Different kinds of theses

Roughly speaking, a thesis focuses either on research or on operational aspects. Sometimes it may have features of both. There are also other words to classify theses, but in these instructions we use these two. There are both basic differences and similarities between a thesis focusing on operational aspects and a thesis focusing on research.

Discuss your thesis process regularly with your supervisor who will advise you e.g. of methods of compiling background material on your very topic.

FOCUS ON OPERATIONAL ASPECTS

The starting point of a thesis focusing on operational aspects is a practical need or problem you endeavour to solve. Such topics include events, exhibitions, fairs and related planning and organisation, marketing campaigns, computer programs, multimedia applications, videos, product development, business or development plans, new products, product prototypes, development of new methods, acts of nursing or welfare, portfolios, sculptures, paintings, study material, guidebooks etc. (Hakala 2004, 23-27; Vilkka & Airaksinen 2004, 9-15.)

FOCUS ON RESEARCH

A thesis focusing on research consists in a study or survey. Its starting point, too, is often a practical problem, but of a different type than in a thesis focusing on operational aspects, and the problem is approached differently, using different methods. Collection of material is often based on surveys, interviews or written/visual sources and, when analysing the material, an analytical method typical of research. Examples of a thesis focusing on research include customer satisfaction surveys, action research as well as service and marketing studies. (Hakala 2004, 23-27; Vilkka & Airaksinen 2004, 9-15.)

COMMON FEATURES

The following elements are common to both types of thesis reports:
– starting point for work
– question to which the author sought to respond
– how the response was sought: which method was used, what took place
– what was the response (be it a painting, machine, organisation of an event or analysed replies from questionnaires)
– what can be deduced from the response.

An "investigative and developing approach” is also common to both types of thesis reports. This means that 
– reporting is reasonably profound, reflective and argumentative
– theoretical basis is explained (the author tells what information the thesis is based on)
– argumentation is based on the sources and the author’s own experience
– the author explains the solutions and choices he or she has made: “in my opinion” is not a sufficient basis
– the author evaluates his or her own activities (Anttila 2008).

ALL THESIS REPORTS SHALL BE WRITTEN BY MEANS OF SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

Use clear factual language; enter appropriate references in the text, and use them when you create the list of references. However, the report can express individuality.

Writing practices vary a great deal depending on the field of study. Pay attention to the practices in your field – e.g. as regards usage, style and thesis structure – when you write. Discuss your solutions with your supervisor particularly when you want to do “something different”. It is clear that creativity means different things in different fields: you must always be able to use your brain, but a nurse cannot in his or her work pursue original solutions in the same way as an artist.

Should the focus be on operational aspects or on research – is either of them “better” or “fancier”? The way of completing the thesis shall be chosen on the basis of the topic. Both theses focusing on operational aspects and those focusing on research are good when they are well made.