success with your ma thesis: helpful hints and timely tips

SUCCEEDING WITH YOUR SUCCEEDING WITH YOUR MASTER’S THESIS: MASTER’S THESIS:

HELPFUL HINTSHELPFUL HINTS & & TIMELY TIPSTIMELY TIPS

Thomas BakerThomas Baker

[email protected]@gmail.com

The Research ProposalThe Research Proposal

Biggam, John. (2008). Biggam, John. (2008). Succeeding with your Succeeding with your Master’s Dissertation: A step-Master’s Dissertation: A step-by-step handbook. New York: by-step handbook. New York: Open University Press.Open University Press.

Chapter 2 –Chapter 2 –

Preparing for your DissertationPreparing for your Dissertation

The Research ProposalThe Research Proposal

A good research proposal will:A good research proposal will:- Provide background information on the Provide background information on the

area you are interested inarea you are interested in- Explain the rationale behind why you want Explain the rationale behind why you want

to focus on this areato focus on this area- Identify the overall aim of your researchIdentify the overall aim of your research- Specify the individual objectives required Specify the individual objectives required

to help you achieve your overall research to help you achieve your overall research aimaim

The Research Proposal (continued)The Research Proposal (continued)

Outline how you will carry out your Outline how you will carry out your research (your research methods)research (your research methods)

Provide an estimate of how long you think Provide an estimate of how long you think you will take to complete the various parts you will take to complete the various parts of your thesisof your thesis

List the literature you have referred to in List the literature you have referred to in producing your proposalproducing your proposal

Writing A Research ProposalWriting A Research Proposal

Paltridge, Brian and Sue Paltridge, Brian and Sue Starfield. (2007). Thesis Starfield. (2007). Thesis and Dissertation Writing and Dissertation Writing in a Second Language. in a Second Language. New York: Routledge.New York: Routledge.

Chapter 4 – Writing a Chapter 4 – Writing a Research Proposal.Research Proposal.

The Research Proposal: The Research Proposal: Some QuotesSome Quotes

““The key element to the successful The key element to the successful thesis”. thesis”.

““The most important step in the whole The most important step in the whole process”.process”.

““Proposal writing does not appear to be Proposal writing does not appear to be something that comes naturally”.something that comes naturally”.

(2007, 55)(2007, 55)

A Checklist For Developing A Checklist For Developing A Research ProposalA Research Proposal

1.1. Draw up a shortlist of topics.Draw up a shortlist of topics.

2.2. Select a topic for investigation.Select a topic for investigation.

3.3. Turn the topic into a research question.Turn the topic into a research question.

4.4. Focus the question. (Be specific)Focus the question. (Be specific)

5.5. Formulate a hypothesis (or decide on the Formulate a hypothesis (or decide on the aims and objectives of the study).aims and objectives of the study).

A Checklist For Developing A Checklist For Developing A Research ProposalA Research Proposal

6.6. Think about the data that needs to be Think about the data that needs to be collected to answer the research collected to answer the research question. question.

7.7. Draw up an initial research plan.Draw up an initial research plan.8. Read the literature. Look at previous 8. Read the literature. Look at previous

research (Journal articles, previous research (Journal articles, previous theses and dissertations).theses and dissertations).

9. Write-up a detailed proposal. Include 9. Write-up a detailed proposal. Include definitions of key terms. definitions of key terms.

Supervisor’s RoleSupervisor’s Role

Help students to:Help students to:– Develop critical skillsDevelop critical skills– Choose a realistic thesis topicChoose a realistic thesis topic– Work out a research proposalWork out a research proposal– Conduct research Conduct research – Analyse and interpret dataAnalyse and interpret data– Produce a thesisProduce a thesis

Supervisor’s extended roleSupervisor’s extended role

Promote scholarship, career development Promote scholarship, career development & academic integrity& academic integrity– Conference presentationsConference presentations– PublicationsPublications– Career adviceCareer advice– RESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCHRESPONSIBLE CONDUCT OF RESEARCH

How to Get off to a Good StartHow to Get off to a Good Start

Get involved early.Get involved early.Start reading critical articles, review papers, Start reading critical articles, review papers, etc. on your topic and discuss/report on your etc. on your topic and discuss/report on your reading.reading.Prepare an annotated bibliographyPrepare an annotated bibliographyAttend invited speaker’s series, Attend invited speaker’s series, conferences, etc.conferences, etc.Report on “hot information” from Report on “hot information” from conferences you attend.conferences you attend.READ several MA Theses READ several MA Theses

Part 1:Part 1:

Organizing to Write the ThesisOrganizing to Write the Thesis

What is a thesis?What is a thesis?

What your advisor would look for in a thesis.What your advisor would look for in a thesis.Strategies for completing your thesis.Strategies for completing your thesis.

ThesisThesis

Traditional: About 75 - 150 pages for Traditional: About 75 - 150 pages for Master's.Master's.

Varies widely from institution to institution.Varies widely from institution to institution.

What is a Thesis?What is a Thesis?

A formal document whose sole purpose is to A formal document whose sole purpose is to prove that you have made an original prove that you have made an original contribution to knowledge.contribution to knowledge.Thesis must show two important elements:Thesis must show two important elements:– That you have identified a worthwhile That you have identified a worthwhile

problem or question which has not been problem or question which has not been previously answered;previously answered;

– That you have solved the problem or That you have solved the problem or answered the question.answered the question.


An argument that must:An argument that must:– form a distinctive contribution to the form a distinctive contribution to the

knowledge of the subject knowledge of the subject – afford evidence of originality afford evidence of originality – Proven by the discovery of new facts Proven by the discovery of new facts – Exercise independent critical thinking powerExercise independent critical thinking power


A exposition of original researchA exposition of original research– Significant to students and scholars in the Significant to students and scholars in the

fieldfieldProduct of an apprenticeshipProduct of an apprenticeshipResearch that can be published in a scholarly Research that can be published in a scholarly journaljournal– In Part In Part A degree requirement for Master’s degreeA degree requirement for Master’s degree

What Your Advisor Would What Your Advisor Would Look For In A ThesisLook For In A Thesis

1.1. What is this student’s research question?What is this student’s research question?2.2. Is it a good question? Is it a good question? 3.3. Has it been answered before?Has it been answered before?4.4. Is it a useful question to work on?Is it a useful question to work on?5.5. Did the student convince me that the Did the student convince me that the

question was adequately answered?question was adequately answered?6.6. Has the student made an adequate Has the student made an adequate

contribution to knowledge? contribution to knowledge?

Strategies for Completing Strategies for Completing Your ThesisYour Thesis

Time Management TipsTime Management Tips– PlanPlan– ConcentrateConcentrate– Take BreaksTake Breaks– Avoid ClutterAvoid Clutter– Don’t Be a PerfectionistDon’t Be a Perfectionist– Don’t Be Afraid to Say NoDon’t Be Afraid to Say No– Don’t ProcrastinateDon’t Procrastinate

Tips (continued)Tips (continued)

Build a Personal Support SystemBuild a Personal Support System““The only good thesis is a done thesis”The only good thesis is a done thesis”There are some good days and some bad days There are some good days and some bad days – this is a learning experience for you– this is a learning experience for youGet accustomed to more autonomy Get accustomed to more autonomy Feeling that you need to make it perfect the Feeling that you need to make it perfect the first time first time Feeling that you never have enough data Feeling that you never have enough data collectedcollected

Tips (continued)Tips (continued)

Getting into a flow – write down your ideasGetting into a flow – write down your ideasDisruptions from other real life eventsDisruptions from other real life eventsNeed to devise and follow a scheduleNeed to devise and follow a scheduleMaintain confidence in yourself Maintain confidence in yourself Know that you can do thisKnow that you can do thisWrite something every dayWrite something every dayCulture of “silence” in academiaCulture of “silence” in academiaOvercoming a period of inactivity – reestablish Overcoming a period of inactivity – reestablish prioritiespriorities

Part 2: Part 2: Organization of ThesisOrganization of Thesis

Abstract Abstract Preliminary PagesPreliminary Pages– Title PageTitle Page– Approval PageApproval Page– Acknowledgement PageAcknowledgement Page– Table of ContentsTable of Contents– List of tables and figuresList of tables and figures

TextText– IntroductionIntroduction– Literature ReviewLiterature Review– MethodologyMethodology– ResultsResults– DiscussionDiscussion– Summary/ConclusionSummary/Conclusion

ReferencesReferencesAppendixAppendix

Thesis and Thesis and Research Projects Research Projects required Formsrequired Forms

Abstract - although Abstract - although appearing first, the abstract appearing first, the abstract should be the last part of should be the last part of the thesis to be written. It the thesis to be written. It shows the reader, in a few shows the reader, in a few sentences, the context and sentences, the context and content of the work. content of the work.

It’s your future. Imagine going further.

Title PageTitle PageFormat the title page as shown here using the same margins required for the entire document. Use the same font size as used for the text, except for the title, which may be up to four points larger. Each line should be centered to ensure balance and even spacing between the parts.


Signature PageSignature Page

Format the signature page as shown here. Use the same font as used for the text. Center and use the spacing and wording as shown here. Use the full length of the page. All signature lines must be signed.


Dedication PageDedication PageThe dedication page is used to recognize individuals in token of affection or esteem.


Table of ContentsTable of ContentsThe Table of Contents lists everything that follows it but nothing that precedes it (Abstract, Blank cover Sheet, Title Page, Signature Page, Dedication and/or Acknowledgement Page). Information listed in the Table of Contents must match exactly the capitalization and wording of titles for the parts, chapters, and subheadings used in the thesis.


List of FiguresList of FiguresLists of figures or tables immediately follow the table of contents and must be listed in the Table of Contents. Number figures and tables in seperate but continuous series throughout the text (e.g. 1,2,3. etc) or by chapter (e.g. 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, etc.)


BibliographyBibliographyThe form of the bibliography references will be dictated by the manual of style chosen by the discipline for which the thesis is written. MLA or APA style.


Development of ThesisDevelopment of ThesisThe AbstractThe Abstract– a brief comprehensive summary of the contents a brief comprehensive summary of the contents

and context of the research (thesis or project)and context of the research (thesis or project)Purpose of work (questions asked)Purpose of work (questions asked)

Approach usedApproach used

Main findings and conclusionsMain findings and conclusions

Information on style, organization and structure of the Information on style, organization and structure of the workwork

– Complete this section after all other sections are Complete this section after all other sections are complete. complete.


Development of Development of Abstract Cont’d.Abstract Cont’d.– Tips for Abstract WritingTips for Abstract Writing

Accurate-Accurate- do not include information that does not appear in the text do not include information that does not appear in the text of the thesis/ project.of the thesis/ project.Self-Contained-Self-Contained- define any abbreviations and acronyms. Define define any abbreviations and acronyms. Define unique terms. Paraphrase rather than quote.unique terms. Paraphrase rather than quote.Concise and Specific-Concise and Specific- Make each sentence informative, especially the Make each sentence informative, especially the lead sentence. Be brief. Abstracts should not exceed one page. lead sentence. Be brief. Abstracts should not exceed one page. Include only four or five most important concepts findings, or Include only four or five most important concepts findings, or implication.implication.Non-evaluativeNon-evaluative- Report rather than evaluate. Do not add to or - Report rather than evaluate. Do not add to or comment on what is in the text of the thesis/project.comment on what is in the text of the thesis/project.Coherent and Readable-Coherent and Readable- Write in clear and vigorous prose. Use: Write in clear and vigorous prose. Use:

– verbs rather than their noun equivalents, verbs rather than their noun equivalents, – active rather than the passive voice. active rather than the passive voice. – present tense to describe results or conclusions drawn. present tense to describe results or conclusions drawn. – past tense to describe specific variables manipulated or tests applied. past tense to describe specific variables manipulated or tests applied. – third person rather than first person. third person rather than first person.

Development of Development of IntroductionIntroductionStatement of the goal of the paper/the problem/the Statement of the goal of the paper/the problem/the hypothesishypothesis– Why the study was undertaken Why the study was undertaken – Why the paper was writtenWhy the paper was written– DO NOT REPEAT THE ABSTRACT!DO NOT REPEAT THE ABSTRACT!

State purpose and rationaleState purpose and rationale– Explain your approach to solving the problemExplain your approach to solving the problem– Closing paragraphs of introductionClosing paragraphs of introduction– Define variablesDefine variables– Formal statement of hypotheses Formal statement of hypotheses – Clearly develop the rationale for each hypotheses.Clearly develop the rationale for each hypotheses.

Development of Development of Literature Literature ReviewReview

The rationale for the Literature Review consists of an argument with two The rationale for the Literature Review consists of an argument with two lines of analysis:lines of analysis:– This research is needed; andThis research is needed; and– The methodology I have chosen is most appropriate for the question The methodology I have chosen is most appropriate for the question

that is being askedthat is being askedBackground Information – to learn from others who have preceded you Background Information – to learn from others who have preceded you – Discuss the literature for each variable, population or example used in Discuss the literature for each variable, population or example used in

the research. Each literature discussion for each population should be the research. Each literature discussion for each population should be in a different sub section.in a different sub section.

– Assume the reader is knowledgeable about the field in which you are Assume the reader is knowledgeable about the field in which you are writingwriting

– Citation of and specific credit to relevant earlier works are part of the Citation of and specific credit to relevant earlier works are part of the author’s scientific and scholarly responsibility.author’s scientific and scholarly responsibility.

– Demonstrate the logical continuity between previous and present Demonstrate the logical continuity between previous and present work.work.


Development of Development of MethodologyMethodologyChoose your Methodology WiselyChoose your Methodology WiselyDescribes in detail how the study was conducted:Describes in detail how the study was conducted:

– Materials, procedure and theoryMaterials, procedure and theory– Calculations, technique, procedure, equipment, and calibration plotsCalculations, technique, procedure, equipment, and calibration plots– Limitations, assumptions, and range of validityLimitations, assumptions, and range of validity– Enables reader to evaluate Enables reader to evaluate

the appropriateness of methodsthe appropriateness of methodsReliability and validity of resultsReliability and validity of results

– Enables others to replicate the study if the desireEnables others to replicate the study if the desire

Divide into Subsections:Divide into Subsections:– Design of investigationDesign of investigation– Population/ Sample/subjectsPopulation/ Sample/subjects– Apparatus/materials/TreatmentApparatus/materials/Treatment– Data analysis Data analysis proceduresprocedures

Citations in this section should be limited to data sources and references of where Citations in this section should be limited to data sources and references of where to find more complete descriptions of procedures.to find more complete descriptions of procedures.

DO NOT INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF RESULTS!DO NOT INCLUDE DESCRIPTIONS OF RESULTS!

Development of Development of Results and Results and DiscussionDiscussion

Results Results – actual statements of observations:actual statements of observations:

StatisticsStatisticsTablesTablesGraphsGraphs

– Mention positive and negative resultsMention positive and negative results– Categorize the results into logical segments by using subheadings.Categorize the results into logical segments by using subheadings.

Discussion Discussion – Start with few sentences that summarize the most important results. Start with few sentences that summarize the most important results. – This section should be rich in references to similar work and This section should be rich in references to similar work and

background used to interpret results. background used to interpret results. – Develop the discussion into logical segments by using subheadingsDevelop the discussion into logical segments by using subheadings


Development of Development of ConclusionConclusion

Refer back to the problem posedRefer back to the problem posedDescribe the conclusions that you reached from Describe the conclusions that you reached from carrying out this investigationcarrying out this investigationSummarize new observations, new interpretations, and Summarize new observations, new interpretations, and new insights that resulted from the present worknew insights that resulted from the present workInclude broader implications for you resultsInclude broader implications for you resultsDO NOT REPEAT WORD FOR WORD THE DO NOT REPEAT WORD FOR WORD THE ABSRACT, INTRODUCTION OR DISCUSSIONABSRACT, INTRODUCTION OR DISCUSSIONPresent recommendations-further research to fill in the Present recommendations-further research to fill in the gaps in understandinggaps in understandingGive directions for future investigations on this or Give directions for future investigations on this or related topicsrelated topics

A Final WordA Final Word

The Successful The Successful Thesis Thesis

i s Hard Workis Hard Work

but. . .but. . .

You Can Do It!

success with your ma thesis: helpful hints and timely tips

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