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Finding Theses and Dissertations

Guide to find dissertations and theses authored by UA students and beyond.

For Unique and Timely Topics, Consider Dissertations & Theses

Benefits of using dissertations or theses:
For a comprehensive/exhaustive literature review:

  • See what has been done recently--find and review dissertations or theses on your topic to get ideas for future research.
  • When reviewing these works, review the literature review, methodology, or surveys (often includes full-text of instruments/questionnaires) and the references list.
  • CAVEAT: Dissertations are not considered peer-reviewed.

Dissertation:
"A lengthy, formal written treatise or thesis, especially an account of scholarly investigation or       original research on a specialized topic, submitted to a university in partial fulfillment of the       requirements for a Ph.D. degree."

Thesis (Theses, plural):
"A proposition advanced and defended in a formal disputation, especially by a candidate               in partial fulfillment of university requirements for a master's degree."

Source: 
From ODLIS: Online dictionary for library and information science, by J. M. Reitz, 2013, ABC-CLIO (http://products.abc-clio.com/ODLIS/odlis_about). Copyright 2004-2014 by Joan M. Reitz. Reprinted with permission.