How to
Organize Your
Thesis
Yarma Velazquez Vargas
Thesis
 from
the Greek θέσις, meaning "position",
and refers to an intellectual proposition
 the purpose of the graduate thesis is to
prove that you have made an original
contribution to knowledge
Generic Structure
 Abstract
 Introduction
 Literature
Review
 Method
 Analysis
 Conclusions
 References
 Appendices
First things First… OUTLINE
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Start by making a Table of Contents.
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Listing each section and subsection that you
propose to include. For each section and
subsection, write a brief point-form description of
the contents of that section.
Include a list of references.
2 to 5 pages long
Meet with your thesis chair, review this outline:
Remove unnecessary material (i.e. not directly
related to the problem statement)? Is there missing
material? Then add.
Please approximate dates of completion.
Abstract
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The LAST thing you write
A complete but concise description of your work (200 300 words)
It should include:
 What is the importance of your work?
 What is your research question?
 How did you go about solving or making progress on
the problem?
 What did you use to gather data or what is your
method of analysis?
 What's the answer?
 What are the implications of your answer?
Use the search phrases and keywords that people
looking for your work might use.
Introduction 5-8 pages

Describes the background leading to the project and the
importance of the research. Personal opinions can be part of
this section but your work MUST be grounded in theory (even if
working on an autoethnography or testimonio)
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Start with something interesting, e.g., a quote or story
Introduce your research question.
What is it that you want to know or understand?
How did you get interested in the topic?
If your question has evolved since you have begun, describe the
process.
What is your personal involvement if any?
Tell why there's a need for the study. Why is the study significant?
Cite literature that calls for the need for the research, or the lack of
attention to the topic.
Describe how this study will be useful. What is the goal of this
research project?
What is the significant contribution you will make?
Give a brief description of the upcoming chapters
Literature Review 15-30 pages
 All
published information in your particular
subject area.

Define terms

Define the theories that will inform your
study
 Summarize and then discuss all literature
in your particular subject area.
 How will the theories add to your study?
Methodology 6-10 pages
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Detailed description of the methodology used for your
particular study.
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Identify and describe your research method (e.g., ethnographic study,
focus groups), and your research procedures (e.g., long interviews,
observation).
Cite the major authors who have described your research method.
How the data will be collected, analyzed, and interpreted.
Discuss the potential difficulties & limitations of the collection.
Explain how you will select participants (if relevant).
Describe the procedures you will take to protect the rights of your
informants (e.g. informed consent, human subjects approval, debriefing).
Describe the kind of relationship you intend to have with the participants.
Will you be neutral, collaborative, and objective?
Describe the kind of data you will collect (e.g., field notes from memory,
audio tapes, video
Describe your intended data analysis procedures (coding, sorting, etc.)?
Analysis 20 to 30 pages
 Describe
the themes of your analysis
 This may have one or several sections and
subsections.
 GOAL: to convince the readers that you
answered the question or solved the
problem that you set for yourself.
Discussion/Conclusion 8-15 pages
 What
are the intended and unintended
consequences of your research?
 How did your study answer each of the
research questions?
 What is your conclusion based on the
research?
 What are the limitations of your study?
 What are your recommendations to
other as a result of your study?
General Guidelines
 Remember
to include transition
paragraphs.
 Do the work for your reader.
 Meet frequently with your advisor.
 Make the thesis a priority.
 Meet regularly with others in you cohort
for support.