- Paperback: 208 pages
- Publisher: Open University Press; 1 edition (1 April 2008)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0335227198
- ISBN-13: 978-0335227198
- Product Dimensions: 22.8 x 15.2 x 2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 108,808 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
This practical book offers straightforward guidance to help Master's students to clarify their objectives and structure their work in order to produce a successful dissertation.
About the Author
John Biggam is a lecturer in I.T. and education at Glasgow Caledonian University, UK. He has many years of experience in teaching Research Methods and supervising dissertation students. He is also editor of the Scottish Online Journal of e-Learning (SOJEL).
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
63 of 63 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I cannot tell you how pleased (and relieved) I am to have found a book like this! It is a god-send and this author deserves a medal. This is a must-have handbook for anyone undergoing a masters dissertation. I recently recommended it to a friend and it now sits in prime position on her desk.
Until I found this book, I knew what I wanted to achieve and was progressing with it. However, I lacked confidence in my approach and worried over certain areas of my work; this was certainly reflected in my writing at times.
This book is a step-by-step approach. It is structured from stage one of the dissertation proposal and takes you through each of the chapters as should be seen in your dissertation: introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion etc. Each of these chapters are then broken down into sub-sections, which should actually appear as sub-sections in your dissertation. Thus, for example, Biggam says that your introduction must include 'Background', 'Research Focus', 'Aims and Objectives', and 'Value of the Research'. The introduction chapter is therefore split up into these sub-sections and explained: Biggam indicates what kind of information is needed in these sub-sections and what the marker will expect to find.
In addition, throughout the book, the author has given little 'tip' bubbles, which indicate common mistakes by students. He also recommends students should use certain phrases. For example, in your objectives, begin with 'To identify...' and then, to indicate a sense of in-depth research, the next objectives could be 'To assess...; To examine...' etc. The appendices are also very useful.
Now, some may think that this makes the book appear very basic and maybe even 'spoon feed' the student; after all, the dissertation is about a your own research and learning.
My response is that this book doesn't do that. Yes, at times, it is common sense, but the excellent thing about the book is that it is not patronising at all. It simply tells you what you should be looking to achieve. Essentially, it paves the way for you to go smoothly through the stages of the investigation from beginning to end. As it informs you about what your dissertation should include, it ensures you remain focused on research aims/objectives.
Moreover, I was more than half way through writing up my study when I came across this book, and it's bolstered my confidence no end. It highlighted areas where I have done what's expected, but equally shown me areas where I would likely fall down on marks. For example, although I had tried to maintain a connection throughout my study, I was very concerned because it was a weak connection. This book has helped me identify how I can make the links stronger from chapter to chapter. Importantly, having learnt those one or two elements, I am now doing more effective links in my work automatically, without further reference to the book.
I have no idea how I will do on my dissertation, but I genuinely feel that this book has maybe increased my marks by at least 5 per cent.
Even if you are reluctant to spend the money, I strongly recommend that you find a copy in a library to look at. I know for a fact that in the future, if anyone needs help with a masters dissertation, I would be sending them to this book.
Until I found this book, I knew what I wanted to achieve and was progressing with it. However, I lacked confidence in my approach and worried over certain areas of my work; this was certainly reflected in my writing at times.
This book is a step-by-step approach. It is structured from stage one of the dissertation proposal and takes you through each of the chapters as should be seen in your dissertation: introduction, literature review, methodology, findings, conclusion etc. Each of these chapters are then broken down into sub-sections, which should actually appear as sub-sections in your dissertation. Thus, for example, Biggam says that your introduction must include 'Background', 'Research Focus', 'Aims and Objectives', and 'Value of the Research'. The introduction chapter is therefore split up into these sub-sections and explained: Biggam indicates what kind of information is needed in these sub-sections and what the marker will expect to find.
In addition, throughout the book, the author has given little 'tip' bubbles, which indicate common mistakes by students. He also recommends students should use certain phrases. For example, in your objectives, begin with 'To identify...' and then, to indicate a sense of in-depth research, the next objectives could be 'To assess...; To examine...' etc. The appendices are also very useful.
Now, some may think that this makes the book appear very basic and maybe even 'spoon feed' the student; after all, the dissertation is about a your own research and learning.
My response is that this book doesn't do that. Yes, at times, it is common sense, but the excellent thing about the book is that it is not patronising at all. It simply tells you what you should be looking to achieve. Essentially, it paves the way for you to go smoothly through the stages of the investigation from beginning to end. As it informs you about what your dissertation should include, it ensures you remain focused on research aims/objectives.
Moreover, I was more than half way through writing up my study when I came across this book, and it's bolstered my confidence no end. It highlighted areas where I have done what's expected, but equally shown me areas where I would likely fall down on marks. For example, although I had tried to maintain a connection throughout my study, I was very concerned because it was a weak connection. This book has helped me identify how I can make the links stronger from chapter to chapter. Importantly, having learnt those one or two elements, I am now doing more effective links in my work automatically, without further reference to the book.
I have no idea how I will do on my dissertation, but I genuinely feel that this book has maybe increased my marks by at least 5 per cent.
Even if you are reluctant to spend the money, I strongly recommend that you find a copy in a library to look at. I know for a fact that in the future, if anyone needs help with a masters dissertation, I would be sending them to this book.
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I can't say how relieved I was to find this. It was a bit late in the day for me, but still it helped me with the final stages.
Biggam explains step by step, with clear examples, exactly what to do and exactly what the examiners are looking for. More importantly, he explains it all in plain english, exactly what you need when you're fed up and tired and just want to know what to do next.
Particularly helpful were the lists of useful verbs to be used in the literature review for moments when you feel that you really can't use the word "states" yet again!
I don't know if I've passed or not yet, but John made the final stages so much clearer.
BUY IT!
Biggam explains step by step, with clear examples, exactly what to do and exactly what the examiners are looking for. More importantly, he explains it all in plain english, exactly what you need when you're fed up and tired and just want to know what to do next.
Particularly helpful were the lists of useful verbs to be used in the literature review for moments when you feel that you really can't use the word "states" yet again!
I don't know if I've passed or not yet, but John made the final stages so much clearer.
BUY IT!
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This was a useful, simple and easy to read book for a person that has not done a dissertation before. It is worth the money you spend.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great!!
This book really guides the reader through their thesis step by step!! I had no idea where to start but this book has digested the thesis into easy managable chunks!! Read more
Published 9 days ago by LynseyPants.
A must have book!
All to know about writing a master dissertation everything is inside! From the reflexion of the subject to how to write it with suggestions and guidelines! Read more
Published 4 months ago by Petros
One of the best bookS I have ever bought.
This has to be one of the best books I have ever purchased. Commencing the dissertation was a daunting task but this book assisted me step by step until submission. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Shablul Hoque
Brilliant Book Helped Me Get a 1st Class Masters!
This book is fantastic, I didn't have a clue how to begin my dissertation and this took me step by step through it. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Katy197
Invaluable
I've never reviewed a book before but felt I should pass my thoughts on to other Masters students. This book is a clearly-presented, detailed guide to writing a dissertation. Read more
Published 9 months ago by Flossie_Chick
Clear, relevant and fun
This is a great book. Each part of the dissertation process is explained and its relevance to the whole dissertation. Read more
Published 12 months ago by kathybrodie
Simply stunning book!
I started an MA in Musicology in September 2010 and this book has been an absolute gem.
Even for the shorter 7,000 word essays which I have to write, it has assisted me... Read more
Even for the shorter 7,000 word essays which I have to write, it has assisted me... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Mr. M. W. Lawson
A must for any student doing their dissertation!!
As with any person doing their dissertation, I was really nervous as to how to approach it and needed extra guidance. Read more
Published 14 months ago by NiMo
A life saver
I don't have time for a lengthy review, because I'm busy working on my dissertation...with this book right by my side! Read more
Published 14 months ago by Mrs. J. L. Featherston
Best Handbook on Preparing Your Dissertation/Thesis
Purchasing John Biggam's handbook, even 50% through the term, was worth it for me. This book answered all of the mundane remaining questions I had about particular sections of my... Read more
Published 16 months ago by The Graduate
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