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What is a thesis?

This guide explores the concept of a thesis, detailing its significance in academic research. It covers the distinction between theses and dissertations, the methodologies involved, and outlines acceptable project types, emphasizing the importance of originality and leadership in research. Key tips for finding suitable thesis topics, forming a committee, and creating a concise thesis proposal are also provided. A solid understanding of the thesis process is essential for successful academic achievements, especially in fields like nutritional sciences.

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What is a thesis?

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  1. What is a thesis? the·sis/ˈTHēsis/ Noun: 1. A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved: "can you support your thesis?". 2. (in Hegelian philosophy) A proposition forming the first stage in the process of dialectical reasoning. • A research project of defined scope that sets to support or refute a hypothesis using the scientific method. Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  2. What is the scientific method? Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  3. Does the thesis have to be hypothesis driven? • No, the thesis does not have to be a hypothesis driven study that would be addressed using an analytic or experimental research design. Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  4. What other types of projects may fulfill the thesis requirement? • Descriptive studies • Program evaluation • Policy analysis Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  5. What projects are not acceptable as theses? • Literature review • Group project • Although the thesis may be part of a collaborative project or extension of a collaborative project • The student must have a lead role • Class or practicum project • Although the thesis can be an extension of work that began as a class paper, project or practicum Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  6. What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation? • Size and scope • Expectations • Level of independence • Products (publications) • Primary data collection component Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  7. Do you need to do your own data collection? • NO • Many MS/MPH thesis projects are secondary data analyses • BUT • You are expected to develop your own hypothesis(es) or take the lead role on a project Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  8. How do you go about finding a thesis project? • The 3 Ls • Look • Listen • Learn • Have a clear idea of: • Your interests • Your strengths • Your limitations Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  9. Are there examples of past projects? • YES • Student room • These are pretty old though because students are no longer required to provide bound hard copies • Library • Search for electronic thesis and dissertation projects • Our web page • Nutritional Sciences Program Web Page • Publications Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  10. Who needs to be on your thesis committee? • Chair must have graduate faculty status • Use the graduate faculty status locator • Additional member can be Core or ID NSP faculty Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  11. What should you look for in a committee chair? • Someone you like and can get along with • Someone who is willing to give you the level of mentoring you desire • Someone who is doing research you are interested in • Avoid “shopping” for a committee chair! Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  12. What is an appropriate timeline for tackling a thesis? • Autumn – Winter Year 1 → the 3 Ls • “Homework” for N529A • Winter – Spring Year 1 → narrow the field • Develop 2-3 leads • Spring – Summer Year 1 → hone in • Portfolio • Autumn Year 2 → thesis proposal Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  13. What is a thesis proposal? • Concise 2-3 page description of thesis • Standard NSP format for N529B • Ensures everyone is on the same page • Project is worthy of study and is of sufficient scope • Methods and measures agreed upon • Key Point: ask for clarification BEFORE you start the work • Address limitations and how to overcome them in the beginning not at the end when it is too late Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

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