Thesis Format 2014 (For Students)
Thesis Format 2014 (For Students)
CAPSULE PROPOSAL
A capsule proposal is a three to five-page document that BRIEFLY shows why and
how the study will be done. This document contains the following parts : a) brief
background to justify why a study has to be done; b) general and specific objectives; c)
significance of the study; and d) brief description of the methodology which contains
the research design, setting, population, sampling design, variables (dependent and
independent variables), data collection method/s and plan of analysis. The capsule
proposal is written and presented before a panel of researchers during the Research
Methods course. After presentation and revision, the student requests the members of
the panel to sign their names in the Capsule Proposal Approval Sheet or Form 1 (see
Page 13 for template).
B. RESEARCH PROPOSAL (FULL-BLOWN)
A research proposal (full-blown) is a document that shows a comprehensive
justification for doing the research study and a detailed description of the whole research
process. This is composed of only two chapters, the Introduction (Chapter 1) and
Methodology (Chapter 2 which is written in the future tense). The review of related
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literature is found in the first chapter. The outline of the research proposal is given below.
See guidelines for writing a full-blown research proposal in pages 3-8 of this document.
______________________________________________________________________
The full-blown proposal contains only two chapters : Chapter 1 (Introduction and
review of related literature) and Chapter 2 (Methodology).
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
This chapter justifies the need to answer the main question you are designed to
answer. It gives a clear idea about the seriousness of the problem. It sets the scene of
the setting of the study that is to interest the reader. It starts with general ideas then
moves down to specifics. This chapter contains the background, review of related
literature, theoretical framework, conceptual framework, objectives, hypothesis
and significance of the study.
Background (Maximum of Three Pages)
Start with a brief provocative problem statement that is applicable to the theme of
the study. This one statement will catch the attention of the reader. Include convincing
argument/s that will support the statement on the seriousness and urgency of the
problem. Follow with facts/statistics that portray the problematic situation (global,
national, regional and local setting). Present a resume of events/programs/projects that
have been done by various public and private sectors to address the problem. Indicate
a firm stand on the need to bridge the gap between existing facts and the problematic
situation. Indicate what should be done and what data are needed to address the
problem. Present the rationale on the need to conduct the study.
Review of Related Literature
This section provides information on the background of the problem, theories that
explain the existence of the problem and determinants, and previous studies done.
Acquaint the reader with existing studies as to what has been found, who has done the
work, when and where the latest studies have been conducted. Provide the reader with
information on what research methods were utilized and provide information on what
problems were met and how were they resolved. Use sub-headings and use past tense.
Establish the theoretical and conceptual framework for the research.
a) Theoretical Framework - Make use of a theory or theories to explain why a
phenomenon exists and how the different factors which brought about the
phenomenon are interrelated. The purpose of the theoretical framework is
to develop and present a unified explanation of related ideas and to provide the
foundation on which the study will build and develop.
b) Conceptual Framework - Make a diagram to present how different variables
in the study are related to each other. It has the same function as the
theoretical framework but instead of using theories, it uses constructs which are
specific and well-defined. Explain how the different variables are related to each
other.
Objectives
These are statements of purpose for which the investigation is conducted. These
serve as guide in the specification of variables, selection of research method,
determination of the data to be collected and planning of analysis of results.
For a quantitative study, state the General Objective by transforming the problem
statement from an interrogative form to a declarative statement, usually introduced by
the phrase to determine. State the Specific Objectives which are specific
activities/questions that are desired to be done to answer the general objectives. These
are statements of the specific outcomes expected in the study.
In a qualitative study, the objectives appear as a) Grand Tour Question as the
main aim which is written in a declarative statement; and b) the sub-problems which
are in the interrogative form. Please see the format of a qualitative research in page 12
of this document.
Hypothesis
This section appears in the proposal only if the study determines relationship/s or
difference/s between variables. This is an educated guess, an assertion or proposition
about the interrelationship or about differences between two or more variables. If your
study does not test causal relationships or differences between variables, do not use a
hypothesis (e.g. in purely descriptive, diagnostic or exploratory investigations). There
are two types of hypotheses, the Null Hypothesis (statement of denial of an existence,
attribute, relationship, difference or an effect) and Alternative Hypothesis (statement of
relationship, difference or an effect). Of these two, use the null hypothesis because
errors in accepting or rejecting the hypothesis can be easily avoided.
Significance
State the value of the study or justification for making the study. Make a list of
potential users and indicate the specific contribution of the results (findings,
conclusions recommendations) to these beneficiaries of the study. (Note : In the final
research write-up, integrate significance in the DISCUSSION or Chapter 4).
Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY
This chapter provides a detailed description of the basic research plan or procedure
on how the study will be done so that it will be reproduced by a competent colleague or
that the procedures are needed to judge the validity of its answer. This maybe a place to
begin writing then return to introduction when a flow of words has already started.
Include in this section the following parts : research design, setting, population, variables
and measures (dependent and independent variable), sampling (design, randomization
and estimation of sample size), data collection procedure and ethical considerations.
In the proposal, this chapter is written in future tense. In the final write-up, it is written in
past tense.
Research Design
This refers to the plan of action, approach or strategy to be used in the study. Define
the research design used, whether it is descriptive, cross-sectional, case-control, cohort
or experimental, quasi-experimental, etc. Indicate who has the authority of such
definition and cite the reference.
Setting
Describe the study area or locale of the study. Provide a justification for choosing
the study area. A map may be shown when necessary.
Population
Indicate the number and significant characteristics of the participants. Provide
inclusion criteria (specific characteristics that make the participants qualified to
participate in the study) and exclusion criteria (specific characteristics that render a
certain segment of the population to be ineligible to be included in the study).
Variables and Measures
Variables are characteristics that are measured numerically (e.g. blood pressure) or
in terms of categories (e.g. presence or absence of a disease). If your study determines
a relationship between variables, write the dependent variable first. A dependent
variable hangs on to another variable or is a putative effect of one or more variables.
Then write the independent variable/s. This/these characteristic/s is/are the assumed
cause/s or reason/s for any variation of a dependent variable which is usually the
problem in the study.
Specify the categories or classes of the dependent and independent variables in
terms of scales of measurement. These maybe written in a form of a nominal (two or
more categories that are qualitatively different from each other e.g. place of delivery
such as hospital and home); ordinal (ranked categories, e.g. severity of a disease);
interval (zero does not indicate absence of attribute and equal differences between any
pair of numbers in the scale indicate equal differences but not in the amounts of the
attribute such as temperature); and ratio (zero indicates absence of attribute and equal
differences between any pair of numbers is the same as that between the amounts of
attribute being measured (e.g. hemoglobin concentration or scores in the examination).
Sampling
Explain the process of choosing the samples that will represent the entire
population. Include in this section three issues about sampling : i.e., sampling design,
randomization and estimation of sample size if appropriate.
Sampling design. Explain the entire procedure how the participants will be chosen.
Choose the appropriate sampling design. There are two basic types of sampling
designs namely non-probability or non-random or judgmental sampling (e.g. accidental
and purposive) and probability sampling (e.g. simple random, systematic, stratified
random, stratified systematic, cluster, two-stage and multi-stage designs). State the
sampling frame, whether a spot map or a list will be used.
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Randomization. Describe the randomization procedure if needed in the study. This
refers to the procedure where each participant is assigned to a treatment group or
control group by chance (e.g. by random numbers) to reduce the influence of extraneous
factors.
Estimation of sample size. Show how sample size is derived using some formula
for estimation of sample size. This is used to consider the availability of human
resources and logistics.
Data Collection Procedure
Explain in detail how pre-testing or pilot testing will be conducted including the
number of participants, recruitment, setting, instrument to be pre-tested, procedures to
be used in pre-testing.
Explain in detail how the data will be gathered, whether through observation
method using instruments (like tape measure or weighing scale) ; personal interview
using a structured interview schedule, self-administered interview, key informant
interview and/or focus group discussion. Describe the instrument in terms of number
and content of questions to be used, type of scale, how these are organized, and the
method of validation. Attach a copy of the instrument in the appendix. Also describe
here when the study will start and when it will end. Describe the enumerators in terms of
their educational attainment, employment status, experience as interviewers/observers,
method and duration of training for the study.
Data Analysis
Indicate the type of statistical test/s, decision making criteria (alpha level) and
computer software that will be used in the study. Refer to the specific objectives as
guide in the identification of appropriate statistical tool. (Note : In the final research
write-up, integrate data analysis in the RESULTS (Chapter 3).
Limitations of the Study
The limitations of the study should provide information on certain conditions which
are beyond the control of the investigator. (Note : In the final paper, integrate
limitations of the study in the DISCUSSION (Chapter 4).
Ethical Considerations
Describe the ethical issues that will be observed to protect the rights, safety,
privacy and sensitivity of laboratory animals and/or human participants as well as the
researchers themselves, the community and the environment. If the study deals with
human participants, state clearly how informed consent is obtained. This means that
the participants will give their consent (by signing in the informed consent form) after
they have been informed of the nature of the study, their roles in the study, risks and
inconveniences, benefits for participation, compensation, provision for illness/injury,
whom to contact, voluntariness of participation, and confidentially that must be carried
out to secure their anonymity and privacy. If the study deals with animals, it should be
stated that extreme care must be observed in every step from the time these are
purchased to the time that they are disposed of. Secure a copy from the IGSR of the
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template for informed consent form, guidelines for evaluation of studies involving human
participants and guidelines for studies that involve animals.
References - Format the references using the American Psychological Association
(APA) writing style.
Appendices - Attach the appendices next to the reference page. The first document shall
be identified as Appendix A.
E. FINAL WRITE-UP - The outline of a thesis/final write-up is found below. See the
description of each part in pages 9-12.
OUTLINE OF THE FINAL WRITE-UP
1. Preliminaries
TITLE PAGE
THESIS APPROVAL SHEET
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
2. Text Body
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Background
Review of Related Literature
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Objectives
Hypothesis
Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Setting
Population
Variables and Measures
Sampling
Sampling design.
Randomization.
Estimation of sample size
Data Collection Procedure
Ethical Considerations
Chapter 3 RESULTS
Chapter 4 DISCUSSION
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
Appendices
F. GUIDELINES FOR WRITING THE FINAL THESIS WRITE-UP
1. Preliminaries
TITLE PAGE
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c) results include only the major findings of the study
d) discussion/conclusion- state the implications and major
contribution of the study to the field.
Note : Do not cite references in the abstract. Below the abstract
write keywords that indicate the following : discipline, important
variables/concepts, design and geographical location.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS - Write the names of individuals and/or groups of individuals
who provided significant contributions in the thesis.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
2. Text Body of the Final Research Paper
Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Background
Review of Related Literature
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Objectives
Hypothesis
Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Setting
Population
Variables and Measures
Sampling
Sampling design
Randomization
Estimation of sample size
Data Collection Procedure
Ethical Considerations
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CHAPTER 3 RESULTS -
Conclusions
Recommendations
References
Appendices
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G. FORMAT OF A QUALITATIVE RESEARCH STUDY
A student who is interested to conduct a qualitative research study is required to
use the format provided below. It should be noted that in Chapter 3 given below, the
term Implications shall be used instead of Recommendations. A section on
Methodological Notes is included in this type of study which shows the graduate
students expectations (met and unmet), experiences, insights and learning achieved
during the conduct of the study.
PRELIMINARIES
Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Purpose of the Study
Review of Related Literature
The Grand Tour Question and Sub-questions
Definitions
Delimitations (or Scope) and Limitations
Significance of the Study
Chapter 2 - PROCEDURE
Assumptions and Rationale for a Qualitative Design
The Type of Design Used
The Role of the Researcher
Data Collection Procedures
Data Analysis Procedures
Methods for Verification (depending on the orientation of the researcher)
Outcome of the Study and its Relation to Theory and Literature
Ethical Considerations
Chapter 3 - RESULTS, DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS
Chapter 4 - SUMMARY
Methodological Notes
References
Appendices
______________________________________________________________________
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Form 1
CAPSULE PROPOSAL APPROVAL SHEET
________________________________
Teacher - Research Methods Course
_______________________________
Member
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Form 2
APPROVAL SHEET FOR PROPOSAL DEFENSE
_________________________
Name and Signature of Mentor
_________________________
Date
15
Form 3
______________________
Mentor
_______________________________
Member
_______________________________
Member
16
Form 4
APPROVAL SHEET FOR THESIS DEFENSE
_________________________
Name and Signature of Mentor
____________________
Date
17
Form 5
APPROVAL SHEET FOR BOOKBINDING
______________________
Mentor
_______________________________
Member
_______________________________
Member
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Form 6
APPROVAL
SHEET
________________________________
Chair
______________________________
Member
_______________________________
Member
_________________________________
Member
ACCEPTED in partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of ____________
____________________________________.
________________________________
Dean
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