The structure of a dissertation can be compared with the image of an hourglass. Content of the beginning is very broad; the specific question then focuses the interest. The centre of the work, the methods section and presentation of the results of your investigation, is closely tied to the issue of content, the discussion opens our eyes again and presents the work in a larger context.

Schematic of the structure

The conceptual and the formal structure can be based on this schema. The main topics and functions of each part are described below.

Introduction

The introduction should arouse the reader’s interest. In the short introduction (maximum 10% of the whole text), the theme of the work is introduced and circumscribed, discussed the state of research and formulated a specific research question. The conclusion of the introduction outlines the thinking behind the work and the methodological approach. Sometimes, in the introduction to the most important results are already anticipated.

Main part

The main section is a detailed treatment of the research question. Frequently, the following issues are addressed: the development of hypotheses, methods of presentation, presentation and discussion of the results. Depending on the focus of the work is rather referenced, reflected, described, analysed, interpreted and discussed. The argument can go in this part of different ways. Usual the following forms, which are based on the specific requirements:

• Deductive (from general to specific)
• Inductively (from the particular to the general)
• Chronologically, by period
• Cause and Effect
• comparative
• Representation of changes / developments
• Thesis – antithesis – synthesis
• systematically analysing, displaying, tangible logic for meaning

Final

The circuit has its own content header. In order to mark the end of your text as a summary, interpretation, résumé, conclusions, conclusions, views, or a combination thereof. The conclusion must be based on all the work and not just a part. If the introduction is taken up with the question again at the end, the work has a beautiful bow. Rate of desire place your own work; please indicate what is successful and what is not (and why).

If you record in the final additional questions, you indicate that you accept the one hand the limits of your work, but on the other hand, much in the quiver and have many ideas on how you could investigate further.