

Written by
Dr Jana Martiskova
Why does your research report keep coming back for error correction again and again?
You have worked so hard on the investigative dissertation steps then why is your dissertation still being rejected?
Maybe you are making some small common structural errors that you assume are unimportant.
Many students work vigorously all through the investigative process, but don’t pay enough attention to the structure and format of the report writing.
Bear in mind that if you are not following theproper dissertation guidance for writing, then it will be rejected.
Below mentioned is the dissertation guideline to the common errors that students make which should be avoided if you want your research report to be accepted.
Your dissertation has to be composed in such a way that it is easily understood by all the readers. Do not assume that your readers know everything. Take all the technical terms in your report and define them at the end of your report in a separate section.
If you think that your supervisor or reviewer will forego the common grammar or punctuation errors in your report, then you are wrong. When you are on the graduate or doctorate level, you are expected to have proper grammar and structuring knowledge. Incorrect grammar or punctuation creates an unprofessional image on the supervisors.
Developing the scope of your research is one of the most important tasks. While developing the theme of research, make sure that the theme is large enough to be significant to the field of research and narrow enough to be completed within the allocated time. Many students make the error of selecting a very broad topic for their research which results in generic and insignificant conclusions.
There is a proper format that needs to be followed if you are using direct quotes or information. The need of quotes or quotation mark for direct sayings and information cannot be emphasized enough. The lack of it can result in plagiarism indication.
Dissertations have a unique formatting style that needs to be vigilantly followed which a lot of students avoid. Failure to do so will result in severe loss of marks.
If you are using published information in your research report, make sure that the source is cited and acknowledged to make the report valid and to avoid plagiarism.
Your dissertation should always be composed in active voice instead of passive voice.
In a nutshell, refer to your supervisor or peers and make sure that you get a hold of the proper dissertation formatting guidelines and follow it religiously so that your research report is articulate and effective.