The development of a practical model for the editing of theses and dissertations

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Theses and dissertations constitute a substantial platform for the documentation anddissemination of research findings, and the professional presentation of such findings iscrucial for maintaining scientific integrity. Highly effective fact finders may lack writingskills and experience, or they may simply encounter barriers when expressing ideas, and thusperhaps inadequately present what they have so adequately found. In short, adequate editingof theses and dissertations is essential.Whereas a multitude of guidelines is available for thesis and dissertation writing, there is littleguidance available on the editing of such works. Thus, with the latter objective in mind, thisthesis is dedicated to developing a practical model to editing postgraduate research papers.Despite a notable lack of theory in the field of thesis editing, which became apparent whilereviewing the respective literature, the most suitable sources of theory were selected toprovide a basis for developing a model for thesis editing. These sources, combined withinsights from a practical dissertation editing assignment, allowed for the design of a model forthe practical editing process of postgraduate research texts.The editing model is based on a process-oriented approach, i.e. one which focuses on thelearning process of the student. Moreover, the model promotes a level of editorial interventionthat conforms to the current perception of ethical intervention in thesis editing. Ethicalintervention is currently being negotiated against the backdrop of such standards as thepurpose of thesis writing as well as the requirement of originality of theses and dissertations.In a testing phase the model was applied in a thesis editing assignment and emerged as avaluable guide in the process of editing. It also proved practicable in all its major aspects.Nevertheless, since a single testing assignment is not sufficient to prove the generalpracticality of any model, the model is still to be considered a prototype and may have toundergo further refinement after additional comprehensive testing.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University