Academic Work: Definition and Typical Process

In this chapter, we explain the principles of academic work and its ideal-typical process.

Why academic work?

Academic work is a fundamental part of research and science. During your studies, you will inevitably encounter this topic - from essays to bachelor's and master's theses. Ultimately, all of these works are based on the same principle and process, in which you must follow certain rules. The individual works differ mainly in their content complexity, as you can write academic work both on the basis of literature research and on the basis of your own empirical research. In essays, you will usually only compile existing scientific findings and use them for your solution approaches, while in final theses you should also contribute your own scientific findings (e.g., through empirical research with an online survey).

 

Academic work is more than just using source citations

The first reflex of students when writing academic work is thinking about source citations. This is indeed a very important part of academic work, but not everything. In the article "Academic Writing" we have summarized the most important aspects you should consider when writing academic work.

How does the creation of academic work proceed?

First, you need to find the right topic for your academic work (if not specified by your university). Here you can either access various online databases that give you ideas and suggestions, or you look personally at what interests you or is currently occupying you. In close consultation with your supervisor, you can then make a clear delimitation of the topic. Take time to carefully examine your topic with the help of research:

• Are enough sources found?
• Is the topic delimitation appropriate?

If you notice in your research that the topic doesn't fit 100%, you can change it early in this phase (in consultation with your supervisor). After the topic has been finally formulated, you now move on to detailed literature research. Depending on the result, the conception of your research work (basic research, verification of existing theories, etc.) is then determined. Time planning is also important here. Think carefully about how much time each step takes. A practical work (with e.g. an online survey) often takes more time than a purely theoretical work. Depending on the conception, you must then summarize, prepare and evaluate the material compiled from various sources and, if necessary, your own empirical research. After that, it's time to write your academic work.

1. Find appropriate topic (including clear delimitation)
2. Research for initial overview and possible revision of the topic
3. Detailed literature research
4. Conception of the research work
5. Setting up a timeline
6. Possible empirical research
7. Preparation of material
8. Write academic work
9. Submission and presentation of the work

 

Theories, Hypotheses and Research Questions?

When you write academic work, you quickly encounter terms like theories, hypotheses and research questions. In the following chapter, we will go into detail on the special features and handling of these terms.

 

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Next Chapter:
Chapter 3 - Research Question, Thesis and Hypothesis

• Conceptual differences between work title, research question, thesis and hypothesis
• Significance of hypotheses and statistical hypotheses
• Examples of individual terms