An analysis of the perceived value of thesis preparation in the program for the specialist of education degree at Northeast Missouri State University.

摘要

This study analyzed the perceived value of the thesis experience to the individual preparing a thesis in the pursuit of a Specialist of Education degree at NMSU, and further, it analyzed if that value lay in the process of research and writing the thesis, the information generated by the thesis, the dissemination of information generated by the thesis, or the self-esteem enhanced by the thesis. Variables considered included the occupation, education level, date of degree, or gender of each individual.;Respondents were grouped according to occupation, education level, date of degree, and gender, and t tests (or when sample size was small, Mann-Whitney U tests) were performed to show significant differences in the perceived value of the thesis experience. No significant differences in perception were revealed regardless of grouping.;Frequency distributions revealed that respondents found substantial value in research and writing the thesis and in the enhancement of self-esteem, questionable value in the category of information generated, and little or no value in the dissemination of information to other professionals. The perception of general value was slightly in favor of the continuation of the thesis requirement.