Professional Documents
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Literature
Literature refers to a collection of published information/materials on a particular area of research
or topic, such as books and journal articles of academic value.
Literature review does not need to be inclusive of every article and book that has been
written on your topic because that will be too broad.
It should include the key sources related to the main debates, trends and gaps in your
research area.
A literature review is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic.
It provides an overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories,
methods, and gaps in the existing research
Literature Review
To review the literature means to be able to identify:
What has been established, discredited and accepted in your field*
Areas of controversy or conflict among different schools of thought
Problems or issues that remains unsolved
Emerging trends and new approaches
How your research extends, builds upon, and departs from previous research.
A review of literature presents much more than a summary of relevant sources.
A literature review discusses common and emerging approaches, notable patterns and
trends, areas of conflict and controversies, and gaps within the relevant literature.
Technical Reading:
1. Understand the purpose
Determine the purpose of the technical reading (understanding, problem-solving,
application)
Identify specific goals, such as understanding a concept or solving a problem.
2. Active reading
Take active reading notes, including summaries, questions, and personal insights.
Summarize main points and jot down questions or areas requiring further
exploration.
Highlight important concepts, terms, or sections for easy reference.
3. Contextualize information
Connect new information with existing knowledge or concepts.
Understand the implications and practical applications of the information.
4. Clarification and deeper understanding
If something is unclear, refer to supplementary resources like textbooks, articles, or
online forums.
Discuss challenging concepts with peers or experts to gain better insight.
5. Apply the knowledge
Apply the acquired knowledge to solve problems or scenarios.
Use the knowledge in practical exercises to reinforce understanding.
6. Reflect and review
Periodically revisit the material to reinforce understanding.
Reflect on how this new knowledge integrates with your existing understanding.
Both literature review and technical reading involve active engagement, critical thinking, and
synthesis of information. It is essential to approach them systematically, focusing on
comprehension, analysis, and application of the acquired knowledge.
New Knowledge:
1. Definition
New knowledge refers to information, insights, or discoveries that are previously
unknown or have recently emerged.
It can result from research, innovation, experimentation, or exploration into
uncharted territories.
2. Creation and acquisition
Generated through scientific research, experimentation, or theoretical exploration.
Emerging technologies, discoveries, or theories contribute to new knowledge.
3. Characteristics
Novelty: It introduces fresh perspectives, concepts, or solutions to existing
problems.
Innovation: New knowledge often involves innovative approaches or ideas.
Advancement: It leads to advancements in various fields, pushing boundaries or
creating paradigm shifts.
4. Sources
Research and Development: Generated through scientific inquiry, experimentation,
or R&D efforts.
Emerging Technologies: Stemming from technological breakthroughs or
advancements.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Often arises from collaborative efforts across
diverse fields.
5. Validation and verification
New knowledge undergoes rigorous validation through peer review,
experimentation, or empirical testing.
It requires confirmation to ensure its accuracy, reliability, and validity.
6. Impact and application
Application in Industry: New knowledge can lead to the development of new
products, processes, or services.
Advancing Fields: Contributes to the progression of scientific, technological, or
academic disciplines.
Existing Knowledge:
1. Definition
Existing knowledge encompasses information, theories, or concepts that are
already established, documented, or widely accepted within a particular field or
domain.
It forms the foundation upon which new knowledge is built.
2. Sources
Published Works: Found in textbooks, peer-reviewed articles, historical documents,
etc.
Established Theories: Includes well-accepted scientific principles, mathematical
equations, or proven concepts.
3. Characteristics
Stability: Existing knowledge represents established truths or principles within a
specific context.
Accumulation: It accumulates over time through research, experimentation, and
scholarly contributions.
Foundation: Serves as the basis for further exploration, research, and the generation
of new knowledge.
4. Evaluation and relevance
Continual Evaluation: On-going scrutiny ensures its relevance and accuracy in light
of new discoveries.
Contextual Relevance: Its applicability may vary depending on evolving contexts
and advancements.
5. Integration with new knowledge
New knowledge often builds upon existing knowledge, expanding, refining, or
challenging established concepts.
Integration helps create a more comprehensive understanding of a subject or field.
6. Transmission and dissemination
Taught in educational institutions, passed down through mentorship, and
disseminated through publications, conferences, and scholarly communication
channels.
Understanding the interplay between new and existing knowledge is crucial for advancing any
field. New knowledge emerges from and builds upon existing knowledge, forming a dynamic
continuum that drives progress and innovation across various domains.
Analysing and synthesizing prior art from bibliographic databases is a structured process that
involves evaluating the database itself, extracting relevant information, identifying patterns, and
ultimately integrating this knowledge into your research or innovation endeavours.
Web of Science:
The Web of Science, formerly known as ISI or Thomson Reuters is a paid-access platform that
provides access to multiple databases that provide reference and citation data from academic
journals, conference proceedings, and other documents in various academic disciplines.
Web of Science is a powerful tool for researchers, offering extensive coverage, sophisticated
search capabilities, and analytical tools to explore, analyse, and integrate scholarly information
across diverse disciplines. Efficient utilization of its features can significantly enhance the
research process.
Google: Google is a widely used search engine, indexing billions of web pages across the internet.
It uses algorithms to rank search results based on relevance, authority, and other factors.
1. User-friendly interface
Simple and intuitive interface with a single search bar for queries.
Utilizes autocomplete suggestions and "Did you mean?" corrections for user
convenience.
2. Search operators and filters
Supports various search operators (e.g., site:, filetype:, "quotation marks," etc.) for
refining searches.
Provides filters for images, videos, news, and more, enhancing search specificity.
3. Rich search results
Displays diverse results, including web pages, images, videos, maps, featured
snippets, and knowledge graphs.
Offers localized results based on the user's IP address or specified location.
4. Accessibility and integration
Accessible on multiple devices, including desktops, laptops, smartphones, and
tablets.
Integrates with other Google services like Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Maps.
5. Advertising and monetization
Displays ads (Google Ads) based on keyword relevance and user targeting.
Generates revenue through advertising, sponsored content, and partnerships.
6. Privacy and data handling
Implements privacy measures like SSL encryption for secure searches.
Collects user data to personalize search results and improve the user experience.
7. Limitations
“Black Box” nature: Google searches the entire internet without quality control, making it
difficult to determine the reliability and source of results.
Limited search functionality: Google offers limited search and refinement options,
potentially leading to overwhelming or irrelevant results.
Google Scholar: Google Scholar focuses specifically on academic and scholarly literature,
including peer-reviewed papers, theses, books, preprints, and patents.
1. Comprehensive coverage
Indexes scholarly content from various disciplines, offering a wide range of sources
from academic publishers, universities, and repositories.
2. Search capabilities
Provides advanced search options, including author, publication, and keyword-
specific searches.
Allows users to set up alerts for new publications and citations related to specific
topics or authors.
3. Citation analysis and metrics
Displays citation counts for articles, allowing users to gauge the impact and
influence of scholarly works.
Links to articles citing or cited by a specific publication, enabling citation tracking.
Effective search:
Effective searching and technical reading are crucial skills for anyone engaged in research or
academic pursuits. Here's an overview focusing on the introduction to technical reading and
conceptualizing research.
Technical reading:
Conceptualizing Research:
1. Understanding research concepts
Research questions: Clearly define what you aim to investigate or explore.
Hypothesis development: Formulate educated guesses or predictions based on
existing knowledge.
Methodology consideration: Decide on the appropriate research methods
(qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods) to answer your research questions.
2. Steps in conceptualizing research
Literature review: Conduct a thorough review of existing literature to identify gaps
and build a foundation for your research.
Formulating research proposal: Clearly outline your research objectives,
methodology, and expected outcomes.
Ethical consideration: Address any ethical implications associated with your
research and ensure compliance with ethical standards.
3. Iterative nature of research
Refinement: Understand that research often involves iterations, where concepts,
methods, or hypotheses might need adjustment based on findings or new
information.
4. Resources and support
Utilizing resources: Make use of libraries, online databases, academic journals, and
consultations with experts to enhance your research process.
Seeking guidance: Don't hesitate to seek mentorship or guidance from experienced
researchers or professors.
By mastering effective search techniques, honing technical reading skills, and understanding the
fundamentals of conceptualizing research, individuals can embark on a more structured and
informed research journey.
Critical reading:
Creative reading:
Both critical and creative reading approaches are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they complement
each other. Critical analysis can inform creative insights, while creativity can bring new
perspectives to critical analysis. Striking a balance between these approaches enhances a reader's
ability to appreciate, understand, and interpret texts more comprehensively.
1. Before reading
Set objectives: Clarify the purpose of reading, whether it's for research,
understanding a concept, or gathering specific information.
Preview the material: Quickly glance over the text to get an overview of the
structure and main ideas.
2. During reading
Annotating the text: Mark important sections, underline key phrases, highlight
significant points, and jot down margin notes to capture immediate reactions or
questions.
Different note-taking methods: Divide your page into sections for cues, main notes,
and summaries. Create visual representations of concepts, interconnections, and
hierarchies. Use bullet points or hierarchies to organize information systematically.
1. Be selective
Focus on key points: Avoid overloading notes with unnecessary details; prioritize
capturing essential information.
Use abbreviations and symbols: Develop shorthand to quickly jot down
information without losing context.
2. Stay organised
Consistent format: Maintain a consistent note-taking format to make reviewing and
studying easier.
Digital tools: Utilize note-taking apps or software that allows easy organization and
searchability of notes.
3. Active engagement
Engage with material: React to the text by asking questions, making connections,
or summarizing in your own words.
Revisit and expand: Regularly revisit notes to expand on them, add new insights, or
clarify points.
4. Practice and adaptation
Practice regularly: Like any skill, effective note-taking improves with practice.
Adapt to preferences: Tailor note-taking methods to suit your learning style and the
type of material being read.
By employing these strategies and tips, individuals can develop a personalized note-taking
approach that enhances understanding, retention, and the synthesis of information gleaned from
their reading materials
Reading Mathematics:
Mathematics and algorithms improve with practice; work through exercises, problems, or
coding challenges regularly.
Don't hesitate to seek clarification from professors, peers, or online resources when
concepts seem challenging.
Review previous material periodically to reinforce understanding and reflect on problem-
solving strategies.
Both mathematics and algorithms can be complex; maintaining patience and persistence is
key to mastering them.
By employing these strategies and tips, readers can enhance their understanding and proficiency in
comprehending mathematical concepts and algorithms, fostering a deeper appreciation and
application of these subjects.
Reading a Datasheet:
Reading a datasheet is crucial for understanding the specifications, functionalities, and usage
guidelines of a particular product or component.
Begin by reading the summary section to grasp the basic functionalities and main features
of the component.
Identify and focus on critical parameters relevant to your application or project.
Pay attention to absolute maximum ratings, recommended operating conditions, and
electrical characteristics.
Read each section thoroughly, understanding the details provided for better
comprehension.
Cross-reference information in different sections to get a comprehensive view of the
component.
Utilize diagrams, graphs, and tables provided in the datasheet to visualize key information,
especially for pin configurations and timing diagrams.
Jot down important details, specifications, and application notes for future reference.
Summarize complex information in a way that's easily understandable for your specific use
case.
Additional tips:
Check for additional application notes, user manuals, or FAQs provided by the
manufacturer for further clarification.
Conduct experiments or tests based on the datasheet guidelines to validate the
component's performance and characteristics.
Consult with technical experts or online forums if you encounter ambiguity or
complexity in understanding the datasheet.
By following these guidelines and strategies, you can effectively navigate and comprehend the
information provided in a datasheet, enabling you to make informed decisions and utilize the
component optimally in your projects or applications.
Attributions:
By adhering to proper attributions and citations, you contribute to the integrity and credibility of
your own work while respecting the intellectual property and contributions of others.
Giving credit where it's due is essential for acknowledging and honouring the contributions, ideas,
or work of others. Here's an in-depth guide on the importance and methods of giving credit.
Importance of giving credit:
1. Attributions in writing
Citations and references: Use proper citation styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) to
credit sources in academic papers, articles, or essays.
Quotations and paraphrasing: Clearly attribute quotes or paraphrased content to the
original author or source.
2. Giving credit in visual content
Image credits: Attribute images, illustrations, graphs, or charts by mentioning the
creator's name or source.
Video and audio credits: Mention the origin of video clips, music, or audio used in
presentations, videos, or podcasts.
3. Acknowledging collaborative work
Co-authorship: Give appropriate credit to co-authors or collaborators in academic
papers, research projects, or collaborative endeavours.
Team contributions: Acknowledge the contributions of team members in group
projects, acknowledging their specific roles or inputs.
4. Crediting shared ideas or concepts
Public presentations: Attribute ideas or concepts shared by others during public
presentations, seminars, or discussions.
Online content: Provide links or mentions to sources of inspiration, ideas, or
content used in blog posts, social media, or online articles.
Ethical considerations:
1. Plagiarism avoidance: Giving proper credit mitigates the risk of unintentional plagiarism,
safeguarding against academic or professional repercussions.
2. Respect for diverse contributions: Acknowledge contributions from diverse sources,
perspectives, or cultures, respecting the richness they bring to your work.
3. Legal compliance: Ensure compliance with copyright laws and intellectual property rights
when using others' work.
By following these practices and understanding the significance of giving credit where it's due,
you contribute to a culture of respect, integrity, and fairness in your academic, professional, or
creative endeavours.
Functions of citations:
1. Acknowledgement of sources: Citations attribute credit to the original authors, creators, or
sources of information used in your work, acknowledging their contributions.
2. Verification and validation: Readers can verify and validate the claims, arguments, or facts
presented in your work by referring to the cited sources.
3. Supporting claims and arguments: Citations provide evidence and support for the claims,
hypotheses, or arguments made in your writing, enhancing their credibility.
4. Contextualizing your work: They place your work within the broader context of existing
literature, showcasing how your ideas or research build upon or relate to previous works.
Attributes of citations:
1. Authorship information
Author’s name: Includes the name(s) of the author(s) responsible for the cited
work.
Multiple authors: Specifies all authors or "et al." for works with multiple
contributors.
2. Title and source information
Title of work: Includes the title of the book, article, paper, or source being
referenced.
Publication details: Provides publication information like journal name, book title,
volume, issue number, page numbers, publication date, etc.
3. Citation styles
Different formats: Citations adhere to specific styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.)
defining the structure and order of elements in a citation.
Consistency: Consistent application of a chosen citation style throughout the work
maintains clarity and credibility.
4. Accessibility and retrieval information
URL or DOI: For online sources, includes a digital object identifier (DOI) or URL
to help readers locate the source.
Access date: Specifies when the source was accessed, especially for online or
constantly updated materials.
Types of citations:
1. In-text or parenthetical citations
Embedded in text: Directly within the text, usually enclosed in parentheses,
indicating the source of specific information.
Author-year style: Typically used in APA style, including the author's name and
the year of publication.
2. Footnotes or endnotes
Additional information: Used to provide supplementary details, explanations, or
citations at the bottom of a page (footnotes) or at the end of a document (endnotes).
3. Bibliography or reference list
Comprehensive list: Includes all sources referenced in the work, listed
alphabetically by the author's last name or numbered in the order they appear in the
text.
Full citations: Contains detailed information about each source for readers'
reference.
Ethical considerations:
1. Plagiarism avoidance: Citations prevent plagiarism by giving proper credit to original
sources and avoiding the un-credited use of others' work.
2. Respect for intellectual property: Honouring intellectual property rights through proper
citations demonstrates ethical and professional conduct.
3. Transparency and trustworthiness: Proper citations contribute to the transparency and
trustworthiness of your work, ensuring academic and professional integrity.
By understanding the functions, attributes, and best practices of citations, you contribute to the
credibility and transparency of your academic or professional writing, upholding ethical standards
and acknowledging the contributions of others.
Impact of titles:
1. First impression: A compelling title grabs the reader's attention, creating a positive first
impression and generating interest in the content.
2. Discoverability and Visibility: Descriptive and precise titles improve the discoverability of
the work, making it easier for readers and researchers to find relevant material. Clear titles
containing key terms related to the research topic enhance visibility in search engines,
databases, and academic platforms.
3. Indicating contents and scope: Titles should accurately represent the content and scope of
the research, guiding readers on what to expect. Clarity in titles aids in understanding the
main focus or contribution of the study.
4. Influence on citation rates: Engaging and informative titles can attract more readers,
potentially leading to higher citation rates as more researchers find the work relevant and
impactful.
Impact of keywords:
1. Enhanced searchability: Keywords are terms or phrases that represent the main concepts of
the research; they improve the searchability of the work in databases and search engines.
2. Increased visibility and discoverability: Including relevant keywords in titles, abstracts,
and content increases the likelihood of the work being found by researchers in the field.
Properly chosen keywords facilitate indexing and categorization, aiding in better visibility
among similar research.
3. Directing traffic and attracting readers: Well-chosen keywords drive traffic to the research
paper or article, attracting readers who are specifically interested in the topic.
4. Impact on citation rates: Effective keywords contribute to higher citation rates by making
the work more accessible to researchers and scholars in the field.
Strategies for effective key words:
1. Identify key concepts: Select keywords that encapsulate the primary themes, topics, or
methodology used in the research. Utilize terms that are commonly used and recognized
within the research domain.
2. Variety and specificity: Include a mix of broad and specific keywords to cater to various
search queries and capture different aspects of the research. Use terms that accurately
reflect the nuances and specifics of the study.
3. Adapt to trends and vocabulary: Stay updated with evolving trends, terminology, and
jargon in the field when selecting keywords. Consider using synonyms or related terms
that researchers might use when searching for similar content.
4. Placement in content: Incorporate keywords strategically throughout the document,
including the title, abstract, headings, and main text, while ensuring natural integration
without overuse.
Ethical considerations:
1. Accuracy and relevance: Ensure that titles and keywords accurately represent the content
of the research; avoid using misleading or unrelated terms for visibility.
2. Avoid keyword stuffing: Use keywords judiciously and naturally within the text; avoid
excessive repetition or forced inclusion of keywords solely for visibility purposes.
3. Adherence to guidelines: Follow ethical guidelines and publication standards regarding the
appropriate use of titles and keywords within academic or research writing.
Conclusion: Titles and keywords significantly impact the visibility, discoverability, and eventual
citation rates of scholarly work. Crafting effective titles and selecting appropriate keywords that
accurately represent the content and context of the research can enhance the reach and influence of
academic publications within the research community.
Conclusion:
Citations are the backbone of knowledge flow within academic and scholarly communities. They
serve as conduits for the exchange, validation, and progression of ideas, theories, and findings,
shaping the landscape of research and contributing to the collective growth of knowledge within
various fields of study.
Citing datasets:
Citing datasets is crucial in research to give credit to the creators, provide transparency, enable
reproducibility, and maintain academic integrity. Here's a comprehensive guide on citing datasets.
Ethical considerations:
1. Respecting data licencing: Honour any licensing or usage restrictions associated with the
dataset. Attribute it according to the specified terms.
2. Acknowledging data contributors: Acknowledge and give credit to contributors or funding
agencies who supported or facilitated the dataset creation.
3. Avoiding misrepresentation: Cite datasets accurately and avoid misrepresenting the
dataset's content or the work of the original creators.
Conclusions:
Citing datasets is essential for acknowledging data creators, providing traceability, enabling
reproducibility, and fostering transparency in research. Adhering to specific citation styles,
providing detailed information, and respecting ethical considerations contribute to the proper
acknowledgment and utilization of datasets in scholarly works.
Harvard Style:
1. In-text citations:
Author-Date System: (Author, Year) or Author (Year) depending on sentence
structure.
2. Reference list:
Book: Author(s) or Editor(s), Year. Title. Edition (if not the first). City of
publication: Publisher.
Journal Article: Author(s), Year. Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number
(issue number), page range.
Each citation style has its unique formatting rules and guidelines. Understanding these styles
allows researchers and writers to accurately and consistently cite sources, contributing to the
credibility and integrity of their work within the academic community.
Acknowledgments:
1. Purpose:
Acknowledgments express gratitude to individuals, organizations, or institutions
that contributed in some way to the completion of a project, research, or creative
endeavour.
They recognize support, assistance, funding, mentorship, or other forms of
contribution that might not warrant authorship but are valuable nonetheless.
2. Content:
People to Acknowledge: Advisors, mentors, colleagues, funding agencies, technical
support, contributors to data or resources.
Specific Contributions: Describe the nature of support or contribution received.
3. Placement:
Typically placed in the preliminary sections of academic papers, just before or after
the table of contents, abstract, or introduction.
In creative works, acknowledgments might appear at the end, before concluding
remarks or credits.
4. Tone and formality:
Maintain a professional and gracious tone.
Avoid being overly personal or informal in academic or professional
acknowledgments.
Attributions:
1. Definition:
Attributions acknowledge the original creators or sources of information, ideas, or
work used in your own creations.
They are crucial for giving credit, avoiding plagiarism, and upholding ethical
standards.
2. Types of attributions:
Content attribution: Citing sources for written content, quotes, or paraphrased
information.
Image/visual attribution: Providing credit for visual content, including images,
graphs, charts, etc.
3. Elements of attribution:
Creator’s name: Include the name of the original author, artist, or creator.
Title or description: Specify the title of the work or a brief description.
Source: Mention the publication, website, or platform where the work was
originally found.
Date and access information: Include publication date or retrieval date (if from the
internet).
4. When to use attributions:
Direct quotes: When using verbatim text from a source.
Paraphrased information: When rewriting or summarizing ideas from a source.
Visual content: Whenever using someone else's visual content in presentations,
papers, or projects.
Best practices:
1. Clarity and specificity:
Be specific in acknowledging contributions or attributing sources.
Clearly identify the nature of the assistance received or the content referenced.
2. Gratitude and professionalism:
Maintain a grateful and respectful tone while acknowledging contributions.
Express appreciation sincerely and professionally.
3. Timeliness and accuracy:
Ensure timely acknowledgment of support received or attributions made.
Provide accurate information about sources or contributions.
4. Ethical considerations:
Acknowledge all significant contributions even if they don't meet the criteria for
authorship.
Adhere to ethical guidelines to avoid plagiarism and uphold academic or
professional integrity.
Importance:
1. Recognition and gratitude:
Acknowledgments recognize the efforts and support of individuals or entities,
fostering a sense of appreciation and respect.
2. Academic integrity:
Attributions uphold ethical standards and maintain academic integrity by giving
credit to original creators.
3. Professional collaboration:
Acknowledging contributions fosters positive professional relationships and
encourages collaboration in future endeavours.
Both acknowledgments and attributions play pivotal roles in acknowledging contributions and
respecting the intellectual property of others. By employing these practices, individuals and
entities uphold ethical standards, maintain credibility, and foster positive professional
relationships.
Importance of Acknowledgments:
1. Recognition of contributions: Acknowledgments show appreciation for the diverse
contributions that supported the project.
2. Fostering collaboration and relationships: Acknowledging contributions fosters positive
relationships, encouraging collaboration in future endeavours.
3. Ethical integrity: Demonstrates ethical integrity by giving credit where it's due,
maintaining transparency and fairness.
Ethical considerations:
1. Avoidance of exploitation: Acknowledge contributions to avoid exploiting the work or
efforts of others without recognition.
2. Honesty and fairness: Acknowledge all contributions truthfully, giving credit where it's
due without misrepresentation.
3. Compliance with guidelines: Adhere to academic or professional guidelines regarding
acknowledgments in publications or projects.
Acknowledgments play a crucial role in acknowledging the multifaceted support and contributions
that facilitate the completion of projects. By recognizing these contributions, individuals uphold
ethical standards, foster positive relationships, and maintain professional integrity
Acknowledgments in, Books, Dissertations, Dedication or Acknowledgments
Acknowledgments, dedications, and acknowledgments in books or dissertations serve different yet
significant purposes in academic and literary works.
Acknowledgments in books:
1. Purpose:
Acknowledgments in books express gratitude to individuals, organizations, or
institutions that contributed to the creation of the book.
They recognize support, assistance, mentorship, or other valuable contributions that
aided in the book's completion.
2. Content:
People to acknowledge: Editors, agents, reviewers, mentors, colleagues,
researchers, funding agencies, family, friends.
Specific contributions: Describe the nature of support or assistance received from
each party.
3. Placement: Typically found in the preliminary pages of the book, after the title page and
copyright information but before the main content.
4. Tone and style:
Maintain a professional and gracious tone, expressing genuine appreciation.
Avoid being overly personal or informal, maintaining the book's tone and style.
Dedication in books:
1. Purpose:
Dedication is a personal message, often addressed to specific individuals or groups,
expressing love, respect, or gratitude.
It can honour or pay tribute to someone significant, serving as an emotional or
heartfelt statement.
2. Content:
Recipient: Name the person or group being honoured.
Message: Short, personal, and often emotional; expressing sentiments of
appreciation or dedication.
3. Placement: Appears in the preliminary pages, often right after the acknowledgments and
before the book's main content.
4. Tone and style: Can be more personal, emotional, or intimate compared to
acknowledgments, reflecting the author's feelings or sentiments.
Acknowledgments in Dissertations/Theses:
1. Purpose:
Similar to book acknowledgments, they express gratitude to those who supported
or contributed to the research or writing of the dissertation.
Acknowledge individuals, institutions, funding agencies, mentors, advisors, and
contributors.
2. Content:
Technical assistance: Researchers, laboratory assistants, technical support.
Research Contributions: Advisors, mentors, colleagues, participants, survey
respondents.
Financial support: Funding agencies, scholarship providers.
3. Placement: Generally positioned after the abstract and before the table of contents or
introduction in the dissertation's preliminary pages.
4. Tone and style: Maintain a professional and grateful tone, expressing sincere appreciation
for the support and contributions received.
Considerations:
1. Clarity and specificity: Clearly state the nature of each contribution or dedication,
specifying the role or support provided.
2. Professionalism: Even in dedications, maintain a professional tone, avoiding excessive
personal or informal language.
3. Inclusivity: Acknowledge all significant contributions or dedicate the book to those who
have genuinely impacted the work.
4. Ethical considerations: Acknowledge contributions truthfully and avoid misrepresentation
to uphold academic and professional integrity.