You must learn how to write acknowledgments, as citing information sources is mandatory when taking up dissertation projects. Most dissertation acknowledgments are usually listed as per the style guide depending on the style of writing you adapt. Academic writing is pretty straightforward, and the guidelines are given to you on joining a course. There are several ways acknowledgments would be written, some of which have been listed below. These could form guidelines to help you seek the right sources when writing any research-based work.
While writing books, authors seek help from several sources for inspiration as well as to gain specific knowledge. Such acknowledgments are listed out in the front of the book. Usually the name of the author comes on the cover page, while other publishing details would be included in the next few pages, which might include the disclaimer, table of contents, and the introduction. Following this would be the acknowledgment sheet, which would list out the people the writer wishes to thank and give credit.
In dissertations though, the style guide would dictate how and where the citations would occur. Generally, the content pages contain citations that lead to references listed alphabetically in a bibliography or reference page at the end of the dissertation. In the APA style of writing, for example, a bibliography would also include annotated descriptions of listed items. There is a definite method you have to use to write all such citations and takes a bit of practice to get used to it.
There are ways you can simplify things. It takes a bit of imagination and method.
1. Start by listing out the people you would like to thank. This would be a simple task by taking reference from the research content you have used within the draft of your essay or from your notes.
2. Depending on the length of your dissertation, you would know from your tutors the number of citations and acknowledgments to be included in your text or page. This would allow you to devote a page or two for the bibliography. It is generally a good idea to stick to the number of citations required. Refer to dissertation examples for reference.
3. You might want to write a series of papers on the same topic within a specific period of time. Many of the citations you list out may repeat in other assignments. Prepare a dissertation format that incorporates theses basic common elements. You could store reference information in alphabetical order, which would allow you to refer back to it with ease.
4. Ask your friends to have a look at your dissertation. It does not matter if they have knowledge of the subject or not. This is to check if the textual flow provides easy reading. Too many citations may confuse readers if you have not linked the different pages with each other. You would then be able to limit your citations and acknowledgments based on their comments.
5. There are several other aspects you need to consider, including giving credit to your principal and guides who provided assignment help, the institution, and other people who helped you. Once you start compiling your project, it would get easier for you to know how to write acknowledgment.
