An extensive literature review is a critical component of a doctoral dissertation. The literature review summarizes relevant prior research to the project. An effective review will convince the reader of a high level of expertise and research on the part of the writer. This introductory section is primarily responsible for defining the significance of the dissertation research. A well-written review will clearly place the doctoral research it in the context of prior academic study and the academic discipline as a whole.
Methodology explains the research methods taken to develop the original content in the body of the dissertation. Clearly defined research methods are critical to academic defensibility, as they provide transparency and authority to original research. The appearance of a methodology section will vary significantly between the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. Science dissertations or research on human subjects may necessitate more detailed or complex research methods that require lengthy explanation. Criteria for excellence in methodology requires the author to place the methods in a larger academic context and sufficient explanation for the original research to be replicated.
The body of an doctoral dissertation contains a full description of the results of the original research. Context, background research and methods have been fully defined in prior sections. The appearance of the body of a dissertation will vary widely according to the type of research and program requirements. This section will lead readers and evaluators to clearly understand the findings of the project. Original research is often supported with graphics and charts that visually relay quantitative information.
The bibliography and appendices support the literature review, methodology and body of an original doctoral dissertation. The bibliography will contain clear references to academic works used to develop the original research, including prior academic theses, papers and personal interviews. Bibliographies lend credibility to the dissertation. Appendices are a necessary component of quantitative-based academic work. This section is comprised of tables that contain the unadulterated data used to develop the conclusions of the research, which will often be frequently referenced throughout the body of the dissertation.