The title of a thesis should demonstrate what exactly is going to be discussed. It should be interesting to the readers so that they find it worth a good read.
Furthermore, other researchers should be able to deduce if a thesis is related to their work or their interests from the title of your thesis.
So choosing a good title is really important. Before reading about choosing title of thesis, let us know what a thesis title is.
What is a thesis title?
A thesis title is a summary of the main idea of the research.
It should contain the variables of the research, and how they will relate to each other in the thesis.
It also shows the main and the most general research question, while it cannot be a question itself. Researchers use statements as the thesis title. Moreover this statement should not be an opinion or judgment.
A thesis title needs to be as possible as comprehensive and understandable, while use the fewest words.
How long should a thesis title be?
You need to express the variables and keywords, and explain how you want to conduct a research on them, what do you want to find out about them.
An average of 10 to 15 words is recommended, however there is not mentioned an exact number of words for thesis title in valid sources.
How to choose title of thesis?
In order to choose a thesis title, prepare a pen and paper, think about the subject in your mind, brainstorm and write whatever comes to your mind in the form of words and phrases.
Then conduct a study into the written words and phrases.
Now you can choose your variables and keywords. Note that if your variables are measurable and they need to be measured, there should be exist a valid scale to do so, if there is not, choose another variable which its measurement scale has been developed before. Because in a master thesis you do not need to create a scale on your own.
Lastly, write your thesis topic. Use the variables in it and state what you are going to find out in your thesis.
You would write your thesis title as:
- The relationship between –, –, and -. (fill in the blanks with the variables)
- An investigation into –, –, –, – and -.
- A comparative study of – and – and -.
- etc.
You can see some theses samples in “Free theses samples“. Pay attention to the title of theses as examples.
Here are some questions and answers about the phrase “How to Choose Thesis Title?”:
1. Why is choosing the right thesis title important?
Answer:
The thesis title is the first impression readers, reviewers, and professors will have of your work. A well-chosen title accurately reflects the content of your thesis, providing a concise preview of the research’s scope, purpose, and significance. It also helps draw attention to your work and makes it easier for others to find and understand the focus of your research.
2. What should a good thesis title include?
Answer:
A good thesis title should:
- Be clear and specific: It should accurately represent the topic and the focus of the research.
- Be concise: Avoid being overly long or complicated. Aim for a title that is informative but also easy to read and understand.
- Reflect the research objectives: It should hint at the research question, hypothesis, or the approach taken.
- Use keywords: This helps make the title searchable, especially in academic databases.
- Avoid jargon or ambiguity: The title should be understandable to readers both within and outside of your specific field.
3. How do I start brainstorming for a thesis title?
Answer:
Start by reflecting on the main theme or problem of your thesis. Ask yourself:
- What is the primary focus of my research?
- What research question am I trying to answer?
- What methodology or approach did I use?
- Who will benefit from this research (scholars, policymakers, etc.)? Write down several possible titles that reflect the essence of your thesis, then refine them by removing unnecessary words or phrases and ensuring clarity.
4. Should the thesis title be a question or a statement?
Answer:
Both formats can work, depending on the nature of your research.
- Question titles are often used in research that explores specific questions or hypotheses. They can be compelling and show the investigative nature of your work.
- Example: What Are the Impacts of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health?
- Statement titles are more common in research that presents a specific argument, perspective, or findings.
- Example: The Influence of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study.
It’s important to choose the one that best reflects the focus and findings of your thesis.
5. How long should a thesis title be?
Answer:
A thesis title should typically be between 10 to 15 words. While it’s important to be descriptive, overly long titles can become confusing or cumbersome. Aim for a balance between being informative and concise. Avoid unnecessary details that do not contribute to the overall understanding of your thesis topic.
6. Should I include my methodology in the thesis title?
Answer:
If your methodology is a significant aspect of your research and contributes to the overall focus of the study, you may choose to include it. For example, a qualitative study might mention “qualitative analysis” or “case study,” while an experimental study might mention “experimental research” or “survey.” However, this is not always necessary, and the title should focus on the research problem or the main outcome rather than on the methodology alone.
7. What role do keywords play in choosing a thesis title?
Answer:
Keywords are essential for ensuring your thesis is discoverable by other researchers, especially in academic databases. By including relevant keywords, your thesis will be easier to locate and will attract the right audience. Think about the main terms or concepts in your research area and try to incorporate them into your title. This will make your thesis more accessible to those interested in the same or related topics.
8. Can I change my thesis title after it’s been chosen?
Answer:
Yes, it’s possible to change your thesis title after it has been chosen, but you should consult with your thesis advisor or supervisor before doing so. Sometimes, after deeper research and writing, you may realize that the original title does not fully capture the essence of the thesis. However, changing the title should be done thoughtfully to ensure that it still aligns with the overall scope and objectives of your research.
9. What are some common mistakes to avoid when choosing a thesis title?
Answer:
Common mistakes include:
- Being too vague: Titles that are too general or broad can confuse readers about the scope of the thesis.
- Example of vague title: An Analysis of Mental Health.
- Being too long or complicated: Long titles that include unnecessary details can be difficult to read.
- Example of overly long title: A Detailed Examination of the Effects of Social Media Platforms, Including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Snapchat, on the Mental Health of Adolescents in Various Countries.
- Overuse of jargon: Including too much field-specific jargon can make your title inaccessible to a broader audience.
- Not being specific enough: Titles that do not provide a clear indication of the topic can make the paper less inviting.
10. How do I know if my thesis title is good?
Answer:
A good thesis title should:
- Clearly convey the main idea of the research without ambiguity.
- Draw the reader’s attention by being engaging and relevant to the topic.
- Reflect the research goals and scope accurately.
- Be easy to understand for a general academic audience, even if they are not experts in the specific field.
You can test your title by asking peers or your supervisor for feedback to see if it effectively communicates the main focus of your research.
11. How does the title impact the thesis approval process?
Answer:
The title of your thesis plays a critical role in the approval process, as it is the first thing your committee will see. A well-crafted title can demonstrate that you have a clear understanding of your research topic, whereas a poorly chosen title may suggest confusion or a lack of focus. Therefore, selecting a precise and descriptive title is crucial for gaining approval and moving forward in the thesis process.
12. Can I include the title of a book or theory in my thesis title?
Answer:
Yes, you can include the title of a book, theory, or framework in your thesis title if it is central to your research. For example, if your thesis focuses on the influence of a specific book or theory on a particular field, incorporating the title can provide clarity about your focus.
- Example: The Role of Marxist Theory in Modern Economic Analysis: A Case Study of Globalization.
However, be cautious not to make the title overly specific or restrictive unless the book or theory is a central element of your study.
13. Should my thesis title reflect my findings or conclusions?
Answer:
While the title should provide an accurate representation of your research topic, it doesn’t always have to reflect your conclusions. A good title can outline the research question or theme without necessarily revealing the outcome. However, if your findings are pivotal to the research, it may be appropriate to hint at them in the title. For example:
- Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems: A Longitudinal Study (Focuses on research, doesn’t give away conclusions).
14. How do I know if my thesis title is too broad or too narrow?
Answer:
A thesis title that is too broad lacks focus and may leave your research question unclear. For instance, The Impact of Technology on Society is too broad. It doesn’t specify which aspect of society or what type of technology. On the other hand, a title that is too narrow might restrict your research too much. For example, The Effects of the 2018 iPhone Model on Consumer Behavior in New York City could be too specific, unless that’s exactly the scope of your research. Aim for a title that balances detail with breadth, without being too limiting or too vague.
15. Can I get feedback on my thesis title?
Answer:
Yes, it is highly recommended to get feedback on your thesis title. Share your potential titles with your thesis advisor, peers, or other experts in your field. They can provide valuable insights and help refine your title to ensure that it best reflects the research focus and is academically appropriate.
These questions and answers cover key aspects of choosing a thesis title, providing guidance on how to create an effective and focused title for your academic work.
