A short while ago I've come across one article which I believe you could find useful. Someone might take a steaming dump all over it, however it answered some of my questions. 
<a href="http://www.jamiedunnett.com/structuring-a-real-thesis-launch-research-of-style/" / rel="nofollow">http://www.jamiedunnett.com/structuring-a-real-thesis-launch-research-of-style/</a>