Understanding Turabian Style for Theses and Dissertations

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the Turabian style format for theses and dissertations, including essential components, formatting rules, and practical examples to help you structure your work effectively.
By Jamie

Overview of Turabian Style

The Turabian style is a widely used citation format tailored for students writing research papers, theses, and dissertations. It is based on The Chicago Manual of Style and emphasizes clarity and consistency. Below, we’ll outline the key components required in a thesis or dissertation formatted in Turabian style, along with practical examples.

Key Components of a Thesis or Dissertation

A well-structured thesis or dissertation in Turabian style generally includes the following sections:

  1. Title Page
  2. Abstract
  3. Acknowledgments
  4. Table of Contents
  5. Introduction
  6. Main Body (Chapters)
  7. Bibliography
  8. Appendices (if applicable)

Example of Each Component

1. Title Page

The title page should include the title of your work, your name, institution, department, date of submission, and any other relevant details.

Example: 

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Academic Performance  
Author: Jamie Smith  
Institution: University of Learning  
Department: Education  
Date: May 2023

2. Abstract

The abstract is a brief summary of your research, usually about 150-250 words.

Example: 

This study examines the correlation between social media usage and academic performance among university students. Through a quantitative approach, data was collected from 500 participants, revealing significant trends that indicate both positive and negative effects on learning outcomes.

3. Acknowledgments

In this section, you express gratitude to those who contributed to your research.

Example: 

I would like to thank my advisor, Dr. John Doe, for his continuous support and guidance throughout this project. I also appreciate the contributions of my peers and family.

4. Table of Contents

The table of contents lists the chapters and sections of your thesis, along with corresponding page numbers.

Example: 

Table of Contents  
1. Introduction ................................................ 1  
2. Literature Review ......................................... 5  
3. Methodology .............................................. 12  
4. Results .................................................... 20  
5. Discussion ............................................... 30  
6. Conclusion ............................................... 40  
7. Bibliography .............................................. 45

5. Main Body (Chapters)

Each chapter should start on a new page, with the title centered at the top. Use headings and subheadings to provide structure.

Example: 

## Chapter 1: Introduction  
The introduction sets the stage for the research, outlining the purpose and significance of the study.

6. Bibliography

The bibliography lists all sources cited in your thesis, formatted according to Turabian style.

Example: 

Smith, Jamie. *The Role of Social Media in Education*. Chicago: Academic Press, 2022.  
Doe, John. “Social Media and Student Engagement.” *Journal of Education Studies* 15, no. 3 (2021): 45-62.

Conclusion

Formatting your thesis or dissertation in Turabian style can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of each component, it becomes manageable. By following these examples and guidelines, you can create a well-organized and properly formatted academic work.