This box lives at How To Do Research > The Research Process > Research Topics
It is included on the Thesis Statement page of the Research Process Canvas Module
Refine: Thesis Statement
A thesis statement is a summary of the argument or analysis you are going to make in your research paper. It is generally 1-2 sentences and located towards the end of the introductory paragraph. The thesis statement is the answer to your research question.
RESEARCH TIP
AI Prompt: Given the research question '[insert question]', what are some thesis statements I could explore?
Note: Some instructors do not allow the use of generative AI, so be sure to check your course guidelines. Review AI-generated suggestions for relevance and bias.
Refining Your Thesis Statement
Specific and precise
Too vague to be effective: Education is important for children.
More effective: Outdoor, unstructured play in school is important for the social development of children.
Arguable
Too obvious: The 9/11 bombings were a crucial event in U.S. history.
Stronger argument: The changes to Homeland Security after the 9/11 bombings had a lasting impact on citizen privacy.
Manageable in scope
Too much content to cover in a four-page paper: The Civil War was a defining event in American history.
Manageable for a four-page paper: The role of women in Civil War medical camps had a significant impact on Women's Civil Rights.
Supported by academic sources
Too much opinion or personal reflection: Disney's Snow White is the best princess film.
Supportable by sources: The portrayal of female characters in Disney films changed significantly after WWII.
RESEARCH TIP
Your initial research question and thesis statement will likely change as you read books and journal articles, deepening your understanding of the topic.
Where Are We?
We are still at step four of the research process: refining by developing a thesis statement.
Refining strategies:
- Creating a research question
- Developing a thesis statement
- Identifying counterarguments
Thesis statement checklist:
- Summarizes of your argument or analysis
- 1-2 sentences in length
- Located towards the end of the introductory paragraph
- Precise, arguable, appropriately scoped, and supported by academic sources
