Developing Your Research Paper - Thesis & Outline

Read the following sentences from a doctoral thesis introduction. The research topic is Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition (Applied Psychology). Determine what introduction feature is demonstrated in the extract and scroll down to check your response before moving on to the next part of the activity.​ (a)  

Source: Stephanie Kalanj-Mizzi (2021). Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

• Give an overview of the essay and the thesis.
• Introduce the topic
• Introduce your research question(s) or hypothesis
• Give background and context for the topic
• Explain the aim of your research
• Define key terms and concepts

Answer explanation

This extract gives background, context and brief literature review. It is the opening extract of this thesis and outlines the broader research area.

Read the following sentences from a doctoral thesis introduction. The research topic is Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition (Applied Psychology). Determine what introduction feature is demonstrated in the extract and scroll down to check your response before moving on to the next part of the activity.​ (a)  

Source: Stephanie Kalanj-Mizzi (2021). Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

• Give an overview of the essay and the thesis.
• Introduce the topic
• Introduce your research question(s) or hypothesis
• Explain the aim of your research
• Define key terms and concepts
• Give background and context for the topic

Answer explanation

This extract explains the aim of the research. The researcher explains their motivation.

Read the following sentences from a doctoral thesis introduction. The research topic is Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition (Applied Psychology). Determine what introduction feature is demonstrated in the extract and scroll down to check your response before moving on to the next part of the activity.​ (a)  

Source: Stephanie Kalanj-Mizzi (2021). Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

• Give an overview of the essay and the thesis.
• Introduce the topic
• Introduce your research question(s) or hypothesis
• Define key terms and concepts
• Give background and context for the topic
• Explain the aim of your research

Answer explanation

This extract introduces the primary and secondary research questions. It tells the reader exactly what is being researched.

Read the following sentences from a doctoral thesis introduction. The research topic is Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition (Applied Psychology). Determine what introduction feature is demonstrated in the extract and scroll down to check your response before moving on to the next part of the activity.​ (a)  

Source: Stephanie Kalanj-Mizzi (2021). Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

• Give an overview of the essay and the thesis.
• Introduce the topic
• Define key terms and concepts
• Give background and context for the topic
• Explain the aim of your research
• Introduce your research question(s) or hypothesis

Answer explanation

The researcher provides definitions of key terms that are used regarding the specific phenomenon and culture they’re investigating.

Read the following sentences from a doctoral thesis introduction. The research topic is Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition (Applied Psychology). Determine what introduction feature is demonstrated in the extract and scroll down to check your response before moving on to the next part of the activity.​ (a)  

Source: Stephanie Kalanj-Mizzi (2021). Motivations for multiple tattoo acquisition. (Unpublished doctoral dissertation). Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.

• Introduce the topic
• Give an overview of the essay and the thesis.
• Give background and context for the topic
• Explain the aim of your research
• Introduce your research question(s) or hypothesis
• Define key terms and concepts

Answer explanation

The outline of parts of the essay is given here. Note the transition markers like “following” and “finally” to signify the order of content. Transition markers are important for letting your reader know what to expect.

Research question: “How can educators and parents leverage the positive aspects of video games to enhance learning outcomes and social skills in educational and home settings?

Give at least two reasons as to why this is a poorly crafted thesis statement:

“Educators and parents should incorporate video games into educational and home environments, because they help with learning and social skills.”

Research question: “How can educators and parents leverage the positive aspects of video games to enhance learning outcomes and social skills in educational and home settings?

Give at least two reasons as to why this is a strong thesis statement:

“By recognizing and strategically incorporating the positive aspects of video games, educators and parents can create engaging learning environments that enhance cognitive development, problem-solving abilities, and social skills in both educational and home settings.”

Research question: “How do sustainable development practices impact the livelihoods and well-being of local communities in emerging economies?”

Give at least two reasons as to why this is a poorly crafted thesis statement:

“Emerging economies face major economic hurdles when attempting to implement sustainable development projects, which significantly impedes their progress towards strong growth.”

Research question: “How do sustainable development practices impact the livelihoods and well-being of local communities in emerging economies?”

Give at least two reasons as to why this is a strong thesis statement:

“The implementation of sustainable development practices in emerging economies is essential for promoting long-term economic growth, environmental conservation, and social equity.”