STOCKHOLM UNIVERSITY

T H E S I S I N S T RU C T I O N S
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER AND SYSTEM
SCIENCES

JANUARY 2013

THESIS INSTRUCTIONS
G OA L S
LEARNING GOALS FOR A BACHELORS THESIS

After completing the course a student is expected to:

be able to independently complete an academic thesis,

be able to choose and implement relevant scientific methods,

be able to reflect about ethical aspects of research and developmental work,

be able to search, find and summarize relevant scientific literature,

be able to analyze and criticize relevant scientific literature,

be able to critically reflect about ones own work, especially regarding ethical and
societal aspects,
be able to discuss the need for knowledge development based on ones own work,
be able to author and defend a report with good argumentation written with an
adequate and professional language,
be able to properly utilize a reference system to correctly refer to and cite relevant
scientific texts,

be able to prepare and complete a short oral presentation of ones own work,

be able to author a short written review of ones own work.

LEARNING GOALS FOR A SWEDISH MAGISTER THESIS

Same as for a Masters thesis

LEARNING GOALS FOR A MASTERS THESIS

After completing the course a student is expected to:

be able to independently complete a qualified academic thesis,

be able to contribute to knowledge development in the areas of computer and
system sciences,

be able to choose and correctly use relevant scientific methods,

be able to reflect about ethical aspects of research and developmental work,

be able to search, find, summarize and build upon relevant scientific literature,

be able to analyze and criticize relevant scientific literature,

be able to critically reflect about ones own work, especially regarding ethical and
societal aspects,
be able to discuss the need for knowledge development based on ones own work,
be able to author and defend a report with good argumentation written with an
adequate and professional language,
be able to properly utilize a reference system to correctly refer to and cite relevant
scientific texts,

be able to prepare and complete a short oral presentation of ones own work,

be able to author a short written review of ones own work.

GRADING CRITERIA

Grades for theses are decided in the following way:

First, each criterion in the table below is given a value (possible values for each criterion are shown in
the first column for each thesis type). The final grade is then calculated based on the rules described
after the table. The minimum requirement for a passing grade is indicated with a bold typeface for
each criterion.

Grading criterion

Description

Instructions

U1
Abstract
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that the

abstract of the thesis describes the
problem, the research question, the
choice and application of the
research methods, the result, and
conclusions and that it can be read
and understood separately from the
thesis.

The abstract may not contain references

to sections of the thesis, references, or not
well-known abbreviations. The abstract
shall be concise but detailed enough that a
reader, after reading the abstract, can
determine if the thesis is of interest. The
abstract shall follow the Template for the
Summary. A student may even include a
complementary abstract structured in
another way if desired. A thesis written en
Swedish must even contain an English
version of the abstract (entitled abstract).

U2 Introduction
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that the

thesis introduces the subject and
problem of the thesis.

The introduction should be ample enough

to provide the reader with adequate
knowledge to understand the problem and
research question of the thesis.

U3 Problem
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that a

problem of general interest exists,
that entirely or partially can be

The problem should be described in such

a way that it is easy for the reader to
understand it. The reader should not need

Masters: 0/1

solved by answering the research

question.

to look for the problem or guess as to

what it is. Therefore, it is often
appropriate to include a sentence such as
The problem that this thesis addresses is
The problem should be motivated
based on what is discussed in the
introduction. There should only be one,
or a small number of related problems.

U4 Research
question
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters: 0/1/2

Requirement for 1 point: a clearly

formulated and delimited research
question that is of general interest.
The student shall independently
identify and formulate the research
question. The research question
should derive from the presented
problem so that it is clear how the
answer to the research question
solves a portion or the entire
problem.
For 2 points the following is also
required: an innovative research
question that provides necessary
conditions so that the thesis could
provide a significant scientific
contribution.

In general, there should be one and only

one clearly formulated and delimited
research question. However, in some
cases it can be appropriate to introduce a
small number of closely related research
questions.
The research question must be answered
later in the thesis. It should be easy for the
reader to find the research question.
Therefore, it is often appropriate to
include a sentence such as The research
question in this thesis is

U5 Scientific
base
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters:
0/1/2/3

Requirement for 1 point: that the

thesis provides a base for the topic
of the thesis based on previous
scientific research. The area within
computer and system sciences to
which the thesis contributes should
also be named by presenting the
scientific research to which the
thesis refers.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that a deep and critical
discussion is made about how the
thesis builds upon previous
scientific research.
For 3 points the following is also
required: that a systematic and
comprehensive literature study is
presented that is the basis for
placing and evaluating the research
contribution of the thesis in a
scientific context.

The thesis should have an introduction to

the research area to which the thesis
belongs. The thesis should have the
authors own discussion about previous
solutions to the problem that is being
addressed. The thesis should also have the
authors own discussion about which
scientific articles that the thesis builds
upon and a motivation as to why these
were chosen. Relevant theories should be
discussed for the problem and research
question, but or a Bachelors thesis it is
not necessary that it is based on such
theories.

U6 Choice of
research method

Requirement for 1 point: that the

choice of a research strategy and

It should be evident how the thesis relates

to empirical and design research. If the

Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters:
0/1/2/3

research methods is clearly

motivated and described, that
alternative research strategies and
methods that could be used to
solve the research question are
discussed, as well as that relevant
ethical considerations are discussed.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that alternative, applicable
research strategies and methods are
comprehensively discussed and that
a profound reasoning about the
chosen strategies and methods is
made, where the motives for
choices made are clearly evident.
For 3 points the following is also
required: that the choice of method
is discussed in relation to the
research strategies and methods
that are used in current, related
research studies that can be
regarded as state-of-the-art.

thesis relates to design research then some

method framework should be discussed,
see for example A Design Science Primer.
Research strategies, data collection
methods, and data analysis methods
should be described. See for example The
Good Research Guide for the differences
between theses. The description should
include references to method literature.
There should also be references to
literature regarding ethical aspects, for
example Appendix 1 in The Good Research
Guide. The discussion should be closely
tied to the research question of the thesis.
There should not be long, general
descriptions of research strategies and
methods that are only summations from
method literature without connections to
the thesis topic.

U7 Application
of research
method
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters:
0/1/2/3

Requirement for 1 point: that the

application of the chosen scientific
strategies and methods are clearly
described and that relevant ethical
aspects are discussed.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that the application of
research strategies and methods are
done in accordance to the demands
of said methods and strategies and
that a clear argumentation exists for
this.
For 3 points the following is also
required: that there is a real depth
to the data analysis.

How the chosen research strategies and

methods (both data collection and data
analysis methods) were applied should be
clearly described. If the thesis uses design
research it should explain how the chosen
method framework for design research
has been applied. The description should
include references to method literature.
There should even be references to
literature regarding ethical aspects, for
example Appendix 1 in The Good Research
Guide.

U8 Result
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister:
0/1/2/3
Masters:
0/1/2/3

Requirement for 1 point: that the

results are of such a magnitude and
quality and are presented in such a
way that the research question can
to some extent be answered.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that the results are of a
considerable magnitude and high
quality so that the research
question can to a great extent be
answered.
For 3 points the following is also

Collected data should be analyzed and

interpreted using a data analysis method.
The presentation of the results should be
made so that it is easily understood and
logical. The types of diagrams and/or
tables that are eventually used should be
appropriate, clear and relevant for the type
of data collected and analyzed. If an
artifact in included in the result, it should
be thoroughly described, preferably with
both figures and text.

required: that the results are well

written and of considerable
magnitude and high quality so that
well grounded conclusions relevant
for the research question can be
made.
U9 Conclusions
and discussion
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters: 0/1/2

Requirement for 1 point: that the

research question has a clear
answer, that the limitations in the
composition of the thesis and their
impact on the conclusions are
discussed as well as how the results
relate to previous research, that
possible future research based on
the study in the thesis is discussed,
and that ethical and societal
consequences of the conclusions in
the thesis are discussed.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that the limitations of the
study are thoroughly discussed and
that a profound reasoning about
possible and relevant future studies
is made.

A clear answer to the research question

should be given based on the results. The
answer should be formulated and placed
so that it is easy for the reader to find it.
Limitations should be discussed in terms
of reproducibility, validity, reliability,
generalizability, extensibility, credibility,
etc. depending on the choice of method
and application of the method.
For some theses there are practically no
ethical or societal consequences. The
discussion can then be short, but the
authors must motivate why they deem
that there are no ethical or societal
consequences.

U10 Form,
structure and
language
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that the

thesis is divided into distinct and
logical, coherent sections and
fulfills the fundamental layout
requirements and that the text is
written with an adequate and
professional language.

Headings, subheadings, typography and

other structural elements should be used
so that it is easy for the reader to follow
the argumentation of the thesis. Examples
of layout requirements are that all figures
must be numbered and have captions, that
chapter 1 starts on page 1 and that
references do not have a chapter number.
The thesis should observe the layout
requirements found in section 7 of
Lathund fr rapportskrivning. A thesis should
not have more than 1 or 2 grammatical
errors on average per page. Grammatical
errors are unacceptable in titles or
headings. Colloquial language should be
avoided. Grammatical errors that are
automatically identified by spell checking
programs should not present. Incorrect
choice of words should not be present;
one cannot write effect when one
means affect. One cannot mix different
languages in a thesis, for example use and
English phrase like course recommender
system in a Swedish thesis. A thesis
should follow the advice in section 6 of

Lathund fr rapportskrivning.
U11
Argumentation
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that the

argumentation is well grounded,
logically coherent, concise, clear
and easily understood.

Fundamental terms should be defined,

discussed and exemplified. New terms
should be explained the first time they are
used as long as they are not generally
recognized. Personal opinions and values
should be distinguishable from statements
that are based on other sources. When a
statement is made support must be
provided, usually with a line of reasoning
or reference to literature.

U12 References
and
documentation
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that

references in the thesis to previous
research are made in a correct way
according to a recognized reference
system, that a clear listing of used
references is made in the same
system, that all quotes from
previous work are clearly specified,
and that relevant supplemental
attachments are included.

All references in the list of references

must be found in the text of the thesis and
vice versa. The list of references should be
structured in a uniform and consequent
manner according to a recognized
reference system, for example the Harvard
system. See chapter 5 in Lathund fr
rapportskrivning. A thesis should have at
least 10 scientific references for the
Bachelors and Swedish Magister level and
20 scientific references for the Masters
level.

U13 Originality
and significance
Bachelors:
0/1/2/3
Magister:
0/1/2/3
Masters:
0/1/2/3/4

Requirement for 1 point: that the

thesis contributes with significant
or original research contributions,
in the form of new ideas, artifacts,
products, or services.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that the research
contributions are of such quality
that the thesis could be presented
in a scientific workshop of good
quality.
For 3 points the following is also
required: that the research
contributions are of such quality
that the thesis could be presented
at a scientific conference of good
quality or that they could be a basis
for useful solutions, for example
commercializable products.
For 4 points the following is also
required: that the research
contributions are of such quality
that the thesis could be presented
in a scientific journal of good
quality.

1 Opposition
report
Bachelors:
0/1/2
Magister: 0/1/2
Masters: 0/1/2

Requirement for 1 point: that the

opposition report provides a short
summary of the evaluated thesis,
that it deliberates about the
scientific basis, originality,
significance, and formulation of the
problem and research question, as
well as that it contains clear
suggestions for improvements.
For 2 points the following is also
required: that the opposition report
thoroughly and in a well-balanced
way describes from numerous
aspects the strengths and
weaknesses of the evaluated thesis
and that it offers clear and wellmotivated suggestions for
improvements.

2
Presentations
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that oral

presentations are of sufficient
quality, that they have been given
on the assigned dates, and that the
ability to orally defend ones own
thesis has been shown.

Oral interaction including obligatory

seminars (active participation, opposition
and defense of ones thesis) can take place
via distance tools (Skype, Adobe Connect,
or similar tools). Students should in such
cases inform the leader of the seminar
about this one week before the actual
seminar, so that he/she can prepare the
necessary tools (speakers/microphone,
Skype ID, etc.)

3 Participation

Requirement for 1 point: that the

ability to orally discuss and provide
constructive criticism regarding
others work has been shown in
seminars and meetings.

At least 2 peer reviews should be made.

in seminars and
meetings

Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1
4 Deadlines
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that the

ability to prepare and deliver
material and presentations on time
has been demonstrated at all the
necessary occasions.

5 Revisions
after the final
seminar
Bachelors: 0/1
Magister: 0/1
Masters: 0/1

Requirement for 1 point: that only

one smaller revision of the thesis is
needed after the final seminar.

CONVERSION OF POINTS TO GRADES

The sum of the points from the table above is converted to a final letter grade according to the following rules.
RULES FOR A BACHELORS THESIS PONG
A 27-25, at least 1 point on components U1-U12 and 1-4
B 24-23, at least 1 point on components U1-U12 and 1-3
C 22-19, at least 1 point on components U1-U12 and 1-3
D 18-17, at least 1 point on components U1-U12 and 1-3
E 16-15, at least 1 point on components U1-U12 and 1-3
Fx at least 1 point on 8 of the components U1-U12 and at least 2 points altogether on components 1-3
RULES FOR A SWEDISH MAGISTER THESIS
A 28-26, at least 1 point on components U1-U7, U10-U13 and 1-4, at least 2 points on U8-U9
B 25-24, at least 1 point on components U1-U7, U10-U13 and 1-3, at least 2 points on U8-U9
C 23-22, at least 1 point on components U1-U7, U10-U13 and 1-3, at least 2 points on U8-U9
D 21-20, at least 1 point on components U1-U7, U10-U13 and 1-3, at least 2 points on U8-U9
E 19-18, at least 1 point on components U1-U7, U10-U13 and 1-3, at least 2 points on U8-U9
Fx at least 1 point on 10 of the components U1-U13 and at least 2 points altogether on components 1-3
RULES FOR A MASTERS THESIS
A 32-30, at least 1 point on components U1-U4, U10-U12, 1-4, at least 2 points on U5-U9, U13
B 29-28, at least 1 point on components U1-U4, U10-U12, 1-3, at least 2 points on U5-U9, U13
C 27-26 at least 1 point on components U1-U4, U10-U12, 1-3, at least 2 points on U5-U9, U13
D 25-24, at least 1 point on components U1-U4, U10-U12, 1-3, at least 2 points on U5-U9, U13
E 23-22, at least 1 point on components U1-U4, U10-U12, 1-3, at least 2 points on U5-U9, U13
Fx at least 1 point on 12 of the components U1-U13 and at least 2 points altogether on components 1-3
G L O S S A RY

This glossary intends to explain the terms and expressions used in the grading criteria.
DATA ANALYSIS METHOD

A data analysis method is a method for analyzing collected data. It can be a statistical method or
methods for analyzing qualitative data, e.g. content analysis. Even descriptive statistics can be
considered as a data analysis method.
DATA COLLECTION METHOD

A data collection method is a method for collecting data. Common data collection methods are
interviews, questionnaires, observations and literature studies.
DESIGN RESEARCH

Design research deals with developing artifacts. This includes developing requirements for a
proposed artifact as well as studying the effects of an artifact on its surroundings in which it is
intended to be used.
EMPIRICAL RESEARCH

Empirical research deals with developing new knowledge through direct or indirect observations.

RESEARCH METHOD

A research method is a data collection method or a data analysis method.

RESEARCH STRATEGY

A research strategy provides a structure for designing research. Common research strategies are
mapping, case studies, experiments and action research.
RESEARCH QUESTION

A research question is normally formulated as a question, e.g. What problems do elderly users of a
self-scanning system in a retail store experience?. This is an example of a research question that is
answered by using an empirical study. Other research questions can be answered by developing an
artifact or knowledge around it and its environment. An example is How should a self-scanning
system for retail stores be designed so that it is appropriate for the elderly?. Sometimes it is
appropriate to formulate a research question as a goal, e.g. The goal is to develop a self-scanning
system for retail stores that is appropriate for the elderly. The research question should be
associated to the problem, i.e. that it should be evident that by answering the research question one is
contributing to solve the problem. A research question should be of general interest, i.e. it should be
of interest for more than one individual or organization. An example of a research question that is
hardly of general interest is Does the user interface of the DAISY system 1.1 at the Institution for
Computer and System Sciences as Stockholm University affect user acceptance?. This research
question can however be broadened in various ways so that is of general interest, for example Does
a user interface affect the acceptance of administrative systems in education?.
PROBLEM

A practical problem is often a situation that infers or causes substantial difficulties, drawbacks or
risks for people or organizations, e.g. that people are exposed to health hazards, that companies lose
money or that citizens receive poor service from government authorities. A practical problem can
also deal with new possibilities, e.g. how tablets could be used in healthcare. A theoretical problem is
a shortage of knowledge that means that there is less knowledge about a phenomenon than desired,
e.g. that knowledge about complex properties of an algorithm are lacking or the causes of the
popularity of social medias. A problem must be of general interest.
RESULT

For an empirical study the result is what emerges after the collected data has been analyzed. For a
design oriented study the developed artifact is also a part of the result.
T E M P L A T E F O R T H E S U M M A RY

PROBLEM

What is the problem that motivates the thesis? Why is it important that the thesis is written?
RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the research question that the thesis intends to answer? Alternately, what are the goals to be
achieved?

METHOD

How does the thesis use empirical and/or design research? Which research strategies and methods
are used?
RESULT

What are the results of the thesis?

CONCLUSION

What is the answer to the research question? Alternately, to what degree have the goals been
achieved?
CONSEQUENCES

What are the practical, theoretical, ethical and societal consequences of the thesis? (Many theses do
not have consequences for all of these aspects.)
ORIGINALITY AND SIGNIFICANCE

What is new and useful in the thesis? Who can make use of the thesis and in what way?
T H E S I S S T RU C T U R E

It is possible to structure the thesis according to the grading criteria. It will then consist of the
following components:
Abstract (grading criterion U1)
Part I that includes the introduction, problem and research question (grading criteria U2
U4)
Part II that provides a scientific base (grading criterion U5)
Part III that deals with the method (grading criteria U6 and U7)
Part IV that presents the result of the thesis (grading criterion U8)
Part V that presents the conclusions of the thesis and discusses them (grading criterion U9)
References (grading criterion U12)
Appendices (not obligatory)
Each part of sections I V can be a chapter, but sometimes it is appropriate to have more than one
chapter for each part. The aforementioned essay structure is solely a suggestion. The structure
(usually entitled IMRAD) usually works well for empirical studies. It can also work for design
oriented studies, but sometimes it can be more appropriate to use a structure base on the activities in
such a study, see for example the attachment in A Design Science Primer.
COURSE LITERATURE

The first 2 books below provide the basics of methodology for both empirical and design research.
They can be used to describe and motive the choice and application of a method, but of course,
students and supervisors can agree to use other method literature.
The Good Research Guide

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Denscombe, M. (2010). The Good Research Guide: for small-scale social research projects. 4th ed. Open
University Press. Available at: http://goo.gl/g0HPe
A Design Science Primer
Johannesson, P. and Perjons, E. (2012). A Design Science Primer. 1st ed. Printed by CreateSpace.
Available at: http://designscienceprimer.wordpress.com/
Lathund fr rapportskrivning
Merkel, M., Andersson, U., Lundquist, M. and nnegren, B. (2006). Lathund fr rapportskrivning.
Linkping: Linkpings universitet. Available at: http://goo.gl/5gBfm
For literature studies useful material can be found on the following website, pay special attention to
both videos: http://goo.gl/Ov9R0
WO R K P RO C E S S F O R W R I T I N G A T H E S I S

A thesis is completed in five phases that are briefly described below. Make note that in addition to
the phases listed below, a supervisor should continuously provide support to students. It is up to the
supervisor and student to jointly decide the frequency and form of this support.
PHASE 1 - PREPARATIONS

The goal of this phase is to develop a proposed topic for the thesis. This phase has 3 important
events:
1. The student hands in a proposed topic for the thesis.
2. The student is assigned a supervisor and examiner for the thesis.
3. The student registers for the thesis course.
PHASE 2 RESEARCH QUESTION AND METHOD

The goal of this phase is to develop a rough draft of parts I, II and III in the thesis. The rough draft
should be of such quality that it could effectively guide the rest of the thesis. In this phase there are 3
important events:
1. The student hands in a rough draft for parts I, II and III of the thesis to the supervisor.
2. The supervisor, together with the examiner, provides feedback on the rough draft to the student.
3. The supervisor, together with the examiner, approves the rough draft.
In some cases steps 1 and 2 may need to be repeated before the rough draft is approved.
PHASE 3 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

The goal of this phase is to produce a draft for parts I - V of the thesis. The draft should be of such
quality that the significance of the research contribution can be judged. In this phase there are 3
important events:
1. The student hands in a draft of parts I V of the thesis to the supervisor.
2. The supervisor provides feedback on the thesis to the student.
3. The supervisor approves the draft.
In some cases steps 1 and 2 may need to be repeated before the draft is approved.
PHASE 4 FINAL SEMINAR

The goal of this phase is to complete the thesis and the final seminar. In this phase there a number of
important events:

11

1. The student hands in a draft of the entire thesis to the supervisor.

2. The supervisor, together with the examiner, ensures that the quality of the draft is adequate
enough to achieve a passing grade.
3. The supervisor books the final seminar at least 12 workdays before the actual date of the
final seminar.
4. The student hands in the thesis so that other students can access it at least 10 workdays
before the actual date of the final seminar.
5. The supervisor and examiner each hand in their own assessment (this assessment is the same
as the grading report but a grade is not suggested yet) at least 5 workdays before the actual
date of the final seminar.
6. The examiner sends in comments on the thesis at least one workday before the actual date
of the final seminar.
7. The opponent hands in his/her assessment of the thesis.
8. A final seminar takes place where the student, supervisor and other students participate; the
examiner may participate but it is not mandatory.
9. The student and supervisor agree to changes and supplementary work that need to be done
before the final version of the thesis is handed in.
In some cases steps 1 and 2 may need to be repeated before the thesis is approved.
PHASE 5 - EXAMINATION

The goal of this phase is to assign a grade for the thesis:

1. The student hands in the revised thesis.
2. The supervisor and examiner each hand in their own version of the grading reports within 5
workdays.
3. The examiner assigns a grade to the thesis within 5 workdays; if the thesis is not passed the
examiner hands in an examination report.
4. The supervisor sends an examination report and other comments to the student who then
hands in a revised thesis to the supervisor as well as an update report (this step only takes
place when the thesis is not passed in step 3).
5. The supervisor sends the revised thesis and update report to the examiner. The update
report describes how each comment in the examination report has been addressed in the
revised thesis. (this step only takes place if the thesis is not passed in step 3).
6. Repeat step 3.

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