Final thesis

Typically, a Bachelor thesis is a literature review on a specific, workable research topic. Qualitative topics are possible, as are empirical studies (quantitative secondary analyses; primary studies are usually too time-consuming).

In most cases, you will come up with a research question on your own. An excellent step-by-step guide on “How do I find a research question?” can be found in the book “Writing a Research Paper in Political Science” by Baglione (2016), available at the university library.

Empirical work is time-consuming and can only be recommended if you are experienced in data preparation and analysis and plan to work with “simple” data sets (e.g., ALLBUS, ESS).

The exposé should be approximately two pages long and contain the following information and content in text form (not just bullet points):

• Name of the candidate
• (Working) title
• Brief introduction to the topic (including its sociological relevance)
• Precise formulation of the research question
• Brief description of the current state of research (if already available)
• Brief description of theoretical references (if already developed)

The exposé is not binding: If, during the course of your work, it becomes apparent that the topic or methodological approach initially described in the exposé was not optimal, you may deviate from it accordingly, after consulting with your supervisor.

Submit your exposé as a PDF to your supervisor.

Fill in your details on the registration form available on the PAGS website and send it by email as a PDF document to your supervisor.

Bring a printed copy of the form with you on registration day. Based on a discussion of your your exposé, we will enter a fitting title in the registration form. This title is not binding—the title on the final thesis may differ.

The completed registration form will then be forwarded to PAGS.

During the workshop, your supervisor will discuss important points to be considered when writing academic papers. Please also refer to the information provided on scientific work at our chair.

max. 20 minutes with 45 minutes for discussion

Approximately three weeks before submitting your Bachelor thesis, the aim is to gather final feedback for the final phase from the discussion of the results achieved so far. Have the courage to address any remaining gaps—the presentation will not be included in the grading of your thesis!

The following points should be addressed:

• Research question
• State of research/theory
• Planned approach to data analysis (possibly initial results)
• Open questions and problems

Please note the information on presentations at Chair 03 when preparing your presentation.

Students are required to submit two bound copies of their Bachelor thesis (printed double-sided) including a signed declaration of originality by the submission deadline to PAGS. Please note the detailed instructions from PAGS regarding submission, and direct all organizational inquiries (including extensions) to PAGS.

In addition, Bachelor theses must be submitted to the supervisor as a PDF via email. Please also submit .do files as separate files.

File names:

Last name_First name_Bachelor thesis.pdf
Last name_First name_Analysis.do

etc.

Assessments will be completed approximately 6 weeks after submission. Essential information from the report will be sent to you via email.

Typically, a Master thesis is a quantitative secondary analysis of a precise, workable research topic (see notes in the lecture “Causal Analysis”).

In most cases, you will come up with a research question on your own. An excellent step-by-step guide on “How do I find a research question?” can be found in the book “Writing a Research Paper in Political Science” by Baglione (2016), available at the university library.

Reproductions are also possible. In exceptional cases, qualitative studies or literature reviews are also possible.

The exposé should be approximately three pages long and contain the following information and content in text form (not just bullet points):

• Name of the candidate
• (Working) title
• Brief introduction to the topic (including its sociological relevance)
• Precise formulation of the research question
• Brief description of the current state of research (if already available)
• Brief description of theoretical references (if already developed)
• Brief decription of planned methodological approach

The exposé is not binding: If, during the course of your work, it becomes apparent that the topic or methodological approach initially described in the exposé was not optimal, you may deviate from it accordingly, after consulting with your supervisor.

Submit your exposé as a PDF to your supervisor.

Fill in your details on the registration form available on the PAGS website and send it by email as a PDF document to your supervisor.

Bring a printed copy of the form with you on registration day. Based on a discussion of your your exposé, we will enter a fitting title in the registration form. This title is not binding—the title on the final thesis may differ.

The completed registration form will then be forwarded to PAGS.

max. 20 minutes with 45 minutes for discussion

Presentation of the research question and the current status of your thesis in order to obtain feedback for further work. Open issues should be addressed and questions posed to the audience!

The following points should be addressed:

• Research question
• State of research/theory
• Planned approach to data analysis (possibly initial results)
• Open questions and problems

Please note the information on presentations at Chair 03 when preparing your presentation.

20 minutes

The oral exam refers to the state of research and the resulting research gap that your Master thesis intends to tackle. Three relevant studies from the state of research will be discussed with regard to their significance for your thesis.

The 3 studies must be briefly presented in an exposé for the oral examination (3-4 pages):

• Brief description of your thesis (approx. ½ page)
  
• Summary and discussion of 3 studies that are particularly relevant to your research question (max. 1 page each). Key questions or discussion points could be, for example:
  a. Which theories are being examined?
  b. What mechanisms do they assume?
  c. What empirical findings were obtained with which design?
  d. How reliable are the conclusions drawn from these in relation to the theories/research question?
  e. Where are the potential problems in the argumentation or research design?
  
• Summary of these discussions and conclusions for your thesis (approx. ½ page)
  a. Where is there still a need for further research?
  b. What conclusions can be drawn for the content/methodological design of the thesis?

You may bring the printed exposé to the oral examination (no other documents). The contents of the exposé may be used in your thesis.

The examiner will ask questions based on the exposé about your research question, the selected relevant studies, and the conclusions for your thesis.

max. 20 minutes with 45 minutes for discussion

About three weeks before submission, it is important to collect feedback from the discussion of the results achieved so far for the final phase. Have the courage to address any remaining gaps—the presentation will not be included in the grading of your thesis.

Students are required to submit two bound copies of their Master thesis (printed double-sided) including a signed declaration of originality by the submission deadline to PAGS. Please note the detailed instructions from PAGS regarding submission, and direct all organizational inquiries (including extensions) to PAGS.

In addition, Master theses must be submitted to the supervisor as a PDF via email. Please also submit .do files as separate files.

File names:

Last name_First name_Master thesis.pdf
Last name_First name_Analysis.do

etc.

Assessments will be completed approximately 6 weeks after submission. Essential information from the report will be sent to you via email.