How to Write a Journal Article from a Dissertation

How to Write a Journal Article from a Dissertation

Writing a dissertation is a significant academic achievement, but it doesn’t have to end there. Converting dissertation to journal article is an excellent way to disseminate your research to a wider audience and contribute to your field.

However, it’s crucial to identify the right capstone ideas and points to consider during this process. In this article, we will explore the essential steps to transform your dissertation into publishable journal articles successfully.

Writing a journal article using your dissertation or thesis can turn daunting if you don’t know where to start. Today we will explore the ideas helping you to convert your thesis into a great journal.

Importance of Journaling

Journaling offers a range of benefits that can greatly enhance your personal and professional growth. By transforming your dissertation report into a journal, you unlock the potential for ongoing self-reflection, deepening your understanding of the research, and creating a valuable resource for future reference.

Benefits of Writing a Journal

• Personal Reflection

Writing a journal allows you to engage in personal reflection, providing a platform to explore your thoughts and emotions related to your research. It enables you to delve deeper into the meaning and significance of your findings, fostering a greater sense of self-awareness.

• Enhanced Learning

The act of journaling helps solidify your learning and assimilate new knowledge acquired during the research process. It allows you to connect the dots, identify patterns, and gain fresh insights into the subject matter, leading to a more profound comprehension of your research area.

• Organization and Clarity

Converting your dissertation report into a journal promotes organization and clarity. By distilling the key points, summarizing complex concepts, and structuring your thoughts in a concise manner, you create a more accessible and reader-friendly resource.

Step-by-Step Guide to Converting dissertation to journal article

Now that we understand the importance and benefits of journaling, let’s explore a step-by-step guide to help you transform your dissertation report into an engaging and insightful journal.

 Selecting a Journaling Format

Start by choosing a journaling format that suits your preferences and needs. You can opt for a traditional pen and paper journal, a digital journaling platform, or even a dedicated journaling app. Consider factors such as convenience, accessibility, and personal comfort when making your choice.

Setting Aside Time

To maintain consistency in your journaling practice, it’s crucial to set aside dedicated time for writing. Establish a regular schedule that works best for you, whether it’s in the morning, during lunch breaks, or in the evening. Consistency will help you develop a habit and ensure that you don’t miss out on capturing important reflections.

Choosing a Writing Style

When writing your journal entries, consider the tone and style that resonate with you. Journaling offers a space for personal expression, so feel free to adopt an informal and conversational tone. Write as if you are having a conversation with yourself, using personal pronouns and infusing your unique voice into the entries.

Incorporating Key Points

As you convert your dissertation report into a journal, focus on identifying the key points and main findings from your research. Condense the information into bite-sized chunks, highlighting the most significant aspects of your study. This will ensure that your journal entries are concise, focused, and impactful.

Reflecting on the Research

A crucial element of journaling is reflection. Take time to ponder and contemplate the implications of your research. Consider the challenges faced, the lessons learned, and the potential avenues for further exploration. Reflective journaling helps you deepen your understanding and gain valuable insights into your work.

How to Turn Your Thesis Into a Journal Article

Mind that writing a thesis and journal is entirely different subject areas. You cannot follow the same approach while writing a journal you follow while writing your dissertation.

Just like thesis and research papers, journals also have some significant differences from a thesis. It makes it very necessary for you to get ideas about vital things such as a descriptive outline example and word limit of the writing.

As journals and dissertations are entirely different from each other, so without knowing the points that differentiate them things can become tricky for you.

Before we jump on to the ideas and tips to write journals from your thesis, we will draw out some differences between both these kinds of writings. It will help you to write journals without the need for any journal or dissertation writing help.

• The thesis contains various chapters whereas the journal contains different sections.
• The length of the journal is less in comparison to the thesis/dissertation.
• Unlike dissertations and thesis, journal articles follow a manuscript format.
• Journal requires only concise introduction but, thesis requires detailed one.
• Unlike thesis, journals do not require a detailed discussion of results and findings.

Differences Between a Dissertation and a Journal Article

The process of converting a dissertation into a journal article involves transforming a comprehensive research document into a more concise and focused piece suitable for publication in an academic journal. Let’s delve into the differences between a dissertation and a journal article, especially in the context of this conversion process.

1. Purpose and Scope:

• Dissertation: A dissertation is an extensive, in-depth study that contributes original research to the field. It covers a broad scope, aiming to explore a topic comprehensively.
• Journal Article: In contrast, a journal article is more focused, presenting specific findings or a particular aspect of the dissertation’s research in a concise manner. It emphasizes brevity and a narrower scope.

2. Length and Structure:

• Dissertation: Generally lengthy, dissertations can span hundreds of pages, containing detailed chapters covering various aspects of the research, including extensive literature review, methodology, data analysis, and discussion.
• Journal Article: Articles are much shorter, often limited by word count restrictions set by the journal. They follow a more concise structure, typically including sections like abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion, but with significantly less depth compared to a dissertation.

3. Audience and Language:

• Dissertation: Written for a committee of experts and academics, dissertations often use technical language and assume a high level of subject knowledge among readers.
• Journal Article: Targeted at a broader audience within a specific field or discipline, journal articles use language that is accessible to a wider range of scholars. They focus on conveying key points succinctly.

4. Depth of Analysis:

• Dissertation: Encourages extensive analysis, detailed methodology descriptions, and thorough examination of multiple aspects related to the research topic.
• Journal Article: Requires a more focused and concise analysis, highlighting key findings or aspects of the research that are most relevant to the targeted journal’s audience.

5. Review and Publication Process:

• Dissertation: The evaluation involves defending the research before a committee for the awarding of a degree.
• Journal Article: Goes through a peer-review process where experts in the field evaluate the article’s quality, relevance, and contribution before publication.

6. Adaptation Process:

• Converting Dissertation to Journal Article: Involves selecting the most crucial aspects of the dissertation, restructuring the content for a more concise and focused presentation, and adapting the language and style to fit the journal’s requirements. This transformation often requires trimming unnecessary details, emphasizing key findings, and reformatting sections to align with the journal’s guidelines.

Converting a dissertation into a journal article involves a strategic process of condensing and refining the research to fit the constraints and expectations of a scholarly journal while maintaining the integrity and significance of the original research.

Points to check before and while writing journal from dissertation

We know that writing journals from your dissertation can turn into a daunting job. Thankfully we have some tips that can help you to write impeccable journal articles using your thesis. Always consider the below points to write journals without a need for any article writing help:-

• Focus on Aim and Scope of the journal

The first and foremost thing to write a paper is to make sure the aim and scope of the journal. It is crucial to focus on it as it is vital to revolve around the subject area of your article while writing a journal. You should also make sure to double-check the structure and reference styles that you need to follow.

• Shortening your thesis

Always keep in mind that your thesis is a separate work, and you cannot consider it similar to a journal. You have full liberty to paraphrase the content of the thesis but make sure that it does not destroy the meaning and sense of your writing. You should select a few relevant parts of your thesis to repurpose them to become part of your journal.

• Create an abstract by reformatting the introduction

The next point that you need to consider is to reformat the introduction of the thesis as an abstract of your journal. Though you need to keep it short, make sure that you do not miss the key topics vital for the reader’s attention. Use the introduction and discussion part of your dissertation as a base for an abstract.

• Combining the multiple research questions into one

It is common for a dissertation to have more than one research question. Try to combine the research questions of the dissertation into a single simple topic. You also have the option to work on any one of your research questions while writing journals.

• Focus only on key findings of the dissertation

As you have to make your writing more impactful with less word limit, it is essential to focus only on the key findings of your dissertation. If you include the secondary findings, it will increase the hard work to complete within word limits. It can also complicate your writing for an average reader.

• Keep the discussion section clear and concise

Frame the discussion part carefully and make sure that it does not repeat the results of your research. Based on your findings, you can discuss the scope of your findings. You can also mention what kind of studies can populate in the future to explore the research question.

• Do not mention the excessive number of references

Unlike a dissertation, while writing a journal you need to restrict the number of references. Try to focus on the most relevant and recent citations and format them correctly before submitting them. Make a fair evaluation of the citations that you can include or exclude while writing the journal.

We hope that you will write great journals from your dissertations using these tips and guidelines. However, if you face problems and need expert help for writing then, you have an option to use.

Characteristics of a Journal Article and Dissertation

Characteristics of a Journal Article

1. Conciseness: Journal articles are typically focused and concise, aiming to present research findings or new ideas within a limited word count. They prioritize brevity while conveying comprehensive information.
2. Peer Review: Rigorous peer review is a hallmark of journal articles. These papers undergo scrutiny by experts in the field before publication, ensuring accuracy, credibility, and adherence to scholarly standards.
3. Specific Structure: Articles follow a structured format, often including sections like abstract, introduction, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion. This format allows for clear organization and easy navigation of the content.
4. Citation and References: Journal articles heavily rely on citations to support claims and provide evidence. They also include a comprehensive list of references to acknowledge existing literature and provide credibility to the research.
5. Focused Research Question: Articles usually address a specific research question or hypothesis, aiming to contribute new knowledge or insights to the field.
6. Targeted Audience: They are written for a specialized audience within a particular academic discipline or field, using technical language and assuming a certain level of expertise among readers.

Characteristics of a Dissertation

1. In-depth Exploration: Dissertations involve an extensive and in-depth exploration of a research topic. They delve deeply into the subject matter, often spanning several chapters to present comprehensive findings.
2. Original Contribution: Dissertations aim to make an original contribution to the existing body of knowledge within a field. They often involve primary research, data collection, and analysis to offer new insights.
3. Less Formal Structure: While dissertations have a standard structure (including introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion), they may have variations based on disciplines and institutions. There might be more flexibility in formatting compared to journal articles.
4. Supervision and Evaluation: Dissertations are usually supervised by a faculty advisor or committee, guiding the research process and evaluating its quality. The evaluation involves a defense where the researcher presents and defends their work before the committee.
5. Lengthy and Detailed: Dissertations are significantly longer than journal articles, often spanning hundreds of pages. They provide extensive details on the research process, methodology, analysis, and findings.
6. Preparation for Scholarly Contribution: Dissertations serve as a stepping stone for scholars to make significant contributions to their field, potentially forming the basis for future journal articles or books.

Both journal articles and dissertations play critical roles in academia, contributing to the advancement of knowledge within their respective fields through rigorous research and scholarly discourse.

Tips for Effective Journaling

To make the most of your journaling practice, here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to journaling. Make it a habit to write regularly, even if it’s just a few sentences each day. Consistent journaling will allow you to track your progress, capture fleeting thoughts, and maintain a steady flow of reflections.

Be Honest and Reflective

Journaling is a personal journey, so be honest and open with yourself. Express your thoughts, emotions, and uncertainties without judgment. Use your journal as a safe space to explore ideas, question assumptions, and gain a deeper understanding of your research experience.

Use Clear and Concise Language

When writing your journal entries, strive for clarity and brevity. Use simple and concise language to convey your thoughts effectively. Avoid jargon or overly technical terms, unless necessary, to ensure that your journal remains accessible to both yourself and potential readers.

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FAQs

Q1: Can I use my dissertation journal for publication purposes?

A1: While your journal can serve as a valuable reference for future publications, it’s important to note that academic journals usually have specific submission guidelines and requirements. Adapt your journal entries to fit the target publication, ensuring proper formatting, citation, and adherence to any guidelines provided.

Q2: Should I include personal experiences and emotions in my journal?

A2: Absolutely! Journaling is a space for personal reflection, so feel free to include your experiences, emotions, and insights. Incorporating your personal perspective adds depth and authenticity to your journal entries and creates a more engaging reading experience.

Q3: Can I share my journal entries with others?

A3: Sharing your journal entries is a personal choice. Some individuals find value in sharing their thoughts and insights with trusted peers or mentors who can provide feedback and guidance. However, remember to respect the confidentiality of your research participants and any sensitive information that may be included in your journal.

Q4: How can journaling benefit my future research or academic endeavors?

A4: Journaling enhances your future research and academic endeavors in several ways. It helps you clarify your thoughts, identify areas for improvement, and document valuable lessons learned. By reflecting on your research journey, you can refine your research questions, strengthen your methodology, and deepen your understanding of your field of study.

Q5: Can I use journaling to overcome writer’s block?

A5: Yes, journaling can be an effective tool to overcome writer’s block. When you find yourself stuck or facing a creative hurdle, write freely in your journal without worrying about structure or grammar. This free-flowing exercise can help generate new ideas, overcome mental blocks, and provide a fresh perspective on your research.