2. Thesis
Outline
Title page
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Abstract
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Acknowledgements
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Table of contents
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Introduction
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Background of the study
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Problem Statement
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Purpose of the study
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Research Questions
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Rationale of the study
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Significance of the study
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Review of the literature — concluding with a summary
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Materials and methods
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Results
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Discussion
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Conclusions
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Appendices
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References
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3. Thesis
Methods
What belongs in the "methods" section of a scientific paper?
1 Description of your materials, procedure, theory.
2 Calculations, technique, procedure, equipment, and calibration
plots.
3 Limitations, assumptions, and range of validity.
4 Description of your analytical methods, including reference to
any specialized statistical software.
Note: Citations in this section should be limited to data sources
and references of where to find more complete descriptions of
procedures.
Do not include descriptions of results.
4. Thesis
Introduction
A dissertation or thesis is a document submitted in support of
candidature for a degree or professional qualification presenting
the author's research and findings. In some countries/universities,
the word thesis or a cognate is used as part of a bachelor's or
master's course, while dissertation is normally applied to a
doctorate, whilst, in others, the reverse is true. The term
dissertation can mean, more in general, a treatise on some
subject, without relation to obtaining an academic degree. The
term thesis can mean the central claim of an essay or similar
work. By keeping in mind the basic theme of aim and objective we
can select the keywords.
5. Thesis
Introduction
The introductory section(s) of your paper:
1 A statement of the goal of the paper: why the study was
undertaken, or why the paper was written. Do not repeat the
abstract.
2 Sufficient background information to allow the reader to
understand the context and significance of the question you
are trying to address.
3 The introduction should be focused on the thesis question(s).
All cited work should be directly relevant to the goals of the
thesis. This is not a place to summarize everything you have
ever read on a subject.
4 Explain the scope of your work, what will and will not be
included.
6. Thesis
Results
The results are actual statements of observations, including
statistics, tables and graphs.
Indicate information on range of variation.
Mention negative results as well as positive. Do not interpret
results - save that for the discussion.
Note: Results vs. Discussion Sections
1 Don't overlay interpretation on top of data in figures.
2 Careful use of phrases such as "We infer that ".
3 Don't worry if "results" seem short.
Why?
1 Easier for your reader to absorb, frequent shifts of mental mode
not required.
2 Ensures that your work will endure in spite of shifting
paradigms.
7. Thesis
Discussion
Start with a few sentences that summarize the most important
results. The discussion section should be a brief essay in itself,
answering the following questions and caveats:
1 What are the major patterns in the observations? (Refer to
spatial and temporal variations.)
2 What are the relationships, trends and generalizations among
the results?
3 What are the exceptions to these patterns or generalizations?
4 Is there agreement or disagreement with previous work?
5 What is the implication of the present results for other
unanswered questions in earth sciences, ecology,
environmental policy, etc....?
6 Multiple hypotheses: There are usually several possible
explanations for results. Be careful to consider all of these
rather than simply pushing your favorite one. If you can
eliminate all but one, that is great, but often that is not possible
with the data in hand. In that case you should give even
treatment to the remaining possibilities, and try to indicate
ways in which future work may lead to their discrimination.
8. Thesis
7 What is the significance of the present results: why should we
care?
Conclusions
What is the strongest and most important statement that you
can make from your observations?
Refer back to problem posed, and describe the conclusions
that you reached from carrying out this investigation,
summarize new observations, new interpretations, and new
insights that have resulted from the present work.
Recommendations
Include when appropriate (most of the time)
Remedial action to solve the problem.
Further research to fill in gaps in our understanding.
Directions for future investigations on this or related topics.
9. Thesis
Finishing touches
Consistency of style is important (the style of tables; headings of
sections, etc.). It may seem a small point, but it does make the
dissertation look better if you have obviously paid attention to
detail.
Ensure you know the word limit before starting. University
regulations can vary markedly and finding out that you have
written 5000 words more than the limit, with only a week to go, will
do absolutely nothing for your stress levels!!
Proof reading
The following should prove useful as a final check list:
Readability
Always ask someone else to read the dissertation to check for
readability, grammar, etc. This does not necessarily have to be
someone who fully understands it. Indeed, family members can
often be willing volunteers!
10. Thesis
Page numbering
Check the numbering of the pages to ensure it is consecutive.
Likewise, also check the numbering of tables and figures.
Margins
Check that all of the margins are in accordance with the
regulations for your university (often 4 cm for the left margin to
allow binding and 2.5 cm for the right margin). Also ensure that the
right margin is justified throughout as it looks much neater.
Headings and subheadings Check that all of the chapter headings
and subheadings in the main text match those in the table of
contents, and ensure that all of the headings and subheadings are
formatted consistently throughout the dissertation.
Tables
Has the data been checked for accuracy? Are sufficient details
given to interpret the data? Is a consistent format used for all
tables? Are units of measurement stated? Are all abbreviations
explained?
11. Thesis
Figures
Has the accuracy of the figure been checked? Is the figure
self-explanatory? Is the zero position shown on the axes of
graphs? Are the units of measurement clearly shown on the axes?
Are all abbreviations explained?
Reference list
Has every work cited been included in the references? Have the
rules for alphabetical and chronological ordering of references
been followed? Does each book reference include the author(s)
and/or editor(s), date of publication, title, chapter number and title,
publisher and place of publication? Does each journal reference
include author(s), date of publication, title, name of journal, volume
number and inclusive page numbers?
Binding of the dissertation
Have you checked the university requirements regarding number
of copies; type of binding for the submitted version (e.g. do you
need a hard bound or soft bound copy at initial submission?); color
of cover and the lettering on the cover?
Please Note: The outline provided is based on standard format.
However you may adjust it according to your university guidelines.
