Components of a Thesis

Components of a Thesis

Generally, theses have a similar component structure even though they come in various sizes and arrangements. The ways in which data are related to the literature vary and there are no clearly defined differentiation of chapters regarding literature and data presentation.

The components appear approximately in the order in which they are presented in the thesis or they may come in quite different orders.  For example, the introduction, the conclusion, and the abstract are generally written last, but in a thesis they appear first.

Cover page includes the topic, writer, institution, degree, date, month, and year.  So it includes the title, candidate’s name and qualifications, degree aimed at, faculty who guided, university, month and year.

Example for Cover page

    or

   

Cover page is followed by a certificate from the supervising guide and Head of the institution where the work was done.  This serves to certify the authenticity of work and the student.

Example of certificate

Next is the Declaration.  This states that the material presented has not been used for any other award, and that all sources are acknowledged

Example for declaration

 

Next is Acknowledgements through which thank to anyone whose support has been important for the work is expressed.   The first vote of thanks will be expressed to the supervisor, and then to others.  This section may be written in authors own style.

Example of acknowledgement page

Table of Contents lists all major divisions and subdivisions arranged as titles and subtitles and are listed by numbers.  The page numbers in which they are also indicated.  The style and size of the table of contents should be consistent with their position and hierarchy

For example

Lists of Tables/ Figures/ Illustrations/ Appendices lists all these and the pages on which they appear

For example

    ................................................................................................................................................

Abstract

Next is the Abstract.  It gives an outline of the focal points of the thesis.  It summarizes the thesis, mention aims/purpose of the work, literature review, methods of research and analysis, the findings, applications and implications.  Abstract gives a brief summary of the whole thesis. Abstract may be set as a single abstract at the start of the thesis or kept as separate abstract at the start of individual chapters.

Introduction

Introduction provides background information and rationale for the research to the reader. It has the following purposes

1. Provides background information related to the need for the research
2. Builds the rationale for the research and presents research questions and aims
3. May present personal motivations behind research
4. May present a theoretical starting point
5. Gives an outline of subsequent chapters

Like the abstract, the introduction should provide the reader with a brief information they need to know about the thesis, like What the thesis is about, Why it is important, How it was conducted, How it is laid out, etc.  But unlike the abstract, the introduction need to be in more detail.  The thesis has a role as an original contribution to knowledge and the introduction should clearly outline that contribution.

A typical thesis introduction follows the following format:

1.       Introduction to the introduction: a short version of the aims, questions, contribution, objectives and findings.

2.       State the topic and aims of the thesis in more detail

3.       Provide a very brief review of the literature related to the topic (detailed review of the literature will be done in the next chapter, that is the literature review chapter)

4.       Define the terms and scope of the topic

5.       Evaluate the current state of the literature on that topic and identify the gap areas

6.       Outline why this particular research is important

7.       Outline the epistemological and ontological position

8.       Clearly outline the research questions and problems dealt in the thesis

9.       State the hypotheses

10.   Detail the important concepts and variables

11.   Briefly describe methodology (Detailed methodology will be done in a separate chapter)

12.   Discuss the main findings (Detailed discussion will be done in a separate chapter)

13.   Discuss the layout of the thesis

Common problems encountered during writing thesis introduction are discussed below.

Providing too much detail: Too much background information should not be provided in the introduction. There should not be any repetition, need to present just enough information to contextualise the study.

Not providing enough detail: Enough description should be given to be able to understand what the thesis is about, how it was conducted and why it is important, etc from reading the introduction.

Rushing into details: the introduction should be gentle, there should not be a sudden rush into lots of detail. The aims, questions and contribution should be stated clear in the opening lines and then gradually layer on more detail.

Not following a coherent structure: The introduction should be written in a clear and coherent way in a step by step manner.  For example, the methods adopted should not be discussed before stating the research question.

Using too much technical language:  The technical terms should be properly defined.  If the research relies upon lots of technical terms, concepts and techniques, they must be clearly and concisely defined.

Introduction becoming a literature review: The introduction is not the place to review the literature. Only a brief review of literature should be done in the introduction.  The detailed and critical analysis of the literature review should be done in the separate chapter.

Literature review

This is the section where we cite the previously available and published works.  This chapter includes the following

I. First part, the initial paragraphs,

1. What the topic is about

2. The research framework

3. Reasons for reviewing the literature (the gap area and how this research will be filling that gap are discussed)

4. The order or sequence of the review;

5. What is included and not included in the chapter

II. The second part is the body and it includes

1. A general view of the literature being reviewed to the specific focus of your research;

2. The relationship between the chosen topic of research and the subject area; for instance, if the research topic is bacterial bio pesticide, the subject area is the pesticides in general.

3. Organization of the literature according to sub-topics

A. Historical background

B. Methodologies/ hypotheses/ models

C. Popular views vs. Other views

D. Major questions presented

E. General conclusions made the authors

4. An in-depth examination of the literature in each sub-topic or theme

III. The last part is the chapter summary.

1. Summarize the important aspects of the existing body of literature.

2. Assess the current state of the literature reviewed.

 

 Methodology - Materials and Methods 

This is the research design and presents an understanding of the philosophical framework and a methodological approach.  The methods of research and analysis will be described here.  The works done such as selection of site, data gathering and analysis are described in past tense and may include illustrations.  Ethical research practice guidelines to be explained and issues of validity and reliability and/or credibility should be discussed.

The methodology chapter explains what works were done and how they were done. It includes the type of research done, how the data was collected and analyzed, the tools or materials used in the research and the rationale for choosing these methods, etc.

This chapter have a short introduction to the research design where the research questions, hypotheses and objectives must be presented.

In the next part, in the Body the following sections come.

1        Study area

2        Sampling

3        Methods of data collection –primary and secondary data

4        Variables

5        Measurements and scaling techniques

6        Processing and data analysis

7        Ethical considerations

8        Timeline

9        Research budget

 Results and Discussion

The results and discussion sections are the most interesting and the most challenging sections to write in a thesis.  This part of the thesis involves the presentation of data (Results) and analysis of data (Discussion).  These two may be written either separately, or may be combined into a single chapter. 

This section

• Presents the data and findings in an ordered/analysed way
• Generally written in past tense is a feature here (usually)
• Data is presented in tables and figures and discussed in detail.  The results or answers to the research questions are presented through graphical and/or textual form.
• Descriptive or frequency statistical results of all variables must be explained before specific statistical tests.
• Specific quotes from interviews or reporting results from observations should be given first and then only the comments on it to be written.
• Discusses findings, main achievements and results are explained.
• The links between aims or objectives of the work and findings are described

The results section includes, Introductory context for understanding the results, Inclusion of non-textual elements, such as, figures, charts, photos, maps, tables, etc. to illustrate key findings visually, A systematic description of results, highlighting the relevant observations, A short paragraph that concludes the key findings, etc.  The page length of results section depends on the amount and types of data.

The discussion has four purposes, Interpret and explain the results, Answer the research question, Justify the approach and Critically evaluate the study

In short, Results part gives the data analysis reports and Discussion explains the meaning of the results presented and links them to previous research studies. It explains why the findings are weak, strong or significant, and their limitations. To enhance and support the discussion, a brief review of literature might be required.

Conclusions

This part draws all arguments and findings together and makes the sense that the work is completed and it is worthwhile.

This part

• summarizes major findings
• presents limitations and implications
• suggests directions for future research

In conclusion all arguments/objectives and findings are discussed together and should provide a sense that the work is completed and is worthwhile.

Appendices

Appendices appear at the end of the thesis, before references.  If there is more than one appendix, each appendix title should be given a number or a letter heading like “APPENDIX 1” or “APPENDIX A”.  Appendix contains important information which could not be placed in the main text.  It provides supplementary information to the main thesis.  It may include raw data, reorganised data, Survey questionnaires, Tables or figures that do not fit in the main text, etc.

References/ Bibliography

Citing others work or references proves that enough research is done to make credible arguments and it shows our experience with scholarly research standards. The following points show the importance of citing

•    Giving credit to the original source rewards other scholars for their hard work and creativity.

•   It establishes our credibility since citing the sources prove that we have researched existing information and multiple viewpoints and the theories and ideas are well-supported.

•  Seeing the original context helps readers understand it better and thereby guide readers to obtain more information about the topic.

•  Citation help to Participate in an Academic Conversation and show how your work fits into your field of study.

Examples of citations

•         Quote: direct quotations from another writer which are put inside quotation marks.

•         Paraphrase: restatement of someone else’s ideas.

•         Summary: summary of someone else’s work.

•         Data: reference to someone else’s research, findings, or data.

•         Charts/Graphs: inclusion of someone else’s charts or graphs.

•         Facts: a well-known information or fact does not need citation, facts in doubt, need to be reinforced with a citation.

•         Websites: cite from websites just as you would from print sources.

•         Class Discussions: give credit for the ideas of someone else raised in a class discussion.

•         Own Paper: cite from your own work just as you would from published sources.

The Bibliography or List of References comes towards the end of the thesis. Bibliography is a list of all of the sources used and cited in the process of researching the work. A bibliography should include the authors' names, the titles of the work, the names and locations of the companies /the name of the journal in which it was published, Volume/issue, the date/year of publishing, the page numbers of sources.

Within the thesis text/paper: we should use an in-text citation immediately following the quote, summary, or paraphrase. Depending on the citation style, an in-text citation may include the author’s last name, page number, and/or year of publication. Some style guides use footnotes.

At the end of thesis/paper: All sources cited should be cited. Each listing should include the complete citation information (author, title, year of publication, place of publication, etc.).

There are all different types of bibliography styles. A citation style is a set of agreed-upon rules for presenting citations in a standard format. It makes it easier to understand citations accurately. The three most common styles are the Modern Language Association (MLA), the American Psychological Association (APA), and the Chicago Manual of Style. Harvard and Oxford are also examples of bibliographic styles.  These styles differ in title, spacing, citations, and numbering style. There are many word processing software programs and online citation creators to change the style.

American Psychological Association (APA)

APA is the citation style generally used social sciences. APA uses an author-date format for in-text citations, at the end of a sentence in the text, in most cases. These citations will then be further listed on the references page.

APA 6th and 7th edition is there.  The 7th edition, published in October 2019, is the most current edition and the 6th edition, published in 2009, is still used by many universities and journals.

•       Bibliography heading: Use "References" as page heading.

•       Use in-text citations. Example: (Jones, 2005)

•      Include page number in in-text citations only in the rare case where a direct quote (placed in quotation marks) is used. Example: (Jones, 2005, p. 79)

•      Author's name: In References, use only the initials of first and middle names.

•    Two authors: For in-text citations, name both authors the first time a source is mentioned. Example: (Weterle & Sołtysiak, 2005). In subsequent in-text citations for the same work, continue to name both authors.

•    Three to five authors: For in-text citations, list up to 5 authors the first time a source is mentioned. Example: (Chen, Wu, Kee, Lin, & Shui, 2009). In subsequent in-text citations for the same work, use the first author and et al. Example: (Chen et al., 2009).

•       More than five authors: If there are more than 5 authors, use et al. Example: (Takeuchi et al., 2014).

•       Year of publication: In References, place it right after author's name.

•       Article title: Use sentence case.

•       Journal title: Capitalize all major words in journal titles.

•       Journal issue numbers:  Include the journal issue number (if available) along with the volume number.

•       Website title:  Use sentence case.

•       Online resources: Give the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL.

•       Indentation: In your References, all lines after the first line of each entry should be indented one-half inch from the left margin.

Modern Language Association (MLA)

MLA or Modern Language Association is a writing style designed for humanities or arts. The in-text citations for MLA are author-date. At the end of the sentence, author name will be listed which will then help readers find the reference.

•        Bibliography heading: Use "Works Cited" as page heading.

•        Use in-text citations. Example: (Wordsworth 262)

•     Core elements: No strict format rules for different types of sources.  There are 9 "core elements" common to most sources which can be arranged in a flexible way in Works Cited list.  The nine core elements are: Author. "Title of the Source." Title of the Container, Other contributors, Version, Number, Publisher, Publication date, Location.

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) or Turabian Style

Chicago Manual of Style (CMOS) is a professional writing style that uses endnotes and bibliographies or author-date and references. Turabian is a student version of the Chicago Manual of Style.

•         Chicago has two systems. The "Notes & Bibliography" system uses footnotes or endnotes. The "Author-Date" system uses in-text citations.

•         Example footnote: 2. Scott Lash, Economies of Signs (London: SAGE, 1993), 241.

•         Example in-text citation: (Pollan 2006, 99–100)

•         Bibliography heading: Use "Bibliography" as page heading.

•         Online resources: Give the URL, DOI (Digital Object Identifier), or database name.

Citation Managers are tools that help with in-text citations, endnotes, footnotes, and bibliographies. RefWorks, Zotero, EndNote, Mendeley, Citationsy, etc are examples.

Citing Sources - References and Bibliography

When we write academic papers, we include a list of sources that we use to write the paper. There are two main ways to list these sources, either a reference list or a bibliography.

References include sources that are directly cited in the paper. For each source, you will have at least one in-text citation in the body of your paper. The citation styles that use reference lists include APA citations, AMA citations, and MLA citations.

Bibliographies contain all the sources that are used for the paper, whether they are directly cited or not. In a bibliography, we should include all materials that we have consulted in preparing the paper. Chicago citations and Oxford citations are two citation styles that use bibliographies.

Both reference lists and bibliographies appear at the end of a written work. A paper can have both a reference list and a bibliography.

References

• Research Methodology, Methods and techniques, 2^nd revised edition, CR Kothari, New Age International (P) Limited, Publishers
• Research Methodology in the Medical and Biological sciences, Edited by Petter Laake Haakon Breien Benestad and Bjørn Reino Olsen
• Research Methodology a step-by-step guide for beginners, Ranjit Kumar, Sage Publishers
• https://thesishub.org/thesis-components-functions-and-characteristics/
• http://languages.ait.ac.th/main-components-of-a-masters-thesis-or-dissertation/
• https://student.unsw.edu.au/introductions
• https://gradschool.unc.edu/academics/thesis-diss/guide/ordercomponents.html
• https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide/results
• https://middlebury.libguides.com/citation/citationtools