Chapter Six

METHODS OF CIRCULATING SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH DATA AND

INFORMATION
Scientific research data and associated information can be propagated through the following
means:
i. Scientific research (project) report
ii. Poster or oral (slide) presentation of data during scientific conferences
iii. Publication of data in scientific journals.

i. Writing of Scientific Research Report and Thesis Preparation : Scientific research

(or project) report and hence, thesis submission is one major way of disseminating
research data/information in details. It is used to express the depth and researcher’s
understanding of the project. Thesis (a written research project report or essay submitted
for the award of a university degree) consists of various parts : cover, title, certification,
dedication, acknowledgements, abstract, list of figures and tables, table of contents,
introduction, literature review, materials and methods, results, discussion and conclusion,
references, appendix.
It is usually easier and better to add information into a thesis, the moment a task in the
project is accomplished. It means that thesis preparation should progress with each stage
of the project. This ensures thorough preparation of thesis and also, helps to avoid haste
which compromises quality.
Table 6.1, indicates how a thesis can be prepared step-by-step throughout the different
stages of the project.

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 Table 6.1 : Stepwise construction of thesis at diffrent stages of a project

Project stage Project task Thesis construction

Start of research Read background Write the proposed title
(planning) information and identify gap for the project.
for the research. Then,
propose a title and develop a
working document (research
proposal).
Include: introduction,
Review literature details and research problem,
collate relevant research objectives and
papers in order to know hypothesis. Then, write
what has been done and the a comprehensive
research problem, thereof. literature review.

Study the documented State clearly, the

materials and methods and materials and methods
propose yours with with references.
modifications, if need be

Middle of research Use the created protocol for Describe the

(Conduct) the experimental procedure experimental
and conduct the physical procedures in much
investigation in order to more details.
generate initial results.

Correct mistakes in

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 experiments which could Write the final set of
have been made and results or data.
generate final data or
results.

End (Result Summarize and analyze data Present the summarized

analysis/Conclusion) using the relevant statistical data and include
method. statistical interpretation
based on the analysis.

Compare your data with Here, include the

other results or findings in discussion of the results
literature. and conclusion.

Make a comprehensive
Identify all references cited list of all cited
throughout the entire work. references using the
recommended style.

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PARTS OF A THESIS (SEE APPENDIX VIII)
Cover : Thesis cover should have research title, name of researcher, institution (or affiliation)
and date.
Title : Should be as for cover, but must include the purpose for research and thus, submission.
Title must be scientific and interesting ; adequately describing the research work in few words.
Certification : Authorities in the institute where the study was conducted may wish to affirm
author’s ownership.
Dedication : It is used to thank anyone (or being) for the support received.
Acknowledgements : Used to appreciate the help obtained from those that were instrumental to
the work
Abstract : This is an abridged version of the entire report. So, it consists of short descriptions of
background, methods, results and conclusion, in one easy to read format, not usually more than
one page with single spacing
List of Figures and Tables : Enables readers to easy locate figures and tables for perusal.
Table of Contents : Allows reader to quickly find information from the work.
Roman figures are used to indicate pages for cover and up to table of contents, then, from
introduction, Arabic numeral.
Introduction (Chapter One) : This section includes background information of problem,
objectives, hypothesis and significance of study.
Literature review (Chapter Two) : Here, you review what others have done and why. The
hypothesis and research problem must be kept in focus and also know that you will refer back to
the research articles in the discussion, in order to compare and contrast your data (or results) with
those of other workers. Therefore, this section should have references to several publications
relevant to the area under review. All statements of fact should be supported by reference
citation.
Materials and methods (Chapter Three) : This consists of the materials and methods used
during study. In the materials section, include all equipment, chemicals and consumables used
with their suppliers, model or grade (Appendix VIII). For the methods, describe the experimental
procedure in such a manner that another worker can repeat the study using the procedure. In this
section also, you need to include the study period and duration, and if humans or animals are

4
involved, you need to state the total number, how they were obtained or recruited, their mean
weight, age and other (sociodemographic) information relevant to use and why.
Results (Chapter Four) : Raw results or data should appear in appendix, but the condensed and
already analyzed result should be placed here, with the level of statistical significance clearly
expressed. Results or data can be represented in the form of tables, photographs, graphs or
diagrams as already described in Chapter Four. Any chosen method of result (data)
representation, should be clearly labelled with brief notes, so that reference to it in the text could
be easy.
Discussion and Conclusion (Chapter Five) : This section, discusses your results. So, here, you
compare and contrast your findings with what you have introduced and reviewed at the begining
(Introduction and Literature review sections). Do your results agree or disagree with previous
observations? Then, start your discussion by briefly stating the study background and
highlighting the results obtained. Compare and contrast your findings with documented records
in literature as already reviewed. Then, justify your findings by explaining the scientific basis of
your results. Thereafter, draw conclusion in line with the stated objective and hypothesis.
Recommendations for further study should emphasize areas for improvement.
References : A complete list of all the references cited in the text must be compiled and placed at
the end of the thesis or research project report. This is known as the reference list or
bibliography. Reference citation is a system in the academic community which is used to locate
and acknowledge the sources of ideas, facts, quotes, theories and other relevant information
utilized in the development of a (research) report.
Referencing is important in order to avoid plagiarism — a type of academic stealing. Reference
citation also gives proper acknowledgement to sources of information utilized and due
recognition to authors whose work you have cosulted in the course of developing your report. It
also reveals the extent of in-depth research, undertaken to develop your work. In addition,
referencing directs others to the research materials you have consulted in creating your work.
You need to reference all materials and information used in your entire work by acknowledging
and making detailed notes on the sources being used as you progress.
Table 6.2, provides a summarized guide for the Harvard style of referencing.

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Table 6.2 : Some examples of material referencing using the Harvard style.
S/N Material Layout In-text Citation Listing Details
1 Book (one Surname, Initials. Alternations in Nduka, N. (1999).
author) (Year of publication). normal physiology Clincal Biochemistry
Book title — and biochemistry of for Students of
italicized or the body result in Pathology. Ibadan:
underlined. Series disease (Nduka, Longman.
title and volume, if 1999). Or Nduka
applicable. Edition, if (1999) stated that
not the first. Place of alternations……….
publication: Publisher

2 Book (2 or Surnames and Initials As observed by Onyesom, I., Oriero, D.

3 authors) of the two or three Onyesom, Oriero and and Awhin, P.E. (2010).
authors. Then, the Awhin (2010) blood Laboratory Series and
rest as S/N 1, above. glucose increases Workbook in Medical
with age. Biochemistry. 2nd Ed.
Abraka: Department of
Medical Biochemistry,
Delta State University,
Abraka. Nigeria.
3
Book (4 or Surnames and Initials Anene et al. (2008) Anene, N.I., Lukong,
more of all authors. Then, noted that……. Or B.C., Nwuke, C.P. and
authors) the rest as in S/N 1, Analytical Mbuh, A.F. (2008).
above. biochemistry has Essential Techniques of
emerged as a Biochemical Analysis.
specialty (Anene et Nsukka: Ndudim.
al.,2008).

4 Edited Surnames, Initial(s) (Okwa, 2012) or Okwa, O.O. (ed.).

6
 Book of editor. (ed/s). then, Okwa (2012). (2012). Malarial
the rest follow suit as Parasite. Crotia: In
in S/N 1 Tech.

5 Chapter in Surname and Initials Water is Eze, M.O. (1994).

Edited of the chapter author. indispensable and Buffers and pH. In:
Book (year of Publication). constitutes 70-90% of Anosike, E.O. (ed.). An
Title of chapter. In: body mass (Eze, Introduction to the
Surname and Initials 1994). Or Eze (1994) Principles of
of book editor (ed/s.). stated that water is Biochemistry. Port
Book title — polar. Harcourt: Sunray
italicized or Publications.
underlined. Others as
in S/N 1.

6 Publication Name of body (Year World Health World Health

s by of publication). Title, Organization (2015) Organization, WHO
corporate italicized or stated that 429,000 (2015). World Health
bodies, underlined. Place of people died of Organization malarial
institutions, publication: malarial infection in Report 2015. Geneva:
organizatio Publisher. (Report 2015 across the WHO.
ns, groups, number, if given). globe.
companies
or
commitees.

7 Journal Surname and Onyesom and Adu Onyesom, I. and Adu,

Article Initial(s) of article (2015) reported the F.O (2015). Phyllanthus
author(s). pancreatic tonic amarus possesses
(Publication year). property of malarial curative and
Title of article. Phyllanthus amarus. pancreatic tonic

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 Journal ; italicized or Or, Phyllanthus potential in
underlined. Volume amarus possesses experimental mice.
number (port antimalarial activity Journal of Chemical
number/month). (Onyesom and Adu, and Pharmaceutical
p.page number. 2015). Research. 7(5).p.7-15.

8 Web Surname and Initials More than 100 Centers for Disease
Material of website author or species of Control and Prevention,
name of website if Plasmodium can CDC. (2015). Malarial
author is not known. infest many animals parasite. [online].
(Year). Title of and various mammals Available from:
website, italicized (Centers for Disease http://www.cdc.gov/
orunderlined. Control and malaria/parasite.
[online]. Available Prevention, CDC) [Accessed: 20th
from: URL. September, 2016].
[Accessed: Then,
date].
Source: Adapted from: Harvard Quick Referencing Guide
(ukrbullentin.univ.kiev.ua/harvard_quick_guide)

Note: In the Harvard style of referencing, a brief citation [Surname(s) and year of publication] to
a referred source is expressed in parentheses within the text, but collection of detailed citations is
made in alphabetical author/originator order at the end, under references, bibliography or work
cited heading. The Harvard system is not strict about capitalizing authors’ names either in text or
in reference list, but recommends consistency. Title of information source should either be
italicized or underlined and should not be mixed-up. In terms of puntuation, Harvard has no true
style. So, the rule is to adhere to your mode of puntuation and maintain regularity.
Appendices:In this section, the followings—statistical formulae and symbols (Appendix I), raw
data (Appendix II), chemical/reagent compositions, concentrations and preparations (Appendix
III), ethical application/approval (AppendixIV), information record for volunteers (Appendix V)
—can be included, but, personal information about consent, actual volunteer (or patient/subject)

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data and other private information should be kept safe as separate document(s) and should not
appear in this section.
Marking guide: Request for the assessment scheme, your institution uses to evaluate research
project report (or thesis). Then, study and get acquainted to it, in order to assist you allot time
and dedication to each part of the project.
A sample is, however, provided in Table 6.3, herewith.

Table 6.3: Assessment scheme for a thesis

Items assessed Score(%)
Attitude and commitment to research work 10
Format, scientific skillfulness, English grammar, illustrations
(photographs, charts, diagrams etc) 5
Abstract 10
Introduction and review of relevant literature 20
Currency and sources (mostly from peer-reviewed journals) of in-text
cited references 5
Materials and Methods 5
Presentation of results and statistical description of data 15
Discussion of analyzed results (or data) 20
Reference listing — complete compilation of all the in-text cited
references using the recommended (Harvard) style 10
TOTAL 100
Source: Modified from ; Basten (2010).

Viva voce: Sometimes, you may be required to go through a viva voce which is essentially based
on your project with the panel members asking specific questions regarding your work which
you ought to answer. This type of oral defence assesses your in depth understanding of the
project. In order to perform well, keep your thesis to a minimum (particularly the review section)
and device means that will enable you to quickly navigate through your thesis. Have a thorough
study of your work and be conversant with it.

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POSTER PRESENTATION
This is another way of disseminating research information, although in a summarized format.
Construction of a good poster involves the inclusion of the following essential sections: Begin
with title of study, author(s) name(s) and affiliation(s). This should be followed by the abstract
consisting of introduction, methods, results and conclusion, stated already in word format. Then,
write the introduction using sentences which summarize the study background and literature
reviewed with cited references. Next, present the results using simplified tables, graphs, charts
or diagram for easy explanation of your findings. In the conclusion section, use two or three
brief statements and include one sentence on recommendation for improving the study. In
addition, the references cited in the introduction, should be correctly listed in details in the
bibliography or reference section.
Posters are usually presented orally with the presenter standing next to the pasted or displayed
poster expounding the work to listeners (students, researchers, conference attendees, lecturers,
programme organizers, etc) who are interested in your work and want to hear you speak. So,
spend quality time guiding them around your poster in a reasonable style. A poster template (Fig.
6.1) and a typical example (Appendix IX) are shown for further clarification and understanding.
Title of study

Author(s) Name(s)
and
Affiliation(s)

Abstract
Introduction, methods, results and conclusions should be stated briefly in words.

Introduction Results Results

Use few key Present results using a Same here
sentences to simplified table, chart or graph.
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 summarize the
study background
and literature with
references.
Conclusion
Use 2 or 3 sumarized statements to conclude and include one sentence suggesting area of
improvements.

References
List in details the cited sources in the Introduction section

Fig. 6.1: Poster template

ORAL PRESENTATION
Research findings can also be circulated via oral (slide) presentation to an audience. It is an
interesting means of letting people know what you have discovered or observed. In preparing
slides for presentation of research data, you need to explain the study background, state the
problem, briefly describe the methods, give results, draw conclusion and sUggest areas for
improvement. Then, acknowledge assistance received.

A guide for slide preparation has been provided (Fig. 6.2)

Title Introduction Introduction Methods

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 Name(s) Give background to Briefly explain Succinity
Affiliation(s) study and state the key literature describe the
research problem. and define the methods
objectives of adopted.
study.

Slide 3
Slide 1 Slide 2 Slide 4
Methods Results Results Discussion
Same here Express your data Same here Use key sentences
using clear and easy to to discuss results.
understand
illustrations.
Slide 8
Slide 5 Slide 6 Slide 7

Discussion Conclusions Recommendation Acknowledgement

Same here Use short and Suggest areas for Recognize the
direct further study or assistance or help
statements. improvements. received.
Slide 9 Slide 10 Slide 11 Slide 12
Fig. 6.2: Guide for slide construction to be used for scientific oral presentation.

Clean, clear and easy to read slides should be developed, preferably using the 7/7 rule, where a
slide consists of a total of 49 words (7 on each row and column i.e. maximum of 7 rows) and
taking about 1 min to present (Fig. 6.3). The presenter should be fluent and articulate, using the
slides as clue, and not reading from prepard notes. Oral presentation should rather be a fun
experience of letting people know what you have done and achieved, instead of being a boring
reading activity. So, be confident and shine, having done the work and practiced several times
before the actual presentation period.

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 Column

Rows

Fig. 6.3: The 7/7 rule template, = one word.

An example of prepared slides from a research study is shown (Appendix X)

PUBLICATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS IN JOURNALS

Research data can be published in a journal, making readers know about your work and findings.
In this way, your work gets wider publication. To prepare a manuscript for publication as journal
article, the thesis’ sections (Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion,
References and Acknowledgements) are summarized as in Appendix XI and submitted to a
reputable journal for peer review and publication. The style of referencing and format for general
presentation depends on the journal’s recommendation. Author(s) is/are therefore, required to
consult the journal’s “Instruction to Authors” before preparing the manuscript, so that draft
conforms to the journal format and recommended style.

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