Thesis Proposal Writing Guideline(Format)
- 1. By Feleke Solomon(Assistant Professor) MPM/MBA CPU College July, 2023
- 2. Research is a careful & systematic investigation to find answer for certain problem. The process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting data to solve problems A way of searching and communicating knowledge to wider readers This necessitated the need to develop research proposal Definition Of Research
- 3. What is a Research proposal? Systematic plan/paper written A document that presents and justifies a research idea and practical ways in which it can be solved Thus it has to be clear, simple and well ordered and planed to address research problem Proposal writing use proper English which gives the sense in the fewest short words.
- 4. General Format and Elements of Proposal Cover Page Declaration Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures Abbreviations/or Acronyms Abstract (Optional) 1. Background of the study 2 Statement of the problem 3. Objective of the study 3.1. General objective 3.2. Specific Objectives 4 . Research Questions/Hypothesis 5. Significance of the Study 6. Scope (delimitation) of the study 7. Literature review 7.1 Theoretical Review 7.2 Empirical Review 7.3 Conceptual framework 8. Research Methodology 8.1 Research Approach 8.2. Research Design 8.3. Data Sources and Types 8.4. Sample Design 8.4.1. Target population 8.4.2. Sample size Determination 8.4.3. Sampling Methods 8.5. Data collection Methods 8.5.1. 8.4.2. Data collection Tools 8.5.2. Data collection procedure 8.6. Data Analysis Methods 8.7. Data Quality Assurance 8.8. Ethical Issues 9. Work Plan (Time Budget) 10. Cost Budget References
- 5. Guideline and format Components of research proposal o Preliminary section o Main body section o Ending section I. Preliminary pages o Cover Page o Declaration o Table of Contents o List of Tables o List of Figures o Abbreviations/or Acronyms o Abstract (Optional)
- 6. Preliminary section cont.… Cover page Elements of cover page:- oLogo and Name of College oTitle/Topic of the study oName of the researcher and supervisor/advisor oPurpose of the study oDate of submission and oCountry/place where the study is undertaken with the specific study town/city oExample: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, o July, 2023
- 7. Preliminary section cont.… ii. Table of contents oA brief description of contents with their corresponding page numbers. iii. List of tables o Listing of tables with their respective page numbers(if any) iv. List of figures o Listing of figures/diagrams with their respective page numbers(if any) v. Acronyms/Abbreviations o List all acronyms/abbreviation that used in developing research proposal Need to be listed alphabetically(A.Z)
- 8. Title The title is extremely important and must be chosen with great care as it will be read by thousands, whereas few will read the entire paper A good title is defined as the fewest possible words that adequately describe the contents of the paper. An improperly titled paper will get lost and will never be read. The title must be appropriate and concise (preferably it should be b/n 12-20 words Titles should neither be too short nor too long as to be Indexing and abstracting of the paper depends on the accuracy of the title. Waste words (studies on, investigations on, a, an, the etc.) should not be used
- 9. Cont.… Syntax (word order) must be very carefully considered It should contain the keywords that reflect the contents of the paper. It should be meaningful and not general It should be concise, specific and informative It should capture the fundamental nature of the experiments and findings It should also indicate the study area
- 10. Selecting research title In conducting the study selecting appropriate, relevant and concise tile is challenging and it need hard work o Consideration factors o Interest o Expertise/knowledge o Availability of data/information o Relevancy and o urgency
- 11. Cont.… Where can we get a research title? ◦ Problems ◦ Observation during practice ◦ Intuition ◦ Gaps and perspectives left by other researches ◦ Looking at the cross references of other researches
- 12. How we can select research title? Make a list of the most important keywords Think of a title that contains these words The title could state the conclusion of the paper The title NEVER contains abbreviations, proprietary names or jargon Think, rethink of the title before submitting it Be very careful of the grammatical errors due to faulty word order Avoid the use of the word “using”
- 13. Factors Affecting Research Title Choice of research topic is affected by many things: interests and values of the researcher current events in the academic world and the context in which the research is to be made. Research may start with the discovery of an opportunity or a problem that should come before problem definition
- 14. Chapter one: Introduction 1.1. Background of the study • Introduces the study and states the focus of the study • Should provide readers with a brief summary about the problem to be investigated • Should lead up to the statement of the problem • Begin with a broader perspective of the problem and become narrower as the introduction proceeds • Narrow the focus of study and provides brief rationale for why the particular study is worth pursuing • should be as brief as possible(a paragraph or more) • This part of the study need to be clear and strong
- 15. Cont.… 1.2. The statement of problem Description of the problem from global to local context. Describes the context for the study. Why is the research important/ urgent? If the problem is not urgent (i.e. not important to the beneficiaries) it will not conducted A problem might be defined as the issue that exists in the literature, theory, or practice that leads to a need for the study. It is important in a proposal that the problem stand out that the reader can easily recognize it (Make the case very clear).
- 16. Cont.… Clearly and briefly identify and explain the problem within the framework of the theory or line of inquiry that underpins the study. Effective problem statement answer basic research questions ◦ Why does this research need to be conducted? ◦ What is the main question you want to answer?
- 17. Cont.… • Describe the problem at Global, regional, national and study area's local levels via Magnitude Severity Associated factors (predictors) Efforts that were made to solve it/explain it (existing theories/controversies in explaining it)
- 18. “The formulation of the problem is often more essential than its solution.” Albert Einstein 18
- 19. 1.3.Objectives 1.3.1. General objective General aim of the research • Spells out what the research is supposed to accomplish. • It begins with:- • “The main/general/overall/ objective/purpose/aim of the study is…..”. • be at par with the topic of the study • Direct replica of title • Should include all the specific objectives
- 20. 1.4. Research Questions A research question poses a relationship between two or more variables but phrases the relationship as a question It is simply changing specific objectives in to question forms Instead of Research Questions, you can use Hypothesis
- 21. 1.5. Significance of the Study • There are two essential issues that the significance of the study need to address: 1. Indicate how your research will refine, revise, or extend existing knowledge in the area under investigation. Note that such refinements, revisions, or extensions may have either substantive, theoretical, or methodological significance. Think pragmatically! 2. Think about implications—how results of the study may affect scholarly research, theory, practice, interventions, policy. This can be a difficult section to write. *** Two(Theoretical and practical perspectives).
- 22. Significance cont.… oIt describes the potential contributions of the study to:- community, government, target organization, Researcher/s and NGOs etc. oThis section should identify the beneficiaries of the study and how the results will be beneficial to them.
- 23. The scope of the study oDeciding the delimitation of the study as it provides boundaries of the research. oEstablishing parameters or limits for the study oThis is to make the study feasible for the researcher o Delimit the scope of the study Geographically (town/city or woreda) Contextually(by stating the points that you are going to address) Methodologically(by stating research approach, design, data collection methods and tools you are going to use) Time framework(if any)
- 24. 1.7. Limitation of the study • Anticipated shortcomings of the study • Limitations are factors usually beyond the researcher’s control that may affect the results of the study and how the results are interpreted • It occurs due to:- *** Delimitation of the study ***Methodological limitation • Limitations should not be considered excuses, they are simply factors and conditions that help the reader get a true sense of what the study results mean and how widely they can be generalized • Eg. Limitations may occur due to:- • Delimitation that we made • small/unique sample available for the study… results may not be generalized for the population from which the sample drawn • The failure of sample respondents to answer with condor…. Results may not accurately reflect the opinions of all members of the included population • The length of the study a significant number of respondents available in the in the preliminary testing may be unavailable or unwilling to participate in the final stage of testing
- 25. 1.8. Definitions of Key Terms • Provides definitions for key terms used in the proposal that are unusual or not widely understood. • Common terms that have special meaning in the study should be defined • Key or common terms are listed and defined in alphabetical order(A-Z) • They are provided to ensure uniformity and understanding of these terms throughout the study. • When defining it is better to cite appropriate references if all or some of your definitions are taken from other sources
- 26. 1.9. Organization of the study • The final section in chapter 1 summarizes the contents of each of the chapters that will comprise the study • This permits readers to know what information will be found in each chapter and facilitates finding specific information without searching through the proposal page by page to do so. • This also provide a logical transition into the next chapter of the study
- 27. Chapter Two. Literature Review • Provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the literature related to the problem under investigation. • Should greatly expand upon the introduction and background information • Contain theories ad model relevant to the problem, a historical overview of the problem , current trends related to the problem and significant research data published about the problem • It should be well though-out and critical analysis of prior work
- 28. 2.1. Theoretical Literature • Critical analysis of published and unpublished literature on the subject. • Relates a study to the larger, ongoing dialogue in the literature about a topic, filling research gaps and extending prior studies. • Provides a framework for establishing the importance of the study, as well as a benchmark for comparing the results of a study with other findings. • It “frames” the problem earlier identified.
- 29. Cont.… • Shows to the reader that you have a comprehensive grasp of the field and are aware of important recent substantive and methodological developments. *** Statements of this sort are usually taken as indications that the writer is not really familiar with the literature.
- 30. 2.1. Theoretical Literature….. • Enables the researcher to identify what is missing (unknown) in the effort to solve the problem • Enables to figure out what this study will contribute to this solution. • Avoid statements that imply that little has been done in the area or that what has been done is too extensive to permit easy summary.
- 31. 2.2. Empirical literature Presents information and conclusions drawn by other researchers Provides an extensive review of practical literature which related to the problem Help researchers to proof or disproof its findings Chapter 2 is Not the place for the researcher to interject any personal ideas or theories Chapter 2 contains between 10-30 pages and goes up to 50 and more pages in dissertation
- 32. 2.3. Conceptual Framework It is a pictorial presentation of the theoretical frames of the study It show how the different variables are related. It guides data analysis and discussion of the results Usually it is developed based on literature review Sometimes it can be adapted / adopted
- 33. Chapter Three: Methodology •It is the heart of research(blue print) •It involves the detailed description of selected methods •To indicate full procedural steps that will be used to answer research questions 3.1. Study area • State the location where the study will be done and why it was chosen(justify) • Description of the background information including: Population, geography, institution as relevant, use map if possible.
- 34. 3.2. Research Approach A research approach refers to the strategy or method that researchers use to conduct their study and gather data. There are several different research approaches, and the choice of approach depends on the nature of the research question, the available resources, and the desired outcomes of the study. Here are some common research approaches: 1. Quantitative Research: This approach involves the collection and analysis of numerical data to understand patterns, relationships, and trends. • It typically involves large sample sizes, structured surveys, experiments, or statistical analysis. 2. Qualitative Research: This approach focuses on exploring and understanding complex phenomena by gathering non-numerical data such as interviews, observations, or textual analysis. It aims to gain insights into people's experiences, perceptions, and behaviors. 3. Mixed-Methods Research: This approach combines elements of both quantitative and qualitative research. • It involves collecting and analyzing both numerical and non-numerical data to gain a comprehensive understanding of the research question.
- 35. 3.3. Research Design • Research design refers to the overall plan or structure that guides the research process. It outlines the steps and procedures that will be followed to address the research question or objective. • it is a systematic and coordinated plan to study a problem scientifically • A well-designed research study ensures that data is collected, analyzed, and interpreted in a systematic and reliable manner. State research design/method and justify why you select it Direct how the study(investigation) will be conducted.
- 36. 3.3. Sample Design 3.1. Target Population • Study population = Participants who are actually involved in the study. • Describe the population that participate in the study - useful to select representative sample -useful to calculate/determine sample size • Give figures. ***The sample will accurately represent the population from which it is drawn
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- 38. 3.3.2. Sampling Method • Identify and justify sampling method that will be used to select representative sample . • Basically they are two types of sampling methods: • Probability sampling • Non probability sampling If the sample to be selected is very small and when researcher has no desire to generalize his/her findings, Non-probability sampling is highly recommended. But when the sample size is large and researcher has desire to generalize his/her findings, probability sampling is preferred.
- 39. 1. Probability Sampling o What is probability sampling? o When and how we use probability sample? Types of probability sampling • Simple Random Sampling • Systematic Sampling • Cluster Sampling • Stratified sampling • Multistage Sampling
- 40. 2. Non-probabilitySampling Non-probability sampling method include:- 1. Convenience 2. Snowball 3. Quota 4. Judgmental(purposive)
- 41. 3.5. Sources and Types of data • Sources of data:- • primary sources • secondary sources Try to use both of them. • Types of data :- • Qualitative • Quantitative Try to use both of them
- 42. 3.6. Method of Data Collection • Describe the procedures or instruments that will be used in collecting information for the study. • In order to gather evidence or data for the study, the researcher has to develop appropriate and reliable instrument(s). These instruments are:- • Questionnaire( open and close ended) • Interview(structured, semi-structured and unstructured ) • Observation (participant and non-participant) • Focus Group Discussion(FGD) • Desk Review(only work to collect data from secondary sources) & • Others
- 43. 3.7. Methods of data Analysis • Describe the methods of data analysis that you will use in your study • Identify and justify the methods of data analysis that will be used in presenting, analyzing and interpreting the collected data (quantitative and qualitative data). • It includes: descriptive and inferential statistics • Descriptive statistics: table, percent, frequency, narration and description • Inferential statistics: t test, chi square , etc.
- 44. References What is referencing? Referencing is a standardized way of acknowledging the sources of information and ideas that you have used in your document. • appropriate acknowledgment of borrowed an ideas/or information
- 45. Why Reference? To avoid plagiarism To acknowledge direct quotes To provide evidence to support arguments it is ethical to credit others for their contributions to your writing; it may be a legal obligation in the case of copyright; to protect you in the case of questionable allegations; to reflect your prior reading effort;
- 46. Referencing Styles There are different styles of referencing. The majors ones are: The Harvard styles (Author Year) American Psychological Association (APA) style (Author-year) ACS (American Chemical Society) AGLC (Australian Guide to Legal Citation) Australian Government Publishing Service (AGPS)/ Government Information Management Office (AGIMO) CSE (Council of Science Editors)
- 47. Referencing a source involves two separate steps: Citation: indicating in the body of a piece of work that some material is not entirely original, by providing a short 'identifier' for its source (here called a reference in the text) Listing References- in a separate section of the work, the full details of the source (in a list of references/Bibliography).
- 48. Harvard style Of Referencing (Author-year system)
- 49. In-text citations In name and year system: Citation in the text is followed by the author’s last name and year of publication between parentheses. If they were two authors then both last names are written. If more than two then the only first author’s name is written followed by the abbreviation et al If a single statement requires more than one citation then the references are arranged chronologically from oldest to more recent, separated by semicolons. If more than one reference share the same year then they are arranged alphabetically within the year.
- 50. In text-Citation… In the Harvard system: A reference in the text or citation consists of a name -- e.g. one or more surnames or the name of an organization -- and a date, e.g. Smith (2005) (Wilson & Patel, 2007) United Nations (1948). (The list of references is sorted by name (including initials if appropriate) and date. Other systems may sort by the numerical or alphabetic order of the references in the text.)
- 51. Cant… Examples: Carson (1970) argued that ... The system developed by Brown & Smith (1986) is ... The declaration of human rights published by the United Nations (1948) was ... AI has been effective as Hamza (1983) claims ... On the other hand, Jones et al. (1988) have reported that ... Carson's (1970) paper argues ... If the parenthesized year is crossed out, the remaining sentence, including punctuation, must still be correct. Thus the following are wrong: An earlier paper Carson (1970) states that ... It has been claimed that in this area AI has been effective, Hamza (1983)
- 52. The List of References/Bibliography Harvard style There is a distinction between 'References' and 'Bibliography'. References are those sources actually referred to in the text. If the reference "(Jones 1980)" occurs in the text, there must be a full description of it in the list of references. Short of blatant plagiarism, there are few more serious academic sins than the floating reference! If there is also a bibliography, then it lists those sources which were consulted and found relevant, but are not actually referred to by name in the text. If you use a combined bibliography and list of references (not ideal), make sure this is clear to the reader.
- 53. The list must be ordered by name, then year. For this reason the year is usually placed immediately after the name, as it makes ordering simpler Multiple authors, however many there are, must never be reduced to "et al." in the list of references, even though they were in the body of the text. twin goals must always be completeness and consistency.
- 54. APA (American Psychological Association) • This is the standard style used in Psychology, but it is also widely used in other disciplines, especially in the Social Sciences. It is one of the many variants of the Harvard style. • Parenthetical Citation: (Author Last Name, Year of Publication) Example: (Smith, 1988) To make the citation of the source less distracting, the APA also suggests mentioning the author in the essay's content so that only the year of publication and page number may be required in the parenthetical reference. Attribution in text: Author Last Name (Year of Publication) has argued this point. Example: Smith (1988) has argued this point.
- 55. Referencing/Bibiliography APA (American Psychological Association) Format: Author Last, First Initial. (Year of Publication). Article title. Journal Title, volume #(issue number), start page-end page. Retrieved from URL Sample Citation: Fisher, D., Russell, D., Williams, J., & Fisher, D. (2008). Space, time & transfer in virtual case environments. Kairos 12(2), 127-165. Retrieved from http:// kairos.technorhetoric.net/12.2/binder.html?topoi/fisher -etal/articleIntro.html
- 56. Appendices Budget Plan Time Plan Questionnaire Interview Questions
- 57. Thank You!!!!
- 63. Thank you!