A dissertation appendix is a section at the end of your thesis or dissertation that holds extra material. Think of it like the “bonus features” on a DVD, stuff that supports your primary argument but would clutter things if placed in the body. The body of your dissertation stays clean and focused. If your reader wants more detail, they flip to the appendices.
You might include:
- Raw data tables
- Interview transcripts
- Survey questionnaires
- Extra charts or graphs
- Sample documents (e.g., consent forms)
Purpose Of The Appendix Section
The main body of the dissertation paper generally contains text that adds weight to your arguments. However, some information that is not directly relevant to the topic of research but might be useful to your audience could be provided in the appendix section. Here is why you need the appendices section in a dissertation:
- The main chapters focus on argument, analysis, and results without distraction.
- Your data’s all there for verification.
- Scholarly work with complete documentation looks trustworthy.
- Not all readers need raw data, but if they want it, it is all organised.
Where to add the dissertation appendix?
The appendix of a dissertation is added at the very end, after the reference list. It should be placed on a separate page after the reference list, tables, and figures.
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What To Include In Appendices
An appendix, which is also known as a postscript, includes the following:
Findings
Research findings can be presented in several ways. Findings, including tables, illustrations, and figures that are directly relevant to your research questions or research problem, are included in the main body.
However, there are certain texts, tables and figures, such as supplemental analyses, that really need to be shown and cannot be ignored, but (due to less significance) can’t be included in the main body, as they can disturb the flow of the text.
Such tables and figures are then included in the appendix section. The appendix includes more of the illustrations and findings as a result of data analysis that don’t directly address the research question, but are essential to be shown.
Surveys/Interviews
Appendices are helpful in mentioning extra information related to surveys, interviews or focus groups. You can clearly mention how respondents responded to support your findings.
Include Abbreviations Section
If you have utilised a lot of abbreviations or jargon, it might be difficult for a layperson to understand those terms. You can include the abbreviations section or a glossary section in the appendix, which is sometimes positioned at the start of the dissertation.
Tables, Figures, and/or Graphs
Your dissertation may include a lot of tables, figures, and/or graphs due to the nature of the research. The appendix is the appropriate platform to include all this information, including illustrations.
How To Format An Appendix
- Each appendix gets a label and title, like Appendix A: Survey Instrument or Appendix B: Interview Transcript. That makes it easy to reference.
- Place items in the same order as they are referenced in your dissertation. Appendix A covers the first mention, Appendix B the next, and so on.
- Whenever you refer to something in an appendix, write “(see Appendix A)” or “(Appendix B, Table B1).” This helps readers jump straight to supplementary content.
- If your thesis has multiple appendices or long ones, include a mini table of contents listing each appendix title and page number.
Note:
Some universities require appendices separate from the main document or bound last. Make sure to follow any formatting rules they provide.
How To Refer To An Appendix
It is recommended to indicate all appendices at least once in the main body of your dissertation. Make sure that you mention the appendix number (enclosed in brackets, called a parenthetical reference) or within the text in the main body (called a descriptive reference) as highlights for the readers.
It is not mandatory to capitalise it, as that typically depends on the researcher’s will. You can also refer to certain elements within the appendix (which can be a specific illustration or table).
Example #1. When you are referring to an entire appendix
The focus-group interview (see Appendix 1) shows that…
Appendix 2 describes how we gathered data from the sample population…
Example #2. While you are referring to an appendix component
These findings (see Appendix 1, Table 2) show that…
Table 2 in Appendix 1 describes the factors which result in the increase in sales.
It would be good practice to mention appendices in uppercase, especially when referring to a specific component.
Is It Appendixes Or Appendices?
Both of these words (spellings) are true in their sense and can be used, but appendices is more appropriate according to APA style. However, it is important to ensure consistency throughout the thesis document. Don’t use alternative words in different sections of the dissertation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t include any irrelevant and/or vague information. It will only distract your readers from understanding your study’s overall purpose, significance, etc.
Not really, although you can include PDF documents or weblinks to such documents within your dissertation appendix.
Yes, you can anonymise or redact sensitive details and note in your documentation that privacy was protected.
Always reference them, so your examiner knows you didn’t forget them.
Usually not, but double-check your university’s rules. Some institutions exclude appendices from the official word limit.
As many as needed, but keep things well organised. Too many disorganised appendices can be confusing.
