Although the term "thesis" can be used to describe the central claim of a research or term paper (as in the thesis statement or sentence), it is also a specific type of academic writing. Unlike essays, research and term papers, a thesis (frequently used interchangeably with "dissertation" – see description below) is "a position or proposition that a person (as a candidate for scholastic honors) advances and offers to maintain by argument" (Webster's Third New International Dictionary, 1999). Therefore, unlike the analytical approach used in term papers, a thesis begins with an argument and seeks to support it throughout the study. In addition, in contrast to other types of academic writing, theses must develop something new about a given topic. This specific requirement means that writers of theses must use the various resources they incorporate into their studies to formulate their own original ideas and concepts.
In addition, theses may also include primary research that is conducted specifically for the purpose of writing and developing the thesis. In contrast to secondary resources which are archived information that has been collected in the past for different purposes but which can nevertheless still be applicable to the thesis itself, primary data are information that is uniquely collected for the first time in an effort to support the propositions advanced by the thesis (Dennis & Harris, 2002). Given the abundance of statistical data that has been published on the World Wide Web in recent years, it may be possible to find just what you need to support the thesis propositions, but using this information in an original way is an essential element of the thesis development process. Moreover, some academic institutions require primary research as part of the thesis writing process. Primary research can consist of either qualitative and quantitative data, or a combination of the two, that is developed through the use of questionnaires, face–to–face or telephonic interviews, focus groups and so forth. This originality aspect also represents the distinct contribution that is made by theses and is the essential difference between theses (or dissertations) and other types of academic writing. In addition, theses are usually presented at the master's degree level while dissertations are submitted for a doctoral–level degree.
Generally speaking, most theses include a title page, an abstract, a table of contents, an introductory chapter (this usually includes the background of the issues under consideration, a statement of the problem to be addressed, the rationale in support of the study), a main body consisting of several chapters (usually including a chapter introduction, a review of the relevant literature, discussion, findings, and so forth). Other chapters may include a description of the thesis's methodology, the results of any data analyses and a discussion chapter where appropriate. A list of references is always required for theses, but the citation style that will be used will differ according to the requirements of the academic institution and the area of investigation. As with research and term papers, it is usually a good idea to conduct some preliminary research to help narrow the focus of the thesis and determine how to approach the research process.
Prior to being formally accepted for approval, many academic institutions also require their students to orally defend their theses before a thesis committee which will pose various questions to the writer concerning the rationale used to develop their findings and highlight any deficiencies or gaps in the study. If problems or deficiencies are identified during the oral thesis defense, the student will normally be required to resolve these issues before the thesis is formally accepted for approval by the academic institution.
References
Dennis, C., & Harris, L. (2002). Marketing the e–business. London: Routledge.
Webster's third new international dictionary (1999). Springfield, MA: G. & C. Merriam Co.
