Once upon a time...myths surrounding the bachelor's and master's thesis
Many myths surround both the Bachelor's and Master's Thesis. The final thesis is the biggest project in your career as a student. Millions of thesis texts have been written, over at least 3 generations. So it’s no wonder there are so many myths about it. We have compiled the 10 most persistent ones. Here they are.
Thesis myth 1:
It's best if I write something down right at the beginning of the thesis.
The truth is: All beginnings are hard. But until you know what you want to write, you can't even start.
Our tip: The process of work varies depending on the topic and question. But there are rules for the outline. Look at the sample outline of the thesis and plan the chapters as detailed as possible.
Thesis Myth 2:
It’s easier to write the introduction at the end. (one of the fatal myths!)
The truth is: ... Draft the introduction at the start and check and refine it at the end. Without an introduction, you are like a hiker without a map. It can be dangerous...
Our tip: The introduction results from the proposal and is an important compass for the direction of the work.
Thesis myth 3:
My progress is only measured by the number of pages written.
The truth is: ... Your progress is measured by the extent to which you have the topic under control. You can see this from the outline, from the notes to the chapters, from the open questions. Pages can also be filled with theory content, but in the end, due to lack of space, this content cannot stay in the text and must be removed.
Our tip: Use the Thesis Guide to create your preliminary outline as a basic framework for your text, including the page numbers for the individual chapters. Then you have a storyline and can fill chapter after chapter with good content.
Thesis myth 4:
I have to write super fancy and scientific.
The truth is: ... You have to write neatly and legibly. No supervisor expects you to create a Nobel Prize winning masterpiece.
Our tip: Do not overtax yourself when writing. It is important to get to the heart of the facts using the sources and to present the results clearly and unambiguously.
Thesis myth 5:
I have to find a reference for every sentence.
The truth is: ... You must include a reference for every direct or indirect quote or thought of another author. But some things are common knowledge and cannot be attributed to individual authors.
Our tip: Be careful with quotations. Include it right after writing the line. Use basic text books for general knowledge if this will give your mind peace.
Thesis myth 6:
I have to be as original as possible.
The truth is: ... Originality does not always win. Especially if it is only superficial. Depending on the taste and style of the supervisor, it might distract.
Our tip: Basically, sound information and a clear storyline are the be-all and end-all of a good text.
Thesis myth 7:
I have to find completely new insights.
The truth is: ... The thesis is not a doctorate. You should show that you are able to collect, process and conclude with your own conclusions on a topic.
Our tip: This is an important project, but not a scientific breakthrough. Showing new angles for existing topic is already a good job.
Thesis myth 8:
I need as much literature as possible.
The truth is: ... The quantity of literature in itself is not an indicator of quality. Important are the relevance and yield of the sources.
Our tip: Find the most relevant real studies for your topic. Be selective and include only well ranked papers.
Thesis myth 9:
My boyfriend/girlfriend says the text is good, so it is good.
The truth is: ... In the end it is the supervisor alone who decides whether the text is good. The text must meet the requirements.
Our tip: Be self-critical with your text and let yourself be animated more by negative than positive reviews. Use meetings with the supervisors to find out his or her ideas.
Thesis myth 10:
I have to allow a week to print my thesis.
The truth is: ... Experienced copy shops print 3 copies and have it ready for delivery in less than an hour. Really! But you need a thorough test print to find the last flaws in the text.
Our tip: It is important to keep an eye on the formatting from the beginning. Most mistakes happen in the end because the formatting is not correct which ends up taking extra time. Deliver the file in PDF to the copy shop!
Good luck writing your text!
Silvio and the Aristolo Team
PS: Check out the Thesis-ABC and the Thesis Guide for writing a bachelor's or master's thesis in 31 days.