Traditional Thesis

The traditional research option involves producing a thesis that examines a narrowly defined question in journalism or strategic advertising and public relations. The goal of the thesis is to contribute new knowledge and insights to a body of knowledge. A thesis would typically have an introduction, a comprehensive literature review, a review of the relevant theories which inform the hypotheses and/or research questions. It would also have comprehensive methods, data analysis, and discussion sections. Limitations and suggestions for future research are also typically included.

Students may use quantitative or qualitative approaches or a combination, depending on the research questions and the recommendations of the students’ thesis committee. Students are also expected to follow the graduate school’s thesis guidelines found at https://graduate-and-international.uark.edu/_resources/forms/thesis-dissertation-guide.pdf Student must give an oral defense of their completed theses before their thesis committee members.