Master’s Thesis Colloquium

Master

The participants:
• reflect on and continuously improve the progress of their master’s thesis.
• present their research in a structured and audience-appropriate manner.
• critically discuss theoretical, methodological, and empirical aspects of their work.
• provide and integrate constructive academic feedback.
• enhance their skills in academic writing and argumentation.
• prepare specifically for the oral defense of the master’s thesis.
• strengthen their ability to engage in scientific discussion and critical exchange.

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The master’s thesis colloquium accompanies students throughout the entire research and writing process of their master’s thesis. The focus lies on the continuous reflection and further development of their own academic work through exchange with instructors and fellow students. Students regularly present the progress of their work—including research questions, theoretical foundation, methodological approach, and initial results—and receive structured feedback on the content, methodology, and argumentative quality.

A key component of the colloquium is the in-depth engagement with challenges in the research process, such as refining research questions, developing a consistent research design, selecting appropriate methods, and interpreting empirical findings. In addition, aspects of academic writing, logical argumentation, and the structuring of complex content are discussed and further developed.

The colloquium also serves as preparation for the oral defense of the master’s thesis. Students practice presenting their research in an academic context, learn how to handle critical questions, and develop their ability to communicate their findings clearly and convincingly. Furthermore, peer exchange fosters the ability to critically analyze the work of others and provide constructive feedback.

• Kornmeier, M. (2024). Wissenschaftlich schreiben leicht gemacht: Für Bachelor, Master und Dissertation. Göttingen: Haupt.
• Peters, J. H., & Dörfler, T. (2019). Schreiben und Gestalten von Abschlussarbeiten in der Psychologie und den Sozialwissenschaften. München: Pearson.
• Sedlmeier, P., & Renkewitz, F. (2024). Forschungsmethoden und Statistik für Psychologen und Sozialwissenschaften. München: Pearson.
• Theisen, M. R., & Theisen, M. (2024). Wissenschaftliches Arbeiten: Erfolg bei Bachelor- und Masterarbeit. München: Vahlen.

Presentation

German

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The colloquium follows a research- and reflection-oriented learning approach. Through regular presentations of work in progress, structured feedback processes, and exchange with instructors and fellow students, the continuous development of the master’s thesis is supported. Students reflect on their research questions, methodological approaches, and findings, discuss challenges in the research and writing process, and deepen their competencies in academic work. In addition, presentation skills and the handling of critical questions are specifically trained in preparation for the oral defense.

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