During a graduate study program, especially as a student in a master degree program or a doctorate degree program, you come across the words thesis and dissertation. Even though they are both important documents of scholarly works, the two are very different in their purpose, format, needs and expectations. It is important to establish the differences between a thesis and a dissertation in order to make the right career selection that you want to pursue in graduate school. This thorough article will address the identification of the differences between thesis vs dissertation, their requirements, format, similarities, as well as advice on writing.
What is a Thesis vs Dissertation?
It is worth defining each one of these before getting into the differences. Although the two terms are mainly used interchangeably, they are used in different contexts in the scholastic world.
Thesis is a requirement usually written in order to obtain a master degree. It is an academic article that delves into a certain issue or query in a field. A thesis is supposed to show the ability of a student coupled with his ability to conduct research in his chosen field of study. Overall, the work of a thesis is based on proving a point or an argument by conducting research, analyzing it and interpreting it.
A dissertation, however, is typically a requirement of doctoral (PhD) students. It is a wider research study which entails original contributions to the research project. A dissertation is a long piece of writing in which a person explores a topic really thoroughly, and it is likely to involve primary research, experiments or surveys, and add something novel to the field.
Differences Between Thesis and Dissertation
Purpose
- Thesis: The role of a thesis is to show how a student has learned the body of knowledge that already exists on a subject and to combine this knowledge to answer a specific question or problem.
- Dissertation: The main purpose of a dissertation is to introduce fresh knowledge or insight into the discipline. It entails some original research and is meant to address a question or solve a problem that has not been exhaustive in the existing literature.
Length
- Thesis: A thesis is much shorter than a dissertation and varies in length between 50-100 pages depending on the thesis-giving institution.
- Dissertation: dissertation is far longer and detailed and usually runs between 150 or 300 pages, or longer, depending on the research and subject.
Research Depth
- Thesis: A thesis equates to the study and evaluation of previous research. It includes some original research, however, it is more related to synthesizing the data obtained in different sources.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is a work based on original research findings adding new knowledge or data to the subject. It normally includes experiments, surveys or case studies in collecting primary data.
Research Scope
- Thesis: A thesis has a smaller scope addressing a particular area of a topic.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is broader, and possibly, covers more complex and far-reaching issues within a discipline.
Time and Effort
- Thesis: A thesis does not take a long period as a dissertation. The research, writing, and analyses usually take a shorter time.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is more time-consuming and labor intensive because of the original research taking place. Its completion consumes a number of years of study and composition.
Degree Level
- Thesis: A thesis is the one usually done at the level of the master. It is commonly regarded as a qualification to a doctoral dissertation.
- Dissertation: A dissertation is a doctoral degree thesis (phd). It is an important addition of knowledge in a certain area.
Thesis and Dissertation Similarities
A thesis and a dissertation are different things; nevertheless, there are several similarities between them:
Academic Writing
A thesis and a dissertation both involve putting what we write in an academic tone with good clear language with a well-organized argument with the proper citation of sources.
Research
The two entail a lot of research, although the nature and thoroughness of research can vary.
Literature Review
A good literature search is needed both in a thesis and in a dissertation. This review situates the research question and reports literature that is available on the research question.
Structure
There is a general similarity in the structure of the two documents that give information on introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion and conclusion.
Defending
A thesis and a dissertation commonly need oral defense which comprises the student of that particular subject presenting his/her findings and attending any query to his/her work by a committee of faculty.
Thesis Structure vs Dissertation Structure
Although a thesis and a dissertation share some structural similarities, their differences in structure are more significant.
Thesis Structure
- Introduction: Describes the research problem, the thesis statement and the purpose of the study.
- Literature Review: Reviews available literature on the topic of the research.
- Methodology: This explains how the research methods were employed in the data collection process.
- Results: Displays results of the research.
- Discussion: Evaluates the obtained results with references to the literature.
- Conclusion: Provides a summary of the results and makes some recommendations to conduct new research.
Dissertation Structure
- Introduction: Provides the research question, hypothesis and the significance of the study.
- Literature Review: It is a more detailed review of literature, which forms the background of the research.
- Methodology: Unlike a thesis, this section has been described in detail about the research design, the collection and analysis method.
- Results: Provides the result of the original research, which usually appears as a table, graphic, and other data representation.
- Discussion: Explains the results and comments on what they mean going by the existing literature.
- Conclusion: Summarizes the research, outlining the contributions that the research makes to the area of study, as well as the venues of future research.
Writing a thesis vs Dissertation
Writing of both a thesis and dissertation follow many similar steps although the complexity and depth of each can vary.
1. Thesis Writing
- Begin with a clear research question or hypothesis.
- A literature search should be done to give background to your research study.
- Gather data (where necessary), have it analyzed and make your presentation.
- Develop a solid argument (supported with facts) in the field you have chosen.
2. Dissertation Writing
- A dissertation involves larger amounts of preparations, usually beginning with a proposal or research plan.
- Researchers will likely retrieve original data through experiments, surveys, or case studies during the research process.
- They will present a more detailed analysis, including an in-depth discussion of results, implications, and limitations.
Purpose of a Thesis vs Dissertation
To display academic potential and research capability is the key role of a thesis and a dissertation. Nevertheless, there is a great difference in the contribution made to the field.
Thesis
A thesis aims at demonstrating the research skills of a student to investigate a topic, review the available literature and make an argumentative case.
Dissertation
Dissertation aim is to bring a solution to a problem. It is normally the construction of recent knowledge or views on an issue.
Dissertation or Thesis for Graduate Students?
Students should pay attention to the level of their degree program and the amount of research work they are willing to engage in when making a decision to write a thesis or dissertation.
- Students seeking a master degree normally write a thesis to qualify as a graduate. It is a chance to display their research abilities and academic experience but does not demand coming up with something new in the area.
- PhD students conduct a dissertation and add to the body of knowledge and bring a contribution to the field.
Key Differences in Thesis and Dissertation
Level of Study
A master student is supposed to write a thesis whereas a student pursuing a PHD is supposed to write a dissertation.
Research Contribution
Thesis is the summary of the present knowledge whereas dissertation is based on the original research.
Length and Complexity
Dissertations are more in depth and write longer because they involve original research and do analysis.
How to Choose Between Thesis or Dissertation
Your academic program, career, and personal preferences mostly determine whether you write a thesis or a dissertation.
For Master’s Students
In case you are moving towards a master degree, there will probably be a need to write a thesis. It is however important to refer to the specific requirements of your program to establish when the exact expectations are.
For PhD Students
In case you are pursuing a doctoral level, then you will have to write a dissertation. Be ready to have a long-term research commitment.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both a thesis and a dissertation involve significant research and academic writing, but they differ in their objectives and demands. Whereas a thesis is a shorter, more narrow research project usually required as part of a master degree, a dissertation is a more exhaustive and original research project which is a requirement of a doctoral degree. Being aware of the most significant distinctions and similarities between the two will assist you in planning your academic experience more efficiently and make sure that you are ready to face the encounters that lie ahead of you when you are writing either a thesis or a dissertation.
