Definitions of Terms Section
Westcliff University’s doctoral proposal guidance recommends defining terms that are used frequently in the dissertation but are not common knowledge. Do not create a glossary of ordinary words simply to fill a template; the need for a standalone definitions section depends on discipline, program, and document complexity.
A Definitions of Terms section clarifies specialized, ambiguous, or study-specific terms readers need to interpret the research consistently.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
Do not create a glossary of ordinary words simply to fill a template; the need for a standalone definitions section depends on discipline, program, and document complexity.
Further guidance
Content
Reduce ambiguity by making clear how important terms are being used in the document, including operational meanings where the study requires them.
Practical Application
Include a Definitions of Terms section when specialized, ambiguous, operational, or study-specific terms are necessary for readers to interpret the research consistently. Define the meaning used in the study rather than copying broad dictionary entries that do not affect interpretation.
Purpose
Define recurring technical, specialized, or study-specific terms whose meaning is not obvious to the intended reader.
Reader Check
Would two reasonable readers interpret a key term differently unless you state how the study uses or measures it?
Worked Example
If a study repeatedly uses “active user” to mean “an account with at least one logged-in session during a 30-day window,” define that operational meaning once in the terms section and use it consistently throughout the study.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Dissertation Specific: Proposal (opens in a new tab)Westcliff University Writing Center · Doctoral proposal guidance recommending definitions for frequently used dissertation terms that are not common knowledge and distinguishing framework/significance components