Thesis Proposal Outline
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Title: The thesis title should give a clear indication of the topic being studied.
- The Problem: A description of the study problem includes specification of the study question(s), justification for their selection vis a vis previous research, and the potential relevance of addressing these questions for the advancement of social work knowledge.
- Theoretical Framework and Background Information: The major theoretical premises which underlie the problem are articulated and the salient concepts are defined. Following a concise, critical review of the theoretical and research literatures a theoretical model is proposed in support of the selected research question.
- Design and Methods: Questions and/or hypotheses are formulated clearly such that all study variables and their anticipated relationships are specified. The selected design is specified (survey, archival, descriptive, interpretive, experimental, etc.). The reasons for selecting the design are given, including its merits and limitations. Operational definitions of each of the study variables are provided.
- The sampling procedures are specified including justification for selecting the population, or database, from which the sample is to be drawn. Sample size, or extent of database, is specified and justified.
- Data collection methods are described in detail. Interview schedules, procedures for analyses of databases, coding methods, recording methods, instruments, or any other proposed data collection techniques are to be described, including their psychometric properties where applicable.
- Data Analysis: The methods of analyses appropriate for the study design are described. The specified procedures are consistent with the nature and quality of the data. Pilot testing of the analytic procedures may be required when these procedures have not been previously tested. The results of the pilot study are reported, including the identification of potential problems.
- References: Only items cited in the text are included.
- Work Plan: At the end of the proposal the student attaches an addendum, which provides a detailed work plan, including estimates of the time needed to complete each phase of the proposed research.
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The supervisor as Chair and the Supervisory Committee have the responsibility of adjudicating the merits of the Thesis Proposal. The student proceeds to the collection of data and preparation of the thesis only after approval of the Thesis Proposal has been obtained from the Supervisory Committee. Following revisions of the Thesis Proposal based on feedback from the supervisor a meeting of the Supervisory Committee is convened. The student submits copies of the Thesis Proposal to each member of the Committee at least two weeks prior to the meeting. The student attaches to each copy of the proposal the Thesis Proposal Assessment Criteria form.
Download Thesis Proposal Assessment Criteria