How to make your PhD thesis standout: 5 tips
Completing a PhD thesis is no small feat; it demands years of dedication, persistence, and, perhaps most importantly, the ability to thread together a coherent narrative that connects the various studies conducted throughout the research journey. However, achieving this coherence is often easier said than done.
From my own experience writing and examining a thesis, as well as reading colleagues' work, I've found that the most daunting task lies in weaving it all together – a challenge we fondly refer to as the "PhD thread." When you dive into a thesis, how seamlessly are the literature review, the different studies, the synthesis of findings, and the overarching PhD aim/objectives interlinked? This, in my view, is the biggest hurdle.
So, I've distilled this challenge into five key aspects.
1. Contribution to aim/objectives
One of the key challenges in connecting studies within your thesis is ensuring that each study contributes meaningfully to fulfilling your research aim and objectives. Each paper should not be read as a stand-alone; they must collectively advance your research agenda.
This requires careful planning and consideration at every stage of the research process. Regularly revisit your research aim and objectives to ensure that each study aligns with these overarching goals. Keep detailed notes on how each study contributes to fulfilling these objectives and be prepared to adjust your approach as needed to maintain alignment.
2. Establishing continuity
Maintaining continuity between studies is vital for guiding the reader through your research journey. However, achieving this can be a challenge, especially when studies vary in methodology, scope, or focus. To tackle this, create a detailed outline of your thesis that maps out the flow of ideas from one study to the next. Identify key themes or concepts that link each study and use these as guiding principles for the reader.
3. Rationale behind sequence
The sequencing of studies within your thesis should be rooted in a clear rationale, stemming from your research question and objectives. Consider the logical progression of ideas when sequencing your studies. Begin with foundational studies, such as your literature review, to establish essential background information. Then, consider the order of empirical studies, selecting the sequence that makes the most sense. It's worth noting that while this proposed sequence is important, it doesn't necessarily have to mirror the actual sequence in your PhD journey.
4. Progress towards answering the research question
Ultimately, the success of your thesis hinges on its ability to provide a clear and compelling answer to your research question. This can be achieved by highlighting, towards the end of each study, which gaps were answered, and which questions remained unanswered, paving the way for subsequent studies.
5. Overarching conclusions
As you synthesise the findings of your studies, overarching conclusions will begin to emerge. However, distilling these conclusions into clear, actionable insights can be challenging.
It's beneficial to have a dedicated discussion section where key findings from each study are synthesised. Take a step back and look for patterns or trends that emerge across your studies. Consider how these findings relate to your research question and objectives and use them to formulate overarching conclusions. Be candid about any limitations or uncertainties in your findings and consider their impact on your conclusions.
Take home message
Weaving the PhD thread throughout your thesis is an iterative process, perhaps the most challenging aspect of the writing journey. However, by carefully considering each study's contribution, establishing a logical sequence, making clear overarching conclusions, and staying focused on your research question, you can create a cohesive and compelling narrative that meets the requirements to obtain a PhD.
