind all conceptually similar scientific studies, but which has been measured with a certain error within individual studies. The aim then is to use approaches from statistics to derive a pooled estimate closest to the unknown common truth based on how this error is perceived. In essence, all existing methods yield a weighted average from the results of the individual studies and what differs is the manner in which these weights are allocated and also the manner in which the uncertainty is computed around the point estimate thus generated. In addition to providing an estimate of the unknown common truth, meta-analysis has the capacity to contrast results from different studies and identify patterns among study results, sources of disagreement among those results, or other interesting relationships that may come to light in the context of multiple studies.
Academic Disciplines of Dissertation
A few academic disciplines for which dissertations are written are mentioned below.
The art disciplines
These disciplines consists of different fields of fine arts and liberal arts including painting, music, film, classic literature and music among the most popular ones on which research is conducted. The researcher can use empirical approach to conduct surveys of public opinion; conversely he or she can use the non empirical approach to perform analysis on application and theory of literature, music etc.
The science disciplines
The scientific discipline of medicine, mechanics, physics, and cellular biology are just a few sciences on which researchers use the empirical modes to perform first hand research both in the field as well as in the laboratory. The applications of these areas of sciences are endless and apt for students who prefer to spend time in labs.
The discipline of philosophy
The discipline of philosophy does not have much application in the practical field directly, but indirectly philosophy has had a great impact on virtually all the aspects of human praxis throughout the history. A person can create a theoretical dissertation based on analytical or dialectical contemplating, metaphysical interpretation and hundreds of hours of reading, not including pre acquired knowledge.
The discipline of history
The opportunities for a dissertation in this subject are spread far and wide. A student can create a dissertation through the theoretical approach of compiling data from archives, public courthouses and from societies of history. For a more practical approach, a student can participate on archaeological expeditions or interview participants of past battles. The possibilities for this area in dissertation writing are endless.
The disciplines of humanities
The study of this area might start with researching in the library, but its practical applications are not limited to it. A student has the opportunity to go out in the field and observe the different cultures and societies, interview people and compile case studies from real life experiences.