Thesis

How to write a theory section (basic)

Role of the theory section

· Main literature section of the thesis.

· Explain relationships in detail: what do you expect and why?

· State hypotheses.

Important

· Explain every relationship in detail: do not leave any ‘gaps’.

· Hypotheses are a logical continuation of your argumentation. There is only one logical conclusion from your argumentation: the hypothesis you had in mind all along.

· Use relevant theory, literature, and existing empirical results.

· Do not confuse the reader with “interesting” side tracks.

Usual structure of a theory section

For a mediation model:

· Part 1: explain IV-DV relationship

· Followed by hypothesis 1 (e.g. IV is positively/negatively related to DV).

· Part 2: explain mediating role of Mediator

· Explain IV-Mediator relationship

· Followed by hypothesis 2 (IV is positively/negatively related to Mediator).

· Explain Mediator-DV relationship

· Followed by hypothesis 3 (Mediator is positively/negatively related to DV) and hypothesis 4 (Mediator mediates the positive/negative relationship between IV and DV).

· Repeat part 2 if you have multiple mediators.

For a moderator model:

· Part 1: explain IV-DV relationship

· Followed by hypothesis 1 (IV is positively/negatively related to DV).

· Part 2: explain why/how the Moderator moderates IV-DV relationship

· Followed by hypothesis 2 (Moderator moderates the relationship between IV and DV, such that this relationship is (positive/negative/weaker/stronger) under low/high Moderator, and (positive/negative/weaker/stronger) under low/high Moderator).

· Repeat part 2 if you have multiple moderators.

For a moderated mediation model or a model with mediation and moderation:

· First explain mediation model, then explain moderator effect.

Every part should consist of multiple paragraphs.