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Psychology Thesis Guide

  • Sam Finnegan-Dehn
  • 7 days ago
  • 4 min read

Essential Aspects

Abstract Introduction Literature Review

Methodology Results Discussion

Conclusion Acknowledgements References


Approach

First off - there are various ways of writing each section and linking them together to form an overarching argument and claim. This is a good thing. It means you’ll be able to write a thesis in your way, whilst staying academic and relevant.


To really hone your thesis subject – answer the following questions.


Answer the following questions using 1 sentence answers for each question:

1) What do I want to say about the thesis subject?

2) What does the evidence say about the thesis subject?

3) What are other academics saying about the thesis subject?


Answer these to the best of your ability; they will act as an initial guide to your thesis development. You’ll then build on this!


Argument

Now, here are some tips to help you develop your argument:


Hone your focus

For literature reviews,

- The approach is again different as you’re not conducting original empirical research but critically analysing existing studies to build a cohesive argument.

- Instead of generating new data, your goal is to critically evaluate research findings, highlight

patterns, identify gaps, and construct a compelling narrative.

- Clearly define the specific aspect of the topic you are examining, as literature reviews can

cover a broad field.

- Your argument should build towards a cohesive interpretation of the literature. What patterns emerge? What limitations exist? How does this inform future research?


For quantitative research,

- You typically establish your argument before conducting your study.

- After reviewing the existing literature, your argument is initially shaped by your research

question and hypothesis (you may have multiple research questions/hypotheses to test

depending on your subject chosen)

- Once you have statistically analysed your results, consider how they support or challenge

existing theories and literature. Use these insights to strengthen your argument for your

discussion section.


For qualitative research,

- The approach to forming an argument is different - instead of testing a predefined hypothesis, you will develop arguments during and after data collection through thematic analysis and interpretation.

- For example, start with a broad research question, analyse your data (e.g. from interviews,

observations) and pay close attention to the patterns and themes that emerge to shape your

argument.

- Use these insights to construct a well-supported argument that connects with existing

psychological theories and literature.


Approach research with an intention

- What do you expect to discover through your research?

- Does your data provide evidence to support any specific claim in the existing literature?

- Does your data challenge or disprove any particular claim?


Be critical

- Analyse your findings. What are its strengths and what are its limitations?

- Compare and contrast relevant research papers with your results. What do you notice?

- Analyse your literature review. What does it not account for?


Important things to think about for each section

1. Abstract

• This contains a brief description of each section of your dissertation.

• It can be helpful to use subheadings to separate these.

• It is recommended to write the abstract once all sections are complete.

• Do not do this last minute, as you the process might reveal inconsistencies in your sections.


2. Introduction and Literature Review

• An introduction may contain a literature review or these may be required as separate sections (please refer to your university’s guidance for this).

• Provide the relevant background (including psychological theories/concepts if applicable).

• Discuss the existing literature.

• Provide a rationale and aim for your thesis (ask yourself ‘what is the purpose of my thesis?’ or ‘what will my thesis add to the literature?’).

• Clearly state your research questions and hypotheses at the end of your introduction.


3. Methodology:

• Clearly describe your research design.

• Depending on the type of study you are conducting this may also include participants, materials, measures, procedure (including ethical approval) and statistical analyses used.


4. Results

• Present findings using appropriate statistical tests or thematic analysis.

• Remember - you are just presenting your findings, there should be no interpretation or discussion of results in this section.

• Where appropriate, use tables and figures to present findings.


5. Discussion

• Interpret your findings from the result section critically and in relation to the existing literature

• Discuss whether your results support the hypothesis (including patterns found or unexpected outcomes) and consider the broader implications of this.

• Explore how your findings align with or differ from existing literature. If discrepancies exist, explore possible reasons for these differences.

• Address study limitations, such as sample size, methodological constraints, or potential biases, and explain how these might have influenced results.

• Finally, suggest directions for future research, including potential improvements or new areas of enquiry.


6. Conclusion

• Keep this clear and brief – no new information should be introduced!

• Summarise the main findings and their implications on the psychological literature

• Include a final sentence on further research or future directions.


7. References

• Follow your university guidelines in what type of referencing to use and keep it consistent.


Staying on track


To maintain momentum in your thesis development – do this:

- Schedule writing sessions: create simple but specific intentions for writing.

- Hold yourself accountable: give your tutor self-set deadlines for different parts of the thesis.

- Appreciate the stress: recognise that writing a thesis is stressful, understand that it is part of

the process, and prioritise rest to account for this.

- Celebrate small wins: be kind to yourself and remember to celebrate finishing a section or

figuring out a difficult analysis.

- Seek advice and support when needed: Your supervisor (and peers) can be useful during

this time, ask them questions and act on their feedback.

- Don’t underestimate how long formatting and referencing takes: make sure you leave

adequate time to make those final edits.

 
 
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