I am writing this post because I have recently completed my final year dissertation. Having started the experience with absolutly no clue what to expect, I want to post afew things that I think will be of benefit to someone starting their dissertation/thesis. So if you know anyone who is starting out or will be doing one soon then feel free to share this.
1. Try to plan in advance:
I began to think about my dissertation the summer before the start of my final year. Have an idea of the area that you want to do your dissertation in. I stumbled upon the topic of body image and was immediately interested. BUT...do not get too attached to an idea and have afew others floating around in case. I lost count of all the topics I thought I was going to do. In the end I came back to the topic that I had looked at in summer.
2. Brush up on your statistics knowledge....Seriously:
I went into my my dissertation with absolultly no clue how to calculate sample size. It was something I had to just figure out myself which took up alot of time. I had good knowledge in other areas of stats which made those parts easy. Bottom line...figuring out stats will use up alot of your time.
3. Accept that somethings are just out of your control:
Other than one or two group projects, this was the first time I really had to rely on others as part of my work. There are participants who will not show up and you have to rely on your supervisor for things you don't know enough about. Try not to stress about things you can't control, you can only do so much, have a little faith...it will work out.
4. Don't waste time...just get it done.
We were provided with guidelines to ensure we had things done in time. This was a brilliant guide to keep me on track. If you aren't given one, make one for yourself and stick to it as best you can. I got my data collected as realistically early as possible which prevented last minute rushing. Getting things done in time will seriously allow you to avoid stress.
5. Baby steps...:
Take pride in the little things...I was always proud of ticking of things on my guidelines sheet.
You have finialised your idea...achievement!!
Ethical approval gained....achievement!!
You have conducted a literature review.....achievement!!
