You would typically be required to write either a thesis or a dissertation to get a degree. However, the incorrect use of both terms is common in the academic world. Most people use the two words interchangeably, because they believe they mean the same thing. While both words indicate some level of research, they are used in different instances – and they mean different things.
We will examine the major differences between a dissertation and a thesis in this article. At the end of the write-up, you would have learned the meaning and correct usage of both terms.
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What is a dissertation for a doctorate degree?
Students who have gotten their bachelor’s and master’s degree and wish to further their studies will be required to write a dissertation for a doctorate degree. When a student was a master’s student, he wrote a thesis; a thesis is an original paper a student writes where he maintains a certain proposition.
However, dissertation is more complex than that. A doctoral dissertation is a focused piece of original study and research which one undertakes to obtain a PhD. It is a broader postgraduate research project and is typically lengthier than a thesis.
What is the difference between thesis and dissertation?
The major differences between a thesis and dissertation include:
- The two pieces of scholarly writing are completed and submitted at different times. As we’ve already mentioned, a thesis is submitted at the end of a master’s program, while a dissertation is submitted for a PhD.
- A thesis contains a compilation of research showcasing a researcher’s versatility on a research topic learnt in the course of the program. However, a dissertation presents an opportunity for a researcher to contribute to knowledge, giving new theories and information to existing literature.
- A dissertation is at least three times lengthier than a master’s thesis, which is approximately one hundred pages long. Furthermore, the dissertation should contain background and research information, research proposal, literature review, and grant proposal. A dissertation is more concise, containing every minute detail about a research work.
- In thesis, students present learned and existing information, while dissertations develop new and unique concepts, defending it with theoretical and practical evidence.
Dissertation vs. thesis: definitions and meanings
A thesis is a scholarly piece of research work critically researched and written. This type of academic writing is typically submitted by a student who is graduating from a master’s program.
In a thesis, a student would read widely on a subject and write his findings. Then, he would discuss the various authorities and their assertions with a board of faculty members who then refute his propositions. The essence of a master’s thesis is to show he is well-versed in the literature of his chosen field.
A doctoral dissertation contains richer information and findings a researcher gets from deeper study. It is a lengthier piece of academic writing accounting for all the research work a student does throughout their doctoral program. Upon completion, submission, and defense of a dissertation, a student is awarded a PhD degree. A doctoral dissertation includes information about the expanded or original research on an existing or new topic.
Doctoral thesis vs. dissertation: any similarities?
The similarities between a thesis and dissertation include:
- Both are pieces of scholarly writing and considered a final project for acquiring a graduate degree.
- Both require deep, thorough, and accurate understanding of the research problem and questions.
- Both thesis and dissertation are written to address and answer specific research questions.
- Both pieces of academic writing require efficient academic writing skills.
- There is a need for critical proofreading and thorough editing of both papers before final submission.
- Neither dissertation nor thesis permits plagiarism; plagiarism a serious and sanctionable offense in academics.
- Collating and documenting the research data in both pieces of writing must follow certain ethical practices to be considered acceptable.
- You need good analytical skills to support the findings in both dissertation and thesis.
In conclusion, now you know the difference between thesis and dissertation, how they are used, and what each one comprises. Meanwhile, dissertation is sometimes called “doctoral thesis.” These facts are real, and an interchangeable use of both terms is unacceptable in the academic world. As a scholar, you will need to remember each term’s purpose and use them appropriately – even if the rest of the world doesn’t.
