How to Write a Research Thesis: Guidelines Explained

What is a thesis?

A Research thesis is a statement, theory, argument, proposal or proposition, which is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. It explains the stand someone takes on an issue and how the person intends to justify the stand.

It is always better to pick a topic that will be able to render professional help, a topic that you will be happy to talk about with anybody, a topic you have personal interest and passion for, because when writing a thesis gets frustrating personal interest, happiness and passion coupled with the professional help it will be easier to write a great thesis (see you through the thesis).

One has to source for a lot of information concerning the topic one is writing a thesis on in order to know the important question, because for you to take a good stand on an issue you have to study the evidence first.

Qualities of a good thesis

A good thesis has the following qualities

• A good thesis must solve an existing problem in the society, organisation, government among others.
• A good thesis should be contestable, it should propose a point that is arguable which people can agree with or disagree.
• It is specific, clear and focused.
•  A good thesis does not use general terms and abstractions.  
• The claims of a good thesis should be definable and arguable.
• It anticipates the counter-arguments
• It does not use unclear language
• It avoids the first person. (“In my opinion”)
• A strong thesis should be able to take a stand and not just taking a stand but should be able to justify the stand that is taken, so that the reader will be tempted to ask questions like how or why.
• The thesis should be arguable, contestable, focused, specific, and clear. Make your thesis clear, strong and easy to find.
• The conclusion of a thesis should be based on evidence.

Thesis Outline

A thesis outline serves as a roadmap for organizing ideas, arguments, and evidence logically. It ensures consistency and coherence throughout the document. Below is a general outline for a thesis:

1. Title Page
   • Title of the thesis.
   • Author’s name.
   • Institutional affiliation.
   • Submission date.
2. Abstract
   • A concise summary of the research, including objectives, methods, key findings, and conclusions.
3. Acknowledgments
   • Express gratitude to individuals or organizations that supported the research.
4. Table of Contents
   • List of headings and subheadings with corresponding page numbers.
5. List of Figures and Tables (if applicable)
   • Include all visual elements like charts, graphs, and tables with page numbers.
6. Introduction
   • Background of the study.
   • Research problem or question.
   • Objectives or hypotheses.
   • Significance of the research.
7. Literature Review
   • Overview of relevant theories and previous research.
   • Identification of research gaps.
8. Methodology
   • Research design.
   • Data collection and analysis methods.
   • Ethical considerations.
9. Results
   • Presentation of data and key findings.
10. Discussion
    • Interpretation of findings.
    • Comparison with existing literature.
    • Implications of the study.
11. Conclusion
    • Summary of findings.
    • Limitations of the research.
    • Recommendations for future studies.
12. References
    • A complete list of all sources cited in the thesis.
13. Appendices (if applicable)
    • Supplementary material such as survey instruments, raw data, or detailed calculations.

Thesis Structure

1. Title Page

The title page includes essential details about the thesis, such as the title, author’s name, program, supervisor, and submission date. Ensure compliance with your institution’s formatting guidelines.

2. Abstract

An abstract is a brief overview of the entire thesis, typically 150–300 words. It provides readers with a summary of the research question, methods, results, and significance.

3. Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments allow you to thank supervisors, colleagues, funding agencies, and others who contributed to your work.

4. Introduction

The introduction sets the stage for the research by explaining:

• Background: Contextualize the research topic.
• Research Problem: Define the problem your study addresses.
• Objectives: State what the research aims to achieve.
• Scope: Outline the boundaries of the research.
• Significance: Highlight the importance of the research for the academic field or practical applications.

5. Literature Review

This section provides a critical analysis of existing research related to the topic. It:

• Discusses key theories and studies.
• Identifies gaps or unresolved issues.
• Justifies the need for the current research.

6. Methodology

The methodology explains how the research was conducted, including:

• Design: Whether the study is qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
• Participants: Description of the sample or population.
• Data Collection: Methods used (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
• Analysis: Techniques for analyzing data (e.g., statistical tests, thematic analysis).

7. Results

This section presents the findings without interpretation. Use tables, charts, and graphs to display data clearly.

8. Discussion

interprets the findings in relation to the research questions and existing literature. Address:

• Patterns or Trends: Highlight significant results.
• Implications: Discuss how the findings contribute to theory or practice.
• Limitations: Acknowledge constraints or challenges faced.

9. Conclusion

Summarize the research, emphasizing its contributions and the significance of the findings. Suggest areas for future research.

10. References

List all sources cited, formatted according to the required citation style (e.g., Vancouver, APA, MLA, Chicago).

11. Appendices

Include supplementary material that supports the main text but is too detailed for inclusion in the main body.

Steps followed to Write thesis

First, think about good topics and theories that you can write before writing the thesis, then pick a topic. The topic or thesis statement is derived from a review of existing literature in the area of study that the researcher wants to explore. This route is taken when the unknowns in an area of study are not yet defined. Some areas of study have existing problems yearning to be solved and the drafting of the thesis topic or statement revolves around a selection of one of these problems.

Step 1: Choose a Research Topic

• Select a topic that aligns with your interests and academic goals.
• Ensure the topic is specific, relevant, and feasible.

Step 2: Conduct a Literature Review

• Review existing studies to understand the research landscape.
• Identify gaps or unresolved questions.

Step 3: Define Research Objectives and Questions

• Clearly articulate what the study aims to achieve.
• Develop specific and measurable research questions or hypotheses.

Step 4: Develop a Research Plan

• Choose an appropriate methodology.
• Outline data collection and analysis procedures.
• Seek ethical approval if required.

Step 5: Draft the Thesis Outline

• Create a detailed outline based on the sections and sub-sections described earlier.

Step 6: Write the Thesis

1. Start with the Introduction, providing context and stating the research objectives.
2. Expand the Literature Review to critically discuss prior studies.
3. Describe the Methodology with sufficient detail for replication.
4. Present Results clearly using visual aids as needed.
5. Interpret the results in the Discussion, relating them to the research objectives.
6. Conclude the thesis by summarizing key findings and suggesting future directions.

Step 7: Proof Reading, Edit & Revise

• Review the thesis for clarity, coherence, and accuracy.
• Ensure adherence to formatting and citation guidelines.
• Once you’re done writing, the next part of your editing process begins. Leave plenty of time for proofreading and editing prior to submission. Nothing looks worse than grammar mistakes or sloppy spelling errors!

Step 8: Submit and Defend

• Submit the completed thesis for review.
• Prepare for the oral defense by anticipating questions and rehearsing answers.

REFERENCES

1. George, T. (2024, April 16). What Is a Thesis? | Ultimate Guide & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved January 13, 2025, from https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/thesis/
2. Murray, R. (2011). How to Write a Thesis. Open University Press.
3. Swales, J. M., & Feak, C. B. (2012). Academic Writing for Graduate Students. University of Michigan Press.
4. Hamid, Mohamed. (2013). How to Write a Research Proposal and a Thesis: A Manual for Students and Researchers [Paperback].
5. Mauch, J. E., & Birch, J. W. (2010). Guide to the Successful Thesis and Dissertation. CRC Press.

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