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Addressing Reviewer Comments: Refining Your Dissertation

Embrace the Feedback Process

The dissertation journey is a rigorous and demanding one, and as you near the finish line, you encounter a critical phase: addressing reviewer comments. These comments, whether from your dissertation committee or peer reviewers, are a fundamental part of the academic process. They can feel like a mix of praise and criticism, and how you approach them can significantly impact the final quality of your work.

First and foremost, it's essential to embrace the feedback process with an open and growth-oriented mindset. Understand that reviewer comments are not a personal attack on your abilities or the worth of your research. Instead, they are a mechanism designed to elevate your work to the highest academic standards. Here's how to effectively embrace the feedback process:

1. Shift Your Perspective: Instead of viewing reviewer comments as hurdles to overcome, consider them as stepping stones toward improvement. Each comment, no matter how critical, presents an opportunity to refine and strengthen your dissertation.

2. Recognize the Value: Reviewer comments are a form of professional guidance that many researchers pay for through conferences or workshops. In this context, receiving feedback for free is a valuable privilege. It means that experts are invested in your work and are willing to help you succeed.

3. Separate Your Ego: It's natural to feel a personal connection to your dissertation. However, during the feedback process, it's crucial to separate your ego from your work. Remember that constructive criticism is aimed at enhancing the quality of your research, not diminishing your worth.

4. Focus on Improvement: Approach each comment as a specific area for improvement. Consider how addressing this feedback will enhance the overall rigor and credibility of your dissertation. Embracing feedback is an act of dedication to producing your best work.

5. Seek Clarification: If you find a comment unclear or ambiguous, don't hesitate to seek clarification from the reviewer or committee member. A better understanding of their perspective can guide your revisions effectively.

6. Trust the Process: The feedback process is a well-established part of academia. Trust that it has helped countless researchers refine their work and contribute valuable insights to their respective fields. By embracing this process, you align yourself with a tradition of scholarly excellence.

7. Collaborate and Learn: Engaging with feedback is an opportunity to collaborate with experienced scholars. It's also a chance to learn and grow as a researcher. The insights gained from addressing reviewer comments can shape your future work and improve your academic writing skills.

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Organize and analyze.

Once you've received reviewer comments on your dissertation, the next crucial step is to organize and analyze this feedback. This phase is essential for making sense of the various suggestions, critiques, and recommendations you've received. Here's a detailed look at how to effectively organize and analyze reviewer comments.

1. Create a Systematic Framework: Start by creating a systematic framework for organizing the comments. This framework should help you categorize and prioritize the feedback. Common categories include methodology, literature review, data analysis, and presentation. Having a clear structure will prevent you from feeling overwhelmed by the volume of comments.

2. Catalog Comments: Begin by cataloging all the comments you've received. This involves creating a comprehensive list of each comment, specifying who provided it (e.g., committee member, peer reviewer), and noting the page or section of your dissertation it pertains to. This catalog serves as a reference point for your revisions.

3. Identify Common Themes: As you review the comments, you'll likely notice common themes or recurring issues. These may include suggestions related to clarity, methodology, or the organization of your work. Identifying these overarching themes will help you address multiple comments at once and streamline your revision process.

4. Prioritize Comments: Not all comments are of equal importance, and some may conflict with others. Prioritize comments based on their significance to the overall quality and validity of your dissertation. Focus on addressing comments that have the most substantial impact first.

5. Understand the Reviewer's Perspective: Put yourself in the shoes of the reviewer or committee member. Try to understand their perspective and the rationale behind their comments. Consider their expertise and the academic standards they are applying. This empathetic approach can help you appreciate the value of their feedback.

6. Seek Clarification: If a comment is unclear or you require additional information to address it effectively, don't hesitate to seek clarification from the reviewer. Engaging in a dialogue can provide insights into their expectations and help you craft more precise revisions.

7. Align with Your Research Goals: While addressing comments, keep your research goals and objectives in mind. Ensure that revisions align with the core purpose of your dissertation. Avoid making changes that deviate from your research agenda.

8. Maintain Consistency: As you revise your dissertation, aim for consistency in your approach. Ensure that changes made to one section do not create inconsistencies or conflicts with other parts of your work. Maintaining a cohesive narrative is crucial.

9. Document Changes: Keep meticulous records of the revisions you make in response to reviewer comments. Documenting changes ensures transparency and accountability in the revision process. It also helps when you need to justify your decisions during the defense.

10. Stay Organized: Throughout the organization and analysis process, stay organized. Use digital tools, spreadsheets, or project management software to track your progress and manage your revisions efficiently. A well-organized approach saves time and reduces stress.

Organizing and analyzing reviewer comments is a pivotal step in refining your dissertation. It empowers you to make informed decisions about which revisions to prioritize and ensures that your final work aligns with academic standards and your research goals. By systematically addressing feedback, you set the stage for a successful defense and the completion of a high-quality dissertation.

Prioritize Revisions

Once you've organized and analyzed the feedback on your dissertation, the next critical phase is prioritizing revisions. Not all comments carry the same weight, and your time and effort are valuable resources. Prioritizing revisions strategically ensures that you focus on the most significant and impactful changes. Here's how to effectively prioritize revisions based on reviewer comments:

1. Distinguish between Major and Minor Comments: Reviewer comments can vary widely in their impact on your dissertation. Some may point to fundamental flaws in your research, while others may be minor suggestions for improvement. Begin by distinguishing between major and minor comments. Major comments typically relate to issues that affect the overall validity, clarity, or methodology of your work.

2. Address Critical Flaws First: Start by addressing critical flaws or comments that could undermine the integrity of your dissertation. These may include errors in research methodology, gaps in the literature review, or issues with data analysis. By resolving these foundational problems, you ensure the core quality of your work.

3. Focus on Coherence and Flow: After addressing critical flaws, pay attention to comments related to the overall coherence and flow of your dissertation. Reviewers often comment on the logical progression of your arguments, transitions between sections, and the clarity of your writing. Improving these aspects enhances the readability and impact of your work.

4. Address Fundamental Methodological Issues: If reviewer comments highlight methodological concerns, prioritize these revisions. Methodology is the backbone of any research, and addressing issues in this area is essential for the validity of your findings. Ensure that your research design, data collection, and analysis methods meet rigorous standards.

5. Enhance Clarity and Precision: Comments related to clarity, precision, and language should also be prioritized. Clear and concise writing is vital in academic writing. Address suggestions for improving sentence structure, eliminating jargon, and enhancing the readability of your work. Clarity in communication is key to conveying your research effectively.

6. Consider Consistency and Formatting: While formatting and consistency comments may seem minor, they contribute to the overall professionalism of your dissertation. Ensure that your citations, references, headings, and formatting adhere to the required style guide. Consistency in these elements reflects attention to detail.

7. Seek Feedback on Revisions: As you make revisions based on reviewer comments, seek feedback from mentors, advisors, or colleagues. External input can help you validate the effectiveness of your revisions and identify areas that may still require improvement.

8. Keep the Big Picture in Mind: Throughout the prioritization process, keep the big picture of your dissertation in mind. Ensure that revisions align with your research objectives and do not compromise the core message of your work. Balancing the need for changes with the preservation of your research integrity is essential.

9. Maintain a Transparent Record: Document the revisions you make in response to reviewer comments. Maintain a transparent record of changes, including the rationale behind each revision. This documentation not only serves as a reference for your defense but also demonstrates your commitment to addressing feedback.

Engage in Dialogue

As you embark on the journey of refining your dissertation in response to reviewer comments, one of the most effective strategies is to engage in a constructive dialogue. This dialogue extends beyond mere revisions and involves active communication with your dissertation committee, peer reviewers, or advisors. Here's why engaging in dialogue is crucial and how to make the most of it:

1. Clarify Ambiguities: Reviewer comments may occasionally be vague or open to interpretation. Engaging in dialogue allows you to seek clarification on these comments. By understanding the reviewers' perspectives better, you can tailor your revisions more precisely to meet their expectations.

2. Demonstrate Commitment: Actively engaging with reviewer comments demonstrates your commitment to producing high-quality research. It shows that you value the input of experts in your field and are dedicated to addressing their concerns and suggestions.

3. Show Willingness to Collaborate: Engaging in dialogue fosters a sense of collaboration between you and the reviewers. It communicates your openness to working together to improve the dissertation. This collaborative spirit can lead to more productive exchanges and a more supportive review process.

4. Defend Thoughtfully: In some cases, you may disagree with certain comments or suggestions. Engaging in dialogue allows you to defend your choices thoughtfully and academically. Be prepared to provide well-reasoned justifications for your decisions, which can demonstrate your research expertise.

5. Seek Additional Guidance: Beyond clarification, engaging with your dissertation committee or reviewers can be an opportunity to seek additional guidance. You can ask for recommendations on specific literature, methodologies, or approaches to address the comments effectively.

6. Maintain Regular Communication: Keep the lines of communication open and maintain regular contact with your dissertation committee or reviewers. Provide updates on your progress, share draft revisions, and seek feedback at various stages of the revision process. This proactive approach can help prevent surprises during your defense.

7. Manage Expectations: Engaging in dialogue allows you to manage expectations effectively. If there are comments that you cannot address due to limitations or time constraints, communicate this transparently. Managing expectations can lead to more realistic and feasible revisions.

8. Showcase a Growth Mindset: Demonstrating a growth mindset is an essential aspect of engaging in dialogue. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement rather than as criticism. This mindset shift can positively influence how reviewers perceive your responsiveness to their comments.

9. Seek Alignment: Ensure that your revisions align with the expectations of your dissertation committee or reviewers. Use the dialogue to confirm that your changes accurately address their concerns and suggestions. Alignment with their expectations contributes to a smoother review process.

10. Leverage Professionalism: Approach all interactions with professionalism and respect. Remember that your reviewers are experts in their fields, and maintaining a respectful and collegial tone in your dialogue is essential.

Engaging in a constructive dialogue with your dissertation committee or reviewers is a valuable component of the revision process. It allows you to clarify comments, demonstrate commitment, and seek collaborative solutions. By maintaining open and respectful communication, you enhance the quality of your dissertation and navigate the review process more effectively.

Revise and Improve

After you've organized, prioritized, and engaged in a constructive dialogue with your dissertation committee or reviewers, the next crucial step is to embark on the revision journey. This phase, characterized by thorough and systematic revisions, is where you transform feedback into tangible improvements. Here's a detailed guide on how to effectively revise and improve your dissertation:

1. Start with the Most Critical Feedback: Begin by addressing the most critical feedback—the comments that go to the heart of your dissertation's quality and validity. This may include revising your research methodology, refining your argument structure, or improving data analysis.

2. Maintain Clarity and Consistency: Pay close attention to comments related to clarity, coherence, and consistency. Ensure that your dissertation flows logically and that there are smooth transitions between sections. Review your writing style to eliminate jargon and ambiguity.

3. Strengthen Your Argument: Evaluate comments that pertain to the strength of your argument. Reviewers often provide insights into areas where your argument may be weak or where additional evidence is needed. Strengthen your claims with robust evidence and persuasive reasoning.

4. Address Methodological Concerns: If there are methodological concerns or suggestions for improvement, implement these changes diligently. Methodology is the backbone of your research, and addressing these comments is crucial for the validity of your findings.

5. Proofread and Edit: Conduct a comprehensive proofreading and editing pass. Eliminate grammatical errors, typos, and punctuation issues. Ensure that your writing is polished and conforms to the required style guide (e.g., APA, MLA).

6. Be Concise and Precise: Review your writing for conciseness and precision. Avoid unnecessary wordiness and ensure that every sentence serves a clear purpose. Precision in language enhances the readability and impact of your dissertation.

7. Incorporate Visuals: If reviewers suggested the inclusion of visuals (e.g., graphs, charts, tables), incorporate them thoughtfully. Visuals can help convey complex information more effectively and enhance the overall presentation of your research.

8. Cross-Check Citations and References: Verify the accuracy of all citations and references. Ensure that every source cited in your dissertation is correctly formatted and included in the reference list. Inaccurate or missing citations can undermine your work's credibility.

9. Seek External Feedback: Beyond the feedback from your dissertation committee or reviewers, seek external feedback from peers, mentors, or colleagues. Fresh perspectives can uncover areas for improvement that you may have overlooked.

10. Maintain a Transparent Record: Document all revisions and changes made in response to reviewer comments. This transparent record serves as evidence of your diligence and commitment to addressing feedback.

11. Stay Aligned with Your Research Goals: Throughout the revision process, keep your research goals and objectives in mind. Ensure that revisions align with the core purpose of your dissertation. Avoid making changes that deviate from your research agenda.

12. Review with a Critical Eye: Approach your revised dissertation with a critical eye. Re-read your work as if you were a reviewer, and evaluate the effectiveness of your revisions. Make additional improvements as needed.

13. Proof of Progress: As you work through the revisions, share progress updates with your dissertation committee or reviewers. This demonstrates your commitment to addressing their feedback and allows them to monitor your progress.

Seek Additional Input

In the journey of refining your dissertation based on reviewer comments, seeking additional input is a valuable step to ensure the comprehensiveness and excellence of your revisions. While the feedback from your dissertation committee or peer reviewers is instrumental, widening the circle of input can provide fresh perspectives and insights. Here's how to effectively seek additional input:

1. Collaborate with Peers: Collaborating with peers who are also working on dissertations or research projects can be mutually beneficial. They can offer a peer's perspective and share their experiences in addressing feedback. Peer input can uncover areas for improvement that may not have been evident initially.

2. Consult Subject Matter Experts: Depending on the specific comments and areas of your dissertation, consider consulting subject matter experts in relevant fields. Their specialized knowledge can help you address complex or technical feedback effectively. Engaging with experts can also lead to valuable discussions and suggestions.

3. Connect with Writing Centers: Many academic institutions have writing centers staffed with experienced writing tutors. These centers offer support in improving writing style, grammar, and overall dissertation structure. Seeking guidance from writing center professionals can enhance the clarity and readability of your work.

4. Engage with Research Advisors: Your research advisor, if different from your dissertation committee chair, can provide guidance and input on revisions. They are familiar with your research journey and can offer valuable insights into aligning revisions with your research goals.

5. Attend Workshops and Seminars: Universities and academic organizations often host workshops and seminars on dissertation writing and revision. Participating in such events can expose you to diverse perspectives and strategies for addressing reviewer comments effectively. It also provides an opportunity to network with fellow researchers.

6. Utilize Online Communities: Online academic communities and forums can be valuable resources for seeking additional input. Platforms like academic subreddits, LinkedIn groups, or specialized research forums allow you to share your challenges, seek advice, and benefit from the collective wisdom of the academic community.

7. Solicit Feedback from Trusted Colleagues: Trusted colleagues, mentors, or advisors who may not be directly involved in your dissertation committee can offer valuable insights. Their distance from your work can provide an objective viewpoint and identify areas that require improvement.

8. Leverage Professional Editing Services: Professional dissertation editing services can provide comprehensive feedback on your revisions. These services often employ experts in various fields who can review your work for clarity, coherence, and adherence to academic standards. While they may not replace the input of your committee, they can provide an additional layer of feedback.

9. Conduct Peer Reviews: Consider conducting peer reviews of your revised dissertation chapters. Exchange chapters with fellow graduate students or colleagues and provide constructive feedback to each other. Peer reviews can help identify issues and inconsistencies that may have been overlooked.

10. Stay Open to Diverse Perspectives: When seeking additional input, stay open to diverse perspectives and opinions. Different reviewers may have varying suggestions for improvement. Embrace the opportunity to consider multiple viewpoints and choose revisions that align with your research goals.

Seeking additional input beyond your dissertation committee or peer reviewers can enhance the quality and comprehensiveness of your revisions. Collaboration with peers, consultation with experts, engagement with writing centers, and participation in academic communities all contribute to a more robust and refined dissertation. This collective input ensures that your work reflects the highest standards of academic rigor and excellence.

Addressing reviewer comments is an integral part of the dissertation process. Embrace feedback as an opportunity for growth and improvement. By organizing, prioritizing, and implementing revisions effectively, you can refine your dissertation and increase your chances of a successful defense. Remember that the feedback you receive is a valuable resource that contributes to your development as a scholar and researcher.

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Home » Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Dissertation – Format, Example and Template

Table of Contents

Dissertation

Definition:

Dissertation is a lengthy and detailed academic document that presents the results of original research on a specific topic or question. It is usually required as a final project for a doctoral degree or a master’s degree.

Dissertation Meaning in Research

In Research , a dissertation refers to a substantial research project that students undertake in order to obtain an advanced degree such as a Ph.D. or a Master’s degree.

Dissertation typically involves the exploration of a particular research question or topic in-depth, and it requires students to conduct original research, analyze data, and present their findings in a scholarly manner. It is often the culmination of years of study and represents a significant contribution to the academic field.

Types of Dissertation

Types of Dissertation are as follows:

Empirical Dissertation

An empirical dissertation is a research study that uses primary data collected through surveys, experiments, or observations. It typically follows a quantitative research approach and uses statistical methods to analyze the data.

Non-Empirical Dissertation

A non-empirical dissertation is based on secondary sources, such as books, articles, and online resources. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as content analysis or discourse analysis.

Narrative Dissertation

A narrative dissertation is a personal account of the researcher’s experience or journey. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as interviews, focus groups, or ethnography.

Systematic Literature Review

A systematic literature review is a comprehensive analysis of existing research on a specific topic. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as meta-analysis or thematic analysis.

Case Study Dissertation

A case study dissertation is an in-depth analysis of a specific individual, group, or organization. It typically follows a qualitative research approach and uses methods such as interviews, observations, or document analysis.

Mixed-Methods Dissertation

A mixed-methods dissertation combines both quantitative and qualitative research approaches to gather and analyze data. It typically uses methods such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups, as well as statistical analysis.

How to Write a Dissertation

Here are some general steps to help guide you through the process of writing a dissertation:

• Choose a topic : Select a topic that you are passionate about and that is relevant to your field of study. It should be specific enough to allow for in-depth research but broad enough to be interesting and engaging.
• Conduct research : Conduct thorough research on your chosen topic, utilizing a variety of sources, including books, academic journals, and online databases. Take detailed notes and organize your information in a way that makes sense to you.
• Create an outline : Develop an outline that will serve as a roadmap for your dissertation. The outline should include the introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion.
• Write the introduction: The introduction should provide a brief overview of your topic, the research questions, and the significance of the study. It should also include a clear thesis statement that states your main argument.
• Write the literature review: The literature review should provide a comprehensive analysis of existing research on your topic. It should identify gaps in the research and explain how your study will fill those gaps.
• Write the methodology: The methodology section should explain the research methods you used to collect and analyze data. It should also include a discussion of any limitations or weaknesses in your approach.
• Write the results: The results section should present the findings of your research in a clear and organized manner. Use charts, graphs, and tables to help illustrate your data.
• Write the discussion: The discussion section should interpret your results and explain their significance. It should also address any limitations of the study and suggest areas for future research.
• Write the conclusion: The conclusion should summarize your main findings and restate your thesis statement. It should also provide recommendations for future research.
• Edit and revise: Once you have completed a draft of your dissertation, review it carefully to ensure that it is well-organized, clear, and free of errors. Make any necessary revisions and edits before submitting it to your advisor for review.

Dissertation Format

The format of a dissertation may vary depending on the institution and field of study, but generally, it follows a similar structure:

• Title Page: This includes the title of the dissertation, the author’s name, and the date of submission.
• Abstract : A brief summary of the dissertation’s purpose, methods, and findings.
• Table of Contents: A list of the main sections and subsections of the dissertation, along with their page numbers.
• Introduction : A statement of the problem or research question, a brief overview of the literature, and an explanation of the significance of the study.
• Literature Review : A comprehensive review of the literature relevant to the research question or problem.
• Methodology : A description of the methods used to conduct the research, including data collection and analysis procedures.
• Results : A presentation of the findings of the research, including tables, charts, and graphs.
• Discussion : A discussion of the implications of the findings, their significance in the context of the literature, and limitations of the study.
• Conclusion : A summary of the main points of the study and their implications for future research.
• References : A list of all sources cited in the dissertation.
• Appendices : Additional materials that support the research, such as data tables, charts, or transcripts.

Dissertation Outline

Dissertation Outline is as follows:

Title Page:

• Title of dissertation
• Author name
• Institutional affiliation
• Date of submission
• Brief summary of the dissertation’s research problem, objectives, methods, findings, and implications
• Usually around 250-300 words

Table of Contents:

• List of chapters and sections in the dissertation, with page numbers for each

I. Introduction

• Background and context of the research
• Research problem and objectives
• Significance of the research

II. Literature Review

• Overview of existing literature on the research topic
• Identification of gaps in the literature
• Theoretical framework and concepts

III. Methodology

• Research design and methods used
• Data collection and analysis techniques
• Ethical considerations

IV. Results

• Presentation and analysis of data collected
• Findings and outcomes of the research
• Interpretation of the results

V. Discussion

• Discussion of the results in relation to the research problem and objectives
• Evaluation of the research outcomes and implications
• Suggestions for future research

VI. Conclusion

• Summary of the research findings and outcomes
• Implications for the research topic and field
• Limitations and recommendations for future research

VII. References

• List of sources cited in the dissertation

VIII. Appendices

• Additional materials that support the research, such as tables, figures, or questionnaires.

Example of Dissertation

Here is an example Dissertation for students:

Title : Exploring the Effects of Mindfulness Meditation on Academic Achievement and Well-being among College Students

This dissertation aims to investigate the impact of mindfulness meditation on the academic achievement and well-being of college students. Mindfulness meditation has gained popularity as a technique for reducing stress and enhancing mental health, but its effects on academic performance have not been extensively studied. Using a randomized controlled trial design, the study will compare the academic performance and well-being of college students who practice mindfulness meditation with those who do not. The study will also examine the moderating role of personality traits and demographic factors on the effects of mindfulness meditation.

Chapter Outline:

Chapter 1: Introduction

• Background and rationale for the study
• Research questions and objectives
• Significance of the study
• Overview of the dissertation structure

Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Definition and conceptualization of mindfulness meditation
• Theoretical framework of mindfulness meditation
• Empirical research on mindfulness meditation and academic achievement
• Empirical research on mindfulness meditation and well-being
• The role of personality and demographic factors in the effects of mindfulness meditation

Chapter 3: Methodology

• Research design and hypothesis
• Participants and sampling method
• Intervention and procedure
• Measures and instruments
• Data analysis method

Chapter 4: Results

• Descriptive statistics and data screening
• Analysis of main effects
• Analysis of moderating effects
• Post-hoc analyses and sensitivity tests

Chapter 5: Discussion

• Summary of findings
• Implications for theory and practice
• Limitations and directions for future research
• Conclusion and contribution to the literature

Chapter 6: Conclusion

• Recap of the research questions and objectives
• Summary of the key findings
• Contribution to the literature and practice
• Implications for policy and practice
• Final thoughts and recommendations.

References :

List of all the sources cited in the dissertation

Appendices :

Additional materials such as the survey questionnaire, interview guide, and consent forms.

Note : This is just an example and the structure of a dissertation may vary depending on the specific requirements and guidelines provided by the institution or the supervisor.

How Long is a Dissertation

The length of a dissertation can vary depending on the field of study, the level of degree being pursued, and the specific requirements of the institution. Generally, a dissertation for a doctoral degree can range from 80,000 to 100,000 words, while a dissertation for a master’s degree may be shorter, typically ranging from 20,000 to 50,000 words. However, it is important to note that these are general guidelines and the actual length of a dissertation can vary widely depending on the specific requirements of the program and the research topic being studied. It is always best to consult with your academic advisor or the guidelines provided by your institution for more specific information on dissertation length.

Applications of Dissertation

Here are some applications of a dissertation:

• Advancing the Field: Dissertations often include new research or a new perspective on existing research, which can help to advance the field. The results of a dissertation can be used by other researchers to build upon or challenge existing knowledge, leading to further advancements in the field.
• Career Advancement: Completing a dissertation demonstrates a high level of expertise in a particular field, which can lead to career advancement opportunities. For example, having a PhD can open doors to higher-paying jobs in academia, research institutions, or the private sector.
• Publishing Opportunities: Dissertations can be published as books or journal articles, which can help to increase the visibility and credibility of the author’s research.
• Personal Growth: The process of writing a dissertation involves a significant amount of research, analysis, and critical thinking. This can help students to develop important skills, such as time management, problem-solving, and communication, which can be valuable in both their personal and professional lives.
• Policy Implications: The findings of a dissertation can have policy implications, particularly in fields such as public health, education, and social sciences. Policymakers can use the research to inform decision-making and improve outcomes for the population.

When to Write a Dissertation

Here are some situations where writing a dissertation may be necessary:

• Pursuing a Doctoral Degree: Writing a dissertation is usually a requirement for earning a doctoral degree, so if you are interested in pursuing a doctorate, you will likely need to write a dissertation.
• Conducting Original Research : Dissertations require students to conduct original research on a specific topic. If you are interested in conducting original research on a topic, writing a dissertation may be the best way to do so.
• Advancing Your Career: Some professions, such as academia and research, may require individuals to have a doctoral degree. Writing a dissertation can help you advance your career by demonstrating your expertise in a particular area.
• Contributing to Knowledge: Dissertations are often based on original research that can contribute to the knowledge base of a field. If you are passionate about advancing knowledge in a particular area, writing a dissertation can help you achieve that goal.
• Meeting Academic Requirements : If you are a graduate student, writing a dissertation may be a requirement for completing your program. Be sure to check with your academic advisor to determine if this is the case for you.

Purpose of Dissertation

some common purposes of a dissertation include:

• To contribute to the knowledge in a particular field : A dissertation is often the culmination of years of research and study, and it should make a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in a particular field.
• To demonstrate mastery of a subject: A dissertation requires extensive research, analysis, and writing, and completing one demonstrates a student’s mastery of their subject area.
• To develop critical thinking and research skills : A dissertation requires students to think critically about their research question, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence. These skills are valuable not only in academia but also in many professional fields.
• To demonstrate academic integrity: A dissertation must be conducted and written in accordance with rigorous academic standards, including ethical considerations such as obtaining informed consent, protecting the privacy of participants, and avoiding plagiarism.
• To prepare for an academic career: Completing a dissertation is often a requirement for obtaining a PhD and pursuing a career in academia. It can demonstrate to potential employers that the student has the necessary skills and experience to conduct original research and make meaningful contributions to their field.
• To develop writing and communication skills: A dissertation requires a significant amount of writing and communication skills to convey complex ideas and research findings in a clear and concise manner. This skill set can be valuable in various professional fields.
• To demonstrate independence and initiative: A dissertation requires students to work independently and take initiative in developing their research question, designing their study, collecting and analyzing data, and drawing conclusions. This demonstrates to potential employers or academic institutions that the student is capable of independent research and taking initiative in their work.
• To contribute to policy or practice: Some dissertations may have a practical application, such as informing policy decisions or improving practices in a particular field. These dissertations can have a significant impact on society, and their findings may be used to improve the lives of individuals or communities.
• To pursue personal interests: Some students may choose to pursue a dissertation topic that aligns with their personal interests or passions, providing them with the opportunity to delve deeper into a topic that they find personally meaningful.

Advantage of Dissertation

Some advantages of writing a dissertation include:

• Developing research and analytical skills: The process of writing a dissertation involves conducting extensive research, analyzing data, and presenting findings in a clear and coherent manner. This process can help students develop important research and analytical skills that can be useful in their future careers.
• Demonstrating expertise in a subject: Writing a dissertation allows students to demonstrate their expertise in a particular subject area. It can help establish their credibility as a knowledgeable and competent professional in their field.
• Contributing to the academic community: A well-written dissertation can contribute new knowledge to the academic community and potentially inform future research in the field.
• Improving writing and communication skills : Writing a dissertation requires students to write and present their research in a clear and concise manner. This can help improve their writing and communication skills, which are essential for success in many professions.
• Increasing job opportunities: Completing a dissertation can increase job opportunities in certain fields, particularly in academia and research-based positions.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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Reviewer comments: examples for common peer review decisions

Peer-reviewing an academic manuscript is not an easy task. Especially if you are unsure about how to formulate your feedback. Examples of reviewer comment s can help! Here you can find an overview of sample comments and examples for the most common review decisions: ‘minor revisions’, ‘major revisions’, ‘revise and resubmit’ and ‘reject’ decisions.

Examples of ‘minor revisions’ reviewer comments

Examples of ‘major revisions’ reviewer comments, examples of ‘revise and resubmit’ reviewer comments, examples of ‘reject’ reviewer comments.

• “This is a well-written manuscript that only needs to undergo a few minor changes. First, …”
• “The manuscript is based on impressive empirical evidence and makes an original contribution. Only minor revisions are needed before it can be published.”
• “I thoroughly enjoyed reviewing this manuscript and only have some minor requests for revision.”
• “The authors develop a unique theoretical framework, and I believe that they should highlight their originality much more.”
• “The authors conduct very relevant research, but fail to emphasise the relevance in their introduction.”
• “The authors draw on extensive empirical evidence. I believe that they can put forward their arguments much more confidently.”
• “The authors adequately addressed my feedback from the first round of peer review. I only have some minor comments for final improvements.”
• “To improve the readability of the paper, I suggest dividing the analysis into several subsections.”
• “Figure 3 is difficult to read and should be adjusted.”
• “Table 1 and 2 can be combined to create a better overview.”
• “The abstract is too long and should be shortened.”
• “I had difficulties understanding the first paragraph on page 5, and suggest that the authors reformulate and simplify it.”
• “The manuscript contains an elaborate literature review, but definitions of the key concepts are needed in the introduction.”
• “Throughout the manuscript, there are several language mistakes. Therefore, I recommend a professional round of language editing before the paper is published.”
• “The paper should undergo professional language editing before it can be published.”

If you want to learn more about common reasons for a ‘minor revisions’ decision and see examples of how an actual peer review might look like, check out this post on ‘minor revisions’ .

• “The manuscript shows a lot of promise, but some major issues need to be addressed before it can be published.”
• “This manuscript addresses a timely topic and makes a relevant contribution to the field. However, some major revisions are needed before it can be published.”
• “I enjoyed reading this manuscript, and believe that it is very promising. At the same time, I identified several issues that require the authors’ attention.”
• “The manuscript sheds light on an interesting phenomenon. However, it also has several shortcomings. I strongly encourage the authors to address the following points.”
• “The authors of this manuscript have an ambitious objective and draw on an interesting dataset. However, their main argument is unclear.”
• “The key argument needs to be worked out and formulated much more clearly.”
• “The theoretical framework is promising but incomplete. In my opinion, the authors cannot make their current claims without considering writings on… “
• “The literature review is promising, but disregards recent publications in the field of…”
• “The empirical evidence is at times insufficient to support the authors’ claims. For instance, in section…”
• “I encourage the authors to provide more in-depth evidence. For instance, I would like to see more interview quotes and a more transparent statistical analysis.”
• “The authors work with an interesting dataset. However, I was missing more detailed insights in the actual results. I believe that several additional tables and figures can improve the authors’ argumentation. “
• “I believe that the manuscript addresses a relevant topic and includes a timely discussion. However, I struggled to understand section 3.1.”
• “I think that the manuscript can be improved by removing section 4 and integrating it into section 5.”
• “The discussion and conclusions are difficult to follow and need to be rewritten to highlight the key contributions of this manuscript.”
• “The line of argumentation should be improved by dividing the manuscript into clear sections with subheadings.”

If you want to learn more about common reasons for a ‘major revisions’ decision and see examples of how an actual peer review might look like, check out this post on ‘major revisions’ .

• “I encourage the authors to revise their manuscript and to resubmit it to the journal.”
• “In its current form, this paper cannot be considered for publication. However, I see value in the research approach and encourage the authors to revise and resubmit their manuscript.”
• “ With the right changes, I believe that this manuscript can make a valuable contribution to the field of …”
• “The paper addresses a valuable topic and raises interesting questions. However, the logic of the argument is difficult to follow. “
• “The manuscript tries to achieve too many things at the same time. The authors need to narrow down their research focus.”
• “The authors raise many interesting points, which makes it difficult for the reader to follow their main argument. I recommend that the authors determine what their main argument is, and structure their manuscript accordingly.”
• “The literature review raises interesting theoretical debates. However, in its current form, it does not provide a good framework for the empirical analysis.”
• “A clearer theoretical stance will increase the quality of the paper.”
• “The manuscript draws on impressive data, as described in the methodology. However, the wealth of data does not come across in the analysis. My recommendation is to increase the number of interview quotes, figures and statistics in the empirical analysis.”
• “The authors draw several conclusions which are hard to connect to their empirical findings. “
• The authors are advised to critically reflect on the generalizability of their research findings.”
• “The manuscript needs to better emphasise the research relevance and its practical implications.”
• “It is unclear what the authors consider their main contribution to the academic literature, and what they envisage in terms of recommendations for further research.”

If you want to learn more about common reasons for a ‘revise and resubmit’ decision and see examples of how an actual peer review might look like, check out this post on ‘revise and resubmit’ .

• “I do not believe that this journal is a good fit for this paper.”
• “While the paper addresses an interesting issue, it is not publishable in its current form.”
• “In its current state, I do not recommend accepting this paper.”
• “Unfortunately, the literature review is inadequate. It lacks..”
• “The paper lacks a convincing theoretical framework ,  which is necessary to be considered for publication.”
• “Unfortunately, the empirical data does not meet disciplinary standards.”
• “While I applaud the authors’ efforts, the paper does not provide sufficient empirical evidence.”
• “The empirical material is too underdeveloped to consider this paper for publication.”
• “The paper has too many structural issues, which makes it hard to follow the argument.”
• “There is a strong mismatch between the literature review and the empirical analysis.”
• “The main contribution of this paper is unclear.”
• “It is unclear what the paper contributes to the existing academic literature.”
• “The originality of this paper needs to be worked out before it can be considered for publication.”
• “Unfortunately, the language and sentence structures of this manuscript are at times incomprehensible. The paper needs rewriting and thorough language editing to allow for a proper peer review.”

If you want to learn more about common reasons for a ‘reject’ decision and see examples of how an actual peer review might look like, check out this post on ‘reject’ decisions .

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Minor revisions: Sample peer review comments and examples

5 proven ways to become an academic peer reviewer, related articles.

The different stages in the manuscript publication process

How to write a literature review introduction (+ examples)

How to write effective cover letters for a paper submission

Dealing with failure as a PhD student

What Is A Literature Review?

A plain-language explainer (with examples).

By:  Derek Jansen (MBA) & Kerryn Warren (PhD) | June 2020 (Updated May 2023)

If you’re faced with writing a dissertation or thesis, chances are you’ve encountered the term “literature review” . If you’re on this page, you’re probably not 100% what the literature review is all about. The good news is that you’ve come to the right place.

Literature Review 101

• What (exactly) is a literature review
• What’s the purpose of the literature review chapter
• How to find high-quality resources
• How to structure your literature review chapter
• Example of an actual literature review

What is a literature review?

The word “literature review” can refer to two related things that are part of the broader literature review process. The first is the task of  reviewing the literature  – i.e. sourcing and reading through the existing research relating to your research topic. The second is the  actual chapter  that you write up in your dissertation, thesis or research project. Let’s look at each of them:

Reviewing the literature

The first step of any literature review is to hunt down and  read through the existing research  that’s relevant to your research topic. To do this, you’ll use a combination of tools (we’ll discuss some of these later) to find journal articles, books, ebooks, research reports, dissertations, theses and any other credible sources of information that relate to your topic. You’ll then  summarise and catalogue these  for easy reference when you write up your literature review chapter. 

The literature review chapter

The second step of the literature review is to write the actual literature review chapter (this is usually the second chapter in a typical dissertation or thesis structure ). At the simplest level, the literature review chapter is an  overview of the key literature  that’s relevant to your research topic. This chapter should provide a smooth-flowing discussion of what research has already been done, what is known, what is unknown and what is contested in relation to your research topic. So, you can think of it as an  integrated review of the state of knowledge  around your research topic. 

What’s the purpose of a literature review?

The literature review chapter has a few important functions within your dissertation, thesis or research project. Let’s take a look at these:

Purpose #1 – Demonstrate your topic knowledge

The first function of the literature review chapter is, quite simply, to show the reader (or marker) that you  know what you’re talking about . In other words, a good literature review chapter demonstrates that you’ve read the relevant existing research and understand what’s going on – who’s said what, what’s agreed upon, disagreed upon and so on. This needs to be  more than just a summary  of who said what – it needs to integrate the existing research to  show how it all fits together  and what’s missing (which leads us to purpose #2, next). 

Purpose #2 – Reveal the research gap that you’ll fill

The second function of the literature review chapter is to  show what’s currently missing  from the existing research, to lay the foundation for your own research topic. In other words, your literature review chapter needs to show that there are currently “missing pieces” in terms of the bigger puzzle, and that  your study will fill one of those research gaps . By doing this, you are showing that your research topic is original and will help contribute to the body of knowledge. In other words, the literature review helps justify your research topic.  

Purpose #3 – Lay the foundation for your conceptual framework

The third function of the literature review is to form the  basis for a conceptual framework . Not every research topic will necessarily have a conceptual framework, but if your topic does require one, it needs to be rooted in your literature review. 

For example, let’s say your research aims to identify the drivers of a certain outcome – the factors which contribute to burnout in office workers. In this case, you’d likely develop a conceptual framework which details the potential factors (e.g. long hours, excessive stress, etc), as well as the outcome (burnout). Those factors would need to emerge from the literature review chapter – they can’t just come from your gut! 

So, in this case, the literature review chapter would uncover each of the potential factors (based on previous studies about burnout), which would then be modelled into a framework. 

Purpose #4 – To inform your methodology

The fourth function of the literature review is to  inform the choice of methodology  for your own research. As we’ve  discussed on the Grad Coach blog , your choice of methodology will be heavily influenced by your research aims, objectives and questions . Given that you’ll be reviewing studies covering a topic close to yours, it makes sense that you could learn a lot from their (well-considered) methodologies.

So, when you’re reviewing the literature, you’ll need to  pay close attention to the research design , methodology and methods used in similar studies, and use these to inform your methodology. Quite often, you’ll be able to  “borrow” from previous studies . This is especially true for quantitative studies , as you can use previously tried and tested measures and scales. 

How do I find articles for my literature review?

Finding quality journal articles is essential to crafting a rock-solid literature review. As you probably already know, not all research is created equally, and so you need to make sure that your literature review is  built on credible research . 

We could write an entire post on how to find quality literature (actually, we have ), but a good starting point is Google Scholar . Google Scholar is essentially the academic equivalent of Google, using Google’s powerful search capabilities to find relevant journal articles and reports. It certainly doesn’t cover every possible resource, but it’s a very useful way to get started on your literature review journey, as it will very quickly give you a good indication of what the  most popular pieces of research  are in your field.

One downside of Google Scholar is that it’s merely a search engine – that is, it lists the articles, but oftentimes  it doesn’t host the articles . So you’ll often hit a paywall when clicking through to journal websites. 

Thankfully, your university should provide you with access to their library, so you can find the article titles using Google Scholar and then search for them by name in your university’s online library. Your university may also provide you with access to  ResearchGate , which is another great source for existing research. 

Remember, the correct search keywords will be super important to get the right information from the start. So, pay close attention to the keywords used in the journal articles you read and use those keywords to search for more articles. If you can’t find a spoon in the kitchen, you haven’t looked in the right drawer. 

Need a helping hand?

How should I structure my literature review?

Unfortunately, there’s no generic universal answer for this one. The structure of your literature review will depend largely on your topic area and your research aims and objectives.

You could potentially structure your literature review chapter according to theme, group, variables , chronologically or per concepts in your field of research. We explain the main approaches to structuring your literature review here . You can also download a copy of our free literature review template to help you establish an initial structure.

In general, it’s also a good idea to start wide (i.e. the big-picture-level) and then narrow down, ending your literature review close to your research questions . However, there’s no universal one “right way” to structure your literature review. The most important thing is not to discuss your sources one after the other like a list – as we touched on earlier, your literature review needs to synthesise the research , not summarise it .

Ultimately, you need to craft your literature review so that it conveys the most important information effectively – it needs to tell a logical story in a digestible way. It’s no use starting off with highly technical terms and then only explaining what these terms mean later. Always assume your reader is not a subject matter expert and hold their hand through a journe y of the literature while keeping the functions of the literature review chapter (which we discussed earlier) front of mind.

Example of a literature review

In the video below, we walk you through a high-quality literature review from a dissertation that earned full distinction. This will give you a clearer view of what a strong literature review looks like in practice and hopefully provide some inspiration for your own. 

Wrapping Up

In this post, we’ve (hopefully) answered the question, “ what is a literature review? “. We’ve also considered the purpose and functions of the literature review, as well as how to find literature and how to structure the literature review chapter. If you’re keen to learn more, check out the literature review section of the Grad Coach blog , as well as our detailed video post covering how to write a literature review . 

Psst… there’s more!

This post is an extract from our bestselling short course, Literature Review Bootcamp . If you want to work smart, you don't want to miss this .

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16 Comments

Thanks for this review. It narrates what’s not been taught as tutors are always in a early to finish their classes.

Thanks for the kind words, Becky. Good luck with your literature review 🙂

This website is amazing, it really helps break everything down. Thank you, I would have been lost without it.

This is review is amazing. I benefited from it a lot and hope others visiting this website will benefit too.

Timothy T. Chol [email protected]

Thank you very much for the guiding in literature review I learn and benefited a lot this make my journey smooth I’ll recommend this site to my friends

This was so useful. Thank you so much.

Hi, Concept was explained nicely by both of you. Thanks a lot for sharing it. It will surely help research scholars to start their Research Journey.

The review is really helpful to me especially during this period of covid-19 pandemic when most universities in my country only offer online classes. Great stuff

Great Brief Explanation, thanks

So helpful to me as a student

GradCoach is a fantastic site with brilliant and modern minds behind it.. I spent weeks decoding the substantial academic Jargon and grounding my initial steps on the research process, which could be shortened to a couple of days through the Gradcoach. Thanks again!

This is an amazing talk. I paved way for myself as a researcher. Thank you GradCoach!

Well-presented overview of the literature!

This was brilliant. So clear. Thank you

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