The structure of a research-based thesis mostly follows the three main parts presented in Chapter 3. Different fields might still have some established outlining practice that slightly differ.
Research-based work often uses the next structure model:
1. Introduction
2. Theoretical framework based on references
3. Methods and data
- short section on methods
- data materials include the conducted research, data collected from other research, literature (including articles), data from a survey or interview data
4. Results
5. Discussion and conclusions
6. Summarizing conclusion
Research-based thesis methods can be quantitative, qualitative, theoretical (based on available data), or a combination of the three (triangulation).
The starting point of research work is to aim for both methodological and linguistic objectivity, even if the text is always the writer’s own interpretation of certain sources or data (Hirsjärvi, Remes, Sajavaara & Sinivuori 2018, 292, 295.). Therefore, the research-based thesis report often uses the passive voice and the third-person pronoun (rather than “I”).
Hirsjärvi, S., Remes, P., Sajavaara, P. & Sinivuori, E. 2018. Tutki ja kirjoita. 22nd edition. Helsinki: Tammi.