A dissertation and journal article serve different purposes. A dissertation shows an understanding of research methods and literature, whereas a journal article makes an original contribution to the field. A dissertation is typically longer and more in-depth, while a journal article is concise and focused on new findings. The different purposes of a dissertation and a journal article shape the different characteristics of each item. The characteristics of each item are listed below:
| Dissertation Characteristics |
Journal Characteristics |
- Meets academic requirements
- Reviewed by supervisor and marker
- Audience is the dissertation committee (narrow audience)
- Several aspects of a topic are discussed
- Contains chapters
- Max length 20,000 words (approx)
- Table of contents
- Lengthy research of literature
- Ethics approach explained in detail
- Description and copies of tools used
- All findings presented
- Verb tenses may vary
|
- Meets journal's focus and scope
- Reviewed by a panel of blind peer reviewers
- Audience is scholars in the field (wider audience)
- A single aspect of a topic is discussed
- Contains sections
- Max length 8000 words (approx)
- Journal format
- Succinct research of literature
- Ethics approach summarised
- Essential tool information
- Selected findings presented
- Verb tenses are consistent
|
Adapted from https://scientific-publishing.webshop.elsevier.com/publication-process/how-to-write-a-journal-article-from-a-thesis/
