Research Tip #11- Writing your thesis-
Thesis Structure
Thesis Structure
One of the
scholars I met today inspired me to write chapter by chapter tips for writing a
thesis. I thought of giving it a try. This will be thus, the first in a series
of such blog posts. I want to begin with a disclaimer and this blog post
is just that.
scholars I met today inspired me to write chapter by chapter tips for writing a
thesis. I thought of giving it a try. This will be thus, the first in a series
of such blog posts. I want to begin with a disclaimer and this blog post
is just that.
There is no longer a set format that is followed for writing your thesis. The
world over, theses have evolved and adapted to suit the needs of the
disciplines in which they are undertaken as well as the specific topic of
research. However, many universities and departments still demand a particular
format or writing style. You would be advised well to find out the requirements
of your supervisor, your department and the university as the first step. If
you are not satisfied with what requirements are set for you, or if you just
happen to be more adventurous (or rebellious), the next step is to find out the
level of flexibility that you enjoy as a scholar. Some supervisors/
departments/ universities will not accept a thesis that are not in the format
desired by them. This not just includes the font size, spacing, page margins,
etc. but also the chapterisation.
A typical thesis
structure is likely to have five chapters:
structure is likely to have five chapters:
Chapter 1:
Introduction
Introduction
Chapter 2:
Review of Related Literature
Review of Related Literature
Chapter 3:
Research Methodology
Research Methodology
Chapter 4: Data
Presentation
Presentation
Chapter 5:
Findings and Conclusions
Findings and Conclusions
While other theses will vary from this
structure, they will definitely include all of these in some form or the other.
The Introduction, for example, may be written as the Background and Rationale
of the study. The Review may be combined with the Conceptual Framework. In some
studies, mostly from outside India, I have seen some thesis have ten to twelve
chapters as well. The main threads of the conceptual framework become individual
chapters. Several chapters are devoted to presenting thick descriptions of the
field and for data analysis. My limitation here is that I have only read theses
in the social sciences, particularly those involving case studies, life stories
or ethnographic approaches. Thus, I am unaware if this is applicable to other
research designs and disciplines as well. To be a bit more clear, I have read
theses in the disciplines of Education, Psychology, Anthropology, and Religious
Studies.
structure, they will definitely include all of these in some form or the other.
The Introduction, for example, may be written as the Background and Rationale
of the study. The Review may be combined with the Conceptual Framework. In some
studies, mostly from outside India, I have seen some thesis have ten to twelve
chapters as well. The main threads of the conceptual framework become individual
chapters. Several chapters are devoted to presenting thick descriptions of the
field and for data analysis. My limitation here is that I have only read theses
in the social sciences, particularly those involving case studies, life stories
or ethnographic approaches. Thus, I am unaware if this is applicable to other
research designs and disciplines as well. To be a bit more clear, I have read
theses in the disciplines of Education, Psychology, Anthropology, and Religious
Studies.
What is important here is to understand that theses structure varies from one
department to another. Once you have established the degree of flexibility that
you have, you can go ahead and discuss a rough chapterisation with your
supervisor. This may change later but is likely to guide you through the
writing process.
The chapterisation, when developed, should
not just have the chapter headings, but also a rough outline of what all you
plan to fit into the chapter. This can be in the form of notes or a brief
description of the chapter. In all probability this will not be a part of your
thesis. So it has to be written in a manner that you understand it best.
not just have the chapter headings, but also a rough outline of what all you
plan to fit into the chapter. This can be in the form of notes or a brief
description of the chapter. In all probability this will not be a part of your
thesis. So it has to be written in a manner that you understand it best.
More detailed chapter wise discussion for
subsequent blogs. Feedback and questions can be sent over email.
subsequent blogs. Feedback and questions can be sent over email.
Happy writing!