I would appreciate it if you could support your answers with examples and links to the relevant literature sources.
Ayran - the main similarity is that both follow the research process. By a research paper, I assume that you mean a journal article. PhD thesis chapters reflect similar terms and sequence than that of a published research article i.e. introduction, literature review/background, methodology/methods (sample and setting, ethics, data collection and data analysis) findings/results - and implications/recommendations for practice and conclusion/summary. The main differences are essentially two-fold:
1. Thesis chapters are 'bloated' versions of research articles for the sake of recommended word targets/limits. A typical PhD thesis is around 100,000 words (plus many appendices). A typical journal article is 5,000 words (no appendices). A journal article has to be a much more summarised version of thesis chapters.
2. Thesis chapters are more personalised i.e. 'this is an account of my research journey from beginning to end - with every aspect detailed.' Journal articles, as well as being more summarised are far less personalised.
With my PhD students - I always offer the same advice. That is, when you are writing your thesis chapters - at the same time - also construct a less personalised and summary version. This offers the opportunity of multiple publications as the thesis progresses - rather than the daunting task of publishing once the thesis is completed.
The attached chapter is on research dissemination - but mainly focuses on article process.
Ayran - the main similarity is that both follow the research process. By a research paper, I assume that you mean a journal article. PhD thesis chapters reflect similar terms and sequence than that of a published research article i.e. introduction, literature review/background, methodology/methods (sample and setting, ethics, data collection and data analysis) findings/results - and implications/recommendations for practice and conclusion/summary. The main differences are essentially two-fold:
1. Thesis chapters are 'bloated' versions of research articles for the sake of recommended word targets/limits. A typical PhD thesis is around 100,000 words (plus many appendices). A typical journal article is 5,000 words (no appendices). A journal article has to be a much more summarised version of thesis chapters.
2. Thesis chapters are more personalised i.e. 'this is an account of my research journey from beginning to end - with every aspect detailed.' Journal articles, as well as being more summarised are far less personalised.
With my PhD students - I always offer the same advice. That is, when you are writing your thesis chapters - at the same time - also construct a less personalised and summary version. This offers the opportunity of multiple publications as the thesis progresses - rather than the daunting task of publishing once the thesis is completed.
The attached chapter is on research dissemination - but mainly focuses on article process.
Good question Aryan Shahabian; best wishes with your doctorate. And what a good answer, Dr Dean Whitehead. I have just downloaded the attached pdf 'Writing and presenting research findings for dissemination' and had a quick look. I will be looking at it more thoroughly before too long; it looks very readable and informative even though my thesis / dissertation days are long passed! I would have found it very useful in the early 2000s.
Thank you.
Aryan Shahabian ,
To expand Dean Whitehead 's point on chapter's being' bloated', this is so because your target audience is different. In your PhD dissertation your objective is to provide enough evidence to your readership(your committee members) that you know what you are talking. In a publication your readership does not care about your knowledge background (in theory, this is where some bias shows and blind assessments are necessary) and just your contribution is needed. This will entail giving your audience less background based on the assumption that they already know the background theory (as opposed to your committee which you must demonstrate to them that you know).
Traditionally, the dissertation process is an individual effort (though this is just a view: https://www.chronicle.com/article/The-Dissertation-Can-No-Longer/137215 ), whereas the publication is not restricted that way.
Though, both types of document assume:
No problem Mary - the next edition of the text (6th edition) comes out in March this year - so will be updated!! Glad that you find it useful - albeit belatedly.
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