how to write a phd expose

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12. Feb 2024

Writing an exposé

Written by Emma Harlow

Do you have a research question that you would like to investigate? Would you like to do that in the context of a doctorate? Are you planning to present your idea to your preferred professor to apply as a candidate for supervision? It’s time to write your exposé!

The exposé provides an overview of your planned research work. It links your research question with a plan for its investigation. You provide a clearly understandable, coherently reasoned explanation of

what you want to investigate,
why you’re investigating it and
how you want to investigate it.

A well-written synopsis not only convinces scholarship providers or potential supervisors of your research idea. It also helps you as the author to structure your own project, to critically question it and to recognize potential challenges early on. Think of the exposé as a very first draft of your dissertation. This type of preparation can save valuable time, energy and resources later on.

Form and structure of an exposé

A clear structure is the necessary framework for convincingly communicating the core of your idea – the research question. You explain how you derived it and how you want to investigate it. There is not one strict form that an exposé must follow. However, certain key elements should be present in a logical order to achieve a comprehensible result.

The structure

A) abstract.

The abstract narrows down the content of your exposé to approximately half a page. It is the figurehead of your synopsis. Since the convincing power of this section determines whether the reader takes an interest in the detailed synopsis, it should contain the research question as well as the most important information about the research interest, the intended methods and the expected results. The abstract is usually written last.

B) Problem definition and research interest

At first, you situate the planned work in the discipline and demonstrate its relevance. To do so, you introduce a scientific problem that forms the basis of your specific research question. This part should build on a good selection of scientific sources. In order to not get lost in the vastness of a field, try to narrow down the area of your work. By defining the scope of your anticipated research, you’ll already reflect a lot about possible constraints. This will help you develop a good reasoning for your research question and anticipate challenges for its investigation. Also, let the readers know why you want to address this problem in particular and explain to them why you want to find a solution.

C) Current state of research

Closely connected to the definition of the scientific problem, you prove the relevance of the topic based on the state of the scientific debate around it. You outline what is known about the research objective, if it’s been challenged before and if so, in which manner. When selecting works for this section, consider them from the perspective of what the most important scientific positions on the topic are and what gaps in knowledge currently exist. What deficiencies or points of criticism do you see in the existing works in this field? Be careful about judging the work of other scientists, rather focus on the contribution you could add to the field. All these considerations form the base to develop and justify a new research question.

D) Your research question

Based on the knowledge about the scientific problem and the state of the art, you introduce your specific research question. Develop hypotheses and assumptions about possible outcomes. It should become clear what the aim of the work is, why it is relevant and to what extent answering the research question will advance the field of knowledge.

E) Methodology, (re)sources and materials

Here, you identify the methods, resources and materials needed to investigate your research question. They depend heavily on the approach of your work, whether you are primarily conducting primary surveys or aiming for secondary analyses. Explain the choice of methods in terms of their suitability to investigate your research question and the pragmatics of their application. You should also think about the availability of and the access to (re)sources and materials. In case you’re using material from preliminary work, e.g. your master’s thesis, you should also be transparent about this here. At the end of this section, the way of proceeding should be clear and there should be a comprehensible preliminary research design.

F) Preliminary work plan and time schedule

In the next step, you present the planned workflow together with a time reference. Your schedule should prove that your proposed research design is able to gain answers to your research question in a foreseeable and identifiable time frame. At an early stage, it is clear that you cannot plan everything in detail. Larger intervals, such as quarterly targets, are easier to plan at this stage. Subquestions, an intermediate goal or method should be assigned to each time interval. This could be presented in the form of a table. You should add a start and a provisional end date to your plan. It is important that you keep your timetable realistic. Research involves uncertainties, surprises and sometimes delays. You should also consider your own abilities and take into account existing commitments (e.g. care work) when designing your plan. The duration of a doctorate is three to four years. Keep in mind that not all of this time will be dedicated to research. If you are planning to work part-time alongside your doctorate, be transparent about how this will affect the time required to complete your thesis. Adapt the schedule accordingly.

G) Bibliography

Last but not least, giving an overview on the literature you’ve used to design your research proposal is mandatory. Focus on relevant, pertinent and accessible literature and limit yourself to the most helpful works for writing the synopsis. When referring to literature, pay attention to a consistent citation style.

The form and language of an exposé

Number of pages The length and level of details depend on the time, the purpose, the subject area and the respective requirements. If you want to submit a proactive application to a professor and want to convince them with your idea to supervise you as a doctoral candidate, a short synopsis of a few pages (up to 5) will be sufficient. It is not advisable to write a very detailed exposé at this stage and for this purpose. Exposés in more developed versions are usually between 5 and 20 pages long. They mark the end of an in-depth orientation and preparation phase and are therefore more extensive. Exposés written for the acquisition of scholarships and research funding tend to be oriented towards the upper page limit.

Language The general rules for scientific writing also apply for exposés. Precise wording ensures that your synopsis is understood. You should pay attention to the correct use of technical terms and to avoiding colloquial language. As you are presenting your own ideas in the exposé, it is advisable to use your own words and use verbatim quotations only very sparingly. Also, keep an eye on redundancies and try to avoid them. It is also important to pay attention to correct spelling and grammar. Neglecting spelling and grammar will give the reader the impression of carelessness. Proofreading is recommended before an exposé is sent out.

Formal aspects The cover page of your exposé should contain the following information: Your first and last name, your academic degree, the provisional title of the thesis, the topic, and, after they confirmed to supervise you, the name of the respective supervisor(s). Format your exposé reader-friendly: use 1.15pt to 1.5pt line spacing, a calm font (e.g. Arial, Georgia) in an appropriate size (11 or 12), and use justified text, page numbers and add a table of contents.

Further considerations and tips on writing an exposé

When writing down your own research idea for the very first time, it can be helpful to understand the creation of the synopsis as a process that serves to improve your own understanding. For a first application to a potential supervisor, the result does not have to be perfect, as there are still a lot of uncertainties. If your idea leads to a confirmation of supervision, a more differentiated exposé can be developed. During the process, there will most likely be many changes that will influence the outline of the doctorate as it progresses. You don’t have to know every single aspect right away and adjustments can be made later if they become necessary. Expanding your exposé and adapting it to changes is easier if you already have a well thought-out structure.

Sometimes you need to present your research idea for different purposes and/or at different times. For example, when applying to a research school before starting your doctorate or for research funding later on. Depending on the occasion, you can and should adapt your exposé accordingly to meet the respective requirements. If you’re writing an exposé to apply for a scholarship, discussing your exposé with colleagues and your supervisor can be an advantage. They are already familiar with writing research proposals and have academic experience, so they can contribute their perspective on scientific and formal aspects to the discussion. Also, adapt your timeplan to the scholarship’s period of funding.

Further information

An article with video about putting together your exposé is presented on this website . (Note: There is advertising for paid services on this website, but the most important content is available free of charge. We only point out the free content and do not advertise the paid services.)
If you’re interested in a very detailed explanation of what a thesis outline contains and also in the linguistic aspects of it, visit this website and benefit from numerous further links to in-depth content.
In addition to a chapter on the exposé , the brochure “Doing your doctorate. Making conscious decisions and getting off to a good start.” by the network Qualitätszirkel Promotion (QZP) contains lots of further information for anyone preparing for a doctorate .
Griffith University’s tips for developing an exposé focus on identifying a suitable research topic for yourself and provide helpful guidelines as well as a video in which doctoral candidates talk about the process.
Die Universität Osnabrück bietet mit ihrer Broschüre über das Schreiben eines wissenschaftlichen Exposés einen sehr ausführlichen Leitfaden .
Einen guten Übersichtsartikel über das Schreiben eines Exposés mit einem Fokus auf die Literaturverwaltung bietet dieser Artikel .
Der Leitfaden zum Verfassen eines Exposés der Universität Bielefeld enthält eine Checkliste zur Strukturierung und Unterstützung des Schreibprozesses.
In einem ausführlichen Video (19 min) zu Inhalten und Aufbau eines Exposés für die Dissertation teilt ein Wissenschaftscoach seine Erfahrungen und Tipps.
Die Broschüre Promotion – bewusst entscheiden und gut starten des Qualitätszirkel Promotion (QZP) enthält neben einem Kapitel zum Exposé viele weitere hilfreiche Informationen für alle, die sich auf eine Promotion vorbereiten.
Aus dem Netz der MLU (intern oder VPN) kann das Buch Promotionsplanung und Exposee von Jutta Wergen aufgerufen werden (Stand: 06.02.2024). Es enthält unter anderem einen ausführlichen Ratgeber mit Hilfestellungen und Anleitung zum Verfassen eines Exposés.

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Notes on writing a exposé

The first comprehensive written presentation of a research project takes place after the orientation and planning phase in the form of an exposé. It describes in a generally understandable way all essential aspects of the future project with regard to research context, research topic, research question, methods, sources and resources.

It is necessary or useful

for the registration of research projects (theses, dissertations)
for grant and research applications
as an indicator of practicality and consistency of content
as a basis for discussion
as a starting point for the more detailed planning of a research project.

Both the preparation of the exposé, which often requires a clear structuring and verbalization of the research idea for the first time, is useful for the researcher, as is the fixed result, which forms a thematic, methodological and planning anchor for the duration of the research project - regardless of how far one eventually moves away from it. There are no uniform guidelines for exposés. In the field of audio communication, exposés for theses should have a length of 3-4 pages of text (Arial 11 point single-spaced), for dissertations a length of 6-8 pages is common, while applications for grants and project proposals also require a length of 10-15 pages. The synopsis should have the following structure:

Heavily abbreviated, synoptic statement of research need, research question, method, expected result, and benefits.

Introduction

Brief outline of the topic with a quick focus on the subject under investigation. For this purpose, aspects of the history of technology or a research tradition can be outlined, an existing theoretical background can be illuminated, a classification in research disciplines can be made and, if applicable, a personal research interest can be stated. The introduction of the topic should be focused on a concrete question, at the same time the relevance of the topic should be made clear, e.g. with regard to society, basic research or concrete applications.

State of the art of research

Overview of existing work in the thematically closer research area. The author conveys his/her knowledge of the subject and points out research deficits and, if applicable, points of contact to existing work. This results in the research relevance, a further thematic delimitation as well as possible methodological approaches.

The methods used to answer the question outlined above should be named and their suitability briefly justified. This can be a source research, a qualitative or quantitative analysis, an empirical procedure (with experimental design, effect criteria, variation of conditions, sample, operationalization or measuring instrument, technical means and statistical evaluation) or a technical procedure. Here, too, a reference to methodological literature and methodologically comparable studies is appropriate. If source work is in the foreground, description and assessment of the source situation with regard to type, extent, expected relevance and accessibility, possibly also in the form of a table or a sketch. At this point, reference should also be made to existing declarations of intent and agreements (e.g. with archives, laboratories, cooperation partners).

Preliminary work

If preliminary work has already been done that goes beyond the planning of the investigation (e.g. extensive research, production of objects of investigation or research tools, preliminary experiments), this should be listed with reference to specific points of contact.

Work plan and time schedule

A preliminary structuring of the time available for the project in the form of a work plan documents a realistic assessment of the sequence, structure and scope of the expected research work. A weekly schedule is recommended for smaller projects, and a monthly schedule for larger ones. Within these units, several small work steps can be listed.

List of literature used in the synopsis. It should already include the publications central to the research, even if additional sources and references are developed during the course of the work.

Helpful literature:

Kruse, Otto (2005). Keine Angst vor dem leeren Blatt: ohne Schreibblockaden durchs Studium. (Campus concret; 16). 11. Aufl. Frankfurt/Main, New York: Campus. Karmasin, Matthias und Ribing, Rainer (2006). Die Gestaltung wissenschaftlicher Arbeiten. (UTB 2774), Wien: WUV Facultas

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Research Proposal - Exposé

Within the first year of doctoral study, researchers should (among other things) prepare a written research proposal/exposé, which will be the base for a public presentation at the department. The purpose of the proposal is to give a good impression of the research to be expected, determine the goals, lend the project some context, and provide a roadmap for its successful and timely completion. General information is available at

German: https://doktorat.univie.ac.at/doktoratsablauf/eingangsphase/expose/

English: https://doktorat.univie.ac.at/en/phd-process/entry-phase/research-proposal/

Modalities of Exposé in Philosophy

Decide which type of exposé is most appropriate for you and your project, taking into account the advice of your supervisor.

Submit a long research proposal (approximately 3,000-5,000 words) that includes the following information

description of the topic of the doctoral thesis project including a clear research question
outline of the state of research
illustration of the chosen research methods
relevant literature
choice of supervisors
time and work schedule, possibly financial budget and overview of resources

Submit a short research proposal (approximately 1,000 words) that includes a condensed form of the information listed in modality 1 and a piece of research (no longer than 5,000 words) which must

be a self-contained piece of academic research written during the first year of studies
be thematically related to the research proposal
illustrate the kind of work to be conducted in the research phase of the PhD.

The PhD Discussion Chapter: What It Is & How To Write It

Sep 11, 2023

image of a green speech bubble on a yellow background

Your PhD discussion chapter is your thesis’s intellectual epicenter. Think of it as the scholarly equivalent of a courtroom closing argument, where you summarise the evidence and make your case. Perhaps that’s why it’s so tricky – the skills you need in your discussion chapter aren’t skills you’ve likely had to deploy before: it’s where you start to speak like a Doctor.

In this guide, I want to present a comprehensive guide to the PhD discussion chapter. We’ll look at a number of key topics:

What is the purpose of a PhD Discussion Chapter?

Suggested outlines for a discussion chapter:

Advice for improving your discussion chapter

This is not a normal blog subscription.

Each week we send two short, thought-provoking emails that will make you think differently about what it means to be a PhD student. It is designed to be read in thirty seconds and thought about all day.

The PhD discussion chapter is the place where your findings, research questions, literature, theoretical framework and methodology coalesce into a coherent narrative. A common pitfall is when students see the discussion chapter as a summary of everything that has come before. This isn’t the case. Instead, the PhD discussion chapter offers a deep, analytical synthesis of your research, providing context, interpretation, and evaluation of your findings.

It’s the place in which you engage with existing theories, explore the significance of your work, and directly address the “So What?” question, highlighting the real-world implications and academic contributions of your research.

Let’s dig down into each of these things.

Summarising and explaining the research

Before you launch into the detail, start by laying out your findings in a clear, easy to follow way. This is typically done in the introduction and the first proper section of the chapter.

Starting the PhD discussion chapter by clearly laying out your findings serves as an anchor for your reader and sets the stage for the more complex discussions that follow. This foundational step ensures that the reader is equipped with all the necessary information to fully grasp the significance and implications of your work. It’s akin to laying the groundwork before building a complex structure; without a solid base, the intricate analyses may lose their impact or be misunderstood.

For example, if you’re a PhD student in environmental science studying the effects of a specific pollutant on marine life, begin by presenting the key data points, such as the pollutant concentration levels in various regions and the corresponding health indices of marine species studied. Use tables, figures, or graphs to help visualise the data and make it more accessible.

Laying out Quantitative Findings : If your research is quantitative, use statistical measures to present your results. Clearly state the metrics you’ve considered, such as means, variances, p-values, etc., and what they imply about your research question.
Laying out Qualitative Findings : In case of qualitative research, such as ethnographic studies or interviews, narrate the trends, patterns, or themes that have emerged. Use representative quotes or observations as illustrative examples.
Mixed-Methods Approach : If you’ve used both quantitative and qualitative methods, start by outlining how these different types of data will be integrated in your discussion. This could involve presenting the qualitative findings as a contextual backdrop for quantitative data or vice versa.

Remember, your objective at this initial stage is not to overwhelm the reader with complexity but to build a transparent, easily-followable narrative of what you’ve found. By starting with a clear presentation of your findings, you’re laying the groundwork for a powerful, credible discussion chapter that can tackle sophisticated analyses and weighty implications, underpinned by a comprehensible and compelling dataset.

There will be a necessary degree of overlap and repetition between this section (and the discussion chapter in general) and the findings chapter. However, there’s a subtle difference in the way in which the data is introduced in the findings and discussion chapters .

In the findings chapter, you’re generally presenting raw data or observations without interpreting what they mean. In the Discussion chapter, you take those same findings and begin to explore their implications, relate them to existing theories, and evaluate their significance. The danger, however, lies in creating excessive repetition between the two chapters, which can fatigue the reader and dilute the impact of your arguments.

To mitigate this, consider employing the following strategies:

Selective Highlighting : Choose only the most critical findings to revisit in the Discussion chapter. You don’t need to regurgitate every data point, only those central to the questions you aim to answer in this chapter.
Narrative Framing : When you bring up a finding in the Discussion chapter, introduce it as a stepping stone to a broader point or argument, rather than an isolated fact. This technique helps the reader understand why you’re revisiting this information and what new aspects you’ll be unveiling.
Use Different Presentation Formats : If the Findings chapter is heavy on tables and figures, consider summarising key points in a narrative form in the Discussion chapter or vice versa.

By thoughtfully selecting what to revisit and framing it within a new context, you can transform what might appear as repetition into a coherent and evolving narrative that adds value to your thesis. Read more about the difference between the findings and discussion chapters here .

Interpreting and Contextualising Results

It’s in the discussion chapter that you offer the interpretation and context for your research findings.

Here, you transition from being a data ‘gatherer’ to a data ‘interpreter’, weaving together the threads of research questions, data, methods, literature and theory to tell a complex story. While the Results chapter may offer the “what,” the PhD discussion chapter sheds light on the “why” and “how.”

For example, if you’re a social scientist studying the effects of social media on mental health, your results chapter might show statistical data indicating a correlation between social media use and anxiety. However, it’s in your discussion chapter that you would compare these findings to existing literature, perhaps linking them to existing theories or debates. This adds a layer of depth and context that transcends the numerical data, inviting academic dialogue and potential future research avenues.

There are three ways in which you can synthesise your findings:

Interpretation : Begin by interpreting your findings. Use comparisons, contrasts, and correlations to explain the significance of the results. This is where you should also address any unexpected outcomes and explain them.
Contextualisation : After interpretation, provide a context to situate your findings within the existing body of knowledge. Link back to your Literature Review and Theoretical Framework to show how your research aligns with or diverges from previous work. More on this below.
Evaluation : Finally, critically evaluate your own research. Discuss its limitations, the implications of your findings, and offer recommendations for future research.

Whether you’re in natural sciences exploring a new chemical compound or in humanities dissecting a piece of classical literature, the discussion chapter is your opportunity to show that your research not only answers specific questions but also contributes to a wider understanding of your field. It’s not enough to say, for instance, that a new drug successfully reduced symptoms of depression in 60% of study participants. You must explore what that 60% means.

Is it a statistically significant improvement over existing treatments?
What might be the physiological or psychological mechanisms at work?
Could your research method have influenced these outcomes?

There’s an art to explaining and synthesising your findings [Link to “How to Explain Your Findings”], but think of it this way: this is where you shine a light on the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of your findings, delving into the nuances that raw data can’t express.

Evaluating Existing Theories and Models

Beyond explaining your findings, the PhD discussion chapter allows you to evaluate the existing theories and models that you’ve cited in your literature review and/or theory framework chapter (not sure of the difference? Click here) . Your results could either reinforce established theories or challenge them, both of which significantly contribute to your field.

For instance, did your research on renewable energy technologies confirm the economic theories suggesting that green energy can be cost-effective?
Or did your social research provide empirical evidence that contradicts widely held beliefs in your field?

The PhD discussion chapter therefore serves as the space where the theories, concepts, ideas and hypotheses that make up and informed your theory framework and which you touched upon in your literature review intersect with the empirical data you’ve presented.

You’re not just mapping your findings onto the theories and models; you’re dissecting them, affirming or challenging them, and potentially even extending or refining them based on what you’ve discovered.

For instance, if you’re working on a thesis in psychology concerning cognitive development in early childhood, your Literature Review may have discussed Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. However, let’s say your findings indicate some nuances or exceptions to Piaget’s theories, or perhaps children in a certain demographic don’t follow the stages as previously thought.

Your discussion chapter is where you can make the argument that perhaps Piaget’s model, while generally accurate, might require some modification to account for these cases.

Affirming Theories : If your data aligns closely with the existing theories and models, the PhD discussion chapter serves to strengthen their credibility. Here, you’re lending empirical support to theoretical frameworks.
Challenging Theories : Alternatively, your findings might contradict or challenge the prevailing theories. This is not a shortcoming; instead, it opens the door for re-evaluation and progress in the field, which is just as valuable.
Extending or Refining Theories : Perhaps your research uncovers additional variables or conditions that existing models have not accounted for. In such cases, you’re pushing the envelope, extending the current boundaries of understanding.

As you evaluate existing theories and models, be comprehensive yet nuanced. Draw on varied disciplines if relevant. For example, if your thesis is at the intersection of public health and social policy, integrate models from both fields to offer a multi-faceted discussion. Being interdisciplinary can make your discussion richer and more impactful.

Ultimately, the discussion chapter offers you a platform to voice your scholarly interpretation and judgment. You’re participating in a broader academic dialogue, not just narrating your findings but positioning them in a web of knowledge that spans across time, disciplines, and viewpoints.

Discuss Unexpected Results

The discussion chapter is where you also discuss things that didn’t quite work out as planned. In particular, results that were unexpected.

Sometimes the most perplexing data offers the most valuable insights. Don’t shy away from discussing unexpected results; these could be the starting points for future research or even paradigm shifts in your field.

When your research yields findings that diverge from established theories or commonly held beliefs, you’re offered a unique opportunity to challenge and extend existing knowledge.

Take the field of primary education as an illustrative example. Assume you’re researching the efficacy of a specific teaching methodology that prior studies have lauded. However, your data reveals that while the method works wonders for one subgroup of students, it fails to benefit another subgroup. Far from diminishing the value of your research, this unexpected outcome presents an exciting opening. It beckons further inquiry into why the teaching methodology yielded disparate impacts, which could eventually result in more tailored and effective educational strategies.

In the realm of scientific discoveries, the significance of unexpected results cannot be overstated. Alexander Fleming’s accidental discovery of penicillin originated from what appeared to be a ‘failed’ experiment, but it revolutionised medicine. Similarly, the unintended discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation provided pivotal support for the Big Bang theory. In both instances, what seemed like anomalies paved the way for transformative understanding.

The first task when you encounter unexpected findings is to set them apart from the expected outcomes clearly. Delineate a specific section in your discussion chapter to delve into these anomalies, affording them the attention they merit.

Next, engage in hypothesising why these peculiarities emerged. This could be the point where your years of study and your depth of understanding of your subject really shine. Are there confounding variables that weren’t initially apparent? Could there be an entirely unexplored underlying mechanism at play? Take your reader on this exploration with you, and offer educated guesses based on your literature review and study design.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider and discuss the wider implications of these findings. Could they potentially refute longstanding theories or present the need for a shift in the prevailing school of thought? Or perhaps they hint at previously unthought-of applications or solutions to existing problems? Reflect on how these unexpected results might fit into the broader academic conversation and where future research might take these findings.

By earnestly and transparently tackling unexpected results, you exhibit a commitment to rigorous academic research. The willingness to entertain complexity and to follow the research—even when it leads in unpredictable directions—is a mark of scholarly integrity and courage. This holds true irrespective of your academic discipline, from the humanities and social sciences to STEM fields.

Answering the “so what?” Question

In your findings chapter you would have presented the data. In the discussion chapter, you answer the ‘so what’ question. Make sure to address it explicitly. Why does your research matter? Who benefits from it? How does it advance the scholarly discourse?

As a PhD student, you’ve already invested a substantial amount of time and effort into your research. Therefore, it’s crucial to articulate its importance not only to validate your own work but also to contribute meaningfully to your field and, in some cases, to society at large.

Answering the “so what?” question means connecting the dots between your isolated research findings and the larger intellectual landscape. It requires you to extend your analysis beyond the specifics of your study, considering how it advances the scholarly discourse in your field. For instance, if your research closes a significant gap in the literature, makes a theoretical breakthrough,

Example in Public Health : If your research finds that community-led sanitation programs are far more effective than government-implemented ones, then the “So What?” is clear: policy-makers need to see this data. But that doesn’t mean you don’t still need to discuss it.

Example in Literature : If your research uncovers previously unnoticed patterns of symbolism in 19th-century Russian literature, the “So What?” could be a deeper understanding of how literature reflects societal anxieties of the time.

In order to make your discussion chapter compelling and relevant, it’s imperative to always highlight why your research matters. This goes beyond simply reiterating your findings; you need to connect the dots and show how your research fits into the broader academic landscape. Are you challenging existing theories, confirming previous studies, or offering a new perspective? Establishing the academic importance of your work provides a solid footing for its wider application.

Further to establishing academic relevance, also aim to illuminate the real-world implications of your findings. What are the practical outcomes that could arise from your research? Are there specific scenarios or applications where your research could be a game-changer? For instance, if your study uncovers a more effective method of teaching reading to children with dyslexia, explicitly mention how this could revolutionise educational approaches and improve quality of life for those affected. Providing concrete scenarios enhances the applicability of your research, proving that it doesn’t merely exist in the realm of academic abstraction, but has tangible impacts that can affect change.

Limitations and Future Research

The quest for perfection is more a journey than a destination. This especially holds true in the context of a PhD thesis. Therefore, a well-crafted Discussion chapter should include a section devoted to the limitations of your research, as it establishes the scope, reliability, and validity of your work. Acknowledging limitations is not an act of undermining your research; instead, it embodies scholarly integrity and rigorous academic thinking.

Being upfront about limitations is essentially about being honest, not only with your readers but also with yourself as a researcher. For instance, if you’ve conducted a survey-based study in psychology but only managed to collect a small number of responses, admitting this limitation provides context for your findings. Perhaps the conclusions drawn from such a sample size are not universally applicable but could still offer significant insights into a particular demographic or condition

Do not shy away from discussing limitations in fear that it might weaken your arguments.
Clearly delineate the scope of your research, specifying what it does and doesn’t address.

For example, in a medical research study, if your sample size predominantly consists of individuals from a particular age group, admitting this limitation helps frame your research within that context. Or, if you’re a literature student, if your analysis focuses solely on the works of a single author, your findings might not be generalisable to broader literary trends.

Discussing limitations openly doesn’t devalue your work; it adds a layer of trustworthiness. It assures the reader—and the academic community at large—that you have a nuanced understanding of your research context. It demonstrates that you can critically evaluate your own work, a skill that is paramount.

Your PhD Thesis. On one page.

Example outline for a discussion chapter:.

I’ve included a suggested outline for a PhD discussion chapter. It’s important to note that no two PhDs are alike, and yours may well (probably will) diverge from this. The purpose here is to show how all the various factors we’ve discussed above fit together.

Introduction

Brief Overview of Research Objectives and Key Findings
Purpose of the Discussion Chapter

Summary of Key Findings

Brief Restatement of Research Findings
Comparison with Initial Hypotheses or Research Questions

Interpretation of Findings

Contextualisation of Results
Significance and Implications of the Findings

Evaluation of Existing Theories and Models

How Your Findings Support or Challenge Previous Work
Conceptual Contributions of Your Study
Acknowledgment of Study Limitations
Suggestions for Future Research
Summation of Key Points
Broader Implications and Contributions of the Research
Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Once you’ve navigated through the complexities of your PhD research, you’re now faced with the challenge of bringing it all together in your discussion chapter. While you’ve already considered various facets like summarising findings, evaluating existing theories, and acknowledging limitations, there are some “easy wins”—small, yet impactful steps—that can help strengthen this critical chapter.

The Power of a Well-Structured Narrative

Begin with a well-structured narrative that clearly outlines your arguments. Tell the reader what the destination is at the outset of the chapter, and then make sure each paragraph is a stepping stone to that destination.

Each paragraph should serve a purpose and should logically follow the previous one. This helps in making your discussion coherent and easy to follow.

Use transition sentences between paragraphs to guide the reader through your argument.
Make sure each paragraph adds a new dimension to your discussion.

Data Visualisation Tools

Visual aids aren’t just for presentations; they can provide tremendous value in a discussion chapter. Diagrams, charts, or graphs can provide a visual break and help to emphasise your points effectively.

Use graphs or charts to represent trends that support your argument.
Always caption your visuals and reference them in the text.

Integrate Feedback Actively

It’s often beneficial to have colleagues, advisors, or other experts review your discussion section before finalising it. They can offer fresh perspectives and may catch gaps or ambiguities that you’ve missed.

Seek feedback but also know when to filter it, sticking to advice that genuinely enhances your work.
Don’t wait until the last minute for feedback; give reviewers ample time.

Highlight the Broader Implications

While you’ll delve into this more in your conclusion, don’t shy away from previewing the broader implications of your work in your discussion. Make it clear why your research matters in a wider context.

State the broader implications but keep them tightly related to your research findings.
Avoid making grand claims that your research can’t support

In the journey toward a PhD, learning ‘how to write like a doctor’ is more than mastering grammar or honing your prose; it’s about flexing your academic muscles with confidence and authority. It is in the discussion chapter that you really start flexing, and which you really can and need to speak like a doctor.

For many, this is the first instance of challenging the hegemony of existing literature, refuting established theories, or proposing innovative frameworks. It’s an intimidating task; after all, these are the ideas and research paradigms you’ve been learning about throughout your educational journey. Suddenly, you’re not just absorbing knowledge; you’re contributing to it, critiquing it, and perhaps even changing its trajectory. If it feels challenging, remember that’s because it’s new, and that’s why it’s hard. However, you’ve made it this far, and that alone testifies to your academic rigour and capability. You’ve earned the right to be heard; now it’s time to speak with the academic authority that has been years in the making. So, don’t hold back—flex those academic muscles and carve your niche in the scholarly conversation.

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Dissertation

How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction

Published on September 7, 2022 by Tegan George and Shona McCombes. Revised on November 21, 2023.

The introduction is the first section of your thesis or dissertation , appearing right after the table of contents . Your introduction draws your reader in, setting the stage for your research with a clear focus, purpose, and direction on a relevant topic .

Your introduction should include:

Your topic, in context: what does your reader need to know to understand your thesis dissertation?
Your focus and scope: what specific aspect of the topic will you address?
The relevance of your research: how does your work fit into existing studies on your topic?
Your questions and objectives: what does your research aim to find out, and how?
An overview of your structure: what does each section contribute to the overall aim?

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How to start your introduction, topic and context, focus and scope, relevance and importance, questions and objectives, overview of the structure, thesis introduction example, introduction checklist, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about introductions.

Although your introduction kicks off your dissertation, it doesn’t have to be the first thing you write — in fact, it’s often one of the very last parts to be completed (just before your abstract ).

It’s a good idea to write a rough draft of your introduction as you begin your research, to help guide you. If you wrote a research proposal , consider using this as a template, as it contains many of the same elements. However, be sure to revise your introduction throughout the writing process, making sure it matches the content of your ensuing sections.

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Begin by introducing your dissertation topic and giving any necessary background information. It’s important to contextualize your research and generate interest. Aim to show why your topic is timely or important. You may want to mention a relevant news item, academic debate, or practical problem.

After a brief introduction to your general area of interest, narrow your focus and define the scope of your research.

You can narrow this down in many ways, such as by:

Geographical area
Time period
Demographics or communities
Themes or aspects of the topic

It’s essential to share your motivation for doing this research, as well as how it relates to existing work on your topic. Further, you should also mention what new insights you expect it will contribute.

Start by giving a brief overview of the current state of research. You should definitely cite the most relevant literature, but remember that you will conduct a more in-depth survey of relevant sources in the literature review section, so there’s no need to go too in-depth in the introduction.

Depending on your field, the importance of your research might focus on its practical application (e.g., in policy or management) or on advancing scholarly understanding of the topic (e.g., by developing theories or adding new empirical data). In many cases, it will do both.

Ultimately, your introduction should explain how your thesis or dissertation:

Helps solve a practical or theoretical problem
Addresses a gap in the literature
Builds on existing research
Proposes a new understanding of your topic

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Perhaps the most important part of your introduction is your questions and objectives, as it sets up the expectations for the rest of your thesis or dissertation. How you formulate your research questions and research objectives will depend on your discipline, topic, and focus, but you should always clearly state the central aim of your research.

If your research aims to test hypotheses , you can formulate them here. Your introduction is also a good place for a conceptual framework that suggests relationships between variables .

Conduct surveys to collect data on students’ levels of knowledge, understanding, and positive/negative perceptions of government policy.
Determine whether attitudes to climate policy are associated with variables such as age, gender, region, and social class.
Conduct interviews to gain qualitative insights into students’ perspectives and actions in relation to climate policy.

To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.

I. Introduction

Human language consists of a set of vowels and consonants which are combined to form words. During the speech production process, thoughts are converted into spoken utterances to convey a message. The appropriate words and their meanings are selected in the mental lexicon (Dell & Burger, 1997). This pre-verbal message is then grammatically coded, during which a syntactic representation of the utterance is built.

Speech, language, and voice disorders affect the vocal cords, nerves, muscles, and brain structures, which result in a distorted language reception or speech production (Sataloff & Hawkshaw, 2014). The symptoms vary from adding superfluous words and taking pauses to hoarseness of the voice, depending on the type of disorder (Dodd, 2005). However, distortions of the speech may also occur as a result of a disease that seems unrelated to speech, such as multiple sclerosis or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

This study aims to determine which acoustic parameters are suitable for the automatic detection of exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) by investigating which aspects of speech differ between COPD patients and healthy speakers and which aspects differ between COPD patients in exacerbation and stable COPD patients.

Checklist: Introduction

I have introduced my research topic in an engaging way.

I have provided necessary context to help the reader understand my topic.

I have clearly specified the focus of my research.

I have shown the relevance and importance of the dissertation topic .

I have clearly stated the problem or question that my research addresses.

I have outlined the specific objectives of the research .

I have provided an overview of the dissertation’s structure .

You've written a strong introduction for your thesis or dissertation. Use the other checklists to continue improving your dissertation.

If you want to know more about AI for academic writing, AI tools, or research bias, make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

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The introduction of a research paper includes several key elements:

A hook to catch the reader’s interest
Relevant background on the topic
Details of your research problem

and your problem statement

A thesis statement or research question
Sometimes an overview of the paper

Don’t feel that you have to write the introduction first. The introduction is often one of the last parts of the research paper you’ll write, along with the conclusion.

This is because it can be easier to introduce your paper once you’ve already written the body ; you may not have the clearest idea of your arguments until you’ve written them, and things can change during the writing process .

Research objectives describe what you intend your research project to accomplish.

They summarize the approach and purpose of the project and help to focus your research.

Your objectives should appear in the introduction of your research paper , at the end of your problem statement .

Scope of research is determined at the beginning of your research process , prior to the data collection stage. Sometimes called “scope of study,” your scope delineates what will and will not be covered in your project. It helps you focus your work and your time, ensuring that you’ll be able to achieve your goals and outcomes.

Defining a scope can be very useful in any research project, from a research proposal to a thesis or dissertation . A scope is needed for all types of research: quantitative , qualitative , and mixed methods .

To define your scope of research, consider the following:

Budget constraints or any specifics of grant funding
Your proposed timeline and duration
Specifics about your population of study, your proposed sample size , and the research methodology you’ll pursue
Any inclusion and exclusion criteria
Any anticipated control , extraneous , or confounding variables that could bias your research if not accounted for properly.

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Exposé Scholarships

In order to promote young academics, the University of Kassel awards exposé scholarships every semester with the aim of supporting doctoral candidates on their way to a doctorate.

Target group

All persons who have a commitment for the supervision of the doctorate by a professor of the University of Kassel are eligible to apply. An application is only possible once.

Scholarship amount

The scholarship is endowed with 1,300€ per month. A family allowance of 200€ per month is possible upon request.

The scholarship is granted for up to nine months. The aim is to prepare an exposé during the funding period, which is required for the application for acceptance as a doctoral student:in at the doctoral office of the University of Kassel. It can also be used for the application for a doctoral scholarship at a scholarship organization for gifted students. The funding period usually starts on 01.04. for applications submitted in November and on 01.10. for applications submitted in April. The Exposé Fellowship ends at the end of the term or upon acceptance by the doctoral committee, provided this occurs within the funding period.

Selection procedure

The doctoral scholarship committee decides on the awarding of scholarships on the basis of the letter of motivation, the achievements to date in the course of studies, the outline of the doctoral thesis and the opinion of the supervisor. The doctoral scholarship committee consists of the responsible vice president, at least three professors and one academic staff member.

Application documents

Applications must be submitted electronically via the job portal of the University of Kassel (LINK). The following documents are to be submitted in German or English in the order stated, summarized in a PDF file:

The applicant submits a letter of motivation of up to two pages, explaining the motivation for a) the doctorate and b) the doctorate at the University of Kassel.
The applicant submits a two-page outline (plus bibliography) of the doctoral project. This should describe the intended topic of the doctorate as well as possible preliminary work.
Curriculum vitae in table form
one copy of qualifying university degree
The applicant must enclose a letter of recommendation from the supervisor with his/her application documents. In this report, the supervisor guarantees that he/she will supervise the doctorate.

Expert opinion

When applying for an exposé fellowship, the applicant must attach the review of the supervisor to his/her own application documents. In the expert opinion, the supervisor guarantees that he/she will supervise the doctorate. Each supervisor may only support one person per award round.

Legal basis

Please note the following regulations for the awarding of scholarships. It contains all general conditions and details about the Exposé Scholarships.

Regulations for the Awarding of Exposé and Doctoral Degree Scholarships of the University of Kassel

Current call for application

Call_Exposee_April_2024.pdf - 55 KB

The closing date for applications is

15. April 2024

What is the Exposé Fellowship about?

During the funding period, the scholarship holders should have time to work on their doctoral exposé. This exposé is required to submit the application for acceptance as a doctoral candidate to the doctoral office of the University of Kassel. Furthermore, the exposé can also be used for the application for a doctoral scholarship at a scholarship organization for gifted students.

Who is eligible to apply?

Anyone who has a commitment from a professor at the University of Kassel to supervise the doctorate may apply.

I have the supervision commitment of a:r professor:in another university. May I still apply?

No, only persons who have a commitment to supervise a:r professor:in the University of Kassel can apply.

In which language may the application be submitted?

Applications can be submitted in German and English.

How and to whom do I send my application?

The application is made in electronic form via the homepage of the university (https://www.uni-kassel.de/uni/universitaet/stellenangebote) . Here please select the item "Scholarships".

Your documents should be sent in the order mentioned (summarized in a PDF file).

What documents are needed for the application?

a short cover letter (max. one page),
a letter of motivation (max. two pages) outlining the motivation for the doctorate as well as for the doctorate at the University of Kassel,
a doctoral outline (a total of two pages plus literature; the outline addresses the points of current research and own preliminary work, goals and research question, methods as well as expected scientific contribution)
a curriculum vitae in tabular form,
university transcripts and
a report of the supervising person, in which the person assures the supervision. The applicant must attach the expert opinion to the documents.

How long do you receive funding?

The sponsorship period is nine months. If another fellowship is started or gainful employment is taken up within this period, the Exposé Fellowship ends. The scholarship holder is obliged to inform the Research and Graduate Funding Office immediately of any changes in this regard.

How much is the stipend?

The scholarship amounts to 1,200€ per month. A family supplement of 200€ per month can also be granted upon request. A family supplement is granted to parents of minor children. To receive the family supplement, the child's birth certificate must be presented.

I have applied. What happens now?

The applications are reviewed by the scholarship award committee and a decision is made in a joint meeting as to who should receive a scholarship. All applicants will be notified of the decision in writing shortly after this meeting. Please do not call the staff office, as we are unable to provide information over the phone.

May I reapply if I have been rejected?

No. An application is only possible once. However, if the scholarship is discontinued due to the birth of a child, the applicant's own serious illness or the care of relatives, a reapplication is possible.

I applied in the spring or fall and was accepted. When does the funding start?

For persons who apply in the spring, funding usually begins on 01.10. of the same year. For persons who apply in the fall, funding usually begins on 01.04. of the following year. Upon justified request, funding may be postponed by a few (but no more than 3) months.

Is there also a non-material promotion?

Yes, in addition to the financial support, the scholarship holders also take part in two seminars during their funding period. These deal, among other things, with writing the exposé and the question of how the doctorate can be further financed.

Do I have to submit a report at the end of the grant period?

Yes. After the end of the funding period, a report on the completed work steps must be submitted within two months of the conclusion of the exposé grant. We will then inform you about the exact procedure.

When is the next application deadline?

The deadlines are usually April 15 and November 01 of each year. Please refer to our homepage for the exact dates.

Research and Graduate Research Office Casimira Neumann +49 561 804 2263

stipendium[at]uni-kassel[dot]de

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How Do You Write A Phd Exposed: Secrets To Success

bởi Chu Dung
Tháng Chín 14, 2023

The Ways Phd Students Cheat On Their Thesis. Avoid Doing This…

Keywords searched by users: How do you write a PHD exposed how to write an expose on someone, example of an exposé, what is an exposé, one page phd proposal, what is an exposé in writing, expose science, phd research proposal sample in education pdf, cambridge phd proposal sample pdf

What Is An Expose Phd?

An expose PhD, also known as a dissertation proposal (referred to as “Exposé” in German-speaking academia), is a concise document designed to introduce the subject matter of your doctoral research to a broader audience. It functions as a comprehensive blueprint, guiding your research project by outlining its structure, content, and timeline. Essentially, your expose PhD elucidates the key themes and methodologies you intend to explore in your dissertation, offering a clear roadmap for your academic endeavor. This critical document not only defines the scope and direction of your research but also serves as a foundation upon which your doctoral thesis will be built.

How To Write A Good Expose ?

To craft a well-structured exposé effectively, you need to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the current state of research in your field, with a particular focus on how it directly relates to your own project. This entails acknowledging and referencing pivotal works by other prominent scientists in your field of study. Additionally, it is crucial to elucidate recent research developments in a manner that not only highlights their central concepts but also contextualizes them within the broader landscape of your project. In doing so, you should emphasize the innovative aspects and novel contributions that your own project brings to the field.

What Is An Expose In Academic Writing?

An exposé in academic writing functions as a foundational document for guiding the development of your master’s or doctoral thesis. It essentially acts as a detailed roadmap that outlines each crucial phase of your research journey and highlights the specific inquiries you intend to explore. To create a compelling exposé, you should demonstrate several key elements:

a. A well-defined research question that succinctly encapsulates the core focus of your thesis. b. A persuasive argument showcasing the significance and relevance of your chosen research topic within the broader academic context. c. A comprehensive plan for your research methodology and approach, including data collection and analysis methods, to support your thesis.

In essence, an exposé is an essential preparatory step that sets the stage for your entire academic research project, ensuring that you have a clear direction, a convincing rationale, and a strategic plan for your thesis.

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Dissertation Proposals – Freiburg Research Services
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NPR suspends veteran editor as it grapples with his public criticism

David Folkenflik

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument. Uri Berliner hide caption

NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument.

NPR has formally punished Uri Berliner, the senior editor who publicly argued a week ago that the network had "lost America's trust" by approaching news stories with a rigidly progressive mindset.

Berliner's five-day suspension without pay, which began last Friday, has not been previously reported.

Yet the public radio network is grappling in other ways with the fallout from Berliner's essay for the online news site The Free Press . It angered many of his colleagues, led NPR leaders to announce monthly internal reviews of the network's coverage, and gave fresh ammunition to conservative and partisan Republican critics of NPR, including former President Donald Trump.

Conservative activist Christopher Rufo is among those now targeting NPR's new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the network. Among others, those posts include a 2020 tweet that called Trump racist and another that appeared to minimize rioting during social justice protests that year. Maher took the job at NPR last month — her first at a news organization .

In a statement Monday about the messages she had posted, Maher praised the integrity of NPR's journalists and underscored the independence of their reporting.

"In America everyone is entitled to free speech as a private citizen," she said. "What matters is NPR's work and my commitment as its CEO: public service, editorial independence, and the mission to serve all of the American public. NPR is independent, beholden to no party, and without commercial interests."

The network noted that "the CEO is not involved in editorial decisions."

In an interview with me later on Monday, Berliner said the social media posts demonstrated Maher was all but incapable of being the person best poised to direct the organization.

"We're looking for a leader right now who's going to be unifying and bring more people into the tent and have a broader perspective on, sort of, what America is all about," Berliner said. "And this seems to be the opposite of that."

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month. Stephen Voss/Stephen Voss hide caption

Conservative critics of NPR are now targeting its new chief executive, Katherine Maher, for messages she posted to social media years before joining the public radio network last month.

He said that he tried repeatedly to make his concerns over NPR's coverage known to news leaders and to Maher's predecessor as chief executive before publishing his essay.

Berliner has singled out coverage of several issues dominating the 2020s for criticism, including trans rights, the Israel-Hamas war and COVID. Berliner says he sees the same problems at other news organizations, but argues NPR, as a mission-driven institution, has a greater obligation to fairness.

"I love NPR and feel it's a national trust," Berliner says. "We have great journalists here. If they shed their opinions and did the great journalism they're capable of, this would be a much more interesting and fulfilling organization for our listeners."

A "final warning"

The circumstances surrounding the interview were singular.

Berliner provided me with a copy of the formal rebuke to review. NPR did not confirm or comment upon his suspension for this article.

In presenting Berliner's suspension Thursday afternoon, the organization told the editor he had failed to secure its approval for outside work for other news outlets, as is required of NPR journalists. It called the letter a "final warning," saying Berliner would be fired if he violated NPR's policy again. Berliner is a dues-paying member of NPR's newsroom union but says he is not appealing the punishment.

The Free Press is a site that has become a haven for journalists who believe that mainstream media outlets have become too liberal. In addition to his essay, Berliner appeared in an episode of its podcast Honestly with Bari Weiss.

A few hours after the essay appeared online, NPR chief business editor Pallavi Gogoi reminded Berliner of the requirement that he secure approval before appearing in outside press, according to a copy of the note provided by Berliner.

In its formal rebuke, NPR did not cite Berliner's appearance on Chris Cuomo's NewsNation program last Tuesday night, for which NPR gave him the green light. (NPR's chief communications officer told Berliner to focus on his own experience and not share proprietary information.) The NPR letter also did not cite his remarks to The New York Times , which ran its article mid-afternoon Thursday, shortly before the reprimand was sent. Berliner says he did not seek approval before talking with the Times .

NPR defends its journalism after senior editor says it has lost the public's trust

Berliner says he did not get permission from NPR to speak with me for this story but that he was not worried about the consequences: "Talking to an NPR journalist and being fired for that would be extraordinary, I think."

Berliner is a member of NPR's business desk, as am I, and he has helped to edit many of my stories. He had no involvement in the preparation of this article and did not see it before it was posted publicly.

In rebuking Berliner, NPR said he had also publicly released proprietary information about audience demographics, which it considers confidential. He said those figures "were essentially marketing material. If they had been really good, they probably would have distributed them and sent them out to the world."

Feelings of anger and betrayal inside the newsroom

His essay and subsequent public remarks stirred deep anger and dismay within NPR. Colleagues contend Berliner cherry-picked examples to fit his arguments and challenge the accuracy of his accounts. They also note he did not seek comment from the journalists involved in the work he cited.

Morning Edition host Michel Martin told me some colleagues at the network share Berliner's concerns that coverage is frequently presented through an ideological or idealistic prism that can alienate listeners.

"The way to address that is through training and mentorship," says Martin, herself a veteran of nearly two decades at the network who has also reported for The Wall Street Journal and ABC News. "It's not by blowing the place up, by trashing your colleagues, in full view of people who don't really care about it anyway."

Several NPR journalists told me they are no longer willing to work with Berliner as they no longer have confidence that he will keep private their internal musings about stories as they work through coverage.

"Newsrooms run on trust," NPR political correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben tweeted last week, without mentioning Berliner by name. "If you violate everyone's trust by going to another outlet and sh--ing on your colleagues (while doing a bad job journalistically, for that matter), I don't know how you do your job now."

Berliner rejected that critique, saying nothing in his essay or subsequent remarks betrayed private observations or arguments about coverage.

Other newsrooms are also grappling with questions over news judgment and confidentiality. On Monday, New York Times Executive Editor Joseph Kahn announced to his staff that the newspaper's inquiry into who leaked internal dissent over a planned episode of its podcast The Daily to another news outlet proved inconclusive. The episode was to focus on a December report on the use of sexual assault as part of the Hamas attack on Israel in October. Audio staffers aired doubts over how well the reporting stood up to scrutiny.

"We work together with trust and collegiality everyday on everything we produce, and I have every expectation that this incident will prove to be a singular exception to an important rule," Kahn wrote to Times staffers.

At NPR, some of Berliner's colleagues have weighed in online against his claim that the network has focused on diversifying its workforce without a concomitant commitment to diversity of viewpoint. Recently retired Chief Executive John Lansing has referred to this pursuit of diversity within NPR's workforce as its " North Star ," a moral imperative and chief business strategy.

In his essay, Berliner tagged the strategy as a failure, citing the drop in NPR's broadcast audiences and its struggle to attract more Black and Latino listeners in particular.

"During most of my tenure here, an open-minded, curious culture prevailed. We were nerdy, but not knee-jerk, activist, or scolding," Berliner writes. "In recent years, however, that has changed."

Berliner writes, "For NPR, which purports to consider all things, it's devastating both for its journalism and its business model."

NPR investigative reporter Chiara Eisner wrote in a comment for this story: "Minorities do not all think the same and do not report the same. Good reporters and editors should know that by now. It's embarrassing to me as a reporter at NPR that a senior editor here missed that point in 2024."

Some colleagues drafted a letter to Maher and NPR's chief news executive, Edith Chapin, seeking greater clarity on NPR's standards for its coverage and the behavior of its journalists — clearly pointed at Berliner.

A plan for "healthy discussion"

On Friday, CEO Maher stood up for the network's mission and the journalism, taking issue with Berliner's critique, though never mentioning him by name. Among her chief issues, she said Berliner's essay offered "a criticism of our people on the basis of who we are."

Berliner took great exception to that, saying she had denigrated him. He said that he supported diversifying NPR's workforce to look more like the U.S. population at large. She did not address that in a subsequent private exchange he shared with me for this story. (An NPR spokesperson declined further comment.)

Late Monday afternoon, Chapin announced to the newsroom that Executive Editor Eva Rodriguez would lead monthly meetings to review coverage.

"Among the questions we'll ask of ourselves each month: Did we capture the diversity of this country — racial, ethnic, religious, economic, political geographic, etc — in all of its complexity and in a way that helped listeners and readers recognize themselves and their communities?" Chapin wrote in the memo. "Did we offer coverage that helped them understand — even if just a bit better — those neighbors with whom they share little in common?"

Berliner said he welcomed the announcement but would withhold judgment until those meetings played out.

In a text for this story, Chapin said such sessions had been discussed since Lansing unified the news and programming divisions under her acting leadership last year.

"Now seemed [the] time to deliver if we were going to do it," Chapin said. "Healthy discussion is something we need more of."

Disclosure: This story was reported and written by NPR Media Correspondent David Folkenflik and edited by Deputy Business Editor Emily Kopp and Managing Editor Gerry Holmes. Under NPR's protocol for reporting on itself, no NPR corporate official or news executive reviewed this story before it was posted publicly.

Katherine Maher
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2024

Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. and Attorney General Rob Bonta File Lawsuit to Challenge Voter ID Law

Los Angeles, Calif. - Today, California’s Chief Elections Officer Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., and Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit in Orange County to challenge Huntington Beach’s recently passed voter identification (ID) law.

Huntington Beach’s Charter Amendment requiring voter identification at the polls violates California law. Existing law prohibits local governments from imposing voter ID requirements and the State of California has exclusive jurisdiction over voter eligibility and casting ballots.

On September 28, 2023, Secretary Weber and Attorney General Bonta sent a letter to the City of Huntington Beach warning that its proposal to require voter identification at polling locations in municipal elections directly conflicts with state law.

California Secretary of State Shirley Weber, Ph.D., stated “This voter ID measure conflicts with state law. Not only is it a solution in search of a problem, laws like these are harmful to California voters, especially low-income, the elderly, people of color, those with disabilities, and young voters.”

Under state law, each person who registers to vote is required to provide identifying information under penalty of perjury, and county and state election officials validate that information. “Voter ID requirements have historically been used to turn eligible voters away from exercising their right to vote,” Secretary Weber added.

“The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beach’s voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle,” said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “State election law already contains robust voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud, while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without hardship. Imposing unnecessary obstacles to voter participation disproportionately burdens low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities. We’re asking the court to block Huntington Beach’s unlawful step toward suppressing or disenfranchising voters. The California Department of Justice stands ready to defend the voting rights that make our democracy strong.”

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PDF Recommendations for Writing an Exposé
Recommendations for Writing an Exposé. Explain your project in general terms (not more than 15 lines). 3. State of research. Short and precise explanation of the state of research. It must refer directly to your project, and you must name the most important works by other scientists in your field of research.
PDF How to Write an Expose
step. It is not a bad idea to develop a rough outline while writing your exposé, in order to begin bringing structure to your work. This includes developing a common thread in your exposé by using the research question and the selected methodology to think about how you to plan to proceed in answering the research question you have selected. 6.
PDF The Structure of an Exposé
Please indicate all literature you have used to write the exposé (sources must of course be marked in the text as in any scientific work) Please indicate separately all sources with which you have additionally read into your field . Author: Windows User Created Date:
Writing an exposé
Exposés in more developed versions are usually between 5 and 20 pages long. They mark the end of an in-depth orientation and preparation phase and are therefore more extensive. Exposés written for the acquisition of scholarships and research funding tend to be oriented towards the upper page limit. Language.
PDF Instructions for Preparing an Exposé
Outline. In this section, you outline a draft of your structure in descriptive or table form. This facilitates further work and gives you a basic framework for the further procedure, which you can refine and modify step by step. When planning your work, it may be useful to specify the expected scope of the individual sections in page numbers.
PDF How to Write an Expose
write an exposé! The exposé summarizes your preliminary research design and guides you through writing your research paper. 1. Header • Name, e-mail address, number of semesters, study program • Date • Working title of your term paper • Name of the seminar . 2. Introduction to the research problem/research question
Writing an exposé
In the field of audio communication, exposés for theses should have a length of 3-4 pages of text (Arial 11 point single-spaced), for dissertations a length of 6-8 pages is common, while applications for grants and project proposals also require a length of 10-15 pages. The synopsis should have the following structure:
PDF Master Thesis Guide for an Exposé
supervisor(s). In this context, please remember that the Exposé is written in a scientific writing style. In particular, please include citations and references in a proper manner, pay attention to formalities (such as spelling) and avoid informal expressions. An Exposé should ideally include the following: MOTIVATION - Why is this topic ...
PDF Notes on writing an exposé
Notes on writing an exposé The first comprehensive written presentation of a research project takes place after the orientation and planning phase in the form of an exposé. It describes all essential aspects of the future project in a generally understandable way: research context, research topic, research question, methods, ...
Research Proposal
Research Proposal - Exposé. Within the first year of doctoral study, researchers should (among other things) prepare a written research proposal/exposé, which will be the base for a public presentation at the department. The purpose of the proposal is to give a good impression of the research to be expected, determine the goals, lend the ...
PDF A Guide to Writing your PhD Proposal
Therefore, in a good research proposal you will need to demonstrate two main things: 1. that you are capable of independent critical thinking and analysis. 2. that you are capable of communicating your ideas clearly. Applying for a PhD is like applying for a job, you are not applying for a taught programme.
How to Write a Great PhD Research Proposal
You'll need to write a research proposal if you're submitting your own project plan as part of a PhD application. A good PhD proposal outlines the scope and significance of your topic and explains how you plan to research it. It's helpful to think about the proposal like this: if the rest of your application explains your ability to do a PhD ...
PDF Guidelines for Writing a Master T hesis Exposé
Guidelines for Writing a Master T hesis Exposé . An exposé for a master thesis should comprise between10- 12 pages plus a cover page and abstract. The main text should be structured as described below. Please use a common typeface like (sans serif) Arial or Times New Roman (serif). The font size is 11 pt, the line spacing is 1½.
PhD Discussion Chapter: What It Is And How To Write It
The PhD Discussion Chapter: What It Is & How To Write It. Sep 11, 2023. Your PhD discussion chapter is your thesis's intellectual epicenter. Think of it as the scholarly equivalent of a courtroom closing argument, where you summarise the evidence and make your case. Perhaps that's why it's so tricky - the skills you need in your ...
How to nail your PhD proposal and get accepted
When writing your PhD proposal you need to show that your PhD is worth it, achievable, and that you have the ability to do it at your chosen university. With all of that in mind, let's take a closer look at each section of a standard PhD research proposal and the overall structure. 1. Front matter.
PDF How to Develop a Research Project and Write a Research Proposal
b. Table of content (to be written last) c. Abstract (to be written last): A concise summary of your project including the most important points. Please make sure your abstract is perfectly logic and coherent. Read abstracts in scientific journals to get familiar with the wording and the grammar in abstract writing. d.
PDF Academic writing : guidelines for preparing a seminar paper with examples
Remark 1: The seminar paper must be based on scientific publications such as research journals, conference papers, workshop articles, books and other scientific papers. Remark 2: Elaborates on a narrowly defined research question. Remark 3: Draw a line from the introduction to the conclusion.
PDF How to Write a Research Proposal
Methodology. This is a very important part of your research outline and should receive a lot of attention. It may well be the longest section of your proposal. Give detailed information about how you intend to answer your research questions. Anyone who reads your proposal will want to know the sources and quality of evidence you will consult ...
(PDF) How to Write a PhD Proposal
A PhD proposal is a focused document that int roduces your PhD study idea and seeks to. convince the reader that your idea is interesting, original and viable within the allocated study. period ...
How to Write a Thesis or Dissertation Introduction
Overview of the structure. To help guide your reader, end your introduction with an outline of the structure of the thesis or dissertation to follow. Share a brief summary of each chapter, clearly showing how each contributes to your central aims. However, be careful to keep this overview concise: 1-2 sentences should be enough.
Exposé Scholarships
These deal, among other things, with writing the exposé and the question of how the doctorate can be further financed. Do I have to submit a report at the end of the grant period? Yes. After the end of the funding period, a report on the completed work steps must be submitted within two months of the conclusion of the exposé grant.
PDF Heidelberg Center for American Studies
• A writing sample in English of 2 to 10 pages in length: This can be an essay you wrote for your previous studies, an essay on a topic you choose. The writing sample should give us an idea of the standard of your skills in formulating and expressing your thoughts in English.
How Do You Write A Phd Exposed: Secrets To Success
An expose PhD, also known as a dissertation proposal (referred to as "Exposé" in German-speaking academia), is a concise document designed to introduce the subject matter of your doctoral research to a broader audience. It functions as a comprehensive blueprint, guiding your research project by outlining its structure, content, and timeline.
NPR Editor Uri Berliner suspended after essay criticizing network : NPR
NPR suspended senior editor Uri Berliner for five days without pay after he wrote an essay accusing the network of losing the public's trust and appeared on a podcast to explain his argument.
Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. and Attorney General Rob
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2024. Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D. and Attorney General Rob Bonta File Lawsuit to Challenge Voter ID Law

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Writing an exposé

Form and structure of an exposé

The structure

B) Problem definition and research interest

C) Current state of research

D) Your research question

E) Methodology, (re)sources and materials

F) Preliminary work plan and time schedule

G) Bibliography

The form and language of an exposé

Further considerations and tips on writing an exposé

Further information

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Notes on writing a exposé

Research Proposal - Exposé

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The PhD Discussion Chapter: What It Is & How To Write It

What is the purpose of a PhD Discussion Chapter?

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Summarising and explaining the research

Interpreting and Contextualising Results

Evaluating Existing Theories and Models

Discuss Unexpected Results

Answering the “so what?” Question

Limitations and Future Research

Your PhD Thesis. On one page.

Introduction

Summary of Key Findings

Interpretation of Findings

Evaluation of Existing Theories and Models

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Exposé Scholarships

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The Ways Phd Students Cheat On Their Thesis. Avoid Doing This…

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