Dissertation acknowledgments are not the most difficult part to write, but they can also put extra stress on a candidate. To reduce it, use a reliable template.
Many universities store all dissertations submitted by their students. As every thesis is required to include the acknowledgments section, you can take and use any random paper. However, if you want to make it safe, browse only papers submitted on your faculty. If there are any by your supervisor’s former candidates, they are your best guide.
If your university does not seem to have a thesis database easily available to students, try another way. Enter your university’s name and the words “dissertation repository” in a search engine. You will get access to all theses that were done in your university – and their acknowledgments section.
You can simply Google acknowledgments examples. Limit your search to websites with “.edu” in their URLs. However, such samples are less reliable than those you discover in genuine dissertations. You can’t be sure that the person who created these online templates was competent enough, that they were part of an actual (and successful) thesis.
There are no strict rules on how you should write this part of your dissertation. In fact, you can choose any sample as your model, provided that the paper to which it belongs has been successfully defended. Writing acknowledgments is actually as simple as starting with someone like “I would like to thank…” and then listing the names and contribution of every person who helped you with your research.
On the other hand, the “freedom” candidates enjoy when writing acknowledgments can be confusing. As you start browsing templates, you will probably discover that some are written in the first person (“I”), while others in the third (“the author”). Some would list the names of helpers in a single paragraph, while others – as a list. Check whether your dissertation guidelines contain any recommendations, and follow them. If there are no guidelines, ask your supervisor on which style you should rather use.
You do not want your acknowledgments section to repeat someone else’s exactly. If you need to include the same person and thank him or her for the same kind of contribution, modify the expression of gratitude slightly so that it becomes more personal. Put a bit of yourself into every thanks; change the phrases so that they match your personal taste and feelings.
Our crack team of seasoned Masters and PhD level writers, editors and researchers works day and night to create a universal thesis, dissertation and capstone project educational resource. Most of them work for a thesis company and help graduate students.
© Copyright TechnologyReview.com - Top notch PhD dissertation and thesis academic assistance.
Note that our writing guides and manuals do not guarantee a good grade.