This blog provides a brief practical overview of the difference between the theoretical and conceptual frameworks for novice researchers, as well as tips on which is best for your research. There are in-depth, scholarly discussions of the differences between the two, and I direct readers to some articles if they want to dig deeper into the differences between the frameworks. (See Imenda, 2014; Rocco & Plakhotnik, 2009; Varpio et al., 2020.)
What is meant by frame?
Choose a theme that will increase your endorphins
Choose the theme that you think will wake you up in the morning.
A thesis is a great job. It’s like work plus homework. Imagine if you’re looking for a full-time job, you’d rather commit to your dream job than a random job that doesn’t interest you, right? Therefore, it is important to choose a thesis topic that you are really passionate about because you will have to spend several months living with it. Choose the theme that makes you wake up in the morning!
How I chose the topic of my master’s thesis (dissertation)
Now I would like to take a trip down memory lane to give you a rough idea of how which I chose my thesis topic. I attended Aston University in the UK for my Master’s program in Pharmacology (2008 – 2009). The thesis was undoubtedly the main part of my master’s program. My thesis not only earned the most credit points, but it would also influence the direction of my career after graduation. I knew that 3 or 4 months was not a good time to make a great discovery. After all, it was my master’s thesis and not a doctorate. thesis. However, I needed something mentally stimulating.
Therefore, I focused more on restoring previous conclusions and assumptions. My main goal was to learn what questions to ask and how to conduct a research study. Second, I wanted to learn more about molecular pharmacology and the trade-offs between neuroscience and cardiovascular medicine. In addition, I also had to focus on learning some useful lab techniques that would be used. Therefore, I was very thoughtful and strategic in choosing my thesis topic. After considering three four options, I decided to do my thesis on the study “The role of RAMP1 in the binding of adrenomedullin to the CGRP receptor.”
What is the difference between a master’s program with thesis and a master’s program without thesis?
A thesis is a common requirement in many research-intensive fields, but not all master’s programs require you to complete one. In addition, some fields allow you to choose between a thesis follow-up and a non-thesis follow-up. In the case of a non-thesis program, you will not have to write a long paper, but you will have to take more courses to meet the graduation requirement.
Whether you choose a program with or without a thesis, you still need to complete a capstone project to test your critical thinking skills. If you are for a non-thesis program, your project may be a capstone project or field experience.
Discussion
In the last chapter of the thesis, the results of the author’s research are given in a context related to existing research. The author will indicate how her paper responded to, or added a new type of nuance, to the existing responses to her original research question. For example, our hypothetical researcher could argue that concessions to midsize emerging economies, even though not publicly disclosed, still have an effect on decisions by major nations not to meet their climate treaty obligations.
In addition, the author will discuss any gaps in his own research and what future researchers could do to answer his specific research question even more precisely. In our example, the author might suggest that future researchers examine the source material and compare it with existing sociological studies on perceptions of fairness of outcomes and cooperation.