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How To Create A Dissertation Based On Secondary Research


You may be asked to craft a dissertation based on secondary research. This will require you to use different methods if compared to primary research. In order to conduct a proper study and write a strong thesis, you’ll need to follow a number of particular steps.

Crafting a Dissertation Based on Secondary Research

  1. Pick a topic.
  2. Selecting a topic for your paper, make sure to focus on something that won’t require you to conduct practical tests and experiments to get the needed results. If you have any difficulties during this step, approach your professor for advice.

  3. Conduct a study.
  4. Secondary research implies gathering data discovered by other authors in their studies and analyzing it to confirm or refute your own specific hypothesis. To find the studies to analyze, it’s recommended to use both your university database and the Internet.

  5. Create an outline.
  6. Once you’ve analyzed the found studies and answered the questions implied by your topic, you should start the writing process. In order to craft a paper with a strong structure, it’s recommended to outline each of its chapters and subchapters first. If you aren’t sure in the quality of your outline, visit your professor for a consultation.

  7. Write a draft.
  8. Having created a good outline, you should begin composing your paper following it. Writing the first draft, don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The main thing is to make sure that each section of your paper serves a distinctive purpose and conveys the intended message.

  9. Proofread and edit your paper.
  10. Your draft should be revised several times so that you can spot and correct all your errors and get rid of weak or irrelevant sentences. Then, you should format your document according to the style used in your university.

The Features of Primary Research Dissertations

If your committee requires you to create a thesis based on primary research, you’ll have to do more than just analyze the works of other scholars. To achieve the goals implied by your topic, you’ll need to collect original data by conducting your own tests, experiments, interviews, etc. It might be difficult to select a proper methodology for this type of a study, so consult your professor before making any serious decisions.

Now that you have an idea of how to write a thesis based on secondary research, this task will be slightly easier for you to complete. Remember that writing your paper is only a part of your assignment. Defending your thesis successfully is necessary if you want the highest score.