What Sections Should Be Included in a Table of Contents?

What Sections Should Be Included in a Table of Contents?
To start with, the scientific table of contents should include all chapters and its subheading. It is important to choose the formatting that will give your readers a full overview of your work from the very beginning. However, there are other chapters that you may miss constructing the 2-pager table. So, let’s look at all you need to include:

All chapters.
They are often subdivided into second- and third-level headings. Each case is different, and you must choose the best option based on your work.
Dissertation introduction
Literature review
Research methodology
Results section
Dissertation discussion
Conclusion of a thesis
Reference list.
Mention a number of a page where you start listing your sources.
Appendices.
For instance, if you have a data set, table or figure, include it in your research appendix.
This is how the ideal structured dissertation or research paper table of contents will look like. Remember that it still should take 2 pages. You need to choose the best formatting style to manage its length.

Tables, Figures, and Appendices in TOC
While creating a table of contents in a research paper, thesis or dissertation, you will need to include appendices in each case you have them. However, the formatting and adding tables and figures can vary based on the number and citation style. If you have more than 3 tables or figures, you may decide to have all of them at the end of your project. So, add them to the table of contents.

Figures, graphics, and diagrams in research papers, dissertations and theses should be numbered. If you use them from another source, ensure that you make a proper citation based on the chosen style guide.

Appendix in Table of Contents Example

Appendix A. Row Data Set…………………………………… 41
Appendix B. IBR Data………………………………………….… 43
Appendix C. SPSS Data………………………………………… 44

What Shouldn’t Be Included in a Table of Contents?
When creating a dissertation table of contents, students want to include everything they have in a document. However, some components should not be on this page. Here is what we are talking about:

Thesis acknowledgement
Paper abstract
The content list itself
Acknowledgement and abstract should be located before the content list, so there is no need to add them. You need to present a clear structure that will help your readers to navigate through the work and quickly find any requested information.