Research Essentials

A thesis is the main point or argument of an information source. (Many, but not all, writing assignments, require a thesis.) Thesis are often answer your research question. Note that it does not have to be the only answer to your research question, a strong thesis question gives a reasonable answer. Below are some characteristics of a strong thesis.

A strong thesis is:  

• Arguable: Can be supported by evidence and analysis, and can be disagreed with.
• Unique: Says something new and interesting.
• Concise and clear: Explained as simply as possible, but not at the expense of clarity.
• Unified: All parts are clearly connected.
• Focused and specific: Can be adequately and convincingly argued within the the paper, scope is not overly broad.
• Significant: Has importance to readers, answers the question "so what?"

Reading previous research is vital to developing a strong thesis. By reading what others have to say about, you'll learn what interests you, and develop interesting questions with interesting answers. Exploring broadly can help you refine your central point.

Conduct Background Research

A strong thesis is specific and unique, so you first need knowledge of the general research topic. Background research will help you narrow your research focus by answering the obvious questions with established answers; it will also help contextualize your argument in relation to other research. 

Narrow the Research Topic

Ask questions as you review sources:

• What aspect(s) of the topic interest you most?
• Are there disagreements between different papers and authors?
• What questions or concerns does the topic raise for you?  
  
  Example of a general research topic:  Climate change and carbon emissions
  Example of more narrow topic:  U.S. government policies on carbon emissions

Formulate and explore a relevant research question  

• Before committing yourself to a single viewpoint, formulate a specific question to explore. Consider different perspectives on the issue, and find sources that represent these varying views. Reflect on strengths and weaknesses in the sources' arguments. Consider sources that challenge these viewpoints.

  Example: What role does and should the U.S. government play in regulating carbon emissions?

Develop a working thesis

• A working thesis has a clear focus but is not yet be fully formed. It is a good foundation for further developing a more refined argument.  
  
  Example: The U.S. government has the responsibility to help reduce carbon emissions through public policy and regulation. 
  This thesis has a clear focus but leaves some major questions unanswered. For example, why is regulation of carbon emissions important? Why should the government be held accountable for such regulation?

Continue research on the more focused topic

Is the topic:

• broad enough to yield sufficient sources and supporting evidence?
• narrow enough for in-depth and focused research?
• original enough to offer a new and meaningful perspective that will interest readers? 

Fine-tune the thesis

Your thesis will probably evolve as you gather sources and ideas. If your research focus changes, you may need to re-evaluate your search strategy and to conduct additional research. This is usually a good sign of the careful thought you are putting into your work!

Example:  Because climate change, which is exacerbated by high carbon emissions, adversely affects almost all citizens, the U.S. government has the responsibility to help reduce carbon emissions through public policy and regulation.