Be sure to select a topic which lends itself to a design you are comfortable with.
There are 3 important factors in design:
A pilot study is an absolute requirement for serious research.
Don't be disappointed if you get unexpected results. If we can avoid ego involvement with our research and can put aside preconceived notions, artifacts can teach us much. The intervening variable responsible may be much more meaningful than any of our experimental variables (if we can identify it).
Don't confuse experimental mortality with experimenter mortality.
The same question approached by different methods can lead to eliminating effects which are design-specific. This is done all the time with ratings research.
Almost all social science research relies on sampling because we just don't have the resources to collect data from the entire relevant population. Most research uses some type of probability sampling. Available samples, however, can be useful, especially for pilot studies.
The totally random sample is best for almost every type of research, especially for the beginner. Experts use systems of stratifying samples, but the techniques are far beyond the scope of this course.
Carefully define the population in plain English, and then develop the frame (source of names, like a phone book or membership directory).
Sample Size: The more accurate your sampling technique, the smaller sample you need. The more variables, the larger the sample you need.
Make the sample no larger than necessary and no smaller than possible (which is my silly way of saying, don't obsess over it). Expense frequently dictates size and is acceptable in this respect.
Research error = sampling error + measurement error + random error.
STRUCTURING THE THESIS
Once you have chosen a topic you should immediately start thinking of how you will write up your finished paper.
The mechanical aspects of writing the thesis are covered in the APA publication manual and the text. The key feature of APA style is the use of citations within the body of the text in place of footnotes. These merely refer the reader to the bibliography rather than giving full source data.
Writers of theses, being neophyte scholars, are expected to cite ALL statements of a factual nature, even items you might assume are "common knowledge." Students sometimes neglect to do this in the introduction, but the discussion chapter is the first place where uncited statements are appropriate.
Keep in mind when using the APA manual that it is intended for papers which will be set in type. Since theses are typewritten, you will have to use common sense to produce an attractive manuscript which looks similar to a printed article in a journal.
Consult with your thesis advisor frequently and use word processing technology. This is helpful because large blocks of text will probably have to be moved from chapter to chapter as the thesis takes shape. Word processing also helps prevent new errors from creeping into new drafts of material approved by the advisor. Make sure that the final copies are printed with a letter quality printer.
The thesis may take any form approved by your advisor, but will probably fall into one of three categories: traditional research thesis, case study, or production thesis.
The completed thesis prospectus for the real thesis project should essentially comprise the first three chapters of the finished thesis. It is written in the future tense, but converted to past tense once research is completed.
While the first person is now encouraged by some journal editors, theses should avoid use of the first person. The student may be designated the "researcher" or "writer," but not "author." This title is reserved for writers of published books.
A model for a traditional research thesis (empirical or experimental) follows:
Chapter l. Introduction
Chapter 2. Related Literature
This chapter gives the reader a brief overview of what was known about the topic before your study. This can be divided in any manner that makes sense. It can deal with literature related to the problem development, but also may relate to methodology if that is unusual. General information about methodology goes in chapter 3.
Chapter 3. Methodology
May be divided by subproblem, hypothesis, etc. Must be extremely detailed for a thesis. The idea is to allow another researcher to replicate your study exactly.
Chapter 4. Results (Findings in an empirical study)
This information must be restricted to the actual findings and not the interpretation of what they mean. Tables and charts go in this chapter with just enough narrative to tie them together. Point out interesting and unexpected findings but do not interpret them.
Chapter 5. Discussion
In this chapter you seek to explain the findings. This chapter is the heart of the thesis and you are allowed great freedom to speculate on the meaning of your results. You should include a section on recommendations for further research.
The production thesis follows a similar form to the traditional research thesis. It can emphasize the content of the program or the process of production, however since this is not a heavily production-oriented degree program it is unlikely that many of our thesis projects will emphasize revolutionary new production processes.
The written part might have the following structure:
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. Related Literature
This can be organized in any manner appropriate to the topic. In most cases we are concerned with the content and not the process, however unique aspects of the process can also be covered here.
Chapter 3. Production Record
This is a chronological record of the production process.
Chapter 4. Evaluation
This is similar to the discussion chapter above. You can analyze the degree to which the program meets its goals. Some objective data will be helpful such as survey or focus group data.
The treatment and especially the script will be contained in the appendices of the formal paper. A video tape will be kept by the library along with your written paper.
The Program Treatment (covered in detail in TVR 510)
The program treatment is the blueprint for a video program. The more planning that goes into it, the smoother the taping and post production phases of the project will go.
There are many formats for treatments. The following is an example of the type of items that should be included.
In a production thesis some of the elements may be included in other parts of the paper.
While not usually considered part of the treatment, a production thesis must contain a script in as finished form as possible. Video directions should be included whenever possible.
The case study is the most flexible type of thesis because the format will follow the findings. It is essentially a narrative describing in depth a particular happening (the case). As with the other forms, there should be a discussion section, and this should be the focal point of the study.
There are several books in the KU library about case study research which may prove helpful. For the student who is overwhelmed with the volume of material collected and having trouble organizing it coherently, consider skimming through The Modern Researcher by Jacques Barzun. This book deals primarily with historical research, but provides excellent guidance in how to organize a literature review and is especially helpful for case studies.
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