Chapter 1 is the introduction, so combination of present and past tense should be used.
However, Chapter 2 is the literature review, should it be the past tense since they are those previous works that have been conducted? OR Should we use present tense in the literature review because the results have become the truth?
Chapter 3- Past tense
Chapter 4- Combination of present tense and past tense?
Chapter 5- Present tense?
Hi, Feng
First, you have to describe the existing methods in appropriate manner, to shed light on their weaknes(ses). This is done in past tense. " XY developed method in 2002 thar ..." In next paragraph of the chapter , where you are explaining the weaknesses, you should use present tense, since the tasks the existing methods had been developed for still exist, they are current and important (and that may have become more complex since), "This and this methods cannot be used because" for instance is slow, hard to use, not precise....hm?
Im not sure what you plan for chapters 3. 4, 5
What tenses should be used in the research paper or thesis? The most concern part is the literature review.
You can also refer to the following RG links:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Are_there_any_rules_for_using_tenses_in_scientific_papers
https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_tense_should_be_used_in_writing_a_rese
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/309129552_Tense_of_Reporting_in_Dissertation_Literature_Reviews
Article Tense of Reporting in Dissertation Literature Reviews
Thank you very much.
If I want to discuss the results of the previous study, eg: XY 2002 demonstrated the addition of aluminium powder improved the mechanical properties of composite materials, I should use present or past tense in this case? I think we should use improves instead of improved because it has become the general truth.
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