Your thesis plays a very important role in your doctoral life, but it is not necessarily the only important thing. I know it took you years to complete this thesis and plan to submit it to your chair, but a rejected thesis does not mean that your life or academic career is at stake. As a researcher, I have also got rejected on my first attempt, but I came back strong to the committee and got my PhD on my second attempt.
Like me, here’s how to find out the possible reasons for your rejected thesis and come back to your chair with a bang:
Common reasons for rejection
The literature review it’s is the basis of research. If it is not spelled correctly and the main theorists are not cited, the research is skewed in the wrong direction and fails miserably.
Too many internet references such as e-books, blogs and websites have been used lately which does not work well with teachers. Primarily, examiners look at the student’s original contribution in the thesis and this should be mentioned briefly in the abstract to give an idea of the uniqueness of the work done.
Overview: 8 research proposal killers
- The research topic is too broad (or poorly defined).
- Goals, objectives and research questions are not aligned.
- The search argument is not justified.
- The study has a weak theoretical basis.
- The research project was not sufficiently communicated.
- Bad writing and sloppy presentation.
- Poor project planning and risk management.
- Does not meet university-specific criteria.
Inappropriate conclusion
Finally, failure to state your opinion and your arguments at the end of your thesis is grounds for rejection. Is your conclusion specific, describing exactly what you got from your research?
The last part of your research should consider the validity and authenticity of your research. Your skills and research methodology will be covered at the end of your dissertation, so make sure it goes as smoothly as possible.
Research Methodology
Research methodology refers to the techniques or processes you will use to conduct your research. It allows the reader to assess the credibility of your research. Research methodology is the central area of communication with your audience. It should indicate the approach you will take in the study, such as experimental techniques and analytical tools.
Each academic journal or thesis contains an article or a chapter where you must discuss the research methodology. In the research methodology, you describe your research techniques and methods and state your research objective. But if the method is flawed, it will appear that the data collected is not scientifically valid or meaningful. This will therefore affect the realism and accuracy of the document. An unwritten methodology will make the research appear flawed and could result in your research proposal being rejected.