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Step One: Topic
Types of theses
The idea that a thesis must strive to be a contribution to knowledge
has important implications for the balance of theoretical and empirical
work in a thesis. A thesis must have a clearly specified theoretical
rationale or else it cannot be a contribution to knowledge. Thus,
theoretical work is a necessary part of a thesis. In contrast,
the provision of new empirical evidence is not absolutely necessary
as part of a contribution to knowledge. However, it is far more
difficult to make a contribution to knowledge that is purely
theoretical than it is to make one that includes some new empirical
evidence. There are several reasons why including empirical work
facilitates doing a good thesis. The easiest way to demonstrate that
a theoretical analysis goes beyond existing understanding is to show
that it accurately predicts empirical phenomena that are not predicted
by existing theories. Empirical tests of the predictions of existing
theories also contribute to knowledge by assessing the validity of
current understanding. Finally, through the careful implementation
of a well-motivated plan, a researcher can be reasonably assured
of obtaining empirical evidence that makes a contribution to knowledge
in that it provides constraints on theories of the domain in question.
In contrast, conducting a successful theoretical thesis involves developing
a new basis for explaining important empirical phenomena that is
substantially and demonstrably better than previous explanations.
Virtually all theses done in the Department include substantial empirical work.
This work takes many forms, including experiments, field observation
of naturally-occurring behavior, and self-report questionnaires. Very rarely, concentrators do propose
theoretical theses. Faculty members may require considerable persuasion
before agreeing to supervise such a thesis for the reasons outlined above.
Successful theoretical theses often involve applying an established
theoretical analysis to a new domain, such as attempting to extend a
certain kind of computer-simulation to a new psychological domain.
Other non-empirical theses involve examination and comparison of existing
theories in an original way, or the construction of a unique theory. In general, thesis projects—experimental, theoretical, or otherwise—are acceptable to the department
if they are approved by both your thesis committee and the Committee on Undergraduate Instruction.
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