When embarking on a doctoral thesis, researchers can choose from a range of ‘framework structures’ that enable them to develop their ideas and present the results of their work in the most appropriate way. One such option is the so-called framed thesis.
As experts in the design, layout and printing of theses in various formats, we have found that the framed thesis structure is one of the most common. This is because it offers a clear framework for organising arguments and discussions.
If you are in the process of conducting your own doctoral research and are considering using this approach, we explain everything you need to know about its structure within the field of academic research.
What is a framed thesis?
A framed thesis takes the form of a circular argument. Essentially, this structure is characterised by the researcher’s thesis or proposition being stated at the outset; this is followed by a presentation of all the arguments, studies and proposals for and against, concluding with a conclusion in which the thesis takes centre stage once again.
In this way, the reader is clear from the outset as to what the main focus of the text will be and can approach the research with that in mind. At the end of the paper, the researcher revisits the thesis to conclude whether their work clearly confirms or refutes it.
Unlike the inductive thesis, the framed thesis is clear from the outset. This approach has become a favourite in the field of academic research because it significantly enhances the clarity of the presentation.
Characteristics of a framed thesis
The framed thesis is a hybrid of the inductive thesis and the deductive or analytical thesis. In this regard, the researcher is required to adhere strictly to the process and must not interpret or analyse the data in a biased or subjective manner in order to support their initial proposal.
With this in mind, a vast range of possibilities opens up for the researcher:
- Comprehension: beginning the text with the main argument and the conclusion the researcher expects to find is a technique which, as we have already pointed out, helps to make a text as complex and multifaceted as a doctoral thesis more accessible.
- Coherence: the consistent reference to the initial thesis, which is reinforced at the end of the text, also helps to make the writing more coherent and well-structured.
- Structure: The framed thesis must have a very clear structure, in which each point is discussed separately, with topics and subtopics divided into sections that allow for a specific and meticulous focus on each point.
When is it advisable to opt for this structure?
The framed thesis typically features examples from complex studies, usually relating to the application of certain techniques or sequences to new problems.
This is what makes it possible to state the thesis clearly at the outset: the researcher draws on previous studies in which these techniques have been used, enabling them to deduce or anticipate what the final result might be.
Of course, this must then be confirmed or refuted following research in the real-world workplace. Initial assumptions can never determine the conclusion if the course of the research leads to other findings.
Tips for writing a successful thesis
When opting for a framed structure, it is important to bear in mind that the researcher will be faced with a more open-ended and unstructured working process. For this reason, impeccable rigour and discipline are required throughout the research process.
It is advisable to review any subjectivity that may have crept into each section of the work to ensure that it is as scientific as possible.
Finally, it is recommended that you establish a clear structure from the outset and create a table of contents to ensure that the work is well-organised and clear, and that it guides the reader towards the final thesis, which revisits the initial theory of the work.
If you would also like us to help you ensure your text has a consistent style and wish to have it printed to the highest standard, please get in touch: we would be delighted to assist you with this final stage of your research.
