Research Paper vs Undergraduate Senior Thesis

[Flux2]

What is the differences between a research paper and a senior thesis?

Which is most beneficial?

[aba1984]

I personally think papers are overrated since many people can get their names crammed in there with little work. I've seen papers where four people got their names on it just because they went to the freezer to thaw a sample out. Mind you, this is a one person job and certainly not worth of a name on a publication. I guess it depends, but I personally approach publications with skepticism. At least with a thesis, you're signed up for the corresponding credit hours and are expected to know your project inside out. Of course, if you're first author and your professor is the only other author, that's a whole 'nother story.

Edited January 12, 2014 by aba1984

[Flux2]

I personally think papers are overrated since many people can get their names crammed in there with little work. I've seen papers where four people got their names on it just because they went to the freezer to thaw a sample out. Mind you, this is a one person job and certainly not worth of a name on a publication. I guess it depends, but I personally approach publications with skepticism. At least with a thesis, you're signed up for the corresponding credit hours and are expected to know your project inside out. Of course, if you're first author and your professor is the only other author, that's a whole 'nother story.

 

So I have a particular research interest that I might propose to my research adviser but I was debating on whether I should go for a honor thesis or just a research paper. And well as a student looking forward to grad school, I want to do something that will be actually beneficial when applying to grad school. 

Edited January 12, 2014 by Flux1100

[biotechie]

What is the differences between a research paper and a senior thesis?

Which is most beneficial?

 

 

It depends. Are you publishing this research paper in a scientific journal? Will you be first or second author? If so, that will be more beneficial than a senior thesis in some cases.

 

However, you can generate a senior thesis and the work done on that can contribute to a publication either in the near future or down the road. My senior thesis contained about ½ the amount of data my MS thesis contained, and it got my the designation of "with Honors" for my BS degree. That data is local to the school, but is now being included in a publication I will be able to place on my CV. Though I'm already attending, this is still extremely beneficial.

 

The type of writing required for a thesis is very different than a general paper as well, and you will need to do a lot of this writing as a graduate student. Even if you only gain this experience from your thesis writing for undergrad, I feel it is extremely beneficial.

 

If you can find a professor willing to put you on a project or to fund your own project, go for the thesis. It will likely be more difficult for you, but also more beneficial.