From MSc dissertations to quantitative research papers in leading journals: A practical guide

This article discusses the reasons for publishing dissertations produced for a taught MSc as quantitative research papers. Based on the authors’ personal experience and a review of the literature, insights are offered regarding why publication is important within radiography. The factors that encourage publication and the key questions that have to be addressed before writing are considered. Common pitfalls that prevent publication are tabulated. There is a discussion regarding how the potentially daunting but worthwhile task of writing should be undertaken. The principles of reducing a dissertation to a quantitative paper suitable for publication are considered. It is concluded that much can be done to make the process of converting a dissertation to a quantitative paper more successful, provided that key questions are asked prior to writing. If there is a decision to proceed, a structured formulaic approach can be applied to reducing the dissertation which will be both “process” and “content” focused to a “content” focused quantitative paper.