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Structure of a Thesis

Writing a Research Report ( Adapted from “Engineering Your Report: From Start to Finish” by Krishnan, L.A. et. al., 2003). Structure of a Thesis. Structure of a Thesis (Cont.). Structure of a Research Article. Introduction - Background, Objectives/Research Questions, Literature Review

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Structure of a Thesis

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  1. Writing a Research Report(Adapted from “Engineering Your Report: From Start to Finish” by Krishnan, L.A. et. al., 2003)

  2. Structure of a Thesis

  3. Structure of a Thesis (Cont.)

  4. Structure of a Research Article • Introduction - Background, Objectives/Research Questions, Literature Review • Methodology • Results/Findings • Conclusion

  5. CHAPTER 1 : INTRODUCTION 1.0 Introduction In this section, you give a summary of the chapter. For example: This chapter begins by giving information on the background of the study and the statement of the problem. The general objective forms the next section, followed by the research questions, significance and limitations of the study. …….. This chapter ends with the operational terms that are used in this study.

  6. 1.1 Background of the Study • Use the funnel approach (General to Specific) • Use the keywords in the topic and research questions to guide you to do the funnel mind-mapping • Read other literature review to get ideas • Make sure the information is not overlapped in the literature review

  7. 1.2 Statement of the Problem • This section is a well-documented, detailed description of the problem to be addressed and the need for the proposed project. It can be represented in a few sentences, in paragraphs or may be a page long (Glatthorn, 1998). According to Hernon and Schwartz (2007), a problem statement generally should: • Introduce the reader to the importance of the problem. The reader is presented with the significance of the study • Indicate the central focus of the study • Have a declaration of originality • Explain the benefits to be derived from an investigation of the problem

  8. 1.3 Research Objectives- give a sense of direction of your research. Use the action verbs to formulate the objectives of the study. • Action verbs To determine To evaluate To find out To assess To compare To identify To examine To develop To investigate Examples: To investigate the reasons why employees leave an organization after receiving training. To determine the relationship between class size and academic performance. To examine whether self-efficacy contributes to predicting academic performance.

  9. 1.4 Research Questions • They are based on the objectives of the study • Start with Wh questions such as Why? What? (commonly used) • Use simple present tense • Avoid Yes or No questions or one word answer. E.g Do/Does/Is/Are

  10. 1.5 Theoretical framework -discuss the relevant theories and explain why they are relevant to your study Sekaran (2003) concluded that a sound literature review provides a good theoretical framework and this in turn “provides the logical base for developing testable hypotheses” (p.98). The importance of devising a theoretical framework can be seen diagrammatically in the following figure: Literature review forms Theoretical framework tests hypotheses Conceptual framework

  11. Theoretical vs Conceptual Framework

  12. 1.6 Significance of the Study • Explains why the study is important and to whom. It is hoped that the findings of this study can provide insights into the field of ... These insights can explain the use of ...

  13. 1.7 Limitations of the Study • State the shortcomings of the study There are several limitations in this study. First, …..

  14. 1.8 Definitions of Terms • Defines important concepts that will help readers understand their meanings in relation to the study • Use in-text citations For example: According to ... (2016), collaborative writng is viewed ...

  15. CHAPTER 2 : REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE- show the scope and depth of your reading; show your analytical and synthesis skills in critical reviews 2.0 Introduction • A brief overview of the content and its organisation 2.1 (Themes related to your topic) 2.2 2.3 Past Studies on Collaborative Writing - Review on methodologies and results through past studies

  16. CHAPTER 2: Review of Related Literature Organize the framework of the review • Chronological – arrange materials in the passage according to when they were published By publication : order the progression of studies by publication chronology By trend : examine the history 2) Thematic – organize the literature around a theme, a topic or an issue rather than the progression of time 3) Methodological – focus not on the content of the material but the “method” employed by the researcher

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