University Thesis Essentials: Research, Types, and Success
Undergraduate Thesis: Definition and Purpose
An undergraduate thesis is a research project required and controlled by the university. Its primary aim is to develop knowledge, attain new insights, and adhere to scientific principles.
University Thesis and Scientific Research Relationship
The relationship lies in applying the rules of the scientific research process to university research.
What is Research?
Research is the act of investigating or inquiring, in its natural and generic sense.
Defining Scientific Research
According to Rummel and Ballaine, scientific research is the systematic use and refinement of specialized tools and procedures to obtain the most appropriate solution to a problem.
Focus of Scientific Research
Scientific research studies factual events and acts that constitute the basic facts of reality.
Characteristics of an Undergraduate Thesis
An undergraduate thesis is based on science because it utilizes scientific theory and implements its tools.
Types of University Theses
- Undergraduate Thesis: A preliminary investigation or first-grade research.
- Master’s Thesis: Exceeds the descriptive level, with explanatory, predictive, or control functions.
- Doctoral Thesis: Primarily undertakes problems within a given reality.
Success Factors for a University Thesis
- Age
- Skills
- Workplace
- University research stimulus
- Knowledge provision
- University environment support
- Social support
- Institutional resources
Common Difficulties in Thesis Writing
- Lack of optimal conditions
- Writing challenges
- Discipline: Choosing the most convenient time, establishing a permanent schedule, balancing study with other activities, and having a dedicated workspace.
- Social and economic conditions
- Time constraints
Key Stages of Thesis Development
The key stages followed to develop a thesis include: preliminary phase, research proposal development, project development, report preparation, and sustainability (the final stage).
Thesis Topic Selection: Who Decides?
Both the institution and the student choose the thesis topic.
Challenges in Choosing a Thesis Topic
- Time required for a research topic
- Limited perspective (experience)
- Absence of clear criteria
- Material conditions
Requirements for Formulating Research Topics
- Specificity
- Scientific value
- Utility
- Feasibility of obtaining information
- Interest in the area
- Relevance
Can Research Focus on a Single Topic?
Yes, research can indeed focus solely on studying a specific topic.
What is a Monograph?
A monograph is a first-degree research project focused on seeking existing knowledge.
Monograph vs. Scientific Research: Key Differences
The primary difference is that a monograph does not seek new knowledge, leading to changes in strategy, methodology, procedures, and resources compared to scientific research.
Importance of Monographic Research in University
The most significant achievement of practicing monographic research at the university is fostering student discipline and personality development.
Skills Developed Through Monographic Research
Monographic research helps students develop abilities in data mining and information retrieval.
Preliminary Exploratory Activity Defined
A preliminary exploratory activity is a set of pre-research actions undertaken by the researcher to ensure a successful investigation.
Importance of Preliminary Exploratory Activity
Preliminary exploratory activity is a crucial step forward, strengthening the formulation of the research topic.
Controlling Preliminary Exploratory Activity
Control of preliminary exploratory activity requires documenting implemented actions and reporting them in a record titled: Preliminary Exploration Activity.
Actions in Preliminary Exploratory Activity
- Searching for publications related to the research topic
- Statistical data collection
- Choosing an advisor (always select an experienced advisor who has time)
- Identifying the most important aspects
- Using imagination in the preliminary inquiry stage
- Identifying sources
- Clarifying ideas
- Preventing difficulties
- Calculating stages
- Determining the workspace
- Applying the criterion of originality of ideas