The Research Thesis

The Research Thesis

A research thesis is a systematic investigation or inquiry following accepted methods of research. It should address a timely and important aspect, problem, paradigm, or theory of interior design. The study should be an original, intellectually challenging, in-depth investigation.

A theoretical or conceptual framework for the investigation is essential for the study. The study and its results are reported in the thesis/project document. A research thesis is intended to improve one’s understanding of a subject and provide the author with the potential to contribute to the body of knowledge in that subject. It is both expansive and in-depth. Its breadth is drawn from the supporting foundation of literature study that informs the research; its depth comes from its thorough exploration of a line of inquiry that has been refined over time. A research thesis uses graphics—photographs, charts, and graphs—to illustrate the findings and their interpretation, key concepts, and key points of the research.

All Post-Professional students conducting a written research thesis are required to submit their research to the following: Marymount’s Student Resource Conference (Abstract Submission date mid-March) and The Joel Polsky Academic Achievement Award (Submission of document end of April). In addition, students with exemplary theses are encouraged to submit their work for presentation at either a regional or an annual IDEC (Interior Design Educators Council) conference and/or to the Journal for Interior Design (JID) for publication.