Thesis Preparation Guide: Getting Started

This library guide will give you step-by-step guidelines for conducting the research part of your thesis. Similar to a research paper or thesis in another subject area, your thesis project should directly answer a theory or a set of design questions related to the interior of a built environment. (For example, what are the challenges of designing a temporary shelter/housing for the victims of domestic violence? Are there any issues you can address by designing the spaces for those victims?) The statement will have an unknown quality that you are attempting to solve. Research can more fully and accurately allow you to state the answer(s) to your questions or design challenges. Similar to writing a paper, you would present an argument that upholds your thesis. However, in the context of interior design, you will create an interior environment that answers the questions or addresses the issues. 

By following the tabs on this guide, it will point you to resources you can use and help you to document what you find. However, this library guide will not cover the basics of using the library and its resources. For an overview of the library's print and electronic resources, and the fundamental instructions on how to use them, please consult the Online Library Instruction Course on Canvas, or sign up for a joint Library and Writing Center instruction session offered at the beginning of the fall and spring terms.

Cover from: Li, Shiqi. Language School Design in New York. MFA thesis, New York School of Interior Design, 2014.

Everyone uses Google. It is perfectly fine to find information online but you must make sure the information comes from a verified source and you must also conduct research using academic resources.  As part of the academic requirements of your thesis, you are required to demonstrate your skills in conducting and documenting your research using a variety of resources, ranging from traditional books and journals to verified content on the Web.

What factors can help you verify a source as credible?

• Does it come from a journal, educational website, foundation, design/architecture firm site?
• Does it have a .org or .edu address? (this might be an indicator)
• Is it published on a blog, tumblr or other social media site?
• Does this seem to be someone's opinion, or is the information they present backed by fact and cite sources?

Verified sources can include URL's with .edu at the end. Libraries, museums and other cultural institutions make research information available online, as well as architecture firms and the buildings themselves that may now be house museums.