Title, problem statement & conclusion
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This document discusses the key elements of a thesis: the title, abstract, problem statement, and conclusion. It provides guidance on writing effective versions of each element. A good title should clearly and concisely convey the research topic and be interesting to readers. The abstract should summarize the motivation, problem, methods, results, and conclusions. The problem statement must precisely describe the research problem and be supported by evidence. Finally, the conclusion should restate key findings, implications, limitations, and recommendations without simply repeating the discussion. The document emphasizes that these elements are interrelated, with the problem statement informing objectives and methods, and the conclusion connecting back to the introduction.
Title, problem statement & conclusion
- 1. The Relationship between Thesis Title, Abstract, Problem Statement and Conclusion Associate Professor Dr Muhammad Kamarul Kabilan School of Educational Studies
- 2. Thesis Title • The first thing a reader (or examiner) will look at or read • Need to be thought of carefully • Will change many times, even a day before you submit your thesis! • Need to make a positive first impression with your title
- 3. A good thesis title… • Should be simple, straight forward, clear and understandable • Should be of interest to readers/examiners • Should be specific • Guided by the aims and objectives of the research undertaken • Gives a pre-view of the contents of the thesis
- 4. A good thesis title… • Provides a concise view of the research undertaken • Gives a sense of the angle or perspective of your research • Describes the central ideas of your arguments • Uses keywords from your thesis/research (variables) • Describes ALL the contents of the thesis in JUST ONE single sentence!
- 5. Let’s write…. • Write the title of your thesis (as of now/today) • Remember to take into considerations of the strategies of writing a good thesis title.
- 6. Abstract • a brief summary of the most important points in a thesis, scientific paper, academic books etc. • Helps readers to KNOW the content of a thesis, scientific paper or academic books without actually reading the entire manuscript. • IS NOT “Table of contents” or “Introduction”
- 7. A good abstract in a thesis helps • The reader to know the main points of the thesis • The reader to evaluate the significance of the thesis • The reader to decide whether or not she or he will continue to read the full thesis • The reader to make quick decisions, judgments or opinions about the thesis and its contents (including research methods)
- 8. Features of a good abstract Motivation of the research : • Why is this research "interesting”? • Should emphasize the importance of your work/research Problem Statement: • What problems are you trying to solve? • What is the scope of your research?
- 9. Features of a good abstract Approach/Methods: • How did you go solve or address the problem? • What were the type of study, research methods, procedures? • What were the variables investigated? • How was data collected and interpreted? • Maybe, the length of the study
- 10. Features of a good abstract Results/Findings: • What's the answer? • The general or overall findings, especially significant ones Conclusion: • What are the implications of your answer? • What is the main contribution of the study? • What is your main conclusion (not a summary!)
- 11. Features of a good abstract • In terms of USM, please refer to the guidelines provided. • Be aware of word limitations • Ensure the English and Bahasa version reflects each other
- 12. Statement of Problem • Manifests entire research • Why-what is the basic problem ( look at the fundamental problem ) • Must be able to identify the fundamental problem • Make sure it is a real problem • Include data / statistics to support your argument • Look at the issues surrounding the problem • Look at the causes and aftermath effects
- 13. Problem Statement • is a concise and precise description of the issues that need to be addressed • Global-Local-Context (GLC) Approach • GLC approach signifies and magnifies the problems examined • Written with a critical eye • Looking at current problems AND not something in the past.
- 14. A good and critical problem statement… • Leads to clear aims, objectives and research questions of the study • Helps the researcher to identify and explore the appropriate literature and theories • Helps the researcher to construct suitable and fluid research methods and procedures • Assists the researcher in envisioning answers and solutions to the problems highlighted.
- 15. Brainstorming for Problem Statement Using a mind map, identify all the problems related to the aspects of your research. Use the GLC approach.
- 16. Conclusion • It is not as EASY as one may think • It is not a SUMMARY! • The discussion should not simply stop. It should come to a definite, clear end • It is the end, but it also a new beginning! (new thinking, new ideas – but based on data) • Does not entirely introduce new discussion/conclusion (not based on data)
- 17. A Critical Conclusion • What new things that you can highlight from your study? • Can be boring if not written critically • Conclusion is a decision / opinion / judgment reached as a result of the research that was carried out. • Are your initial assumptions right? • Does the theory explain the findings?
- 18. A Critical Conclusion Introduction • Reiterate briefly the problem statement (1-2 sentences only) • State the aim of the study • List the objectives • State briefly the research methods (1-3 sentences)
- 19. A Critical Conclusion • Restate the main findings • Significances • Limitations • Negative findings • Implications (policy? Or…?) • Recommendations/Future studies • Summary
- 20. Impression of Conclusion • What is the impression after reading the Conclusion? • IS there something new, something interesting? • What is the contribution of the study? - new methods; new ideas; new development; new theory? new thinking; new solutions…? • Is this a repeat of discussion?
- 21. The Relationship? • Is there a relationship between TT, Abs., PS, and Con.? • What kind of relationship is this? • Which comes first? Why? • And which is last? Why?
- 22. Elements of thesis • Which element is the most important in a thesis? - Chapter 1? - Objectives? - Problems Statement? - Conclusion? - Chapter 3? - Others….?
- 23. Using a Research Matrix Problem Statement Objective Research Question Methods Instrument Data Analysis CONCLUSION ? TITLE ? Students are not reading enough To examine the reasons Why are the students not reading enough? What are the factors involved? Survey Interview Questionnaire Focus Group (5 pupils) Descriptive statistics Mean score Coding Strategies (Bogdan & Biklen, 1992)
- 24. Title • Reluctant secondary school readers: Reasons and Factors
- 25. Do your research matrix
- 26. Thank you! Question and answer… kabilan@usm.my Ext: 2966