How To Write Your First Thesis

Description

Many courses and degrees require that students write a short thesis. This book guides students through their first experience of producing a thesis and undertaking original research. Written by experienced researchers and advisors, the book sets out signposts and tasks to help students to understand what is needed to succeed, including scoping a topic, managing references, interpreting data, and successful completion. For students, the task of writing a thesis is a transition from structured coursework to becoming a researcher. The book provides advice on: • What to expect from research and how to work with a supervisor • Getting organized and approaching the work in a productive way • Developing an overall thesis structure and avoidance of mistakes such as inadvertent plagiarism • Producing each major component: a strong introduction, background chapters that are situated in the discipline, and an explanation of methods and results that are crucial to successful original research • How to wrap up a complex project with an extended checklist of the many details needed to be checked before a final submission Producing and managing a thesis for the first time can be a daunting task, and this reader-friendly guidebook provides a framework for students to do their best. Front Matter ....Pages i-xiii Transition to Your First Thesis (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 1-12 Getting Organized (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 13-24 The Structure of a Thesis (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 25-35 A Strong Beginning: The Introduction (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 37-41 Situating the Study: The Background (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 43-51 Explaining the Investigation: Methods and Innovations (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 53-58 Presenting the Outcome: The Results (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 59-70 Wrapping it up: Discussion and Conclusion (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 71-78 Before You Submit (Paul Gruba, Justin Zobel)....Pages 79-90 Back Matter ....Pages 91-95