The Thesis Prospectus

Thus far this term, you have developed a research question and topic, developed a substantial annotated bibliography related to that question, explored the various positions related to that issue (for,against, and neutral),and have finally argued a specific position related to your topic.

Now, with weeks of research behind you, it is time to develop the thesis prospectus that will outline the work that you plan to do for your thesis in RSCH 4020 under the advisement of your chosen faculty member.

The prospectus should be a minimum of 10 full pages and include the following sections:

Purpose:

The thesis prospectus should define a worthy and manageable research project for both the student and the student’s thesis committee chair. The research project proposed in the prospectus should make a valuable and original contribution to the literature on the subject of the study. Additionally, the proposed project should be realistically viable given constraints on time, student preparation, faculty specializations, access to the necessary research archives, etc. In short, the prospectus should demonstrate that the project is worth doing, and can be done in an appropriate amount of time. In this regard a thesis prospectus performs the same function as a grant application, serving both as a justification for the work and a feasibility study.

In general, the prospectus should:

 - shows excellent writing skills;

  -demonstrate the student's understands the project's relevance to the field of study and beyond;

  -demonstrate the ability to apply theories and methods of research, and apply theories and methods of research, analysis, or interpretation, or artistic techniques as appropriate to the field;

 - include cited and appropriate sources;

 -examine critically the work of other scholars or artists and relate that work to the thesis;

  shows evidence of promise to contribute original research, ideas, knowledge, interpretations, or creative expression at a level appropriate for undergraduate study, such that the thesis goes beyond describing existing work.

A thesis prospectus must include:

1. An abstract (1 page)

2.  An introduction (2-3 pages)

3. A review of the relevant literature (4 - 6 pages)

4. A chapter outline (2-3 pages)

5.  Conclusion (1-2 pages)

6. An annotated bibliography.

The Abstract: The abstract is a succinct summary, running no more than a single page, which clearly defines the research question the thesis will address and explains how the student will answer the research question.

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:  

Purpose: “The purpose of this study....” (one sentence). 

Methods: Usually one to two sentences on how this study was conducted and who 

the sample or population was.  

Results: Usually two to three brief sentences on the major findings from the study. 

Conclusion: One to two sentences on the major implications or ramifications from 

the study.  

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 the relevant academic disciplines. 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.  

The introduction 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.  

Literature Review: The prospectus itself begins with a review on the relevant secondary literature on the topic the research question addresses. This review should run no longer than five pages, and should provide a strong historical overview of the subject.

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.  

Provides the rationale for hypotheses (if stated).  

Chapter Outline: This section explains how the student will organize and present the material incorporated into the thesis.  

Conclusion:  Return to your research question and argue how your research plan will add to the existing academic conversation and will add value to others' understanding of it.

Annotated Bibliography: The prospectus concludes with a list of the major works relevant to the thesis project, including but not limited to the secondary works discussed in the Literature Review section of the prospectus. The bibliography should also include citations for the primary sources; the primary and secondary sources should be listed separately. The student must briefly describe these sources and indicate how they will contribute to the research project.

This assignment is worth 100 points (25%) of the overall course grade.