Thesis & Dissertation Writing

Checklist

Stage 1: Information Collection and Review

1.1 Evaluate the Sources:

• The sources I found are valid (library database and other reliable sources were used).
• The sources I found are up-to-date (if currency matters to my topic).
• The sources I found are relevant to my research topic.

1.2 Read Critically:

• I could identify the main ideas.
• I could identify the underlying theories and models.
• I could identify the connections between text and context.
• I have paid attention to the solution of a work by other scholars.
• I have already taken notes for further research.

1.3 Formulate a Research Question:

• The Question is well elaborated in terms of consistency and simplicity.
• The Question is open-ended. (cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no” response)
• The Question that can be answered with the knowledge I have right now.

Stage 2: Content and Structure Development

2.1 Structure:

• The primary argument was introduced, it was debatable.
• The argument and counter arguments were well presented in the body of the paper.
• The significance of my argument was highlighted in the concluding statement.

2.2 Support by Reference:

• My argument is supported by evidence, facts, and definitions with citations.
• My paper is enhanced by relevant tables, figures, graphs or charts, and/or other important information,

2.3 Logical Flow:

• I addressed one point at a time in a reader-friendly, logical sequence.
• I used transitions naturally to connect paragraphs together.
• My ideas are unified to create a more in-depth understanding/ message.

Stage 3: Presentation and Formatting

3.1 Formatting:

• My paper meets general formatting requirements of assignment outline, e.g. font style and size, spacing.
• My paper is easy to read – it has a clear structure with a consistent format of description and presentation for all headings, paragraphs, lists, tables, etc.
• My paper follows the appropriate citation style.

3.2 APA Style – In-text Citation:

• I used “&” within parentheses instead of “and”, e.g. (Smith & Jones, 2012).
• I used double spacing instead of single spacing.
• I used (n.d.) if the source is not dated.

3.3 APA Style – Constructing a References List:

• I have only listed what I have used, not what I have read.
• No quotation marks ” “ was used for article titles.
• Journal titles and volume numbers were italicized or underlined.
• Middle name and first name of authors were given as initials.
• All references were organized in alphabetical order of author’s last name/ surname/ family name.
• No numbering/ bullet was used.

References:

American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association. (6th ed.).Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.

Chodorow, S. (2011). Writing a Successful Research Paper A Simple Approach., Ebscohost ebook collection.

Turabian, K. L. (2019). Student’s guide to writing college papers. University of Chicago Press