Thesis

A thesis is written as a statement. The purpose of your paper is to explain, defend, and/or prove your thesis. In the sciences, the thesis may be called the “hypothesis.”

Develop Your Thesis Statements

A common mistake in research papers is when the author summarizes each source, simply repeating the information found in each source.

Instead, you should describe not only the information that you found, but also explain why it matters and how the bits of information found in various sources connect with each other (contradicting, supporting, illuminating, etc.) to form an answer to your research question. That answer is your thesis.

Identifying that answer will require you to synthesize and analyze the information and opinions that you have found in your sources.

* Synthesize = combine multiple points (ideas and information) into a coherent whole.
* Analyze = discover or reveal something through detailed examination.

If you are unable to develop an answer to your research question, that usually means that you need to collect more information and sources. Unsure of how to research your question and find sources in the library databases? Ask a librarian!

Good Thesis Statements Are

• Specific enough: You may find too many articles to wade through if your thesis is broad or over-documented.
• Broad enough: You struggle to find enough sources to support your thesis statement if it is too specific, obscure, or under-researched.

Taking the Next Step

The thesis statement will guide your paper outline and further research. As you develop your outline, identify places where you need more information or evidence. Conduct further research to fill in those gaps.