cut a long story short, I explore three different cases during my PhD. In one of them, two different methods have been investigated and implemented (from the comparison of these two method, one is better). So in other two cases, only one method have been implemented. As a result, in my thesis, there is disproportionate larger part for one case and only a small part for two other cases.
Now, I received a negative comment on my thesis structure in the proof reading. I am trying to restructure it. But I found it difficult to go with traditional IMRAD ( Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion) structure, as my PhD research is case by case basis and there is quite more work for one of them.
So, here is question. How important to cope with IMRAD ( Introduction, Method, Results and Discussion) structure in a PhD thesis ? Any brighter ideas to organize a thesis structure with the contents like that.
I'm only a second year so feel free to dismiss this but I don't plan on following that exactly.
I will be doing lit review, method for phase I, results for phase I, method for phase 2, results for phase II, discussion (where phase II is informed by phase I).
Would this work for you?
A
Maybe u could try this Jiou,
1)Intro - what is the thesis about? current issues? scope, limitations, thesis report overview
2)Review of the problem - your thesis hypothesis, summary/preview to Literature Review Chapter
3)Literature Review Chapter
4) Proposed Methodology - how are you conducting your thesis? is there a particular methodology or is it experimental or investigative?
5) Data Collection/Analysis - is there any data? describe data sources, preparation of input data (analysis)
6) Calibration and Validation - calibration is where you tried your method 1 and compared with method 2- explain in detail why did you choose method 2 ( your calibration process); Validation - two case studies- you tried your proposed method on two cases - explain your validation process - the results need to match the observed data
7) Applications - any other case studies of your proposed method (method 2)
8) Conclusions and Recommendations
9)Appendices
10)References
Hope this helps, gl (up)
Use a chapter for each case and within that have an intro, method, results, discussion section each and do a large discussion section in the end which could include critical analysis of the why you chose method 1 for case 1 etc. so you will have 'chapter-2: case 1'
I agree with Sheena. However as an alternative, do you need to add the two methods at the beginning in the first place? Normally a 'method development section' can be added if you are evaluating multiple methods - however if it doesn't add anything further to the overall structure of the thesis, it may be best to leave it in as supplement perhaps - to demonstrate that you have done this but it is not directly relevent to body of the work you have covered?
PostgraduateForum Is a trading name of FindAUniversity Ltd
FindAUniversity Ltd, 77 Sidney St, Sheffield, S1 4RG, UK. Tel +44 (0) 114 268 4940 Fax: +44 (0) 114 268 5766
An active and supportive community.
Support and advice from your peers.
Your postgraduate questions answered.
Use your experience to help others.
Enter your email address below to get started with your forum account
Enter your username below to login to your account
An email has been sent to your email account along with instructions on how to reset your password. If you do not recieve your email, or have any futher problems accessing your account, then please contact our customer support.
or continue as guest
To ensure all features on our website work properly, your computer, tablet or mobile needs to accept cookies. Our cookies don’t store your personal information, but provide us with anonymous information about use of the website and help us recognise you so we can offer you services more relevant to you. For more information please read our privacy policy
Agree Agree