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Selecting the best dissertation title for your work: Dos & Don't


Basically, a dissertation title informs the reader what to expect of the research; It summarizes the core idea. It underscores the field of study and purpose of the study, from which the readers derive the outcomes and context. A title should be properly framed such that it leads the readers into the research seamlessly avoiding the trouble of confusion. Since writing a thesis, by itself, is a highly disciplined act, there are set guidelines that the title should follow.


DOs

  • Precise: The title should not be a bubbling mass of indistinct words. The title should be written as laconically as possible, avoiding the possibility of unnecessary words.

  • Unambiguous: The should be indicative of the core focus of your study; ambiguity might mislead the readers into expecting outcomes that digress from the actual. There must be clarity as opposed to ambiguity.

  • The title should highlight the purpose, theory, methodology and primary source used.

  • Capitalization: The first word of the title should be capitalized. Articles, prepositions and coordinating conjunctions should not be capitalized.

Don't

  • Do not frame a complete sentence as a title.

  • No period should feature at the end of the title

  • Avoid using acronyms and abbreviations. Acronyms and abbreviations tend to possess multiple meanings which may lead to ambiguity.

  • Informal language should be strictly avoided as it lessens the degree of solemnity of your research.

  • Do not use quotation marks around the entire title. If need be it, use double quotation marks.

  • Do not use mathematical symbols.

Every word in your dissertation title adds meanings and directs the thesis in a said manner. Flouting guidelines reflects the paucity of professionalism on one's part.


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