Writing an Applied Linguistics Thesis or Dissertation: A Guide to Presenting Empirical Research

✍ Scribed by John Bitchener

• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 229
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

This invaluable guide introduces first-time thesis writers to the process of writing up empirical research. To help students understand what content and structure are appropriate for the different parts of a thesis, John Bitchener presents a range of options, richly illustrated with analyses of and commentary on sections from a real Masters thesis in Applied Linguistics. Chapters contain answers to commonly asked questions and ample opportunity for students to develop their skills through interactive exercises. This step-by-step handbook can be used as a core text in seminars and workshops or as a reference point for independent learners.

✦ Table of Contents

Contents
Preface
Acknowledgements
1 Background
What is the book about?
Who is the book for?
Why has the book been written?
How does the book meet the content, structure, linguistic and presentational needs of students?
How is the book organized?
What is the sample masters thesis about and why has it been selected?
How can this book be used?
Further reading
2 Abstract
Introduction
The functions of a thesis abstract
The content and structure of a thesis abstract
Analysis of a Masters thesis abstract
Analysis of a Doctoral thesis abstract
A key linguistic feature of a thesis abstract
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
3 Introduction
Introduction
The functions of a thesis introduction
The content and structure of a thesis introduction
Analysis of a Masters thesis introduction
Some key linguistics features of a thesis introduction
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
4 Literature Review
Introduction
The functions of a thesis literature review
The content and structure of a thesis literature review
Conclusion of the literature review
Some key linguistic features of thesis literature reviews and approaches to processing the literature
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
5 Methodology
Introduction
The functions of a thesis methodology chapter
The content and structure of a thesis methodology chapter
Sample analysis of WTC thesis methodology chapter
Some key linguistic features of a thesis methodology chapter
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
6 Results
Introduction
The functions of a thesis results chapter
The content and structure of a thesis results chapter
Sample analysis of a Masters thesis results chapter
Quantitative results
Some key linguistic and presentation features of a thesis results chapter
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
7 Discussion of Results
Introduction
The functions of a thesis discussion of results
The content and structure of a thesis discussion of results
Sample analysis of a Masters thesis discussion of results
Some key linguistic features of a thesis discussion of results
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
8 Conclusion
Introduction
The functions of a thesis conclusion
The content and structure of a thesis conclusion
Sample analysis of a Masters thesis conclusion
Some key linguistic features of a thesis conclusion
Frequently asked questions
Further activities
Further reading
Appendix