Writing a Reasearch Thesis
Writing a research thesis
What is a thesis?
A thesis consists of an argument or a series of arguments combined with the description and discussion of research you have undertaken. In the case of a PhD, and to a lesser extent, a Masters (research) thesis, the research is expected to "make a significant contribution to the chosen field" (Phillips and Pugh, 1994, p. 23). This does not mean to revolutionise the field (though some PhDs may). You are expected to review critically the available publications in the field and attempt to add an element of original research to it. This may simply mean that you adapt someone else 's research plan for the situation you want to investigate; in this way you extend the knowledge about an area. Your supervisor will advise you about suitable research.
Minor theses (eg, for coursework Masters programs or Honours theses) may also contribute to the knowledge in the field, though the main requirement is that they provide evidence of an understanding of the field. Reporting on minor research studies may take a wider variety of shapes than the minor thesis. Accompanied by appropriate commentaries and adequate discussion of the related issues in the field, videotapes, books, and works of art and literature have all satisfied the requirements for Master of Education coursework programs’ research report.
Preparing to write/research
The following recommendations may help you to work efficiently, and, eventually, confidently while carrying out and presenting your research. 1. Know your role as a researcher
The general responsibilities of a PhD student and their supervisors are set out in the Research Degrees in Education Handbook and the University handbook for research students. Many of these responsibilities are also applicable to M Ed students and writers of theses and their supervisors. An important feature of these stated responsibilities is the expectation that a researcher will be fairly independent, and that he/she will ask
What is a thesis?
A thesis consists of an argument or a series of arguments combined with the description and discussion of research you have undertaken. In the case of a PhD, and to a lesser extent, a Masters (research) thesis, the research is expected to "make a significant contribution to the chosen field" (Phillips and Pugh, 1994, p. 23). This does not mean to revolutionise the field (though some PhDs may). You are expected to review critically the available publications in the field and attempt to add an element of original research to it. This may simply mean that you adapt someone else 's research plan for the situation you want to investigate; in this way you extend the knowledge about an area. Your supervisor will advise you about suitable research.
Minor theses (eg, for coursework Masters programs or Honours theses) may also contribute to the knowledge in the field, though the main requirement is that they provide evidence of an understanding of the field. Reporting on minor research studies may take a wider variety of shapes than the minor thesis. Accompanied by appropriate commentaries and adequate discussion of the related issues in the field, videotapes, books, and works of art and literature have all satisfied the requirements for Master of Education coursework programs’ research report.
Preparing to write/research
The following recommendations may help you to work efficiently, and, eventually, confidently while carrying out and presenting your research. 1. Know your role as a researcher
The general responsibilities of a PhD student and their supervisors are set out in the Research Degrees in Education Handbook and the University handbook for research students. Many of these responsibilities are also applicable to M Ed students and writers of theses and their supervisors. An important feature of these stated responsibilities is the expectation that a researcher will be fairly independent, and that he/she will ask
References: (for minor thesis) / Bibliography(for major thesis) * Shows the reader which texts/materials you have consulted. * Is in alphabetical order. * May be annotated, though usually is not. * Should not include works you found of no use. Glossary/Index * Helps reader where the context or content of the research may be unfamiliar. * A list of key terms/topics. Although these components appear approximately in the order in which they are presented in a thesis, they may appear in a slightly different order (especially the sections of the body of the thesis). You are very likely to compose them in a completely different order. The introduction is often written late, and is certainly revised in conjunction with the Conclusion, and the abstract should be written last. When in doubt, consult your supervisor!