Writing a thesis is a recursive process, so it is important to carefully plan the writing of the thesis at an early stage, and to monitor progress against that plan. Just as it is important to plan the writing of the thesis, it is also important to plan the structure of the thesis itself. Because a thesis is a large document, it is paramount that the thesis is written in such a way that is clear to the reader. A good rule of thumb for structuring a thesis is to move from the old to the new, so that the reader has a familiar backdrop to the new content that is contained within the thesis. The structure of a thesis depends heavily on the specific aims of the thesis, and the practices of the discipline in which the thesis is being produced. The language and style of the thesis must be aligned to the target audience, not only the discipline within which the thesis is being produced within, but also any specific audience outside of that discipline. Writing is for reading. This means that not only must the thesis be written from a writer's point of view (i.e. focussing on how convincingly thesis is), but also from a reader's point of view (i.e. focussing on the ideas within the thesis). The entire thesis must flow, it must present ideas clearly and logically, use appropriate language, style and presentation methods, and argue the writer's case convincingly. How to write a thesis depends almost entirely on what the thesis is intended to do, and to whom. Once the target audience and the aims of the thesis are established, the process of writing the thesis becomes an iterative cycle of planning and monitoring progress on one hand, and writing drafts, and incorporating feedback on the other.
The recursive process of writing a thesis often begins with a research diary or journal, in which the researcher jots down ideas, decisions, or events related to their research. The research journal should be always kept up-to-date. Writing a thesis is an immersive and time consuming activity, and it is very easy to lose track of thoughts, details, or important meetings and deadlines. Research journals are usually informal notes, as opposed to the more formal, technical style that would be required when writing an article, a report, or a research proposal. A research journal, and more formal documents produced during the process of research could all end up either in a thesis, or as a starting point for a thesis. Any documents relating to research are all part of the recursive process of writing a thesis.
An important part of the process of writing a thesis is receiving feedback and incorporating it in subsequent drafts or documentation. Understanding the feedback that has been provided is critical, and where any uncertainty exists, it is best to seek clarification. The process of producing drafts is part of the recursive process of writing a thesis. Regardless of the documentation that is being produced, whether it is a research proposal or a full-blown thesis, refining the writing on the basis of feedback received is an iterative process that constantly seeks to narrow the focus of the piece of writing, and to clarify the ideas contained within it. For example;
- first draft > focus on overall content
- later drafts > clarity of presentation and integration of concepts and ideas
- final draft > accuracy
Receiving feedback from peers and supervisors is an integral part of the scientific research process, and represents a valuable way of critically and independently assessing ideas, so that the end result is as close to the truth as it can be. If the feedback is being received from part of the target audience for the thesis, it is even more important that the feedback is incorporated into the thesis, so as not to prejudice the reception of the final thesis.
How to actually write a thesis, as in write the content, is a process that requires not only an understanding of the target audience, but also some skill in rationally presenting an argument, and in constructing and representing knowledge. Presenting an argument is traditionally approached by putting forward ideas or theories, and then advancing evidence and / or logical argument to support the ideas or theories. A thesis written within one of the psychological / sociological disciplines, for example, may include first-person narrative. Again, the style of the writing and of the thesis itself must be addressed to the target audience, and conform to the mores of the discipline within which the thesis is being written.
The structure of the thesis is as integral to how the thesis is written, as it is to how the thesis is received. Structures vary widely, but the following is a good starting point from which to understand how a thesis may be structured;
- Introduction; serves to locate the thesis within a particular theoretical field, and to outline the aims of the thesis.
- Literature review; provides a theoretical overview of the relevant research that informs the thesis, and defines the scope of the thesis, often concluding with a specific question or area for investigation.
- Methodology; describes and justifies the approach that has been taken to carrying out and analysing the research that underpins the thesis.
- Analysis; presents the data produced by the research, and interprets the data in terms of the thesis.
- Conclusion; summarises the main findings of the analysis, and relocates the findings within the original theoretical field. Also used to critique the thesis itself, to provide a basis for future research.
In conclusion, writing a thesis involves a number of skills that all make a significant contribution to the process of writing, and to the outcome of that process; how the reader understands the thesis. Considering how readers will read the thesis, and writing the thesis from that perspective is the key to successfully writing a thesis. Everything else with the process of writing a thesis stems from understanding and addressing the target audience.
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