1.3 Thesis

The thesis is the result of an original empirical investigation that creates new knowledge within a discipline. It attempts to address a problem related to lack of knowledge and is generally composed of the following elements:

  1. Identification of a problem caused by lack of knowledge;
  2. Background and literature review of existing information about the problem;
  3. Methods to be used for obtaining the needed knowledge;
  4. Resulting new knowledge;
  5. Interpretation of the new knowledge;
  6. A paper written in the style of APA Publication Manual 7th Edition;
  7. Transparent and open sharing of materials and results through the use of the Open Science Framework at CLU.

Tasks:

  • Students complete all the requirements outlined in this manual.
  • Students enroll in PSYC 565 Research Practicum (3 units) during the Fall of their 2nd year.
  • Students enroll in PSYC 566 Thesis (3 units) during the Spring of their 2nd year.
  • Students who fail to complete the thesis by the end of the 2nd year can:
    1. Take PSYC 599-01 Thesis Continuation and pay all associated fees every semester until the thesis is completed or,
    2. Take the comprehensive exam and pay the comprehensive exam fee in the semester immediately following the last semester thesis units were taken.