Here's why:
* Objectivity: Third person promotes a sense of objectivity and avoids personal opinions or biases.
* Formal tone: Academic writing should maintain a formal and scholarly tone, and third person helps achieve that.
* Focus on research: The focus should be on the research itself, not the author's personal experience.
Exceptions:
While third person is the norm, there are a few exceptions:
* Disciplinary conventions: Some disciplines (like creative writing or personal essays) might allow first person.
* Specific requirements: Your advisor or institution may have specific guidelines.
Tips for writing in third person:
* Use "the researcher," "the author," or "this study."
* Avoid personal pronouns like "I," "me," "we," or "us."
* Focus on the research findings and avoid making subjective statements.
In summary: Unless explicitly instructed otherwise, stick to writing your thesis in third person. It will help you maintain a formal and objective tone, focusing on the research rather than your personal perspective.