There are a number of broad rules to think about when constructing your title. Titles should be (a) descriptive and explanatory, not general, (b) precise, and (c) internally consistent. In addition, titles should avoid using (a) abbreviations, acronyms and initials, or (b) a teasing or cute style. These do's and don'ts are briefly explained below:
Descriptive and explanatory, not general
Each word of your dissertation title carries mean; that is, it helps the reader to understand the core focus of your dissertation. It should not be general, but rather descriptive and explanatory in nature. Broadly, the title may help to explain some of the following:
The purpose of the research
The theory (or theories) that underpinned your research
What variables you examined (or tested)
Your research design (qualitative, quantitative, mixed)
The methodology adopted
The context and/or population studied
ETC...
In the section, LEARNING: What the reader learns from a dissertation title, we highlight how some of these components are incorporated into titles to help you understand how to communicate what your dissertation is about is about to the reader simply through the title.
Precise
Being precise does not simply mean not waffling. Whilst it would be wrong to say that a dissertation title should be short, it should be concise; that is, you should try and explain what the nature of your research is in fewest words possible. A good starting point is to use simple word orders, as well as common word combinations. For example:
| You could say |
But it would be better to say |
| The motivation of employees Users of Facebook Stress in the workplace |
Stress in the workplace Facebook users Workplace stress |
Internally consistent
A title can be descriptive, explanatory, and even precise, but fail because it does not reflect what the research is about. In this respect, titles fail to be internally consistent when they make the reader think that the research is about one thing, when it is really about another. For example, imagine you included the methodological approach adopted in your title, stating that you used a "case study approach". The reader would expect to see in your Abstract, Introduction and Research Strategy chapters (amongst others) the words "case study approach". Whilst this seems obvious, it is surprising how many students are either inconsistent, or confuse the reader by using terms interchangeably. This is a problem even amongst academics, but it is easily addressed. Simply check that each component of your title reflects the research you performed. Being consistent with the language you use in the title and the rest of the dissertation is a good start.
A title should also avoid using:
Abbreviations, acronyms and initials
Leave the use of any abbreviations, acronyms and/or initials to the main body of the dissertation. In the title, such abbreviations, acronyms and/or initials could lead to confusion, as well as have different meanings for different people. In the main body of the dissertation, there is time to clarify any such abbreviations, acronyms and/or initials.
A teasing or cute style
A teasing or cute style of title can be great. It certainly sparks interest. The examples below illustrate this:
Dancing with a giant: The effect of Wal-Mart's entry into the United Kingdom in the performance of European retailers
Dogs on the street, puma on your feet: How cues in the environment influence product evaluation and choice
Something old, something new: A longitudinal study of search behavior and new product introduction
Things that go bump in the mind: How behavioral economics could invigorate marketing
However, sometimes a teasing or cute title style can be confusing and makes it harder for the reader to understand the nature of the dissertation before reading your abstract.
In the next section, we show you what the reader learns from a dissertation title: LEARNING: What the reader learns from a dissertation title.