1. Developing a Thesis Proposal (and getting it approved!) Tom Sork Department of Educational Studies University of British Columbia January 25, 2010

2. A Few Caveats Expectations vary By discipline/program By supervisor/committee Differences between “empirical” and “theoretical/conceptual” research Most advice favors “conventional” rather than “cutting edge” research

3. Content of the Proposal Background/context to “situate” the study Clear and concise purpose/problem statement and research questions Convincing argument that study is worthwhile—the “so what?” question. Your “location” in relation to the research (with relevant personal history)

4. Content of the Proposal (cont.) Critical analysis of relevant research/ theory/concepts; definition of key terms Research procedures, their justification and limitations; ethical considerations Proposed structure of the thesis—a draft table of contents Realistic timeline

5. Length & format of proposals No clear expectations about length, but most are 20-50 double-spaced pages Always attach a cover page with the title, your name and current date Always number the pages consecutively Follow FoGS formatting requirements— they override some style manual rules.

6. Getting it Approved Selling your idea to a supervisor Recruiting committee members Clarifying expectations Negotiating meaning/understanding Hearing and responding to feedback

7. Getting it Approved (cont.) Defending your work without being defensive Clarifying roles and responsibilities Attending to details “Managing” your committee

8. A few tips… Start with a 1-2 page “idea paper” Get feedback from several people Incorporate the best ideas Know why you are rejecting advice Prepare each draft like it is a “final” Decide on a style manual, learn it and use it!

9. A few tips (cont.) A proposal/thesis/dissertation is an extended argument. Your argument should be: carefully organized coherent convincing

10. A few tips (cont.) It’s good to be: unconventional cutting edge creative provocative