Section I: Introduction

Course Description

Difference Between a Project and a Thesis

Human Research Review

Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) Training for Graduate Students

Required Style Manual

Goals

Course Objectives

Candidate’s Role

Committee’s Role

Thesis Committee Chairperson

Thesis Committee Members

University Resources

Student Responsibilities Prior to Enrollment in ED 695

Additional Resources

Section II: Overview of the Master’s Thesis

Preliminary Material

Title Page

Acknowledgment Page

Abstract

Table of Contents

Chapter One: Introduction

Chapter Two: Literature Review

Chapter Three: Research Design

Chapter Four: Results

Chapter Five: Conclusion

References

Appendices

Section III: Chapter Descriptions

Chapter One: Introduction

Problem Statement

Importance of the Problem and Rationale for the Study

Background of the Problem

Statement of Purpose

Research Questions

Hypotheses and/or Propositions

Design, Data Collection and Analysis

Definition of Terms

Delimitations of the Study

Limitations of the Study

Organization of the Thesis

Chapter Two: Literature Review

Introduction

Theoretical Framework

Synthesis of Research Literature

Summary

Conclusion

Sources

Citation of Sources

Chapter Three: Research Design

Introduction

Participants/Subjects

Instrumentation

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Summary

Chapter Four: Results

Context

Findings

Results Example:

Summary

Chapter Five: Conclusion

Summary of the Study

Conclusion

Discussion

Recommendations

References

Appendices

Section IV: Research Types

Descriptive

Developmental

Correlational

True Experimental

Quasi-Experimental

Causal-Comparative or “Ex-Post Facto”

Single Subject Research

Historical

Case Study

Ethnography

Narrative Research

Mixed Methods

Action Research

Section V: Guiding Questions

Chapter One: Introduction

Problem Statement

Importance of the Problem and Rationale for the Study

Background of the Problem

Statement of Purpose

Research Question

Research Design

Definition of Terms

Delimitations of the Study

Limitations of the Study

Organization of the Study

Chapter Two: Literature Review

Introduction

Theoretical Framework

Research

Summary

Conclusion

Overall Structural Considerations

Chapter Three: Research Design

Introduction

Participants/Subjects

Instrumentation

Data Collection

Data Analysis

Summary

Chapter Four: Results

Demographic Information

Findings

Summary

Chapter Five: Conclusion

Summary

Conclusions

Discussion

Recommendations

Format and Style Issues

Page Numbering

Headings

Section VI: Permissions

General Considerations

Copyright Permissions

Finding Out Who is the Copyright Holder

Books

Journals

Web/Electronic Sources

Copyright Citation Format

Inclusions Requiring Permission

Pages from a Journal or Book

Government Materials

School District Materials

Adaptations

Tests and Questionnaires

Photographs

Communications

Protection of Human Participants

Policy on Research Integrity

Sample Copyright Permission Request Letter

Sample Permission Agreements

Sample Permission from the Creator of Original Material

Sample Email Permission in a Thesis

Request Permission for Student to Participate in a Study

Request Permission to Use Materials Developed by a School District or to Study Students in Your District

Section VII. Sample Pages

Table 1: Preliminary pages formatting

Sample Title Page

Window Dimensions for Projects

Hints and Tips

Sample Acknowledgments Page

Sample Abstract

Sample Table of Contents

Section VIII: Evaluation of the Thesis

ED 695 Thesis Competencies

Domain 1 - Identification, Definition and Context

Domain 2 - The Literature Review

Domain 3 - Research Description

Domain 4 - Format

Grading Criteria

Pass versus Pass with Distinction

Thesis and Dissertation Defense

Credit Hours

Sample Theses

Plagiarism

Section IX: Scholarworks@GVSU Submission Requirements