LibGuides: Thesis Information: Planning

Deciding to undertake a research thesis or dissertation requires considerable planning, so investigate procedures, steps and support outlined below.

A research thesis is defined where at least 0.75 equivalent full-time study (EFTS) is undertaken.
A dissertation is defined as taking less than 0.75 equivalent full-time study (EFTS), and is shorter in length and time to complete.

The research topic you choose will have a bearing on the type of study you undertake and how you write your thesis.

University of Otago provides quality resources and services to support researchers:

Your Supervisor/s and Student Learning Development will work with you on the stages in developing your thesis.

Subject Librarians can provide support during these specific stages¯:

1. Writing your thesis topic outline

Remember to consult the relevant official study pages :

as well as postgraduate pages from your Department or Division.

Use these tools as you brainstorm your topic and refine your research question.

Mind maps (e.g. Bubbl.us, Mindmeister and Xmind) and spider diagrams.
Search Strategy Worksheet - document your strategies before you do deep database searching towards your literature review.

Discuss your research proposal thoroughly with your supervisor(s).

PhD and Research Master's - consult information on ethical approval and regulatory consent.

Research Consultation with Māori
Provides the framework for consulting with Ngai Tahu, as mana whenua | local iwi, about your research goals and process that might involve, impact, or relate to tangata whenua.
Pacific Research
Defines Pacific Research and suggested protocols for University researchers in relation to research involving Pacific peoples in the Otago-Southland region, the rest of New Zealand, and, more generally, in the islands of Oceania.
Researching with Humans or Animals?
If your research project involves human participants and/or animals, work with your supervisor to ensure that your research project meets the highest ethical standards, & complies with the University's ethics policy. This includes seeking approval from the relevant ethics committee where appropriate.
ERIC guidance (Ethical Research Involving Children)
Health and Disability Ethics Committees (HDEC)

If you or your supervisor wishes to discuss your research, or has questions, you can contact the Research Integrity Office, located on the 1st Floor, Scott/Shand House, 90 St David Street, Dunedin. They administer the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee and the University of Otago Human Ethics Committee (Health).

Recommended postgraduate research texts, for example:

Your department will provide support and training to undertake your research thesis or dissertation.

Student Learning Development run special postgraduate courses for you post enrolment, e.g.:

Graduate Research School run workshops for graduate research candidates in Christchurch, Dunedin and Wellington.

Does your research involve collection of data?

Managing research data makes it easier to locate, access, and use data at all stages of its lifecycle.

Managing your data - Library guide on creation to documentation, to access, storage, reuse and preservation.