dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology

Preparing…

Embarking on the journey of a dissertation in psychology requires meticulous adherence to specific academic standards, and understanding the dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology is paramount for success. This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the process, offering in-depth insights into the structural components, formatting requirements, citation styles, and ethical considerations expected in a Chicago-style psychology dissertation. We will delve into the intricacies of structuring your research, from crafting a compelling introduction and literature review to designing your methodology, presenting results, and formulating a robust discussion. Furthermore, we will explore the nuances of the Chicago Manual of Style, a widely adopted standard that dictates everything from paper formatting to in-text citations and bibliography creation. Whether you are a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology, cognitive psychology, social psychology, or any other specialization, mastering these guidelines will equip you with the confidence and knowledge to produce a polished, scholarly work. Navigating these requirements effectively is key to communicating your research clearly and persuasively within the academic community.

Introduction to Dissertation Writing in Psychology
Understanding the Chicago Manual of Style for Psychology Dissertations
Structuring Your Psychology Dissertation: Key Components
The Literature Review: Building a Foundation of Knowledge
Methodology: Designing and Executing Your Research
Presenting and Analyzing Results
Discussion and Conclusion: Interpreting Your Findings
Formatting and Presentation: The Chicago Style Demands
Citations and References: Navigating the Chicago Style
Ethical Considerations in Psychology Dissertation Writing
Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Conclusion: Mastering the Dissertation Process

Understanding the Dissertation Writing Guidelines Chicago Psychology

The academic landscape demands precision, and for psychology dissertations, particularly those adhering to the Chicago style, this precision extends to every facet of the writing process. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology are designed to ensure clarity, consistency, and scholarly rigor. This means that beyond the content of your research, the way you present it is equally important. Chicago style, known for its flexibility and comprehensive nature, offers a robust framework for structuring and formatting academic work. For psychology students, this often translates to specific expectations regarding empirical data presentation, theoretical frameworks, and the integration of existing literature. Understanding these guidelines from the outset will save considerable time and effort during the revision stages and contribute significantly to the overall quality of your dissertation.

The Importance of a Style Guide in Academia

Style guides are the bedrock of academic writing. They provide a standardized approach to presenting information, ensuring that readers can easily follow the author's arguments and locate supporting evidence. For a psychology dissertation, a clear and consistent style is crucial for conveying complex theories and empirical findings. The Chicago Manual of Style, while offering options, presents a unified system for citation, formatting, and language that enhances the credibility and readability of your work. Adhering to these guidelines demonstrates your commitment to scholarly professionalism and your ability to communicate effectively within your field.

Why Chicago Style for Psychology?

While APA style is often the default for many psychology publications, Chicago style is also widely accepted and utilized, especially in certain subfields or by specific universities. Its dual-citation system (notes-bibliography or author-date) offers flexibility, though the notes-bibliography system is often preferred for dissertations due to its ability to accommodate detailed scholarly annotations. For psychology, the emphasis on clear methodology, rigorous analysis, and thorough literature reviews aligns well with the structure that Chicago style facilitates. It encourages deep engagement with source material and provides a clear pathway for presenting nuanced arguments and findings, which are hallmarks of a strong psychology dissertation.

Structuring Your Psychology Dissertation: Key Components

A psychology dissertation is a substantial piece of academic writing, typically comprising several core sections that build upon each other to present original research. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology provide a blueprint for how these sections should be organized and what each should contain. A well-structured dissertation not only makes your research more accessible to readers but also ensures that you have systematically addressed all essential aspects of your study. Each component plays a vital role in establishing the context, rationale, execution, and implications of your psychological inquiry.

The Title Page

The title page is the first impression of your dissertation. It must be formatted according to Chicago style guidelines, typically including the dissertation title, your name, the degree sought, your department and university, and the date of submission. The title itself should be concise, informative, and accurately reflect the content of your research, often incorporating key psychological constructs or research questions.

Abstract

The abstract is a brief, comprehensive summary of your dissertation. It should encapsulate the research problem, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For a psychology dissertation, the abstract often highlights the population studied, the experimental design or data analysis techniques used, and the primary implications of the results for psychological theory or practice. It needs to be self-contained and provide enough information for a reader to understand the essence of your work without needing to read the full dissertation.

The table of contents provides a roadmap of your dissertation, listing all major sections and subsections with their corresponding page numbers. This is crucial for navigation, especially in longer works. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology usually specify the format for this section, ensuring consistency in numbering and indentation.

List of Tables and Figures

Following the table of contents, separate lists for tables and figures are typically included. Each entry should clearly identify the table or figure by number and title, along with its page number. This allows readers to quickly locate specific visual representations of your data.

Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for your research. It should clearly state the research problem, provide relevant background information, establish the significance of your study, and outline the research questions or hypotheses. In a psychology dissertation, this section often begins by broadly introducing the psychological phenomenon under investigation and then narrowing down to the specific gap in knowledge that your research aims to fill. The introduction should engage the reader and clearly articulate the rationale for your study.

Literature Review

The literature review is a critical assessment of existing scholarly work relevant to your research topic. It demonstrates your understanding of the field, identifies theoretical frameworks, and highlights the gaps in current knowledge that your study will address. For a psychology dissertation, this section requires a thorough exploration of relevant theories, previous empirical findings, and methodological approaches. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will guide how you synthesize and cite this literature.

Methodology

This section details how you conducted your research. It typically includes information on the research design, participants (including recruitment and demographics), instruments or measures used, data collection procedures, and data analysis techniques. In psychology, this section is vital for ensuring the replicability and validity of your findings. It must be precise and thorough, allowing other researchers to understand and potentially replicate your study.

Results

The results section presents your findings objectively, without interpretation. This typically involves the use of statistical analyses, tables, and figures to summarize the data. For a psychology dissertation, the presentation of statistical results must be clear and accurate, adhering to established conventions for reporting statistical significance and effect sizes. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will influence how you present these quantitative or qualitative findings.

Discussion

In the discussion section, you interpret your results in light of your research questions and the existing literature. You should discuss the implications of your findings, acknowledge any limitations of your study, and suggest directions for future research. This is where you connect your empirical work back to broader psychological theories and concepts. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will shape how you frame these interpretations and recommendations.

Conclusion

The conclusion provides a brief summary of your main findings and their significance. It should reiterate the contributions of your research to the field of psychology and offer final thoughts or recommendations. It’s a concise wrap-up that leaves the reader with a clear understanding of the impact of your work.

References

This section lists all the sources cited in your dissertation. The Chicago Manual of Style has specific rules for formatting this list, which are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and allowing readers to locate your sources. Accuracy and completeness are paramount.

Appendices

Appendices are used for supplementary material that is too detailed for the main body of the dissertation, such as raw data, detailed statistical outputs, survey instruments, or consent forms. Each appendix should be clearly labeled.

The Literature Review: Building a Foundation of Knowledge

The literature review is a cornerstone of any doctoral dissertation, and for a psychology dissertation, it is particularly critical. It’s not merely a summary of existing research; rather, it's a critical synthesis that demonstrates your understanding of the field, identifies theoretical underpinnings, and establishes the rationale for your own research. Following the dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology means presenting this review in a structured, analytical, and well-cited manner.

Identifying Relevant Scholarly Sources

The first step in constructing a strong literature review is to identify authoritative and relevant scholarly sources. This includes peer-reviewed journal articles, books, conference proceedings, and dissertations within psychology and related disciplines. Databases like PsycINFO, PubMed, and Web of Science are essential tools for this process. A systematic approach to searching ensures that you capture the breadth and depth of research pertaining to your topic.

Synthesizing and Critically Evaluating Literature

Once sources are gathered, the task shifts to synthesis and critical evaluation. Instead of simply listing studies, you need to group them by themes, theoretical approaches, or methodological similarities. Critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each study, considering factors such as sample size, methodology, statistical analysis, and the generalizability of findings. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology expect you to demonstrate analytical thinking, not just descriptive reporting.

Identifying Gaps and Developing Your Research Question

A key objective of the literature review is to identify gaps in the current knowledge base. These gaps represent opportunities for your own research to make a novel contribution. By critically analyzing what is known and what remains unknown, you can refine your research questions or hypotheses. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology emphasize that your dissertation should address a specific, researchable problem that is grounded in the existing literature.

Citing Sources in the Literature Review

Adherence to the chosen citation style is paramount. For Chicago style, this means using either the notes-bibliography system or the author-date system consistently. Every claim, theory, or piece of data that is not your own must be properly attributed. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will provide specific instructions on how to format footnotes/endnotes and the bibliography, ensuring academic integrity.

Methodology: Designing and Executing Your Research

The methodology section of a psychology dissertation is where the rigor of your research is demonstrated. It’s a detailed account of how you planned and conducted your study, allowing other researchers to evaluate the validity and reliability of your findings. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology demand a clear, precise, and comprehensive description of your research design, participants, instruments, procedures, and data analysis.

Choosing an Appropriate Research Design

The first step is to select a research design that best addresses your research questions. Psychology utilizes a range of designs, including experimental, quasi-experimental, correlational, survey, case study, and qualitative designs. The choice of design should be justified by its suitability for investigating your specific hypotheses and the nature of the psychological phenomena you are studying. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology expect a clear rationale for the chosen design.

Participant Selection and Description

This subsection details who your participants were and how they were selected. Information typically includes the sample size, demographic characteristics (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.), inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the recruitment process. For psychology research, it's crucial to describe the population of interest and how the sample represents, or does not represent, that population. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and confidentiality, are also paramount here.

Instruments and Measures

Here, you describe the tools or instruments used to collect data. This could include standardized psychological tests, questionnaires, surveys, observational checklists, or interview protocols. You should provide details about the reliability and validity of these measures, especially if they are established instruments. If you developed your own measures, you must provide evidence of their psychometric properties. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will dictate how these instruments are described and cited.

Data Collection Procedures

This part outlines the step-by-step process of how data was collected. This includes the setting where data was gathered, the sequence of events, any instructions given to participants, and the duration of the study. Clarity and detail are essential to ensure that the study could be replicated. Any manipulations or interventions in an experimental design must be clearly described.

Data Analysis Plan

Before data collection, a plan for how the data will be analyzed should be established. This section details the statistical techniques or qualitative analysis methods that will be employed to address the research questions. For quantitative psychology research, this might involve specifying descriptive statistics, inferential tests (e.g., t-tests, ANOVAs, regressions), and the software used for analysis (e.g., SPSS, R). Qualitative analysis might involve thematic analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will influence how you present these analytical choices.

Formatting and Presentation: The Chicago Style Demands

Beyond the intellectual content of your psychology dissertation, the physical presentation and formatting are crucial for demonstrating professionalism and adherence to academic standards. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology are largely dictated by the Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS), which offers a comprehensive set of rules for structuring, formatting, and citing academic work. Mastering these guidelines ensures your dissertation is not only informative but also visually coherent and easy to navigate.

Paper and Font Requirements

CMOS typically specifies the type of paper, margins, font type, and font size to be used. While specific university departments might have minor variations, standard practice often involves white, 8.5 x 11-inch paper, 1-inch margins on all sides, and a readable font like Times New Roman or Arial in 12-point size. Consistency is key; ensure these specifications are applied uniformly throughout the document.

Page Numbering

Page numbering in a Chicago-style dissertation has a specific convention. Preliminary pages (title page, abstract, table of contents, etc.) are usually numbered with lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc.), while the main body of the dissertation and subsequent pages are numbered with Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.). The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will detail the starting point for Arabic numeral pagination, often the first page of the introduction.

Headings and Subheadings

Clear hierarchical headings are essential for organizing your content. CMOS provides guidance on the formatting of different levels of headings to create a visually consistent structure. For a psychology dissertation, this means clearly delineating sections like Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, and Conclusion, as well as any subsections within them. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will often specify the exact style for each heading level (e.g., centered, bold, all caps, or with specific indentation).

Tables and Figures

The presentation of tables and figures in a psychology dissertation must be clear, concise, and informative. CMOS provides specific rules for titling, numbering, and formatting tables and figures. For tables, this often involves horizontal lines to separate columns and rows but minimal use of vertical lines. Figures, including graphs and charts, should be high-resolution and accompanied by clear captions that explain their content without requiring reference to the main text. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will often dictate whether tables and figures are embedded within the text or placed in appendices, and how they are referenced in the text (e.g., "See Table 1" or "as shown in Figure 3").

Citations and References: Navigating the Chicago Style

Chicago style offers two primary systems for citations: the notes-bibliography system and the author-date system. For dissertations, the notes-bibliography system is frequently preferred due to its ability to incorporate extensive annotations and explanations within footnotes or endnotes, which can be beneficial for complex psychological theories or detailed methodological descriptions. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will specify which system to use and how to implement it correctly.

Notes-Bibliography System

In this system, sources are cited through numbered footnotes or endnotes. The first time a source is cited, a full note is provided. Subsequent citations of the same source use a shortened form. A bibliography at the end of the dissertation lists all cited sources alphabetically. This system is particularly useful for dissertations where extensive source discussion or authorial commentary is desired alongside citations.

Author-Date System

The author-date system involves citing sources within the text by the author’s last name and the year of publication (e.g., (Smith, 2020)). A reference list at the end of the dissertation provides full bibliographic details for all in-text citations. This system is generally more concise and is common in scientific fields, but the notes-bibliography system is often favored for its flexibility in dissertations.

Formatting Bibliography Entries

Regardless of the chosen system, the formatting of bibliography entries or reference lists is crucial. CMOS provides detailed instructions for various source types, including journal articles, books, book chapters, websites, and dissertations. Attention must be paid to punctuation, capitalization, and the order of information (author, title, publication details). The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will require meticulous adherence to these rules for every source cited.

Ethical Considerations in Psychology Dissertation Writing

Conducting and reporting research in psychology carries significant ethical responsibilities. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology implicitly and often explicitly require adherence to ethical principles that protect participants, ensure academic integrity, and promote responsible scientific conduct. Failure to uphold these standards can invalidate your research and have serious repercussions.

Informed Consent and Participant Rights

A fundamental ethical principle in psychological research is informed consent. Participants must be fully informed about the nature of the study, its potential risks and benefits, and their right to withdraw at any time without penalty. This information should be clearly presented in the methodology section, detailing how consent was obtained and documented. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will expect this process to be described meticulously.

Confidentiality and Anonymity

Protecting the privacy of participants is paramount. Confidentiality means that information gathered about participants will not be disclosed to others. Anonymity means that identifying information is not collected at all. The dissertation should clearly state the measures taken to ensure confidentiality or anonymity, such as using pseudonyms or de-identifying data. This is a critical aspect of ethical research that must be clearly articulated in the methodology section.

Data Integrity and Plagiarism

Upholding data integrity means reporting findings accurately and honestly, without fabrication, falsification, or manipulation. Plagiarism, the use of another's ideas or words without proper attribution, is a serious academic offense. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology, through their emphasis on citation and referencing, are designed to prevent plagiarism and ensure that all sources are acknowledged. Thoroughly citing all borrowed material is non-negotiable.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Most psychology research involving human participants requires approval from an Institutional Review Board (IRB) or equivalent ethics committee. The dissertation should mention that IRB approval was obtained and, if required, include a copy of the approval letter in the appendices. This demonstrates that your research protocol has undergone ethical review.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the complexities of dissertation writing can be challenging, and several common pitfalls can hinder progress or affect the quality of the final product. Understanding these potential issues and employing strategies to avoid them is crucial for a smooth and successful dissertation journey, especially when adhering to specific dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology.

Inconsistent Formatting

One of the most common mistakes is inconsistent application of formatting rules. This can range from variations in font size and style to incorrect indentation of headings or misformatted citations. To avoid this, create a style sheet early on, referencing the dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology, and check each section against it. Using your word processor’s styles feature can help maintain consistency.

Insufficient Literature Review

A superficial literature review fails to establish a strong foundation for your research. It might not adequately identify gaps in knowledge or may overlook key theoretical contributions. To prevent this, engage in thorough and systematic literature searches, read critically, and focus on synthesizing rather than just summarizing sources. Ensure your literature review directly informs your research questions and hypotheses.

Unclear Methodology

Vague or incomplete descriptions of your methodology make it difficult for readers to assess the validity of your study. Ensure that your methodology section is detailed enough for replication. Clearly define your variables, describe your participants and procedures precisely, and justify your choice of data analysis techniques. The dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology will emphasize the need for this level of detail.

Weak Interpretation of Results

A common error in the discussion section is failing to adequately interpret the results or drawing conclusions that are not supported by the data. Avoid overstating the significance of your findings. Instead, focus on how your results relate to your research questions, existing literature, and the broader theoretical landscape of psychology. Acknowledge limitations honestly.

Plagiarism and Citation Errors

Even unintentional plagiarism can have serious consequences. To avoid this, meticulously track all sources used, take detailed notes, and cite every piece of information that is not common knowledge. Double-check all in-text citations against your reference list or bibliography for accuracy and consistency with the dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology.

Conclusion: Mastering the Dissertation Process

Successfully completing a psychology dissertation requires a deep understanding of both the research process and the specific academic conventions governing its presentation. By thoroughly grasping the dissertation writing guidelines chicago psychology, you are well-equipped to structure, write, and format your research in a manner that is both scholarly and impactful. This comprehensive approach ensures that your work is not only a testament to your research capabilities but also a clear, credible, and persuasive contribution to the field of psychology. Remember that clarity, consistency, and adherence to established standards are your allies in this significant academic endeavor. Embracing these guidelines throughout your writing journey will undoubtedly lead to a more polished and successful dissertation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary citation style for dissertations in Chicago psychology, and why is it preferred?

The primary citation style for dissertations in Chicago psychology is typically the American Psychological Association (APA) style. This preference stems from APA's widespread adoption in psychology and related social sciences, ensuring consistency, clarity, and adherence to established research communication standards within the field.

Are there specific formatting requirements for the title page in a Chicago psychology dissertation?

Yes, Chicago psychology dissertations usually have specific title page requirements, mirroring APA guidelines. This typically includes the dissertation title, author's name, institution, degree sought, department, and date of submission. Some institutions may have slight variations, so checking departmental guidelines is crucial.

What are the standard sections of a Chicago psychology dissertation, and in what order should they appear?

A typical Chicago psychology dissertation follows a structure similar to APA, including: Title Page, Abstract, Table of Contents, List of Tables, List of Figures, Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results, Discussion, References, and Appendices. The exact order and inclusion of certain sections may vary slightly by institution.

How should I format in-text citations and the reference list according to Chicago style for psychology dissertations?

In-text citations in Chicago style for psychology dissertations typically use the author-date system (e.g., (Smith, 2020)). The reference list, also following APA format, should be alphabetized by author's last name and include specific details for each source type (e.g., journal articles, books, websites).

Are there any special considerations for presenting statistical results in a Chicago psychology dissertation?

Yes, statistical results in Chicago psychology dissertations should be presented clearly and concisely, adhering to APA guidelines for reporting statistics. This includes using correct notation for statistical tests, degrees of freedom, p-values, and reporting effect sizes where appropriate. Tables and figures are often used to summarize key findings.

What are the common requirements for the Abstract in a Chicago psychology dissertation?

The Abstract for a Chicago psychology dissertation is a concise summary, typically 150-250 words. It should include the research problem, participants, methodology, key findings, and implications. It's crucial to be informative and accurately reflect the dissertation's content.

How do I handle appendices in a Chicago psychology dissertation, and what content should they include?

Appendices in a Chicago psychology dissertation are used for supplementary material not essential to the main text but supportive of the research. Common inclusions are survey instruments, interview protocols, raw data summaries, and detailed statistical outputs. Each appendix should be labeled (e.g., Appendix A, Appendix B) and referred to in the main body.

What are the ethical considerations I need to address in my methodology section for a Chicago psychology dissertation?

When discussing methodology in a Chicago psychology dissertation, it's essential to address ethical considerations such as informed consent, confidentiality, debriefing of participants, potential risks and benefits, and institutional review board (IRB) approval. This demonstrates a commitment to responsible research practices.

Are there specific guidelines for figures and tables in a Chicago psychology dissertation, especially concerning APA style?

Yes, figures and tables in Chicago psychology dissertations must follow APA style guidelines. This includes clear titles, descriptive captions, appropriate formatting (e.g., avoiding vertical lines in tables), and ensuring they are referenced in the text. Numbering should be sequential and distinct for tables and figures.

Where can I find the most up-to-date and specific dissertation writing guidelines for my Chicago psychology program?

The most accurate and specific dissertation writing guidelines for your Chicago psychology program will be found in your university's graduate school handbook, departmental guidelines, or a dedicated dissertation manual provided by your advisor or department. These documents are tailored to your institution's requirements.

Related Books

Here are 9 book titles related to dissertation writing, with a focus on guidelines and the Chicago style, relevant to psychology:

1. The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition
This foundational text provides a comprehensive guide to the research process, from formulating research questions to presenting findings. It emphasizes clarity, rigor, and ethical considerations in academic writing. While not exclusively Chicago, its principles of clear argumentation and evidence-based writing are universally applicable and essential for dissertation success.

2. A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Eighth Edition
This is the definitive guide for students using the Chicago Manual of Style for their academic work. It offers detailed instructions on citation, formatting, and structuring research papers, theses, and dissertations, making it an indispensable resource for anyone adhering to Chicago style. It covers everything from preliminary pages to the bibliography.

3. Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Seventh Edition
While this manual focuses on APA style, understanding its principles of scientific writing, organization, and ethical reporting is crucial for psychology dissertations. Many psychological studies and journals utilize APA, and having a grasp of its conventions is beneficial even when using Chicago for other aspects of the dissertation. It sets a high standard for clarity and precision in reporting research.

4. The Dissertation Journey: A Practical and Comprehensive Guide to Your Master's or Doctoral Dissertation
This book offers practical advice and a structured approach to navigating the entire dissertation process, from topic selection to final submission. It addresses common challenges and provides strategies for staying organized and motivated. Its broad applicability makes it useful for understanding the stages involved, which can then be adapted to specific style guide requirements.

5. How to Write a Lot: A Practical Guide to Productive Writing
This essential book focuses on developing productive writing habits and overcoming procrastination, a common hurdle for dissertation writers. It offers actionable techniques for setting goals, managing time, and maintaining momentum throughout the writing process. Effective writing strategies are key regardless of the specific style guide being followed.

6. The Chicago Manual of Style Online
This is the authoritative and constantly updated resource for all aspects of the Chicago Manual of Style. It provides detailed guidance on citation, grammar, punctuation, and manuscript preparation. For any dissertation adhering to Chicago style, this online platform is the ultimate reference for ensuring accuracy and consistency.

7. Writing Your Psychology Dissertation: The Essential Guide
This book is tailored specifically to psychology students, offering guidance on the unique demands of a psychology dissertation. It covers research design, data analysis reporting, and the specific conventions often found in psychological literature. Its focus on the discipline makes it a valuable companion to style manual guidance.

8. Mastering the Process: From Research Question to Final Dissertation
This guide breaks down the complex dissertation process into manageable steps, providing clear instructions and examples for each stage. It emphasizes the importance of meticulous planning and execution. The book's systematic approach helps students develop a clear roadmap for completing their dissertations effectively.

9. They Say / I Say: The Moves That Matter in Academic Writing, Third Edition
This widely acclaimed book teaches students how to engage in academic discourse by clearly articulating their own ideas in relation to existing scholarship. It provides templates and strategies for summarizing, paraphrasing, and responding to others' work. Strong argumentative and connective writing skills are vital for a compelling dissertation, irrespective of the style guide.