Library: Capstone & Thesis Research: Thinking about your Project

Benefits of a capstone or research project

Definitions

Academic Integrity
Webster University page outlining the definitions of academic integrity, academic dishonesty, cheating, fabrication, disciplinary actions and the Academic Honesty Board.
Case Study (Business and Management)
Case studies usually present the pertinent facts about a real or fictional business or management "problem". Teaching cases are intended to provide the reader with sufficient data to evaluate multiple courses of action. They may pose questions to stimulate critical thinking and help readers to apply theory to the analysis of the events portrayed.
Hypothesis
"A tentative assumption made in order to draw out and test its logical or empirical consequences."
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Hypothesis. (2012). In Merriam-Webster's Collegiate(R) Dictionary. Springfield, MA: Merriam-Webster. Retrieved from http://library3.webster.edu/login?url=http://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/mwcollegiate/hypothesis/0
Peer reviewed or scholarly
Journals that go through a process in which experts in the field (the author's peers) verify that the information and research methods are up to standards. In order to know if an article is peer reviewed, look at the journal rather than the article.
Primary Source
An original paper, article or document created with raw data, for example, tests, experiments or field research; data sets from pre-existing databases generated by others; first hand accounts or archival materials (for example, journals, diaries or letters written by ,say, historical figures or original historical documents); policy documents generated by, say governments and other organizations; state and international legal legislation- also court judgments; literary, art or religious works; and so forth.
Secondary Source
Any texts that provide critical commentary on primary information...such as journal publications, books or chapters in scholary books, book reviews, etc.

Your capstone paper or project

Why take on a major research project?

When you read or research, you're joining the academic conversation.
To explore areas of interest more fully. Often in class, a topic is only addressed enough to raise more questions, so this is a good time to explore more deeply.

Benefits of doing a capstone project

To integrate various elements of your educational experience
To demonstrate your learning
To prepare you for the kind of work you will do in your career
Does the library keep graduate capstone (a.k.a. 6000) papers?

How is a masters thesis and doctoral dissertation different from a capstone project?

Requires primary research or produces original material
Committee OR faculty mentor
Produces lengthy, formal written manuscript
Webster University's Graduate Thesis Requirements
Does the library have theses in the collection?