In the social sciences, there are many theories and models about the same subject, some of which contradict each other. Make such controversies visible and engage with the different positions. As part of your academic work, it is necessary to consider the various alternatives and to take minority positions seriously as well.

A critical comparison of different theories is the basis for developing your own position.

Do I need theories for my thesis?

“Yes! A theory is like a pair of glasses through which I look at reality. It helps me see the outlines of a phenomenon more clearly and define it. This means a theory offers a comprehensive, well-founded description and explanation of (parts of) reality. Referring to theories in an academic paper makes it clear through which lens – in other words, from which perspective – I view things. To forego theory would mean remaining in the ‘naive’ position of everyday theories.”

– Wolfgang Wahl

Theoretical considerations often occur in connection with conceptual clarifications but can also be linked to the description of the research method used.

Quite often, empirical research projects contribute to generating hypotheses and thus to theory development.

Using different theories and models is an optional part of the structure of an academic paper.

Frequently asked questions

Der Beitrag Using Theories and Models for Your Research erschien zuerst auf Online Writing Lab.

It is often useful to illustrate the different usage of terms or definitions and to justify your own choice. Refer to the scientific literature when doing so. Less important terms might only be explained in parentheses, a footnote, or a brief clause. Other, central terms of your paper, however, are often discussed in several sentences or even a separate section.

You should avoid a dictionary-like chapter on “definition of terms.” Introduce the main terms at the points where you deal with them in detail for the first time.

Technical terms that are common in Social Sciences do not need to be explained.

Example of term explanation

The term “atypical employment” eludes a precise definition. Rather, the idea of what is “atypical” arises in contrast to “typical” employment. Keller and Seifert define the standard employment relationship as “full-time work with corresponding income, permanent employment, integration into social security systems (i.e., unemployment, health, and pension insurance), identity of employment and work relationship, and subordination of the employee to the employer” (Keller; Seifert 2009: 40). Atypical employment deviates in at least one of these conditions (ibid. : 41). The term “precarious” is generally used according to Lehmann, Dörre, and Scherschel, who describe any employment relationship that is insecure and therefore leads to equally insecure living conditions as precarious (Lehmann, Dörre, Scherschel: 2009). Wölfle argues for restricting the term “precarious” employment to above-average insecure employment relationships (Wölfle 2013: 38), although he does not clarify what counts as average.

Source: Slightly modified from a student paper in the module “Politics and Social Policy” by Stefanie Zeitz

The definition of terms is a mandatory part of the structure of a scientific paper.

Frequently asked questions

Der Beitrag Explaining Terms erschien zuerst auf Online Writing Lab.

As a rule, you already briefly introduce your research subject in the introduction. However, it is often common to explain your research subject in detail and precisely in the following chapter.

Example

Due to the moderate effectiveness and side effects of antidepressants, it is worthwhile to look for alternative treatment options. A relatively new intervention in the field of depression is jogging. Jogging is understood as slow running, comparable to the pace of fast walking (Newrezella 2009, p. 74). Occasionally it is also referred to as aerobic running, since the energy for the muscles is produced from muscle sugars and fats using oxygen, which is obtained, among other ways, through breathing (Bartmann 2005, p. 21). One study was able to prove that jogging has an antidepressant effect for all age groups and both genders, with women benefiting even more from the sport than men (Reule and Bartmann 2009, p. 19). Although the effect of jogging on depression is still a relatively unexplored area, positive factors have already been proven, which are explained in more detail below.

Source: Slightly modified from a student paper in the module “Academic Work, Methods and Learning Strategies” (anonymous)

The description of the research subject is an obligatory part of the structure of an academic paper.

Frequently asked questions

Der Beitrag Description of the Research Subject erschien zuerst auf Online Writing Lab.