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.
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
What is the scientific method?
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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.
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
What other types of projects may
fulfill the thesis requirement?
• Descriptive studies
• Program evaluation
• Policy analysis
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
What is the difference between
a thesis and a dissertation?
• Size and scope
• Expectations
– Level of independence
– Products (publications)
• Primary data collection component
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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!
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
What is an appropriate timeline for
tackling a thesis?
1. Autumn – Year 1 → the 3 Ls
• “Homework” for N529A
2. Early Winter – Year 1 → the 3 Ls
•
Faculty Presentations
3. Mid Winter – Spring Year 1 → narrow the field
•
Develop 2-3 leads
4. Spring – Summer Year 1 → hone in
•
Portfolio
5. Autumn Year 2 → thesis proposal
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Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan
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
Revised 11/25/14
Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan