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What is a thesis?

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 .

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What is a thesis?

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  1. 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. Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  2. What is the scientific method? Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  3. 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. Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  4. What other types of projects may fulfill the thesis requirement? • Descriptive studies • Program evaluation • Policy analysis Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  5. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  6. What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation? • Size and scope • Expectations • Level of independence • Products (publications) • Primary data collection component Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  7. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  8. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  9. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  10. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  11. 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! Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  12. What is an appropriate timeline for tackling a thesis? • Autumn – Winter Year 1 → the 3 Ls • “Homework” for N529A • Winter – Spring Year 1 → narrow the field • Develop 2-3 leads • Spring – Summer Year 1 → hone in • Portfolio • Autumn Year 2 → thesis proposal Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

  13. 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 Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

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