DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY

GUIDELINES TO:
UNIVERSISTY THESIS DEPARTMENT THESIS TWO-PAPER ALTERNATIVE TO DEPARTMENT THESIS PROJECT
CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY
EAST BAY

PROCEDURES TO FOLLOW

The following are general guidelines to be used in discussions with the thesis advisor. Final decisions regarding a students thesis or project are made by each student together with her or his thesis advisor. 1. Students should begin thinking about a thesis or project topic early in their program. All faculty are available for informal consultation about topics and formats for thesis or project work. 2. Before a student can register and get credit for a University Thesis, a Department Thesis, a TwoPaper Alternative Department Thesis or a Project, he or she must be advanced to candidacy. The students fieldwork instructor is considered the advisor for advancement to candidacy. 3. In the second year, most students register twice for EPSY 6021, Thesis/ Project Seminar for a total of six units. Thesis/Project instructors will be identified by the program coordinator. a. Students completing a University Thesis may take up to 9 units of Thesis/Project Seminar. b. Before a student can register and get credit for a University Thesis, a Department Thesis, a TwoPaper Alternative Department Thesis or a Project, she or he must be advanced to candidacy. Students are considered for advancement to candidacy in the Spring Quarter of their first year. c. Students completing a Department Thesis, a Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis, or a Project, take up to 6 units of Thesis/Project Seminar. Although 6 units are counted on the transcript, the University only allows 5 units to be counted toward the degree on the Major Check. 4. Students sometimes get confused and incorrectly say they are working on their thesis project. A thesis and a project are qualitatively different tasks and result in different products. 5. Every thesis or project needs an advisor (usually the faculty member teaching the Thesis/Project Seminar) and a reader. The readers involvement varies with the needs of the student. IT IS THE STUDENTS RESPONSIBILITY TO FIND A READER FOR THE THESIS OR PROJECT. The reader may be a university faculty member from any department, or a masters level professional with expertise in the field of study. The faculty advisor must approve the reader in consultation with the student. 6. When the thesis or project work is approved and signed off by both the advisor and the reader, the advisor will sign a change of grade form for all quarters of EPSY 6021, Thesis Project Seminar. 7. In the case of University Thesis, the student must submit a copy of the approved Thesis to the Academic Programs Office (WA 869) prior to the date for submission listed in the current catalog. The Academic Programs Office will evaluate the Thesis to see if it meets the written requirements and then will send it on for binding. At that time, the Associate Vice-President of Academic Programs will notify the Office of Admissions and Records that the University Thesis is completed and that the student is ready to graduate. 8. In the case of Department Thesis and Project, the student must submit two copies of the approved Thesis or Project to the department office (appropriately bound) by the last day of class during the quarter in which he/she intends to graduate. Provided the work is in proper form, the Department Chair will approve the Thesis or Project and send a notice of completion to the Evaluations Office, stating that the work has been received and is on file in the department. Binding for the Department Thesis and the written component of the Project will consist of a black national binder available at the university bookstore. 9. For questions about style, format, font size, paper, etc., a student should obtain a copy of the University Thesis Writing Guide from the Office of Curriculum and Academic Programs in Warren Hall, 859.

UNIVERSITY THESIS

The University Thesis can be selected and written by any degree-seeking student within this department. The basic research methodologies commonly employed in a University Thesis will be discussed below. It should be noted that there are certain overlapping methodologies in each. Quantitative Methods A thesis using Quantitative Methods may be seen as a formal application of the scientific method to test certain hypotheses, answer specific questions, examine relationships between/ among variables, and generalize the results. This focus of this type of thesis may be theoretical or applied. The basic research methodologies of a University Thesis using Quantitative Methods are listed and described briefly. 1. E xperimental Research. Investigates the effect of the manipulation of one or more independent variable(s) on a dependent variable. This is accomplished by exposing one or more experimental (treatment) groups and comparing the results to one or more control (non-treatment) group(s). Random assignment of subjects to the groups is essential in this design. Quasi-Experimental Research. Allows the investigator to approximate the conditions of Experimental Research in a setting which does not allow random assignment to experimental and/or control groups or control and/or manipulation of all important variables. Attention must be given to internal and external validity in this design. ausal-Comparative (Ex Post Facto) Research. Investigates possible cause-and-effect C relationships by identifying some existing consequence (dependent variable) and going back through the data (or time) to search for plausible causal factors (independent variables). orrelational Research. Investigates the extent to which variations in one variable are C related to variations in one or more other variables.

2.

3.

4.

5. Case and Field Research. Studies intensively the background, current status, and environmental interactions of a given unit. A unit may be described as an individual, group, institution, or a community. 6. 7. 8. H istorical Research. Allows the investigator to reconstruct an historical event objectively and accurately in its own unique setting. Philosophical Research. Tries to find in the subject matter (philosophical position) a basis for comparison, classification, interpretation, or generalization. Theoretical Research. Presents a detailed description of a theoretical model which describes the inter-relationships among all important variables related to the behavior under investigation. Includes a fully developed research design which would be used to verify the above model.

A suggested format for the University Thesis based on Quantitative Methods is outlined below. It should be noted that this suggested format and should not be considered one that cannot be modified to accommodate unusual research designs. Quantitative University Thesis Format Chapter I Introduction General Statement of the Problem Background of the Problem Significance of the Problem Definition of Terms, as necessary Review of Relevant Literature A comprehensive review of articles relevant to the study. This review justifies, to some extent, the researchers Methodology. Design Specific Statement of the Problem Hypotheses to be Tested General Methodology, including analytical procedures Population/Sample Instrumentation, if any Chapter IV Results Findings Interpretations Chapter V Summary Conclusions Limitations of the Study Recommendations for Further Research

Chapter II

Chapter III

References

Qualitative Methods Qualitative research seeks answers to questions which are not easily quantified, such as one individuals experience, different social settings, and the individuals who inhabit these settings. Qualitative researchers are most interested in how humans make sense of their surroundings through symbols, metaphors rituals, social structures, social roles, and so forth. Qualitative methods emphasize measures that are intentionally unobtrusive. Most recent Qualitative Research includes such methods as the following: Case Studies (n=1) Observation of experiments in natural settings Interviewing Photographic Techniques (including videotaping) Historical Analysis (historiography) Analysis of documents Sociometry Sociodrama Ethnographic research Phenomenological Research A suggested format for a University Thesis based on Qualitative Methods is outlined below. Exceptions, revisions, and modifications to this format are acceptable. Qualitative University Thesis Format Chapter I Introduction Orientation to the study, stating the research problem and placing it into theoretical and/or historical context. Chapter II Literature Review A comprehensive review of articles relevant to the study, justifying, to some degree, the researchers own methodology. Chapter II Methodology (a) Explanation of how research was accomplished:
What the data consisted of; how the data were collected, organized, and analyzed.
Justification for the analytic strategy.
(b) Subjects: Who the subjects were, how they were selected, what steps were taken to protect them from risks. (c) Nature of data: e.g., interview, ethnography, videotapes, etc., and how data were selected. (d) Description of Research Setting; Validity and reliability of the research data may depend on the appropriateness of the setting selected. Chapter IV Findings and Results: (a) Findings refer to what the data actually are. (b) Results offer interpretations and analyses of these data. Chapter V Summary: Conclusions Limitations of the study Recommendation for Further Research References

DEPARTMENT THESIS

and

TWO PAPER ALTERNATIVE DEPARTMENT THESIS

In both the Regular Department Thesis and the Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis, the focus is on the written presentation of something that the student has created. The product that is created may be an analysis or comparison of various theoretical positions in the literature, a new theoretical model, the application of theoretical principles to applied counseling, the resolution of a practical or clinical problem via a new treatment model, a new curriculum, a workshop, a guide for training or delivery of services, etc. The product may be presented as an article for publication. The Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis will be described here first, before the Regular Department Thesis, because it is the most frequent thesis option chosen by students.

TWO PAPER ALTERNATIVE DEPARTMENT THESIS

Students who plan to write a Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis should become acquainted with this sections guidelines and procedures, as well as the examples of theses presented in the next section on the Regular Department Thesis. The purpose of these guidelines is to standardize, as much as possible, the students experience and the advisors expectations for this option of completing the thesis. In consultation with a thesis advisor, the student will be asked to decide on the focus of her or his thesis work, and then complete an in-depth review of relevant literature. The primary task is to demonstrate skills in professional written communication. The student must articulate ideas, relate them to existing research, and develop them in a manner that is consistent with scholarly and professional standards. This review will become Paper One. Before or during the second quarter of work with the thesis advisor, the student must decide on the focus and format of the second paper. The review of the literature should form a foundation for Paper Two. The form of the second paper will be determined by each individual student with the approval of the instructor. Some suggestions are as follows: 1. An application of theoretical principles to applied counseling that results in the creation of a new curriculum, model of treatment, workshop, guide for training, etc. 2. Case study research 3. An analysis and/or comparison of various theoretical positions on a topic in the literature

Examples of these suggestions are presented in more detail in the next section. These are only suggestions. Student creativity is encouraged. Both Paper One and Paper Two must be reviewed and approved by the thesis advisor and by a reader. Then the student is responsible for assembling the papers into two black National binders. One binder will contain the original required sections and two papers, signed off by the advisor and reader. The second binder will contain a copy of the required sections and the two papers.

Sections Required for both the Department Thesis and the Two Paper
Alternative Department Thesis

Blank Page

Title Page

Abstract

Copyright Page (optional)

Signature Page (Two signatures are needed.

The first must be a member of the faculty.
The second may be a outside person with
appropriate academic or professional credentials.)

Table of Contents A Review of Relevant Literature This review will be written in accordance with the APA Publications Manual format, e.g. writing style, footnotes, quotations, references, etc. Literature should be recent, related empirical or theoretical studies and be taken primarily from relevant professional journals in the field. Reporting of the literature should be from the primary sources. Short cuts, such as reports from abstracts of articles, are not acceptable. This review should not be simply a description of the literature, but also a critical evaluation of the ideas and findings therein. A critique of the adequacy of the research methodology should be included e.g., consideration of sample size and use of control groups. Theoretical ideas should be followed by any critical comments, such as attacks or praise from other authors or from the student.

SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR A TWO PAPER ALTERNATIVE DEPARTMENT THESIS

TITLE OF FIRST PAPER and TITLE OF SECOND PAPER ________________________

A Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis

Presented to the Faculty
of
California State University, East Bay
________________________ In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Masters of Science in Counseling
__________________________

By
First Name Last Name
Date, Year

TWO PAPER ALTERNATIVE DEPARTMENT THESIS EXAMPLE OF A FORMAT FOR PAPER #1 The organizational structure of the Two-Paper Alternative is similar to the structure of the Regular Departmental Thesis: Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: References Introduction Review of the Literature Summary

EXAMPLE OF A FORMAT FOR PAPER #2 The specific format for this paper is determined by the student in consultation with the thesis/project instructor. If the student elects to write an article for a specific journal, the format for that journal becomes the required format. If the student wants to incorporate the research into a workshop format, the student proposes a format to the instructor and reader for approval and review. It is essential that the focus and the form of paper #2 be approved before the student begins the work. Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: Section 4: References Introduction Methodology/Application(s)/Procedures The Product: workshop, results, theoretical position, etc. Summary

REGULAR DEPARTMENT THESIS

Students who plan to write a Regular Department Thesis also focus on something the student has created. As is true with the Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis, the product that is created may be the resolution of a practical or clinical problem via a new treatment model, a workshop, a new curriculum, a guide for training, etc. Many times the product is in the form of a guide, manual or pamphlet which can be used by a designated target population. This type of thesis is also often used to report phenomenological research, such as n=1 studies, case studies, or a qualitative analysis of extensive interviews with a small number of subjects. (Case study research may also be completed using the University Thesis format). The product may also be theoretical, such as a conceptual analysis and integration that leads to a new model or theory about a given issue or problem. In consultation with a thesis advisor, the student will be asked to decide on the focus of her or his thesis work, and then work on an introduction, methodology, and an in-depth review of relevant literature. The primary task is to demonstrate skills in professional written communication. The student must articulate ideas, relate them to existing research, and develop them in a manner that is consistent with scholarly and professional standards. The focus and format of the product should flow from this initial work. Three examples of department thesis formats are presented in detail. These are offered as suggested guidelines only. The student and thesis advisor may choose to create a different format that more effectively presents a specific thesis. Student creativity is encouraged. After the thesis advisor and the reader have approved and signed off on the final version of the Department Thesis, two copies, including required sections, must be turned in to the Department Office in black National binders. (Binders are available from the university bookstore.)

Sections Required for both the Department Thesis and the Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis
Blank Page

Title Page

Abstract

Copyright Page (optional)

Signature Page (Two signatures are needed.

The first must be a member of the faculty.
The second may be a outside person with
appropriate academic or professional credentials.)

Table of Contents A Review of Relevant Literature This review will be written in accordance with the APA Publications Manual format, e.g. writing style, footnotes, quotations, references, etc. Literature should be recent, related empirical or theoretical studies and be taken primarily from relevant professional journals in the field. Reporting of the literature should be from the primary sources. Short cuts, such as reports from abstracts of articles, are not acceptable. This review should not be simply a description of the literature, but also a critical evaluation of the ideas and findings therein. A critique of the adequacy of the research methodology should be included e.g., consideration of sample size and use of control groups. Theoretical ideas should be followed by any critical comments, such as attacks or praise from other authors or from the student.

SAMPLE TITLE PAGE FOR A DEPARTMENT THESIS

TITLE
________________________

A Department Thesis Presented to the Faculty

of
California State University, East Bay
__________________________

In Partial Fulfillment
Of the Requirements for the Degree
Masters of Science in Counseling
___________________________

By
First Name Last Name
Date, Year

DEPARTMENT THESIS EXAMPLE

(Creation of new curriculum, model of treatment, workshop, training guide, service delivery, etc.)

Chapter I

Introduction This chapter introduces the reader to the purpose of the thesis, articulates what the product of the thesis will be, and gives some general background. Typical sections are listed below: o General Statement of the Purpose o Background of the Purpose (or Product) o Significance of the Purpose (or Product) o Definition of terms o Needs Assessment (These sections may be discussed from a theoretical standpoint, or based on a review of literature. If a more formal data-based needs assessment is conducted , it is best to present those data in a separate chapter.) Review of the Literature This chapter reviews and evaluates literature which supports, or is relevant to, the creation of the product of the thesis. Section headings will depend on the topic. Methods Specific Statement of the Purpose Target Population Instruments Format of Interviews (criteria or standards for selection of tests, interview questions, interview format, etc.) Specific use of research literature Steps in the creation of the Product The Product (this chapter should be able to stand alone.) The Treatment Plan, or Model, or Proposed Theory, or Guide to Agencies, or Curriculum, or Workshop, etc. Summary and Discussion Summary of the Thesis, including the Product Limitations of the Thesis and the Product Suggestions for further research Suggestions for continuing evaluation of the Product

Chapter II

Chapter III

Chapter IV

Chapter V

References

DEPARTMENT THESIS EXAMPLE (Case Study Research) Chapter I Introduction This chapter introduces the reader to the problem addressed in the thesis, gives the reader some background to serve as a context for the problem, and presents literature that supports the significance of the problem. Statement of the Problem Background of the Problem Significance of the Problem Chapter II Review of the Literature This chapter reviews and evaluates literature, both theoretical and empirical, which is relevant to the problem being investigated. Design and Methodology (Possible sections are listed below) Brief Statement of the Problem Research Questions Population Sample Instruments (interview format, tests, etc.) Procedures (data collection, organization, etc.) Analysis of Data (identifying themes, applying interview data to research questions, etc.) Chapter IV Case Study(ies) and Analysis This chapter contains a presentation and analysis of the data obtained in the study; some students use two chapters, one for presentation of data, and another for analysis. Case Study I Case Study II, etc. Analysis Chapter V Summary and Conclusions Summary (of the entire thesis, with results) Limitations of the Study Suggestions for Further Research

Chapter III

References

DEPARTMENT THESIS EXAMPLE (A theoretical thesis based on the literature) I Introduction This chapter introduces the reader to the purpose of the thesis and the problem(s) being addressed, gives some background of the problem, presents arguments for the significance of theory and research about the problem, and explains the methods by which the problem will be explored. Statement of the Problem Background of the Problem Significance of the Problem Methods (e.g., a review and evaluation of relevant research and theory, an analysis of problems in theoretical models, an integration of different theoretical models, etc.) II First Area of Investigation This chapter could present a review and analysis of one aspect of the thesis problem (e.g., in one thesis on state-dependent learning and its implications for therapy, this chapter was titled State-Dependent Learning). Second Area of Investigation In the example above, this chapter was titled State-Dependent Learning and a Common mechanism for Change. Analysis and Synthesis of Theory and Research In the example above, this chapter was titled Implications of SDL on Therapy and Interventions which Promote Access/Relearning. Summary and Conclusions Summary Conclusions Suggestions for Further Research VI References

III

IV

PROJECT

The Project is another option that degree-seeking students in this department may elect.
In order to submit a Project, the student must design and formulate a creative product. A
creative product in the form of a written document is generally submitted in the form of a
Department Thesis, or a Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis.
Examples of creative products that are primarily non-written would include:
A childrens book with illustrations Musical scores integrated into a counseling activity Computer programs related to counseling Art therapy programs Audio or video programs or documentaries Puppets Dolls for use in play therapy Experiential dance or curricular activities As is true in all of the thesis options, the Project requires significant effort. Along with creating the product, the student must turn in a written document which introduces and summarizes the Project. It will not be lengthy. It should be able to guide readers who wish to utilize the product. This written document should follow the format presented below. Procedures for turning in the Project are the same as those for turning in the Department Thesis or the Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis. EXAMPLE OF A PROJECT FORMAT Chapter I Introduction Specific Statement of the Problem Theoretical/Historical Basis of the Project Review of Relevant Literature A summary of the relevant literature to justify the product. This is less extensive than the review for the thesis. The Nature of the Product A description of what is created in the Project. This includes it parts, form, the scheme of its construction, and any organizational or articulation information a consumer might be required to understand or use it.

Chapter II

Chapter III

References

Sections Required for All Projects

Blank Page
Title Page
Abstract
Copyright Page
(Optional) Signature Page (Two signatures are needed. The first must be a member of the faculty. The second may be an outside person with appropriate academic professional credentials.) Table of Contents
Written guide to the product created
The product

(EXAMPLE OF A SIGNATURE PAGE FOR ANY THESIS OR PROJECT)

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------A MODEL OF TREATMENT FOR THE

EMOTIONAL SEQUELAE OF THESIS WRITING
(a second title here if you are doing the Two Paper Alternative Department Thesis)

By
Iwanna B. Acounselor
June, 2005
Approved: ___________________ EPSY Professor, Ph.D. ____________________ Outside Expert, MFT _________ Date _________ Date