Stanford Ph.D. Dissertation Format Guide

Ph.D. dissertations systematically deal with a subject-specific questionnaire against the background of the corresponding theoretical discussion, using the many-sided methodology. The following notes serve as guidelines for the preparation of this kind of work. These are, in part, binding guidelines (in particular in relation to questions of formal design), some of which are intended to facilitate the work process. The aim of this guide is, on the one hand, to ensure a certain unity in the formal organization of the work. The quality of a written work depends on many factors. Every student has their own work style, their own expression, their own preferences for certain work processes. In this sense, the quality of the end product is considered to be authoritative and not the blind adherence to specifications eg to the number of pages or the like.

Dissertations consists of the following parts: cover sheet, table of contents, introduction, main part, conclusion, bibliography. Optionally, directories can be used for this purpose. The tables and illustrations or the transcription signs used are placed either between table of contents and introduction or before the bibliography. The cover sheet should contain the following information: Title of the university, name of the lecturer, title of work; your name, address, telephone, e-mail, subject and date. The cover sheet is not included in the page numbering. The table of contents contains the numbered chapters in decimal classification with page numbers. The introduction concisely summarizes the question. It may also include first problematization of the chosen topic, as well as, for example, the data material or the methodical approach. In a Stanford dissertation, the main part is divided into further chapters, whose headings are based on the content. This part of the thesis deals with the question. The object of the investigation is brought into connection with the relevant theoretical background, possibly also controversial, research positions can be added discussed and problematized. The methodical procedure is described in detail and justified. Quite simply formulated: It should be shown what was done, how it was done and why it was done. For empirical work the data material is described and its analysis presented. It is helpful, when the data evaluation is vivid and clear. For example, the results can be presented in tables and the analysis can be illustrated by particularly clear examples. Tables, graphs, examples etc. should be explained and discussed in the main part, so that their evaluation in the argumentation makes it comprehensible.

In conclusion, the results of the investigation are briefly summarized. Here you can also include any problems, open questions and supplementary findings to be discussed. The key part does not contain the literal repetition of things already explained, but adds the individual discourses to an overview together. You can write Ph.D. dissertation easily, by following these guidelines. Make sure to proofread and check your work several times, so you can be sure that you didn’t make a mistake. If you have a mentor, discuss possible ideas with him.