Cara Agar Skripsi Excellent | Seri Skripsi Part 3

Summary

In this video, the speaker offers valuable advice on writing a thesis that not only contributes to academic knowledge but also has the potential to influence policy. Key points include selecting current, relevant topics, using reputable references, and crafting a compelling narrative. The speaker emphasizes the importance of clarity in writing and avoiding common mistakes, such as using vague terms like 'many' or 'few'. The goal is to produce a thesis that is both academically sound and impactful for decision-makers, with a focus on deradicalization, socio-political issues, and real-world applications.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on selecting contemporary and relevant themes for your thesis, such as COVID-19, radical organizations, or controversial political topics.
• 😀 Ensure that the chosen theme is not only academically significant but also has practical implications for policy makers.
• 😀 Use up-to-date references, preferably from high-quality journals (Quartile 1 or 2), to strengthen the validity and reliability of your thesis.
• 😀 Select references that have undergone strict review processes to ensure academic rigor in your work.
• 😀 Structure your thesis to contribute to both academic knowledge and government policy-making, especially in fields like deradicalization or pandemic response.
• 😀 After gathering data, revisit and revise the introduction (Chapter 1) to ensure the flow aligns with the findings and strengthens your argument.
• 😀 Don't be discouraged by challenges—focus on finding a topic that resonates and contributes meaningfully to both academic fields and societal issues.
• 😀 Focus on your strengths and contextually relevant subjects that are currently being discussed in the broader field of study.
• 😀 Common thesis writing mistakes include the use of 'I' instead of 'researcher' or 'writer'—always maintain consistency in terminology.
• 😀 Avoid vague terms like 'many' or 'few' and instead provide specific numbers or percentages to make your argument more precise and impactful.
• 😀 Eliminate vague phrases like 'and others' or 'and so forth' by specifying examples or concrete data to ensure clarity in your writing.

Q & A

What is the first step in improving a thesis, according to the speaker?

The first step is to find a relevant and updated theme that is frequently discussed, such as current issues like the coronavirus, radical organizations, or political controversies like the release of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir.

Why does the speaker emphasize using the latest journals as references?

Using the latest journals, especially those in top quartiles (1 or 2), ensures the validity and reliability of the thesis. These journals offer well-reviewed, high-quality research that strengthens the credibility of the work and helps avoid problems later.

What is the significance of contributing to government policy in a thesis?

The speaker highlights that a thesis should not only contribute to academic knowledge but also to practical applications, such as influencing government policy. For example, research on terrorism or coronavirus can inform government strategies for combating these issues.

How does improving the storytelling aspect of a thesis help?

Improving the storytelling ensures that the thesis has a clear, logical flow. The speaker suggests revisiting the first chapter after analyzing the data in later chapters to ensure the narrative aligns with the findings.

What mistake do students often make with their use of personal pronouns?

Students commonly use the word 'I' in their thesis, which should be avoided. Instead, they should use 'the researcher' or 'the writer,' maintaining consistency throughout the paper.

Why should students avoid using the terms 'many' and 'few' in their thesis?

The terms 'many' and 'few' are relative and vague. The speaker advises providing specific data or percentages to avoid ambiguity and improve clarity in presenting research results.

What is the issue with using the phrase 'and others' in a thesis?

'And others' is considered weak and imprecise. The speaker suggests that students list specific examples (e.g., X, Y, Z) instead of using vague terms like 'and others,' to enhance the strength of their writing.

How does the speaker suggest handling multiple examples in a thesis?

Instead of using vague phrases like 'and so on,' the speaker advises clearly listing multiple examples, for instance, 'X, Y, and Z,' to avoid leaving the reader confused or expecting more examples without being given them.

What is the importance of addressing weaknesses in a thesis?

The speaker acknowledges that weaknesses will be discussed and that it’s crucial for students to focus on areas they are knowledgeable about. Focusing on a narrow and relevant topic ensures a strong thesis that contributes meaningfully to the field.

What does the speaker mean by 'focus on things that are contextual and often discussed'?

By focusing on topics that are widely discussed and contextually relevant, students can ensure that their research will be seen as valuable, not only by academics but also by policy makers and the public. These topics are often more impactful and easier to contribute to.