Feedback is an essential component of the dissertation writing process since it enhances the quality of work (Kitchener et al., 2010). Editing your dissertation is more than just checking for mistakes; especially in ghostwriting, it is an important step that will help you make your arguments more transparent, strengthen your structure, and ensure that your academic style comes through in all your work. Let’s go into how you can improve your dissertation by embracing feedback as a valuable tool.

Understanding the Nature of Feedback

Feedback is essential to writing a dissertation because it can help you make your study better and more logical. It is crucial to understand that feedback is not an opinion on your skills but a way to improve your work. Feedback can come from various sources, each offering unique perspectives and suggestions. These can include supervisors, dissertation editors, review panels, and dissertation coaches. Each one brings their knowledge and ideas to the table.

 

Constructive Criticism

In most cases, constructive criticism is the best feedback you will get while working on your dissertation. This type of feedback aims to highlight areas for improvement and offer specific suggestions for enhancement (Fong et al., 2016). For example, a supervisor or dissertation editor might comment that your literature review is too shallow and too broad and suggest that you add more recent studies or look into different academic points of view. Constructive criticism often includes actionable recommendations, making it easier to understand precisely what changes are needed.

Positive Feedback

Positive feedback is just as important as negative feedback when writing a dissertation. Positive feedback helps you build on your skills, recognizes the good aspects of your work, and encourages you to keep high standards throughout your dissertation. For example, your reviewer or dissertation coach might praise how you carefully analyzed the data or devised new ways to solve the study problem. Such positive comments can help you determine what parts of your dissertation worked well and should be kept and improved.

Structural Feedback

Structural feedback addresses the overall organization and flow of your dissertation. It often includes suggestions on rearranging sections for better coherence and logical progression. For example, you might receive comments about moving a literature review to earlier in your dissertation to provide better context for your research. Attention to structural feedback can make your dissertation more accessible and easier to follow.

Are your arguments flowing logically from one point to the next? Is your introduction setting up your chapters effectively? This type of feedback ensures that your arguments build upon each other clearly and logically. For example, if your advisor comments, “The literature review seems disjointed and doesn’t lead naturally into your methodology,” they’re pointing out a structural issue. As Kamler and Thomson (2006) note, “Structural feedback is essential for ensuring that a thesis maintains a clear and logical progression of ideas” (p. 34).

Technical Feedback

Last but not least, technical feedback covers the nuts and bolts of your dissertation. Are your citations correctly formatted? Does your document adhere to your institution’s style guide? This might seem tedious, but technical accuracy is crucial for maintaining your work’s credibility and professionalism.  For instance, you might receive comments on the consistency of your citation style or the need to format tables correctly. Paying close attention to technical feedback is essential for presenting a polished and professional final document. It also helps avoid any technical errors that could detract from the quality of your work. According to Lipson (2005), “Technical feedback ensures adherence to academic standards and helps maintain the credibility of scholarly work” (p. 77).

Common Challenges in Incorporating Feedback

Despite the benefits of receiving and incorporating feedback, the process can present several significant challenges. To successfully incorporate feedback into your dissertation, you must be aware of these challenges and develop strategies to address them in your dissertation.

Emotional Reactions

One of the immediate, most complex challenges of getting feedback, especially negative feedback, is controlling your emotional reaction. Feeling defensive, angry, or down is normal when someone criticizes your work. These emotional responses can create a barrier to objectively assessing and incorporating the feedback (Sargeant et al., 2008). For example, you might get feedback that says you need to make significant changes to a part you worked hard on, which could make you feel inadequate about your work.

To deal with these feelings well, you need to step back and see the feedback as an avenue for improvement, not a personal attack. Focus on how the feedback can help your dissertation as you think about it calmly and objectively. Talking about how you feel with peers or teachers can also help. They can offer support and a different point of view, which can help you deal with the feedback more logically.

Volume of Feedback

The sheer amount of feedback you might get is another usual problem. Supervisors, committee members, and dissertation editors can give detailed comments on many parts of your dissertation, from minor grammatical errors to significant structural changes. The overwhelming amount of feedback can make it difficult to know where to start and how to manage the revisions efficiently.

To deal with this problem, you can pursue your dissertation editing by organizing and prioritizing the comments. Start by categorizing the feedback into different types, such as significant structural changes, methodological concerns, and minor edits. Within each category, prioritize the feedback based on its impact on the overall quality of your dissertation. For instance, critical methodological problems should be dealt with before making minor changes to the style.

Conflicting Feedback

Another big problem that can make the editing process harder is conflicting feedback. It is expected to receive contradictory comments from different reviewers (Zoghbor et al., 2020). For example, a methodologist might suggest making a section of your work longer, while an APA editor might ask you to shorten it. Getting through these different suggestions takes careful thought and decision-making. When you get feedback you disagree with, first think about whether or not each point is valid and how important it is to the work.

Consider the reviewer’s knowledge, how it relates to your research goals, and how well your dissertation flows when you look at the input. It might help to ask the reviewers for more information to understand their points of view more clearly. You might find a middle ground that works for both sides, or you might have to decide based on what you know about the study and your goals.

Effective Strategies for Incorporating Feedback

Adding feedback to your dissertation can be challenging, but using suitable methods can make the process much easier and faster. These tips will help.

Stay Organized

Staying prepared is one of the most important approaches you can take when incorporating feedback from your reviewers or dissertation editors. Managing feedback can become overwhelming, especially when it comes from multiple sources and covers various aspects of your dissertation. Creating a feedback log effectively tracks the comments you receive and your responses to them (Kim, 2019). This log can be a simple worksheet or a more in-depth document where you sort the feedback into groups, write down where it came from, and describe what you will do about each comment.

For example, you could make columns for the type of feedback (structural, methodological, or grammatical), the comment itself, the input source, the date it was received, and the answer you plan to give. This method helps you ensure you don’t miss anything and lets you go through each comment in a planned manner. It also gives you a clear picture of your progress, which can be encouraging and inspiring as the number of comments you have answered rises.

Prioritize Feedback

Not all feedback will be of equal importance, and some comments will significantly impact the overall quality of your dissertation. It is essential to prioritize comments based on how it affects your argument or method. First, find the feedback that addresses the most critical structural or methodological problems. For instance, if you receive feedback suggesting revising your research question or changing your methodological approach, addressing these comments should precede minor grammatical corrections or stylistic suggestions. Focusing on the most critical feedback first helps ensure that the main parts of your dissertation are solid before you work on the minor details.

Seek Clarification

Don’t be afraid to ask for more information if feedback isn’t clear. Whether a quick email to your advisor or a discussion during office hours, seeking clarification can save you time and ensure you’re making the right changes (Eva et al., 2018). It also shows your commitment to getting your dissertation right. Sometimes, feedback can be vague or confusing. Don’t hesitate to seek clarification from your reviewers if you’re unsure about their comments.

Ask specific questions to understand their perspective and how you can address their concerns. For example, if a reviewer comments that a section is unclear, ask which part specifically needs clarification and what additional information might help. Clarifying feedback ensures that you make the right changes and improves communication with your reviewers. Weaver (2006) noted that effective communication between students and supervisors is key to addressing ambiguities and ensuring that feedback leads to meaningful improvements.

Break Down the Task

It can be challenging to incorporate extensive feedback in your dissertation. Putting the feedback into smaller pieces that are easier to handle can make the process easier and less stressful. Addressing one section or type of feedback at a time allows you to focus your efforts and maintain a sense of progress. For instance, start by addressing all feedback related to your literature review before moving on to your methodology or data analysis sections. You should approach this by:

• Working in Stages: Tackling your dissertation edits in stages can make the process feel more manageable. Start with the big-picture structural changes before moving on to detailed content edits, and finish with stylistic and technical tweaks. This approach ensures that foundational changes don’t disrupt later refinements. For instance, reorganizing chapters should come before fine-tuning your argumentation within those chapters. This staged process can also help you see the evolution of your dissertation more clearly.
• Using Technology: There are many technological tools available that can streamline the editing process. Software like EndNote or Zotero can help manage citations, while Grammarly or Hemingway can assist with grammar and readability. These tools can save you time and catch errors that are easy to overlook. For example, using a tool like Scrivener can help you organize large documents and make it easier to move sections around without losing track of your content. Embrace these technologies to work smarter, not harder.
• Collaborative Editing: Sometimes, two (or more) heads are better than one. Engaging peers, mentors, or even professional dissertation editors for feedback can provide new perspectives and catch issues you might have missed. This collaborative approach can be especially useful for content and stylistic edits. For instance, a peer might point out a section that’s confusing to them, highlighting an area where you need to clarify your argument. Don’t be afraid to reach out for dissertation help; collaboration can significantly enhance the quality of your dissertation.

Balancing Feedback with Original Voice

While feedback is crucial, it’s important to ensure that your unique voice and perspective remain intact. After all, your dissertation is a reflection of your work and ideas. Be selective about the feedback you incorporate, especially if it suggests significant changes to your dissertation or book writing style. Remember, not all feedback needs to be accepted—sometimes, it’s about finding a balance between external suggestions and your original intent. This balance will help maintain the authenticity and originality of your work.

There will be times when you receive feedback that you disagree with or feel might detract from your work’s essence. In such cases, it’s perfectly acceptable to negotiate or push back. For example, if a reviewer suggests cutting a section you believe is crucial, explain your reasoning and see if a compromise can be reached. Constructive dialogue with your reviewers can lead to a stronger final product and ensure you remain in control of your dissertation’s narrative.

Implement Systematically

Systematic methods for implementing comments ensure that significant problems are fixed before making more minor changes. Begin with significant structural changes, such as reorganizing chapters, revising research questions, or altering methodological approaches. These changes often cascade, impacting other parts of your dissertation. Once the significant revisions are complete, focus on methodological and content-specific feedback. Ensure your arguments are clear and your data analysis and theoretical frameworks are well connected.

Lastly, make any minor changes that need to be made, such as fixing grammar mistakes, formatting problems, or changes to the style. Ideally, such a systematic approach will ensure that before you fine-tune details, all other aspects that form the foundation of your research are solid.

Practical Tips

Time Management

Establishing realistic deadlines for each stage of your editing process is essential for maintaining momentum. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable chunks, and assign a specific timeframe to each. For example, allocate a week for structural changes, another week for content revisions, and a few days for final proofreading. These deadlines create a sense of urgency and help you track progress.

Utilize tools like Google Calendar or Todoist to set reminders and keep yourself accountable. Procrastination can be a major obstacle when it comes to incorporating feedback into your dissertation. Combat this by setting small, achievable goals and rewarding yourself upon completion. For instance, promise yourself a treat after finishing a chapter revision. Working in a structured environment, like a library or a quiet café, can also minimize distractions. Remember, the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll finish, so don’t let procrastination stand in your way.

Practical Techniques

• Using Feedback Sheets: Creating feedback sheets can help you systematically address each piece of feedback. List each comment and corresponding action item on a spreadsheet or document. As you complete each task, check it off. This visual representation of progress can be incredibly motivating. It also ensures that no piece of feedback is overlooked. Feedback sheets provide a clear, organized way to manage and incorporate extensive edits.
• Taking Breaks to Maintain Focus: Regular breaks are essential to maintain productivity and prevent burnout. Implement the technique where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. Longer breaks should be scheduled after a few cycles of focused work. This practice keeps your mind fresh and prevents fatigue. It’s important to rest and recharge so you can approach your revisions with a clear and focused mind.
• Read Aloud for Enhanced Clarity: Reading your dissertation aloud can help you identify awkward phrasing, convoluted sentences, and grammatical errors that may have been overlooked during silent reading. Hearing your words spoken aloud can provide valuable insights into the flow and coherence of your writing. This technique can highlight areas that need simplification or rephrasing, ensuring your dissertation is clear and concise.
• Proofread Diligently: Proofreading is the final step in the editing process and involves meticulously checking for typographical errors, spelling mistakes, and formatting inconsistencies. Take your time to review every word and punctuation mark, preferably in multiple passes, to ensure the highest level of accuracy. This meticulous attention to detail ensures that your dissertation is polished and professional.

A Personal Anecdote: Learning from Experience

Here is a personal story that shows what many students go through and the critical lessons that can be learned from dealing with comments.

Handling Conflicting Feedback

One of the clients we collaborated with, Emma (not her real name), who was working toward her doctoral degree in the Department of Sociology at a university, was confronted with a difficult conundrum when she received conflicting feedback from her dissertation committee regarding her research on the impact of digital social networks on urban youth identity formation. In the belief that it would enrich the context, one reviewer (let’s call him Supervisor 1) suggested expanding the analysis to include more detailed comparative data from social media platforms.

On the other hand, Supervisor 2 suggested condensing the section to keep the focus on the core research questions. Methodically, Emma evaluated the merits of both suggestions, taking into consideration the potential advantages and disadvantages associated with each one. She began open conversations with both supervisors to gain an understanding of their points of view and then worked together to find a solution that was fair and equitable.

In the end, Emma made a deliberate decision to selectively expand the section to incorporate only the comparative analysis that was the most relevant and directly related to her primary research questions. This allowed her to keep the dissertation’s focus while simultaneously enriching the analysis. The fact that this compromise was able to satisfy both of her supervisors and improve the overall quality of her dissertation demonstrates the significance of critical thinking and open communication when navigating feedback that conflicts with one another.

Final Thought: Embrace the Process 

Including in-depth feedback in your dissertation is a complex process that requires commitment and an open mind. You may effectively navigate this critical phase of your academic journey by comprehending the nature of comments, overcoming typical obstacles, utilizing practical solutions, and drawing lessons from your own experiences.

Just like Emma, accepting criticism as a valuable instrument for improvement will help you grow personally and professionally and improve the caliber of your research. Having the capacity to incorporate comments effectively will result in a more polished and compelling dissertation revealing more about your study topic.

References

Bitchener, J., Basturkmen, H., & East, M. (2010). The Focus of Supervisor Written Feedback to Thesis/Dissertation Students. International Journal of English Studies, 10(2), Article 2. https://doi.org/10.6018/ijes/2010/2/119201

Eva, G., McMorrow, M., Molloy, R., & Wilson, A. (2018). What kind of feedback helps students to improve their academic writing. https://www.brunel.ac.uk/study/BEEC/documents/Journal-PDFs/Eva-et-al-FULL-REPORT.pdf

Fong, C. J., Warner, J. R., Williams, K. M., Schallert, D. L., Chen, L.-H., Williamson, Z. H., & Lin, S. (2016). Deconstructing constructive criticism: The nature of academic emotions associated with constructive, positive, and negative feedback. Learning and Individual Differences, 49, 393–399. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lindif.2016.05.019

Kim, K. (2019). Creating Space for Student Engagement With Revision: An Example of a Feedback-Rich Class for Second-Language Writers. Journal of Response to Writing, 5(2). https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/journalrw/vol5/iss2/8

Sargeant, J., Mann, K., Sinclair, D., Van der Vleuten, C., & Metsemakers, J. (2008). Understanding the influence of emotions and reflection upon multi-source feedback acceptance and use. Advances in Health Sciences Education, 13(3), 275–288. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10459-006-9039-x

Zoghbor, W., Shehadeh, A., & Alami, S. A. (2020). Proceedings of the Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching Conference 2019: Engaging in Change: New Perspectives of Teaching and Learning. Zayed University Press.