6 Classical thesis report

Question 1

crucial criteria for a good thesis

Answer 1

Coherence, logical argumentation and empirical underpinnings

You should convince the audience that if they would have done the research, they would have come to the same conclusions. Since the audience expects convincing indications of proof that your conclusions are valid, you need to make sure that your conclusions can be traced back to your empirical data.

Question 2

Title

Answer 2

The title should be the shortest summary of what you want to tell, and also keep the title short. The title might have a subtitle, but only if it really is necessary for understanding the main title. Everything else can be said in the introduction. The title should be inviting, intriguing, should seduce the reader to start reading.

Question 3

Preface

Answer 3

A preface is usually more a kind of a personal note, which is often written only after the whole report is already completed. It reflects on why the topic of your research catches your personal interest. How you experience doing the research. It is also here where you can acknowledge the contribution and support of others, not in the last place also the participants in your study.

Question 4

Introduction

Answer 4

The introduction is an important part of your report, and usually is the first full chapter of your report. Here, you set the scene. You briefly tell what you’re up to, and why, and why your contribution is important, and give the reader reason to keep on reading. It is in the introduction where a lot of the seduction of the reader is taking place. Here, you show why your research is going to be interesting, and maybe even path-breaking.

Question 5

Theory section

Answer 5

In the theory section, you provide an in-depth overview of previous research on the topic. Without an overview it’s not possible to indicate your relevance.

In your theory chapter, you do not just summarize what is already known, but also compare different viewpoints, link previous findings to your approach, et cetera. To position yourself in contrast, or aligning yourself with other researchers.

Your theoretical framework is the lens with which you look at your empirical case.

Question 6

Methods section

Answer 6

Within the methods section, you discuss the methodological choices you have made. The problem definition and the objective determine the method.

Question 7

Results section

Answer 7

In the results section, results are presented systematically and logically.

Results must answer the research questions and test, or underpin, the theoretical framework. Build on concepts that have already been presented.

Use empirical data in the form of exemplary, telling quotes, photos, or examples, as illustrations which support your argumentation. If you make a specific claim, let the reader see how you get there.

Question 8

Conclusions

Answer 8

In qualitative research, usually, many of the conclusions are already step by step developed in the results section. Separating results from discussion and conclusion is often not a feasible option in qualitative research. So, in the concluding chapter, you usually summarize what has been developed before. I

n the conclusion, you can include summary of arguments so far, but you should go beyond summarizing and discuss what the implications of your findings are, for praxis and for science, what the limitations are of your research, and what ideas you have for further research.

Question 9

Components of a critical thesis report

Answer 9

1. tilte
2. preface
3. table of contents
4. introduction
5. theory section
6. methods section
7. results section
8. conclusions

Question 10

The Importance of Reflexivity

Answer 10

It is important to recognize that the researcher(s) play(s) a major part in shaping the ‘narrative’ in a qualitative research report. Research findings are not independent facts, but rather subjective interpretations of documents, observations and participant accounts. This requires reflexivity on the part of the researcher.

Reflexivity refers to a process in which the researcher recognizes that their own beliefs influence the way they have interpreted the data.

Reflexivity holds two components. First, you should describe your experience with the phenomenon you are researching. Second, you should explain how this experience shapes your interpretation of the findings.

By displaying your reflexivity and your positionality, you create more transparency, and you strengthen the credibility of your story.