Master's thesis

Course goals

Aims
The master thesis is embedded in previous research and literature on the chosen topic and includes a theoretical elaboration of the research problem, followed by an empirical test of some implications of the theory and a discussion of results and conclusions. The thesis has the form of a publishable research paper and thus includes: (1) an introduction in which a theoretical framework is formulated and relevant empirical research is integrated, concluded by a set of hypotheses; (2) a method section with a description of the sample, procedure, design, analyses, and measurement instruments; (3) a results section in which the data are analysed and the hypotheses are tested; (4) a discussion that summarises the main conclusions and describes their theoretical and practical implications. The topic of the thesis should preferably be integrated in the ongoing research programmes of EdSci research groups. The decision on the topic for a thesis is taken at the end of the first year in the programme. The preparation of the thesis and the research proposal starts in the second semester of the first year, supported by the Integrative Practical (EdSci08) in which the problem formulation, relevant theories and hypotheses are discussed with fellow students and lecturer(s). In the second year, the thesis process is supported by the Research seminar (EdSci12A and 12B), in which the proposal and the methods, analyses, results, and interpretation are likewise discussed.
 
Aims of the course:
- The ability to write a research paper / research article