Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation

There are a wide variety of writing assignments in the academic world, each with its own distinct criteria and expectations. The difference between a thesis and a dissertation is one thing that frequently confuses students.

An original paper supporting a particular proposition would be written as a thesis by a master's degree candidate. On the other hand, a dissertation must be submitted and defended in order to complete a PhD program. Although they are both lengthy academic works, there are a few significant distinctions between the two of them.

Definition of Thesis

The word 'thesis' comes from Greek and means 'something put forth'. A thesis is a printed or written study document created when original research on a certain subject is conducted and submitted to a university in order to receive credit toward a degree.

Its purpose is essentially to state "what the candidate believes and what they aim to prove." Student thesis ought to be sufficiently developed to convey the true idea behind the investigation instead of simply clarifying the known data. Students must gather a wealth of data and study widely in order to be sufficiently knowledgeable about the subject to formulate questions.

Students working towards a master's or a professional degree usually have to finish a thesis in their final semester. They do this with the help of an Assistant Professor who guides them through the process.

Prior to writing the thesis, the applicant must conduct a background study on the subject on which he or she formulates a proposition. This research should be based on earlier studies in the relevant field. The student examines this research project and provides an analysis of the data gathered, how the data relates to the study topic, and his or her personal viewpoint.

Attributes of an Ideal Thesis

1. In it always avoid using "I" or "me" and should be clear and specific.
2. A thesis should pose a question or statement that others might disagree with.
3. It should grab attention and make people think.
4. The thesis confidently states a conclusion supported by evidence and facts.
5. It acknowledges and refutes opposing arguments.
6. A good thesis is clear, specific, and stays on topic.

Definition of Dissertation

The word "dissertation" comes from Latin and means a "discussion." In simple terms, a dissertation is a detailed research project. PhD students use it to show their discoveries and reasoning on a topic they've chosen.

The dissertation is completed towards the end of the PhD program with the help of a mentor. The mentor advises the candidate on choosing a topic that's not only interesting but also unique, original, and open to debate.

This type of assessment analyzes students' knowledge, research abilities, and capacity to support their points of view. The results serve as the foundation for the student's final grade. Abstract, methodology, literature review, results, discussion, conclusion, and recommendation are all included in it.

The student utilizes what others have researched to help support or challenge their own new ideas. Years are needed to finish the research project, which includes gathering data, writing it up, editing it, and properly citing it.

Key Differences Between Thesis and Dissertation

1. A thesis is an exceptional piece of writing created as part of a degree program or institution that presents a specific idea or concept for additional discussion. It is usually made after extensive study on the subject. On the other hand, a dissertation is a paper that gathers research, which is a major requirement for the doctoral program, to demonstrate one's discoveries.
2. The thesis presents an idea, while the dissertation explains how the researcher tests and either proves or disproves the idea.
3. With the thesis, the student adds to what's already known, while with the dissertation, the student makes a new discovery in their field of study.
4. The purpose of the thesis is to assess the candidate's ability for in-depth, analytical discussion of the material and critical thought on the subject. Rather, the dissertation seeks to demonstrate the candidate's abilities as a research scholar, i.e., their ability to determine their area of interest, investigate the subject, gather their research, formulate questions, and provide a defense.
5. The dissertation is longer than a thesis, approximately 400 pages compared to the thesis's 100 pages.

Comparison Chart

Conclusion

A thesis is a deep dive into a specific idea or concept, usually done for a master's degree. On the other hand, a dissertation is a big research project done for a doctoral degree, aiming to discover new things in a chosen field. Both show a student's expertise, but in different ways and at different academic levels.