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Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples

Published on 15 May 2022 by Tegan George .

The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, alongside their page numbers. A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality paper will follow.

The table of contents (TOC) should be placed between the abstract and the introduction. The maximum length should be two pages. Depending on the nature of your thesis, dissertation, or paper, there are a few formatting options you can choose from.

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Table of contents

What to include in your table of contents, what not to include in your table of contents, creating a table of contents in microsoft word, table of contents examples, updating a table of contents in microsoft word, other lists in your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, frequently asked questions about the table of contents.

Depending on the length of your document, you can choose between a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

  • A single-level table of contents only includes ‘level 1’ headings, or chapters. This is the simplest option, but it may be too broad for a long document like a dissertation.
  • A subdivided table of contents includes chapters as well as ‘level 2’ headings, or sections. These show your reader what each chapter contains.
  • A multi-level table of contents also further divides sections into ‘level 3’ headings. This option can get messy quickly, so proceed with caution. Remember your table of contents should not be longer than 2 pages. A multi-level table is often a good choice for a shorter document like a research paper.

Examples of level 1 headings are Introduction, Literature Review, Methodology, and Bibliography. Subsections of each of these would be level 2 headings, further describing the contents of each chapter or large section. Any further subsections would be level 3.

In these introductory sections, less is often more. As you decide which sections to include, narrow it down to only the most essential.

Including appendices and tables

You should include all appendices in your table of contents. Whether or not you include tables and figures depends largely on how many there are in your document.

If there are more than three figures and tables, you might consider listing them on a separate page. Otherwise, you can include each one in the table of contents.

  • Theses and dissertations often have a separate list of figures and tables.
  • Research papers generally don’t have a separate list of figures and tables.

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All level 1 and level 2 headings should be included in your table of contents, with level 3 headings used very sparingly.

The following things should never be included in a table of contents:

  • Your acknowledgements page
  • Your abstract
  • The table of contents itself

The acknowledgements and abstract always precede the table of contents, so there’s no need to include them. This goes for any sections that precede the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, be sure to first apply the correct heading styles throughout the document, as shown below.

  • Choose which headings are heading 1 and which are heading 2 (or 3!
  • For example, if all level 1 headings should be Times New Roman, 12-point font, and bold, add this formatting to the first level 1 heading.
  • Highlight the level 1 heading.
  • Right-click the style that says ‘Heading 1’.
  • Select ‘Update Heading 1 to Match Selection’.
  • Allocate the formatting for each heading throughout your document by highlighting the heading in question and clicking the style you wish to apply.

Once that’s all set, follow these steps:

  • Add a title to your table of contents. Be sure to check if your citation style or university has guidelines for this.
  • Place your cursor where you would like your table of contents to go.
  • In the ‘References’ section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group.
  • Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.
  • When you are ready to insert the table of contents, click ‘OK’ and it will be automatically generated, as shown below.

The key features of a table of contents are:

  • Clear headings and subheadings
  • Corresponding page numbers

Check with your educational institution to see if they have any specific formatting or design requirements.

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Write yourself a reminder to update your table of contents as one of your final tasks before submitting your dissertation or paper. It’s normal for your text to shift a bit as you input your final edits, and it’s crucial that your page numbers correspond correctly.

It’s easy to update your page numbers automatically in Microsoft Word. Simply right-click the table of contents and select ‘Update Field’. You can choose either to update page numbers only or to update all information in your table of contents.

In addition to a table of contents, you might also want to include a list of figures and tables, a list of abbreviations and a glossary in your thesis or dissertation. You can use the following guides to do so:

  • List of figures and tables
  • List of abbreviations

It is less common to include these lists in a research paper.

All level 1 and 2 headings should be included in your table of contents . That means the titles of your chapters and the main sections within them.

The contents should also include all appendices and the lists of tables and figures, if applicable, as well as your reference list .

Do not include the acknowledgements or abstract   in the table of contents.

To automatically insert a table of contents in Microsoft Word, follow these steps:

  • Apply heading styles throughout the document.
  • In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group.
  • Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents.
  • Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents.

Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings. To update, simply right click and select Update Field.

The table of contents in a thesis or dissertation always goes between your abstract and your introduction.

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Table of contents

If you created your headings and subheadings with styles, and numbered your pages as demonstrated in the Page Numbers tutorial, Microsoft Word can be used to automatically generate a table of contents. Automatic generation of the table of contents has 2 advantages:

  • You don't have to manually type the table of contents. Since the entries in the Table of Content must match exactly the headings, subheadings, and page numbers in the thesis, manually creating a table of contents can lead to unintended errors.
  • You don't have to go back and edit the table of contents if something moves from one page to another. A couple of clicks and Word will automatically update the table of contents for you.

Below is a tutorial demonstrating how to create the table of contents.

Note: You should create the table of contents last to avoid needing to update the table of contents too often.

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How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation

Published by Owen Ingram at August 12th, 2021 , Revised On September 20, 2023

“A table of contents is an essential part of any article, book, proceedings, essay , and paper with plenty of information. It requires providing the reader’s guidance about the position of the content.”

When preparing a  dissertation , you may cram as much information into it as appropriate. The dissertation may be an extremely well-written one with a lot of valuable information to offer. Still, all that information could become perplexing if the reader cannot easily find the information.

The length of dissertations usually varies from a few pages to a few hundred pages, making it very difficult to find information that you may be after.

Instead of skimming through every page of the dissertation, there is a need for a guideline that directs the reader to the correct section of the dissertation and, more importantly, the correct page in the section.

Also read:   The List of Figures and Tables in the Dissertation .

What is the Table of Contents in the Dissertation?

The table of contents is the section of a dissertation that guides each section of the dissertation paper’s contents.

Depending on the detail level in a table of contents, the most useful headings are listed to provide the reader concerning which page the said information may be found.

The table of contents is essentially a list found at the beginning of a  dissertation , which contains names of the chapters, section titles and/or very brief descriptions, and page numbers indicated for each.

This allows the reader to look at the table of contents to locate the information needed from the dissertation. Having an effective table of contents is key to providing a seamless reading experience to the reader.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know to write the dissertation’s abstract.

This article helps the readers on how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. An important thing to note is that this guide discusses creating a table of contents in Microsoft Word.

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Styles for Dissertation Table of Contents

Making an effective table of contents starts with identifying headings and designating styles to those headings.

Using heading styles to format your headings can save a lot of time by automatically converting their formatting to the defined style and serves as a tool to identify the heading and its level, used later when creating a thesis table of contents .

Each heading style already has predefined sizes, fonts, colours, spacing, etc. but can be changed as per the user’s requirements. This also helps once all headings have been created and you intend to change the style of a certain type of heading.

All that is needed to change the style of a type of heading is automatically reflected on all headings that use the style.

Below is how the styles menu looks like;

Style-menus

To allocate a style to a heading, first select a heading and then click on one of the styles in the ‘Styles’ menu. Doing so converts the selected heading to the style that is selected in the Styles menu.

You can style a similar heading level in the same style by selecting each heading and then clicking on the style in the Style menu.

It is important to note that it greatly helps and saves time if you allocate styles systematically, i.e., you allocate the style as you write.

The styles are not limited to headings only but can be used for paragraphs and by selecting the whole paragraph and applying a style to it.

Changing Appearance of Pre-Defined Styles

To change the appearance of a style to one that suits you,

  • You would need to right-click on one of the styles to open a drop-down menu.

Changing-Apperance-of-Predefined-Styles

  • Select ‘Modify’ from the menu. This would display a window with various formatting and appearance options. You can select the most appropriate ones and click ‘OK.’ The change that you made to the style reflects on all headings or paragraphs that use this style.

Changing-Apperance-of-Predefined-Styles

Further changes can be made to headings, but using styles is an important step for creating the table of contents for the thesis. Once this step is completed, you can continue to create a thesis table of contents.

Also Read:  What is Appendix in Dissertation?

Things to Consider when Making APA Style Table of Contents

  • The pages before the body of the dissertation, known as the ‘Prefatory Pages,’ should not have page numbers on them but should be numbered in the Roman Numerals instead as (i, ii, iii…).
  • Table of Contents and the Abstract pages are not to contain any numbers.
  • The remaining pages would carry the standard page numbers (1,2,3…).
  • The section titles and page numbers in the dissertation table of contents should have dotted lines between them.
  • All the Prefatory pages, Sections, Chapter Titles, Headings, Sub Headings, Reference Sections, and Appendices should be listed in the contents’ thesis table. If there are a limited number of Tables or Figures, they may be listed in the dissertation’s table contents.
  • If there are many figures, tables, symbols, or abbreviations, a List of Tables, List of Figures , List of Symbols, and List of Abbreviations should be made for easy navigation. These lists, however, should not be listed in the thesis table of contents.
  • The thesis/dissertation must be divided into sections even if it is not divided into chapters, with all sections being listed in the table of contents for the thesis.

Generating Dissertation Table of Contents

First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow.

  • To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents.
  • Open the ‘Insert’ tab and select ‘Page Break’.
  • This will create a page between the top and bottom sections of the Table of Contents area.

Generating-Table-of-Contents-for-Your-Dissertation

By the time you reach this section, you would have given each heading or sub-heading a dedicated style, distinguishing between different types of headings. Microsoft Word can automatically generate a Table of Contents, but the document, particularly the headings, needs to be formatted according to styles for this feature to work. You can assign different headings levels, different styles for Microsoft Word to recognize the level of heading.

How to Insert Table of Contents

  • Place the cursor where you want to place the Table of Contents on the page you added earlier.
  • On the ‘References’ tab, open the Table of Contents group. This would open a list of different Table of Contents designs and a  table of contents sample.

Inserting-Table-of-Contents

  • You can select an option from the available Table of Contents or make a Custom Table of Contents. Although the available Table of Contents samples is appropriate, you may use a custom table of contents if it is more suitable to your needs. This allows you to modify different formatting options for the Table of Contents to satisfy your own

Inserting-Table-of-Contents-1

Updating the Table of Contents

As you proceed with editing your dissertation, the changes cause the page numbers and headings to vary. Often, people fail to incorporate those changes into the Table of Contents, which then effectively serves as an incorrect table and causes confusion.

It is thus important to update the changes into the table of contents as the final step once you have made all the necessary changes in the dissertation and are ready to print it.

These changes may alter the length of the  thesis table of contents , which may also cause the dissertation’s formatting to be altered a little, so it is best to reformat it after updating the table of contents.

To update the table of contents,

  • Select ‘Update Table’ in the References tab.
  • This would open a dialogue box. Select ‘Update Entire Table’ to ensure that all changes are reflected in the contents table and not just the page numbers. This would display all changes and additions you have made to the document (Anon., 2017).

Using this guide, you should understand how to create the best table of contents for the dissertation. The use of a Table of Contents, while being important for most written work, is even more critical for dissertations, especially when the proper methodology of creating the table of contents is followed.

This includes the guidelines that must be considered to correctly format the table of contents so that it may be shaped so that it follows the norms and is effective at helping the reader navigate through the content of the dissertation.

The use of Microsoft Word’s Table of Contents generation feature has greatly helped people worldwide create, edit, and update the table of contents of their dissertations with ease.

Here in this article, we will uncover every piece of information you need to know  how to write the dissertation’s abstract .

Are you in need of help with dissertation writing? At ResearchProspect, we have hundreds of Master’s and PhD qualified writers for all academic subjects, so you can get help with any aspect of your dissertation project. You can place your order for a proposal ,  full dissertation paper , or  individual chapters .

Is it essential to add a table of content to the dissertation?

Yes, it is important to add a table of content in a dissertation .

How to make an effective table of contents for the dissertation?

Using heading styles to format your headings can save a lot of time by automatically converting their formatting to the defined style and serves as a tool to identify the heading and its level, used later when creating a thesis table of contents.

How do I update the table of contents?

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Writing a dissertation can be tough if this is the first time you are doing it. You need to look into relevant literature, analyze past researches, conduct surveys, interviews etc.

Not sure how to write the findings of a dissertation. Here are some comprehensive guidelines for you to learn to write a flawless findings chapter.

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Microsoft Word for Dissertations

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Automatic Table of Contents

An automatic Table of Contents relies on Styles to keep track of page numbers and section titles for you automatically. Microsoft Word can scan your document and find everything in the Heading 1 style and put that on the first level of your table of contents, put any Heading 2’s on the second level of your table of contents, and so on.

If you want an automatic table of contents you need to apply the Heading 1 style to all of your chapter titles and front matter headings (like “Dedication” and “Acknowledgements”).  All section headings within your chapters should use the Heading 2  style.  All sub-section headings should use  Heading 3 , etc....

If you have used Heading styles in your document, creating an automatic table of contents is easy.

  • Place your cursor where you want your table of contents to be.
  • On the References Ribbon, in the Table of Contents Group , click on the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon, and select  Custom Table of Contents .
  • We suggest that you set each level (Chapters, sections, sub-sections, aka TOC 1, TOC 2, TOC 3) to be single-spaced, with 12 points of space afterwards.  This makes each item in your ToC clump together if they're long enough to wrap to a second line, with the equivalent of a double space between each item, and makes the ToC easier to read and understand than if every line were double-spaced. See the video below for details.
  • If you want to change which headings appear in your Table of Contents, you can do so by changing the number in the Show levels: field. Select "1" to just include the major sections (Acknowledgements, List of Figures, Chapters, etc...).  Select "4" to include Chapters, sections, sub-sections, and sub-sub-sections.
  • Click OK to insert your table of contents.  

The table of contents is a snapshot of the headings and page numbers in your document, and does not automatically update itself as you make changes. At any time, you can update it by right-clicking on it and selecting Update field .  Notice that once the table of contents is in your document, it will turn gray if you click on it. This just reminds you that it is a special field managed by Word, and is getting information from somewhere else.

Modifying the format of your Table of Contents

The video below shows how to make your Table of Contents a little easier to read by formatting the spacing between items in your Table of Contents. You may recognize the "Modify Style" window that appears, which can serve as a reminder that you can use this window to modify more than just paragraph settings in the ToC. You can modify the indent distance, or font, or tab settings for your ToC, just the same as you may have modified it for Styles. 

an image of the Modify Table of Contents window, where you can set Show Levels

By default, the Table of Contents tool creates the ToC by pulling in Headings 1 through 3. If you'd like to modify that -- to only show H1's, or to show Headings 1 through 4 -- then go to the References tab and select Custom Table of Contents .  In the window that appears, set Show Levels to "1" to only show Heading 1's in the Table of Contents, or set it to "4" to show Headings 1 through 4.

Bonus tip for updating fields like the Table of Contents

You'll quickly realize that all of the automatic Lists and Tables need to be updated occasionally to reflect any changes you've made elsewhere in the document -- they do not dynamically update by themselves. Normally, this means going to each field, right-clicking on it and selecting "Update Field". 

Alternatively, to update all fields throughout your document (Figure/Table numbers & Lists, cross-references, Table of Contents, etc...), just select "Print". This will usually cause Word to update everything in anticipation of printing. Once the print preview window appears, just cancel and double-check that it updated things.

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Table of contents

The Table of Contents should follow these guidelines:

  • ​All sections of the manuscript are listed in the Table of Contents except the Title Page, the Copyright Page, the Dedication Page, and the Table of Contents.
  • You may list subsections within chapters
  • Creative works are not exempt from the requirement to include a Table of Contents

Table of contents example

Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the Template. Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page.

Screenshot of Table of Contents page from Dissertation template

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How to create a table of contents for a dissertation (apa), published by steve tippins on june 20, 2022 june 20, 2022.

Last Updated on: 7th June 2024, 05:08 am

table of content for thesis

APA Dissertation Table of Contents Format Guidelines

  • The table of contents should be double spaced with one-inch margins on all sides. 
  • It should be written in the same font and size as the rest of your dissertation.  
  • At the top of the page, write Table of Contents , centered and in bold.
  • Although in the body of the paper you can use up to five levels of headings, up to three levels are usually provided in the Table of Contents. Including lower-level headings is optional. 
  • Indent each subheading five spaces. 
  • Write all text in title case. In title case, the first letter of major words is capitalized.
  • Provide the page number where the main headings and subheadings begin, and provide dotted lines between the heading and the page number.
  • Page numbers for the Dedication, Acknowledgements, and Preface should be in lower case Roman Numbers (i, v, x, l, c, d and m.). The page numbers for the rest of the text should be in Arabic numerals (1,2, 3, 4, etc.).

How to Write a Dissertation Table of Contents in APA Using Microsoft Word

Step 1. Instead of manually trying to write and format the table of contents, you can create a generated one using Microsoft Word. To do this, first go to the Home tab. This is where you will choose the styles for the table of contents. 

Step 2. The top-level headings will be your chapter titles, so on the right side of the tab, apply the Heading 1 style. 

Step 3. The second-level headings will be your subheadings, so apply the Heading 2 style. This will place your subheadings underneath your main headings.

screenshot of formatting a heading in Microsoft word

Step 4. You will now produce page links to your document. In the top ribbon, click on the References tab and select Table of Contents . 

table of content for thesis

Step 5. If the style does not indicate APA, such as the one below, use the drop down arrow to select APA. 

Step 6. Next, choose the number of levels that you want. In this case, you want to be able to have up to three levels, so choose Automatic Table 2 , which has the appropriate heading for a dissertation. 

Step 7. Click ok , and you are all set. Microsoft word will automatically generate your dissertation’s table of contents as you write it.

screenshot of table of content formatting in microsoft word

List of Tables and Figures

Your list of tables and figures will be written at the end of the list of information in the body of your paper. You will create these lists the same way that you created the main table of contents. 

However, the headings will be different. 

Instead of the heading “Table of Contents,” the headings will be “List of Tables” and “List of Figures.” (An example is provided in the table of contents example below.)

Sample of a Dissertation Table of Contents

In the example below, there are three level headings. The list of tables and figures are provided at the bottom of the other contents. The sections in your table of contents may be different depending on your college’s requirements. 

screenshot of APA Dissertation Table of Contents formatting

Updating the Dissertation Table of Contents

As you continue working on your dissertation, you will need to update the page numbers because they may change. 

table of content for thesis

To update the page numbers, right-click on the table of contents in your document and select the Update field . Then, the Update Table of Contents box will appear. 

You can choose to Update page numbers only or all the information in the table of contents by clicking on Update entire table . 

screenshot of updating page numbers in microsoft word

Note: For more information, refer to the APA Manual 7 th edition , sections 2.2-2.27.

Steve Tippins

Steve Tippins, PhD, has thrived in academia for over thirty years. He continues to love teaching in addition to coaching recent PhD graduates as well as students writing their dissertations. Learn more about his dissertation coaching and career coaching services. Book a Free Consultation with Steve Tippins

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These rules are taken from the KU Office of Graduate Studies Thesis or Dissertation Formatting Guidelines. To see the full thesis or dissertation formatting requirements, visit https://graduate.ku.edu/submitting

Creating an Automated Table of Contents

Located in the Home tab, Word’s Style Gallery makes it easy to set consistent, one-click formatting for headings throughout your document. It is these style settings that Word uses to create an automatic table of contents. Using an automatic table of contents will save you the huge headache of dealing with dot leaders, spacing, and having to completely re-type your table of contents if the order of your pages changes even a little. Plus, styles are easy to use! Step-by-step how-to instructions are included below for setting heading styles and then inserting a table of contents in Word 2010, Word 2013 or Word 2011 for Mac.

  • Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2010)
  • Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2013)
  • Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2011 for Mac)
  • Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2016 Mac)
  • Printed Instructions (TOC Word 2016 PC)
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Working with Outline Style (Numbered) Headings

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Table of Contents for a Dissertation or Thesis with Examples

Published by Ellie Cross at February 16th, 2023 , Revised On February 1, 2024

An organised list of the chapters, sections, and subsections that help the reader navigate through your dissertation or thesis is called the table of content .  For the reader to jump to any part or section of their interest, the structure and the sections should clearly be labelled with the correct page numbers. 

All of the main headings, subheadings, and figures have to be added to the table of content to ensure complete correctness. A good table of contents should be easy to read, properly formatted, and finalised. While it can be created manually, Microsoft Word, however, also has an automatic formatting feature.

While doing the final touchups to your dissertation , the table of contents is one of the most important components to add to it. It aids the reader in navigating (much like a map) through your thesis and key points. 

What to add and what to avoid adding to a table of contents are going to be discussed in this article to assist you in mapping your dissertation properly.

What Should be included in the Table of Content?

The length of your document should be the determining factor before choosing a single-level, subdivided, or multi-level table of contents.

Single-level TOC

If you have decided to go for a single-level table of content, only include “level 1” headers, such as chapters.

Example of a Single-level Table of Content

Single level TOC

Subdivided TOC

To properly inform the reader of what each chapter of your dissertation or thesis will be covering, a subdivided table of content should list chapters and level-2 headings as well.

Example of a Subdivided Table of Content

A multi-level table of contents further subdivides divisions into “level 3” headings. With this choice, be cautious since things might rapidly get out of hand. The maximum length of the table of contents should not be more than two pages. 

Sub Divided TOC

Multiple-level Table of Content

Example of a multiple-level table of content.

Less is frequently more in these introductory sections. Narrow it down to only the most crucial sections as you choose which ones to include.

Multi Level TOC

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Adding Tables and Appendices

List all the appendices in your table of contents, while the tables and figures should only be added if you have added plenty of them in your dissertation or thesis.

  • If you have added more than 3-5 figures and tables to your dissertation, list them on a separate page.
  • It is okay to separately list the tables and appendices in the thesis and dissertations, but they should not be listed separately in research publications.

What Should not be included in the Table of Content?

Add all level 1 and level 2 headings in your table of content, with level 3 headings being used where necessary.

Do not add the following to your table of content.

  • The table of content.
  • The acknowledgement page
  • The abstract or exclusive summary

There is no need to include the acknowledgements and abstracts since they always come before the table of contents. Any sections that come before the table of content should not be included in it.

How to Create a Table of Content in MS Word?

Applying the appropriate heading styles consistently across the page is a requirement before Microsoft Word will automatically create a table of content for you.

Give each section a proper heading. Select the headings that are heading 1 and heading 2 or 3.

TOC-After-MS-Word

The image above demonstrates how you can set the proper headings for each section.  Select the text you want to use as a heading 1 and right-click on it. Click styles from the drop-down menu to select the style, or simply choose from the options presented in the toolbar.

Add this formatting to the first level 1 heading and use the same font, size, and bold for all level 1 headings. Use the styles section on the toolbar to automatically apply this formatting to all of your level 1 headings.

  • Select the 1 st heading.
  • Right-click on the style labelled “Heading 1.”
  • Choose “Update Heading 1 to Match Selection” 

Once you have set all your level 1 headings, it’s time to set level 2 and level 3 headings. Follow the same procedure to select all level 2 and level three headings. Each heading in your document can have its formatting assigned by selecting the desired style while the heading is highlighted.

Table of Content in MS Word - How to Guide

Now that we are done setting our headings, it’s time to put them in the table of content so that the reader can navigate through the wonderful thesis you have written.

Follow these simple and easy steps to automatically create the table of content, but before you do that, check to see if your university or citation style has laid any rules or guidelines regarding this.

Set your cursor where you want the table of contents to appear. (The table of contents (TOC) ought to come after the abstract and before the introduction chapter of your dissertation or thesis. )

Go to the reference section of the toolbar at the top of your word application. And then left click the table of content in the left corner.

Simple Steps For Creating MS Office TOC

From the drop-down menu, select the appropriate format for the table of content which matches your requirements and the guidelines to create the table of content automatically. You can add more styles or custom create the table of content to fit your requirements as well on the Custom Table of Contents menu, you can choose the levels of headings you want to use. By selecting the Modify button on each level, you may also manually alter it.

When you’re ready, click “OK,” and the table of contents will be generated automatically.

Features of TOC

The table of contents main characteristics are:

  • Clear headers and subheadings 
  • Accurate page numbers

Check with your university and the college regarding the guidelines and the rules for the table of content before you dive into it.

Frequently Asked Questions about Table of Content

What should i include in the table of content for my dissertation.

Your table of contents should include all level 1 and 2 headers. This includes the titles of your chapters as well as the key parts inside them.

All appendices and lists of tables and figures, as well as your reference list, should be included in the contents.

The acknowledgements and abstract should not be included in the table of contents.

How to create a table of content quickly and easily in Microsoft word?

  • Apply header styles to the whole document.
  • Go to Table of Contents in the references area of the toolbar
  • Select the one which fits your requirements

Where is the correct position for the table of contents of my thesis?

Acknowledgement anf abstract is  usually presented before the table of contents is added to the thesis or dissertation.

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Research Method

Home » Thesis Format – Templates and Samples

Thesis Format – Templates and Samples

Table of contents.

Thesis Format

Thesis Format

Thesis format refers to the structure and layout of a research thesis or dissertation. It typically includes several chapters, each of which focuses on a particular aspect of the research topic .

The exact format of a thesis can vary depending on the academic discipline and the institution, but some common elements include:

Introduction

Literature review, methodology.

The title page is the first page of a thesis that provides essential information about the document, such as the title, author’s name, degree program, university, and the date of submission. It is considered as an important component of a thesis as it gives the reader an initial impression of the document’s content and quality.

The typical contents of a title page in a thesis include:

  • The title of the thesis: It should be concise, informative, and accurately represent the main topic of the research.
  • Author’s name: This should be written in full and should be the same as it appears on official university records.
  • Degree program and department: This should specify the type of degree (e.g., Bachelor’s, Master’s, or Doctoral) and the field of study (e.g., Computer Science, Psychology, etc.).
  • University: The name of the university where the thesis is being submitted.
  • Date of submission : The month and year of submission of the thesis.
  • Other details that can be included on the title page include the name of the advisor, the name of the committee members, and any acknowledgments.

In terms of formatting, the title page should be centered horizontally and vertically on the page, with a consistent font size and style. The page margin for the title page should be at least 1 inch (2.54 cm) on all sides. Additionally, it is common practice to include the university logo or crest on the title page, and this should be placed appropriately.

Title of the Thesis in Title Case by Author’s Full Name in Title Case

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Department Name at the University Name

Month Year of Submission

An abstract is a brief summary of a thesis or research paper that provides an overview of the main points, methodology, and findings of the study. It is typically placed at the beginning of the document, after the title page and before the introduction.

The purpose of an abstract is to provide readers with a quick and concise overview of the research paper or thesis. It should be written in a clear and concise language, and should not contain any jargon or technical terms that are not easily understood by the general public.

Here’s an example of an abstract for a thesis:

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health among Adolescents

This study examines the impact of social media on mental health among adolescents. The research utilized a survey methodology and collected data from a sample of 500 adolescents aged between 13 and 18 years. The findings reveal that social media has a significant impact on mental health among adolescents, with frequent use of social media associated with higher levels of anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem. The study concludes that there is a need for increased awareness and education on the risks associated with excessive use of social media, and recommends strategies for promoting healthy social media habits among adolescents.

In this example, the abstract provides a concise summary of the thesis by highlighting the main points, methodology, and findings of the study. It also provides a clear indication of the significance of the study and its implications for future research and practice.

A table of contents is an essential part of a thesis as it provides the reader with an overview of the entire document’s structure and organization.

Here’s an example of how a table of contents might look in a thesis:

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. INTRODUCTION ……………………………………………………..1

A. Background of the Study………………………………………..1

B. Statement of the Problem……………………………………….2

C. Objectives of the Study………………………………………..3

D. Research Questions…………………………………………….4

E. Significance of the Study………………………………………5

F. Scope and Limitations………………………………………….6

G. Definition of Terms……………………………………………7

II. LITERATURE REVIEW. ………………………………………………8

A. Overview of the Literature……………………………………..8

B. Key Themes and Concepts………………………………………..9

C. Gaps in the Literature………………………………………..10

D. Theoretical Framework………………………………………….11

III. METHODOLOGY ……………………………………………………12

A. Research Design………………………………………………12

B. Participants and Sampling……………………………………..13

C. Data Collection Procedures…………………………………….14

D. Data Analysis Procedures………………………………………15

IV. RESULTS …………………………………………………………16

A. Descriptive Statistics…………………………………………16

B. Inferential Statistics…………………………………………17

V. DISCUSSION ………………………………………………………18

A. Interpretation of Results………………………………………18

B. Discussion of Finding s …………………………………………19

C. Implications of the Study………………………………………20

VI. CONCLUSION ………………………………………………………21

A. Summary of the Study…………………………………………..21

B. Limitations of the Study……………………………………….22

C. Recommendations for Future Research……………………………..23

REFERENCES …………………………………………………………….24

APPENDICES …………………………………………………………….26

As you can see, the table of contents is organized by chapters and sections. Each chapter and section is listed with its corresponding page number, making it easy for the reader to navigate the thesis.

The introduction is a critical part of a thesis as it provides an overview of the research problem, sets the context for the study, and outlines the research objectives and questions. The introduction is typically the first chapter of a thesis and serves as a roadmap for the reader.

Here’s an example of how an introduction in a thesis might look:

Introduction:

The prevalence of obesity has increased rapidly in recent decades, with more than one-third of adults in the United States being classified as obese. Obesity is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. Despite significant efforts to address this issue, the rates of obesity continue to rise. The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults.

The study will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, with both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods. The research objectives are to:

  • Examine the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults.
  • Identify the key lifestyle factors that contribute to obesity in young adults.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of current interventions aimed at preventing and reducing obesity in young adults.

The research questions that will guide this study are:

  • What is the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and obesity in young adults?
  • Which lifestyle factors are most strongly associated with obesity in young adults?
  • How effective are current interventions aimed at preventing and reducing obesity in young adults?

By addressing these research questions, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the factors that contribute to obesity in young adults and to inform the development of effective interventions to prevent and reduce obesity in this population.

A literature review is a critical analysis and evaluation of existing literature on a specific topic or research question. It is an essential part of any thesis, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the existing research on the topic and helps to establish the theoretical framework for the study. The literature review allows the researcher to identify gaps in the current research, highlight areas that need further exploration, and demonstrate the importance of their research question.

April 9, 2023:

A search on Google Scholar for “Effectiveness of Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic” yielded 1,540 results. Upon reviewing the first few pages of results, it is evident that there is a significant amount of literature on the topic. A majority of the studies focus on the experiences and perspectives of students and educators during the transition to online learning due to the pandemic.

One recent study published in the Journal of Educational Technology & Society (Liu et al., 2023) found that students who were already familiar with online learning tools and platforms had an easier time adapting to online learning than those who were not. However, the study also found that students who were not familiar with online learning tools were able to adapt with proper support from their teachers and institutions.

Another study published in Computers & Education (Tang et al., 2023) compared the academic performance of students in online and traditional classroom settings during the pandemic. The study found that while there were no significant differences in the grades of students in the two settings, students in online classes reported higher levels of stress and lower levels of satisfaction with their learning experience.

Methodology in a thesis refers to the overall approach and systematic process that a researcher follows to collect and analyze data in order to answer their research question(s) or achieve their research objectives. It includes the research design, data collection methods, sampling techniques, data analysis procedures, and any other relevant procedures that the researcher uses to conduct their research.

For example, let’s consider a thesis on the impact of social media on mental health among teenagers. The methodology for this thesis might involve the following steps:

Research Design:

The researcher may choose to conduct a quantitative study using a survey questionnaire to collect data on social media usage and mental health among teenagers. Alternatively, they may conduct a qualitative study using focus group discussions or interviews to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and perspectives of teenagers regarding social media and mental health.

Sampling Techniques:

The researcher may use random sampling to select a representative sample of teenagers from a specific geographic location or demographic group, or they may use purposive sampling to select participants who meet specific criteria such as age, gender, or mental health status.

Data Collection Methods:

The researcher may use an online survey tool to collect data on social media usage and mental health, or they may conduct face-to-face interviews or focus group discussions to gather qualitative data. They may also use existing data sources such as medical records or social media posts.

Data Analysis Procedures:

The researcher may use statistical analysis techniques such as regression analysis to examine the relationship between social media usage and mental health, or they may use thematic analysis to identify key themes and patterns in the qualitative data.

Ethical Considerations: The researcher must ensure that their research is conducted in an ethical manner, which may involve obtaining informed consent from participants, protecting their confidentiality, and ensuring that their rights and welfare are respected.

In a thesis, the “Results” section typically presents the findings of the research conducted by the author. This section typically includes both quantitative and qualitative data, such as statistical analyses, tables, figures, and other relevant data.

Here are some examples of how the “Results” section of a thesis might look:

Example 1: A quantitative study on the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health

In this study, the author conducts a randomized controlled trial to investigate the effects of exercise on cardiovascular health in a group of sedentary adults. The “Results” section might include tables showing the changes in blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and other relevant indicators in the exercise and control groups over the course of the study. The section might also include statistical analyses, such as t-tests or ANOVA, to demonstrate the significance of the results.

Example 2: A qualitative study on the experiences of immigrant families in a new country

In this study, the author conducts in-depth interviews with immigrant families to explore their experiences of adapting to a new country. The “Results” section might include quotes from the interviews that illustrate the participants’ experiences, as well as a thematic analysis that identifies common themes and patterns in the data. The section might also include a discussion of the implications of the findings for policy and practice.

A thesis discussion section is an opportunity for the author to present their interpretation and analysis of the research results. In this section, the author can provide their opinion on the findings, compare them with other literature, and suggest future research directions.

For example, let’s say the thesis topic is about the impact of social media on mental health. The author has conducted a survey among 500 individuals and has found that there is a significant correlation between excessive social media use and poor mental health.

In the discussion section, the author can start by summarizing the main findings and stating their interpretation of the results. For instance, the author may argue that excessive social media use is likely to cause mental health problems due to the pressure of constantly comparing oneself to others, fear of missing out, and cyberbullying.

Next, the author can compare their results with other studies and point out similarities and differences. They can also identify any limitations in their research design and suggest future directions for research.

For example, the author may point out that their study only measured social media use and mental health at one point in time, and it is unclear whether one caused the other or whether there are other confounding factors. Therefore, they may suggest longitudinal studies that follow individuals over time to better understand the causal relationship.

Writing a conclusion for a thesis is an essential part of the overall writing process. The conclusion should summarize the main points of the thesis and provide a sense of closure to the reader. It is also an opportunity to reflect on the research process and offer suggestions for further study.

Here is an example of a conclusion for a thesis:

After an extensive analysis of the data collected, it is evident that the implementation of a new curriculum has had a significant impact on student achievement. The findings suggest that the new curriculum has improved student performance in all subject areas, and this improvement is particularly notable in math and science. The results of this study provide empirical evidence to support the notion that curriculum reform can positively impact student learning outcomes.

In addition to the positive results, this study has also identified areas for future research. One limitation of the current study is that it only examines the short-term effects of the new curriculum. Future studies should explore the long-term effects of the new curriculum on student performance, as well as investigate the impact of the curriculum on students with different learning styles and abilities.

Overall, the findings of this study have important implications for educators and policymakers who are interested in improving student outcomes. The results of this study suggest that the implementation of a new curriculum can have a positive impact on student achievement, and it is recommended that schools and districts consider curriculum reform as a means of improving student learning outcomes.

References in a thesis typically follow a specific format depending on the citation style required by your academic institution or publisher.

Below are some examples of different citation styles and how to reference different types of sources in your thesis:

In-text citation format: (Author, Year)

Reference list format for a book: Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle. Publisher.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith, 2010) Reference list entry: Smith, J. D. (2010). The art of writing a thesis. Cambridge University Press.

Reference list format for a journal article: Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown, 2015) Reference list entry: Brown, E., Smith, J., & Johnson, L. (2015). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 108(3), 393-407.

In-text citation format: (Author page number)

Works Cited list format for a book: Author. Title of Book. Publisher, Year of publication.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith 75) Works Cited entry: Smith, John D. The Art of Writing a Thesis. Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Works Cited list format for a journal article: Author(s). “Title of Article.” Title of Journal, volume number, issue number, date, pages.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown 394) Works Cited entry: Brown, Elizabeth, et al. “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance.” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 108, no. 3, 2015, pp. 393-407.

Chicago Style

In-text citation format: (Author year, page number)

Bibliography list format for a book: Author. Title of Book. Place of publication: Publisher, Year of publication.

Example: In-text citation: (Smith 2010, 75) Bibliography entry: Smith, John D. The Art of Writing a Thesis. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.

Bibliography list format for a journal article: Author. “Title of Article.” Title of Journal volume number, no. issue number (date): page numbers.

Example: In-text citation: (Brown 2015, 394) Bibliography entry: Brown, Elizabeth, John Smith, and Laura Johnson. “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance.” Journal of Educational Psychology 108, no. 3 (2015): 393-407.

Reference list format for a book: [1] A. A. Author, Title of Book. City of Publisher, Abbrev. of State: Publisher, year.

Example: In-text citation: [1] Reference list entry: A. J. Smith, The Art of Writing a Thesis. New York, NY: Academic Press, 2010.

Reference list format for a journal article: [1] A. A. Author, “Title of Article,” Title of Journal, vol. x, no. x, pp. xxx-xxx, Month year.

Example: In-text citation: [1] Reference list entry: E. Brown, J. D. Smith, and L. Johnson, “The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance,” Journal of Educational Psychology, vol. 108, no. 3, pp. 393-407, Mar. 2015.

An appendix in a thesis is a section that contains additional information that is not included in the main body of the document but is still relevant to the topic being discussed. It can include figures, tables, graphs, data sets, sample questionnaires, or any other supplementary material that supports your thesis.

Here is an example of how you can format appendices in your thesis:

  • Title page: The appendix should have a separate title page that lists the title, author’s name, the date, and the document type (i.e., thesis or dissertation). The title page should be numbered as the first page of the appendix section.
  • Table of contents: If you have more than one appendix, you should include a separate table of contents that lists each appendix and its page number. The table of contents should come after the title page.
  • Appendix sections: Each appendix should have its own section with a clear and concise title that describes the contents of the appendix. Each section should be numbered with Arabic numerals (e.g., Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.). The sections should be listed in the table of contents.
  • Formatting: The formatting of the appendices should be consistent with the rest of the thesis. This includes font size, font style, line spacing, and margins.
  • Example: Here is an example of what an appendix might look like in a thesis on the topic of climate change:

Appendix 1: Data Sources

This appendix includes a list of the primary data sources used in this thesis, including their URLs and a brief description of the data they provide.

Appendix 2: Survey Questionnaire

This appendix includes the survey questionnaire used to collect data from participants in the study.

Appendix 3: Additional Figures

This appendix includes additional figures that were not included in the main body of the thesis due to space limitations. These figures provide additional support for the findings presented in the thesis.

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Setting up a Table of Contents

You can force the "automated" (inserted) Microsoft Word Table of Contents into our University format requirements; however, it can take considerably more time than using tabs if you do not already know how to modify an inserted table of contents.

Below you will find the basic instructions on setting up the tabs required for creating a table of contents. All of these instructions are based on Microsoft Word for PCs not Macs. Students using Macs should be able to get the general idea and then utilize the Microsoft Word Help feature to find the commands needed for this version.

If your document is a new document, without text or formatting of any kind, proceed straight to “To find the Tabs Dialog Box” instructions.

If you already have text and formatting:

  • Remove  all formatting (this includes any tabs you have manually entered and any line indentation).
  • Bring all lines back  to the 1 inch left margin
  • Delete  any periods (or dots) you may have used to create "dot leaders" from the words of a listing to the page number
  • The last word of each title and its page number should be joined as one. Example:  LIST OF TABLESv Example:  3. METHODOLOGY34
  • Select all text  and leave selected through steps 6 and 7 and throughout the tab setting process.
  • Clear the format settings : In the HOME tab, under the Font Group, the top right icon is the Clear Format command button (looks like the letter A partially covered by a red eraser).
  • Set to single-line spacing : In the HOME tab or the PAGE LAYOUT tab, click on the small box to the right of the word "Paragraph" to bring up a dialog box. In the "Spacing" section near the middle of the Paragraph Dialog Box, set line spacing to "Single" and line spacing boxes (marked "Before and "After") to "0 pt"

To find the Tabs Dialog Box:

Bring up the Paragraph Dialog Box as described in step 7. Then click on the Tabs command button in the bottom left-hand corner. This will bring up the Tabs Dialog Box.

Once in the Tabs Dialog Box:

All of the following instructions are based on the following margins:

  • Left = 1.0 inch
  • Right = 1.0 inch
  • Bottom = 1.0 inch
  • Top = 1.0 inch 
  • Footer (from bottom edge) = 0.8 inch
  • Click  on the  Clear All  command button. This will clear all tabs that may still be in your table of contents.
  • Basic Instructions:   Place  your cursor in the  Tab stop  position field and enter the first tab stop position.  Next, click on the needed  Alignment  and the needed  Leader .   Click  the  Set  command button (you must complete this step for each tab you want to create).  Then enter the next tab stop position ( repeat process for each new tab ). 
  • It is advisable to click on the Show/Hide command button which has this symbol, ¶ . This will reveal where you have hit tabs, enters, and spaces. Tabs will appear as a single right-facing arrow. Paragraph returns or enters will appear as the ¶ symbol. Spaces will appear as a tiny solid dot in the middle of the line.

The Show/Hide command button typically appears under the HOME tab.

Setting the Tabs:

  • Tab (1):  Chapter titles or appendix titles (indent for entire line, including the chapter number or appendix letter)
  • Tab stop position = 0.25”
  • Alignment = Left
  • Leader = NONE

Click the Set command button.

  • Tab (2): Extra indentation for chapter titles or appendix titles that are longer than one line
  • Tab stop position = 0.75”
  • Tab (3):  Dot leaders  
  • Tab stop position = 6.32”
  • Alignment = Right
  • Leader = 2.....
  • Tab (4):  Page number
  • Tab stop position = 6.45”

To finish and go back to your document click OK.

Using the Tabs:

If you have not yet typed your titles or pages numbers:

For the chapter title or appendix title, hit the Tab key once. This will indent the line 0.25 inch. Type your chapter number and the title.

If chapter title or appendix title is longer than one line, hit Enter key where needed to force words to the next line (do not extend words into column of page numbers) and then hit Tab key twice. This will indent the line 0.75 inch.

Once you have indented your lines appropriately, you are ready to add the dot leaders (row of dots leading from words of title to page number). With our cursor placed after the last word of the title (chapter or section title), hit the Tab key once. This will produce the dot leaders. Then hit the Tab key once more to move your cursor over to the page number position. 

Now type your page number. Because this tab was right aligned, when you type you will notice that as you type the numbers are moving left instead of moving right (i.e., you are typing right to left).  This means that your page numbers will always align correctly.

If you have already typed your titles and page numbers:

For the chapter title or appendix title, place your cursor in front of the chapter number or appendix letter, then hit the Tab key once. This will indent the line 0.25 inch.

If chapter title or appendix title is longer than one line, hit Enter key where needed to force words to the next line (do not extend words into column of page numbers) and then hit Tab key twice. This will indent the line 0.75 inch.

Once you have indented your lines appropriately, you are ready to add the dot leaders (dots leading from words of title to page number). If you have already typed your page numbers and they are adjoined to the last word of your titles as instructed (refer to the instructions under “If you already have text and formatting”), then place your cursor between the last word of your title and the page number and hit the Tab key once. This will produce the dot leaders.

Now hit the Tab key once more. This will move your page number over. The page number will be right aligned; this means that your page numbers will always align correctly.

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How to Create a Table of Contents for Dissertation, Thesis or Paper & Examples

Dissertation Table of Contents

Table of contents

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A dissertation table of contents is a list of the chapters and sections included in a dissertation or thesis, along with their page numbers. It helps to navigate the document easily and locate specific information. Each chapter or section should be listed with its corresponding page number. The table of contents should be formatted according to the guidelines of the specific style guide being used, such as APA or MLA.

We would guess that students usually start working on the table of contents at the last minute. It is quite apparent and makes sense, as this is the list of chapters and sections with page locations. Do you think it's easy? 

From our experience, it can be quite tricky to organize everything according to APA, Chicago, or any other academic writing style. In this blog, we will discuss how to write a table of contents for a research paper , thesis or dissertation in Microsoft Word. We will create it together to guide students through the process. 

Also, here you will find examples of table of contents created by thesis writers at StudyCrumb . Let’s go!

What Is a Table of Contents: Definition

It is obvious that the table of contents (TOC) is an essential manuscript part you can’t skip. If you are dealing with a dissertation, thesis or research paper, you need to know how to build it in accordance with academic guidance. This is a detailed roadmap for your work and outlined structure you can follow for a research presentation. 

In case you are working on an essay or report, you may not include the table of contents, as it is a short academic text. But for the research paper, thesis or dissertation, table of contents is essential and required. It is possible to say the same about any Master’s project. It should be located between the dissertation abstract and introduction chapter. In most cases, it is about 2-3 pages long. 

Our expert dissertation writing service prepared a great template that can be used for your work. Make your research formatting easy with ready solutions!

Types of Table of Contents

How to choose which table of contents will fit your research paper, thesis, dissertation, or report best? Make a decision based on your work length. Some academic writing styles, such as APA paper format or MLA style , have specific formatting for this list. 

However, we will outline the most commonly used typology:

  • Single-level table of contents. At this type, we use only chapters. For instance, you will have an Introduction, Literature Review, methodology, and other chapters with page numbers. It can be used for shorter research work. For long writing forms like manuscripts, it can be too broad, and you will need to go into details.
  • Subdivided table of contents. The most frequently used form to organize the contents table. It will include not only chapters but also sections — a level 2 subheading for each part. It will help to be more specific about what to expect in each part of your research work.
  • Table of contents with multiple levels. This is a more divided structure, including subheadings with a level 3 for each section. Quite often, those subheadings can be rewritten or deleted during the last editing. It is essential to keep them in the right order.

Before you decide which type will work best for you, let us share with you some examples of each formatting style.

Example of Table of Contents With a Single Level

Introduction: The Misinformation Roots ………..…… 3 Literature Review .....................................….....………… 10 Research Methodology and Design ……................. 24 Results.............................................................................. 28 Discussion ....................................................................... 32

Sometimes, you will need to put an extra emphasis on subsections. Check this layout to see how your subheadings can be organized.

Example of Table of Contents Page with Subdivided Levels

Introduction: Information War ............……………….. 3       Background…………………………………….………..…… 4       Current State ……………………………………...…...…… 5       Defining Research Questions………………………. 9 Literature Review………………………...……………..……... 11       The Roots of Information Warfare ………....… 11        Information Wars …………………………….………..… 14        Cyber Wars Research ........................................ 17

If you are working on a lengthy, complex paper, this outline will suit your project most. It will help readers navigate through your document by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable sections.

Multi-Level Table of Contents Page Example

Introduction……………………………………………….......……….… 3       Emergence of Climate Change ………..……....….….. 3       Key Activist Groups in Climate Change .............. 5              Greenpeace International ………..…………......... 9              European Climate Foundation …….……………. 10              WWF ……………………………………….……….............. 11        Significant Movements ……………….………....……… 13 Literature Review ……………………………………......…………. 15

What Sections Should Be Included in a Table of Contents?

To start with, the scientific table of contents should include all chapters and its subheading. It is important to choose the formatting that will give your readers a full overview of your work from the very beginning. However, there are other chapters that you may miss constructing the 2-pager table. So, let's look at all you need to include:

  • Dissertation introduction
  • Literature review
  • Research methodology
  • Results section
  • Dissertation discussion
  • Conclusion of a thesis
  • Reference list. Mention a number of a page where you start listing your sources.
  • Appendices. For instance, if you have a data set, table or figure, include it in your research appendix .

This is how the ideal structured dissertation or research paper table of contents will look like. Remember that it still should take 2 pages. You need to choose the best formatting style to manage its length.

Tables, Figures, and Appendices in TOC

While creating a table of contents in a research paper, thesis or dissertation, you will need to include appendices in each case you have them. However, the formatting and adding tables and figures can vary based on the number and citation style. If you have more than 3 tables or figures, you may decide to have all of them at the end of your project. So, add them to the table of contents. 

Figures, graphics, and diagrams in research papers, dissertations and theses should be numbered. If you use them from another source, ensure that you make a proper citation based on the chosen style guide.

Appendix in Table of Contents Example

Appendix A. Row Data Set…………………………………… 41 Appendix B. IBR Data………………………………………….… 43 Appendix C. SPSS Data………………………………………… 44

What Shouldn't Be Included in a Table of Contents?

When creating a dissertation table of contents, students want to include everything they have in a document. However, some components should not be on this page. Here is what we are talking about:

  • Thesis acknowledgement
  • Paper abstract
  • The content list itself

Acknowledgement and abstract should be located before the content list, so there is no need to add them. You need to present a clear structure that will help your readers to navigate through the work and quickly find any requested information.

How to Create a Table of Contents for a Research Paper or Dissertation In Word?

It may look like working with this list can take a long. But we have one proposal for our users. Instead of writing a table of contents manually, create it automatically in Microsoft Word. You do not need any specific tech knowledge to do this. Let’s go through this process step-by-step and explain how to make a table of contents for a research paper or dissertation in a few clicks.

  • Open Home tab and choose the style for your table of contents (ToC next).
  • Apply heading 1 to your chapters, heading 2 to the subheading, and if needed heading 3 to the level 3 heading.
  • Next, you are going to create a research paper or PhD dissertation table of contents. Open References and choose ToC.
  • Choose the citation style for your work. For example, let’s choose APL for now. Meeting all style requirements (bold font, title formatting, numbers) is essential.
  • Define the number of levels for your dissertation or thesis table of contents. In case you want to have 3 levels, choose Automatic Table 2.
  • You are done! Click ok, and here is your page with listed chapters!

You see how easy it can be! Every time you make changes to your text or headings, it will be automatic.

Updating Your Table of Contents in MS Word

Table of contents of a research paper or dissertation is created, and you continue to edit your work until submission. It is common practice, and with MS Word, you can automate all the updates. 

Let’s outline this process in our step-by-step guide!

  • Right-click on your ToC in a document.
  • Update field section is next.
  • Choose “update ToC."
  • Here, you can update your entire ToC — choose an option that works the best for you!

As you may see, working with automated solutions is much easier when you write a dissertation which has manifold subsections. That is why it is better to learn how to work on MS Word with the content list meaning be able to manage it effectively.

Table of Contents Examples

From our experience, students used to think that the content list was quite a complicated part of the work. Even with automated solutions, you must be clear about what to include and how to organize formatting. To solve the problem and answer all your questions, use our research paper or dissertation contents page example. Our paper writers designed a sample table of contents to illustrate the best practices and various styles in formatting the work. 

Check our samples to find advanced options for organizing your own list.

Example of Table of Contents in Research Paper

Research Paper Table of Contents Example

As you can see, this contents page includes sections with different levels.

Thesis/Dissertation Table of Contents Example

Thesis/Dissertation Table of Contents Example

Have a question about your specific case? Check samples first, as we are sure you can get almost all the answers in our guides and sample sets. 

>> Read more: APA Format Table of Contents

Tips on Creating a Table of Contents

To finalize all that we shared on creating the table of contents page, let’s go through our tips list. We outline the best advice to help you with a dissertation table of contents.

  • Use automated solutions for creating a list of chapters for your report, research papers, or dissertations — it will save you time in the future.
  • Be clear with the formatting style you use for the research.
  • Choose the best level type of list based on the paper length.
  • Update a list after making changes to the text.
  • Check the page list before submitting the work.

Bottom Line on Making Table of Contents for Dissertations/ Papers

To summarize, working with a research paper, thesis or dissertation table of contents can be challenging. This article outlines how to create a table of contents in Word and how to update it appropriately. You can learn what to include in the content list, how long it can be, and where to locate it. Write your work using more than one table of contents sample we prepared for students. It is often easy to check how the same list was made for other dissertations before finalizing yours. We encourage you to learn how to create a list with pages automatically and update it. It will definitely make your academic life easier.

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Not sure if your work 's quality level is enough for getting a top-notch result? We’ve got you covered! Our team of skilled academic writers is always ready to help once you ask “ write my dissertation for me !" Just select your writer, send them your requirements and get a custom study tailored to your instructions.

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Setting the Normal Style

Set the "normal" style of font.

Before we can set up headings, we'll need to define the format of the text that  isn't  a heading. The "styles" in word set some default formatting for text. Setting up the "Normal" style will create a default font setting to keep the text uniform throughout the document. The Styles pane is located under the HOME tab.

the normal style is located on the HOME tab

Right click on the "Normal" style to open the Modify option.

right click on the normal style to modify the formatting

This will open a Modify Style Dialog Box. Start by changing the Paragraph formatting. This is located by selecting the Format drop down in the bottom left of the Dialog Box.

the paragraph styling is located under format in the bottom left of the dialog box

There are two things that should be set under the Paragraph settings. Under the INDENTS AND SPACING tab, check to turn on "Don't add space between paragraphs of the same style." Under the LINE AND PAGE BREAKS tab, check to turn on the "Widow/Orphan Control."

check the don't add space option and the widow/orphan control under the normal style paragraph settings

Once both of those have been set and you click "okay," you'll be returned to the Modify Style Dialog Box. Now we can set the font formatting. Select the font you wish to use throughout the document, change the font size to 12 point, ensure the line spacing is double spaced, and select the option to remove space between paragraphs (this is indicated by two lines pointing towards each other).

select the font you wish to use, change the size, double space the text, and keep lines together

Adding Headings & Subheadings

Inserting headings and subheadings.

Using the same technique we can create a standard for the various types of headings and subheadings used across the thesis. The Thesis & Dissertation Manual generally follows APA style for heading levels. In order to keep headings consistently correct and link the Table of Contents, the Styles function in Word is used. This is going to show you some examples of the formatting required for the headings and how to use the various heading levels. We'll also see how to use styles and update your Table of Contents. 

Modifying Heading Levels to Match Required Formatting

Level 1 headings.

Chapters will be linked to Heading Level 1. If you choose not to have chapters, you will use level 1 for your major headings (typically: Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, etc.). They should be typed in title case, center aligned, and bold. The number of the chapter can be in Arabic or Roman numerals or spelled out so long as it is consistently done throughout the document. The heading should be on one line, so if you are using chapters, it should look something like this:

Chapter 1: Introduction

Once you have formatted a chapter heading, select the text of the chapter heading then right click on Heading 1 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 1 to Match Selection." 

Screenshot of a level 2 heading formatted and highlighted and the heading 1 style menu opened up to select updated heading 1 to match selection

Adding More Level 1 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 1 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 1 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Screenshot showing a new chapter title typed into a word document and the heading 1 button with a star over it

Level 2 Headings

Subsections of your major headings should be the next level down. Level 2 headings will be left aligned, bold, and title case. They should look like this:

Level 2 Heading

Once you have formatted a level 2 heading, select the text of the heading then right click on Heading 2 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 2 to Match Selection." 

Screenshot of a level 2 heading formatted and highlighted and the heading 2 style menu opened up to select updated heading 2 to match selection

Adding More Level 2 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 2 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 2 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Screenshot showing a heading typed into a word document and the heading 2 button with a star over it

Level 3 Headings

If you wish to further subsection your paper, you will use level 3 headings. Level 3 headings will be bold italic, left aligned, and title case. They should look like this:

Level Three Heading

Once you have formatted a level 3 heading, select the text of the heading then right click on Heading 3 in the Styles pane and select "Update Heading 3 to Match Selection." 

Screenshot of a level 3 heading formatted and highlighted and the heading 3 style menu opened up to select updated heading 2 to match selection

Adding More Level 3 Headings

Once you have formatted the first heading and updated the style, you simply need to type the new level 3 heading in title case and then, with your cursor in line with the heading, click on the heading 3 button in the styles pane to format it and link it for your table of contents. Make sure to use this feature every time to ensure all headings are properly linked to your table of contents.

Screenshot showing a heading typed into a word document and the heading 3 button with a star over it

Level 4 & 5 Headings (and beyond)

It is common to find the first 3 heading levels in papers that are as long as a thesis or dissertation. Occasionally, you may find the need to go beyond those levels. It is important to note that for the thesis and dissertation, only the first 3 headings should be included in the table of contents. It is also recommended that you only use the styles function for the first 3 headings because they stand alone on their own line of text. The next heading levels will begin on the same line as the paragraph that starts that section which means that the style function will not work properly. If you were to link the heading, the entire paragraph will appear in your table of contents.

This means that you will need to, carefully, ensure you are formatting the headings manually. Each level should be consistently formatted the same way. APA has standards for levels 4 & 5 which are described here. For heading levels beyond level 5, you should pick a consistent formatting that clearly indicates they are a subsection of the level 5 heading. It is also recommended that you carefully evaluate if this level of heading is truly necessary for your writing.

Level 4 Heading

Level 4 headings will begin on the same line of the paragraph that makes up the section. It will be indented 0.5", much like a normal paragraph indent. The heading will be in title case and bold font with a period at the end of the heading:

            Level Four Heading Here.  Start the first sentence of the paragraph that follows the heading on the same line and continue typing. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc at pellentesque massa. Sed nec urna nec est efficitur iaculis. Etiam efficitur velit id dignissim eleifend. Duis euismod, nisi sed cursus sodales, sem nisi porttitor ante, eu dignissim justo tortor nec mauris.

Level 5 Heading

Level 5 headings will begin on the same line of the paragraph that makes up the section. It will be indented 0.5", much like a normal paragraph indent. The heading will be in title case and bold italic font with a period at the end of the heading:

            Level Five Heading Here.   Start the first sentence of the paragraph that follows the heading on the same line and continue typing. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Nunc at pellentesque massa. Sed nec urna nec est efficitur iaculis. Etiam efficitur velit id dignissim eleifend. Duis euismod, nisi sed cursus sodales, sem nisi porttitor ante, eu dignissim justo tortor nec mauris.

Table of Contents

Once you have added headings and used the styles feature, you will be able to use the word function to "generate" a table of contents. You will need to type "Table of Contents" in bold font, centered at the top of the page you will be inserting your table of contents onto. Then, place your cursor on the next line

Table of Contents written in bold, centered on page

From the References tab, click on Table of Contents and select Custom Table of Contents...

Screenshot highlighting the reference tab, table of contents button, and custom table of contents

From the pop up window, you will want to change the tab leaders to (none) rather than the default. The rest of the default settings will be fine, so click ok once you've done so.

Screenshot of custom table of contents settings

This will populate your table of contents.

Screenshot of table of contents

From here, you will need to open the style pane to modify some of the formatting of the table of contents.

Screenshot showing how to open styles pane

You will need to locate TOC 1 and click on it, and select "modify" from the drop down list.

screenshot showing styles pane and selecting modify for TOC 1 style

TOC 1 style should be bold. If you've properly set up your "normal style" of font (see above), this should be the only modification to your TOC styles that you need to make. If the text is not properly set up and you need to further format it, you can do so from this window.

screenshot highlighting the text format options to modify for the TOC 1 style

If set up correctly, your table of contents should look like the image below.

screenshot of a sample table of contents

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How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

4-minute read

  • 16th July 2023

So you’ve made it to the important step of writing the table of contents for your paper. Congratulations on making it this far! Whether you’re writing a research paper or a dissertation , the table of contents not only provides the reader with guidance on where to find the sections of your paper, but it also signals that a quality piece of research is to follow. Here, we will provide detailed instructions on how to structure the table of contents for your research paper.

Steps to Create a Table of Contents

  • Insert the table of contents after the title page.

Within the structure of your research paper , you should place the table of contents after the title page but before the introduction or the beginning of the content. If your research paper includes an abstract or an acknowledgements section , place the table of contents after it.

  • List all the paper’s sections and subsections in chronological order.

Depending on the complexity of your paper, this list will include chapters (first-level headings), chapter sections (second-level headings), and perhaps subsections (third-level headings). If you have a chapter outline , it will come in handy during this step. You should include the bibliography and all appendices in your table of contents. If you have more than a few charts and figures (more often the case in a dissertation than in a research paper), you should add them to a separate list of charts and figures that immediately follows the table of contents. (Check out our FAQs below for additional guidance on items that should not be in your table of contents.)

  • Paginate each section.

Label each section and subsection with the page number it begins on. Be sure to do a check after you’ve made your final edits to ensure that you don’t need to update the page numbers.

  • Format your table of contents.

The way you format your table of contents will depend on the style guide you use for the rest of your paper. For example, there are table of contents formatting guidelines for Turabian/Chicago and MLA styles, and although the APA recommends checking with your instructor for formatting instructions (always a good rule of thumb), you can also create a table of contents for a research paper that follows APA style .

  • Add hyperlinks if you like.

Depending on the word processing software you’re using, you may also be able to hyperlink the sections of your table of contents for easier navigation through your paper. (Instructions for this feature are available for both Microsoft Word and Google Docs .)

To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper:

1. Insert the table of contents after the title page.

2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order.

3. Paginate each section.

4. Format the table of contents according to your style guide.

5. Add optional hyperlinks.

If you’d like help formatting and proofreading your research paper , check out some of our services. You can even submit a sample for free . Best of luck writing your research paper table of contents!

What is a table of contents?

A table of contents is a listing of each section of a document in chronological order, accompanied by the page number where the section begins. A table of contents gives the reader an overview of the contents of a document, as well as providing guidance on where to find each section.

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What should I include in my table of contents?

If your paper contains any of the following sections, they should be included in your table of contents:

●  Chapters, chapter sections, and subsections

●  Introduction

●  Conclusion

●  Appendices

●  Bibliography

Although recommendations may differ among institutions, you generally should not include the following in your table of contents:

●  Title page

●  Abstract

●  Acknowledgements

●  Forward or preface

If you have several charts, figures, or tables, consider creating a separate list for them that will immediately follow the table of contents. Also, you don’t need to include the table of contents itself in your table of contents.

Is there more than one way to format a table of contents?

Yes! In addition to following any recommendations from your instructor or institution, you should follow the stipulations of your style guide .

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Organizing and Formatting Your Thesis and Dissertation

Learn about overall organization of your thesis or dissertation. Then, find details for formatting your preliminaries, text, and supplementaries.

Overall Organization

A typical thesis consists of three main parts – preliminaries, text, and supplementaries. Each part is to be organized as explained below and in the order indicated below:

1. Preliminaries:

  • Title page (required)
  • Copyright page (required)
  • Abstract (required) only one abstract allowed
  • Acknowledgments (optional) located in the Preliminary Section only
  • Preface (optional)
  • Autobiography (optional)
  • Dedication (optional)
  • Table of Contents (required)
  • List of Tables (optional)
  • List of Figures (optional)
  • List of Plates (optional)
  • List of Symbols (optional)
  • List of Keywords (optional)
  • Other Preliminaries (optional) such as Definition of Terms

3. Supplementaries:

  • References or bibliography (optional)
  • Appendices (optional)
  • Glossary (optional)
  • List of Abbreviations (optional)

The order of sections is important

Preliminaries

These are the general requirements for all preliminary pages.

  • Preliminary pages are numbered with lower case Roman numerals.
  • Page numbers are ½” from the bottom of the page and centered.
  • The copyright page is included in the manuscript immediately after the title page and is not assigned a page number nor counted.
  • The abstract page is numbered with the Roman numeral “ii”.
  • The remaining preliminary pages are arranged as listed under “Organizing and Formatting the Thesis/Dissertation” and numbered consecutively.
  • Headings for all preliminary pages must be centered in all capital letters 1” from the top of the page.
  • Do not bold the headings of the preliminary pages.

Preliminaries have no page number on the first two. Then it is numbered with roman numerals.

A sample Thesis title page pdf is available here ,  and a sample of a Dissertation title page pdf is available here.

Refer to the sample page as you read through the format requirements for the title page.

  • Do not use bold.
  • Center all text except the advisor and committee information.

The heading “ Thesis ” or “ Dissertation ” is in all capital letters, centered one inch from the top of the page.

  • Your title must be in all capital letters, double spaced and centered.
  • Your title on the title page must match the title on your GS30 – Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form

Submitted by block

Divide this section exactly as shown on the sample page. One blank line must separate each line of text.

  • Submitted by
  • School of Advanced Materials Discovery 
  • School of Biomedical Engineering
  • Graduate Degree Program in Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Graduate Degree Program in Ecology

If your department name begins with “School of”, list as:

  • School of Education
  • School of Music, Theatre and Dance
  • School of Social Work

If you have questions about the correct name of your department or degree, consult your department. Areas of Study or specializations within a program are not listed on the Title Page.

Degree and Graduating Term block

  • In partial fulfillment of the requirements
  • For the Degree of
  • Colorado State University
  • Fort Collins, Colorado (do not abbreviate Colorado)

Committee block

  • Master’s students will use the heading Master’s Committee:
  • Doctoral students will use the heading Doctoral Committee:
  • The Master’s Committee and Doctoral Committee headings begin at the left margin.
  • One blank line separates the committee heading and the advisor section.
  • One blank line separates the advisor and committee section.
  • Advisor and committee member names are indented approximately half an inch from the left margin.
  • Titles before or after the names of your advisor and your members are not permitted (Examples – Dr., Professor, Ph.D.).

Copyright Page

  • A sample copyright page pdf is available here.
  • A copyright page is required.
  • A copyright page is included in the manuscript immediately after the title page.
  • This page is not assigned a number nor counted.
  • Center text vertically and horizontally.
  • A sample abstract page pdf is available here – refer to the sample page as you read through the format requirements for the abstract.
  • Only one abstract is permitted.
  • The heading “ Abstract ” is in all capital letters, centered one inch from the top of the page.
  • Three blank lines (single-spaced) must be between the “ Abstract ” heading and your title.
  • Your title must be in all capital letters and centered.
  • The title must match the title on your Title Page and the GS30 – Thesis/Dissertation Submission Form
  • Three blank lines (single-spaced) must be between the title and your text.
  • The text of your abstract must be double-spaced.
  • The first page of the abstract is numbered with a small Roman numeral ii.

Table of Contents

  • A sample Table of Contents page pdf is available.
  • The heading “ Table of Contents ” is in all capital letters centered one inch from the top of the page.
  • Three blank lines (single-spaced) follow the heading.
  • List all parts of the document (except the title page) and the page numbers on which each part begins.
  • The titles of all parts are worded exactly as they appear in the document.
  • Titles and headings and the page numbers on which they begin are separated by a row of dot leaders.
  • Major headings are aligned flush with the left margin.
  • Page numbers are aligned flush with the right margin.

The text of a thesis features an introduction and several chapters, sections and subsections. Text may also include parenthetical references, footnotes, or references to the bibliography or endnotes.

Any references to journal publications, authors, contributions, etc. on your chapter pages or major heading pages should be listed as a footnote .

Text and Supplementaries use Arabic numbering starting at 1

  • The entire document is 8.5” x 11” (letter) size.
  • Pages may be in landscape position for figures and tables that do not fit in “portrait” position.
  • Choose one type style (font) and font size and use it throughout the text of your thesis. Examples: Times New Roman and Arial.
  • Font sizes should be between 10 point and 12 point.
  • Font color must be black. 
  • Hyperlinked text must be in blue. If you hyperlink more than one line of text, such as the entire table of contents, leave the text black. 
  • Margins are one inch on all sides (top, bottom, left, and right).
  • Always continue the text to the bottom margin except at the end of a chapter.

1 inch Margins

  • Please see preliminary page requirements .
  • Body and references are numbered with Arabic numerals beginning with the first page of text (numbered 1).
  • Page numbers must be centered ½” from the bottom of the page.

Major Headings

  • A sample page pdf for major headings and subheadings is available here.
  • Use consistent style for major headings.
  • Three blank lines (single-spaced) need to be between the major heading and your text.
  • Each chapter is started on a new page.
  • The References or Bibliography heading is a major heading and the formatting needs to match chapter headings.

Subheadings

  • A sample page pdf for major headings and subheadings is available here .
  • Style for subheadings is optional but the style should be consistent throughout.
  • Subheadings within a chapter (or section) do not begin on a new page unless the preceding page is filled. Continue the text to the bottom of the page unless at the end of a chapter.
  • Subheadings at the bottom of a page require two lines of text following the heading and at least two lines of text on the next page.

Running Head

Do not insert a running head.

When dividing paragraphs, at least two lines of text should appear at the bottom of the page and at least two lines of text on the next page.

Hyphenation

The last word on a page may not be divided. No more than three lines in succession may end with hyphens. Divide words as indicated in a standard dictionary.

  • The text of the thesis is double-spaced.
  • Bibliography or list of reference entries and data within large tables may be single-spaced. Footnotes should be single spaced.
  • Footnotes and bibliography or list of reference entries are separated by double-spacing.
  • Quoted material of more than three lines is indented and single-spaced. Quoted material that is three lines or fewer may be single-spaced for emphasis.

Poems should be double-spaced with triple-spacing between stanzas. Stanzas may be centered if lines are short.

  • Consult a style manual approved by your department for samples of footnotes.
  • Footnotes are numbered consecutively throughout the entire thesis.
  • Footnotes appear at the bottom of the page on which the reference is made.
  • Footnotes are single-spaced.
  • Consult a style manual approved by your department for samples of endnotes.
  • Endnotes are numbered consecutively throughout the entire thesis.
  • Endnotes may be placed at the end of each chapter or following the last page of text.
  • The form for an endnote is the same as a footnote. Type the heading “endnote”.

Tables and Figures

  • Tables and figures should follow immediately after first mentioned in the text or on the next page.
  • If they are placed on the next page, continue the text to the bottom of the preceding page.
  • Do not wrap text around tables or figures. Text can go above and/or below.
  • If more clarity is provided by placing tables and figures at the end of chapters or at the end of the text, this format is also acceptable.
  • Tables and Figures are placed before references.
  • Any diagram, drawing, graph, chart, map, photograph, or other type of illustration is presented in the thesis as a figure.
  • All tables and figures must conform to margin requirements.
  • Images can be resized to fit within margins
  • Table captions go above tables.
  • Figure captions go below figures.
  • Captions must be single spaced.

Landscape Tables and Figures

  • Large tables or figures can be placed on the page landscape or broadside orientation.
  • Landscape tables and figures should face the right margin (unbound side).
  • The top margin must be the same as on a regular page.
  • Page numbers for landscape or broadside tables or figures are placed on the 11” side.

Supplementaries

These are the general requirements for all supplementary pages.

  • Supplementary pages are arranged as listed under “Organizing and Formatting the Thesis/Dissertation” and numbered consecutively.
  • Headings for all supplementary pages are major headings and the formatting style needs to match chapter headings.

Arabic numbers continue into the supplementaries.

References or Bibliography

  • The References or Bibliography heading is always a major heading and the formatting style needs to match chapter headings.
  • References or Bibliography are ordered after each chapter, or at the end of the text.
  • References or Bibliography must start on a new page from the chapter text.
  • References are aligned flush with the left margin.
  • The style for references should follow the format appropriate for the field of study.
  • The style used must be consistent throughout the thesis.
  • Appendices are optional and used for supplementary material.
  • The Appendices heading is a major heading and the formatting style needs to match chapter headings.
  • As an option the appendix may be introduced with a cover page bearing only the title centered vertically and horizontally on the page. The content of the appendix then begins on the second page with the standard one inch top margin.
  • Quality and format should be consistent with requirements for other parts of the thesis including margins.
  • Page numbers used in the appendix must continue from the main text.

A Foreign Language Thesis

Occasionally, theses are written in languages other than English. In such cases, an English translation of the title and abstract must be included in the document.

  • Submit one title page in the non-English language (no page number printed).
  • Submit one title page in English (no page number printed).
  • Submit one abstract in the non-English language (page number is ii).
  • Submit one abstract in English (page number is numbered consecutively from previous page – example: if the last page of the abstract in the foreign language is page ii the first page of the abstract in English is numbered page iii).

Multipart Thesis

In some departments, a student may do research on two or more generally related areas which would be difficult to combine into a single well-organized thesis. The solution is the multi-part thesis.

  • Each part is considered a separate unit, with its own chapters, bibliography or list of references, and appendix (optional); or it may have a combined bibliography or list of references and appendix.
  • A single abstract is required.
  • The pages of a multi-part thesis are numbered consecutively throughout the entire thesis, not through each part (therefore, the first page of Part II is not page 1).
  • The chapter numbering begins with Chapter 1 for each part, or the chapters may be numbered consecutively.
  • Pagination is consecutive throughout all parts, including numbered separation sheets between parts.
  • Each part may be preceded by a separation sheet listing the appropriate number and title.
  • Essay Editor

Thesis Format: Detailed Instructions and Tips

Thesis Format: Detailed Instructions and Tips

Gathering the necessary material for a large and saturated project is just half the battle, to set up everything and format the work properly is a real deed, challenging and exacting. There are a lot of specific requirements and rules to be born in mind. But don't take it so hard, we give you all the fundamental information concerning thesis paper format. You'll find out 

  • what parts a successful work should have;
  • what formatting requirements should be adhered to;
  • what tips occur to be helpful.

So, get ready to remember all the important principles in terms of paper finalization.

What is a Thesis Format?

In the process of thesis creation, everyone should set up the data in a specific way. The general structure and stylistic patterns are usually the same everywhere, though some minor issues may vary from one department to another.

Correct Thesis Format: Important or Not?

When working with the material it is crucial to stick to the thesis writing format in order to:

  • show your professional approach to this activity;
  • refine the readability of the text;
  • provide convenient navigation through the work;
  • bring the skills nearer to the academic standards;
  • help the audience focus on the investigation essence.

A Thesis and its Parts

The thesis structure format implies such parts, obligatory for a good consistent work.

Title Page

It is the first page, forming the impression of the whole work. There should be the title itself, the writer's name, academic information (institution, department, and others), and submission date. There may be some additional local requirements as well, just check the local guidelines.

Abstract

It is a summarized copy of the project, usually consisting of 170-300 words. A key target, chosen methods, results, and finalizing inference should be introduced here. 

Acknowledgments

It is a paragraph to express gratitude towards your tutor, professor – or any person – who helped you during the work.

Table of Contents

It is a significant part of a basic thesis format, reflecting the project structure. There is a recommendation to create it with the help of the automatic updating function, presented in the word-processing app.

Figures and Tables

If there is any visual material (tables, schemes, charts, and whatnot) in the work, make up a list of all issues. Index them and add relevant page numbers to it.

Introduction

Due to the introduction thesis format, here the author gives some background data, a hypothesis, and key points of the work.

Literature Review

This part is devoted to literary sources, a person took as the basis of the research. Here it is advisable to analyze existing investigations and point out what is explored insufficiently.

Methodology

It is a section where methods of work should be presented (including information about participants of the experiment, used instruments, and data collecting).

Results

It is a place for all the findings the author has got. The best way of presenting is visual (charts, schemes, etc.).The format of a thesis insists on adding them sufficiently.

Discussion

In the section the author should analyze the results of the researching activity, offer the way of their implication, and formulate ideas for future investigation.

Conclusion

This part is the summary of the writer's results and ideas, underlining the significance of the work and its benefit for the followers.

References

It is a list of all cited sources a person used while creating the project. Check the local format rules to avoid any mistakes while writing this section.

Appendices

Here the writer should add any supplementary he needs for supporting the project, especially if they are too overwhelming for the main body.

Having discussed the standard structure of the paper, it's high time to discuss useful rules and tips on how to complete the processing.

A General Guideline for Thesis Formatting

Well, how to format a thesis correctly? The most important points are presented in the table.

Font

Times New Roman, 12 pt

Margins

1 inch from every side of the page

Spacing

Double, throughout all the text

Citing

It depends on the formatting style (APA, MLA, or Chicago)

Headings and Subheadings

Format them in a consistent way throughout the whole work

Tables and Figures

Every issue should have its own number and a clear legend, and be included in the list mentioned above

Page numbers

Every page should have a sequential number, placed as it is described in the local guideline (upper right, center, etc.)

Page Break

It is used to divide all the material into sections and chapters.

These recommendations are general, and every writer must look through the local guidelines in all cases. Almost every department has a thesis format example, and by getting acquainted with it everyone is certain to get rid of potential mistakes. It doesn't take much time but accentuates your interest and thoroughness, so important for a perfect researcher.

Other Tips on how to Format the Thesis

Apart from answering the question 'What is the thesis format?', we'd like to present some additional recommendations and tips concerning the work. It is useful to remind that visual division helps to acquire information in a better way

  • Use single-spaced blocks for quotations or footnotes.
  • Add a special line for the committee signature on the relevant page.
  • Organize margins from all the sides of the sheet appropriately.
  • Check the numbers on page consequence.
  • Proofread all the text and check all the format details before submitting the paper.

Studying general rules of formatting is crucial for students, researchers, and other specialists of the sphere. But every time you are also to look into the guidelines offered by your local headmen. The correct paperwork is pleasant to read. Moreover, it underlines the author's professionalism and preciseness.

If you need to get acquainted with thesis format essay, try Aithor . It is a professional instrument, generating texts according to input parameters. You may choose the language, writing style, topic, outline, and other necessary options.

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  • Dissertation
  • Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates

Published on June 7, 2022 by Tegan George . Revised on November 21, 2023.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process . It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding the specifics of your dissertation topic and showcasing its relevance to your field.

Generally, an outline contains information on the different sections included in your thesis or dissertation , such as:

  • Your anticipated title
  • Your abstract
  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review, research methods, avenues for future research, etc.)

In the final product, you can also provide a chapter outline for your readers. This is a short paragraph at the end of your introduction to inform readers about the organizational structure of your thesis or dissertation. This chapter outline is also known as a reading guide or summary outline.

Table of contents

How to outline your thesis or dissertation, dissertation and thesis outline templates, chapter outline example, sample sentences for your chapter outline, sample verbs for variation in your chapter outline, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis and dissertation outlines.

While there are some inter-institutional differences, many outlines proceed in a fairly similar fashion.

  • Working Title
  • “Elevator pitch” of your work (often written last).
  • Introduce your area of study, sharing details about your research question, problem statement , and hypotheses . Situate your research within an existing paradigm or conceptual or theoretical framework .
  • Subdivide as you see fit into main topics and sub-topics.
  • Describe your research methods (e.g., your scope , population , and data collection ).
  • Present your research findings and share about your data analysis methods.
  • Answer the research question in a concise way.
  • Interpret your findings, discuss potential limitations of your own research and speculate about future implications or related opportunities.

For a more detailed overview of chapters and other elements, be sure to check out our article on the structure of a dissertation or download our template .

To help you get started, we’ve created a full thesis or dissertation template in Word or Google Docs format. It’s easy adapt it to your own requirements.

 Download Word template    Download Google Docs template

Chapter outline example American English

It can be easy to fall into a pattern of overusing the same words or sentence constructions, which can make your work monotonous and repetitive for your readers. Consider utilizing some of the alternative constructions presented below.

Example 1: Passive construction

The passive voice is a common choice for outlines and overviews because the context makes it clear who is carrying out the action (e.g., you are conducting the research ). However, overuse of the passive voice can make your text vague and imprecise.

Example 2: IS-AV construction

You can also present your information using the “IS-AV” (inanimate subject with an active verb ) construction.

A chapter is an inanimate object, so it is not capable of taking an action itself (e.g., presenting or discussing). However, the meaning of the sentence is still easily understandable, so the IS-AV construction can be a good way to add variety to your text.

Example 3: The “I” construction

Another option is to use the “I” construction, which is often recommended by style manuals (e.g., APA Style and Chicago style ). However, depending on your field of study, this construction is not always considered professional or academic. Ask your supervisor if you’re not sure.

Example 4: Mix-and-match

To truly make the most of these options, consider mixing and matching the passive voice , IS-AV construction , and “I” construction .This can help the flow of your argument and improve the readability of your text.

As you draft the chapter outline, you may also find yourself frequently repeating the same words, such as “discuss,” “present,” “prove,” or “show.” Consider branching out to add richness and nuance to your writing. Here are some examples of synonyms you can use.

Address Describe Imply Refute
Argue Determine Indicate Report
Claim Emphasize Mention Reveal
Clarify Examine Point out Speculate
Compare Explain Posit Summarize
Concern Formulate Present Target
Counter Focus on Propose Treat
Define Give Provide insight into Underpin
Demonstrate Highlight Recommend Use

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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When you mention different chapters within your text, it’s considered best to use Roman numerals for most citation styles. However, the most important thing here is to remain consistent whenever using numbers in your dissertation .

The title page of your thesis or dissertation goes first, before all other content or lists that you may choose to include.

A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical first steps in your writing process. It helps you to lay out and organize your ideas and can provide you with a roadmap for deciding what kind of research you’d like to undertake.

  • Your chapters (sometimes subdivided into further topics like literature review , research methods , avenues for future research, etc.)

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

George, T. (2023, November 21). Dissertation & Thesis Outline | Example & Free Templates. Scribbr. Retrieved August 29, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/dissertation-thesis-outline/

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I Tried Thesis Nootropics—Here’s My Honest Review

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I Tried Thesis Nootropics—Here’s My Honest Review

Table of Contents

Our verdict, thesis nootropics at a glance, how does thesis nootropics work, how much does thesis nootropics cost, the product, my thesis nootropics experience, what experts say about thesis nootropics.

Thesis nootropic blends, which are nutritional compounds often used to boost brain function , are designed to enhance mood and cognitive performance based on your individual needs and goals. The Starter Kit allows users to sample four of Thesis’ nootropics blends to determine which is most effective for them.

While the supplements are pricey, I found the increased productivity and enhanced focus I experienced worth the cost.

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  • Helps optimize cognitive function
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Key Features

  • Thesis nootropics are designed to enhance cognitive function and optimize brain performance by supporting mood, memory, focus, cognitive processing, creativity and motivation, according to the company.
  • Ingredients and blends are third-party tested for quality and potency by an independent lab, according to the company.
  • Products are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee (with a maximum return limit of a one-month supply).

Dan Freed founded Thesis in 2017 after finding inspiration from his personal journey with nootropics. With company headquarters in New York, Thesis offers customized nootropics to support cognitive function and boost productivity.

PROS CONS
  • Thesis nootropics are sourced from vegan ingredients like saffron, ginkgo biloba, mango leaf and lion’s mane mushrooms that have been studied for their impact on mood and cognitive function.
  • A Thesis Starter Kit costs $119; monthly subscriptions are available for $79.
  • With the Thesis Starter Kit, you can try four of the six available blends—Motivation, Clarity, Creativity, Energy, Logic and Confidence—for six days each to determine which blend works best for your brain chemistry.

Thesis nootropics are designed to enhance specific elements of brain health, from focus to energy. To get started with Thesis, you can take an online survey or choose your own blends.

If you choose to complete the online quiz (the option recommended by Thesis), you’ll answer questions about the following:

  • Your age, weight and identifying gender
  • Areas you’d like to focus on, such as energy, motivation or mood
  • How much caffeine you drink and how it affects you
  • How often you exercise
  • Whether you consume excess alcohol (five or more  drinks per day)
  • Whether you smoke or vape
  • How much sleep you get nightly
  • How often you forget things

You’ll also rate your energy, sleep quality, productivity, focus, mood and anxiety levels. Once you finish the quiz, suggested blends based on your specific needs and goals are populated for purchase on the website. You can choose to purchase a one-time or monthly package.

Each Thesis Starter Kit contains four boxes of nootropic blends, each containing six sachets of capsules. Users can try  four recommended blends from the six available through Thesis. Capsules are taken first thing in the morning (on an empty stomach) for six consecutive days, followed by a one-day break to gauge  each blend’s results. You’re encouraged to write down how you feel, including any benefits and side effects you notice.

Customers have free and unlimited virtual access to wellness coaches. Sessions are 15 minutes each and must be scheduled in advance. During your first session, your coach  guides you through each customized blend, goes over the instructions and answers any questions you may have. If there’s a blend that’s not working for you, Thesis coaches can help you make adjustments to your plan.

Monthly subscriptions can be managed in your online profile, so you can choose which blends you’d like to receive after the initial period.

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The Thesis Starter Kit is available on the company’s website for $119. Customers can also sign up for a monthly subscription plan for $79 (a discount of $40). Shipping is free.

My curated sampler kit, based on my survey results, contained the following blends.

This blend contains four capsules and is formulated to promote energy, fight fatigue and increase mental stamina. The key ingredient theacrine, which is a naturally-occurring compound found in plants, has been shown to improve energy levels, motivation and concentration, the company notes. It also contains N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), which research suggests possesses  promise as a supplement for cognitive function. However, clinical trials studying the effects of these two particular ingredients are inconclusive, and more research is needed.

That said, a large body of research supports the combination of caffeine and L-theanine (also contained in the Energy blend) for increased energy and attention, says Umo Callins, a board-certified sports dietitian and fitness coach at Well Rooted Health and Nutrition in Oklahoma City.

Active ingredients of the Energy blend include:

  • Citicoline: 300 milligrams
  • Mango leaf extract: 300 milligrams
  • Indian trumpet leaf extract: 100 milligrams
  • Theacrine: 100 milligrams
  • N-acetyl L-tyrosine: 300 milligrams
  • N-acetyl cysteine: 500 milligrams
  • Caffeine: 100 milligrams
  • L-theanine: 200 milligrams

This four-capsule blend is designed to spark imagination, maintain confidence and support verbal fluency, according to the company. The focus ingredient, ashwagandha, has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in clinical trials. The blend also contains L-theanine, which may have relaxing effects, acting as a buffer for stress and anxiety.

Active ingredients of Creativity include:

  • Ashwagandha root: 300 milligrams
  • Panax ginseng: 200 milligrams
  • Sceletium tortuosum: 25 milligrams
  • Agmatine sulfate: 250 milligrams
  • Alpha GPC: 150 milligrams

This blend, containing three capsules, is designed to help maintain willpower, prevent procrastination and manage stress, notes the company. The featured ingredient, CDT (Dynamine)—which is a patented, standardized form of methylliberine, a compound found in plants—may assist with cognitive control and improve reaction time during mentally challenging tasks, the company claims, but supporting research is limited.

Because the blend also contains caffeine and L-theanine, Callins says it will likely help with productivity, especially in a stressed or anxious state.

Active ingredients of Motivation include:

  • Artichoke extract: 450 milligrams
  • Vitamin B12 : 1,000 micrograms
  • L-phenylalanine: 500 milligrams
  • CDT (Dynamine): 100 milligrams
  • Forskolin: 250 milligrams

Thesis claims that this three-capsule blend is designed to maintain focus, support attention and help individuals enter a flow state. According to the company, the featured ingredient, alpha-GPC, a compound found in the brain and in trace amounts in food sources like egg yolks and organ meats, supports healthy cognitive function and physical performance, but supporting research is limited. The blend also contains caffeine and L-theanine, which can help boost focus and attention, says Callins.

Active ingredients of Clarity include:

  • Alpha-GPC: 500 milligrams
  • Lion’s mane mushroom: 500 milligrams
  • Camellia sinensis tea leaf: 278 milligrams
  • Dihydroxyflavone: 30 milligrams

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The customized blends I received from Thesis were Energy, Clarity, Creativity and Motivation. For each blend, I followed the instructions as indicated, taking the supplements in the morning on an empty stomach (with a glass of water). I took each blend for six consecutive days, followed by a one-day break.

I didn’t notice much of a difference from my baseline mood or energy from the Creativity blend, and the Motivation blend gave me heartburn, so I stopped using it after a few days. According to Thesis, experiencing negative side effects is a sign the specific blend is not a fit, and you should move on to the next one. When I took the Energy blend before my morning workout, I experienced a mild boost to my mental and physical stamina.

Hands down, my favorite blend was Clarity. I was amazed by how big of an impact this nootropic blend had on my focus, attention and productivity. As someone with inattentive ADHD (a type of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder that manifests as distractibility and forgetfulness), tasks requiring sustained attention can be challenging. Clarity’s effects were noticeable immediately (within 30 minutes), and I had an incredible level of focus that lasted. I don’t take ADHD medication because it interferes with my sleep, so this was an exciting find.

I was pleasantly surprised by the effectiveness of Thesis nootropics. For me, Clarity was the most effective blend, but I enjoyed experimenting with different formulas. While it’s pricey, I’ll definitely use Thesis again, thanks to the huge improvement in focus and attention I experienced.

Nootropics, also referred to as cognitive enhancers or “smart drugs,” are natural or pharmaceutical substances used to boost brain activity and cognitive function, explains Callins. Potential benefits include improved memory, focus, thinking, learning and mood management, she says.

Although many nootropics are generally considered safe, Callins says consuming more than the recommended dose can result in mild side effects like dizziness, nausea and headaches. And while some of the ingredients in Thesis products may have cognitive benefits supported by research, she points out that more data on their long-term effects and safety is needed.

The bottom line? “Always consult with your doctor or primary health care practitioner before taking any supplement,” advises Callins, adding that some nootropics are contraindicated with certain medical conditions and medications.

  • Kuhman DJ, Joyner KJ, Bloomer RJ. Cognitive Performance and Mood Following Ingestion of a Theacrine-Containing Dietary Supplement, Caffeine, or Placebo by Young Men and Women. Nutrients. 2015;7(11):9618-32.
  • Skvarc DR, Dean OM, et al. The effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on human cognition - A systematic review. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2017;78:44-56.
  • Anas Sohail A, Ortiz F, et al. The Cognitive-Enhancing Outcomes of Caffeine and L-theanine: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2021;13(12):e20828.
  • Ashwagandha: Is it helpful for stress, anxiety, or sleep?. National Institutes of Health. Accessed 2/28/23.
  • Wang L, Brennan M. How does the tea L-theanine buffer stress and anxiety. ? Food Science and Human Wellness. 2022;11(3):467-475.
  • La Monica MB, Raub B, et al. Methylliberine Ingestion Improves Various Indices of Affect but Not Cognitive Function in Healthy Men and Women. Nutrients. 2023;15(21):4509.
  • Parker AG, Byars A, et al. The effects of alpha-glycerylphosphorylcholine, caffeine or placebo on markers of mood, cognitive function, power, speed, and agility. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2015;12(Suppl 1):P41.
  • Tamura Y, Takata K, et al. Alpha-Glycerylphosphorylcholine Increases Motivation in Healthy Volunteers: A Single-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Human Study. Nutrients. 2021;13(6):2091.
  • Malík M, Tlustoš P. Nootropics as Cognitive Enhancers: Types, Dosage and Side Effects of Smart Drugs. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3367.
  • Epstein JN, Loren RE. Changes in the Definition of ADHD in DSM-5: Subtle but Important. Neuropsychiatry (London). 2013;3(5):455-458.
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Is the Fat User Thesis the Future of Web3?

Shilika Jain photo

Table of Contents

The debate over value capture, but what about the users, why the fat user idea is relevant, competition, low switching costs, limited network effects, programmable incentives, nudge believes it has the solution, fat users are the web3 end game.

In 2016, Joel Monegro introduced the idea of the "Fat Protocols." According to this theory, value in blockchain ecosystems would accumulate primarily at the protocol layer rather than the application layer. 

Essentially, most of the value would go into Native tokens used for Transactions, such as ETH and BNB, as opposed to dApp tokens like $CAKE and $UNI. The more decentralized applications (dApps) built on these platforms, the greater the network effects and demand for the protocol’s native tokens. 

This would drive up their value—a reversal from the traditional internet model, in which companies like Facebook capture most of the value while the underlying protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) do not. There are some opposing ideas to Fat Protocol Thesis, one of which was recently discovered via this X post . It proposes a solution called the “Fat User Model”.

Despite the compelling nature of the Fat Protocols theory, critics like Pantera Capital argue that value will concentrate at the application layer. 

They believe that dApps focused on specific use cases can build deep moats—like liquidity, user experience, and brand loyalty—that allow them to extract significant value. 

Interestingly, the Fat Protocols and application layer frameworks overlook the most crucial stakeholder in the Web3 economy—the user. 

Isn’t the goal of this new financial system to benefit users first and foremost? Yet, they don't appear in any of these value capture models. 

For Web3 to thrive, a fresh approach is needed—one that rewards continuous contributions and reallocates capital to new entrants. 

This is where the Fat User Thesis comes into play. The current value capture models are temporary mistakes that will self-correct, with Web3 users capturing most of the value going forward.

In a competitive market, value capture is unsustainable as it tends to be competed away via the mercenary capital problem that has plagued the crypto industry for years. 

The Web3 ecosystem is highly competitive, with forkable open-source code and numerous L1s, L2s, and dApps to choose from. No single player can dominate for long, making it imperative for protocols and applications to continually innovate and provide value to users.

The concept of self-sovereignty and interoperability implies highly mobile assets. Any token, liquidity provider (LP) position, or user activity can easily transfer to another protocol with minimal switching costs. 

This mobility empowers users to choose platforms that offer the best value, further supporting the Fat User Thesis.

Some may argue that the network effects central to the Fat Protocol and application layer are overrated. 

With high competition and low switching costs, bootstrapping a network is easier than ever. New networks can quickly gain traction, reducing the barriers to entry and allowing users to reap the benefits of emerging platforms.

Programmable incentives function as switching rewards, generating on-demand network effects for any protocol or dApp. This dynamic creates a more equitable distribution of value, aligning perfectly with the core principles of the Fat User Thesis.

And now, there’s a dApp that focuses on bringing it all together, officially giving life to the Fat User idea.

Web3 needs a catalyst to fuel the Fat User Thesis, and the Nudge team thinks they have it figured out. The project empowers protocols and applications to incentivize—or “nudge”—users to reallocate their assets, liquidity, and activity. 

This creates a switching reward that effectively redistributes value from protocols and dAppsto users, providing a scalable customer acquisition funnel and a robust retention mechanism.

Most Nudges will not be one-time occurrences but ongoing incentives, rewarding reallocation over time and considering future users. 

This approach is akin to an advertising budget—a recurring expense for off-chain companies—but with the crucial difference that this “advertising budget” directly benefits the end-user, not intermediaries like Google.

Still in the pre-launch phase, Nudge is expected to transform the on-chain economy by reallocating value to users, ultimately expanding the entire ecosystem. By empowering users with programmable incentives, Nudge aligns with the Fat User Thesis and drives a more user-centric Web3 economy.

The discourse surrounding the Fat User Thesis signifies a paradigm shift in the Web3 ecosystem. By challenging the existing value capture models that predominantly favorprotocols and applications, it advocates for a more user-centric approach that prioritizes users' needs and contributions. 

Platforms like Nudge exemplify how programmable incentives can be harnessed to drive user engagement and ensure equitable value distribution. Web3's success hinges on its ability to empower users, making them the key beneficiaries of this new financial framework. 

By embracing this perspective, the Web3 community can build a thriving, inclusive ecosystem that redefines engagement and value in the digital world.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.

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Shilika Jain

Shilika Jain is an experienced Web3 professional, currently serving as Head of APAC at Myosin. Formerly, she led marketing initiatives at CoinMarketCap and has a strong background in working with leading Web3 entities and building key relationships within the ecosystem. Jain has also contributed to several publications, including The Chainsaw. She is particularly interested in emerging trends in Web3, such as DePIN, AI, and RWA. Follow her on X

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IMAGES

  1. Table of Contents

    table of content for thesis

  2. Apa Table Of Contents Template

    table of content for thesis

  3. how to write the table of contents in a thesis

    table of content for thesis

  4. how to write the table of contents in a thesis

    table of content for thesis

  5. 21 Table of Contents Templates & Examples [Word, PPT] ᐅ TemplateLab

    table of content for thesis

  6. Free Table of Contents Template

    table of content for thesis

VIDEO

  1. How to insert automatic table of contents

  2. How to Edit Tables for Your Thesis: Step-by-Step Guide

  3. Creating APA Table for Research Paper, Thesis, Dissertation, and Journal

  4. Table of Content Auto Generate in Word for Project Work Report and Thesis

  5. Thesis Table Format

  6. Create a Table of Contents in Microsoft Word

COMMENTS

  1. Dissertation Table of Contents in Word

    Dissertation Table of Contents in Word | Instructions & Examples. Published on May 15, 2022 by Tegan George.Revised on July 18, 2023. The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis, dissertation, or research paper, alongside their page numbers.A clear and well-formatted table of contents is essential, as it demonstrates to your reader that a quality ...

  2. How to Create an APA Table of Contents

    APA format guidelines for the table of contents. In a thesis or dissertation, the table of contents comes between your abstract and your introduction. It should be written in the same font and size as the rest of your text (usually 12 pt Times New Roman). At the top of the page, write Contents, centered and in bold.

  3. Table of Contents

    In Research, A Table of Contents (TOC) is a structured list of the main sections or chapters of a research paper, Thesis and Dissertation. It provides readers with an overview of the organization and structure of the document, allowing them to quickly locate specific information and navigate through the document.

  4. Dissertation Table of Contents in Word

    In the 'References' section at the top, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select 'Custom Table of Contents'. Here, you can select which levels of headings you would like to include. You can also make manual adjustments to each level by clicking the Modify button.

  5. Table of Contents

    Automatic generation of the table of contents has 2 advantages: You don't have to manually type the table of contents. Since the entries in the Table of Content must match exactly the headings, subheadings, and page numbers in the thesis, manually creating a table of contents can lead to unintended errors. You don't have to go back and edit the ...

  6. How to Create the Best Table of Contents for a Dissertation

    Generating Dissertation Table of Contents. First, to generate the Table of Contents, start by entering a blank page after the pages you need the table of contents to follow. To do so, click on the bottom of the page you want before the Table of Contents. Open the 'Insert' tab and select 'Page Break'.

  7. Table of Contents

    An automatic Table of Contents relies on Styles to keep track of page numbers and section titles for you automatically. Microsoft Word can scan your document and find everything in the Heading 1 style and put that on the first level of your table of contents, put any Heading 2's on the second level of your table of contents, and so on.. If you want an automatic table of contents you need to ...

  8. Table of Contents

    Here is an example of a Table of Contents page from the Template. Please note that your table of contents may be longer than one page. << Previous: Dedication Page

  9. PDF Guides and Examples of Elements of Theses and Dissertations

    thesis/dissertation may be listed on the Table of Contents with left- justified headings (not indented). • Sub-headed sections can, but are not required to be listed in the Table of Contents. It is sufficient that the Table of Contents presents only the major sections and chapters. o The major sections are: o Acknowledgements, List of Figures ...

  10. How to Create a Table of Contents for a Dissertation (APA)

    To do this, first go to the Home tab. This is where you will choose the styles for the table of contents. Step 2. The top-level headings will be your chapter titles, so on the right side of the tab, apply the Heading 1 style. Step 3. The second-level headings will be your subheadings, so apply the Heading 2 style.

  11. Order and Components

    Information included in the table of contents must match the headings, major subheadings, and numbering used in the body of the thesis or dissertation. The Table of Contents page(s) must be numbered with consecutive lower case Roman numerals centered with a 1/2″ margin from the bottom edge. Lists of Tables, Figures, and Illustrations

  12. KU Thesis and Dissertation Formatting: Table of Contents

    Information for University of Kansas graduate students on required content order, page numbering, creating headings, formatting table of contents, adding captions, creating a table of figures and embedding fonts for theses and dissertations. How to create heading styles and build an automatic table of contents.

  13. Creating the Table of Contents in MS Word

    Multiple-level Table of Content. A multi-level table of contents further subdivides divisions into "level 3" headings. With this choice, be cautious since things might rapidly get out of hand. The maximum length of the table of contents should not be more than two pages. Example of a Multiple-level Table of Content

  14. Thesis Format

    The table of contents should come after the title page. Appendix sections: Each appendix should have its own section with a clear and concise title that describes the contents of the appendix. Each section should be numbered with Arabic numerals (e.g., Appendix 1, Appendix 2, etc.). The sections should be listed in the table of contents.

  15. Table of Contents/Lists Pages Templates

    Table of contents template (DOC) This Microsoft Word document can be saved to your computer to use as a template. It was created using Microsoft Office 2013 version of Word.

  16. Setting up a Table of Contents

    This will clear all tabs that may still be in your table of contents. Basic Instructions: Place your cursor in the Tab stop position field and enter the first tab stop position. Next, click on the needed Alignment and the needed Leader .

  17. Table of Contents for Dissertation/ Research Paper & Example

    Open Home tab and choose the style for your table of contents (ToC next). Apply heading 1 to your chapters, heading 2 to the subheading, and if needed heading 3 to the level 3 heading. Next, you are going to create a research paper or PhD dissertation table of contents. Open References and choose ToC.

  18. Headings, Subheadings, and Table of Contents (Microsoft Word

    Once you have added headings and used the styles feature, you will be able to use the word function to "generate" a table of contents. You will need to type "Table of Contents" in bold font, centered at the top of the page you will be inserting your table of contents onto. Then, place your cursor on the next line. From the References tab, click ...

  19. How to Structure the Table of Contents for a Research Paper

    To summarize, the following steps will help you create a clear and concise table of contents to guide readers through your research paper: 1. Insert the table of contents after the title page. 2. List all the sections and subsections in chronological order. 3. Paginate each section.

  20. Creating a Table of Contents in Word for a Thesis ...

    In this detailed video tutorial, we'll walk you through the process of creating a professional Table of Contents (TOC) for your thesis or dissertation using ...

  21. What should be included in a dissertation table of contents?

    In the references section in the ribbon, locate the Table of Contents group. Click the arrow next to the Table of Contents icon and select Custom Table of Contents. Select which levels of headings you would like to include in the table of contents. Click OK. Make sure to update your table of contents if you move text or change headings.

  22. Organizing and Formatting Your Thesis and Dissertation

    Choose one type style (font) and font size and use it throughout the text of your thesis. Examples: Times New Roman and Arial. Font sizes should be between 10 point and 12 point. Font color must be black. Hyperlinked text must be in blue. If you hyperlink more than one line of text, such as the entire table of contents, leave the text black.

  23. Thesis Format: Detailed Instructions and Tips

    Table of Contents It is a significant part of a basic thesis format, reflecting the project structure. There is a recommendation to create it with the help of the automatic updating function, presented in the word-processing app.

  24. Dissertation & Thesis Outline

    A thesis or dissertation outline is one of the most critical early steps in your writing process. ... The table of contents is where you list the chapters and major sections of your thesis or dissertation alongside their page numbers. 170. Figure and Table Lists | Word Instructions, Template & Examples ...

  25. Thesis Nootropics Review: Tested In 2024

    Thesis nootropics are sourced from vegan ingredients like saffron, ginkgo biloba, mango leaf and lion's mane mushrooms that have been studied for their impact on mood and cognitive function.

  26. Is the Fat User Thesis the Future of Web3?

    This would drive up their value—a reversal from the traditional internet model, in which companies like Facebook capture most of the value while the underlying protocols (e.g., TCP/IP) do not. There are some opposing ideas to Fat Protocol Thesis, one of which was recently discovered via this X post. It proposes a solution called the "Fat ...