A Ph.D. thesis begins with a proposal ensuring that professors of the department believe the thesis topic is relevant and meets the requirements of the Ph.D. program at that school. Proposals often include the first several chapters of the thesis. Most proposals explain the background of the topic, previous work that has been done, the research methods that the student will use, and what he expects his work to contribute to the field.
Research for a Ph.D. thesis explores other work relevant to the subject. For example, in writing a thesis on children's response to gender expectations, a student will examine the results of other studies conducted on the topic, and explain them in a section called the literature review. She will then contest or uphold the findings with original research she carries out through reading, observations and experiments. Advisors often recommend articles or studies that students may not be familiar with. Thesis research also often involves attending conferences or requesting information from other experts.
Some students complete all research before beginning to write. Others continue to conduct research well into the writing process. The writing process for a Ph.D. thesis usually follows the layout explained in the proposal, incorporating changes as the project alters with new information. Students submit multiple drafts to advisors and peer editors, rewriting and supplementing with additional research.
A Ph.D. thesis must undergo a defense in which the writer presents her work to all faculty members within the department. The professors ask questions and challenge points made by the student, who must defend her claims. The stronger the thesis and the more thorough the research, the better it will stand up during a defense. Most students prepare rigorously for the defense, seeking explanations for weaknesses or points of ambiguity that may exist within their thesis.