D.A. Sonnenfeld, Instructor
Fall 2015
EST 603, Research Methods and Design – Handout #2
Typical Timetable for Master's Thesis Research
Year 1
Fall
August
• Meet with advisor(s) to discuss preliminary thesis ideas, possible data sources, collaborations
September
•
•
•
Draft preliminary research question
Commence review of prior scholarship/ bibliographic research
Begin preliminary/ secondary research
October
•
Draft expanded research question
November
•
•
Submit "Appointment of Steering Committee" form 2A for review and approval
Initial contact w/ agency, organization, community or other potential research sponsor/ local host
December
•
Complete preliminary research proposal
Spring
January
•
•
•
Commence in-depth course on particular research method(s) (e.g. survey research methods)
Participate in EST 797 Environmental Studies Research Seminar (1 cr) or similar course
Further develop relationship with prospective research sponsor/ local host
February
•
•
•
•
•
•
Complete draft of research proposal; review with Steering Committee
Review research design with sponsor/ host agency; request formal letter of affiliation
Commence detailed design for data collection, including of pilot testing as appropriate
Begin drafting literature review chapter
Begin drafting research methods thesis chapter, including (empty) data tables as appropriate
Draft Human Subjects application, including for pilot testing
March
•
•
•
•
Submit Human Subjects application via Major Professor to ESF ORP/ SU IRB for review
Upon receiving IRB approval, carry out pilot testing; submit amendments to IRB as needed
Complete preliminary draft of literature review chapter
Complete preliminary draft of research methods chapter
April
•
Finalize research proposal; submit to Steering Committee, Program Coordinator
EST 603
-2 -
Fall 2015
Summer
May 15 – August 15
•
•
•
Data collection
For field-based, qualitative (or multi-methods) research, write up daily/ weekly field notes
Begin data processing, clean up, as feasible
Year 2
Fall
August
•
•
Commence XXX 899, Thesis Research
Continue data processing; commence data analysis
September
•
Analyze and interpret data
October
•
•
Informally present preliminary research findings to your colleagues or lab group
Draft research findings chapter
November
•
•
•
Meet with Steering Committee to review preliminary research findings, discuss conclusions
Submit "Request for Thesis Examination Committee" form (5B) – appointment of Examiner and
Defense Committee Chair, for Program Coordinator and Graduate School review and approval
Draft introduction and conclusion chapters
Spring
January
•
Continue XXX 899, Thesis Research
February
•
•
Complete full thesis draft; submit to Thesis Examination Committee for review
Report draft research findings to host or sponsor of research activities, for feedback
March
•
•
•
Capstone presentation; thesis defense
Present findings at ESF Spotlight on Research and/or scholarly/ professional conference
Submit one or more papers based on your research for publication in scholarly journals
April
•
•
Make final revisions, corrections to thesis
Submit thesis to ESF Graduate School
May
•
Graduation!