Dissertation Help, Do i find a gap in the literature?

[Sharon Dominguez]

Dissertations are not to fill in gaps in available literature. They are an exercise in proving that, as an academic, you are capable of asking a valid question which you then researched thoroughly,reaching appropriate conclusions and finally, publishing a proof of your synthesis of all those things in the form of adissertation.Along the way, your research proves, in a way, the validity of your question. It also shows your ability to find information, credit properly and then the actual writing shows that you can synthesize what you've researched--make it your own and then "teach" it to others by way of the writing in your dissertation. In most cases, dissertations, even when approved, are not considered valid sources of research information except in very special circumstances, so they wouldn't be able to fill in the gaps as you said. It's really mainly a way to show others and yourself that you are able to function satisfactorily in a highly academic endeavor within your particular area of study. Some dissertations do end up being useful; others simply collect dust on a shelf.