Writing a thesis on methodology may explain the methodology, analyze it or argue for or against it.
Methodology is a system used to regulate something and usually refers to disciplines in art and science fields. The methodology would comprise rules, regulations and guidelines for that discipline whether for research, writing, teaching, ethics or other aspects of professional conduct. A thesis on methodology would follow the writing guidelines for the field the methodology originates from. The work will present an abstract and introduction which often contains the thesis statement. The remainder of the paper is organized in a coherent manner that clearly presents the information and the author's support of his thesis statement. In-text citations and references are listed according to the writing guidelines for the professional field.
Instructions
1. Decide on the methodology you wish to write your thesis on and then choose an approach for the thesis. The approach will determine the thesis statement. An analytical thesis will break down the methodology you are writing about and evaluate the different components of the methodological approach. An argumentative thesis will choose an argument for or against the methodology then present support for that argument throughout the thesis. Lastly, an expository thesis will basically explain what the methodology is and possibly how it is used or why it is relevant to that field.
2. Create your thesis statement in a statement format that compliments your thesis approach. Analytical thesis statements will likely be worded in a way that includes the phrase "an analysis of...," while an argumentative thesis statement may use words such as "should" or "must." An expository thesis may simply contain a thesis statement in the form of an explanatory sentence regarding the methodology topic.
3. Outline the methodology, breaking it down into steps or parts. If a given step or part contains multiple sub-components, list those underneath the primary component.
4. Conduct research using textbooks, professional publications and journals, peer reviewed articles and research involving the methodology and involving the use or application of that methodology which can help present examples throughout the thesis.
5. Read through the research for the thesis paper, making notes in the outline of page numbers, examples and things you wish to cite or quote in your thesis that support your thesis statement. Keep the reference material organized in accordance with your outline to save time later.
6. Open a word document on your computer and format the page settings to the guidelines for your thesis. Guidelines are typically determined by the professional field which may include your methodology topic. For example, psychology papers are written using APA (American Psychological Association) style while English papers are often written in MLA (Modern Language Association) style. Typically, you want size 12 font, one-inch margins on the right and left and double-spaced lines. Headers, page numbers, in-text citations and references change between the styles.
7. Make your title page, also adhering to writing guidelines but often centered on the first page of the document. Starting on the document's page two (but your page one) begin your thesis. If an Abstract is needed, include it on the bottom of the title page or the second document page then skip ahead and start your thesis on the next page.
8. Use headings for each section of your thesis. This will organize the thesis and make reading and grading much easier. Place the headings centered or aligned with the left margin then start the sections beneath, indented as paragraphs.
9. Skip to the start of the next page after you complete the thesis. Type "References" and center the word on the line, if your writing guidelines permit it. On the next line, with left alignment, begin your reference list. Be sure references are organized appropriately for the writing style such as alphabetically in APA style.
