1) A thesis is typically shorter in length (up to 100 pages) and uses existing data, while a dissertation requires original research and is longer (up to 300 pages). 2) A thesis takes considerably less time than a dissertation, which can take much longer than expected due to the need for extensive original research. 3) Dissertations require a thorough investigation of the topic, identification of research gaps, collection of original evidence and data, and make a contribution to existing literature.

3. THESIS DISSERTATION
Length Up to 100 pages. Up to 300 pages.
Data The information used is the
information which has been
collected by someone
already.
You have to conduct a thorough
research and come up with
information of your own.
Objectivity More like an extended term
paper or a research paper. A
thesis is the mere
hypothetical analysis of the
data available already.
A dissertation is the combination of
original research and established
theories.
Time Thesis being shorter in length
requires considerably less
amount of time.
Dissertation requires tremendous
amount of time and this is why it is
tasked when there is sufficient time
available.

5. May take much longer than you expect.
Talk to your faculty about topics and their interests, but select a
topic that is your own.
Don’t pick a topic simply because it’s easy or convenient.

6. Explore your chosen topic.
Identify research gaps.
Collecting evidence.

7. Is my chosen topic investigated enough
already?
Will it make a contribution to the existing literature?

8. Is the research topic too broad?
No. Testing a probiotic with scaling in chronic periodontitis subjects.
Is there enough literature?
Yes.
Adequate monetary and material resources?
Yes.

9. FOCUS OF RESEARCH
OUTCOME OF
RESEARCH
YOUR RESEARCH STRATEGY

10. Finalizing
methodology,
research design
and material
procurement
Material
Methodology
Design
Manpower
Human/Animal
In vitro
In vivo/Ex vivo
Subjects
Study Material
Funding
Longitudinal
RCT
Observational
Is it adequate?
Are they calibrated?
External Support
available?

12. APPROVED
IEC
Certificate
MINOR
MAJOR
Academic Committee
Institutional Ethics
Committee (IEC)

14. Work
Time

17. Marriage Dissertation