how to write motivation of thesis

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Compelling Research Motivation for Your Thesis

Writing a research motivation section for your dissertation is a critical step in effectively communicating the purpose and significance of your study. A well-crafted research motivation not only demonstrates your passion for the topic, but also provides a strong foundation for your research. In this expert article, we will explore the essential elements and strategies to help you write a compelling research proposal that will engage readers and demonstrate the importance of your work.

Understand the importance of personal connection

A research motivation section should begin by exploring the personal journey that led you to choose your specific research topic. Reflect on the experiences, challenges, or inspirations that piqued your interest and shaped your perspective. By sharing your personal connection, you establish authenticity and demonstrate your genuine enthusiasm for the topic.

Highlight context and background

To provide a full understanding of your research, it is essential to present the context and background of the topic. Draw on knowledge and insights from reputable sources and previous studies. Highlight the gaps, limitations, or unresolved issues in the existing literature that motivate your research. This will help position your study as a valuable contribution to the field.

Demonstrate intellectual engagement

Demonstrate your intellectual engagement by discussing key works, theories, or concepts that have influenced your thinking. Identify seminal research or influential publications that have shaped your understanding of the topic. Highlight any disagreements, contradictions, or unanswered questions that have piqued your curiosity. This demonstrates your critical thinking skills and establishes your expertise in the field.

Justify relevance and importance

Clearly articulate why your research is relevant and important, both academically and practically. Explain how your study fills a gap in knowledge, provides new insights, or contributes to theoretical advances. Discuss the potential implications and practical applications of your findings. By highlighting the significance of your research, you engage readers and emphasize the value of your work.

Connect to the broader research community

Acknowledge the broader research community by referencing studies, researchers, or institutions that have made significant contributions to your field. Show that your research is part of an ongoing dialogue and builds on existing knowledge. This demonstrates your awareness of the current state of research and positions your work within the larger scholarly discourse.

Maintain a personal and engaging tone

While maintaining a professional tone, infuse your writing with your own voice and personality. A personal and engaging tone helps create a connection with readers and makes your motivational section more relatable. Avoid excessive jargon and use clear language to ensure that your ideas are accessible to a wide audience.

Writing a compelling research motivation section is essential to setting the stage for your thesis. By combining personal insight, contextual background, intellectual engagement, and a strong rationale for relevance, you can create a compelling narrative that engages readers and underscores the importance of your research. Remember to maintain an engaging tone throughout to make your motivation section an enjoyable read. With these strategies in mind, you can confidently articulate your research motivation and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

What should I write in motivation of thesis?

In the motivation section of your dissertation, it is important to convey your enthusiasm and rationale for your research. This section serves as a compelling introduction to your study, highlighting the reasons why your research is important and worth pursuing. Here’s what to include in your motivation:

• Personal connection: Begin by sharing your personal journey and experiences that led you to choose your research topic. Explain what inspired you, any challenges you encountered, or any relevant background information that influenced your decision. Sharing your personal connection establishes authenticity and demonstrates your passion for the topic.
• Relevance and importance: Clearly articulate the relevance and significance of your research. Explain how your study fills a gap in knowledge, contributes to the field, or has practical implications. Discuss the potential impact and usefulness of your findings. By highlighting the significance of your research, you make a compelling case for its importance and justify the need for further investigation.

How do you write a good motivation for research?

Write a good research motivation:

• Begin with a compelling opening statement or anecdote.
• Clearly state the research problem and its importance.
• Provide a brief review of relevant existing literature.
• Present specific research objectives and questions.
• Emphasize the potential impact and utility of your research.
• Share your personal motivation for pursuing the topic.
• Use clear and concise language to communicate your ideas effectively.

By following these guidelines, you can create a compelling and concise research statement that engages readers and highlights the importance of your study.

What is a motivation for research?

Motivation research is a term used to refer to a selection of qualitative research methods that were designed to probe consumers’ minds in order to discover the subconscious or latent reasons and goals underlying everyday consumption and purchasing behaviors.

What is motivation part in research paper?

The motivation section explains the importance behind your research . Why should the reader care?

How do you write motivation for a project?

Introduction (1 or 2 paragraphs) Motivation Sentence Summarize the problem (1 or 2 sentences) Summarize the solution (1 or 2 sentences) Describe format of rest of proposal (sections, etc.) 2. Motivation (1 to 3 paragraphs) What is the history of the problem? Why is this problem interesting?

What is a motivation for research in students?

Students saw research as a possibility to delve into a topic and learn academic skills at the same time. Subsequently, students also mentioned that they would be motivated to do research to comply with their personal needs like their curiosity, need for challenge, and need for variety .

How do I write motivation for PhD?

Any letter of motivation should include a brief introduction specifying the programme you would like to apply for . First, state a clear career objective of your future project and the reasons for choosing this particular PhD programme. Provide the information about your previous academic and professional experience.

Why is motivational research important?

While many types of research look at what people do, motivation research looks at why they do it. This information on the motives driving human behavior is used in marketing, social sciences and a variety of fields where understanding and influencing behavior are important .

What are the types of motivation research?

The three major motivational research techniques are observation, focus groups, and depth interviews . Observation can be a fruitful method of deriving hypotheses about human motives. Anthropologists have pioneered the development of this technique.

What is research objectives motivation types of research?

Research objectives are formulated to find answers to the research question. There are two types of research objectives; general objectives and specific objectives . They define the research and make the research valid and reliable because the research becomes focused with research objectives.

What are the 4 factors of motivation?

Four factors of motivation:

• Leadership style. Management style deeply impacts motivation.
• The reward system. As a manager, ensure you have a clear evaluation system in place that motivates employees.
• The organizational climate. Otherwise known as workplace culture.
• The structure of work. Is the work rewarding?

What is a motivating example?

A motivating example provides motivation for a definition, a theorem, or even the whole paper . A running example is an example that is recalled time and again during the paper, applying the newly discovered knowledge to it, presumably to show how things work.

What is motivation in your own words?

Motivation is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains goal-oriented behaviors . It is what helps you lose extra weight, for instance, or pushes you to get that promotion at work. In short, motivation causes you to act in a way that gets you closer to your goals.

How do I write a motivational letter for a masters?

How to write an outstanding motivation letter for your Masters

• Prepare a summary. Now, before actually starting to write your motivation letter, it is a very bright idea to summarise the main points that you will be focusing on.
• Organisation and structure.
• Proceed with the writing process.

What motivates one to write?

They’re focused on getting a response from readers or inspiring change . Sometimes the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing the impact being a writer has on their own lives. We all feel these motivations to some degree, but there’ll be one or two which are present in everything we do because we can’t help ourselves.

What is the term motivation?

How do you introduce a chapter in a thesis.

How to write an introduction chapter for a thesis

• Capture the reader’s interest.
• Give an overview of your research topic.
• Detail how your research is going to make a contribution.
• Explain what your interest is in the topic.
• List your research objectives.
• Give a forthcoming chapter overview.
• Learn from others.

How do you start a thesis introduction?

Stages in a thesis introduction

• state the general topic and give some background.
• provide a review of the literature related to the topic.
• define the terms and scope of the topic.
• outline the current situation.
• evaluate the current situation (advantages/ disadvantages) and identify the gap.

How do you write background and motivation in a project report?

Typically, a well-written background should do the following:

• Introduce the broad area of research leading up to the topic.
• Briefly summarize previous research to accentuate progress in the field.
• Identify gaps in knowledge that remain unaddressed.
• Justify why these gaps need to be addressed.

Related posts:

• Acing Your Thesis Defense: A Comprehensive Guide to Success
• The Significance of a Thesis Statement in Process Analysis
• How to Defend Your Research: A Comprehensive Guide
• What is a Research Plan for a Research Paper?
• How do you write an argumentative essay for immigration?
• Motivation in Organizational Behavior: Theories, Importance, and Strategies

8 Most Effective Ways to Increase Motivation for Thesis Writing 

Writing a master’s or doctoral thesis is a tough job, and many students struggle with writer’s block and putting off work. The journey requires not just skill and knowledge but a sustained motivation for thesis writing. Here are eight essential strategies to help you find and maintain your motivation to write your thesis throughout the thesis writing process.

Know why you lack motivation

It’s important to understand whether you’re just avoiding writing (procrastination) or if you genuinely don’t feel interested in it (lack of motivation). Procrastination is when you delay writing even though you want to finish it, while a lack of motivation for thesis writing is when you have no interest in writing at all. Knowing the difference helps you find the right solution. Remember, not feeling motivated doesn’t mean you can’t write; it just might be less enjoyable.

Recognize external vs. internal motivation

In the early stages of your academic journey, things like job prospects or recognition may motivate you to write your thesis. These are external motivators. Over time, they might become less effective. That’s why it’s important to develop internal motivators, like a real passion for your topic, curiosity, or wanting to make a difference in your field. Shifting to these internal motivators can keep you energized about your thesis writing for a longer period.

Develop a writing plan

As you regularly spend time on your thesis, you’ll start to overcome any initial resistance. Planning and thinking about your work will make the next steps easier. You might find yourself working more than 20 minutes some days. As you progress, plan for longer thesis writing periods and set goals for completing each chapter.

Don’t overwhelm yourself

Getting stuck is normal in thesis or dissertation writing. Don’t view these challenges as impossible obstacles. If you’re frustrated or unsure, take a break for a few days. Then, consult your advisor or a mentor to discuss your challenges and find ways to move forward effectively.

Work on your thesis daily

Try to spend 15-20 minutes daily on tasks related to your thesis or dissertation. This includes reading, researching, outlining, and other preparatory activities. You can fit these tasks into short breaks throughout your day, like waiting for appointments, during commutes, or even while cooking.

Understand that thesis writing motivation changes

Realize that thesis writing motivation isn’t always the same; it changes over time. Your drive to write will vary with different stages of your research and life changes. Knowing that motivation can go up and down helps you adapt. When you feel less motivated, focus on small, doable parts of your work instead of big, intimidating goals.

Recharge your motivation regularly

Just like you need to rest and eat well to keep your body energized, your motivation for thesis writing needs to be refreshed too. Do things that boost your mental and creative energy. This could be talking with colleagues, attending workshops, or engaging in hobbies that relax you. Stay aware of your motivation levels and take action to rejuvenate them. This way, you can avoid burnout and keep a consistent pace in your thesis work.

Keep encouraging yourself

Repeating encouraging phrases like “I will finish my thesis by year’s end” or “I’ll complete a lot of work this week” can really help. Saying these affirmations regularly can focus your energy and keep you on track with your thesis writing motivation .

Remember, the amount you write can vary each day. Some days you might write a lot, and other days less. The key is to keep writing, even if it’s just rough ideas or jumbled thoughts. Don’t let the need for perfection stop you. Listening to podcasts where researchers talk about their writing experiences can also be inspiring and motivate you in your writing journey.

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How to Write an INTRODUCTION Chapter (of a Thesis)

So it seems like you’ve read my previous article on how to develop a fantastic marketing or management thesis idea , right?

That is great. But perhaps now you have a clear idea of what to do for your research project but you don’t know exactly how to start your bachelor or masters thesis?

No worries! We’ve got your back. Here are some (hopefully) useful tips to do a great job and impress your supervisor and reviewers!

First of all: There is NO specific correct way to structure the Introduction chapter. But I suggest you cover the following structure:

***********************************************************

• Introduction

1.1 Personal Motivation

1.2 Research Aims and Objectives

       1.2.1 Aim

1.2.2 Objectives

1.3 Structure of the Thesis

Let’s discuss each topic in detail so that you don’t miss anything and can look impressively smart!

Imagine that your grandma is going to read your thesis and it is entitled “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals”.

Would she know what “Machine to Machine Interaction” is? (Maybe she does and even more than us two put together!). But let’s assume she has no clue!

Would she know which sustainability practices are applied in music festivals? (Well, maybe she went to Woodstock in 1969, had an affair with Jimmy Hendrix and helped them reduce water consumption!). But let’s assume she has no clue of what it is!

This is exactly the point of an introduction! The reader (whoever he/she may be!) has to be able to read your introduction and have an OVERALL idea and be FAMILIARIZED with the CONTEXT of your study.

And how do you achieve it? SIMPLE. Do the following:

• What is it? When did it start?
• Which are they? What are examples of practices applied to music festivals?
• What is the trend within the industry sector/product type/service type you are discussing? In the last decade, has it increased? Decreased? How large is the global/regional market size? What are sales volumes of key players?
• Use RELIABLE sources for your data: renowned institutions and organizations, research groups, scientific publications.
• Make sure to REFERENCE all your data.

Video Support: Introduction Chapter 

In case you are enjoying the article, do not forget to watch the video with further support on how to write the introduction chapter of your thesis.

Here is the section of the thesis where you describe your motivation for conducting a study on this topic.

In other words: Explain why you are writing about “Applying Machine to Machine Interaction to Improve Sustainability Practices in Music Festivals” and not about any other random topic such as: “If there is life on other planets, aliens would also be fans of The Beatles”.

To explain your motivation and why you chose this topic you should ideally be very personal and even write this section in the first person ( other academics might disagree with me on this, but it’s ok ).

And keep this section SHORT. Two GOOD paragraphs should be enough.

Here it is VERY SIMPLE. You have read the recommendations on LiveInnovation.org on “ How to Develop a Research Project (or Thesis) Idea ”, right? NO? (Oh man, it’s not easy being your supervisor. Honestly!). So go check the site for it!

If you have, (Good on you, I’m proud!), then simply describe your aim in a sub-section 1.2.1 and 1.2.2 your objectives.

The objectives in 1.2.2 can even be stated in bullet points.

And here it is absolutely easy!

Even if you have a headache, you team has lost, you ran out of Oreo Ice cream Sandwich in the fridge and  your 6 year old neighbor is learning to play the violin, you can still write this section.

It will only take you one or two paragraphs to describe in GENERAL terms what will be discussed in the following chapters.

ONE SUGGESTION: Leave this for last and only write it once you have finished the entire thesis.

So basically you should have done the following in this chapter:

• First you have familiarized your reader with the context of your study, regardless of who is reading (Your former hippie grandma or Michael Jordan).
• You have familiarized the reader with YOU, by explaining WHY you are writing about this topic.
• You have explained what the thesis will be about.
• Finally you have anticipated the reader with what he/she/it will face on the coming chapters until the end of the thesis.

So now you are DONE with Chapter one and can focus on the rest of the thesis!

(In case you want to thank me later: I truly enjoy beer, Port wine and Whiskey).

Download the Recommendations

Did you like this article? Would like to have these recommendations with you while studying?

GREAT! Simply download the file here with all details:  LiveInnovation.org - Introduction Chapter of a Thesis.pdf

In case you would like to have more research suggestions, check our research resources section .

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Writing Resources

Idea and motive.

This handout is available for download in DOCX format and PDF format .

As a student, your primary motive for writing essays is usually mercenary; you write to fulfill an assignment by a given deadline. Desire for success may motivate you to write, but your reader must also be motivated to read. Your essay, if it is to be interesting to others, needs a reason to be written. Establish a shared context with your readers, something you all have in common beyond this class. Then you can state why we should all care your topic.

The motive is the situation that you define for your thesis —your central organizing idea. The motive establishes why your readers should care. If your thesis statement is the sum of your original thinking on a topic, then your statement of motive is your reason for thinking that others will be interested. The motive is your reason for raising a question; it explains why that question needs answering. The thesis is your answer to that question.

An essay lacking a motive will often sound like an exercise you’ve been commanded to write.   An essay with a motive addresses the intellectual community at large. The motive is the writer’s guarantee that the essay is worth reading. Typically, writers return to the motive in the conclusion of the essay to impress on the readers what the significance of the essay’s idea has been.

Why should your idea interest a reader? Why won’t it seem obvious to anyone who looks at the same text (poem, story, film, painting, advertisement, etc.)? Perhaps:

• The truth isn’t what one would expect, or what it might appear to be on first reading.
• There is an interesting wrinkle in the matter, a complexity that appears on closer examination.
• Something that seems simple or common or obvious has more implications or explains more than it may seem.
• There is a contradiction, mystery, or tension that needs investigation.
• There is an ambiguity, something unclear that could mean two or more things.
• We can learn about a larger phenomenon by studying this smaller one.
• A seemingly tangential or insignificant matter is actually important or interesting.
• There is something implicit that needs to be made explicit.

Motivations for a research paper could also include:

• The standard opinion of a text or a certain published view needs challenging or qualifying.
• Published views of the matter conflict.

Now that you understand the importance of motive and how it relates to thesis, take a moment to reflect on your own work:

• What question does your essay raise?
• What is the shared context between you and your readers that suggests your question should interest them? We all have in common:
• Your thesis statement (your answer to the question you raise):
• Your statement of motive (your answer to the question, “Why should your readers care?”):

Adapted from “Thesis and Motive,” UWS Instructors Resources, Brandeis University

See also: Williams & Bizup. Style, Lessons in Clarity and Grace, 7: “Motivation.”

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How to write a fantastic thesis introduction (+15 examples)

The thesis introduction, usually chapter 1, is one of the most important chapters of a thesis. It sets the scene. It previews key arguments and findings. And it helps the reader to understand the structure of the thesis. In short, a lot is riding on this first chapter. With the following tips, you can write a powerful thesis introduction.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase using the links below at no additional cost to you . I only recommend products or services that I truly believe can benefit my audience. As always, my opinions are my own.

Elements of a fantastic thesis introduction

Open with a (personal) story, begin with a problem, define a clear research gap, describe the scientific relevance of the thesis, describe the societal relevance of the thesis, write down the thesis’ core claim in 1-2 sentences, support your argument with sufficient evidence, consider possible objections, address the empirical research context, give a taste of the thesis’ empirical analysis, hint at the practical implications of the research, provide a reading guide, briefly summarise all chapters to come, design a figure illustrating the thesis structure.

An introductory chapter plays an integral part in every thesis. The first chapter has to include quite a lot of information to contextualise the research. At the same time, a good thesis introduction is not too long, but clear and to the point.

A powerful thesis introduction does the following:

• It captures the reader’s attention.
• It presents a clear research gap and emphasises the thesis’ relevance.
• It provides a compelling argument.
• It previews the research findings.
• It explains the structure of the thesis.

In addition, a powerful thesis introduction is well-written, logically structured, and free of grammar and spelling errors. Reputable thesis editors can elevate the quality of your introduction to the next level. If you are in search of a trustworthy thesis or dissertation editor who upholds high-quality standards and offers efficient turnaround times, I recommend the professional thesis and dissertation editing service provided by Editage . 

This list can feel quite overwhelming. However, with some easy tips and tricks, you can accomplish all these goals in your thesis introduction. (And if you struggle with finding the right wording, have a look at academic key phrases for introductions .)

Ways to capture the reader’s attention

A powerful thesis introduction should spark the reader’s interest on the first pages. A reader should be enticed to continue reading! There are three common ways to capture the reader’s attention.

An established way to capture the reader’s attention in a thesis introduction is by starting with a story. Regardless of how abstract and ‘scientific’ the actual thesis content is, it can be useful to ease the reader into the topic with a short story.

This story can be, for instance, based on one of your study participants. It can also be a very personal account of one of your own experiences, which drew you to study the thesis topic in the first place.

Start by providing data or statistics

Data and statistics are another established way to immediately draw in your reader. Especially surprising or shocking numbers can highlight the importance of a thesis topic in the first few sentences!

So if your thesis topic lends itself to being kick-started with data or statistics, you are in for a quick and easy way to write a memorable thesis introduction.

The third established way to capture the reader’s attention is by starting with the problem that underlies your thesis. It is advisable to keep the problem simple. A few sentences at the start of the chapter should suffice.

Usually, at a later stage in the introductory chapter, it is common to go more in-depth, describing the research problem (and its scientific and societal relevance) in more detail.

You may also like: Minimalist writing for a better thesis

Emphasising the thesis’ relevance

A good thesis is a relevant thesis. No one wants to read about a concept that has already been explored hundreds of times, or that no one cares about.

Of course, a thesis heavily relies on the work of other scholars. However, each thesis is – and should be – unique. If you want to write a fantastic thesis introduction, your job is to point out this uniqueness!

In academic research, a research gap signifies a research area or research question that has not been explored yet, that has been insufficiently explored, or whose insights and findings are outdated.

Every thesis needs a crystal-clear research gap. Spell it out instead of letting your reader figure out why your thesis is relevant.

* This example has been taken from an actual academic paper on toxic behaviour in online games: Liu, J. and Agur, C. (2022). “After All, They Don’t Know Me” Exploring the Psychological Mechanisms of Toxic Behavior in Online Games. Games and Culture 1–24, DOI: 10.1177/15554120221115397

The scientific relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your work in terms of advancing theoretical insights on a topic. You can think of this part as your contribution to the (international) academic literature.

Scientific relevance comes in different forms. For instance, you can critically assess a prominent theory explaining a specific phenomenon. Maybe something is missing? Or you can develop a novel framework that combines different frameworks used by other scholars. Or you can draw attention to the context-specific nature of a phenomenon that is discussed in the international literature.

The societal relevance of a thesis highlights the importance of your research in more practical terms. You can think of this part as your contribution beyond theoretical insights and academic publications.

Why are your insights useful? Who can benefit from your insights? How can your insights improve existing practices?

Formulating a compelling argument

Arguments are sets of reasons supporting an idea, which – in academia – often integrate theoretical and empirical insights. Think of an argument as an umbrella statement, or core claim. It should be no longer than one or two sentences.

Including an argument in the introduction of your thesis may seem counterintuitive. After all, the reader will be introduced to your core claim before reading all the chapters of your thesis that led you to this claim in the first place.

But rest assured: A clear argument at the start of your thesis introduction is a sign of a good thesis. It works like a movie teaser to generate interest. And it helps the reader to follow your subsequent line of argumentation.

The core claim of your thesis should be accompanied by sufficient evidence. This does not mean that you have to write 10 pages about your results at this point.

However, you do need to show the reader that your claim is credible and legitimate because of the work you have done.

A good argument already anticipates possible objections. Not everyone will agree with your core claim. Therefore, it is smart to think ahead. What criticism can you expect?

Think about reasons or opposing positions that people can come up with to disagree with your claim. Then, try to address them head-on.

Providing a captivating preview of findings

Similar to presenting a compelling argument, a fantastic thesis introduction also previews some of the findings. When reading an introduction, the reader wants to learn a bit more about the research context. Furthermore, a reader should get a taste of the type of analysis that will be conducted. And lastly, a hint at the practical implications of the findings encourages the reader to read until the end.

If you focus on a specific empirical context, make sure to provide some information about it. The empirical context could be, for instance, a country, an island, a school or city. Make sure the reader understands why you chose this context for your research, and why it fits to your research objective.

If you did all your research in a lab, this section is obviously irrelevant. However, in that case you should explain the setup of your experiment, etcetera.

The empirical part of your thesis centers around the collection and analysis of information. What information, and what evidence, did you generate? And what are some of the key findings?

For instance, you can provide a short summary of the different research methods that you used to collect data. Followed by a short overview of how you analysed this data, and some of the key findings. The reader needs to understand why your empirical analysis is worth reading.

You already highlighted the practical relevance of your thesis in the introductory chapter. However, you should also provide a preview of some of the practical implications that you will develop in your thesis based on your findings.

Presenting a crystal clear thesis structure

A fantastic thesis introduction helps the reader to understand the structure and logic of your whole thesis. This is probably the easiest part to write in a thesis introduction. However, this part can be best written at the very end, once everything else is ready.

A reading guide is an essential part in a thesis introduction! Usually, the reading guide can be found toward the end of the introductory chapter.

The reading guide basically tells the reader what to expect in the chapters to come.

In a longer thesis, such as a PhD thesis, it can be smart to provide a summary of each chapter to come. Think of a paragraph for each chapter, almost in the form of an abstract.

For shorter theses, which also have a shorter introduction, this step is not necessary.

Especially for longer theses, it tends to be a good idea to design a simple figure that illustrates the structure of your thesis. It helps the reader to better grasp the logic of your thesis.

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