[Dissertation Title Page]
[Abstract title page]
The text of the Abstract is double-spaced with no paragraph breaks or citations. Briefly describe the overall research study problem you are addressing in the first couple of sentences followed by the purpose of the study. Do include a general introduction of the need for the study (identify the problem) in the first sentence, then move to a clear statement of the research problem (your specific research problem, central research question) being addressed. Identify the purpose and theoretical foundations of the study. When applicable, summarise the key research question(s), and briefly describe the overall research methodology, methods, and data analysis procedures.
Once Chapters 1-5 are complete, add the following:
Identify the key results, one or two conclusions, and recommendations that capture the heart of the research. Conclude with a statement on the implications for positive social change.
Note: See Harvard referencing for further instruction on references
Dedication
[This is an optional page for a dedication. It does not have a page number. The dedication appears with normal formatting: left justified, indented paragraphs, standard punctuation, etc.]
Acknowledgments
[As with the Dedication page, the Acknowledgments page is optional. It is a nice place to thank the faculty, friends, and family members who have helped you reach this point in your academic career. This section should be no more than one page in length.]
Table of Contents
List of Tables iv
List of Figures v
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study 6
Background of the Study 6
Research Aim…………………………………………………………………6
Research Objectives ………………………………………………………….7
Research Question(s) Hypotheses 8
Theoretical Foundation 9
Structure and layout………………………………………………………10
Chapter 2: Literature Review 11
Theoretical Foundation 11
Literature Review 11
Summary and Conclusions 12
Chapter 3: Research Methodology 13
Research Philosophy……………………………………………………..14
Research Approach……………………………………………………….14
Research Method……………………………………………………….15
Sampling and Sampling Procedure…………………………………..15
Procedures for Recruitment, Participation, and Data Collection (Primary Data 14
Pilot Study 14
Data Analysis Plan 15
Threats to Validity …….16
External Validity …….16
Internal Validity 16
Construct Validity 16
Ethical Procedures 17
Summary 17
Chapter 4: Results 18
Study Results 18
Summary 18
Chapter 5: Discussion 19
Interpretation of Findings 19
Limitations of the Study 20
Conclusions 20
Chapter 6: Conclusions, and Recommendations 21
Recommendations 22
Implications 23
References 21
Appendix A: Title of Appendix 22
The above is a working table of contents.
Note: Not all headings will be the same for every paper/study.
List of Tables
Table 1. A Sample Table Showing Correct Formatting ……
List of Figures
Figure 1. Figure caption goes here xx
Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study
Introducing the study
Provide definitions of concepts
Lightly introducing the core topic / discipline / research problem
Outlining the contents of the proposal
Describe the topic of the study, why the study needs to be conducted (gap), and the potential implications. Preview the major sections of the chapter.. This introduction to the chapter should be less than 1 page in length.
Some of the following sections contains a suggested page length; however, the length of each section should be determined by sufficiency, completeness, and must not fully relied on.
Notes: If you have any questions on completing this section, consult your Supervisor
Background of the Study
Briefly, summarise the research literature that outlines the scope of the study topic and indicates that this is a current problem. You can use this literature to trace the problem from its initiation to its current state. Describe the gap in the literature that the study will address. End the section on why the study is needed; this must go beyond just filling a gap in the literature. Notes: Should any questions arise while you are completing this section, consult your supervisor. This section should be 1-1.5 pages in length.
Offer a strong opening here with a powerful (cited) statement that will grab the reader’s attention. Follow the opening statement with a staggering statistic that validates the existence of the current problem (also cited). State the research problem. Frame the problem in a way that builds upon or counters previous research findings focusing primarily on research conducted in the last 5 years. Address a meaningful gap in the current research literature.
You may choose to include both the general problem statement (a broad concept of the problem), and the specific problem statement (the focus of the study). Use key words such as “the specific problem is …” and be sure to indicate a problem as a gap between the current state of a situation and the desired state of a situation (current status of the topic in the literature). Your sentence that directly states the research problem should be a variation of your central research question to ensure alignment.
Research Aim
Provide a concise statement that serves as the connection between the problem being addressed and the focus of the study. A research aim expresses the intention or an aspiration of the research study; it summarises in a single sentence what you hope to achieve at the end of a research project. Your aim should be specific and phrased in such a way that it is possible to identify when it has been achieved.
Around 20-25 words maximum
Research Objective
In general, research objectives describe what we expect to achieve by the study. Research objectives are usually expressed in lay terms and are directed as much to the client as to the researcher.
Research objectives should be closely related to the statement of the problem and breaks the research aim into parts. For example, if the aim of the study is to examine the low utilisation of antenatal care services, the general objectives of the study could be to:
RO1. To identify the reasons for this low uptake, in order to find ways of improving it.
RO2. To investigate the benefits of antenatal care.
4-5 objectives
No more than 5, not less than 3
Your objectives should be stated using action verbs that are specific enough to be measured, for example: to compare, to calculate, to assess, to determine, to verify, to investigate, to describe, to explain, etc.
Avoid the use of vague non-active verbs such as: to appreciate, to understand, to believe, to study, etc., because it is difficult to evaluate whether they have been achieved.
Example: To address the research aim, four key research objectives were developed and are outlined as follows:
RO1. To identify……….
RO2, To critically examine………….
Research Question(s) /Hypotheses
State the research question(s) or State the null and alternative hypotheses (where applicable) that identify the independent and dependent variables being studied, the association being tested, and how the variables are being measured.
Choosing a research question is an essential element of both quantitative and qualitative research. Investigations will require data collection and analysis, and the methodology for this will vary widely. Good research questions seek to improve knowledge on an important topic, and are usually narrow and specific.
A qualitative study seeks to learn why or how, so the writer’s research must be directed at determining the what, why and how of the research topic. Therefore, when crafting a research question for a qualitative study, the writer will need to ask a why or how question about the topic.
A quantitative study seeks to learn where, or when, so the writer’s research must be directed at determining the where, or when of the research topic. Therefore, when crafting a research question for a quantitative study, the writer will need to ask a where, or when question about the topic. For example: Where should the company market its new product? Unlike a qualitative study, a quantitative study is mathematical analysis of the research topic, so the writer’s research will consist of numbers and statistics.
Notes: If necessary, consult your supervisor for assistance in completing this section.
Theoretical Foundation
Some studies usually include a theoretical foundation. Identify the theory or theories and provide the origin or source. State concisely the major theoretical propositions and / or major hypotheses with a reference to a more detailed explanation in Chapter 2. Explain how the theory relates to the study approach and research questions.
Notes: Consult your supervisor for questions and theory suggestions if necessary. This section should be about half page in length or less.
Significance of the Study
The Significance of the Study is described in terms of (a) advancing theory, (b) advances in practice, and (c) filling a gap in the literature. Notes: Your Supervisor can offer further guidance on completing this section. This section, can be half a page or slightly more or less.
Structure and plan of the study
Summarize main points of the rest of the dissertation’s chapters.
Chapter two seeks to ……
Chapter three will examine……
Chapter four is devoted to …….
chapter five advances the ……
Then provide a transition to Chapter two.
Notes: Consult your supervisor for further clarification on this section. This section should be around half page in length. This maybe supported with a diagram for illustration purpose.
Source: A hypothetical diagram
Chapter 2: Literature Review
I N T R O D U C T I O N
Restate the problem and the purpose in an introductory manner. Provide a succinct synopsis of the current literature that establishes the relevance of the problem. Preview major sections of the chapter including headings and main points to be covered.
Note: Consult your supervisor for assistance with the compilation details of this chapter, as various strategies are available. This introduction to the chapter should be short usually five lines or more.
Theoretical Foundation
Clearly outline the theory or theories and corresponding theorists. Provide historical background or source of the theory and any applicable underpinnings. Describe major theoretical propositions and/or major hypotheses, including delineation of any assumptions appropriate to the application of the theory where applicable. Provide a literature and research-based analysis of how the theory has been applied previously in ways similar to the current study (3-4 current studies, minimum). Provide the rationale for the choice of this theory – outline how this theory, specifically, will enhance the design of the study. Describe how and why the selected theory relates to the present study and how the research questions relate to, challenge, or build upon existing theory. Note: This section can be around half a page or more.
Literature Review
Provide an exhaustive review of the current literature that includes the following information:
Identify and describe studies related to the study topic and chosen methodology that are consistent with the scope of the study.
Explore ways in which researchers in the discipline have approached the problem. Outline the strengths and weakness inherent in each of their approaches.
Justify, from the literature, the rationale for selection of your operational variables as well as concepts where necessary.
Review and synthesise studies (under each heading) related to the key variables in order to produce a description of what is known about the study topic, what is controversial, and the remaining gaps in the literature to be studied.
Note: This section should be around 3,000 -3500 words
A section of clearly and academically written paragraphs, statements, paraphrased discussion. Reduce your usage of direct quotations.
Expected here:
Description of the general to focused aspects of your topic
Compare and contrast of arguments
Criticality and reasoning of key arguments and discussion points within your chosen field
All above must be cited to published, peer-reviewed work
Articles
Textbook publications
Appropriate media, online sources
Sections and sub-sections (thematic or otherwise) are expected within this part of the proposal
Discuss and source back to a similar process within your own researched field/topic
Summary
Succinctly summarise major themes outlined in the literature. Briefly summarise what is known and what is not known (this frames the gap in the literature). Directly describe how the present study fills the gap in the literature and will extend knowledge in the discipline. Provide transitional material to connect the gap in the literature to the methods described in Chapter 3.
Note: This section should be around 1 page in length but may be shorter.
Chapter 3: Research Methodology
Provide introduction to this chapter. Set the tone for this chapter. A couple of sentences introducing the contents of this section
Note: This introduction to the chapter should be a few lines
Research Philosophy
Concisely introduce the meaning of philosophy. State the types as appropriate. Identify the philosophy that fits your study. Justify your rationale by explaining how the chosen philosophy is consistent with your study. Note: This section should be half a page or less
Introduce
Identify
Justify
Reference
Note: Use same approach below
Research Approach
Introduce : Deductive, Inductive and Abductive
Identify
Justify
Reference
Summary of approaches
Deductive
Inductive
Abductive
Research Method
Introduce
Identify
Justify
Reference
Summary of distinction between research methods
Qualitative Methods
Quantitative method
Sampling and sampling procedures
Introduce
Identify
Justify
Reference
Identify and justify the type of sampling strategy. Explain specific procedures for how the sample was drawn. Describe the sampling frame (inclusion and exclusion criteria). Thoroughly describe recruiting procedures and particular demographic information that will be collected.
Pilot Study
Delete this section if there was no pilot study. Describe the relationship of the pilot study to the main study (for example, what is the purpose of the pilot study?).
Notes: This section may not be appropriate for all studies, Many of the techniques used in the primary study and the pilot study may be the same.
Data Collection
Introduce
Identify
Justify
Reference
Outline how data was collected etc. Citing relevant articles and sources which encourages this methodology. Reference to the appendix for relevant information is expected
Data Analysis Plan
Identify software used for analyses. Provide an explanation of data cleaning and screening procedures as appropriate to the study.
Briefly state your method of analysis and discuss here
Here, you should state the analytical method for the study
Describe in detail the analysis plan including the elements below. All may not apply to your work.
Qualitative data analysis
Or Statistical tests that was used to test the research question(s)/hypothesis (es)
How results will be interpreted
Example: Thematic analysis phases
Phases
Description details
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Other items to consider
Research Validity
To what extent was validity achieved with this study
Relevance v. Rigour
Consider the relevance and rigour balance associated with this study
Ethical Procedures
Explain how ethical procedures were followed. Agreements to gain access to participants or data Describe the treatment of human participants including the following:
Ethical concerns related to recruitment materials and processes and how this is addressed them.
Describe treatment of data (including archival data), including issues of:
Whether data are anonymous or confidential and any concerns related to each.
Protection for confidential data (data storage procedures, data dissemination, who will have access to the data, and when the data will be destroyed.
Note: This section should be half page or more.
Summary
Summary of this chapter. Provide a transition statement to Chapter 4. Note: This section should about half page.
Chapter 4: Results
Introduce this Chapter 4. Note: This introduction to the chapter should be a few lines.
Study Results
Provide your results here
Summary
Summarise answers to research questions. Provide transitional material from the findings and introduce the reader to the prescriptive material in Chapter 5.
Chapter 5: Discussion,
Think of this chapter as a bookend to Chapter 1. Summarise the problem and purpose with similar language to what you used in the introduction of Chapter 1. Describe in what ways findings confirm, refute, or extend knowledge in the discipline by comparing them to the literature featured in Chapter 2. Analyse and interpret the findings in the context of the framework as appropriate. Ensure interpretations do not exceed the data, findings, and scope. Anything that you feel is important to note that is beyond the data and findings can be included in the recommendations section.
Note: Consult your supervisor for further assistance with any of the sections in this chapter.
Summary
This is where you will summarise the findings in your own words. You may find it useful to revisit the summaries presented in Chapter 4. Think of how you would describe your study findings to an interested colleague or family member. Keep the writing scholarly, but not overly technical or statistically heavy. Note: The length of this section varies depending on the study and design.
Contributions or Implications
A short sentence or two introducing the contents of this section
Theory -How will this research impact/add value to related/relevant theory?
Practice- How will this research impact/add value to related/relevant practice?
Policy- How will this research impact/add value to related/relevant policy?
Limitations of the Study
This section is similar to what appears in earlier chapters, whoever, it is from a different angle. Describe the limitations to generalizability, trustworthiness, validity, and reliability that arose from execution of the study. There may be many, or they may be few limitations in this regard. These particular assumptions should be used to revise what was written in Chapter 1. Note: This section should be about half or one page in length.
Recommendations
Describe recommendations for further research that are grounded in the strengths and limitations of the current study as well as the literature reviewed in Chapter 2. This is where you can bring a bit of yourself into the dissertation. Think of ways that, in hindsight, you may have approached the study to elicit different results.
Ensure recommendations do not exceed study or ethical boundaries.
Conclusions
Close with a strong “take away” message where you capture the key essence of the study for your reader. Note: This section should be less than 1 page in length.
References
Alphabetical listing of all references, using the Harvard style and presentation
Appendix A: Title of Appendix
v
The post [Dissertation Title Page] [Abstract title page] The text of the Abstract is appeared first on PapersSpot.