Journal article and thesis are two important formats of reports in academia. There are certain differences between the thesis and article. The aim of the thesis is totally different from a journal article. Being a researcher, understanding the differences between both kind of academic writing is very essential.
Differences Between a Thesis and an Article
| Thesis | Article | |
| Requirements | A thesis should meet the academic requirements. It may differ from one institution to another. | An article should meet journal standards. It depends on a journal you publish |
| Reviewers | It usually reviewed by selected committee members from different countries. | It reviewed by a panel of reviewers selected from the journal. |
| Organization | Thesis consist of various chapters | An article consists of various sections. |
| Word length | There is no particular word limit in thesis writing. (approx 25,000 words) | Word limits are applicable to an article based on the journal. (approx 5000 words) |
| Format | Thesis formatted as a table of content manner | A journal article should follow a manuscript format. |
| Abstract | The length of the thesis abstract is longer than a journal paper. (approx 350 words) | Abstract in the article is smaller in length. (approx 150 to 250 words) |
| Introduction | A detailed introduction is required. | A concise introduction is required. |
| Literature | Lengthy research of literature | Shorter literature in the context of the particular work. |
| Methods | Discuss detailed research methodology carried in the thesis | Discuss specific methodology and experiments conducted. |
| Findings | All findings should be presented in the thesis. | Only selected findings need to be presented in an article. |
| Discussion | A thesis requires a complete discussion about the results and findings. | An article requires concise discussion about the result. |
Courtesy: Elsevier.com
Hope, this article helps you to distinguish the difference between a thesis and an article.