sample table of contents apa dissertation

Graduate School

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Formatting Requirements

ETDs must be approved for content by the student's committee before submission to the Graduate School (GS). The final post-defense copy submitted electronically to GS must be the version that has been approved by your appointed thesis/dissertation committee. Submitting an alternate version of your ETD to GS may be a violation of the PSU Student Code of Conduct and may result in sanctions up to and including revocation of the degree.

GS reviews your ETD for formatting only. We do not proofread, verify appropriate use of style guidelines (APA, MLA, etc.), check for plagiarism, or otherwise audit your document for professional-level standards. Ensuring these standards is your responsibility as the author of your thesis/dissertation, as well as the responsibility of your appointed thesis/dissertation Chair and committee.

You may follow whatever formatting requirements are standard in your discipline (e.g. APA, MLA, etc.), but if there are discrepancies between GS requirements and the guidelines you are using, you must defer to the GS requirements. GS formatting requirements also supersede those provided by ProQuest.

In accordance with PSU's efforts to make educational content available to everyone, we ask that you do your best to make your ETD accessible. Accessible documents will be usable by screen readers and other assistive technologies and will widen the scope of who can access your ETD. We hope that we are able to introduce you to creating more accessible professional writing as you move forward in your career. Instructions on how to make your ETD accessible are on our Accessibility for ETD's page .

Do not use another student's thesis/dissertation as a formatting model. Formatting requirements have changed over time, and special arrangements could have been made that would not apply in all cases.

If you have trouble with formatting, we recommend that you search for tutorials on YouTube as it is a good resource for step-by-step videos for the types of formatting you will need to do for the ETD.

Any formatting issue not specified here is at the discretion of GS. Feel free to contact us with questions at [email protected] or 503-725-8410, Option 2.

Format of the ETD

There are two standard formats for ETDs—the monograph format and the multi-paper format. The monograph format focuses on a single subject and has a single author whereas the multi-paper format is a compilation of papers (typically three), often in a journal article style format, and may have multiple authors. The multi-paper format is more commonly used in dissertations than theses. In the multi-paper format the papers do not have to be closely related to each other, but it is required that there be both an introductory and concluding chapter that link the papers together with a common theme. The decision whether to use a monograph or multi-paper form is made in conjunction with your adviser and committee.

If any of the chapters, major sections, or papers included in the document have been previously published and you are the sole author , you must include a note indicating that it has been published and provide the full citation at the start of that chapter. The note and citation should be located directly below the chapter heading.

If any of the chapters, major sections, or papers included in the document have been both previously published and co-authored , you must include a Chapter Heading Page with both a citation and an author contribution statement. View the  Chapter Heading Page information  for specific requirements and a template. 

Although the ETD is electronic, the correct paper size must be applied, which is 8.5 x 11 inches. Typically, this is the default paper size setting in Word, but you should check it when initially setting up the formatting for the document.

All text must be professional quality font, i.e. no script, italic, or ornamental font is permitted. All text, headings, subheadings, and table/figure captions must be in black font (color font is allowed for hyperlinks and in tables/figures). Bold and italics should be kept to a minimum; this is a professional document that should reflect a conservative style.

All fonts in your ETD must be embedded. Embedding fonts ensures that your entire document can be properly viewed on any computer, even ones that do not have installed the fonts you used. Please visit the ETD Administrator FAQ webpage for information on how to correctly create PDF files for submission to ProQuest. 

All text, including chapter titles and headings, must be 12 point font, with the following four exceptions:

• Tables may be reduced to a minimum 10 point font.
• Figures and appendices do not have a minimum font requirement but must be legible.
• Captions for tables and figures may be reduced to a minimum 10 point font.
• Footnotes and endnotes may be reduced to a minimum 10 point font.

All text must be double spaced, with the following exceptions:

Table of Contents

• List of Tables and List of Figures
• Chapter titles and headings
• Block quotes
• Bulleted and numbered lists
• Tables and figures
• Captions for tables and figures
• Footnotes and endnotes

Page Numbers and Header/Footers

Every page following the Title page and the Copyright Notice page (if included) is numbered, and page numbers must be printed on every page. Page numbers may be placed in one of three locations: upper right corner, bottom right corner, or bottom center. The page number location must be consistent throughout the document. You may include a running header/footer if you wish. Page numbers must comply with the margin requirements (see additional information in Margins, below). 

The prefatory pages, beginning with the Abstract, are numbered with lower-case Roman numerals, ie., i, ii, iii, iv, etc. Beginning with the first page of Chapter 1, the pagination changes to Arabic numerals, i.e., 1, 2, 3, etc., beginning with page 1. Arabic numeration continues to the end of the document. (See additional information in Order of the ETD .)

Minimum margins are required on every page: 1.5" on the left and 1" on the top, bottom, and right. These margins apply to the page numbers and a running header/footer as well.

NOTE: MS Word automatically places page numbers in the header/footer. The default setting for the header/footer is .5" from the edge of the page, so you will have to adjust this manually from the Page Setup menu (Format/Document menu on a Mac). If you are placing your page numbers at the top of the page, adjust the header to 1", then adjust the top margin to 1.2" (to allow space between the page number and the top of the text). If you are placing the page numbers at the bottom of the page, adjust the footer to 1", then adjust the bottom margin to 1.2".

The body of the ETD must be divided into chapters, major sections, or papers (if using the multi-paper format). Each chapter must begin at the top of a new page.

Chapters, major sections, or papers must be titled. Chapter titles as provided in the body of the ETD and in the Table of Contents must match.

Most students choose to number their chapters, however, this is not required. If you number your chapters, the numbering system used in the body of the ETD and in the Table of Contents must match. For example, if the chapters in the Table of Contents are numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., the chapters in the body of the ETD must be numbered 1, 2, 3, etc., not I, II, III, etc., or One, Two, Three, etc.

If any of the chapters, major sections, or papers included in the document have been previously published, you must include a note indicating that it has been published and provide the full citation at the start of that chapter. The note and citation should be located directly below the chapter heading.

Tables and Figures

A table is any set of data arranged in a tabular format. All other items (charts, graphs, maps, photographs, drawings, etc.) are figures. Mathematical formulas, schemas, and computer code should not be identified as figures.

If tables and/or figures are included in your ETD, you must provide a List of Tables and/or a List of Figures in your prefatory pages. (See additional information in Order of the ETD .) Tables and Figures must have titles and be labeled. The List of Figures and List of Tables must include the table/figure number, title, and page number for each table and figure. Both the List of Tables and List of Figures must begin on the top of a new page. Tables and figures in the appendices should not be listed in the List of Tables or List of Figures.

Tables may be reduced to a minimum 10 point font. Figures do not have a minimum font requirement but must be legible. Captions for tables and figures may be reduced to a minimum 10 point font.

Tables and figures, as well as their captions, may be double or single spaced.

If you need to turn the orientation of a table or figure from portrait to landscape, rotate the image 90 degrees counterclockwise. The "top" of your image will now be on the left margin, which has a 1.5" margin requirement. Your page number will need to remain in the same location as on all other pages with a portrait orientation.

For the monograph format , you can either embed your tables and figures throughout the document or put all your tables and figures in one group at the end of the document, immediately before the terminal reference section. Throughout the body of your ETD, tables and figures must be numbered in sequential order, and they must be listed in the List of Tables and List of Figures in the same order that they appear in your ETD. Bearing in mind that sequential numbering is required, you have discretion about the specific format used to number your tables and figures. For example, you could number all tables from the beginning of the document Table 1, Table 2, etc., or you could number all tables in Chapter 1 as Table 1.1, 1.2, etc., then tables in Chapter 2 as Table 2.1, 2.2, etc. Whatever numbering format you use, you must be consistent throughout the ETD.

For the multi-paper format , you can embed the tables and figures throughout each paper or put them in one group at the end of each paper. If tables and figures are in one group at the end of the paper, they must be located before the references for that paper. The table and number figuring can either be sequential throughout the entire document, or each paper can have its own table and figure numbering. If each paper has its own numbering, the tables and figures must be clearly outlined by paper in the List of Tables and List of Figures. View an example List of Tables for the multi-paper format (this sample can also be used as a template for the List of Figures).

The format and placement of the References section are dependent on the type of document you are submitting. Each References section must begin at the top of a new page regardless of whether you are using the monograph or multi-paper format.

For the monograph format , there must be one terminal reference section that covers all the references in the entire document. The terminal reference section must be placed immediately after the last chapter.

For the multi-paper format , it is most typical that each chapter will have its own reference section. The references must be the last section of the chapter (i.e., after the tables and figures) unless there is a chapter appendix ( see Appendices below ). If references are used in the Introduction and Conclusion chapters, those chapters would have their own reference sections as well. There must be an entry in the Table of Contents for each reference section. Alternatively, you can choose to have a terminal reference section that covers all the references in the entire document, but it must be placed immediately after the last chapter. You must choose to follow either the monograph or multi-paper format for your references--you cannot do a combination of both.

Information contained in an appendix of the ETD should be nonessential to the thesis or dissertation; i.e., the document should be able to stand alone without the Appendix material. When determining whether information should be in an appendix, consider whether it is essential to your research argument and consult with your committee as needed.

Appendices must be divided into A, B, C, etc. sections. If you have only one Appendix, you can label it simply "Appendix" instead of "Appendix A". 

Each Appendix must begin at the top of a new page regardless of whether you are using the monograph or multi-paper format.

Appendices must have titles (like chapter titles). The titles of the appendices in the Table of Contents and in the body of the ETD must match.

Appendices do not have a minimum font requirement but must be legible. 

For the monograph format , appendices must be located at the end of the ETD after the terminal reference section. Tables and figures in the appendices should not be listed in the List of Tables or List of Figures. The numbering of tables and figures in the appendices is at your discretion; it can continue from the numbering in the body of the ETD (e.g., if the final table in your ETD is Table 37, the first table in your appendices can be Table 38), or it can be independent from the numbering in the body of your ETD (e.g., the first table in your appendices can be Table A.1).

For the multi-paper format , appendices should be located at the end of the chapter they are related to (after the references). If tables and/or figures are in the chapter appendix, they must follow the same sequential table/figure numbering system used in the rest of the chapter, and they must be listed in the List of Tables and List of Figures. Alternatively, you can choose to have all appendices in one section at the end of the document after the last chapter, but they must be formatted as described above in the monograph format option. You must choose to follow either the monograph or multi-paper format for your appendices--you cannot do a combination of both. 

Supplemental Files

Supplemental files are files that, due to their size and/or format, cannot be located on a page of the ETD. If your ETD contains materials such as audio files, video files and/or spreadsheets, these should be submitted as supplemental files.

Please Note: Supplemental files must be listed and described in an appendix of the ETD and identified by name, file type, size, required application software, and any special hardware requirements.

Visit the Supplemental Files web page for information about accepted file types.

Order of the ETD

• Title page (this page does not carry a page number).
• Copyright Notice page (this page does not carry a page number). This page is required if you have registered your copyright; otherwise it is optional but recommended.  
• Abstract (required)
• Dedication (optional)
• Acknowledgments (optional)
• Table of Contents (required)
• List of Tables (required if tables included in the ETD)
• List of Figures (required if figures included in the ETD)
• Glossary or List of Abbreviations/Symbols (optional)
• Preface (optional)
• All of the sections above (that are included in your ETD) must be listed in the Table of Contents (however, do not list the Table of Contents in the Table of Contents).  
• Body of the ETD, divided into chapters, major sections, or papers
• Endnotes, if used in your ETD
• Terminal references (this will be omitted in the multi-paper format)
• Appendices, divided into A, B, C, etc., divisions

GS formatting guidelines require that you have no page number on the Title page, Roman numeral pagination in the prefatory pages, and Arabic numeral pagination for the remaining text. For all three of these sections to exist in one Word document, you need to use section breaks. Information about the use of section breaks in MS Word is available on the MS Office website .

Formatting of Specific Pages

Your Title Page must be formatted to the exact specifications of our example pages. See our Title Page templates, examples, and the information below for details about formatting your Title Page.

Thesis Title Page template Thesis Title Page example

Dissertation Title Page template Dissertation Title Page example

Specific items to note about the Title Page:

• The title must be in Title case, that is, the first letter of each significant word must be capitalized.
• You may choose the form of your name that you wish, but we strongly encourage that you use the most formal and fullest form of your name possible, for example, Katharine Ann Jones instead of Katharine A. Jones, Katharine Jones, or Katie Jones. This is a professional document that calls for a full name (not a nickname), and the fullest form of your name will help to distinguish you from other authors with a name similar to yours. However you choose to list your name, it must match on your Title page, the Copyright Notice page, and in the ProQuest ETD Administrator.
• There are no titles (Dr., etc.) listed before names and no degrees (Ph.D., J.D., etc.) after.
• For your committee member names, we would again suggest full names be used (e.g., Michael instead of Mike). However, common courtesy recommends that you ask each of your committee members how they would like their name to appear on this document.
• The year under "Portland State University" is your year of graduation, not the year you completed your ETD or any other date.

The Title Page templates are provided for your convenience, but you are not required to use them. Instructions for using the templates:

• We recommend that you reference the example Thesis or Dissertation Title Page example while updating the template for use in your document.
• The templates are set up to meet our formatting requirements; do not make any formatting adjustments to the template other than to replace text specific to you that has an "Insert" prompt.
• As needed, update the year at the bottom of the Title Page to be your year of graduation.
• There may be fewer (or more) committee member lines on the template than are needed for your committee; simply add or delete the extra lines as needed.

Copyright Notice Page

If you choose to register your copyright, you must include a Copyright Notice page immediately following your Title page. Even if you do not choose to register your copyright, you still own your copyright and may include a Copyright Notice page if you wish; in fact, we encourage you to do so. This page does not carry a page number. The formatting of this page is the copyright symbol (©) followed by the year your ETD is submitted to the Graduate School and your name exactly as it appears on your Title page, centered on one line. View the example Copyright Notice page .

For additional information about registering your copyright, view ProQuest's copyright information .

If you choose to add a Creative Commons license to your ETD, add the appropriate text and image to the Copyright Notice Page, double spaced below the copyright notice. Visit the Creative Commons website for more information.

The Word "Abstract" appears centered at the top of the page, then the text of your Abstract begins. This page is always numbered page i. The two introductory sentences that were previously used for paper theses and dissertations are not included in ETDs. Do not use footnotes or add keywords to your Abstract. View an example Abstract .

The Table of Contents must meet all the formatting requirements listed above (font size, margins, etc.), but specific formatting for the Table of Contents is at your discretion. All major sections of the document (i.e., chapters, references, and appendices) and the prefatory pages must be listed in the Table of Contents. The prefatory page numbers in the Table of Contents must be lowercase Roman numerals. The Title Page and Copyright Notice page should not be listed in the Table of Contents.  View an example of a typical Table of Contents . 

• Thesis & Dissertation

Purdue Online Writing Lab Purdue OWL® College of Liberal Arts

Types of APA Papers

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

Note:  This page reflects the latest version of the APA Publication Manual (i.e., APA 7), which released in October 2019. The equivalent resource for the older APA 6 style  can be found here .

There are two common types of papers written in fields using APA Style: the literature review and the experimental report. Each has unique requirements concerning the sections that must be included in the paper.

Literature review

A literature review is a critical summary of what the scientific literature says about your specific topic or question. Often student research in APA fields falls into this category. Your professor might ask you to write this kind of paper to demonstrate your familiarity with work in the field pertinent to the research you hope to conduct.

A literature review typically contains the following sections:

• Introduction section
• List of references

Some instructors may also want you to write an abstract for a literature review, so be sure to check with them when given an assignment. Also, the length of a literature review and the required number of sources will vary based on course and instructor preferences.

NOTE: A literature review and an annotated bibliography are not synonymous. If you are asked to write an annotated bibliography, you should consult the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association for the APA Format for Annotated Bibliographies.

Experimental report

In many of the social sciences, you will be asked to design and conduct your own experimental research. If so, you will need to write up your paper using a structure that is more complex than that used for just a literature review. We have a complete resource devoted to writing an experimental report in the field of psychology here .

This structure follows the scientific method, but it also makes your paper easier to follow by providing those familiar cues that help your reader efficiently scan your information for:

• Why the topic is important (covered in your introduction)
• What the problem is (also covered in your introduction)
• What you did to try to solve the problem (covered in your methods section)
• What you found (covered in your results section)
• What you think your findings mean (covered in your discussion section)

Thus an experimental report typically includes the following sections.

• Introduction
• Appendices(if necessary)
• Tables and/or figures (if necessary)

Make sure to check the guidelines for your assignment or any guidelines that have been given to you by an editor of a journal before you submit a manuscript containing the sections listed above.

As with the literature review, the length of this report may vary by course or by journal, but most often it will be determined by the scope of the research conducted.

Other papers

If you are writing a paper that fits neither of these categories, follow the guidelines about General Format , consult your instructor, or look up advice in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association .

When submitting a manuscript to a journal, make sure you follow the guidelines described in the submission policies of that publication, and include as many sections as you think are applicable to presenting your material. Remember to keep your audience in mind as you are making this decision. If certain information is particularly pertinent for conveying your research, then ensure that there is a section of your paper that adequately addresses that information.

In-text citation

Reference list.

• Artificial intelligence
• Audiovisual
• Books and chapters
• Conferences
• Course materials

Government and business reports

• Medicine and health sources
• Music scores
• Tables and figures
• Theses and dissertations
• Web and social media
• Other sources
• Print this page
• Other styles AGLC4 APA 7th Chicago 17th (A) Notes Chicago 17th (B) Author-Date Harvard MLA 9th Vancouver
• Referencing home

General tips

• Where individual author/s are credited with writing the document, list them as author/s.
• Where there are no individual authors, the organisation that is specifically responsible for creating the document is the author (referred to as a group author or corporate author). Examples include government departments, NGOs and commercial firms.
• Include the name of the parent organisation of the corporate author as the publisher. Where the corporate author and the publisher are the same, omit the publisher.
• When company or industry information is from a proprietary database, such as DatAnalysis Premium, IBISWorld, Marketline and Passport provide the database name, in italics, followed by the URL of the database website. 
• Provide a description of the report [in square brackets] when not otherwise apparent. e.g. [Press release].
• If there is a report number or other identifier, include in parentheses, after the title (but not in italics).

Reports with individual author/s named

(Author’s surname, Year)

In an industry report on Australian crisis accommodation Richardson (2020) states . . .

Australian crisis accommodation options were recently reviewed (Richardson, 2020).

Reports with an organisation as the author

(Group/corporate author name, Year)

An industry report on infrastructure construction in China by IBISWorld (2019) asserts . . .

Infrastructure construction in China was summarised in a recent industry report (IBISWorld, 2019).

The latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2023) shows a continuing steady decline in tobacco smoking . . .

Australia has experienced a steady decline in tobacco smoking over the last 20 years (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).

• Go to  Getting started >  In-text citation  to view other examples such as multiple authors and corporate or group authors.

Government reports

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of publication (Report number). Publisher. https://xxxxx

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2019). Emergency department care 2017-18: Australian hospital statistics (Catalogue number HSE 216). https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/hospitals/emergency-department-care-2017-18/contents/table-of-contents

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2020). Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health performance framework—Summary report 2020 . https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/publications/hpf-summary-2020

Research report/Discussion paper

Cockerill, L., & Pennings, S. (2007). Private business investment in Australia (Research Discussion Paper RDP 2007-09). Reserve Bank of Australia. https://www.rba.gov.au/publications/rdp/2007/pdf/rdp2007-09.pdf

Press release

Author, A. A. (YYYY, Month DD). Title of press release [Press release]. Publisher. https://xxxxx

NSW Department of Industry. (2018, July 30). Acoustics provide new insights on koalas in hinterland forests [Press release]. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/about-us/media-centre/releases/2018/acoustics-provide-new-insights-on-koalas-in-hinterland-forests

Curriculum documents

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of publication . (Report number). https://xxxxx

Australian Government Department of Education. (2022). Belonging, being and becoming: The Early Years Learning Framework for Australia . (V2.0). https://www.acecqa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2023-01/EYLF-2022-V2.0.pdf

Department of Education and Training. (2020). High impact teaching strategies: Excellence in teaching and learning . https://www.education.vic.gov.au/Documents/school/teachers/support/high-impact-teaching-strategies.pdf

Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority. (n.d.). Mathematics Version 2.0 - Level 5 . https://victoriancurriculum.vcaa.vic.edu.au/mathematics/mathematics-version-2-0/curriculum/f-10

Annual report from the web

Corporate Author. (Year). Title of report . https://xxxxxx

Woolworths Group Limited. (2019). Better together: 2019 annual report . https://www.woolworthsgroup.com.au/content/dam/wwg/investors/reports/2019/full-year/2019 Annual Report.pdf

Company report, e.g. from the DatAnalysis Premium database

Corporate Author. (YYYY, Month DD). Title of report [Description]. Database . https://xxxxxx

Morningstar. (2020, August 27). Qantas Airways Limited [Company report]. Morningstar DatAnalysis Premium . https://datanalysis.morningstar.com.au

• Morningstar is the producer of DatAnalysis Premium

Country report, e.g. from the Marketline database

MarketLine. (2020, April). Country analysis report: Vietnam, in-depth PESTLE insights. Marketline . http://www.marketline.com

Industry report, e.g. from the IBISWorld database

Author, A. A. (YYYY, Month DD). Title of report (Report number). Database . https://xxxxxx

Allday, A. (2020, August). Community associations and other interest groups in Australia (Australian Industry (ANZSIC) Report S9559). IBISWorld . http://ibisworld.com

• IBIS World usually identifies the analyst who created the report; the analyst's name is used in your citing and referencing.

Market report, e.g. from the Passport database

Euromonitor International. (2019,September 19). A new view on the market for protein bars [Briefing]. Passport . http://www.portal.euromonitor.com

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• Last Updated: May 7, 2024 1:39 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.monash.edu/apa-7

Expert Tips on How to Cite a PhD Dissertation with Examples

May 7, 2024

It is of utmost importance to cite a PhD dissertation. By properly citing sources, you can demonstrate your academic integrity while upholding ethical considerations. It not only demonstrates respect for the original authors but also adds validity to the context by providing a foundation of reputable sources. So, an understanding of how to cite sources for your thesis seems essential.

Are you wondering how to compile a list of references in your dissertations? You may have heard about different referencing styles, such as APA, Chicago, MLA, or Harvard. Thinking about which one is more appropriate is irrelevant. This is because these all are equally popular in institutions.

What matters is your university’s guidelines for referring your paper. That’s why we are going to talk about all of these different patterns. You can have a basic understanding of each, so using any style would be hands-on practice whenever the tutor asks you to follow a specific one. However, if the citation part of your paper is giving you a tough time as you are not efficient in it, then hiring a PhD dissertation writer can help with this difficulty. Following the standards, they can provide you with error-free write-ups to boost your academic performance.

Continue reading if you are stuck on the referencing part of your thesis.

Table Of Contents

• 1.1.1 Example:
• 1.2.1 Example:
• 1.3.1 Example:
• 1.4.1 Example:
• 2 Conclusion

How to Cite a PhD Dissertation?

When writing a piece of work, such as a PhD dissertation, you need to refer to the material from where you collected data. This process is called referencing. For instance, if you are consulting scholarly articles, you should refer them. To help you translate your intent of efficient referencing, below are the different writing styles to follow up. Let’s discuss each of these individually. 

How To Cite PhD Dissertation APA 7th Edition?

Following the APA style to cite a PhD dissertation acknowledges others’ work by using parenthetical in-text citations. This familiar structure helps the reader understand the text. If you are asked to follow the APA style to cite PhD dissertations, you must read the basic rules before randomly starting to compile this list.

• The reference list must be arranged in the alphabetic order.
• Arrange it by the first name of the author. However, if the first author’s name is similar then a second name can be considered instead.
• If the name of the author is not known, then you can consider the title of the paper. Here, ignore the initial words “A, “An”, and “The” and take the next word for its alphabetic arrangement.
• If there are two references whose authors’ names are similar, then consider the year of publication.

A reference list example given by James Cook University Australia following the APA style is displayed below. It can help you to cite a PHD thesis efficiently.

How to Cite PHD Dissertation Chicago?

The Chicago bibliography system is mostly used in the subject of humanities to cite a PhD dissertation. The proper use of this referencing system can help the learners protect themselves from accusations of plagiarism. Following the system might be difficult but there are key tips that make its implementation easier for the researcher. Here to discuss them.

• Do not use large and bold fonts for the bibliography title.
• There must be a hanging indent where the first line begins at the margin, while the subsequent lines are written in an indented manner.
• If the name of the author is not known, then arrange the list alphabetically by the name of the title. There is no need to make a separate list for such sources.
• There is no need to separate primary and secondary sources unless your supervisor asks you to do so.
• If the author’s name is repeated again and again, then you can use “3-em dash” in its place.

That’s true if you think the Chicago referencing style to cite a PhD dissertation is difficult. Especially if you are stressed with the workload of experimentation, paying attention to these minute details can be challenging. Here, buying a dissertation online can help you get your write-up done by a professional.

Murdoch University provides details of this referencing list to highlight how to frame the information when following the Chicago style in reference PhD dissertation.

How to Cite PhD Dissertation MLA?

To use the MLA style to cite a PhD dissertation correctly, you need to pay attention to some basic framework. There are just a few guiding principles rather than an extensive list of rules. Once you are familiar with them, you can easily use them on any type of paper. Here is an overview of the whole process.

• Begin with writing the author’s last name which is followed by the comma. It must be ended with a period.
• The title of the source should be listed in italics. 
• The other contributors to the paper, such as translators, illustrators, or editors, should also be credited. If they are relevant to your research work, then it is crucial to name all of them as Michel. Madness and Civilisation: A History of……. Translated by Steven Howard, The-Random House, 1988.
• If the same source is published on more than one date, then it is sufficient to use the most relevant date for your work.

The CSUDH University Library explain the MLA citation details in the following manner to cite a PhD dissertation.

How to Cite PHD Dissertation Harvard?

In Harvard referencing style, there are two places to cite a PhD dissertation. One is within the text, and the other is to provide the list of sources at the end of the paper. In general, every work in the reference list must be part of the text and vice versa. Find below general principles for the up-to-date referencing of your paper following Harvard style.

• The in-text citation is identified by “author-date style”.
• The name of the author can be part of the text. However, the date and page number are written in brackets.
• If multiple references are used within the text, then each reference is separated by a comma.
• The names of books or journal articles are not italicised .
• Only the first name of the article title is written in capitals.

The Dundalk Institute of Technology provides a Harvard reference guide to cite a PhD dissertation for elaborating in text and reference list citation style.

We all are aware of different referencing styles when citing a PhD dissertation. It has been in use since our college years. However, its importance increases more in your university education. It might be ignored in college, but in university, getting alleged plagiarism is a serious concern. That’s why we have provided the guidelines above to help you grasp the basic understanding of these styles. It can prevent you from making any mistakes and assist you in writing a quality, flawless paper.

However, if more than this guide is needed to cite a PhD dissertation and you assume it is challenging to abide by the conventions, then availing PhD dissertation writing services is the best alternative. Instead of taking risks at the cost of compromising the quality of this crucial document, getting it done by a professional can grant a safer end.

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Mastering your dissertation abstract: a step-by-step guide.

Article created from: https://youtu.be/lbCh94nJqIo?si=xPET8wM1dpPGQqUh

Writing the abstract for your dissertation marks the final push towards the completion of a monumental academic endeavor. The abstract, a succinct summary of your lengthy work, is not just a formality but a crucial component that encapsulates your research's essence. Jessica from Scribbr is here to steer you through this critical task with practical steps and an illustrative example. Let's dive into the art of crafting an effective dissertation abstract that makes your research stand out.

What is an Abstract?

An abstract is a concise summary of a larger work, like a dissertation or a research paper, typically ranging between 150 to 300 words. It's vital to adhere to the specific requirements set by your university or intended journal regarding the abstract's length. Positioned on a separate page, the abstract precedes the main text in your dissertation, coming right after the title page and acknowledgements but before the table of contents.

Crafting Your Abstract: Essential Components

The purpose of your research.

Begin by defining the purpose of your research, addressing the practical or theoretical problem it solves or the question it aims to answer. Providing a brief context of your topic's relevance is crucial, but avoid delving into extensive background information.

Your Research Objectives

State your research objectives clearly, employing verbs like investigate , test , analyze , or evaluate to describe your actions precisely. Remember, this section should be penned in the present or past simple tense, steering clear of future tense since the research is concluded.

Research Methods

Outline the methods you employed succinctly, limiting the description to one or two sentences. This section is typically written in the past simple tense, reflecting on the completed actions.

Key Results or Arguments

Summarize the chief results or arguments of your research, focusing on the findings that underscore your conclusions. Depending on the scope of your research, it might be challenging to include every result; prioritize the most significant ones.

Conclude your abstract by stating your research's main conclusions, clearly articulating your response to the posed problem or question. Conclusions are generally written in the present simple tense.

Limitations and Keywords

Briefly mention any significant limitations of your research to allow readers to accurately gauge its credibility and generalizability. If your paper is to be published, consider including a list of keywords at the abstract's end to facilitate discovery during literature searches. Follow specific formatting guidelines, like those of APA Style, for the keywords.

Final Touches: Proofreading and Revising

After composing your abstract, it's imperative to proofread and revise it to ensure clarity and adherence to guidelines. Utilizing a professional proofreading service can help eliminate language errors, refine your structure, and enhance your academic style.

Crafting an abstract is the last step in the long journey of your dissertation writing. By following this guide, you'll be able to create a compelling and concise abstract that effectively communicates the core of your research. Remember, the abstract is often the first (and sometimes the only) part of your work that readers engage with, making it your chance to make a strong impression.

For further assistance and resources, including how to format an APA style abstract, visit Scribbr's official website . And don't forget to proofread and revise your abstract to perfection before submission. Now, take a deep breath, finalize that abstract, and step forward towards the completion of your academic milestone.

Watch the full video for more details and examples: How to Write a Dissertation Abstract .

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• Knowledge Base
• Methodology
• Doing Survey Research | A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Doing Survey Research | A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples

Published on 6 May 2022 by Shona McCombes . Revised on 10 October 2022.

Survey research means collecting information about a group of people by asking them questions and analysing the results. To conduct an effective survey, follow these six steps:

• Determine who will participate in the survey
• Decide the type of survey (mail, online, or in-person)
• Design the survey questions and layout
• Distribute the survey
• Analyse the responses
• Write up the results

Surveys are a flexible method of data collection that can be used in many different types of research .

Table of contents

What are surveys used for, step 1: define the population and sample, step 2: decide on the type of survey, step 3: design the survey questions, step 4: distribute the survey and collect responses, step 5: analyse the survey results, step 6: write up the survey results, frequently asked questions about surveys.

Surveys are used as a method of gathering data in many different fields. They are a good choice when you want to find out about the characteristics, preferences, opinions, or beliefs of a group of people.

Common uses of survey research include:

• Social research: Investigating the experiences and characteristics of different social groups
• Market research: Finding out what customers think about products, services, and companies
• Health research: Collecting data from patients about symptoms and treatments
• Politics: Measuring public opinion about parties and policies
• Psychology: Researching personality traits, preferences, and behaviours

Surveys can be used in both cross-sectional studies , where you collect data just once, and longitudinal studies , where you survey the same sample several times over an extended period.

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Before you start conducting survey research, you should already have a clear research question that defines what you want to find out. Based on this question, you need to determine exactly who you will target to participate in the survey.

Populations

The target population is the specific group of people that you want to find out about. This group can be very broad or relatively narrow. For example:

• The population of Brazil
• University students in the UK
• Second-generation immigrants in the Netherlands
• Customers of a specific company aged 18 to 24
• British transgender women over the age of 50

Your survey should aim to produce results that can be generalised to the whole population. That means you need to carefully define exactly who you want to draw conclusions about.

It’s rarely possible to survey the entire population of your research – it would be very difficult to get a response from every person in Brazil or every university student in the UK. Instead, you will usually survey a sample from the population.

The sample size depends on how big the population is. You can use an online sample calculator to work out how many responses you need.

There are many sampling methods that allow you to generalise to broad populations. In general, though, the sample should aim to be representative of the population as a whole. The larger and more representative your sample, the more valid your conclusions.

There are two main types of survey:

• A questionnaire , where a list of questions is distributed by post, online, or in person, and respondents fill it out themselves
• An interview , where the researcher asks a set of questions by phone or in person and records the responses

Which type you choose depends on the sample size and location, as well as the focus of the research.

Questionnaires

Sending out a paper survey by post is a common method of gathering demographic information (for example, in a government census of the population).

• You can easily access a large sample.
• You have some control over who is included in the sample (e.g., residents of a specific region).
• The response rate is often low.

Online surveys are a popular choice for students doing dissertation research , due to the low cost and flexibility of this method. There are many online tools available for constructing surveys, such as SurveyMonkey and Google Forms .

• You can quickly access a large sample without constraints on time or location.
• The data is easy to process and analyse.
• The anonymity and accessibility of online surveys mean you have less control over who responds.

If your research focuses on a specific location, you can distribute a written questionnaire to be completed by respondents on the spot. For example, you could approach the customers of a shopping centre or ask all students to complete a questionnaire at the end of a class.

• You can screen respondents to make sure only people in the target population are included in the sample.
• You can collect time- and location-specific data (e.g., the opinions of a shop’s weekday customers).
• The sample size will be smaller, so this method is less suitable for collecting data on broad populations.

Oral interviews are a useful method for smaller sample sizes. They allow you to gather more in-depth information on people’s opinions and preferences. You can conduct interviews by phone or in person.

• You have personal contact with respondents, so you know exactly who will be included in the sample in advance.
• You can clarify questions and ask for follow-up information when necessary.
• The lack of anonymity may cause respondents to answer less honestly, and there is more risk of researcher bias.

Like questionnaires, interviews can be used to collect quantitative data : the researcher records each response as a category or rating and statistically analyses the results. But they are more commonly used to collect qualitative data : the interviewees’ full responses are transcribed and analysed individually to gain a richer understanding of their opinions and feelings.

Next, you need to decide which questions you will ask and how you will ask them. It’s important to consider:

• The type of questions
• The content of the questions
• The phrasing of the questions
• The ordering and layout of the survey

Open-ended vs closed-ended questions

There are two main forms of survey questions: open-ended and closed-ended. Many surveys use a combination of both.

Closed-ended questions give the respondent a predetermined set of answers to choose from. A closed-ended question can include:

• A binary answer (e.g., yes/no or agree/disagree )
• A scale (e.g., a Likert scale with five points ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree )
• A list of options with a single answer possible (e.g., age categories)
• A list of options with multiple answers possible (e.g., leisure interests)

Closed-ended questions are best for quantitative research . They provide you with numerical data that can be statistically analysed to find patterns, trends, and correlations .

Open-ended questions are best for qualitative research. This type of question has no predetermined answers to choose from. Instead, the respondent answers in their own words.

Open questions are most common in interviews, but you can also use them in questionnaires. They are often useful as follow-up questions to ask for more detailed explanations of responses to the closed questions.

The content of the survey questions

To ensure the validity and reliability of your results, you need to carefully consider each question in the survey. All questions should be narrowly focused with enough context for the respondent to answer accurately. Avoid questions that are not directly relevant to the survey’s purpose.

When constructing closed-ended questions, ensure that the options cover all possibilities. If you include a list of options that isn’t exhaustive, you can add an ‘other’ field.

Phrasing the survey questions

In terms of language, the survey questions should be as clear and precise as possible. Tailor the questions to your target population, keeping in mind their level of knowledge of the topic.

Use language that respondents will easily understand, and avoid words with vague or ambiguous meanings. Make sure your questions are phrased neutrally, with no bias towards one answer or another.

Ordering the survey questions

The questions should be arranged in a logical order. Start with easy, non-sensitive, closed-ended questions that will encourage the respondent to continue.

If the survey covers several different topics or themes, group together related questions. You can divide a questionnaire into sections to help respondents understand what is being asked in each part.

If a question refers back to or depends on the answer to a previous question, they should be placed directly next to one another.

Before you start, create a clear plan for where, when, how, and with whom you will conduct the survey. Determine in advance how many responses you require and how you will gain access to the sample.

When you are satisfied that you have created a strong research design suitable for answering your research questions, you can conduct the survey through your method of choice – by post, online, or in person.

There are many methods of analysing the results of your survey. First you have to process the data, usually with the help of a computer program to sort all the responses. You should also cleanse the data by removing incomplete or incorrectly completed responses.

If you asked open-ended questions, you will have to code the responses by assigning labels to each response and organising them into categories or themes. You can also use more qualitative methods, such as thematic analysis , which is especially suitable for analysing interviews.

Statistical analysis is usually conducted using programs like SPSS or Stata. The same set of survey data can be subject to many analyses.

Finally, when you have collected and analysed all the necessary data, you will write it up as part of your thesis, dissertation , or research paper .

In the methodology section, you describe exactly how you conducted the survey. You should explain the types of questions you used, the sampling method, when and where the survey took place, and the response rate. You can include the full questionnaire as an appendix and refer to it in the text if relevant.

Then introduce the analysis by describing how you prepared the data and the statistical methods you used to analyse it. In the results section, you summarise the key results from your analysis.

A Likert scale is a rating scale that quantitatively assesses opinions, attitudes, or behaviours. It is made up of four or more questions that measure a single attitude or trait when response scores are combined.

To use a Likert scale in a survey , you present participants with Likert-type questions or statements, and a continuum of items, usually with five or seven possible responses, to capture their degree of agreement.

Individual Likert-type questions are generally considered ordinal data , because the items have clear rank order, but don’t have an even distribution.

Overall Likert scale scores are sometimes treated as interval data. These scores are considered to have directionality and even spacing between them.

The type of data determines what statistical tests you should use to analyse your data.

A questionnaire is a data collection tool or instrument, while a survey is an overarching research method that involves collecting and analysing data from people using questionnaires.

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the ‘Cite this Scribbr article’ button to automatically add the citation to our free Reference Generator.

McCombes, S. (2022, October 10). Doing Survey Research | A Step-by-Step Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved 6 May 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/research-methods/surveys/

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Tattoos — Informative Speech On Tattoos

Informative Speech on Tattoos

• Categories: Tattoos

About this sample

Words: 704 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 704 | Pages: 2 | 4 min read

Table of contents

I. introduction, a. tattoos have been a form of self-expression and art for centuries, dating back to ancient civilizations such as the egyptians and polynesians. today, tattoos are more popular than ever, with individuals from all walks of life choosing to adorn their bodies with meaningful designs., b. discussing tattoos in an informative speech is important because it allows us to delve deeper into the history, cultural significance, and potential health risks associated with this form of body modification. by understanding the roots of tattooing and its impact on society, we can better appreciate the artistry and personal significance behind each tattoo., c. thesis statement: this speech will explore the history, cultural significance, and potential health risks associated with tattoos, shedding light on the evolution of this ancient practice and its enduring relevance in modern society., ii. history of tattoos, a. tattooing has ancient origins, with evidence of the practice dating back thousands of years. from the intricate designs of the egyptians to the intricate patterns of the polynesians, tattoos have been a symbol of cultural identity and personal expression., b. over the centuries, tattooing has evolved from a ritualistic practice to a mainstream form of art and self-expression. with advancements in technology and techniques, tattoos have become more intricate and detailed, allowing individuals to showcase their creativity and individuality., c. different cultures have played a significant role in shaping tattoo design and techniques. from japanese irezumi to maori moko, each culture has its own unique style and symbolism that have influenced the global tattoo community., iii. cultural significance of tattoos, a. tattoos hold deep symbolism in various cultures, representing everything from strength and courage to spirituality and protection. in many societies, tattoos are seen as a rite of passage or a way to honor one's ancestors and heritage., b. for many individuals, tattoos are a way to express their personal identity and beliefs, serving as a visual representation of their values and experiences. whether it's a memorial tattoo for a loved one or a symbol of empowerment, tattoos hold immense meaning for those who choose to adorn their bodies with them., c. globalization has played a significant role in the popularity and acceptance of tattoos around the world. with social media and pop culture influencing trends and perceptions, tattoos have become more mainstream and widely accepted, breaking down barriers and stereotypes associated with body art., health risks of tattoos, a. when getting a tattoo, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks involved, such as infection and allergic reactions. the use of unsterilized equipment or improper aftercare can lead to serious health complications, highlighting the importance of choosing a reputable tattoo artist and following proper hygiene practices., b. proper tattoo aftercare is crucial in preventing infections and promoting healing. this includes keeping the tattoo clean and moisturized, avoiding exposure to sunlight and harsh chemicals, and following the artist's instructions carefully. by taking care of your tattoo properly, you can minimize the risk of complications and ensure that your body art remains vibrant and healthy., c. the tattoo industry is subject to regulation and safety measures to protect consumers from potential health risks. tattoo artists are required to adhere to strict hygiene standards, use sterile equipment, and follow proper sanitation practices to ensure the safety of their clients. by choosing a licensed and reputable tattoo studio, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with getting a tattoo and enjoy the art form safely., a. in conclusion, tattoos are a timeless form of self-expression and art that have evolved over centuries to hold deep cultural significance and personal meaning. by understanding the history, cultural significance, and potential health risks associated with tattoos, we can appreciate the artistry and symbolism behind each design., b. it is important to make informed decisions when getting a tattoo, considering the risks and benefits involved in this form of body modification. by choosing a reputable artist, following proper aftercare guidelines, and being aware of potential health risks, individuals can enjoy their tattoos safely and responsibly., c. i encourage further research and consideration of tattoos as a meaningful and personal form of self-expression. whether you choose to get a tattoo or not, understanding the history and significance of this ancient practice can deepen your appreciation for the art form and its enduring relevance in today's society. thank you..

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HAP 445 Northern Virginia Community College Research Proposal Paper

Description Students will write a research proposal to fund a survey that pertains to peanut allergies and children. Your maximum budget for this research is $400,000. You may pick your audience. Make the audience known to the reader in the beginning of the paper. Please use the material contained in Chapter 3 of your text beginning on page 79. Your tasks: Proposals should be formatted using the following guidelines. (See page 81 of your text). Title Page that includes your name, class and section name, date, project title, name of the agency you’re requesting funding from (funding source), beginning and end dates of the proposed funding period, and total amount of funds requested. (Does not count toward the page limit) No Table of Contents needed Abstract of your research proposal Project description which includes several sub-sections: introduction, problem statement and significance, goals and objectives, methods and procedures, evaluation and dissemination. References in APA style (Does not count toward the page limit)Budget with justification Appendices (charts, etc.) (Does not count toward the page limit) Instructions Prepare your proposal in MS Word with 1-inch margins on all sides, single-spaced and 12 pt. Times New Roman font. Do not exceed 3 pages. You must use headings. You can use a table for your budget and you can use one additional graph, chart or table as needed to share data. Upload your research proposal to the classroom assignment tab any time before the due date. All references to source material must be in APA format. Use Safeassign before submitting your proposal in the final submission folder and remember to read your originality report. Your Safeassign score should be under 40% after your back out any false positives (Safeassign will flag references and other items that are not plagarism so you have to back those out of your % score). It is up to you to learn about how Safeassign works. You can find guidance on the web or contact GMU Stearns Center to locate assistance). APA Formatting Purdue Owl: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/ Additional resources to format your proposal. Resource: http://libguides.usc.edu/content.php?pid=83009&sid=2319840 In order to complete this assignment you must complete the aforementioned steps and then, you must upload your completed assignment to Blackboard on or before the deadline stated in the course schedule.

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