thesis and research question

Stack Exchange Network

Stack Exchange network consists of 183 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow , the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers.

Q&A for work

Connect and share knowledge within a single location that is structured and easy to search.

What is the difference between a thesis statement and a research question?

I am writing a paper for a class and I am asked to include a thesis statement and a research question in the introduction, however, I feel like I don't have a clear picture of the difference between the two. I tried googling the question and I found the following:

A thesis statement presents the position that you intend to argue within your paper, whereas a research question indicates your direction of inquiry in your research.

so here for example a thesis statement would be something like "In this paper I am going to argue that people living in rural areas are less likely to suffer for mental health problems than people living in the city", however, when trying to write a research question for this thesis statement I would come up with something like "How does living in rural areas affect one's mental health?" and this lead me to confusion as I feel like my thesis statement is just me answering the research question which will I do in my paper but it didn't make sense to me to both put them in the introduction so I felt my understanding isn't good. Any help would be appreciated.

Put in the simplest terms:

• A thesis statement is a broad, theoretical assertion about underlying causation, something that (as a rule) can only be demonstrated through inference.
• A research question is an empirically verifiable claim that (if it pans out) will serve to infer the validity of the thesis statement.

To give the simple physics example, Isaac Newton developed a thesis that the force of gravitation between two masses is proportional to the sum of their masses divided by the square of their distance. He (and others) then developed an assortment of research questions — different cases in which this thesis ought to hold true, which can be specifically tried and measured — in order to see if the general thesis holds true.

In the example you offer, the thesis would be something abstract and general, like:

Rural communities are more conducive to mental health than urban environments

while your research question would be some specific, testable claim derived from that, such as:

Rural communities see a lower incidences of involuntary commitment per capita than urban communities

People in rural communities score better on a given psychological test (measuring some form of mental health) than people in urban settings

A thesis is always a claim about a universal — something we want to assert is always true in a given context — while a research topic is always something specific that we can measure. It follows the basic pattern in scientific reasoning: assert that every X always entails Y, then find specific instances of X to see if those really do entail some Y.

Your Answer

Reminder: Answers generated by artificial intelligence tools are not allowed on Writing Stack Exchange. Learn more

Sign up or log in

Post as a guest.

Required, but never shown

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy .

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged research or ask your own question .

• Featured on Meta
• Preventing unauthorized automated access to the network
• User activation: Learnings and opportunities
• Join Stack Overflow’s CEO and me for the first Stack IRL Community Event in...

Hot Network Questions

• Automatically italicize a letter only in math mode
• A scrambled word which can't be guessed without all of its letters
• Story from the mid-20th century about a biochemist who finds youth algae
• What is the mechanical equivalent of an electronic AND gate?
• Expected value of a matrix = matrix of expected value?
• Does this ZFC+V=L like theory, have a limit on large cardinal properties?
• Do early termination fees hold up in court?
• Why is China not mentioned in the Fallout TV series despite its significant role in the games' lore?
• What is the smallest interval between two palindromic times on a 24-hour digital clock?
• Is it common in modern classical music for timpani to play chromatic passages?
• Player sprite becomes smaller during attack animation (Java)
• Why does Voyager use consumable hydrazine instead of reaction wheels that only rotate when moving the spacecraft?
• How do I avoid getting depressed after receiving edits?
• How do you tell someone to offer something to everyone in a room by taking it physically to everyone in the room so everyone can have it?
• Azure SQL Database CLR functions are working
• In John 3:16, what is the significance of Jesus' distinction between the terms 'world' and 'everyone who believes' within the context?
• How is the universe able to run physics so smoothly?
• Sticky goo making it hard to open and close the main 200amp breaker
• What evidence exists for the historical name of Kuwohi Mountain (formerly Clingmans Dome)?
• Why the proper acceleration is zero during free fall?
• Why was Z moved to the end of the alphabet when Zeta was near the beginning?
• When can I book German train tickets for January 2025?
• Why would elves care what happens to Middle Earth?
• tan 3θ = cot(−θ)

Research Basics

• Research question vs. Thesis Statement
• Evaluating sources
• Academic/Scholarly/Authoritative Sources
• Popular Sources
• Reference Sources
• Primary vs. Secondary Sources
• Keyword Searching and Boolean Operators
• Databases vs. the Internet
• Citing sources

The Research Question

A research question is:

Questions are words and phrases that express a desire to find out some  data  or information. Research questions are interrogative statements that aim to find out points regarding a specific topic or subject.  Jankowicz (2005 :38-45) offers some useful ideas on research questions as concerning ‘what are you really trying to do?’ and ‘what is it that is most useful to do?’ In turn,  Fisher (2010 : 34-9) suggests useful tactics and techniques including, for example, using post-its to map out ideas on a desk or wall.

As is the case with the  title ,  aims  and  objectives , the research questions should be shaped to deal with something that is of interest to you. You will be spending a considerable amount of time engaged with the project so it would be better if it is something that will stimulate you. ( Credo Reference )

• Research Questions Generator This document made by UConn Library provides a breakdown of how to create a research question.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The Thesis Statement

A thesis statement "concisely identifies the topic and main point of a piece of writing. Many writers like to formulate a working thesis statement early in the writing process. Your working thesis statement should ideally have two parts: the first part defines the specific focus to be covered in the paper, and the second part makes a strong point about the topic" ( Hunt, 2015 ).

When you begin a research paper that requires a thesis statement, you may write a few options for thesis statements and choose a working thesis statement after. Check out this handout on thesis statements from UNC-Chapel Hill's Writing Center .

Need help? Chat with us now.

• << Previous: What is research?
• Next: Evaluating sources >>
• Last Updated: Jun 26, 2024 12:04 PM
• URL: https://lenoircc.libguides.com/researchbasics

Libraries & Cultural Resources

Research guides, guide to research and writing for the academic study of religion.

• Topic Pyramids
• Research Assignment Parameters
• Thesis statement
• Identifying Interests
• Controversy
• Availability of Sources
• Preliminary Research
• Developing Your Question and Thesis
• Research Question and Thesis Statement Examples
• Periodicals
• Primary Sources
• Reference Works - Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Biographies etc
• Journal Articles
• Primary Sources This link opens in a new window
• Web Search Engines
• Web Directories
• Invisible Web
• Does the Library hold the article I need?
• Locating resources unavailable at U of C Library
• Content of Databases
• Standardized Terminology
• Review Quiz Databases
• Keyword Searching
• Search Limits
• Phrase Searching
• Truncations and Wildcards
• Boolean Operators
• Proximity Operators
• Natural Language Searching
• Searching Basics Quiz
• Search Overview
• Selecting Records
• Combing Searchers
• General Criteria
• Quoting in text
• in Text Citations
• List of References
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Staying Organized
• Links to Writing Help
• Sources Used in Creating this Workbook

Research Question and Thesis

If you have followed all the previous steps, you should be very close to developing a good question if you haven’t already. Here are a few examples of good and bad questions to help you distinguish an effective research question from an ineffective one.

Example #1: Why has religious fundamentalism arisen in North America?

Example #2: what is the relationship between theology and religious studies.

This is a good start, but it is much too general.

What does Donald Wiebe say about theology and religious studies?

This is more specific but you still need to bring the controversy to the forefront. As it stands, it invites a mere summary of Donald Wiebe's position.

Good research questions on this topic might be :

• Are there any conceptual problems with Wiebe's distinction between theology and religious studies?
• Does Wiebe's position on the distinction between theology and religious studies represent a radical departure from previous understandings of the relationship between the two?
• Does Wiebe's agenda to eliminate theology from Religious Studies have any unforeseen or undesirable practical implications?

All three of these questions have a narrower focus and can be answered in a variety of ways. Answering any of these questions will generate a thesis statement. Remember, the answer that you give to a research question is your thesis statement.

For further examples of good research questions, see Research Strategies by  Badke .

The Thesis Statement

Your thesis statement directly answers your research question, and takes a stand (rather than announces the subject) that others might dispute. In other words, it is provocative and contestable. A strong thesis clearly asserts your position or conclusion and avoids vague language (e.g. “It seems…). Your thesis should be obvious, easy to find, and clearly stated in the opening paragraph of your paper. The rest of your paper is devoted to substantiating your thesis by offering evidence in support of your claim. Remember, that it is perfectly acceptable to change your thesis if the evidence leads you to an alternative conclusion.

For examples of strong thesis statements, look for abstracts and articles from peer-reviewed journals and books, and attempt to find the thesis in each of these sources. The author(s) of these sources typically state their conclusions in several different ways.

Examples of thesis statements are italicized in the abstracts provided below.

“S tating the problem under discussion as "Islam and Science" is false because this formulation implies that there is such a thing as a reified and ahistorical and hence immutable "Islam" that is responsible for advancing or impeding scientific activity, both past and present.   In fact, Islam, like all other religions, is the specific ideology of a particular, historically determined society (i.e., Islam in Baghdad in the 830s, in Damascus in 1300, in Cairo around 1000, etc.) and has itself no historical agency; what that particular society accomplishes in the way of science wholly depends on who is using that ideology (if it is being used) and to what ends. The analysis of scientific activity in Islamic societies, therefore, can proceed only from the investigation of the social and political factors at play in each particular case. Injecting the notion of “Islam” into these discussions merely obfuscates the issue and confuses students, distracting them from historical analysis and political action.” Source: Gutas, Dimitri. 2003. “Islam and Science: A False Statement of the Problem.”  Islam & Science  1, no.2: 215-20.

“In this response article, some of the most challenging aspects of Islam and science discourse are discussed. Responding to the specific issues of the relationship between Islam and science and the normative Islamic tradition, the article explores the claims of a secular view that there is no such thing as essential Islam and that there is no relationship between Islam and the scientific tradition that arose in the Islamic civilization.  This view is refuted on the basis of historical, logical and internal evidence .”                                                                                     Source: Iqbal, Muzaffar. 2003. “Islam and Science: Responding to a False Approach.”   Islam & Science  ,  1, no. 2: 221-34.

“This rejoinder is a further contribution to the debate begun by M. Iqbal and D. Gutas on the differing perspectives and methodological assumptions of faith-based and secular approaches to the study of the history of science in religious cultures.  While the arguments presented are to some degree ad hominem, they do aim to highlight certain logical inconsistencies in the conceptualization of the role of religion in the study of science and in the revisionist portrayal of as a causal agent that functions independently of its adherents .” Source :  Reisman, David C.  2004. “An Unfortunate Response: Iqbal on Gutas.”  Islam & Science  2, no.1: 63-73.

• << Previous: Developing Your Question and Thesis
• Next: Selecting Sources >>
• Last Updated: Jun 9, 2022 2:27 PM
• URL: https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/research-and-writing-religion

Libraries & Cultural Resources

• 403.220.8895

Reference management. Clean and simple.

How to write a thesis statement + examples

What is a thesis statement?

Is a thesis statement a question, how do you write a good thesis statement, how do i know if my thesis statement is good, examples of thesis statements, helpful resources on how to write a thesis statement, frequently asked questions about writing a thesis statement, related articles.

A thesis statement is the main argument of your paper or thesis.

The thesis statement is one of the most important elements of any piece of academic writing . It is a brief statement of your paper’s main argument. Essentially, you are stating what you will be writing about.

You can see your thesis statement as an answer to a question. While it also contains the question, it should really give an answer to the question with new information and not just restate or reiterate it.

Your thesis statement is part of your introduction. Learn more about how to write a good thesis introduction in our introduction guide .

A thesis statement is not a question. A statement must be arguable and provable through evidence and analysis. While your thesis might stem from a research question, it should be in the form of a statement.

Tip: A thesis statement is typically 1-2 sentences. For a longer project like a thesis, the statement may be several sentences or a paragraph.

A good thesis statement needs to do the following:

• Condense the main idea of your thesis into one or two sentences.
• Answer your project’s main research question.
• Clearly state your position in relation to the topic .
• Make an argument that requires support or evidence.

Once you have written down a thesis statement, check if it fulfills the following criteria:

• Your statement needs to be provable by evidence. As an argument, a thesis statement needs to be debatable.
• Your statement needs to be precise. Do not give away too much information in the thesis statement and do not load it with unnecessary information.
• Your statement cannot say that one solution is simply right or simply wrong as a matter of fact. You should draw upon verified facts to persuade the reader of your solution, but you cannot just declare something as right or wrong.

As previously mentioned, your thesis statement should answer a question.

If the question is:

What do you think the City of New York should do to reduce traffic congestion?

A good thesis statement restates the question and answers it:

In this paper, I will argue that the City of New York should focus on providing exclusive lanes for public transport and adaptive traffic signals to reduce traffic congestion by the year 2035.

Here is another example. If the question is:

How can we end poverty?

A good thesis statement should give more than one solution to the problem in question:

In this paper, I will argue that introducing universal basic income can help reduce poverty and positively impact the way we work.

• The Writing Center of the University of North Carolina has a list of questions to ask to see if your thesis is strong .

A thesis statement is part of the introduction of your paper. It is usually found in the first or second paragraph to let the reader know your research purpose from the beginning.

In general, a thesis statement should have one or two sentences. But the length really depends on the overall length of your project. Take a look at our guide about the length of thesis statements for more insight on this topic.

Here is a list of Thesis Statement Examples that will help you understand better how to write them.

Every good essay should include a thesis statement as part of its introduction, no matter the academic level. Of course, if you are a high school student you are not expected to have the same type of thesis as a PhD student.

Here is a great YouTube tutorial showing How To Write An Essay: Thesis Statements .

• Richard G. Trefry Library
• Writing & Citing

Q. What is the difference between a thesis statement and a research question?

• Course-Specific
• Textbooks & Course Materials
• Tutoring & Classroom Help
• 1 Artificial Intelligence
• 43 Formatting
• 5 Information Literacy
• 13 Plagiarism
• 23 Thesis/Capstone/Dissertation

Answered By: APUS Librarians Last Updated: Jan 02, 2020     Views: 81525

A thesis statement is a short, concise sentence or paragraph that summarizes the main point of an essay or research paper. In a thesis statement, the author is making a specific claim or assertion about a topic that can be debated or challenged. This claim will be developed, supported, and explained in the body of the paper by means of examples and evidence.

Example of weak thesis statement:

• Ursula K. Le Guin is one of the best American authors in the last half century.

Example of a strong thesis statement:

• Ursula K. Le Guin's ability to subvert cultural and social expectations makes her one of the best authors of the last century.

A research question indicates the direction of your research. It is an open-ended query, not a final claim or conclusion about an idea. A good research question should act as the focus of a study. It helps the author decide on the methodology she will use as well as guide all subsequent stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.

Example of a weak research question:

• How does science fiction literature affect our understanding of other cultures?

Example of a strong research question:

• Can science fiction literature that focuses on fundamental issues such as gender and race deepen our ability to empathize with cultures different from our own?

These links will provide you with more information.

The Research Question and Hypothesis | PDF file [Ryerson University]

What Makes a Good Research Question? | PDF file [Duke University]

Links & Files

• My professor says I need a better thesis statement. How do I fix it?
• How do I write a good hypothesis statement for my research paper?
• Share on Facebook

Was this helpful? Yes 44 No 29

writing tutor

Related Topics

• Thesis/Capstone/Dissertation

Need personalized help? Librarians are available 365 days/nights per year!  See our schedule.

Learn more about how librarians can help you succeed.    

• Resources Home 🏠
• Try SciSpace Copilot
• Search research papers
• Add Copilot Extension
• Try AI Detector
• Try Paraphraser
• Try Citation Generator
• April Papers
• June Papers
• July Papers

What is a thesis | A Complete Guide with Examples

Table of Contents

A thesis is a comprehensive academic paper based on your original research that presents new findings, arguments, and ideas of your study. It’s typically submitted at the end of your master’s degree or as a capstone of your bachelor’s degree.

However, writing a thesis can be laborious, especially for beginners. From the initial challenge of pinpointing a compelling research topic to organizing and presenting findings, the process is filled with potential pitfalls.

Therefore, to help you, this guide talks about what is a thesis. Additionally, it offers revelations and methodologies to transform it from an overwhelming task to a manageable and rewarding academic milestone.

What is a thesis?

A thesis is an in-depth research study that identifies a particular topic of inquiry and presents a clear argument or perspective about that topic using evidence and logic.

Writing a thesis showcases your ability of critical thinking, gathering evidence, and making a compelling argument. Integral to these competencies is thorough research, which not only fortifies your propositions but also confers credibility to your entire study.

Furthermore, there's another phenomenon you might often confuse with the thesis: the ' working thesis .' However, they aren't similar and shouldn't be used interchangeably.

A working thesis, often referred to as a preliminary or tentative thesis, is an initial version of your thesis statement. It serves as a draft or a starting point that guides your research in its early stages.

As you research more and gather more evidence, your initial thesis (aka working thesis) might change. It's like a starting point that can be adjusted as you learn more. It's normal for your main topic to change a few times before you finalize it.

While a thesis identifies and provides an overarching argument, the key to clearly communicating the central point of that argument lies in writing a strong thesis statement.

What is a thesis statement?

A strong thesis statement (aka thesis sentence) is a concise summary of the main argument or claim of the paper. It serves as a critical anchor in any academic work, succinctly encapsulating the primary argument or main idea of the entire paper.

Typically found within the introductory section, a strong thesis statement acts as a roadmap of your thesis, directing readers through your arguments and findings. By delineating the core focus of your investigation, it offers readers an immediate understanding of the context and the gravity of your study.

Furthermore, an effectively crafted thesis statement can set forth the boundaries of your research, helping readers anticipate the specific areas of inquiry you are addressing.

Different types of thesis statements

A good thesis statement is clear, specific, and arguable. Therefore, it is necessary for you to choose the right type of thesis statement for your academic papers.

Thesis statements can be classified based on their purpose and structure. Here are the primary types of thesis statements:

Argumentative (or Persuasive) thesis statement

Purpose : To convince the reader of a particular stance or point of view by presenting evidence and formulating a compelling argument.

Example : Reducing plastic use in daily life is essential for environmental health.

Analytical thesis statement

Purpose : To break down an idea or issue into its components and evaluate it.

Example : By examining the long-term effects, social implications, and economic impact of climate change, it becomes evident that immediate global action is necessary.

Expository (or Descriptive) thesis statement

Purpose : To explain a topic or subject to the reader.

Example : The Great Depression, spanning the 1930s, was a severe worldwide economic downturn triggered by a stock market crash, bank failures, and reduced consumer spending.

Cause and effect thesis statement

Purpose : To demonstrate a cause and its resulting effect.

Example : Overuse of smartphones can lead to impaired sleep patterns, reduced face-to-face social interactions, and increased levels of anxiety.

Compare and contrast thesis statement

Purpose : To highlight similarities and differences between two subjects.

Example : "While both novels '1984' and 'Brave New World' delve into dystopian futures, they differ in their portrayal of individual freedom, societal control, and the role of technology."

When you write a thesis statement , it's important to ensure clarity and precision, so the reader immediately understands the central focus of your work.

What is the difference between a thesis and a thesis statement?

While both terms are frequently used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings.

A thesis refers to the entire research document, encompassing all its chapters and sections. In contrast, a thesis statement is a brief assertion that encapsulates the central argument of the research.

Here’s an in-depth differentiation table of a thesis and a thesis statement.

Now, to craft a compelling thesis, it's crucial to adhere to a specific structure. Let’s break down these essential components that make up a thesis structure

15 components of a thesis structure

Navigating a thesis can be daunting. However, understanding its structure can make the process more manageable.

Here are the key components or different sections of a thesis structure:

Your thesis begins with the title page. It's not just a formality but the gateway to your research.

Here, you'll prominently display the necessary information about you (the author) and your institutional details.

• Title of your thesis
• Your full name
• Your department
• Your institution and degree program
• Your submission date
• Your Supervisor's name (in some cases)
• Your Department or faculty (in some cases)
• Your University's logo (in some cases)
• Your Student ID (in some cases)

In a concise manner, you'll have to summarize the critical aspects of your research in typically no more than 200-300 words.

This includes the problem statement, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. For many, the abstract will determine if they delve deeper into your work, so ensure it's clear and compelling.

Acknowledgments

Research is rarely a solitary endeavor. In the acknowledgments section, you have the chance to express gratitude to those who've supported your journey.

This might include advisors, peers, institutions, or even personal sources of inspiration and support. It's a personal touch, reflecting the humanity behind the academic rigor.

Table of contents

A roadmap for your readers, the table of contents lists the chapters, sections, and subsections of your thesis.

By providing page numbers, you allow readers to navigate your work easily, jumping to sections that pique their interest.

List of figures and tables

Research often involves data, and presenting this data visually can enhance understanding. This section provides an organized listing of all figures and tables in your thesis.

It's a visual index, ensuring that readers can quickly locate and reference your graphical data.

Introduction

Here's where you introduce your research topic, articulate the research question or objective, and outline the significance of your study.

• Present the research topic : Clearly articulate the central theme or subject of your research.
• Background information : Ground your research topic, providing any necessary context or background information your readers might need to understand the significance of your study.
• Define the scope : Clearly delineate the boundaries of your research, indicating what will and won't be covered.
• Literature review : Introduce any relevant existing research on your topic, situating your work within the broader academic conversation and highlighting where your research fits in.
• State the research Question(s) or objective(s) : Clearly articulate the primary questions or objectives your research aims to address.
• Outline the study's structure : Give a brief overview of how the subsequent sections of your work will unfold, guiding your readers through the journey ahead.

The introduction should captivate your readers, making them eager to delve deeper into your research journey.

Literature review section

Your study correlates with existing research. Therefore, in the literature review section, you'll engage in a dialogue with existing knowledge, highlighting relevant studies, theories, and findings.

It's here that you identify gaps in the current knowledge, positioning your research as a bridge to new insights.

To streamline this process, consider leveraging AI tools. For example, the SciSpace literature review tool enables you to efficiently explore and delve into research papers, simplifying your literature review journey.

Methodology

In the research methodology section, you’ll detail the tools, techniques, and processes you employed to gather and analyze data. This section will inform the readers about how you approached your research questions and ensures the reproducibility of your study.

Here's a breakdown of what it should encompass:

• Research Design : Describe the overall structure and approach of your research. Are you conducting a qualitative study with in-depth interviews? Or is it a quantitative study using statistical analysis? Perhaps it's a mixed-methods approach?
• Data Collection : Detail the methods you used to gather data. This could include surveys, experiments, observations, interviews, archival research, etc. Mention where you sourced your data, the duration of data collection, and any tools or instruments used.
• Sampling : If applicable, explain how you selected participants or data sources for your study. Discuss the size of your sample and the rationale behind choosing it.
• Data Analysis : Describe the techniques and tools you used to process and analyze the data. This could range from statistical tests in quantitative research to thematic analysis in qualitative research.
• Validity and Reliability : Address the steps you took to ensure the validity and reliability of your findings to ensure that your results are both accurate and consistent.
• Ethical Considerations : Highlight any ethical issues related to your research and the measures you took to address them, including — informed consent, confidentiality, and data storage and protection measures.

Moreover, different research questions necessitate different types of methodologies. For instance:

• Experimental methodology : Often used in sciences, this involves a controlled experiment to discern causality.
• Qualitative methodology : Employed when exploring patterns or phenomena without numerical data. Methods can include interviews, focus groups, or content analysis.
• Quantitative methodology : Concerned with measurable data and often involves statistical analysis. Surveys and structured observations are common tools here.
• Mixed methods : As the name implies, this combines both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.

The Methodology section isn’t just about detailing the methods but also justifying why they were chosen. The appropriateness of the methods in addressing your research question can significantly impact the credibility of your findings.

Results (or Findings)

This section presents the outcomes of your research. It's crucial to note that the nature of your results may vary; they could be quantitative, qualitative, or a mix of both.

Quantitative results often present statistical data, showcasing measurable outcomes, and they benefit from tables, graphs, and figures to depict these data points.

Qualitative results , on the other hand, might delve into patterns, themes, or narratives derived from non-numerical data, such as interviews or observations.

Regardless of the nature of your results, clarity is essential. This section is purely about presenting the data without offering interpretations — that comes later in the discussion.

In the discussion section, the raw data transforms into valuable insights.

Start by revisiting your research question and contrast it with the findings. How do your results expand, constrict, or challenge current academic conversations?

Dive into the intricacies of the data, guiding the reader through its implications. Detail potential limitations transparently, signaling your awareness of the research's boundaries. This is where your academic voice should be resonant and confident.

Practical implications (Recommendation) section

Based on the insights derived from your research, this section provides actionable suggestions or proposed solutions.

Whether aimed at industry professionals or the general public, recommendations translate your academic findings into potential real-world actions. They help readers understand the practical implications of your work and how it can be applied to effect change or improvement in a given field.

When crafting recommendations, it's essential to ensure they're feasible and rooted in the evidence provided by your research. They shouldn't merely be aspirational but should offer a clear path forward, grounded in your findings.

The conclusion provides closure to your research narrative.

It's not merely a recap but a synthesis of your main findings and their broader implications. Reconnect with the research questions or hypotheses posited at the beginning, offering clear answers based on your findings.

Reflect on the broader contributions of your study, considering its impact on the academic community and potential real-world applications.

Lastly, the conclusion should leave your readers with a clear understanding of the value and impact of your study.

References (or Bibliography)

Every theory you've expounded upon, every data point you've cited, and every methodological precedent you've followed finds its acknowledgment here.

In references, it's crucial to ensure meticulous consistency in formatting, mirroring the specific guidelines of the chosen citation style .

Proper referencing helps to avoid plagiarism , gives credit to original ideas, and allows readers to explore topics of interest. Moreover, it situates your work within the continuum of academic knowledge.

To properly cite the sources used in the study, you can rely on online citation generator tools  to generate accurate citations!

Here’s more on how you can cite your sources.

Often, the depth of research produces a wealth of material that, while crucial, can make the core content of the thesis cumbersome. The appendix is where you mention extra information that supports your research but isn't central to the main text.

Whether it's raw datasets, detailed procedural methodologies, extended case studies, or any other ancillary material, the appendices ensure that these elements are archived for reference without breaking the main narrative's flow.

For thorough researchers and readers keen on meticulous details, the appendices provide a treasure trove of insights.

Glossary (optional)

In academics, specialized terminologies, and jargon are inevitable. However, not every reader is versed in every term.

The glossary, while optional, is a critical tool for accessibility. It's a bridge ensuring that even readers from outside the discipline can access, understand, and appreciate your work.

By defining complex terms and providing context, you're inviting a wider audience to engage with your research, enhancing its reach and impact.

Remember, while these components provide a structured framework, the essence of your thesis lies in the originality of your ideas, the rigor of your research, and the clarity of your presentation.

As you craft each section, keep your readers in mind, ensuring that your passion and dedication shine through every page.

Thesis examples

To further elucidate the concept of a thesis, here are illustrative examples from various fields:

Example 1 (History): Abolition, Africans, and Abstraction: the Influence of the ‘Noble Savage’ on British and French Antislavery Thought, 1787-1807 by Suchait Kahlon.

Example 2 (Climate Dynamics): Influence of external forcings on abrupt millennial-scale climate changes: a statistical modelling study by Takahito Mitsui · Michel Crucifix

Checklist for your thesis evaluation

Evaluating your thesis ensures that your research meets the standards of academia. Here's an elaborate checklist to guide you through this critical process.

Content and structure

• Is the thesis statement clear, concise, and debatable?
• Does the introduction provide sufficient background and context?
• Is the literature review comprehensive, relevant, and well-organized?
• Does the methodology section clearly describe and justify the research methods?
• Are the results/findings presented clearly and logically?
• Does the discussion interpret the results in light of the research question and existing literature?
• Is the conclusion summarizing the research and suggesting future directions or implications?

Clarity and coherence

• Is the writing clear and free of jargon?
• Are ideas and sections logically connected and flowing?
• Is there a clear narrative or argument throughout the thesis?

Research quality

• Is the research question significant and relevant?
• Are the research methods appropriate for the question?
• Is the sample size (if applicable) adequate?
• Are the data analysis techniques appropriate and correctly applied?
• Are potential biases or limitations addressed?

Originality and significance

• Does the thesis contribute new knowledge or insights to the field?
• Is the research grounded in existing literature while offering fresh perspectives?

Formatting and presentation

• Is the thesis formatted according to institutional guidelines?
• Are figures, tables, and charts clear, labeled, and referenced in the text?
• Is the bibliography or reference list complete and consistently formatted?
• Are appendices relevant and appropriately referenced in the main text?

Grammar and language

• Is the thesis free of grammatical and spelling errors?
• Is the language professional, consistent, and appropriate for an academic audience?
• Are quotations and paraphrased material correctly cited?

Feedback and revision

• Have you sought feedback from peers, advisors, or experts in the field?
• Have you addressed the feedback and made the necessary revisions?

Overall assessment

• Does the thesis as a whole feel cohesive and comprehensive?
• Would the thesis be understandable and valuable to someone in your field?

Ensure to use this checklist to leave no ground for doubt or missed information in your thesis.

After writing your thesis, the next step is to discuss and defend your findings verbally in front of a knowledgeable panel. You’ve to be well prepared as your professors may grade your presentation abilities.

Preparing your thesis defense

A thesis defense, also known as "defending the thesis," is the culmination of a scholar's research journey. It's the final frontier, where you’ll present their findings and face scrutiny from a panel of experts.

Typically, the defense involves a public presentation where you’ll have to outline your study, followed by a question-and-answer session with a committee of experts. This committee assesses the validity, originality, and significance of the research.

The defense serves as a rite of passage for scholars. It's an opportunity to showcase expertise, address criticisms, and refine arguments. A successful defense not only validates the research but also establishes your authority as a researcher in your field.

Here’s how you can effectively prepare for your thesis defense .

Now, having touched upon the process of defending a thesis, it's worth noting that scholarly work can take various forms, depending on academic and regional practices.

One such form, often paralleled with the thesis, is the 'dissertation.' But what differentiates the two?

Dissertation vs. Thesis

Often used interchangeably in casual discourse, they refer to distinct research projects undertaken at different levels of higher education.

To the uninitiated, understanding their meaning might be elusive. So, let's demystify these terms and delve into their core differences.

Here's a table differentiating between the two.

Wrapping up

From understanding the foundational concept of a thesis to navigating its various components, differentiating it from a dissertation, and recognizing the importance of proper citation — this guide covers it all.

As scholars and readers, understanding these nuances not only aids in academic pursuits but also fosters a deeper appreciation for the relentless quest for knowledge that drives academia.

It’s important to remember that every thesis is a testament to curiosity, dedication, and the indomitable spirit of discovery.

Good luck with your thesis writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

A thesis typically ranges between 40-80 pages, but its length can vary based on the research topic, institution guidelines, and level of study.

A PhD thesis usually spans 200-300 pages, though this can vary based on the discipline, complexity of the research, and institutional requirements.

To identify a thesis topic, consider current trends in your field, gaps in existing literature, personal interests, and discussions with advisors or mentors. Additionally, reviewing related journals and conference proceedings can provide insights into potential areas of exploration.

The conceptual framework is often situated in the literature review or theoretical framework section of a thesis. It helps set the stage by providing the context, defining key concepts, and explaining the relationships between variables.

A thesis statement should be concise, clear, and specific. It should state the main argument or point of your research. Start by pinpointing the central question or issue your research addresses, then condense that into a single statement, ensuring it reflects the essence of your paper.

You might also like

5 Tools zur Literaturrecherche für die optimale Recherche (+2 Bonustools)

5 outils de revue de littérature pour réussir vos recherches (+2 outils bonus)

人工智能在系统文献综述中的作用

The Difference Between a Research Question and a Thesis Statement: Home

Research Questions and Thesis Statements

Many of us have been taught that in order to start a research paper we need a thesis statement , and while that’s true, coming up with the thesis statement first is not necessarily a good way to start your research. Simply stated, a thesis statement is what your paper intends to prove or show. A research question is what you need to learn in order to come up with a good thesis statement.

Instead of starting with a thesis statement, it’s better to start with a question, and there are a couple of reasons for that.

The first reason  is that starting with a thesis statement presupposes that you already know enough about your topic to have not only a well-informed opinion, but the most up-to-date and expert opinion possible on the matter. The vast majority of us don’t have that kind of knowledge about academic subjects, so research is required.

The second reason  is that starting with a thesis statement builds your own biases into your search and limits your findings only to the ones you expected to find in the first place, which keeps you from learning important new things.

Let’s say you want to write a paper about binge drinking and college students. If you start with the thesis statement, “Binge drinking among college students is caused by peer pressure and rebellion,” and search for those terms, one of three things will happen:

• You will find all the information you need to know because peer pressure and rebellion are the only two reasons that college students binge drink
• You will find no information because experts all agree that binge drinking is caused by other factors.

These first two scenarios are not very likely, but the third one, which is just as bad for your research, is:

• You will find some of the information you need, but not all of it, because your query does not allow for results that show other important reasons that students binge drink.

On the other hand, if you start from the point of asking, “What are the reasons that college students binge drink?” you will find ALL of the reasons that experts think college students binge drink, not just the ones that agree with you. This approach exposes you to a fuller range of ideas about the topic, than you started with, and that knowledge can only make your paper or project better.

After you have completed your research and read the articles you retrieved, in order to write a thesis statement, all you have to do is answer your research question with the information that you have discovered.

“ What are the causes of binge drinking among college students?”

The causes of binge drinking among college students are socialization, pleasure, the affordability of alcohol, and the institutional promotion of drinking culture.

Before you can take a definitive stand on an issue, you need to be well informed about it. That’s why you should start with a question, not with a statement.

More Information

• Library Home Page
• LibGuide Home Page

Contact Us: 

Harold Washington College Library Circulation Desk: (312) 553-5760 Reference Desk: (312) 553-5784 Fax: (312) 553-5783 Email Us!

• Last Updated: Jul 20, 2016 10:10 AM
• URL: https://researchguides.ccc.edu/c.php?g=527873

• Library Research Tutorial

What Is a Thesis Statement?

• Topic Development
• Improving Your Research Question
• "Good" and "Bad" Research Questions
• What About Wikipedia?
• Sources for Background Reading
• Related Terms
• Subject Terms
• Boolean Searching: AND
• Boolean Searching: OR
• Boolean Searching: NOT
• Boolean Searching: Video
• Advanced Searching Techniques
• Definition of "Scholarly"
• EBSCO Discovery Search
• Subject Guides
• Individual Databases
• Open Access Resources
• Google Scholar
• Library Catalogue
• Evaluation of Sources
• Academic Writing
• Citing Sources
• Citation Formats
• Academic Integrity

Your instructor may ask you to provide a thesis statement, rather than a research question. The main difference between a thesis statement and a research question is that a thesis statement makes a claim upfront that you will attempt to validate in your paper. A thesis statement: 

• States your position on a topic
• Is not always required when writing a research paper
• Is often your research question reworded as a statement with a position

For more information on writing thesis statements, see the NIC Writing Support Resources page: Thesis Statements .

• << Previous: 1. Research Question
• Next: Topic Development >>
• Last Updated: Jul 17, 2024 3:10 PM
• URL: https://library.nic.bc.ca/researchtutorial

• Spartanburg Community College Library
• SCC Research Guides

The Research Process

• 4. Research Question and Thesis Statement

Research Question and Thesis Statement

Research question.

Research is all about finding finding the answer to a question. Once you have chosen your research topic and completed some background research, you are ready to come up with your research question. Your research question will be the overall question you are going to answer in your essay. 

For example, let's say you decided to write a paper on the Polar Ice Caps melting. While you were doing your background research, you decided you were interested in human involvement in the Polar Ice Caps melting. Your research question would become: How can humans stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting?

Thesis Statement

Next, you will transform your research question into a thesis statement, which is the answer to your research question. Your thesis statement will clearly show the position you will take in your paper and how you intend to argue that position. 

For example, if your research question is How can humans stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting?, an answer to that question (and the position to take in a paper) might be:  Humans can stop the Polar Ice Caps from melting by becoming more conscientious with their use of electricity.

It is  common  and  normal  for your research topic, question, or thesis to change over time, especially as you do more research and learn more about your topic. Remember, research is a process, and you can always go back an revisit steps when needed.

• << Previous: 3. Background Research
• Next: 5. In-Depth Research >>
• 1. Project Requirements
• 2. Topic Selection
• 3. Background Research
• 5. In-Depth Research
• 6. Outline Notes
• 7. Write Your Paper
• 8. Cite Your Sources

Questions? Ask a Librarian

• Last Updated: Sep 19, 2024 10:30 AM
• URL: https://libguides.sccsc.edu/researchprocess

Giles Campus | 864.592.4764 | Toll Free 866.542.2779 | Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 Spartanburg Community College. All rights reserved.

Info for Library Staff | Guide Search

Return to SCC Website

What Is the Difference Between a Thesis Statement & a Research Question?

Meagan roper.

Knowing the right time to use either a thesis statement or a research question can make the difference between inspiring your readers and confusing them. Both thesis statements and research questions are used in academic writing to provide purpose and direction to the work. However, each writing situation calls for different kinds of direction-giving.

Explore this article

• Thesis Statements
• Research Questions
• Differences
• Similarities

1 Thesis Statements

Most good, well-organized writing will contain a thesis statement near the beginning of the essay or paper and will repeat it at the end of the work. The thesis statement tells your audience what you plan to talk about or prove, serving as a preview to the rest of your work. Thesis statements take a position on a debatable topic or make a statement of information, and then the rest of the paper proves the position or provides more detailed information.

2 Research Questions

While most quality writing will naturally contain a thesis statement, only certain kinds of writing will contain one or more research questions. Research studies, like the kind that appear in academic journals and scientific research publications, usually seek to discover new information about a little known topic. The purpose of the research question is to tell your reader what you are after as you dive into your investigation. A research question must be debatable but should be an open question rather than one that takes a position.

3 Differences

The two types of direction-giving at the beginning and end of academic writing differ in their purpose. A thesis statement delivers a positional statement about information. A research question, on the other hand, asks an open-ended question about a topic to be investigated. For example, a research question might ask "How does competitive soccer affect adolescent girls?" while a thesis statement on the same topic might state "Competitive soccer provides many benefits to adolescent girls, such as exercise, but may also have negative effects, such as increased risk of concussion."

4 Similarities

Both thesis statements and research questions can be used to provide direction for academic journal articles, research papers, reports of research studies and qualitative investigations of events or text. Both must be carefully crafted by the writer to give the reader a clear understanding of the purpose of the work. In order to be clear and effective, research questions and thesis statements must be specific, concise and purposeful.

• 1 Kean University: What is a thesis?
• 2 Purdue Online Writing Lab: Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements

About the Author

Meagan Roper has worked in public relations, journalism and the publishing industry. She has a bachelor's degree in public relations and advertising, and a master's degree in interpersonal and organizational communication, both from Liberty University. Roper also has several years of experience teaching college communication courses, and working in information technology and web design.

Related Articles

What Can You Do With a Master's Degree in Criminal...

The Difference Between Discursive & Argumentative Essays

How to Write a Negative Debate Speech

How to Make Group Discussions & Interactions Work in...

Correctional Officer Testing

How to Calculate a Monthly Salary to Hourly

How to Write Assumptions for a Thesis

Target Pharmacy Technician Training

How to Pass a Police Psychological Evaluation

How to Make Observations Using the Scientific Method

Define Primary & Secondary Data

What Is a Quasi Experimental Study?

How to Make an Introduction Paragraph for a Debate

Difference Between a PhD & a PsyD

How to Write an Informative Essay

How to Write a Thesis Statement in High School Essays

What Criteria Should Be Used to Evaluate the Credibility...

How to Write a Critique Essay

How to Write an Argumentative Speech

The Best Bra for a One-Shoulder Dress

Regardless of how old we are, we never stop learning. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Whether you’re studying times tables or applying to college, Classroom has the answers.

• Accessibility
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Copyright Policy
• Manage Preferences

© 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Based on the Word Net lexical database for the English Language. See disclaimer .

Research Tutorial

• Library Research Tutorial

What Is a Thesis Statement?

• Topic Development
• Improve Your Research Question
• Good and Bad Research Questions
• Video Review
• Sources for Background Reading
• Using AI for Background Reading
• What about Wikipedia?
• Related Terms
• Subject Terms
• Boolean Searching
• Advanced Searching Techniques
• Definition of "Scholarly"
• Subject Guides
• Individual Databases
• Open Access Resources
• Google Scholar
• USMAI Book Search
• Evaluation of Sources
• Academic Writing
• Writing Resources
• Citing Sources
• Citation Formats
• Citation Resources
• Academic Integrity
• Research on the Job

Your instructor may ask you to provide a thesis statement, rather than a research question. The main difference between a thesis statement and a research question is that a thesis statement makes a claim upfront that you will attempt to validate in your paper. A thesis statement:

• States your position on a topic
• Is not always required when writing a research paper
• Is often your research question reworded as a statement with a position

For more information on writing thesis statements, see UMGC's Online Guide to Writing and Research: Thesis Statement and Controlling Idea .

• << Previous: 1. Research Question
• Next: Topic Development >>
• Last Updated: Sep 24, 2024 3:51 PM
• URL: https://libguides.umgc.edu/research-tutorial

• Thesis Action Plan New
• Academic Project Planner

Literature Navigator

Thesis dialogue blueprint, writing wizard's template, research proposal compass.

• See Success Stories
• Access Free Resources
• Why we are different
• All Products
• Coming Soon

Thesis vs. Theses: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Understanding the difference between 'thesis' and 'theses' is important for students and researchers alike. These terms, while similar, have distinct meanings and implications in academic writing. A thesis usually refers to a single document written for a master's degree, while theses is the plural form, referring to multiple such documents. This article will explore these differences and why they matter in the academic world.

Key Takeaways

• A thesis is a single document for a master's program, while theses refers to multiple such documents.
• Thesis statements are crucial as they outline the main argument of a paper.
• Understanding the context of thesis writing can improve academic success.
• Crafting a strong thesis statement requires clarity and focus.
• The process of defending a thesis is an important milestone in graduate studies.

Understanding Thesis and Theses in Academic Contexts

Defining thesis and theses.

In academic writing, the terms thesis and theses are often confused. A thesis typically refers to a substantial research project that a student completes for a master's degree, while theses is the plural form, referring to multiple such projects. Understanding this distinction is crucial for your academic journey.

Historical Perspectives on Thesis

Historically, the concept of a thesis has evolved. In earlier times, a thesis was primarily a statement or argument presented for debate. Today, it represents a comprehensive research project that showcases your ability to conduct independent research. This shift highlights the growing importance of original contributions to knowledge in academia.

Cultural Variations in Usage

Cultural differences also play a role in how these terms are used. In the United States, a thesis is often associated with master's programs, while a dissertation is linked to doctoral studies. In contrast, some European countries may use the term thesis for both levels. This variation can affect your understanding of academic expectations in different regions.

Understanding these distinctions is essential for navigating your academic path effectively. By grasping the differences between a thesis and theses, you can better prepare for the challenges ahead in your research and writing endeavors.

For more insights on academic writing, check out resources from Research Rebels that provide valuable tips on crafting effective thesis statements and navigating the complexities of academic writing.

The Role of Thesis Statements in Research

Importance of a strong thesis statement.

A strong thesis statement is essential for guiding your research. It serves as a roadmap, helping you stay focused on your main argument. Without it, your paper may lack direction and coherence. A well-crafted thesis statement not only clarifies your position but also engages your reader, making them eager to learn more about your findings.

Components of an Effective Thesis Statement

To create an effective thesis statement, consider these key components:

• Clarity : Clearly express your main argument.
• Specificity : Focus on a particular aspect of your topic.
• Debatable : Present an argument that invites discussion.
• Evidence : Support your claim with relevant examples.
• Coherence : Ensure all parts of your statement connect logically.

Common Pitfalls in Thesis Development

When developing your thesis statement, avoid these common mistakes:

• Being too vague or general.
• Making a statement that is not arguable.
• Failing to provide supporting evidence.
• Overcomplicating your statement with unnecessary details.

By focusing on these elements, you can craft a thesis statement that not only enhances your research but also strengthens your overall argument. Remember, a strong thesis statement is the backbone of your academic writing, guiding both you and your readers through your work. For more resources on improving your research skills, check out this guide .

Distinguishing Between Thesis and Theses

Key differences in definition.

Understanding the difference between a thesis and theses is essential for academic success. A thesis is a comprehensive document that presents original research, typically required for a master's degree. In contrast, theses refer to multiple works of this nature. Each thesis embodies the results of original research and supports a specific viewpoint, often written by students pursuing advanced degrees.

Contextual Usage in Academia

In academic contexts, the term "thesis" is often used to describe the singular work, while "theses" is the plural form. This distinction is crucial when discussing your own work or referencing others. For example, when you say, "I am writing my thesis," it indicates a singular focus on your research project. Conversely, when discussing various research projects, you would refer to them as "theses."

Implications for Graduate Students

For graduate students, understanding these terms can impact how you communicate your research. Misusing these terms may lead to confusion among peers and faculty. Therefore, always ensure you use the correct form based on the context. This clarity not only enhances your academic communication but also reflects your understanding of academic conventions.

The Process of Crafting a Thesis Statement

Researching your topic.

When you start your thesis journey, the first step is to research your topic . This involves gathering information from various sources to understand the existing knowledge in your field. A well-researched topic lays the foundation for a strong thesis statement. Here are some steps to guide you:

• Identify credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.
• Take notes on key points and arguments related to your topic.
• Look for gaps in the existing research that your thesis could address.

Drafting and Revising Your Thesis Statement

Once you have a solid understanding of your topic, you can begin drafting your thesis statement. This statement should clearly express your main argument or claim. Remember, it’s okay to revise your thesis as you learn more. Here’s how to approach this:

• Start with a working thesis that outlines your main argument.
• As you gather more information, refine your thesis to make it more specific and focused.
• Ensure that your thesis is debatable, inviting discussion and analysis.

Seeking Feedback and Refinement

After drafting your thesis statement, it’s crucial to seek feedback. This can help you identify any weaknesses or areas for improvement. Consider the following:

• Share your thesis with peers or mentors for their insights.
• Be open to constructive criticism and use it to refine your statement.
• Remember, a strong thesis statement is a living document that may evolve as your research progresses.

By following these steps, you can craft a thesis statement that not only guides your writing but also engages your readers effectively. For additional resources, consider exploring tools like the [ Thesis Success Essentials ](https://www.researchrebels.com/products/thesis-success-essentials-free-25-templates) which offer templates to help you through this process.

The Impact of Thesis on Academic Success

Thesis as a Reflection of Research Skills

Completing a thesis is a significant milestone in your academic journey. It showcases your ability to conduct independent research and demonstrates your mastery of a specific subject. This process not only enhances your research skills but also prepares you for future academic challenges. A well-executed thesis can lead to recognition from peers and professors, which is crucial for your academic reputation.

Influence on Future Academic Opportunities

Your thesis can open doors to various academic opportunities. Many graduate programs and research positions look for candidates who have successfully completed a thesis. This accomplishment signals to potential advisors and employers that you possess the skills necessary for advanced research. Additionally, your thesis may serve as a foundation for future publications, further enhancing your academic profile.

Role in Professional Development

Beyond academia, a thesis can significantly impact your career. Completing a thesis demonstrates your ability to manage complex projects, conduct thorough research, and communicate effectively. These skills are highly valued in many professional fields. Moreover, the process of writing a thesis often involves collaboration with faculty and peers, helping you build a network that can be beneficial in your career.

In summary, the impact of your thesis on academic success is profound. It not only reflects your research capabilities but also influences your future opportunities in both academia and your professional life. Embrace this journey, as it is a vital step toward achieving your goals.

Navigating the Thesis Defense

Preparing for the defense.

Preparing for your thesis defense is crucial. This is your chance to showcase your hard work and research. Start by reviewing your thesis thoroughly. Make sure you understand every part of it, especially the sections that received feedback. Organize a mock defense with friends or mentors to practice. This will help you get comfortable with the format and types of questions you might face.

Common Questions and Challenges

During the defense, you may encounter various questions. Here are some common ones:

• What motivated your research?
• How did you choose your methodology?
• What are the implications of your findings?

Anticipating these questions can help you prepare better. Think about potential weaknesses in your work and how you would address them.

Strategies for Success

To ensure a successful defense, consider these strategies:

• Create a clear presentation that highlights your research questions, methods, findings, and conclusions.
• Practice your delivery multiple times to build confidence.
• Seek feedback from peers or mentors to refine your presentation.
• Arrive early on the day of your defense to get comfortable with the environment.
• Dress professionally to convey seriousness.

By following these steps, you can navigate your thesis defense with confidence and clarity. Remember, this is not just an exam; it’s an opportunity to discuss your research and its significance in your field. Embrace it!

The Evolution of Thesis Writing

Historical changes in thesis requirements.

The concept of a thesis has evolved significantly over the years. In the past, a thesis was often seen as a mere formality, but today, it is a critical component of academic achievement. Understanding this evolution is essential for students. Initially, theses were primarily focused on theoretical frameworks, but now they often emphasize practical applications and real-world relevance. For instance, in the United States, a thesis typically refers to master's level work, while a dissertation is associated with doctoral studies. This distinction highlights the growing complexity and depth of research expected at different academic levels.

Modern Trends in Thesis Composition

In recent years, the approach to thesis writing has shifted towards a more collaborative and interdisciplinary model. Students are encouraged to engage with various fields, integrating diverse perspectives into their research. This trend is supported by advancements in technology, which facilitate communication and collaboration. For example, platforms like WhatsApp allow students to connect with peers and mentors, making it easier to share ideas and receive feedback. As a result, students can learn how to write a thesis fast and how to write thesis easily by leveraging these tools.

Technological Influences on Thesis Writing

Technology has transformed the way students approach thesis writing. With access to vast online resources, students can conduct research more efficiently than ever before. The integration of digital tools has made it easier to organize data, analyze findings, and present results. This evolution not only enhances the quality of research but also empowers students to express their ideas more clearly. As you navigate your thesis journey, remember that embracing these technological advancements can significantly improve your writing process.

The Interrelationship Between Thesis and Research Questions

Defining research questions.

Your research question is the starting point of your academic journey. It guides your study and helps you focus on what you want to explore. A well-defined research question is crucial because it sets the direction for your entire project. Without a clear question, your research may lack focus and depth.

Aligning Thesis Statements with Research Objectives

Once you have your research question, the next step is to develop your thesis statement. This statement is your main argument or conclusion based on the findings from your research. Think of it as the bridge connecting your question to your conclusions. Here’s how to align them effectively:

• Identify the core components of your research question.
• Gather and analyze relevant data and literature.
• Refine your question based on your findings.
• Distill the refined question into a clear thesis statement.

The Feedback Loop Between Thesis and Questions

As you progress in your research, your initial question may evolve. This is a natural part of the process. Your thesis statement should also adapt to reflect these changes. This dynamic relationship ensures that your work remains relevant and insightful. For example, if your research leads you to new findings, you might need to adjust your thesis to incorporate these insights. This feedback loop is essential for producing a robust academic argument.

In summary, the relationship between your thesis and research questions is not static; it’s a continuous cycle of inquiry and refinement. By understanding this interrelationship, you can enhance the quality and impact of your academic work.

For more resources on crafting effective research questions and thesis statements, check out Thesis Action Plan and Research Proposal Compass .

Exploring Various Thesis Formats

Types of thesis statements.

When writing a thesis, it's essential to understand the different types of thesis statements you can use. Each type serves a unique purpose and can shape your research in various ways. Here are the main types:

• Analytical Thesis Statement : This type breaks down a complex issue into its parts and analyzes them. It requires critical thinking and is often used in research papers.
• Argumentative Thesis Statement : This statement presents a clear argument on a specific topic, aiming to convince the reader of your viewpoint. It should be debatable and supported by evidence.
• Expository Thesis Statement : This type explains a topic or idea without taking a stance. It provides information and is often used in informative essays.

Structural Components of a Thesis

While the format may vary, most theses share common structural components. Here’s a typical outline:

Variations Across Disciplines

Different academic fields may have specific requirements for thesis formats. For example:

• In the sciences, a more structured approach with detailed methodologies is common.
• In the humanities, a narrative style may be preferred, allowing for more creative expression.

Understanding these variations is crucial for tailoring your thesis to meet the expectations of your discipline. By recognizing the different formats and structures, you can better prepare your thesis for success.

The Importance of Clarity in Thesis Statements

Techniques for Achieving Clarity

To ensure your thesis statement is clear, consider the following techniques:

• Be Specific : Avoid vague language. Clearly state your main argument.
• Use Simple Language : Choose words that are easy to understand.
• Limit Length : Keep your thesis statement concise, ideally one or two sentences.

Examples of Clear vs. Vague Thesis Statements

The Role of Clarity in Reader Engagement

A clear thesis statement not only helps you stay focused but also engages your readers. When they understand your main argument, they are more likely to follow your reasoning and stay interested in your work. A well-defined thesis acts as a roadmap , guiding readers through your research and findings.

In summary, clarity in your thesis statement is essential for effective communication. By employing techniques to enhance clarity, you can create a strong foundation for your academic writing. Remember, a clear thesis statement is not just beneficial for your readers; it also helps you maintain focus and direction in your writing process. For additional support, consider resources like the Thesis Action Plan from Research Rebels, which offers structured guidance to help you develop a clear and effective thesis statement.

Future Trends in Thesis Writing

As you look ahead in your academic journey, it's essential to understand the future trends in thesis writing. These trends are shaped by advancements in technology and changing academic expectations.

Emerging Topics in Thesis Research

One significant trend is the rise of interdisciplinary research. This approach encourages you to combine insights from different fields, leading to innovative solutions and broader perspectives. For instance, topics like climate change, artificial intelligence, and public health are increasingly popular as they require knowledge from various disciplines.

The Role of Interdisciplinary Approaches

Interdisciplinary approaches not only enhance the depth of your research but also make your thesis more relevant in today’s complex world. By integrating methods and theories from multiple fields, you can address real-world problems more effectively.

Anticipating Changes in Academic Standards

As academic standards evolve, you may find that institutions are placing greater emphasis on the practical applications of research. This shift means that your thesis should not only contribute to academic knowledge but also demonstrate how it can be applied in real-world scenarios.

In summary, staying informed about these trends will help you craft a thesis that is not only academically rigorous but also relevant and impactful. Embrace these changes, and you will be well-prepared for the future of academic writing!

As we look ahead, the future of thesis writing is changing fast. With new tools and methods, students can tackle their projects with less stress and more confidence. If you're feeling lost or anxious about your thesis, don’t worry! Visit our website to discover how our Thesis Action Plan can guide you step-by-step to success. Don’t wait—take the first step towards a smoother thesis journey today!

In summary, understanding the difference between a thesis and theses is essential for students and scholars alike. A thesis is a significant piece of writing that showcases a student's research and findings, typically for a master's degree. In contrast, theses refer to multiple such works. Recognizing these distinctions not only helps in academic writing but also enhances clarity in communication. A strong thesis statement is vital as it serves as the backbone of any academic paper, guiding the reader through the writer's argument. By mastering the art of crafting a clear and focused thesis statement, students can improve their writing and effectively convey their ideas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a thesis and theses.

A thesis is a single document that presents a student's research for a master's degree. Theses is the plural form, referring to multiple such documents.

Why is a thesis statement important?

A thesis statement is important because it clearly outlines the main point of your paper, guiding both the writer and the reader.

How long should a thesis be?

A thesis typically ranges from 40 to 100 pages, depending on the program and specific requirements.

What are the common challenges when writing a thesis?

Common challenges include choosing a topic, managing time effectively, and staying focused on the main argument.

Can a thesis be revised after submission?

Generally, once a thesis is submitted, it cannot be revised. However, feedback from the defense may lead to minor changes.

What is a thesis defense?

A thesis defense is a formal presentation where the student defends their research and findings before a committee.

How can I improve my thesis statement?

To improve your thesis statement, make sure it is clear, specific, and arguable. Seek feedback from peers or instructors.

What role does a thesis play in academic success?

A thesis showcases your research skills and understanding of a topic, which can open doors for future academic and career opportunities.

Discovering Statistics Using IBM SPSS Statistics: A Fun and Informative Guide

Unlocking the Power of Data: A Review of 'Essentials of Modern Business Statistics with Microsoft Excel'

Discovering Statistics Using SAS: A Comprehensive Review

The Thesis Survival Kit: Essential Tools and Resources for a Successful Journey

Looking for a Thesis Proposal Example? Here’s the Best Format to Follow

How to Research for Your Thesis Paper Without Feeling Overwhelmed

Thesis Action Plan

• Rebels Blog
• Blog Articles
• Affiliate Program
• Terms and Conditions
• Payment and Shipping Terms
• Privacy Policy
• Return Policy

© 2024 Research Rebels, All rights reserved.

Your cart is currently empty.

Research Aims, Objectives & Questions

By: David Phair (PhD) and Alexandra Shaeffer (PhD) | June 2022

T he research aims , objectives and research questions (collectively called the “golden thread”) are arguably the most important thing you need to get right when you’re crafting a research proposal , dissertation or thesis . We receive questions almost every day about this “holy trinity” of research and there’s certainly a lot of confusion out there, so we’ve crafted this post to help you navigate your way through the fog.

Overview: The Golden Thread

• What is the golden thread
• What are research aims ( examples )
• What are research objectives ( examples )
• What are research questions ( examples )
• The importance of alignment in the golden thread

What is the “golden thread”?

The golden thread simply refers to the collective research aims , research objectives , and research questions for any given project (i.e., a dissertation, thesis, or research paper ). These three elements are bundled together because it’s extremely important that they align with each other, and that the entire research project aligns with them.

Importantly, the golden thread needs to weave its way through the entirety of any research project , from start to end. In other words, it needs to be very clearly defined right at the beginning of the project (the topic ideation and proposal stage) and it needs to inform almost every decision throughout the rest of the project. For example, your research design and methodology will be heavily influenced by the golden thread (we’ll explain this in more detail later), as well as your literature review.

The research aims, objectives and research questions (the golden thread) define the focus and scope ( the delimitations ) of your research project. In other words, they help ringfence your dissertation or thesis to a relatively narrow domain, so that you can “go deep” and really dig into a specific problem or opportunity. They also help keep you on track , as they act as a litmus test for relevance. In other words, if you’re ever unsure whether to include something in your document, simply ask yourself the question, “does this contribute toward my research aims, objectives or questions?”. If it doesn’t, chances are you can drop it.

Alright, enough of the fluffy, conceptual stuff. Let’s get down to business and look at what exactly the research aims, objectives and questions are and outline a few examples to bring these concepts to life.

Research Aims: What are they?

Simply put, the research aim(s) is a statement that reflects the broad overarching goal (s) of the research project. Research aims are fairly high-level (low resolution) as they outline the general direction of the research and what it’s trying to achieve .

Research Aims: Examples

True to the name, research aims usually start with the wording “this research aims to…”, “this research seeks to…”, and so on. For example:

“This research aims to explore employee experiences of digital transformation in retail HR.”   “This study sets out to assess the interaction between student support and self-care on well-being in engineering graduate students”  

As you can see, these research aims provide a high-level description of what the study is about and what it seeks to achieve. They’re not hyper-specific or action-oriented, but they’re clear about what the study’s focus is and what is being investigated.

Need a helping hand?

Research Objectives: What are they?

The research objectives take the research aims and make them more practical and actionable . In other words, the research objectives showcase the steps that the researcher will take to achieve the research aims.

The research objectives need to be far more specific (higher resolution) and actionable than the research aims. In fact, it’s always a good idea to craft your research objectives using the “SMART” criteria. In other words, they should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound”.

Research Objectives: Examples

Let’s look at two examples of research objectives. We’ll stick with the topic and research aims we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic:

To observe the retail HR employees throughout the digital transformation. To assess employee perceptions of digital transformation in retail HR. To identify the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR.

And for the student wellness topic:

To determine whether student self-care predicts the well-being score of engineering graduate students. To determine whether student support predicts the well-being score of engineering students. To assess the interaction between student self-care and student support when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students.

  As you can see, these research objectives clearly align with the previously mentioned research aims and effectively translate the low-resolution aims into (comparatively) higher-resolution objectives and action points . They give the research project a clear focus and present something that resembles a research-based “to-do” list.

Research Questions: What are they?

Finally, we arrive at the all-important research questions. The research questions are, as the name suggests, the key questions that your study will seek to answer . Simply put, they are the core purpose of your dissertation, thesis, or research project. You’ll present them at the beginning of your document (either in the introduction chapter or literature review chapter) and you’ll answer them at the end of your document (typically in the discussion and conclusion chapters).

The research questions will be the driving force throughout the research process. For example, in the literature review chapter, you’ll assess the relevance of any given resource based on whether it helps you move towards answering your research questions. Similarly, your methodology and research design will be heavily influenced by the nature of your research questions. For instance, research questions that are exploratory in nature will usually make use of a qualitative approach, whereas questions that relate to measurement or relationship testing will make use of a quantitative approach.  

Let’s look at some examples of research questions to make this more tangible.

Research Questions: Examples 

Again, we’ll stick with the research aims and research objectives we mentioned previously.  

For the digital transformation topic (which would be qualitative in nature):

How do employees perceive digital transformation in retail HR? What are the barriers and facilitators of digital transformation in retail HR?  

And for the student wellness topic (which would be quantitative in nature):

Does student self-care predict the well-being scores of engineering graduate students? Does student support predict the well-being scores of engineering students? Do student self-care and student support interact when predicting well-being in engineering graduate students?  

You’ll probably notice that there’s quite a formulaic approach to this. In other words, the research questions are basically the research objectives “converted” into question format. While that is true most of the time, it’s not always the case. For example, the first research objective for the digital transformation topic was more or less a step on the path toward the other objectives, and as such, it didn’t warrant its own research question.

So, don’t rush your research questions and sloppily reword your objectives as questions. Carefully think about what exactly you’re trying to achieve (i.e. your research aim) and the objectives you’ve set out, then craft a set of well-aligned research questions . Also, keep in mind that this can be a somewhat iterative process , where you go back and tweak research objectives and aims to ensure tight alignment throughout the golden thread.

The importance of strong alignment

Alignment is the keyword here and we have to stress its importance . Simply put, you need to make sure that there is a very tight alignment between all three pieces of the golden thread. If your research aims and research questions don’t align, for example, your project will be pulling in different directions and will lack focus . This is a common problem students face and can cause many headaches (and tears), so be warned.

Take the time to carefully craft your research aims, objectives and research questions before you run off down the research path. Ideally, get your research supervisor/advisor to review and comment on your golden thread before you invest significant time into your project, and certainly before you start collecting data .  

Recap: The golden thread

In this post, we unpacked the golden thread of research, consisting of the research aims , research objectives and research questions . You can jump back to any section using the links below.

As always, feel free to leave a comment below – we always love to hear from you. Also, if you’re interested in 1-on-1 support, take a look at our private coaching service here.

You Might Also Like:

How To Review & Understand Academic Literature Quickly

Learn how to fast-track your literature review by reading with intention and clarity. Dr E and Amy Murdock explain how.

Dissertation Writing Services: Far Worse Than You Think

Thinking about using a dissertation or thesis writing service? You might want to reconsider that move. Here’s what you need to know.

Triangulation: The Ultimate Credibility Enhancer

Triangulation is one of the best ways to enhance the credibility of your research. Learn about the different options here.

The Harsh Truths Of Academic Research

Dr. Ethar Al-Saraf and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into the darker truths of academic research, so that you’re well prepared for reality.

Dissertation Paralysis: How To Get Unstuck

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Ethar and Dr. Amy Murdock dive into how to get unstuck when you’re facing dissertation paralysis

📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

Proposal Writing

Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

Academic Writing

Referencing & Citing

Apps, Tools & Tricks

The Grad Coach Podcast

41 Comments

Thank you very much for your great effort put. As an Undergraduate taking Demographic Research & Methodology, I’ve been trying so hard to understand clearly what is a Research Question, Research Aim and the Objectives in a research and the relationship between them etc. But as for now I’m thankful that you’ve solved my problem.

Well appreciated. This has helped me greatly in doing my dissertation.

An so delighted with this wonderful information thank you a lot.

so impressive i have benefited a lot looking forward to learn more on research.

I am very happy to have carefully gone through this well researched article.

Infact,I used to be phobia about anything research, because of my poor understanding of the concepts.

Now,I get to know that my research question is the same as my research objective(s) rephrased in question format.

I please I would need a follow up on the subject,as I intends to join the team of researchers. Thanks once again.

Thanks so much. This was really helpful.

I know you pepole have tried to break things into more understandable and easy format. And God bless you. Keep it up

i found this document so useful towards my study in research methods. thanks so much.

This is my 2nd read topic in your course and I should commend the simplified explanations of each part. I’m beginning to understand and absorb the use of each part of a dissertation/thesis. I’ll keep on reading your free course and might be able to avail the training course! Kudos!

Thank you! Better put that my lecture and helped to easily understand the basics which I feel often get brushed over when beginning dissertation work.

This is quite helpful. I like how the Golden thread has been explained and the needed alignment.

This is quite helpful. I really appreciate!

The article made it simple for researcher students to differentiate between three concepts.

Very innovative and educational in approach to conducting research.

I am very impressed with all these terminology, as I am a fresh student for post graduate, I am highly guided and I promised to continue making consultation when the need arise. Thanks a lot.

A very helpful piece. thanks, I really appreciate it .

Very well explained, and it might be helpful to many people like me.

Wish i had found this (and other) resource(s) at the beginning of my PhD journey… not in my writing up year… 😩 Anyways… just a quick question as i’m having some issues ordering my “golden thread”…. does it matter in what order you mention them? i.e., is it always first aims, then objectives, and finally the questions? or can you first mention the research questions and then the aims and objectives?

Thank you for a very simple explanation that builds upon the concepts in a very logical manner. Just prior to this, I read the research hypothesis article, which was equally very good. This met my primary objective.

My secondary objective was to understand the difference between research questions and research hypothesis, and in which context to use which one. However, I am still not clear on this. Can you kindly please guide?

In research, a research question is a clear and specific inquiry that the researcher wants to answer, while a research hypothesis is a tentative statement or prediction about the relationship between variables or the expected outcome of the study. Research questions are broader and guide the overall study, while hypotheses are specific and testable statements used in quantitative research. Research questions identify the problem, while hypotheses provide a focus for testing in the study.

Exactly what I need in this research journey, I look forward to more of your coaching videos.

This helped a lot. Thanks so much for the effort put into explaining it.

What data source in writing dissertation/Thesis requires?

What is data source covers when writing dessertation/thesis

This is quite useful thanks

I’m excited and thankful. I got so much value which will help me progress in my thesis.

where are the locations of the reserch statement, research objective and research question in a reserach paper? Can you write an ouline that defines their places in the researh paper?

Very helpful and important tips on Aims, Objectives and Questions.

Thank you so much for making research aim, research objectives and research question so clear. This will be helpful to me as i continue with my thesis.

Thanks much for this content. I learned a lot. And I am inspired to learn more. I am still struggling with my preparation for dissertation outline/proposal. But I consistently follow contents and tutorials and the new FB of GRAD Coach. Hope to really become confident in writing my dissertation and successfully defend it.

As a researcher and lecturer, I find splitting research goals into research aims, objectives, and questions is unnecessarily bureaucratic and confusing for students. For most biomedical research projects, including ‘real research’, 1-3 research questions will suffice (numbers may differ by discipline).

Awesome! Very important resources and presented in an informative way to easily understand the golden thread. Indeed, thank you so much.

Well explained

The blog article on research aims, objectives, and questions by Grad Coach is a clear and insightful guide that aligns with my experiences in academic research. The article effectively breaks down the often complex concepts of research aims and objectives, providing a straightforward and accessible explanation. Drawing from my own research endeavors, I appreciate the practical tips offered, such as the need for specificity and clarity when formulating research questions. The article serves as a valuable resource for students and researchers, offering a concise roadmap for crafting well-defined research goals and objectives. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced researcher, this article provides practical insights that contribute to the foundational aspects of a successful research endeavor.

A great thanks for you. it is really amazing explanation. I grasp a lot and one step up to research knowledge.

I really found these tips helpful. Thank you very much Grad Coach.

I found this article helpful. Thanks for sharing this.

thank you so much, the explanation and examples are really helpful

This is a well researched and superbly written article for learners of research methods at all levels in the research topic from conceptualization to research findings and conclusions. I highly recommend this material to university graduate students. As an instructor of advanced research methods for PhD students, I have confirmed that I was giving the right guidelines for the degree they are undertaking.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

• Print Friendly

Skip Global Navigation

• Graduate Open House
• Graduate Research & Creative Activity Conference
• George Liepa Sigma Xi Speaker Series
• Commencement
• News & Feature Stories
• King Chávez Parks Visiting Professors Program
• Tools for Grad Coordinators
• Degrees & Programs
• Developing a Question
• Identifying Research Questions
• Developing a Theoretical Framework
• Research Design & Methodology
• Human Subjects
• Data Collection Tools
• Dissertation Manual [PDF]
• Thesis Manual [PDF]
• Capstone Project
• Survey Research Guidance
• Forms & Manuals
• Research Guidelines
• Application Deadlines
• Guest Students
• Non-Degree Students
• International Students
• Find an Advisor
• Tuition Discount Opportunities
• Graduate Catalog
• Office of Records & Registration
• Schedule a Visit
• Request Information
• Orientation
• Register for Classes
• New Student To-Do List
• Disability Resource Center
• Staying Healthy
• Career Services
• Student Resources
• Graduate School Scholarships
• Graduate Student Travel Assistance Awards
• Admissions Scholarships
• International Scholarships
• King Chávez Parks Future Faculty Fellowship
• Graduate Student Research Support Fund
• Campus Life Scholarships
• Other Scholarship Opportunities
• Graduate Assistantships
• Doctoral Fellowships
• Office of Financial Aid
• Give to EMU

Graduate School

200 Boone Hall

Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197

Phone: 734.487.0042

[email protected]

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

Developing a Good Research Question

Developing a good research question is the key to getting your dissertation done efficiently and to making an original contribution to your discipline. Your dissertation question should meet six criteria.

Identify the Theoretical Construct

A good research question should clearly identify the theoretical construct you are studying. For example, if you are interested in figuring out the processes by which parents transmit their political perspectives to their children, the theoretical construct you are studying is "transmission of political perspectives." If you are interested in how technology innovations in teaching improve student performance, your theoretical concept is "effectiveness of innovation." Notice that the theoretical construct is the phenomenon, event or experience you want to learn more about.

Recognize the Theoretical Construct

A research question should contain some suggestion of recognizability of the theoretical construct. This means that the research question articulates the theoretical construct in a way that is specific enough so you will know it when you see it as you are coding for it in your data. In other words, it supplies a clear unit of analysis that allows you to tell the difference between that construct and other constructs relatively easily. To accomplish recognizability, you should word the construct in a way that is concrete and specific.

Perhaps an example will help clarify this idea of recognizability. A student started her dissertation planning with a theoretical construct of "the experience of nontraditional women in college." While certainly an important construct, it is too large because the student would have a difficult time recognizing the construct in the data. It involves a potentially large number of different constructs, including women's experiences of raising children while going to school, degree of support from family members, responses of other students, educational accomplishments, emotions the women experience, and on and on and on. There is virtually nothing having to do with nontraditional women college students that would not count as part of the construct of "the experience of nontraditional women in college."

A more specific theoretical construct would be "nontraditional women's experiences of discrimination in the classroom" or "nontraditional women's use of support services on campus." The recognizability here is that the theoretical construct is focused on one aspect of nontraditional women's experiences and allows the student to discriminate between it and other constructs that are a part of nontraditional women's experiences in college. As you formulate your research question, think about how you will code data with that question, looking for examples of the theoretical construct you are considering featuring in your research question. Will you be able to locate it and distinguish it easily from other constructs that appear in your data?

Transcendence of Data

Your research question should meet the criterion of transcendence of data. Except in a few instances, your research question should not include mention of the specific data you are using to investigate your question. Many different kinds of data can be used to answer your question, so don't confine it to the one type of data you plan to study. You want your question to be more abstract than those specific data.

For example, if you want to study resistance strategies used by marginalized groups to challenge institutions, you can use as your data a social movement, works of art by politically motivated artists, the songs sung by union organizers, or the strategies used by Mexican immigrants to improve their status in the United States, to name a few. You want your study to contribute to a significant theoretical conversation in your field, and it can do that more easily if your question is not tied to one particular kind of data. A research question on the topic of resistance that transcends the data, then, might be, "What is the nature of the resistance strategies used by subordinate groups in their efforts to challenge hegemonic institutions?"

As an example where the criterion of transcendence of data was violated in a research question, consider the proposal of a theoretical construct of "accounting practices used in children's theatres in Detroit." Here, a theoretical construct is the same as the data. The student is conflating the construct in the research question with the data used to answer the question. As a result, the story has limited interest to other readers. The students certainly could collect data for a study concerning accounting practices in children's theatre groups in Detroit, but the construct should be larger than that. Perhaps it could be something like "accounting practices in nonprofit arts organizations."

There are a few kinds of dissertation where the criterion of transcendence of data in the research question does not apply. These are dissertations in which researchers want to find out about a particular phenomenon, so the research is specifically about that phenomenon. For example, someone who is interested in the strategies used by Alcoholics Anonymous to attract members would want to include Alcoholics Anonymous in the research question. In this case, the researcher sees something unique and significant about that particular organization, in contrast to other treatment approaches, and sets out to understand it specifically.

There are some fields, too, where the data are typically included in the research question in dissertations. History is one. Dissertations in this field are about a particular place and time, and their purpose is to explore that place and time. Thus, those particulars are included in the theoretical construct of the research question. For example, a research question for a history dissertation might be, "How was a counter-culture identity sustained in Humboldt County, California, in the 1980s and 1990s?" The discipline of English is another one where research questions may include mention of data. Scholars in English are often interested in a writer or group of writers or a particular type of literature, and those would be included in the research question. An example is: "How do troll images function in the narratives of Scandinavian writers between 1960 and 1990?"

Contribute to Understanding the Construct

Your research question should identify your study's contribution to an understanding of the theoretical construct. Your research question should name what happens to the theoretical construct in your study and what you are doing with it in your study or what interests you about it. This contribution should be developed from the theoretical conversations in your discipline and should reflect a specialized knowledge of your discipline. For example, the new contribution you might be making is to begin to suggest the communication processes by which political beliefs are transmitted within families. You know that such beliefs (the theoretical construct) get transmitted. Your new contribution will be to explain some of the processes by which the transmission happens. Meeting this criterion in your research question forecasts the contributions to the discipline you'll discuss in your conclusion.

The Capacity of Surprise

Your research question should have the capacity to surprise. You should not already know the answer to the research question you're asking. You want to be surprised by what you find out. If you already know the answer to your question, you don't need to do the study. Moreover, if you know the answer, you aren't really doing research. Instead, you are selecting and coding data to report on and advocate for a position you already hold.

So, for example, using the data of immigrant narratives, a research question might be, "How do traumatic events produce long-term negative effects on individuals?" This already assumes that immigration inevitably traumatizes individuals and there are no possibilities other than to experience immigration negatively. There is not likely to be any surprise in the findings because the question articulated what was expected. Continuing in this direction, one could have found examples of negative effects, but the contribution to the discipline (and future ability to publish) would have been greatly diminished.

A research question that is robust has the capacity to generate complex results. Your question should have the capacity to produce multiple insights about various aspects of the theoretical construct you are exploring. It should not be a question to which the answer is "yes" or "no" because such an answer is not a complex result. Research questions that typically produce robust findings often begin with:

• What is the nature of . . .
• What are the functions of . . .
• What are the mechanisms by which . . .
• What factors affect . . .
• What strategies are used . . .
• What are the effects of . . .
• What is the relationship between . . .
• Under what conditions do . . .

You undoubtedly have seen dissertations or journal articles in which there is more than one research question. Should you have more than one question in your study? Maybe, but it is discouraged. In some cases, studies contain more than one question because researchers have not thought carefully enough about what they want to find out. As a result, they take a scattershot approach and try to get close to the question they want to answer by asking about many things. A better approach is to aim for one research question and to think carefully about what it is. Refine it sufficiently so that it really gets at the key thing you want to find out.

Another reason studies sometimes include many research questions is because students confuse research questions with the questions they will use as prompts for coding their data. The many research questions are really just guides for coding data. In one study about online chat rooms and whether they have the capacity for deep culture, you may find this list of research questions:

• What artifacts do chat rooms use as the basis for developing culture?
• What norms characterize chat rooms?
• What processes are used to socialize new members into chat rooms?
• What mechanisms are used in chat rooms to repair breaches of organizational norms?

These questions are not separate research questions as much as they are questions that the researcher will use to guide an analysis of the data. They are methodological guidelines that will help in the coding of the data. Remember that a research question is what the dissertation is about. It produces the title of the dissertation.

There are some cases when more than one research question is warranted. When a study has more than one research question, it tends to be when basic information about a theoretical construct does not exist, and you need to know basic information before you can investigate a process that characterizes the construct.

Be sure to spend time making sure your research question is a good one before you get too far along in your study.

Skip Section Navigation

Business Thesis Topics

This page provides a comprehensive list of business thesis topics designed to assist students in selecting relevant and impactful subjects for their academic papers. With 300 diverse topics spanning 10 key categories—ranging from agribusiness and business analytics to entrepreneurship and corporate social responsibility—this list covers current issues, recent trends, and future directions in the field of business. Whether you’re focusing on leadership strategies, digital business innovations, or sustainable practices, these topics offer a solid foundation for writing a successful thesis. Explore these thoughtfully curated topics to inspire your research and contribute to the evolving landscape of business studies.

300 Business Thesis Topics and Ideas

Selecting a suitable business thesis topic is a critical step in crafting a successful academic paper. The right topic should reflect current business challenges, recent innovations, and future trends that push the boundaries of business studies. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of 300 business thesis topics, organized into 10 diverse categories. These categories cover a wide range of subfields within business, from traditional management theories to emerging digital business practices. By exploring these topics, students can find inspiration for their own research and gain insight into the issues that will shape the future of the business world.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code, agribusiness thesis topics.

• The impact of climate change on agribusiness profitability.
• Sustainable agriculture practices and their effect on business operations.
• The role of technology in modernizing agribusiness.
• Analyzing the global food supply chain and its challenges.
• Agribusiness marketing strategies in the digital age.
• The influence of governmental policies on agribusiness development.
• The economics of organic farming vs. traditional agriculture.
• Exploring the role of agribusiness in rural development.
• Vertical farming and its business potential in urban settings.
• Financial risk management in agribusiness enterprises.
• Consumer perceptions of genetically modified foods and their market implications.
• The role of corporate social responsibility in agribusiness sustainability.
• The business case for precision agriculture in improving crop yields.
• Supply chain disruptions in agribusiness: Causes and solutions.
• Agribusiness innovation and its impact on global food security.
• Marketing strategies for niche agribusiness markets.
• Exploring farm-to-table business models in agribusiness.
• The role of trade agreements in shaping global agribusiness markets.
• Technological innovations in livestock farming and their business implications.
• Agribusiness financing and its challenges in developing countries.
• The future of aquaculture as a sustainable agribusiness.
• The role of cooperatives in agribusiness success.
• The influence of biotechnology on modern agribusiness.
• The business opportunities of regenerative agriculture.
• The role of women in the global agribusiness sector.
• Financial strategies for agribusiness startups.
• E-commerce and its impact on agribusiness sales channels.
• Agribusiness adaptation to the post-pandemic world: Challenges and opportunities.
• Ethical dilemmas in agribusiness: Balancing profit and sustainability.
• The future of plant-based proteins in the agribusiness industry.

Business Administration Thesis Topics

• The impact of leadership styles on organizational performance.
• Business process re-engineering: A tool for improving organizational efficiency.
• The role of corporate culture in business success.
• Strategic management and its role in achieving business objectives.
• The effect of employee motivation on business productivity.
• Crisis management in business: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The role of innovation in business growth.
• Exploring the relationship between corporate governance and business ethics.
• The impact of mergers and acquisitions on business performance.
• Strategies for effective decision-making in business management.
• Talent management as a critical success factor in business administration.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Business continuity planning and risk management in large corporations.
• Exploring the role of diversity in enhancing business performance.
• The impact of digital transformation on business operations.
• How to foster innovation in corporate environments.
• Organizational change management and its challenges.
• The role of emotional intelligence in leadership and business success.
• Gender diversity in leadership positions: Challenges and opportunities.
• Corporate strategy in times of economic uncertainty.
• Managing cross-cultural teams in global organizations.
• The future of remote work and its implications for business administration.
• Knowledge management as a competitive advantage in business.
• Corporate restructuring and its impact on employee performance.
• The role of ethics in shaping business administration practices.
• Employee retention strategies in high-turnover industries.
• Exploring the role of mentoring programs in career development.
• The relationship between corporate social responsibility and customer loyalty.
• The role of corporate communication in managing business reputation.
• The future of business administration in the era of artificial intelligence.

Business Analytics Thesis Topics

• Predictive analytics and its application in business decision-making.
• The role of big data in improving customer experience.
• Data-driven marketing strategies: A key to business success.
• Analyzing the role of machine learning in business analytics.
• The impact of real-time data analytics on business operations.
• Ethical challenges in business analytics and data privacy.
• Forecasting business trends using business analytics tools.
• The role of business intelligence in corporate strategic planning.
• Using data analytics to optimize supply chain management.
• How data visualization improves business decision-making processes.
• The impact of social media analytics on business marketing strategies.
• Customer segmentation using data analytics in retail businesses.
• Business analytics in financial services: Improving investment decisions.
• Predictive maintenance analytics in the manufacturing industry.
• The role of analytics in human resources management.
• How business analytics is transforming the healthcare industry.
• The future of cloud analytics in business operations.
• Business analytics and risk management in uncertain markets.
• The use of text analytics in understanding customer sentiment.
• Implementing business analytics for sustainable business practices.
• Artificial intelligence and its impact on business analytics.
• Using data analytics to enhance product development and innovation.
• The role of prescriptive analytics in optimizing business strategies.
• Predicting customer churn using business analytics models.
• The importance of data governance in business analytics.
• Exploring the role of business analytics in e-commerce growth.
• The impact of IoT (Internet of Things) on business analytics.
• Ethical implications of data mining in business.
• The role of business analytics in shaping financial strategies.
• Real-time analytics and its impact on business agility.

Business Informatics Thesis Topics

• The role of business informatics in enhancing organizational efficiency.
• Data integration challenges in business informatics.
• Exploring the impact of cloud computing on business informatics.
• The role of business informatics in digital transformation strategies.
• Data management and analytics in business informatics.
• The evolution of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in modern businesses.
• Information security challenges in business informatics.
• The future of blockchain technology in business informatics.
• Exploring the role of business informatics in supply chain optimization.
• The importance of user interface design in business information systems.
• Big data and its implications for business informatics.
• Artificial intelligence applications in business informatics.
• The role of business informatics in improving customer relationship management (CRM).
• Cloud-based business informatics solutions and their impact on small businesses.
• Business process modeling and simulation using business informatics tools.
• Exploring the challenges of IT governance in business informatics.
• The role of business informatics in healthcare management systems.
• Mobile business informatics: Challenges and opportunities.
• Data privacy regulations and their impact on business informatics.
• Business informatics and decision support systems in financial institutions.
• The role of informatics in transforming marketing strategies.
• Exploring the integration of IoT (Internet of Things) in business informatics.
• Business informatics solutions for risk management.
• Business intelligence and its role in improving decision-making processes.
• The future of automation in business informatics.
• Real-time data processing in business informatics: Opportunities and challenges.
• The role of machine learning in enhancing business informatics solutions.
• How business informatics supports sustainable business practices.
• Customer data management and its impact on business decision-making.
• Business informatics and competitive advantage in the digital age.

Business Strategy Thesis Topics

• The role of competitive strategy in business growth.
• Strategic alliances and their impact on business success.
• The influence of globalization on corporate strategies.
• Analyzing the effectiveness of cost leadership strategies.
• Corporate strategy in dynamic and uncertain markets.
• The role of digital strategy in business transformation.
• Strategic planning in family-owned businesses.
• Diversification strategies in multinational corporations.
• Corporate strategy and sustainability: A balanced approach.
• The role of strategic innovation in corporate success.
• The impact of technological advancements on business strategies.
• Strategic decision-making in times of crisis.
• The importance of stakeholder engagement in corporate strategy.
• The role of business model innovation in achieving competitive advantage.
• Exploring the impact of market entry strategies on business success.
• The role of mergers and acquisitions in corporate strategy.
• Strategic management of intellectual property in high-tech industries.
• Corporate social responsibility and its integration into business strategies.
• The impact of digital marketing on corporate strategy formulation.
• Strategic leadership and its influence on organizational change.
• How globalization is reshaping competitive strategies.
• The role of corporate governance in strategy formulation.
• Strategic risk management in volatile business environments.
• The impact of disruptive innovation on corporate strategies.
• Strategies for sustainable growth in emerging markets.
• The role of corporate strategy in fostering organizational resilience.
• Exploring the strategic implications of e-commerce adoption.
• Strategic human resource management and its impact on business success.
• The role of corporate culture in strategic execution.
• Long-term strategic planning for business sustainability.

Digital Business Thesis Topics

• The role of digital transformation in business growth.
• Exploring the impact of e-commerce on traditional retail business models.
• The future of digital payments and their impact on businesses.
• How digital marketing strategies shape consumer behavior.
• The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing digital business operations.
• Digital business ecosystems and their influence on innovation.
• The impact of mobile technology on business operations.
• Exploring the potential of blockchain technology in digital business models.
• Cybersecurity challenges in the digital business world.
• The role of social media in transforming business marketing strategies.
• Cloud computing and its impact on business scalability.
• The influence of digital business strategies on customer experience.
• Data analytics and its role in shaping digital business decisions.
• The importance of omnichannel strategies in modern digital business.
• Digital business innovation: Trends and challenges.
• The role of user experience (UX) in digital business success.
• How businesses can leverage digital platforms for competitive advantage.
• The impact of automation on business productivity.
• Digital supply chains and their role in business efficiency.
• The future of digital business in the post-pandemic era.
• Exploring the role of digital entrepreneurship in business innovation.
• The impact of 5G technology on digital business transformation.
• Digital platforms and their impact on traditional business models.
• The role of digital innovation hubs in business development.
• How data-driven insights shape digital business strategies.
• The role of digital customer service in enhancing business performance.
• Exploring the potential of virtual reality in digital business models.
• Digital business transformation and the challenges of leadership adaptation.
• The impact of digital business on supply chain management.
• Ethical implications of digital business transformation.

International Business Thesis Topics

• The impact of globalization on international business strategies.
• Analyzing the role of cross-cultural management in international business.
• Trade agreements and their influence on global business operations.
• The impact of international business regulations on market entry strategies.
• Exploring the challenges of managing international supply chains.
• The role of emerging markets in global business expansion.
• International business negotiations: Cultural and strategic considerations.
• The influence of global economic trends on international business decisions.
• International marketing strategies in the digital age.
• The role of innovation in driving international business success.
• Managing political risk in international business operations.
• Global financial markets and their influence on business strategy.
• The future of international business in the face of protectionism.
• Cross-border mergers and acquisitions: Strategic implications.
• The role of intellectual property rights in international business.
• The challenges of managing expatriate employees in global corporations.
• How foreign direct investment (FDI) influences international business growth.
• International trade barriers and their impact on business strategies.
• The impact of corporate governance practices on international business success.
• Analyzing the role of international business ethics in corporate decision-making.
• The role of digitalization in transforming international business operations.
• Exploring global talent management strategies in multinational corporations.
• The influence of global supply chain disruptions on international business.
• Corporate social responsibility in international business: A comparative analysis.
• The role of government regulations in shaping international business strategies.
• International franchising: Challenges and opportunities.
• The role of international joint ventures in business expansion.
• The impact of technological innovation on international trade.
• How cultural intelligence impacts leadership in international business.
• Global business strategies for achieving sustainability.

Entrepreneurship Thesis Topics

• The role of innovation in the success of entrepreneurial ventures.
• Exploring the impact of social entrepreneurship on community development.
• How startup ecosystems influence entrepreneurial success.
• The importance of mentorship in the success of new ventures.
• Female entrepreneurship: Barriers and opportunities in modern markets.
• The role of technology in shaping entrepreneurial business models.
• Crowdfunding as a financing strategy for startups.
• Social media marketing strategies for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
• Exploring the role of family businesses in economic development.
• The impact of government policies on fostering entrepreneurship.
• Entrepreneurial strategies in developing countries: Challenges and opportunities.
• Risk management strategies in new ventures.
• The role of business incubators in promoting entrepreneurship.
• Exploring the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on startup success.
• Sustainability as a driving force in modern entrepreneurship.
• Venture capital financing and its impact on startup success.
• The role of entrepreneurial networks in business expansion.
• Global trends in youth entrepreneurship: Challenges and success factors.
• The impact of digital platforms on entrepreneurial opportunities.
• Entrepreneurial exit strategies: Mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs.
• The role of education in fostering entrepreneurial skills and mindsets.
• Corporate entrepreneurship: Fostering innovation within established companies.
• The influence of entrepreneurial mindset on business success.
• How market research drives entrepreneurial opportunities.
• The role of customer feedback in shaping entrepreneurial products and services.
• Entrepreneurial failure: Lessons learned and how to bounce back.
• Exploring the rise of social enterprises in the digital age.
• The role of intellectual property protection in entrepreneurial ventures.
• Rural entrepreneurship and its contribution to local economies.
• Digital entrepreneurship: Exploring new business models in the gig economy.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Thesis Topics

• The role of CSR in enhancing corporate reputation.
• Exploring the relationship between CSR and customer loyalty.
• How CSR practices influence corporate financial performance.
• The role of CSR in fostering employee engagement and retention.
• Environmental sustainability as a core aspect of CSR initiatives.
• The impact of CSR on corporate governance and decision-making processes.
• Exploring the influence of CSR on consumer purchasing decisions.
• CSR and its role in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• How businesses can use CSR to address climate change challenges.
• CSR reporting and its influence on investor decision-making.
• Exploring the role of CSR in creating competitive advantages for companies.
• The impact of CSR on brand equity and corporate identity.
• The role of CSR in mitigating corporate risks.
• Social entrepreneurship and its contribution to CSR initiatives.
• How CSR influences corporate partnerships and alliances.
• The importance of transparency in CSR reporting.
• CSR initiatives in multinational corporations: Challenges and opportunities.
• The role of CSR in enhancing corporate ethics and accountability.
• Exploring the link between CSR and innovation in business practices.
• The influence of CSR on attracting and retaining socially conscious consumers.
• How small and medium enterprises (SMEs) approach CSR differently than large corporations.
• CSR and sustainable supply chain management: Best practices and case studies.
• The role of CSR in addressing global poverty and inequality.
• Analyzing the impact of CSR on corporate tax strategies.
• The relationship between CSR and government regulations in different countries.
• CSR and stakeholder engagement: Building stronger relationships through corporate initiatives.
• How businesses integrate CSR into their core operations and strategies.
• Exploring the challenges of implementing CSR in emerging markets.
• The role of CSR in fostering social innovation and responsible business practices.
• Future trends in CSR: Moving toward a more sustainable and socially responsible business world.

Leadership Thesis Topics

• The impact of transformational leadership on organizational performance.
• Leadership styles and their influence on employee motivation.
• The role of emotional intelligence in effective leadership.
• Gender differences in leadership styles: A comparative analysis.
• The relationship between leadership and organizational culture.
• Exploring the role of servant leadership in modern business environments.
• The impact of leadership development programs on company success.
• Ethical leadership and its influence on corporate governance.
• Leadership in times of crisis: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The role of leadership in fostering innovation and creativity.
• Exploring the relationship between leadership and employee job satisfaction.
• Leadership in family-owned businesses: Challenges and opportunities.
• The role of charismatic leadership in influencing organizational change.
• Cross-cultural leadership and its influence on global business success.
• How leadership communication styles impact organizational performance.
• The role of strategic leadership in achieving long-term business goals.
• The influence of leadership on organizational change management.
• Leadership succession planning in corporations: Best practices and case studies.
• The role of leadership in promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
• Leadership in high-performance teams: Key factors for success.
• How leadership impacts employee retention in competitive industries.
• The importance of ethical leadership in building trust within organizations.
• Exploring the role of leadership in managing remote and hybrid workforces.
• Leadership challenges in fast-growing startups.
• Leadership and organizational resilience: Navigating through uncertainty.
• The impact of leadership coaching on individual and team performance.
• How technology is shaping modern leadership practices.
• Women in leadership: Breaking the glass ceiling in business.
• The role of leadership in shaping corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Future trends in leadership: Adapting to the challenges of a digital and globalized world.

This comprehensive list of 300 business thesis topics reflects the vast and dynamic nature of the field. From the evolving challenges of agribusiness and the complexities of digital transformation to the growing influence of business analytics, these topics offer valuable insights for students aiming to contribute to business research. Whether you are focusing on leadership strategies or exploring the future of corporate social responsibility, these topics are designed to inspire innovative research and academic excellence. Choose a topic that aligns with your interests and the current landscape of business to ensure a successful and impactful thesis.

The Range of Business Thesis Topics

Business is an ever-evolving field that encompasses a wide array of disciplines, each with its own set of challenges, innovations, and future possibilities. Whether you are interested in leadership, international trade, or digital transformation, business studies offer a broad spectrum of thesis topics that can drive impactful research. This article explores the range of business thesis topics available to students, focusing on current issues, recent trends, and future directions in the field. By understanding these elements, students can select topics that not only align with their interests but also contribute to the growing body of business knowledge.

Current Issues in Business

The business world is constantly facing new challenges that shape how companies operate and compete in the marketplace. These current issues provide fertile ground for academic research and thesis development.

• Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility In recent years, businesses have been under increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and corporate responsibility are no longer optional concerns but critical components of long-term success. A growing number of companies are now integrating sustainability into their core business strategies. This shift opens a wide range of thesis topics, including the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in shaping business models, the impact of sustainability on profitability, and the challenges of implementing green technologies in different industries.
• Digital Transformation and Disruption Another pressing issue in business is digital transformation, driven by rapid technological advancements. Companies across all sectors are adopting digital technologies to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and create new business models. However, this transformation also brings challenges, such as cybersecurity risks, data privacy concerns, and the digital divide. Students can explore topics like the impact of artificial intelligence on business strategies, the role of big data in decision-making, and how businesses are adapting to disruptive technologies like blockchain and IoT (Internet of Things).
• Globalization and Trade Barriers While globalization has long been a driving force in business expansion, recent geopolitical shifts have raised concerns about trade barriers, tariffs, and protectionism. Businesses operating on a global scale must navigate these complexities while maintaining competitive advantage. Research opportunities in this area include examining the effects of trade wars on international supply chains, the role of government policies in shaping global business strategies, and how companies are adapting to regulatory changes in different regions.

Recent Trends in Business

In addition to tackling current issues, business research can also focus on recent trends that are transforming the industry landscape. These trends are shaping the future of work, consumption, and corporate governance.

• The Rise of Remote Work and Hybrid Models The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reshaped the way people work, with remote work and hybrid models becoming the new norm for many businesses. This trend has sparked debates about productivity, employee well-being, and the future of office spaces. Thesis topics in this area might explore how businesses can optimize remote work arrangements, the impact of hybrid work models on organizational culture, or the role of technology in facilitating remote team collaboration.
• E-Commerce and the Digital Marketplace E-commerce has seen unprecedented growth, accelerated by the pandemic and changing consumer behaviors. Companies are increasingly focusing on digital sales channels, personalized marketing, and the seamless integration of online and offline experiences. Students could explore topics such as the role of data analytics in e-commerce, strategies for improving customer retention in digital marketplaces, or the ethical challenges of data-driven marketing.
• Diversity and Inclusion in the Workplace There is a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion (D&I) in the workplace, not only as a moral imperative but also as a driver of innovation and performance. Companies are investing more in D&I initiatives to foster inclusive environments that reflect the diverse markets they serve. Thesis topics could include examining the impact of diversity on organizational performance, strategies for overcoming unconscious bias in hiring practices, or how leadership shapes inclusive corporate cultures.

Future Directions in Business

Looking ahead, the business world is poised for significant changes driven by technological advancements, shifting societal values, and evolving market demands. These future directions present opportunities for groundbreaking research.

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation AI and automation are set to revolutionize industries by improving efficiency, reducing costs, and enabling new business models. As AI continues to evolve, its impact on business will deepen, raising questions about job displacement, ethical concerns, and the future of human-AI collaboration. Potential thesis topics include the role of AI in optimizing supply chains, the ethical implications of AI-driven decision-making, and how automation is transforming industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
• The Future of Leadership in a Digital World As businesses become more digital, the nature of leadership is also changing. Leaders must adapt to new technologies, manage remote teams, and foster innovation in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Research could focus on how leadership styles are evolving in response to digitalization, the role of emotional intelligence in leading digital teams, or how organizations can develop future-ready leaders capable of navigating the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
• Sustainability and Circular Economies Sustainability will remain a top priority for businesses in the coming decades, with the concept of circular economies gaining traction. Instead of the traditional linear model of production and consumption, circular economies focus on minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. Students could investigate topics like the role of businesses in advancing circular economies, the challenges of transitioning from linear to circular models, or how sustainability innovations are reshaping industries like fashion, technology, and manufacturing.

Business studies provide a vast array of thesis topics that allow students to explore both contemporary challenges and future opportunities. By focusing on current issues like sustainability and digital transformation, examining recent trends such as remote work and e-commerce, or investigating future directions like AI and circular economies, students can contribute valuable insights to the field of business. The diversity of topics available ensures that students can find a subject that not only aligns with their interests but also addresses key questions in the evolving business landscape. As business continues to evolve, the research conducted by students today will shape the business practices of tomorrow.

iResearchNet’s Thesis Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to writing a high-quality business thesis. Crafting a well-researched and professionally written thesis can be a daunting task, especially when balancing other academic and personal commitments. That’s where our expert writing services come in. We provide customized business thesis papers tailored to meet your specific needs, ensuring that you receive top-quality assistance throughout the writing process. Our team of professional writers, all of whom hold advanced degrees in business and related fields, is here to guide you every step of the way.

Whether you need help selecting a relevant topic, conducting in-depth research, or formatting your paper according to academic standards, iResearchNet offers comprehensive solutions to ease the burden of thesis writing. Here are the key features of our services that set us apart from other writing companies:

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers: At iResearchNet, we take pride in our team of expert writers. Each of our writers holds a degree in business or a related field, ensuring that they have the knowledge and expertise to deliver high-quality, well-researched thesis papers. They understand the intricacies of business topics and know how to present complex ideas in a clear and professional manner.
• Custom Written Works: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Every thesis paper we produce is custom-written from scratch, tailored to meet your specific requirements. Whether you’re focusing on leadership, entrepreneurship, or digital business, we ensure that your paper is unique and perfectly aligned with your academic goals.
• In-Depth Research: Research is the foundation of any strong thesis, and at iResearchNet, we take it seriously. Our writers conduct thorough and up-to-date research using reputable academic sources, ensuring that your thesis is grounded in solid evidence and analysis. We have access to various scholarly databases, which allows us to incorporate the latest research findings into your paper.
• Custom Formatting: Proper formatting is essential for any academic paper, and we are experts in all major citation styles, including APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, and Harvard. Whatever formatting requirements your institution demands, we ensure that your thesis adheres to the correct style guidelines.
• Top Quality: We are committed to delivering only the highest quality work. Every paper undergoes a thorough quality control process, including proofreading and editing, to ensure that it meets the highest academic standards. Your thesis will be polished, professional, and ready for submission.
• Customized Solutions: We understand that each student has unique needs, and our services are flexible to accommodate those requirements. Whether you need help with a specific section of your thesis or a full paper, we offer customized solutions that fit your needs. You control the level of assistance you receive, ensuring that your thesis meets your expectations.
• Flexible Pricing: At iResearchNet, we believe that every student should have access to high-quality writing services, regardless of their budget. That’s why we offer flexible pricing options, allowing you to choose a package that fits your financial situation. Our transparent pricing ensures that you only pay for the services you need.
• Timely Delivery: We understand the importance of meeting deadlines, and we guarantee on-time delivery for every order. You can count on us to have your thesis ready by the specified deadline, giving you peace of mind and time to review the work before submission.
• 24/7 Support: Our support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any questions or concerns. Whether you need help placing an order, tracking the progress of your paper, or communicating with your writer, our friendly and knowledgeable support staff is always here to help.
• Absolute Privacy: We take your privacy seriously. All personal information and order details are kept strictly confidential, and we never share your data with third parties. You can trust us to handle your thesis with the utmost discretion and professionalism.
• Easy Order Tracking: With iResearchNet, you can easily track the progress of your order through our user-friendly system. Stay informed about the status of your paper and communicate directly with your writer to ensure that everything is on track.
• Money-Back Guarantee: We are confident in the quality of our work, which is why we offer a money-back guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied with the final product, we will refund your payment, no questions asked. Your satisfaction is our top priority.

At iResearchNet, our goal is to make the process of writing a business thesis as smooth and stress-free as possible. With our expert writers, customized solutions, and commitment to quality, you can rest assured that your thesis will be in good hands. We are here to support you from topic selection to final submission, ensuring that you achieve academic success.

Buy Your Custom Thesis Paper on Business Today!

Writing a business thesis can be a complex and time-consuming process, but with the right support, you can achieve academic success without the stress. At iResearchNet, we specialize in providing custom thesis writing services that meet your exact needs. Whether you’re tackling a challenging business topic or navigating tight deadlines, our team of expert writers is here to help you every step of the way.

Don’t wait until the last minute! Let us handle the heavy lifting and provide you with a top-quality thesis paper that will impress your professors and help you stand out. With our comprehensive services, flexible pricing, and a money-back guarantee, you can feel confident knowing that your thesis is in good hands.

Ready to get started? Buy your custom thesis paper on business today from iResearchNet, and take the first step toward achieving your academic goals. Your perfect thesis is just a click away!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

• University of Lucknow

Number of maximum citations in a PhD Thesis

Get help with your research

Join ResearchGate to ask questions, get input, and advance your work.

Top contributors to discussions in this field

• University of Basrah

• Italian National Research Council

• Mansoura University

Similar questions and discussions

• Asked 14 September 2024

• Asked 11 July 2024
• Asked 22 June 2024

• Asked 6 April 2024
• Asked 5 April 2024

• Asked 24 February 2024

• Asked 10 February 2024
• Asked 25 January 2024
• Citavi: Citavi is a reference management tool that helps users organize their academic literature, manage citations, and collaborate with others. It also offers features for task management and knowledge organization.
• ReadCube: ReadCube is a reference manager and PDF viewer that provides tools for organizing and annotating research papers. It includes features for discovering new literature and integrates with various databases.
• Paperpile: This is a reference manager designed for Google Chrome. It allows users to organize and cite research papers directly within the browser. It also offers collaborative features for teams.
• Mendeley: While Mendeley was mentioned in the question, it's worth noting that it continues to be a popular choice for reference management. It enables users to organize, annotate, and collaborate on research papers.
• JabRef: JabRef is an open-source reference manager that uses BibTeX, which is a common bibliography file format in LaTeX. It's particularly suitable for users who work with LaTeX documents.
• Colwiz: Colwiz is a reference management platform that not only helps with citation and reference organization but also offers collaboration tools, document annotation, and a personalized research library.
• RefMe (Cite This For Me): RefMe was a popular citation tool that allowed users to scan book and journal barcodes to generate citations. It has now been integrated into the Cite This For Me platform.
• Qiqqa: Qiqqa is a reference manager and document organizer that focuses on helping users discover and organize research articles. It includes features for annotation, tagging, and collaboration.
• Asked 21 December 2023

Related Publications

• Recruit researchers
• Join for free
• Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

Frequently asked questions

Should i use a research question, hypothesis, or thesis statement.

The way you present your research problem in your introduction varies depending on the nature of your research paper . A research paper that presents a sustained argument will usually encapsulate this argument in a thesis statement .

A research paper designed to present the results of empirical research tends to present a research question that it seeks to answer. It may also include a hypothesis —a prediction that will be confirmed or disproved by your research.

Frequently asked questions: Writing a research paper

A research project is an academic, scientific, or professional undertaking to answer a research question . Research projects can take many forms, such as qualitative or quantitative , descriptive , longitudinal , experimental , or correlational . What kind of research approach you choose will depend on your topic.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

Research questions anchor your whole project, so it’s important to spend some time refining them.

In general, they should be:

• Focused and researchable
• Answerable using credible sources
• Complex and arguable
• Feasible and specific
• Relevant and original

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

A research aim is a broad statement indicating the general purpose of your research project. It should appear in your introduction at the end of your problem statement , before your research objectives.

Research objectives are more specific than your research aim. They indicate the specific ways you’ll address the overarching aim.

Once you’ve decided on your research objectives , you need to explain them in your paper, at the end of your problem statement .

Keep your research objectives clear and concise, and use appropriate verbs to accurately convey the work that you will carry out for each one.

I will compare …

Your research objectives indicate how you’ll try to address your research problem and should be specific:

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in Chicago style are to:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Use 1 inch margins or larger
• Apply double line spacing
• Indent every new paragraph ½ inch
• Include a title page
• Place page numbers in the top right or bottom center
• Cite your sources with author-date citations or Chicago footnotes
• Include a bibliography or reference list

To automatically generate accurate Chicago references, you can use Scribbr’s free Chicago reference generator .

The main guidelines for formatting a paper in MLA style are as follows:

• Use an easily readable font like 12 pt Times New Roman
• Set 1 inch page margins
• Include a four-line MLA heading on the first page
• Center the paper’s title
• Use title case capitalization for headings
• Cite your sources with MLA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a Works Cited page at the end

To format a paper in APA Style , follow these guidelines:

• Use a standard font like 12 pt Times New Roman or 11 pt Arial
• If submitting for publication, insert a running head on every page
• Apply APA heading styles
• Cite your sources with APA in-text citations
• List all sources cited on a reference page at the end

No, it’s not appropriate to present new arguments or evidence in the conclusion . While you might be tempted to save a striking argument for last, research papers follow a more formal structure than this.

All your findings and arguments should be presented in the body of the text (more specifically in the results and discussion sections if you are following a scientific structure). The conclusion is meant to summarize and reflect on the evidence and arguments you have already presented, not introduce new ones.

The conclusion of a research paper has several key elements you should make sure to include:

• A restatement of the research problem
• A summary of your key arguments and/or findings
• A short discussion of the implications of your research

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

• A hook to catch the reader’s interest
• Relevant background on the topic
• Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

• A thesis statement or research question
• Sometimes an overview of the paper

Ask our team

Want to contact us directly? No problem.  We  are always here for you.

• Email [email protected]
• Start live chat
• Call +1 (510) 822-8066
• WhatsApp +31 20 261 6040

Our team helps students graduate by offering:

• A world-class citation generator
• Plagiarism Checker software powered by Turnitin
• Innovative Citation Checker software
• Professional proofreading services
• Over 300 helpful articles about academic writing, citing sources, plagiarism, and more

Scribbr specializes in editing study-related documents . We proofread:

• PhD dissertations
• Research proposals
• Personal statements
• Admission essays
• Motivation letters
• Reflection papers
• Journal articles
• Capstone projects

Scribbr’s Plagiarism Checker is powered by elements of Turnitin’s Similarity Checker , namely the plagiarism detection software and the Internet Archive and Premium Scholarly Publications content databases .

The add-on AI detector is powered by Scribbr’s proprietary software.

The Scribbr Citation Generator is developed using the open-source Citation Style Language (CSL) project and Frank Bennett’s citeproc-js . It’s the same technology used by dozens of other popular citation tools, including Mendeley and Zotero.

You can find all the citation styles and locales used in the Scribbr Citation Generator in our publicly accessible repository on Github .

• Career Center
• Member Login

The Power of Thirty Questions: Reflections and Perspectives on the Research Agenda for High Value, Equitable Care

In the second blog of AcademyHealth’s series outlining our collaborative process of developing a research agenda to advance high-value, equitable health care, patient advocate Tara Montgomery shares her perspective on the importance and impact of this work.

Imagine if the answers to  thirty questions could help transform the challenges that we see in the U.S. health care system into high-value, equitable solutions that advance the health and wellbeing of communities. Imagine if those thirty questions were bold enough to spur the redesign of a health system that could become not only equitable and high value but deeply attuned to the needs and experiences of those at the heart of the health care system—patients and families.

Imagine that those questions were designed not only to fill gaps in research but were destined to drive action. Imagine that they drew from shared definitions and a consensus-based framework, built upon a strong base of existing knowledge  and the discovery of relevant new data and insights to inform choices and actions. Imagine that these thirty questions reflected things that matter most to patients and families—not just payers and policymakers—because they had emerged from a thoughtful collaboration between diverse researchers, expert patients and public voices, and leaders in health equity, health systems, health care quality, and social justice. 

Over the past two years as one of approximately fifty contributors to AcademyHealth’s Research Agenda for High Value, Equitable Care funded by the Donaghue Foundation, I’ve witnessed an ambitious and dynamic collaborative effort to use these thirty questions to reimagine and co-create the roadmap for health services research to drive meaningful systems change. From the outset, I was ready to put my trust in a process that was co-chaired by two brilliant Consensus Group leaders— Donna Cryer , Founder of Global Liver Institute and  Elizabeth McGlynn , Senior Vice President for Research & Quality Measurement and Executive Director of the Kaiser Permanente Center for Effectiveness & Safety Research—who brought both empathy and evidence to the table, grounded in lived experience and a record of research impact. The Consensus Group itself, including inspiring changemakers like  Somava Saha , President and CEO of We in the World and recognized experts in patient- and family-centered care like  Marie Abraham , Vice President, Programming and Publications at the Institute for Patient- and Family-Centered Care, reflected a commitment to elevating patient and community voices while developing the five drivers outlined below that would guide this process:

• A Fair and Just Culture of Whole-Person Health for All
• Care That is Accessible to All Patients
• Health System Centered Around Primary Care
• Adequate Health System Capacity to Deliver Care
• Health System Accountability for Outcomes 

These drivers provided an easy-to-understand guiding framework, supported by a valuable virtual voting tool, which helped us to make sense of our task and center health equity in the generation, refinement, and prioritization of research questions.

You can read more about the five primary drivers, their secondary drivers, and the full set of research questions in this  summary report .

Behind every question on the research agenda is an urgent need and beyond every answer is the opportunity to improve lives. Some of my “favorite” questions demonstrate how the agenda recognizes real-world challenges for patients and families—like this one: How can we move beyond accessibility as it relates to insurance status to studying how people actually access care, e.g., urban vs. rural populations, people’s sense of belonging or lack of belonging in accessing care? Other questions are long overdue, recognizing a barrier to progress in addressing the intersection of value and equity—like this one: What are effective strategies for encouraging health system quality/safety programs to integrate equity into existing frameworks (as opposed to seeing it as something extra)?

The Research Agenda for High Value, Equitable Care is a call to action. Imagine what could happen if funders, researchers, decisionmakers within health systems, and stakeholders who drive the behavior of health systems (such as federal and state policy­makers and regulators, health plans and employers) answered that call! Imagine how this agenda could be taken up with a sense of urgency, complete with funding support for the necessary research infrastructure to accelerate our work!

Change begins with conversations. We can start conversations in our communities about the Research Agenda and its potential impact—reaching beyond the health services research community and across to leaders of medical associations, public policy institutions, civic organizations, and patient partners. We can discuss the agenda with grant-seekers, grant-makers, and funders. As researchers, if our work has been focused primarily on value (or quality or cost or equity), we can use the agenda to guide conversations about how value and equity are dual priorities that cannot be divorced from one another in the real world—and explain why the answers to the thirty questions matter to patients, researchers, and health systems alike. As advocates, we need to challenge decision-makers to seek out new research evidence on high-value, equitable care. The sooner that this research agenda comes to life, the sooner lives can be improved.

Honors theses by two Barrett Honors College students lead to $1.25 million research grant

Jenny Brian, Barrett Honors College teaching professor and faculty chair.

Honors theses research by two students in Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University formed the basis for a research grant from the  Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality .

The recently announced federal R01 $1.25 million award will support nearly four years of continuing work on a project sparked by the students’ research. The project, titled “Development and Evaluation of an Online Contraception Decision Aid for Transgender and Gender-Nonconforming Persons Assigned Female at Birth”, will be led by principal investigator Dongwen Wang, professor of biomedical informatics in the ASU College of Health Solutions and co-investigator Jenny Brian, teaching professor and Barrett faculty chair.

Molly Redman, who received a bachelor’s degree in biomedical informatics in 2021, developed and evaluated an initial version of an online contraception decision aid for college-aged women for her honors thesis titled “My Contraceptive Choice: A Decision Support Tool for College Women.”

Vi-Anh Hoang, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biomedical informatics in 2023, completed her honors thesis titled “Development of an Inclusive Online Contraceptive Decision Aid for People Assigned Female at Birth.”

Hoang and Redman were advised on their theses by Wang and Brian. Hoang’s project built on Redman’s work.

Both Redman and Hoang published their research as peer-reviewed papers and abstracts in conference proceedings and journals. The reviewers for Hoang’s work were excited to see its potential impacts, demonstrating the need for further research in this area that led to the submission of a grant proposal.

“My thesis project and seeing my ideas come into fruition through this grant have been the most rewarding and fulfilling accomplishments in my life,” said Hoang, whose interest in LGBTQ+ health equity and reproductive rights have greatly influenced her choice of a career in medicine and research. 

“I have great hope that this tool can make real and tangible steps toward improving access to reproductive healthcare for all individuals of all gender identity. I have great faith in this research team for the grant and want to express my gratitude for Molly for her incredible thesis work and Drs. Wang and Brian for their strong mentorship throughout my undergraduate and post-bachelor career,” said Hoang, who currently is a research coordinator for a Washington University lab focusing on the health of Afghan refugees in the St. Louis area.

“My thesis was the first long term project that I ever led, and I am very proud of the work I did. Watching Vi-Anh take my initial idea and enhance it in ways I never thought of was very exciting and eye opening. I am glad that she saw a knowledge gap and went for it, which is how science moves forward. I look forward to seeing how our ideas get turned into a real resource that can help real people make health decisions,” said Redman, who is an analyst with MJ Insurance in Phoenix.

The grant-funded project will focus on developing and evaluating an online contraception decision aid called ContraceptionForAll for transgender or gender-nonconforming (TGNC) persons assigned female at birth (AFAB), Wang said.

Wang said the project has three specific aims: to build the ContraceptionForAll tool by engaging TGNC AFAB individuals in design to enhance the platform, system function, and usability of an existing prototype; assess the usefulness and usability of ContraceptionForAll in a series of mixed-method studies with cognitive walkthrough, usability testing, simulated test cases, a user survey, and follow-up interviews; and conduct a randomized controlled trial to use ContraceptionForAll as a digital intervention to improve contraceptive decision-making, sexual health knowledge, and mental health for TGNC AFAB people.

Wang said the project will fill knowledge gaps in contraceptive decision-making among TGNC AFAB individuals, directly address their unmet health needs and advocate for health and healthcare equity for this gender-minority group, while potentially advancing culturally appropriate healthcare and fighting against biases, stigma, and discrimination.

The project also will develop guiding principles for engaging gender-minority groups in the design of digital health tools as part of efforts to build cultural competence for the biomedical informatics and health IT workforce, he added.

Approximately 10 students, at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, including one from Barrett, will participate in various research activities, such as the development, enhancement and evaluation of the digital tool and a clinical trial to examine its impact on the health of the TGNC AFAB individuals.

In addition to Wang and Brian, ASU faculty members, Erin Chiou from the ASU Fulton Schools of Engineering, and Matt Martin and Din Chen from the College of Health Solutions will serve as co-investigators on the grant. Hoang will serve as a project consultant.

“This is a great example of ASU’s successful approaches to engage undergraduate students in research and to make real impact in the world. We are so proud of Molly and Vi-Anh for their initial work on this project and their great achievements,” Wang said.

Brian said the project addresses “a critical need for a vulnerable, and often understudied, or misunderstood population.”

“I am most excited that the grant is based on the work of two undergraduate honors theses. Molly and Vi-Anh each did incredible thesis projects, and it was an honor to work with them and Dr. Wang,” Brian said.

“This grant shows very concretely that knowledge is cumulative and collaborative, and that our undergraduate students are doing impactful and valuable work. I’m proud of our team and thrilled to continue their excellent research.”   

An official website of the United States government

Here’s how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

JavaScript appears to be disabled on this computer. Please click here to see any active alerts .

Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuary Act Permits: Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of permits are issued under the mprsa.

• When is an MPRSA permit required?

Who needs an MPRSA permit?

What criteria does the epa use to evaluate applications for mprsa permits, who issues mprsa permits, what is the relationship between mprsa and other federal, state or international requirements, what types of conditions are included in mprsa permits.

• How does the MPRSA apply to ocean carbon dioxide removal (CDR) or solar radiation management (SRM) activities (also called marine geoengineering)?

MPRSA section 102 gives the EPA the authority to issue various categories of permits, including general permits, special permits, emergency permits and research permits, for materials other than dredged material.

Under section 103 of the MPRSA, the United States Army Corps of Engineers may issue MPRSA permits for dredged material and must apply MPRSA requirements directly to federal projects involving ocean disposal of dredged material. The EPA reviews MPRSA section 103 permits for concurrence, concurrence with conditions or non-concurrence based on MPRSA criteria.

For more information about permits issued under the MPRSA:

• MPRSA General Permits
• MPRSA Research Permits
• MPRSA Permits for Dredged Material
• MPRSA Emergency Permits
• MPRSA Special Permits
• MPRSA and Fish Wastes

When is an MPRSA Permit required?

Unless specifically excluded or exempt from MPRSA, an MPRSA permit is required for the transportation and "dumping" of any material into "ocean waters". Section 106 of the MPRSA voids any license, permit and authorization other than an MPRSA permit to the extent that it purports to authorize an activity regulated by the MPRSA. An MPRSA permit is not needed for activities that are specifically exempt from permitting under the MPRSA or for the disposition of material from activities that do not occur in ocean waters.

• "Dumping" means a disposition of material.  The MPRSA uses the term "dumping" and defines it broadly to encompass "the disposition of material" both for the purpose of disposal and for purposes other than disposal. There are exemptions to the definition of dumping, including "construction of a fixed structure or artificial island" or "placement of a device" for a purpose other than disposal and where the construction or placement is otherwise regulated under another law.
• The territorial seas (the first three miles seaward of the baseline).
• The contiguous zone (the next nine miles -- from three to twelve miles seaward of the baseline).
• The ocean and high seas beyond the contiguous zone of the United States extending to the exclusive economic zone of another country. 

Anyone conducting an activity that involves the release of material into ocean waters may require a permit under the MPRSA, though there are exclusions from the definition of dumping and separate exceptions from the permit requirement. Entities who may apply for or seek authorization under an MPRSA permit include:

• Anyone transporting material from the United States for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters. Dumping includes activities that involve releasing materials in the ocean for disposal and certain non-disposal purposes.
• Anyone in a vessel or aircraft registered in the United States or flying the United States flag transporting material from any location for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters.
• Any United States department, agency or instrumentality transporting material from any location for the purpose of dumping it into ocean waters.
• Any other person dumping material transported from a location outside the United States into the territorial sea of the United States, or into a zone contiguous to the territorial sea of the United States, to the extent that it may affect the territorial sea or the territory of the United States.

The EPA published marine protection criteria at 40 CFR 227 and 228 for review and evaluation of permit applications. The marine protection criteria consider, among other things:

• the need for the activity, including land-based alternatives for the proposed activity;
• the environmental impact of the activity, including its effect on marine ecosystems, shorelines and beaches;
• the effect of the activity on esthetic, recreational or economic values; and
• the adverse effect of the activity on other uses of the ocean including navigation, scientific study, fishing and resource exploitation activities.

The EPA issues MPRSA permits for materials other than dredged materials. The EPA issues MPRSA General Permits, Emergency Permits, Research Permits, and Special Permits. 

More information about MPRSA permitting by the EPA, including contact information .

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) is the permitting authority for the disposal of dredged material into the ocean. Dredged material refers to material excavated or dredged from the navigable waters of the United States.

The USACE applies the EPA’s marine protection criteria to determine whether to authorize the disposition of dredged material under MPRSA permits (or, in the case of federal projects, to dump dredged material in the ocean itself). MPRSA permits for and federal projects involving dredged material are subject to the EPA's review and concurrence.

The inter-governmental consultation or coordination requirements for MPRSA permits are determined on a case-by-case basis depending on the nature and location of the ocean dumping activity. Entities that or with which the EPA may notify, consult or coordinate with include:

• Tribal governments ( more information on the EPA's Tribal consultation policies ); 
• Relevant state entities to satisfy the applicable analytical and substantive requirements of the Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Water Act section 401 and National Historic Preservation Act;
• The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service as applicable under the Endangered Species Act, Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act;
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as applicable for consultation requirements under the Endangered Species Act;
• U.S. Coast Guard regarding permit conditions to facilitate surveillance, enforcement and safety at sea;
• USACE regarding matters related to any adverse impacts to navigation or harbor approaches;
• U.S. Department of the Interior regarding the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act; and
• Potentially affected countries and relevant international bodies ( more information about MPRSA and the London Convention and London Protocol international treaties ).

MPRSA permits specify:

• the type of material authorized to be transported for disposition;
• the amount of material authorized to be transported for disposition;
• the location where the transport will be terminated or disposition of a material will occur;
• such requirements, limitations or conditions as are necessary to assure consistency with any approved site management plan pursuant to MPRSA section 102(c);
• any special provisions for the monitoring and surveillance of the permitted activity; and
• any such matters that the EPA, or in the case of the disposition of dredged material into the ocean the EPA or USACE, as the case may be, deems appropriate.

How does the MPRSA apply to marine carbon dioxide removal (mCDR) or solar radiation management (mSRM) activities (also called marine geoengineering)?

The MPRSA regulates the transportation and disposition of materials into the ocean unless a specific disposition or specific material is expressly excluded. An MPRSA permit may be needed for field research, large-scale field trials, and field deployment of mCDR or mSRM activities if the activities involve the disposition of material into the ocean environment. 

More information on Marine Carbon Dioxide Removal and Solar Radiation Management Permitting.

• Marine Protection Permitting Program Home
• Learn about the Marine Protection, Research and Sanctuaries Act
• MPRSA Permitting FAQs
• mCDR Permitting
• MPRSA Ocean Sites
• London Convention and London Protocol
• Marine Protection Permitting Program Contacts