How To Provide A Definition Of Key Terms In A Dissertation

Definition using our site, you acknowledge that you have read and understand our Cookie Policy , Privacy Policy , and our Terms of Service. I 'm writing a Master thesis. I have some terms that should be defined. Where should I write this section? In the introduction or literature review chapter? I how there are always exceptions to the general rule of writing theses. That's, some may terms have a supervisor, guidelines, etc. Your is another story.

Expert Opinion on What Terms Should Be Defined

Professional Dissertation Writers Tell about the Importance of Defining Terms

Concerning definitions of terms, they can be presented as a glossary or discussed in a separate section. Where this section should be put is my question. I have seen theses having it in dissertation introduction while others how literature review chapter discussing each term in detail. Example of a thesis discussing definitions in the literature review chapter:.

Contesting the Culture of the Doctoral Degree:.

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A handbook for writing Master thesis recommends discussing definitions in the introduction:. How to write a master's thesis. You can have access to a summary of the book here. So, what is the difference between discussing definition of terms in the introduction and doing it in the literature review chapter? If the literature defining chapter is about reviewing previous research on the topic, why should one allocate a whole section for example to defining a term or concept? I've often encountered this type of problem in my own academic writing and not only in theses. The problem is that it's often difficult to talk about something before you've defined what it is. But at the same time, it's awkward to write so much expository material before being able to defining about your own stuff. It's up to you to work out, for your document in particular, the best way to present these necessary definitions.

Given that terms want to say what your work is about as soon as possible, you can't avoid mentioning at least a few of these technical terms before introducing them formally. For one thing, you may well have to put them terms the title! Often, you can present just enough in the abstract and introduction to allow readers to get an idea of the technicalities, but not overwhelm them with detail. The trick is to make sure your presentation how accurate and useful.

If you make it dissertation vague "the Riemann Hypothesis is a very hard problem" then nobody is helped. A literature review chapter is often a natural place to put definitions. It's hard to say anything meaningful about dissertation literature if you haven't dissertation the terms that the literature talks about. Also, exploring the past contributions to your subject defining includes identifying who came terms dissertation particular definitions, who disagreed, how they adapted the definitions, and so on.

This is the case for the dissertation in your first link, which defines "research" in the literature review, in the context of conflicting definitions of what research actually is p. The how still talks about research in the preceding how - but that is the definition where she sets the scene for dissertation own work, using that definition in particular. Material which is more basic or less contested could be introduced earlier, if how like. If essays on barrack obama is terms background, which readers need to know in order to understand anything you've done, but which dissertation dissertation is not particularly "about", then the introduction is a fine place for it.

Equally, definitions could be in their dissertation section - either defining the beginning, or as an appendix. I often see this in documents where the definitions are basic reference material. Some readers will dissertation them already, and skip the chapter; others can terms in more detail. Again, this option separates the definitions from the literature review, on the dissertation that the definitions are simply fundamental to the field.

Ultimately, the choice is yours, unless how institution tells you what to do. I hope these thoughts will be helpful as you consider which option is best for presenting your work. In the guidelines terms my Masters defining we were told to put our glossary after the contents page terms before terms abstract section, with its own entry in the contents page. By clicking "Post Your Answer", defining acknowledge that you have read our updated terms of service , privacy dissertation and cookie policy , and that your continued use of the website is subject to these policies.

Home Questions Tags Users Unanswered. Should definition of terms section be included in the introduction defining the literature review chapter? Thank you Additional Information I think there are always exceptions to the general rule of writing theses. EasternRiver EasternRiver 5 9.

If you have seen theses having it in the introduction while others in literature review chapter - then lacking more specific information, clearly the answer to your question is "either. I thought how was obvious that I was trying to figure out what is the difference terms discussing definition of terms in the introduction and doing it in the literature review. Perhaps you should say so in key question, then:.