M.A. Thesis
How do I find a thesis topic?
Find a researchable problem. What is a problem? A general question
to investigate and explain through original research; a question
that does not have a simple “yes” or “no”
answer. Usually a “why” question is appropriate: Why
are some mediation sessions successful and others are not? A Policy-advocacy
question is less appropriate: Why should we use ADR techniques
to settle disputes? (You will not become engaged in original research
efforts, but rely on secondary analysis, that is, what others
say are good reasons for using ADR). A descriptive question is
also insufficient: What negotiation strategies are used most often
in family disputes? (You will not explain what accounts for their
use). These are only general ideas to help to think in terms of
researchable problems.
How to find a problem: (1) Keep a notebook with thesis ideas
as they occur to you during your coursework. It has been suggested
to write down 3 ideas per course, no matter how valid. (2) Think
about your course assignments and whether they could be enlarged
and made into a viable thesis topic. (3) Consider your internship
experience, your practical work: what might be addressed as a
thesis topic within that environment? (4) Read the professional
literature to discover the hot topics and debates. (5) Ask your
professors. (6) Read or browse copies of completed M.A. theses
in Conflict Resolution (The University of Denver copies are available
in the Conflict Resolution Office).
Choose a problem: something that interests you about which you
could develop a passion, or long term focus, something where you
have some previous knowledge and the right skills to examine the
issue. Why is this problem important? Develop more specific questions
out of the general one in your focus; for example, How does the
background of mediators determine their effectiveness in different
settings? How do different mediation strategies influence sessions
outcomes?
Describe the problem: Write a few paragraphs outlining the problem,
why you find it interesting, and how you might do research on
it. Meet with professors to discuss your idea and get feedback.
Based on these conversations, secure an advisor, don’t look
back, look ahead to the next step. There is no perfect topic,
don’t waste a lot of time agonizing over which to choose.
Write one page on the Thesis Idea. Outline the problem and questions
you want to study. Discuss idea with several professors to find
out where your interests mesh and how to reshape your ideas. Then
choose your advisor.
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