First, I would recommend taking the time to think through your question and your data collection method. This may seem obvious at first, but topics can morph and change over time to end up being something you never expected to do. Before you decide on one specific research question, just because it is something you… Read more »
Advice
So Much to Do, So Little Time: Make it Manageable with Smart Planning!
Tackling an undergraduate honors thesis is no small feat – it is likely one of the most challenging projects you will face in your undergraduate academic career. Yes, the process is definitely demanding, requiring serious commitment and even more intense focus. However, the rewards are equally as significant, offering you a deep sense of accomplishment… Read more »
The 5 Stages of Thesis Grief
The 5 Stages of Thesis Grief Writing a thesis consumes you, much like the grief that consumes one who has lost a beloved ego. It’s a constant battle of coming to terms with the fallacy that your thesis will be perfect and read by even a handful of people. However, what’s great about this class… Read more »
Writing Your Thesis (and Taking 12 Other Credits, and Having a Job, and Spending Time with Friends): Time Management and Balance During V499
If you are reading this, you are probably about to embark on an ambitious journey to write your undergraduate thesis. Congrats on getting this far! This is a very daunting undertaking, but I promise that finishing the work brings with it some really great rewards. Along the way, however, you’re definitely going to hit a… Read more »
Chronic Stress and Procrastination- BAD! BAD!
For most undergrads, writing a thesis is the largest academic endeavor that they have faced. I do not know any individuals that have committed to this task and failed to produce a paper. For this reason, I think that the largest challenge is not actually producing a thesis, but managing the stress and accomplishing the… Read more »
A Few Thoughts on Passion, Pushing Yourself, and Refusing to Quit
In late August of last year, as I began my senior year at IU, I nearly quit the O’Neill Honors Program. Staring down the barrel of writing a research thesis on top of balancing other coursework, extracurriculars, and trying to enjoy my last year in Bloomington, I was filled with trepidation and doubt. I’m not… Read more »
The Ins and Outs of Finding the Right Advisor
You have a research topic and have a question in mind. Congratulations! You have completed an important first step. But… Now what? Along with your V491 and V499 professors, an advisor can help you take your ideas from mere thoughts to a fully developed manuscript. Your research advisor will be an essential point of support… Read more »
How to Get Started: Facing Intimidating Tasks
Writing a thesis on quantitative analysis testing as a first timer is not for the faint of heart. My work brought me many restless nights toiling away in the lobby of my apartment complex, and many groggy mornings with my Chromebook in my lap. Much of my time was spent just trying to think about… Read more »
Accept the Challenge and Enjoy the Accomplishment!
If you are reading this blog, chances are you are considering writing an honors thesis as a part of your undergraduate studies. Let me begin by encouraging you to go for it even if you do not feel qualified. The point of the program is to teach you how to do the work, not to… Read more »
Make Every Second Count: Tips for Prospective Quantitative Researchers
Embarking on an ambitious journey for my undergraduate thesis was no small feat, especially when diving into the realm of statistical modeling. Yet, despite the challenges, I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. And let me tell you, if you’re considering taking on such a venture, don’t let the scale deter you. Tackling intricate statistical models not… Read more »