Summary of the Long Story
Theses and dissertations differ in the sense that thesis analysis is added to existing literature. Instead, the dissertation contributes to new knowledge from existing literature. Different countries define the words theses and dissertations differently, i.e. in some countries they are used interchangeably, whereas in some countries thesis related to bachelor or master's programs and dissertations are used in the context of doctoral degrees, whereas in some countries vice versa.
Simply stated, the thesis answers what and why, and the dissertation answers what, why and how. Let’s take an example of katuk leaf research in reducing egg cholesterol. The thesis only answers the question of whether katuk leaves reduce egg cholesterol? The thesis answers two questions, namely a) whether katuk leaves reduce egg cholesterol and; b) why katuk leaves reduce cholesterol. The dissertation answers 3 questions, namely: a) does the katuk leaf reduce egg cholesterol ?; b) why does katuk leaf reduce egg cholesterol? And; c) how (the mechanism) of katuk leaves to reduce egg cholesterol?
Thesis
The word 'thesis' comes from the Greek which means “something submitted ". Basically, the thesis is intended to state " what candidates believe and what they want to prove ." The thesis prepared by students must be good enough to show the actual thinking behind the research, rather than merely recounting the facts. And to do so, students need to gather a certain amount of information and read a lot of background, to have enough knowledge about the subject, to develop questions.
A thesis is used as a graduation requirement in the S-1 program with the intention of providing an opportunity for students to show that they can apply the steps of a scientific approach to gaining knowledge and report it in writing. Usually, the thesis is not demanded a new synthesis or new discovery.
The thesis is made a graduation requirement in the S-2 program with the intention of giving the opportunity to the student to show that he can create a new synthesis or application of existing knowledge, and report it in writing.
Referring to the understanding of the origin of the thesis from Scriptum, (English: Script), the understanding of the thesis is: scientific writing, to distinguish it from non-scientific writing such as fiction or other forms of essay and opinion writing. The basic difference from the latter forms is: scientific writing is very tightly bound up with the rules and norms of scientific writing.
These rules in addition to the substance of the writing that examines a phenomenon by using theoretical references that have been recognized in the realm of science, include rules in the techniques of scientific writing standards such as: citing techniques, literary writing, footnotes writing, outline writing, writing tables, abbreviations and diction choices that are more stringent (wherever possible using denotative techniques rather than connotative), and others.
With the actual understanding that is important from making a thesis (other than standard writing techniques) is how the writer tries to explain a phenomenon by referring to one or more theories. From this understanding, it can be seen that for a thesis work that is concerned, is a matter of scientific reference. With this understanding, the substance of the thesis understanding lies in the effort to explain (explanation) and perhaps present a clearer description of a phenomenon.
With a thesis, the student's ability to formulate scientific reasoning about a phenomenon is indeed tested, how the phenomenon is tried to be explained with a theoretical reference and how conclusions are drawn from attempts to explain the phenomenon. It could be that the student's reasoning had developed further, to develop a certain scientific position (in the form of a particular thesis or hypothesis) and be demanded to be proven through a fairly complex scientific research.
But in our opinion, the thesis does not have to be demanded to be developed on a particular title or topic, it is also required to prove the hypothesis with empirical research that can take 6 months - 1 year. Maybe at this point we must determine the choice of the thesis should be in the form of scientific writing in the form of research reports. That is, is the thesis identical with research?
This is due to the fact that according to the understanding of the thesis in its original understanding, answers to scientific problems posed by students can be answered using theoretical evidence (some say theoretically, or proofing it through more qualitative analysis, for example? Jung's theory?) In our opinion, what is important in the thesis is the ability to dissect the problem with a theoretical reference, and how the theory's reference to "orderly scientific thinking" students is clearly visible.
Attributes of an Ideal Thesis
It should not be in the first person and not contain obscure language.
It must be debatable, that is, putting forward the points in question, or it can be debated where people often disagree.
It must be provocative.
It states conclusions based on evidence and facts with certainty.
It assumes and refutes counter-arguments.
It must be complete, specific and focused.
Dissertation
A dissertation is a Latin term that refers to " discussion ". In general terms, a dissertation is a structured research work, where Doctoral scholars must present their findings with logical arguments, in response to propositions chosen by them.
The dissertation is based on original research, in the sense that candidates must decide on topics related to their field of study, where no major research has been done, and arrive at a hypothesis, to conduct original research so as to prove or disprove the hypothesis.
A dissertation is essentially a further development of a thesis. In other words, it is a conjugate of the submission of a theoretical proposis and standard writing techniques such as a thesis. But what distinguishes from the thesis is the breadth (extensive) and depth (depth) of the proof of the thesis must be more advanced. Ideally, a dissertation should be more than just theoretical testing, it further opens up the possibility of proposing a new theoretical breakthrough. So if you can sort of "theory building". Even if it is not yet possible to do "theory building", at least there is something "new" that results from a dissertation work. Therefore the research methodology must also be more "advance", because the concern is more towards creating a new theoretical model. This is a kind of assessment that examines students' researching skills and knowledge and their ability to defend the arguments that form the basis for their final grades. This includes abstracts, introductions, methodologies, literature reviews, findings, discussions, conclusions and recommendations. Candidates use other people's research as a guide to arrive at and prove/refute new hypotheses, theories, or concepts. It takes years to complete research work, which is to gather information, to gather information in written form, to edit material and to cite documents.
Differences between Thesis and Dissertation
Academic Tiers
· Thesis, S1
· Thesis, S2
· Dissertation: S3 (highest)
Problem
· Thesis S1: Can be lifted from empirical experience, not profound
· Thesis S2: Lifted from empirical experience, and theoretical, in-depth
· Dissertation: Appointed from theoretical studies supported by empirical facts, are very in-depth.
Authors' independence
· Thesis S1: 60% the role of the writer, 40% supervisor
· Thesis S2: 80% the role of the writer, 20% of the supervisor
· Dissertation: 90% of the author's role, 10% of supervisors.
Scientific Weight
· Thesis S1: Low - medium
· Thesis S2: Medium-high. Deepening / developing of existing theories and research
· Dissertation: High, the highest in the academic field. Required to look for breakthroughs and new theories in the field of science
Exposure
· Thesis S1: Dominant descriptive
· Thesis S2: Descriptive and Analytical
· Dissertation: Analytical dominant
Analysis Model
· Thesis S1: Low - medium
· Thesis S2: Medium-high
· Dissertation: High
Number of problem formulations
· Thesis S1: Around 1-2
· Thesis S2: Minimum 3
· Dissertation: More than 3
Statistical methods/tests
· Thesis S1: Usually use Qualitative test / Descriptive test, parametric statistical test (1 party test, 2 parties), or non-parametric statistics (binomial test, Chi-squared, run test), comparative hypothesis test, associative hypothesis test, Correlation, Regression, Difference test, Chi-Square Test, etc.
· Thesis S2: Typically using advanced Qualitative/multiple regression tests, or multiple correlations, multivariate, advanced multivariates (dummy regression, panel data, simultaneous equations, logistic regression, linear log analysis, static & dynamic econometrics, econometric time series) Path analysis, SEM
· Dissertation: Same with theses with more complex, weighted methods aimed at finding new breakthroughs and theories in the field of science
Level of Supervisor / Examiner
· Thesis S1: Minimum Masters
· Thesis S2: A minimum of experienced Doctor and Masters
· Dissertation: Minimum experienced Professor and Doctor
Originality of research
· Thesis S1: It could be a replica of another person's research, a different case location
· Thesis S2: Prioritize originality
· Dissertation: Must be original
The discovery of new things
· Thesis S1: Do not have to
· Thesis S2: Preferred
· Dissertation: Required
Publication of research results
· Thesis S1: Internal and recommended national campuses
· Thesis S2: National minimum
· Dissertation: National and International
Number of references/bibliography
· Thesis S1: 20 minimum
· Thesis S2: Minimum 40
· Dissertation: 60 minimum
Statistical methods/programs commonly used
· Thesis S1: Qualitative / Manual, Excel, SPSS etc.
· Thesis S2: Advanced qualifications / SPSS, Eview, Lisrel, Amos etc.
· Dissertation: Advanced qualifications / SPSS, Eview, Lisrel, Amos etc.
Prerequisites and Dynamics of a Thesis
You have to write a thesis to complete S1, a thesis is the formulation of scientific reasoning for a phenomenon. You have to run a phenomenon using the theory that you have learned before. In addition, you must explain your explanation with the rules of writing a good thesis and correct.
How to write a thesis is simpler than other scientific works, why? because all that's needed is how you can explain the steps and approaches scientifically to gain knowledge and be able to report it in writing. What needs to be underlined here is that you will be tested by the university, whether the phenomenon that you want to develop can be explained systematically and supported by the research you have done or the theory you choose to support your statement.
For example, you want to discuss the quality of education in the United States, then you have to ask yourself the 5W 1H method, what, where, who, why and how. By adopting this method you have started the foundation of your research, (what) What is the quality of education ?, (where) Where is the quality of education that is poor or of good quality? Here you have to be more specific to take the sample that you want to explain, (who) who has a role in education in the United States? (Why) Why is the quality of education in the United States not good or good? (How) How to improve the quality of education in the United States?
In general, you should accompany your topic with 1-2 qualitative or quantitative researches that can support your theory. The more theory you support the more in-depth you will discuss your topic. Therefore we suggest that you can find as many of your theoretical basis.
The thesis is the final task of the undergraduate level (S1), the Thesis is the final task of the Masters level (S2) while the Dissertation (S3) is the final task of the Doctoral level (S3, the highest academic level).
The thesis is the final assignment of prospective graduates with a level as a novice researcher or learning to be a researcher, where the weight of research and the sharpness of analysis is the lowest compared to a Thesis or Dissertation.
Prerequisites and Dynamics of Dissertation
The dissertation is made a graduation requirement in the S-3 program with the intention of giving the opportunity to the student to show that he understands (follows) the latest developments in scientific knowledge and contributes to the development of that science through original new discoveries which he reports in writing.
Basically, undergraduate student thesis is a training ground for students to conduct research objectively. S2 Thesis is a place to improve students' abilities in researching and it is hoped that students will be able to research with minimal guidance from lecturers. The doctoral dissertation is proof of the ability of PhD students to independently research.
Often the supervisors forget about this, so they often ask students to research more than they should. What is the reason? First, maybe because of his ignorance and his experience as a student first also like that. For example, the supervisor asks undergraduate students to answer why.
Second, the supervisor already knows this but because he wants more research data, he forces it on his student guidance. Maybe the lecturer intended the data to be published where he was the main author. Maybe the lecturer also has another reason.
Whatever the reason, in fact, the lecturer is not justified in forcing students outside the provisions or agreements that apply. If you want more accurate and more data to answer existing problems, the lecturer should make a research proposal yourself and submit it to the Directorate of Higher Education or other funders. He must compete to obtain research funding.
This is a prerequisite for graduating S3 to get a Doctorate degree. In the dissertation of all research, theories and hypotheses that you explore. You must know what the problem is and you should be able to formulate new solutions to improve the quality of education in the United States (using the example above).
Thesis vs. Dissertation: Europe
In Europe, the difference between a thesis and a dissertation is largely maintained. A doctoral thesis is a focal part of the research carried out to obtain a PhD. The dissertation is part of a comprehensive postgraduate research project.
However, the thesis has evolved since the current research requires a lot of research background. Thus, the thesis must contain many citations and references from previous research, although the focus remains on the results of the research undertaken.
Thesis vs. Dissertation: US
In the United States, the definition of a thesis is almost the opposite of that in Europe. A thesis is a stage towards a doctorate because it is shorter than a dissertation. Thesis is needed to get a Masters degree. In the scientific field, the master candidate takes an advanced course and participates in a research project but does not direct the project to the same level as he did in the doctoral program.
In the master's project, student ideas are accepted and expected but the focus is on gaining technical expertise, not doing research. Usually, after earning a Masters degree, technical students rarely continue their studies to get a PhD. Conversely, in other fields such as Chemistry, a Masters degree is no longer needed to obtain a doctorate.
What are the Equations?
Both the thesis and the dissertation require great effort and earnestness. Recently, I attended a thesis trial where students were not prepared. Submission is bad, irregular, and unable to answer questions properly. Maybe he has tried hard, but his hard work must also be proven through the presentation. Business for many years, of course, requires a better report than this.
Similarities between Thesis and Dissertation
When pursuing an advanced degree program, students need to submit their research work, namely a thesis or dissertation. Both present research and candidate findings on certain topics. Furthermore, both are prepared under the guidance of an expert in the field concerned.
Conclusion
The aim of the thesis is to examine the candidate's ability to critically think about topics and to discuss information in depth. Instead, the dissertation aims to demonstrate the capacity of candidates as research scholars, namely the ability of students to identify areas of interest, explore topics, arrange research work, develop questions and defend. Thesis refers to extraordinary writing prepared after in-depth research on a topic as part of a university or degree program, where certain ideas or concepts are submitted as statements for further discussion.
On the other hand, the dissertation implies a document that compiles research, which is the main requirement for doctoral programs, to prove one's findings. With a thesis, students make additions to existing research, whereas with a dissertation students contribute to new discoveries in certain fields of study.
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