# Thesis by publication: linking chapters and an integrated argument

Decision workbook and teaching example · 2026-10-06

The completed case is fictional. Its values and decisions are not actual findings; complete your project using relevant permissions, methods and requirements.

- Project: ____________________
- Researcher and role: ____________________
- Date and version: ____________________
- Data seen before the decision: ____________________
- Aim and scope: ____________________

## Completed example

| Stage/decision | Example | Check or action |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Central question | Measurement, support and engagement experience | Write one defensible argument. |
| Paper 1 | Hypothetical instrument study | Explain its actual role and contribution. |
| Linking | Definition, association, then experience | Justify chapter order. |
| Integration | Sample differences and overall interpretation | Keep synthesis within the evidence. |
| Rights and role | Versions and author contributions | Retain real permissions and approvals. |

## Complete your own record

| Topic | Actual decision and reason | Evidence link and status |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Central question | __________ | __________ |
| Paper 1 | __________ | __________ |
| Linking | __________ | __________ |
| Integration | __________ | __________ |
| Rights and role | __________ | __________ |

## Completion checks

- [ ] Architecture mapping papers to the central question.
- [ ] Linking sections and evidenced integrated discussion.
- [ ] Contributions, publication status and version-rights records.

## Changes and limitations

| Date | Change | Data known at decision time | Reason | Consequence for claim | Reviewer |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ | __________ |

## Sources and further reading

- [Australian National University — Thesis by compilation](https://www.anu.edu.au/students/academic-skills/research-writing/thesis-structures/thesis-by-compilation)
- [cOAlition S — Rights Retention Strategy](https://www.coalition-s.org/rights-retention-strategy/)
- [ICMJE — Roles of authors and contributors](https://www.icmje.org/recommendations/browse/roles-and-responsibilities/defining-the-role-of-authors-and-contributors.html)

Related guide: https://didgar-research-site1.vercel.app/en/guides/thesis-by-publication/