THESIS WRITING 1 - PRELIMS

Blank spot

Unexplored part of the research

Blind spot

Underexplored part of the research

Predatory Journals

Are characterized by false or misleading information, deviation from the best editorial and publication practices, a lack of transparency, and/or the use of aggressive and indiscriminate solicitation practices.

Reconnaisance

The initial investigative phase in research where researchers gather preliminary insights and data. 

CREATE / REVISIT YOUR RECONNAISSANCE

This phase provides a quick assessment of key concepts, terminologies, data, patterns, and areas of interest. Check what is known and what is not yet known. Revisit what you missed or what you included that’s not supposed to be there. Use brainwriting instead of brainstorming

BRAINSTORMING

Share ideas out loud in real time

BRAINWRITING

Writing down ideas silently and sharing later

MIND MAPPING

Used to organize loads of information , which is created around a single concept

CONCEPT  MAPPING

Connecting different concepts through a diagram to have a visual representation of their relationships

TITLE

It should not take up a lot of your time. Least of your priorities. Dynamic and changing from time to time at any point in the study

 

TRUE

T/F : A good title has

• Title Enhancer (Optional)

• Constructs / Variables / Layers of experience clearly stated and identified

• Direction of the study implied or explicitly stated

• Informants / population

• Research locale / setting

ABSTRACT

The preview of the proposal or a completed study. Typically ranges from 150-300 words only (some journals may require a specific limit)

INDICATIVE ABSTRACT

Before data gathering

CONCLUSIVE ABSTRACT

After completion of the study

FALSE

T/F : The thesis proposal should be phrased in the present tense. Use first-person language (ex. We/our) or objective language (ex. The research / the current study / the findings) per the APA 7 guidelines

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Descriptive + Inferential statistics questions.  Enumerate the specific problems that the study intends to answer. Refer to how your title is phrased. The raising of questions should follow how the variables are mentioned in your title. Begin with descriptive statistics questions. End with the inferential statistics questions

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

Central Question (based on design used). Supported by sub-questions. There is only one central question that is stated where the primary line of investigation is inferred. Ensure that the layer of experience or the central experience is evident in your question. Design should be clearly understood

MIXED METHODS 

Raise the SOPs in order of the phrases you will be doing (quanti or quali first).

Exploratory sequential

1. Quali, 2. Quanti

Explanatory Sequential

1. Quanti, 2. Quali

Convergent

you can freely choose which SOP will be stated first

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

There is no strict format for this part. No need for citations. Stakeholders and benefactors should be enumerated (prioritize BES practitioners and your target population). Think beyond the benefits of knowledge/awareness. Emphasize tangible outcomes

DEVELOPMENT 

The effective and combined use of primary and secondary data, anecdotes, testimonies, etc. to build arguments and claims in a study

GRAMMAR

Essential in the construction of the manuscript to convey the intended message universally. It’s highly encouraged to go over one’s grammar to avoid any miscommunication

ORGANIZATION

Considers the effective use of topic sentence  placement, transitions between paragraphs, and the proper placement of headings and sub-headings for a smooth and scholarly read

STYLE

Pertains to how writers use the word usage, sentence structure, and paragraph length. Determines the formality of the written output

DOCUMENT DESIGN

The layout or format of the correspondence or material. Thesis proposal uses Germanic, Harvard style. Journals uses IMRAD style

BACKGROUND OF THE PROBLEM

·       What do we know about the topic?

·       What should I know about the topic?

·       What do previous studies say about this topic?

·       Why is this worth discussing? (rationale)

premise indicators

signals the beginning of an argument or point (o    Since, because, for the reason that, assuming, suppose, as indicated by, as implied by, given that, in view of, for, granted that, one cannot doubt that, etc.)

conclusive indicators

marks the elaboration or resolution of an argument (Therefore, consequently, thus, this means, so, it follows that, shows that, implies that, proves that, leads to, hence, in conclusion, for this reason, accordingly, means that, as a result, etc.)

Review of Related Literature

Designed to provide an overview of sources you have explored while researching a particular topic and demonstrate to your readers how your research fits within a larger field of study

Goal of the RRL

To evaluate a body of literature (ex. Identify connections, contradictions, and gaps) and suggest next steps to solve the research problem