APPENDIX B. REQUIRED THESIS LAYOUT

SENIOR THESIS TITLE

by
YOUR NAME HERE

A Senior Thesis Submitted in partial fulfillment of the
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice
St. Cloud State University
April ___, 2014

SENIOR THESIS TITLE

This senior thesis is approved as a creditable and independent investigation by a candidate for the Bachelor of Arts degree and is acceptable for meeting the senior thesis requirements for this degree.  Acceptance of this senior thesis does not imply that conclusions reached by the candidate are necessarily the conclusions of the major department.

______________________________________________
Senior Thesis Adviser                        Date

Abstract

Title

Author

Date

Table of Contents
Title……………………………………………………………………………(Roman Numeral)

Abstract………………………………………………………………………..(Roman Numeral)

Chapter 1………………………………………………………………………………(No page #)
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………(Page #2)
Problem Statement……………………………………………………………….(Page __)
Research Propositions/Objectives……………………………………………………
Study Importance……………………………………………………
Summary……………………………………………………………………

Chapter 2
Literature Review
Introduction
Review of Literature
Research Question/Hypothesis
Summary

Chapter 3
Methodology
Identification of Variables
Operationalization of Variables
Research Design
Data Collection Procedures
Description of Data

Chapter 4
Data Analysis and Findings

Chapter 5
Discussion
Contribution to the Literature
Conclusions

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
***Note: All chapters start on a new page

(Required Subheadings)
Problem Statement—Summary of the Problem/Issue
Research Propositions/Objectives—What is the purpose of your study?  What is your reason(s) for carrying out this research?
Study Importance—Why is this study important to the field of criminal justice? What are the potential policy implications associated with your proposed research?
Summary

Chapter 2
LITERATURE REVIEW
***Note: All chapters start on a new page

Review of Literature: 6-8 studies which have empirically examined topics which relate to your topic.  See “Literature Review” handout posted on D2L.
Research Question(s): Formally state your research question(s)/hypothesis/es.  Should strongly relate to the literature reviewed, above.
Summary

Chapter 3
METHODOLOGY
***Note: All chapters start on a new page
Statement of Hypothesis/Research Question(s)
Identification of Variables
Independent and Dependent Variables (if applicable)
Operationalization of Variables
Specify how you will “define” your variables
Research Design
Sample
Data Source
Surveys
Field Research/Observations
Experimental Research Design
Life histories/case studies
Content Analysis
Secondary data analysis

http://www.albany.edu/sourcebook/

http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/NACJD/gis/resources.jsp

http://www.bjs.gov/

https://www.ncjrs.gov/

http://www.fbi.gov/about-us/cjis/ucr/ucr

Data Collection Procedures
Description of Data– Qualitative vs. Quantitative Data

Institutional Review Board If you plan to interview or survey participants, you must submit your proposal http://www.stcloudstate.edu/irb/

CHAPTER 4
RESULTS
***Note: All chapters start on a new page
Data Analysis
What type of data analysis was employed and why?
Findings
What did you Find?
Do your findings support your research question/hypothesis, and the literature reviewed?
**Include relevant charts/graphs to summarize your findings in a reader friendly manner.

CHAPTER 5
DISCUSSION
***Note: All chapters start on a new page
Contribution to the Literature
How does your study contribute to the existing literature on this topic?
Conclusions
What conclusions can be drawn from your study?  Interpret results and draw inferences—
What do your results “mean” as you apply them to answer your research question?

What is the value of your findings for the criminal justice system? (or specific area for which your study examined)
What are the implications for future research (what should future researchers interested in this topic further examine/consider?)