Writing your graduate thesis

Basic element of a thesis

• Hypothesis: what is the problem and what do you see as the solution?
• Literature Review: what have others learned about the problem?
• Methodology: What did you do towards finding a solution?
• Results: What did you observe?
• Conclusion/Discussion: What do you make of this?
• Summary: repeat everything in a simple and clear way
• References: who did you cite
• Appendices:  extra parts of your work readers need to see

Stages of writing a thesis

Research phase

• Set a schedule: create a deadline
• Know your method:
  • Qualitative?
  • Quantitative?
  • Ethnography?
  • Statistics?

• Read widely
• Organize your papers
• Keep a Study Journal:
  • Meetings with advisor
  • Thoughts, ideas, feelings,
  • New knowledge, reactions, question
• Become familiar with your documentation guide (APA, MLA, IEEE etc.)
• Choose a topic and focus
• Always review your plans with your thesis advisor and keep them informed about your progress

Proposal phase

• Read examples of other proposals
• Plan your proposal: Thesis, Title, Headings, and Key Terms
• Prepare “Review of Literature” and “Methodology”
• Identify implications and assumptions
• Write and revise

Format for the Concordia Thesis

• Consult the regulations and guidelines for thesis preparation at the School of Graduate Studies website site:
• Thesis Preparation and Thesis Examination Regulations

A few tips for your writing phase

• Provide an introduction that…
  • Summarizes the question (problem)
  • Explains why the study is worthwhile
  • Provides an overview of the main results
  • Outlines your thesis
• Provide a thorough discussion of your results
• Support claims
• Keep your conclusions concise, and maintain correct, clear and simple language
• Use headings and sub-headings that clearly indicate content
• Be very vigilant with your citations and references