Frequently asked questions

Where do I find clear instructions for seminars? For example, what are the opponent’s tasks in the introductory seminar?
If the instructions are not available on the website of the school or campus, you can ask your supervisor for them. Your supervisor shall give clear instructions for seminars and also for possible tasks of an opponent.

Can I refer to sources mentioned in a source?
In some cases yes – if you regard the matter as essential, and the original source is not available even as an inter-library loan. As a rule, these second-hand sources are not recommendable. There are firm grounds for this: the author (whose text you are reading) who quotes from the original source has interpreted the text in a way which is not necessarily the same as the one intended in the original source. In a way, such information is based on hearsay. If you have to use a second-hand source, the reference shall be made e.g. as follows: (Virtanen 2004, according to Rautalammi 2009, 15). Note: Enter only the used source in the list of references (in the above example, Rautalammi 2009) – not the original source since it was not used as such.

I intend to append documents whose layouts are defined very strictly and also the margins etc. are predetermined. According to the thesis instructions, different values applicable to e.g. margins shall be used in the thesis. Must I rework the appendix in accordance with the thesis instructions, or can I append the document in its original form? In general, do I need to pay attention to any appendix layout issues other than the left margin necessitated by bookbinding?
The margin necessitated by bookbinding is the most essential feature concerning the appendices. As regards other aspects, it is not necessary to comply with the layout rules meticulously, as long as the pages also look clean in the bound copy of the thesis. When necessary, the appendices may be scanned as images so that the text fits within the basic margins.

If I mention personal names in the thesis, do I have to ask each of them for permission? How do indicate oral sources in the list of references, or are they even acceptable?
It is polite to ask for permission to mention a person’s name. This, too, depends on the substance matter, situation and person (public or private). If the source is not public, you should usually ask for permission. If you refer to a public text or speech, indicate the source. (See separate instructions on the use of oral sources.) In the case of research data or equivalent data (e.g. interviews), names are usually never mentioned, and you must absolutely always ask for permission to mention a person’s name.

Why do the instructions not include an outline of a project plan?
Your thesis supervisor will advise you of this.

Should I use active or passive voice?
Earlier, passive voice was used in scientific texts because it was considered more credible and objective. It can sometimes be used in theses, but in most cases the author is also evident; in these cases, it is possible to say “I” or, if there are several authors, “we”. For example, if you design a guidebook, it is natural to refer to it by using expressions such as “I made”, “I chose” etc. You can use the phrase “in my opinion” but do not use it too often – do not go beyond the bounds of credibility, and always give reasons for your views.

Can I use the internet as a source?
Of course. However, there are various kinds of data on the internet. Be critical as to what kind of data you use and for which purpose. Here are some examples:
– For example, when you present a company or an artist, you can refer to its or his/her website; however, think about your personal attitude towards it: what kind of data is it? A website strongly reflects what a company or person wants to communicate and what the intended image is. This kind of background material is often needed but usually not sufficient.
– You can use entries from discussion forums e.g. to tell about discussion on a given topic. You cannot present them as being true, verified or generally applicable.
– On the internet, you can find access to scientific articles, project reports, statements, standards, guidelines and legislation. No means of communication is “bad” or unreliable as such, but information transmitted by any means should be considered critically – be it audiovisual or printed media.

Can I have simplified “step-by-step” instructions for making the table of contents?
If you use the model thesis layout, you can make the table of contents automatically. Of course you can also type it.

What is the Quality Manual to which reference is frequently made in these instructions?
It is the cornerstone of quality assurance at SAMK, see here for more details.