2013

Issues Compr Pediatr Nurs, 2013; 36(1–2): 170–171

� Informa Healthcare USA, Inc.

ISSN: 0146-0862 print / 1521-043X online

DOI: 10.3109/01460862.2013.778729

BOOK REVIEW: HOW TO WRITE YOURDISSERTATION

How to Write Your Dissertation is an excellent text that has cleverlydrawn together information, academic research, reflection, and experi-ence. While it is primarily targeted at pre- and post-qualifying nursingstudents, it is of direct relevance to professionals working in a variety ofareas where evidence-based practice is a central feature. The authorshave provided students with everything they need to plan, organize, andexecute a high quality dissertation. Having first provided a criticalappraisal of evidence-based practice, it guides the student through all thekey stages of formulating an answerable question and sourcing andaccessing the evidence, to critically appraising and synthesising theevidence in order to architect the finished piece of work. Furnished with‘‘real world’’ case based scenarios that reflect everyday student life, thetextbook provides the student with a meaningful gateway into what atfirst hand can seem to be daunting stages and tasks in producing adissertation or similar evidence-based project. It is impossible to reviewthis textbook without highlighting the excellent companion websitespecifically designed to compliment the text and provide onlineresources and support for both students and supervisors.

Positive features:� Extended coverage with new material not seen elsewhere and has taught an

experienced supervisor things I had not known, for example the SPICE

model.

� Student friendly features including examples, case based scenarios, and a

glossary of common research and statistical terms.

� An extensively referenced, clear, and easy to access format

� A companion website that provides additional chapters, tools and frame-

works, and supporting sources.

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An area to consider when revising is that it would have perhaps beenhelpful for students to see an example of how to report the results of atypical search strategy from at least one of the main databases.

This could become an authoritative text for a wider inter-disciplinaryaudience.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone areresponsible for the content and writing of this article.

Dr Gary MountainAssociate Professor in Child & Family Health

School of HealthcareUniversity of Leeds

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