What are the elements of my research proposal and completed project?
Undergraduate thesis projects mirror master's thesis projects but the scope of the study and final product are usually scaled down considerably. Our discipline typically uses a five-chapter approach for theses as shown on the following page. Check with your advisor for additional points. Typical page lengths (double spaced) are shown in parentheses.
1. Cover Page
2. Table of Contents
3. Abstract (150-250 words) :
Provides a summary of the overall study. The format for the abstract usually follows these areas. Please note that you do not label the sections (purpose, methods, etc.), but you include the sentences as described below:
4. Purpose: "The purpose of this study...." (one sentence).
5. Methods: Usually one to two sentences on how this study was conducted and who the sample or population was.
6. Results: Usually two to three brief sentences on the major findings from the study.
7. Conclusion: One to two sentences on the major implications or ramifications from the study.
Chapter 1 - Introduction
- Provides the background and setting needed to put the problem in proper context and justifies the need for the study.
- Contains facts, trends, and points of view (opinions) as drawn from the professional literature in agricultural education and communication and relevant areas. The presentation of these key points should flow from general trends and concerns to the specific problem/challenge that you will address in your thesis research.
- Provides a logical lead-in to a clear statement of the problem, which is followed by the purpose of the study and the research objectives that you will pursue.
- Chapter 1 also includes a list of any assumptions and limitations, as well as a section (Significance of the Study) that explains what groups could potentially benefit from the study and how/why.
Chapter 2 - Review of Literature (4-6 pages)
- Presents the results of previous research related to your study topic, organized by the key variables in your study. A conceptual model showing the relationships among variables related to your research problem can also be included.
- For survey research or other quantitative study, Chapter 2 indicates the theory upon which the study is based. Qualitative studies usually build theory rather than apply or test theory. Thus, in these studies less attention is given to theory in Chapter 2.
- Provides the rationale for hypotheses (if stated).
Chapter 3 - Procedures or Methodology (2-4 pages)
- Describes in detail the step-by-step procedures used in collecting and analyzing data.
- Possible sections of Chapter 3 include research design, subject selection, instrumentation, data collection, data analysis, chapter summary and others. Talk with your advisor about adjustments in this chapter if you are undertaking a qualitative study.
Chapter 4 - Findings (page length varies based on study, usually 4-7 pages)
- Reports all results obtained, including appropriate statistics and descriptions of data.
- Includes facts only - what was found with explanation, but not interpretation or conjecture by the researcher.
- Is organized and written around objectives of the study (research questions or hypotheses).
- Chapter 5 - Summary and Conclusion (typically 3-5 pages)
- Briefly summarizes intent, procedures, and findings of study.
- States conclusions based upon findings (first point in paper where the researcher is allowed to include his or her own interpretations).
- Describes how findings support or refute related studies (Implications for Current Knowledge).
- Describes implications of findings for those groups affected by the program/findings (Implications for Practice).
- Includes recommendations for practice based upon findings and conclusions.
- Includes recommendations for further research.
Appendices
- Includes copies of all correspondence, instrumentation, and other written communication used in carrying out the research.
- Includes special lists (i.e., expert panel members, etc.).
References
- Includes complete bibliographic information for all references cited in the text (use accepted style manual, such as APA).