Mini Guides
Nuestras guías rápidas en inglés y español
| Versión en Español | English Version |
| Abstracto | Abstract |
| Revisión de Literatura | Literature Review |
Estadística
This information was generously lent to us by Professor Alfredo Rivera, director of the Science and Technology department who is the creator of these great tutorials. The presentations and exercises are a great tool for you to practice statistics.
Talleres de Estadística:
Guias Para Tesis por Capitulo (English)
Guidelines for a Thesis by chapter
Interamerican University- Aguadilla Campus (Graduate Research Center) Johnathan A. Reece
What is this guideline for? It is meant to assist you in understanding what goes where in your thesis and in which chapter it goes in. This will cover all five chapters of a thesis, but your professor may only have you create the first two chapters. I hope this guideline helps you view each chapter more clearly.
This is a GUIDE and should not be taken literally as the ultimate guide is your professor. The number of pages that I have stated are just used as a reference (your professor is the one who will give you the set amounts). I have included a table at the end so you can see each section in the chapters as well as the amount of pages that are most commonly asked for.
NOTE* For a thesis proposal you should write everything in FUTURE tense (the purpose of this study is to or will be to). For a thesis the chapters are changed to reflect PAST tense (the purpose of this study was to)
Chapter 1- Introduction
- This chapter is where you present the entire idea of what you are studying or researching (thesis proposal OR thesis). The main issues that you discuss can be your variables
- Include why the study is taking place (the reason for the study)
Breakdown and sections of Chapter 1:
Introduction– this is where you introduce the main idea of the study. Explain the reason for the study in the introduction and a brief overview
Problem Background – This is where the main issue of the study would be addressed (all the background literature related to the problem you are presenting (ask your professor for specific dates as some graduate programs only allow you to go back a specific amount of time). You should be able to explain the current situation to what you are investigating based on Specific findings (previous research, reports, articles, etc…).
Problem Statement– Here you will state the problem (or the focus of your research). The population that is affected and how the study you are doing will help solve (or answer) a problem. A well written Problem statement will begin very broad (large picture) and work until it narrows down the specific problem that you are researching. You should be able to transition
into the purpose of the study with a statement such as “It is not known how” or “It is not known to what degree”
Variables– Make sure you include your independent and dependent variables (Experimental study) or your continuous and discrete (descriptive study).
Limitations of the Study- Include any factor or circumstance that will prevent you (the researcher) from achieving all the objectives (could be time,
Scope of the study- This is not always placed in a thesis but some professors might request it. This sections answers the question:
- Is the study limited to a specific geographical area or people?
Justification of the Problem- should demonstrate the importance and relevance of the study. An investigation is justified when little or no study has been done on the specific topic.
Research Question(s)- when writing your research questions be clear and specific. State the focus of investigation in the research and make sure the questions cannot be answered with a “yes” or “no”.
Conceptual Framework – This may be called “theoretical framework” by some professors. Here you will present the ideas in a model or illustration of what you intend to investigate and some theories related to it. The research problem is a part of the conceptual framework that you will build based on the existing theories and research. Remember that you must research theories that are already existent and proven. It t provides an outline of how you plan to conduct the research for your thesis. It is developed based on Review of Literature of existing studies on the topic you are researching
|
Sections of Chapter 1 |
Page amount (length) |
|
Introduction |
1-2 pages |
|
Problem Background |
3-5 pages |
|
Problem Statement |
½ to 1 page |
|
Limitations of study |
½ page or less |
|
Justification of the Problem With research questions below |
½ to 2 pages |
|
Conceptual Framework |
Depends on the theories and information ascertained |
Guías Generales para la Escritura
Guías Generales para la Escritura Investigativa
A continuación, se presentan algunos aspectos clave a tener en cuenta al escribir tareas de nivel posgraduado
Su profesor del curso siempre tiene la última palabra, así que por favor use esto como una GUIA solamente. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comentario o inquietud puede comunicarse conmigo al 787-891-0925 ext. 2402
J. Reece
- Asegúrese de ser siempre un lector activo.
- Tener una computadora junto a usted o una libreta para tomar notas.
- Vuelva a leer las secciones que no entendió en lugar de obviarlas (saltarlas).
- Resalte secciones importantes en un libro (si eres el dueño) y escriba los números de página en sus notas para un seguimiento futuro.
- Preste atención tanto al argumento del autor (opinión) como a las pruebas que proporciona.
- Usted estará escribiendo artículos académicos así que asegúrese de evitar declaraciones de opinión personal, ya que no son expertos en el campo.
- *NOTA- Si su profesor desea su opinión, entonces siempre debe justificar su opinión y apoyarla con diferentes ejemplos, teorías, teóricos, investigación, etc…
- Escribir de forma clara y directa y esforzarse por utilizar una voz activa en lugar de pasiva.
- Sea preciso en su redacción
- Apoyar siempre todo con evidencia (la revisión de la literatura es clave aquí)
- Es mejor tener una redacción precisa que tenga un significado y un pensamiento profundo que tener páginas de escritura que no dicen nada.
- Evite abreviación de palabras
- Si termina su artículo y se da cuenta de que su declaración de tesis real dentro de la conclusión y no en el inicio de su trabajo; obviamente tendrá que revisar
- Siempre lea, revise y edite antes de entregar su trabajo, incluyendo citas de verificación cruzada con la página de referencias (cross checking)
General Writing Guidelines
Below are some key aspects to consider when writing graduate level assignments
Your course professor always has the last say, so please use this as a GUIDE only.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns you may reach me at 787-891-0925 ext. 2402
J. Reece
- Make sure to always be an active reader.
- Have a computer next to you or a pad (notebook) and paper to take notes.
- Re-read sections you did not understand instead of skipping them.
- Highlight important sections in a book (if you own it) and write down page numbers in your notes for future follow up.
- Pay careful attention to both the author’s argument (opinion) and the evidence it provides.
- You will be writing academic papers so make sure you avoid statements of personal opinion as you are not experts in the field.
- *NOTE- If your professor would like your opinion then you should always justify your opinion and support it with different examples, theories, theorists, research, etc…
- Write clearly and directly and strive to use an active instead of passive voice.
- Be precise in your wording
- Always support everything with evidence (Literature Review is key here)
- It is better to have precise wording that has deep meaning and thought than pages of writing that say nothing.
- Avoid contractions when writing
- If you finish your paper and realize that your real thesis statement is buried in the conclusion, you will obviously have to revise
- Always read, revise, and edit before turning anything in including cross checking citations with references page.
