WHAT A THESIS IS

types of research papers

Based on thorough review of sources

research paper

Writer carefully documents the sources of information and conclusions presented in the paper

types of research papers

A project that summarizes or demonstrates mastery of the work of a term or semester

term paper

May or may not include formal research

types of research papers

Thorough record or report description of the results of firsthand experiences or reading in primary sources

Writer may evaluate or interpret the results of research

Presents information as objectively as possible so readers may make judgments or decisions for themselves

types of research papers

thesis
Proposition, point of view defended through an argument

Should draw an original conclusion based on information derived from the research

Substantial research project Masters or undergraduate honors paper

types of research papers

Submitted by a candidate for the doctoral degree Requires more research and more extensive development of ideas than a masters thesis

dissertation

Should make an original contribution to knowledge in the field through presentation of new conclusions, previously undiscovered materials, or new methods of analysis

Parts of a thesis
preliminaries Cover sheet Title page Acknowledgment Approval sheet Abstract page List of figures Table of contents List of tables

Parts of a thesis
The text Chapter I: The Problem Chapter II: Review of Literature Chapter III: Research Method and Procedure Chapter IV: Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data Chapter V: Summary, Conclusion and Recommendation

Parts of a thesis
references bibliography appendices Curriculum vitae

Thesis writing

Formal, systematic and intensive process of carrying a scientific method of analysis

Characteristics of thesis writing

1. It adds something to what is known. 2. It is directed toward the solution of a problem. 3. It is often characterized by carefully designed procedures, always applying logical analysis. 4. It uses quantitative numerical devices, and most precise descriptions. 5. It employs appropriate mechanical, electronic or psychometric devices, to improve accuracy of human observation, recording, computation and analysis of data. 6. It is a patient and unhurried activity.

Timetable
November 14 : Submission of Minutes of Proposal Defense November 21 : Submission of Revised Chapter 1 November 24 28 : Library Work December 4 : Submission of Chapter 2 December 11 : Submission of Chapter 3 December 15 - 19 : Construction, validation and dry-run of instrument December 22 January 9 : Administration and retrieval of instrument January 12 30 : Writing Chapters 4-5 and Preparation of Final Manuscript Theses Defense: February 2 - 13 Revisions: February 2 - 27 Submission of Outputs* : March 2 13 * 4 copies of hardbound thesis, hard copy of full paper, poster, soft copy (CD) of thesis, full paper, poster lay-out, PowerPoint presentation