MUID  THESIS  MANUAL

What is a Thesis?

A thesis is a systematic, written, and graphic presentation of a scholarly study appropriate to the discipline of Interior Design. Findings, conclusions, and/or the solution to an Interior Design problem develop from data collected and analyzed by the student from existing scholarly literature, existing sets of data, or the studnets own inquiry-based research using accepted research methods. Students completing their theses at Marymount University pursue one option: an evidence-based design thesis. The evidence-based design (EBD) thesis incorporates research and/or data collection. 

Any thesis, research or evidence-based design project is a “position or proposition that a person . . . advances and offers to maintain by argument” (“Thesis,” 2015). The EBD thesis makes a claim and offers evidence to support it. It can solve a problem, find an answer, test a theory or idea, and/or find a new way of doing things. Some thesis proposals are practical and answer a question of what should be done in a particular problem, while others are conceptual and ask how we can think about or understand a particular issue or problem in Interior Design. Both center on a specific question, issue, or problem that is addressed in the literature, or data set, or study. The latter uses appropriate research methods to solve, answer, or improve. Students should look at other theses or creative projects in appropriate areas and seek the advice of faculty, outside advisors, and others regarding suitable topics for their thesis or projects. 

What is an Excellent Thesis?

Any thesis that further develops a student’s creative and critical thinking abilities, and/or has the potential to expand the body of knowledge in the Interior Design field. The thesis should be an original, intellectually challenging, in-depth investigation of a clearly defined question or problem.

Like a design concept, the clearer and more defined the question, inquiry, or problem investigated in the thesis, the easier the process becomes and the results are more thorough and comprehensive. A theoretical or conceptual framework for the investigation is essential for the study. It must reflect a high level of scholarship, and both arise from, and include significant theories or problems, and/or processes, and/or programming methods in Interior Design.

The findings must have the potential to advance the field by contributing to the Interior Design Body of Knowledge. The topic should be succinct enough to complete in a minimum of two semesters. The student must possess the knowledge, abilities, time, and finances to complete the study.

When conducting empirical investigations or inquiries, single or multiple research methods and qualitative, quantitative, or a combination may be used. Whatever method(s) is chosen, the study must be systematically planned and carried out. Additionally, the data must be analyzed or interpreted within the context of the question and the theoretical or conceptual framework. Simply stating findings is not adequate. In the case of a research thesis, the researcher must explain what the findings mean, put them into context, and show how they answer the question and support the goals and objectives of the study. When designing a project using evidence derived from literature and/or from empirical research, the designer must explain the rationale for design decisions framed within the context of the supporting literature and its evidence.

Developing and presenting a design project that relies merely on concept expression, does not fulfill the requirements of an evidence-based thesis.

An excellent evidence-based design project requires:

• an organized, systematic collection of data to inform a functional program data collected from best practices, scholarly and professional literature, existing data sets and a well designed inquiry (if applicable);

• a strong correlation between design concept and theoretical framework for the analysis of literature and the study (if applicable);

• an appropriate list of design recommendations developing from data collection and analysis;

• analysis of the design outcome that centers on the interpretation of project goals, objectives or problem statement, and design recommendation developed from literature and inquiry;

• a design solution that develops from and responds to the design recommendations and meets the goals and objectives of the programming;

• a design solution that is clearly and logically presented in both text and graphics;

• a thorough presentation of the design in drawings that fully explain the solution; identifies design recommendations; responds to the building shell; meets users’ needs; meet all applicable codes and requirements; uses color appropriately; and chooses well designed and suitable finishes and furnishings.

An excellent research study requires:

• a meaningful, clearly defined question, inquiry, or problem;

• clear, succinct goals and objectives deriving from the question or inquiry;

• meaningful rationale that clearly states why the study is important and how it may add to the interior design body of knowledge;

• a review of literature that provides a theoretical or conceptual framework and includes models or context for the study, previous studies upon which it builds, replicates, challenges, or supports;

• an organized, systematic examination or investigation following an appropriate research method or methods;

• data collection methods or instruments that gather information that answers the question and meets the goals and objectives;

• findings clearly reported, even those contrary to the thesis statement, hypothesis, etc.;

• logical and objective analysis or interpretation of facts and data with supporting evidence and previous studies;

• analysis centering on the original question, hypotheses, or goals and objectives;

• logical summary, conclusions, and/or recommendations based on the findings;

• the thesis study and findings presented in a clear and organized manner.