Key points at a glance
- Narrow the research question before selecting a method or collecting data.
- Align design, sample, instrument and analysis so each decision answers the question.
- Document ethics, data protection and limitations as part of the method.
- Keep results descriptive and reserve interpretation for the discussion.
Define question, concepts and design
An empirical thesis needs a question that can be answered with observable evidence. Define key concepts and decide whether a qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, experimental or observational design fits the question.
Write down the unit of analysis, population, sample strategy, variables or interview topics and planned analysis before collecting data. This reduces changes that cannot be justified later.
Plan sample, access and ethics
Explain who or what you study, how cases are selected and what the selection means for transferability. A small sample can be appropriate when the design and limitations are clear.
Check consent, anonymisation, storage, deletion and approval requirements before contacting participants. Do not collect more personal information than the question requires.
Collect and analyse data systematically
Use a documented procedure and keep an audit trail for changes, exclusions and coding decisions. Pilot a questionnaire or interview guide when possible.
Choose analysis steps that match the data and method. Report missing data, uncertainty and deviations from the plan instead of hiding inconvenient observations.
Write results, discussion and limitations
Present what the analysis shows without adding explanations that belong in the discussion. Use tables and figures to make patterns visible, but describe the finding in the text.
In the discussion, connect results to prior research, answer the question and state what the design cannot establish. A limitation is useful when you explain its practical effect.
Final submission context
Formal details can feel like a separate writing task, but they matter just as much for a printed submission. Anything missing, misplaced or inconsistently formatted in the document will also appear in the bound copy.
Use this guide together with your cover page, table of contents, page numbers, source notes and appendices. Prepare the final PDF for printing and binding only after the complete file has been checked.
Practical check before PDF export
- Do headings, chapter structure and page numbers match?
- Are sources, figures and tables included completely?
- Are required elements such as declarations, appendices or the cover page included where required?
- Did you open and check the final PDF after exporting it?
Checklist
- Question, concepts and method are aligned.
- Sample and recruitment decisions are transparent.
- Consent, privacy and storage requirements are met.
- Collection and analysis steps are reproducible.
- Results are separated from interpretation.
- Limitations and transferability are discussed honestly.
Common mistakes
- Collecting data before narrowing the research question.
- Choosing a method because it is familiar rather than suitable.
- Leaving sampling or exclusion decisions undocumented.
- Reporting only results that support the expectation.
- Making causal claims from a design that cannot support them.
Prepare the empirical thesis for submission
After the data, analysis and final PDF have been checked, choose the printing and binding option for your submission.
View thesis printing optionsRelated content
Explore related guidance on thesis structure, sources, formatting and final submission.
Frequently asked questions
How long does an empirical thesis take?
The schedule depends on access, sample, approval and analysis. Build time for recruitment, cleaning, transcription and revisions rather than planning only the writing.
Can a small sample be valid?
Yes, if it fits the design and the claims are limited accordingly. Explain selection, saturation or uncertainty instead of implying broad representativeness.
Where do limitations belong?
Describe methodological constraints in the method and interpret their effect in the discussion. Summarise the most important limits in the conclusion.
Should results and discussion be separate?
Follow your department structure. Separating them often makes it clearer which observations come from the data and which statements are your interpretation.