Thesis vs Dissertation
The two terms, namely, dissertation and thesis are not interchangeable as there is a difference between them. In the academic sense, a thesis is submitted at the end of a Ph.D. whereas a dissertation is submitted at the end of the Master’s degree. Although this may vary in some universities, this is the main difference between a thesis and a dissertation. Through this article let us examine the differences between a thesis and a dissertation.
What is a Thesis?
A thesis is a proposition that is maintained by argument, and it is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved. You are expected to contribute new findings through research before you submit a thesis.
You have to ensure that you submit what is called a hypothesis or a synopsis before submitting the thesis to get your Doctorate. The hypothesis or the synopsis should contain the gist of the new findings you have made in the subject of your research. The thesis should contain all details about the research you have made on the subject. A thesis is given more recognition and considered higher in comparison to a dissertation. Now let us move on to dissertation.
What is a Dissertation?
A dissertation is a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research, often based on original research. It’s allowed to summarize your thoughts too. In a dissertation, you have to synthesize and analyze the information collected by you. In fact, you are allowed to summarize your thoughts.
A dissertation gives you a lesser degree than what a thesis gives. Although, in some of the universities of the world, both thesis and dissertation are interchangeable, in many other universities they are not interchangeable. The degree qualified by the submission of a dissertation should be followed by the degree qualified by the submission of a thesis.
In some of the universities of the world, a dissertation is to be submitted to get a degree called Master of Philosophy. This degree is immediately followed by the submission of a thesis to get the Doctor of Philosophy. One of the main differences between the two is that in a thesis you have to add your analysis to the already existing literature, whereas a dissertation is an analysis of the existing literature. Hence, the two terms are not interchangeable in usage.
What is the Difference Between Thesis and Dissertation?
Definitions of Thesis and Dissertation:
Thesis: A thesis is a proposition that is maintained by argument, and it is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.
Dissertation: A dissertation is a treatise advancing a new point of view resulting from research, often based on original research. It’s allowed to summarize your thoughts too.
Characteristics of Thesis and Dissertation:
Nature:
Thesis: You are expected to contribute new findings through research before you submit a thesis
Dissertation: In a dissertation you have to synthesize and analyze the information collected.
Validity:
Thesis: A thesis gives you a higher degree.
Dissertation: A dissertation gives you a lesser degree.
Content:
Thesis: In a thesis, you have to add your analysis to the already existing literature.
Dissertation: A dissertation is an analysis of the existing literature.
Image Courtesy:
1. Claude Bernard’s thesis for his doctorate Wellcome M0011459 By Welcome Images [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. Dissertation on a new antivenereal vegetable remedy Wellcome F0002893 By Welcome Images [CC BY 4.0], via Wikimedia Commons
