A Breakdown of the Different Types of Dissertation

Getting to grips with the different types of dissertations there are can be a bit tricky, so we have written this article outlining their main differences to help you figure out which one you think will work best for you.

Use this as a guide to get a better understanding of your own dissertation and the choices you have for writing one. Making sure you understand the basic differences between these approaches will give you a good footing when you have to produce your dissertation question.

When it comes to writing your dissertation, you will likely take one of two main approaches: practical/empirical or theoretical/non-empirical. Although both approaches are important for any social science research paper, your examiner or supervisor will be expecting you to use more of one approach than the other, as you explore your topic and relay the findings. However, it is important to remember that a solid theoretical basis is a prerequisite for carrying out any practical research, and a more theoretically based dissertation still requires actual links with the world in which we live.

As we hope to clarify here, the type of dissertation that you will need to write largely depends upon the specific subject you are researching, and what academic discipline you are currently studying within.

Still not sure? Read the following bullet points:

Empirical Dissertations

· An empirical dissertation involves collecting data. If you need to gather the views of a particular demographic, you will need to produce questions they are willing to answer in a way that is most effective for your work.

· As this approach is more about gathering and translating facts, this is usually the approach taken by students within the social sciences.

· This sort of dissertation requires looking at, and exploring, the main concerns of the dissertation question by examining the results from relevant surveys, researches, observations, and case studies.

· Alternatively, you may collect data by reviewing existing studies with a different perspective, to create new comparisons

· TOP TIP: remember that even a data-based dissertation still requires a sound theoretical basis. If you are more comfortable with reading and discussing theories, you may be better off with a more theoretical-based study.

Non-empirical Dissertations

· A non-empirical dissertation involves a sound argument that is sustained throughout the paper.

· This approach will be more useful for those who intend on looking at their subject from a philosophical, ethical, or cultural perspective.

· If you are more interested in putting an emphasis on political, social or economic concerns, then an applied theoretical study may be an apt approach.

· This kind of approach is perfect for those discussing theories within their academic discipline, such as feminism.

· If you are a Philosophy, Literature, or Sociology student, you are more likely to find this type of dissertation approach the most useful.

· TOP TIP: Only do this type of dissertation if you enjoy heavy reading and feel confident with sustaining an argument throughout the entire length of your whole paper. If you are more comfortable reviewing the results of other studies, you may be best going for a more empirical-based research question.