DISSERTATION WRITING

By

Maj Gen VW Tilak AVSM, VSM (Retd)

DISSERTATION WRITINGINTRODUCTIONTOPIC SELECTIONQUESTIONS:-

What am I trying to do?What has been done before?What is required to be done?

SYNOPSISSCHEDULE / PROFORMA

DISSERTATION WRITING Contd…

PILOT STUDY MAIN STUDY STATISTICAL CONSULTATION CONTENTS OF DISSERTATION VANCOUVER STYLE:-

BMJ 1979;1:532-35

BMJ 1978;1:1334. CONCLUSION

SELECTION OF THE TOPIC

Read earlier dissertations Short list Do not select complicated

topic Select simple topic: (ensure)

Feasibility Time Resources ( 3 Ms )

SELECTION OF THE TOPIC

Contd…. Quality vs Volume Consult guide Finally decide Search literature Refer to Index Medicus Take help from Pubmed,

Google search

SYNOPSIS

Introduction Aims and Objectives Review of Material and Methods

PREPARATION OF THE SCHEDULE

After your subject is approved a Proforma / Schedule should be prepared and got approved from the guide.

PILOT STUDY Test proforma on smaller sample

(10%) and review for any modification. This should be mentioned in Material

and Methods. Cases done in pilot study are allowed

to be included in total study after mentioning it.

STUDY

Start collection of data Simultaneously start

collecting related literature Statistical consultation Continuous consultation –

guide and statistician

CONTENTS

IndexIntroductionAims and ObjectivesReview of literatureMaterial and Methods

FindingsDiscussionRecommendationsConclusionsReferencesAppendices

INTRODUCTION

Background informationClearly identify grey areasPropose hypothesis of study / wish to prove

Mention Aim and how study will be beneficialJustify choice of study in briefBe clear, brief and relevantShould be 3-4 pages

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

Clear, concise and brief Aims may not be achievable,

objectives must be achieved by cross checking that they are actually achieved

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Review only literature related to your topic.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Area of StudyPlace of StudyPopulationUnit of StudySamplingPeriod of StudyVariablesParameters of StudyData CollectionReliability

Tools usedLimitationsClinical examinationSchedulePilot StudyLab InvestigationsEquipment usedCalibrationStandardisation

MATERIAL AND METHODS Contd….

Describe clearly subjects chosen Describe characteristics and relevant

parameters studied Describe methods used in details Give protocols used as an appendix at

the end

FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

Tabulate in chronological order.

Tabulate and classify data obtained.

Smaller,clear, simple tables.

Clear interpretations/ inferences.

Statistical interpretations.

Arabic serial numbers

Clear and unambiguous headings.

Use figures, graphs and photographs.

Coherence in discussion (Tables and discussion together).

Consistency in text, tables and diagrams.

Use precise, appropriate and simple language.

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY

RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

VANCOUVER STYLEReferences in chronological orderIdentify by Arabic numbersTables and Figures – Chronological orders with Arabic numbersReferences in text and in References chapter must tally – no extra or less !Tally Authors’ namesAvoid as references

AbstractsUnpublished ObservationsPersonal CommunicationsDissertations

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

Verify and use authentic references.Use only accepted abbreviations of Journals.Use “et al” if more than six authors in References Chapter and more than two in text.Use simple, short and clear sentencesCheck spelling mistakes / typing mistakes.

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

Para numbering as per WHO guidelines / publicationsPage numberingDo not disclose institutions identityUse only standard abbreviations of words / terms in the text : Do not invent your own! Better avoid them!!

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

EXAMPLES

Standard References

Soter NA, Wasserman SI, Austen KF. Cold Urticaria. N Eng J Med 1976;294:687-90.

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

ORGANIZATION AS AUTHORS

World Health Organization. Integrated Vector Control. Technical Report Series 1990; 676 : 22 – 25.

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

BOOKS

Rhodes AJ, Van Rooyen CE. Textbook of Virology. 5th ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins,1968;530-32.

VANCOUVER STYLE CONTD….

CHAPTER IN A BOOK

Weinstein L, Swartz MN. Pathogenic properties of invading microorganisms. In: Sodeman WA Jr, Sodeman WA, editors. Pathologic physiology: mechanisms of disease. 3rd ed. Philadelphia: WB Saunders, 1974; 457-72.

The “5W and 1H Approach”

Who?:- might benefit/developed the idea.

What?:- Assumptions we are

making/significance//advantages/disadvantages

Where? :- Can it be applied/relevant.

Why? :- Is the idea developed/introduced.

When? :- Is the idea applicable.

How? :- Will work in practice/introduced /evaluated.

Writing Tips

Rewrite and revise until satisfied. Talk and interact with others. Remember central point and findings. Start writing early. Remind reader of research question at regular

intervals . In long report remind each points in each section. Write with the ear. Write for the eye ( get-up , spacing/color). Write clear and simple ( Succicnt ). Avoid long, convoluted sentences, jargon & pretentious waffle. Don’t use 20 words if 10 will do.

CONCLUSIONPlan / Write truthfully.2 – 3 drafts / redrafts.Must be read by you thoroughly !Let someone else read it.Do not leave obvious lacunae.Do not publish articles before you pass MD / MS !!You are the MASTER. Who else ?Give limitations / pitfalls frankly.“ Science without conscience is a body without soul”.

CONCLUSION Contd…

Always be in touch with your guide after all he is your BOSS!!

Listen to him, respect him

Student - Teacher relationship is eternal and permanent – nourish it !