Difference Between a Thesis and a Dissertation

Published on 06-May-2023

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Thesis

Dissertation

Definition A written work that presents original research and findings by a student to obtain a degree A written work that presents original research and findings by a student to obtain a higher degree
Purpose To demonstrate the student's mastery of a subject and ability to conduct research To contribute new knowledge to the field and demonstrate the student's expertise
Scope Typically shorter in length and focused on a specific topic Longer in length and more comprehensive, covering a broader topic
Audience Generally aimed at an academic audience, including professors and peers Generally aimed at an academic audience, but may also be of interest to professionals in the field
Structure Typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion Typically includes an introduction, literature review, methodology, results, discussion, and conclusion, but may also include additional chapters or sections
Timeframe Can be completed within a shorter timeframe, often within a year or two Can take several years to complete, often requiring multiple years of research and writing
Originality Must present original research and findings, but may build on existing research Must present original research and findings that contribute new knowledge to the field
Contribution The research may add to the existing body of knowledge, but does not necessarily need to be groundbreaking The research must contribute something new and significant to the field
Requirements May vary depending on the institution and program, but generally requires extensive research and analysis May have more specific requirements, such as the need to conduct fieldwork or work with a specific dataset
Committee May require a thesis advisor or committee to oversee and approve the work Generally requires a dissertation committee to oversee and approve the work
Defense May or may not require a defense of the thesis, depending on the institution and program Typically requires a defense of the dissertation, where the student presents their research and findings to the committee
Degree Generally required for a master's degree Generally required for a doctoral degree
Publication May or may not be published in an academic journal or presented at a conference May be published as a book or in an academic journal, and may also be presented at a conference
Use of sources Must cite sources accurately and comprehensively, but may rely more heavily on secondary sources Must cite sources accurately and comprehensively, but may rely more heavily on primary sources
Format May be formatted differently depending on the institution and program, but generally follows a standard format May be formatted differently depending on the institution and program, but generally follows a standard format
Research question Typically has a more narrow research question Typically has a broader research question
Field of study Typically done at the master's level, covering a specific area of study Typically done at the doctoral level, covering a broader field of study
Oral examination May or may not require an oral examination Generally requires an oral examination, where the student defends their research and findings
Assessment Assessed primarily on the quality of the research and analysis Assessed on the quality of the research, analysis, and contribution to the field

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