What is a thesis? the·sis/ ˈ THēsis/ Noun: 1. A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved: "can you support your thesis?". 2. (in Hegelian philosophy) A proposition forming the first stage in the process of dialectical reasoning. A research project of defined scope that sets to support or refute a hypothesis using the scientific method. Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What is the scientific method? Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

Does the thesis have to be hypothesis driven? No, the thesis does not have to be a hypothesis driven study that would be addressed using an analytic or experimental research design. Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What other types of projects may fulfill the thesis requirement? Descriptive studies Program evaluation Policy analysis Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What projects are not acceptable as theses? Literature review Group project –Although the thesis may be part of a collaborative project or extension of a collaborative project The student must have a lead role Class or practicum project –Although the thesis can be an extension of work that began as a class paper, project or practicum Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What is the difference between a thesis and a dissertation? Size and scope Expectations –Level of independence –Products (publications) Primary data collection component Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

Do you need to do your own data collection? NO –Many MS/MPH thesis projects are secondary data analyses BUT –You are expected to develop your own hypothesis(es) or take the lead role on a project Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

How do you go about finding a thesis project? The 3 Ls –Look –Listen –Learn Have a clear idea of: –Your interests –Your strengths –Your limitations Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

Are there examples of past projects? YES –Student room These are pretty old though because students are no longer required to provide bound hard copies –Library Search for electronic thesis and dissertation projects –Our web page Nutritional Sciences Program Web Page –Publications Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

Who needs to be on your thesis committee? Chair must have graduate faculty status –Use the graduate faculty status locator Additional member can be Core or ID NSP faculty Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What should you look for in a committee chair? Someone you like and can get along with Someone who is willing to give you the level of mentoring you desire Someone who is doing research you are interested in Avoid “shopping” for a committee chair! Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What is an appropriate timeline for tackling a thesis? 1.Autumn – Year 1 → the 3 Ls “Homework” for N529A 2.Early Winter – Year 1 → the 3 Ls Faculty Presentations 3.Mid Winter – Spring Year 1 → narrow the field Develop 2-3 leads 4.Spring – Summer Year 1 → hone in Portfolio 5.Autumn Year 2 → thesis proposal Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan

What is a thesis proposal? Concise 2-3 page description of thesis –Standard NSP format for N529B Ensures everyone is on the same page –Project is worthy of study and is of sufficient scope –Methods and measures agreed upon Key Point: ask for clarification BEFORE you start the work –Address limitations and how to overcome them in the beginning not at the end when it is too late Revised 11/25/14Nutritional Sciences - Thesis 101 G. Duncan