Independent Study, Thesis, Dissertation · PDF file5 PART II THESIS This part includes the...
Transcript of Independent Study, Thesis, Dissertation · PDF file5 PART II THESIS This part includes the...
Independent Study, Thesis, Dissertation
Handbook
Graduate School of Education
Assumption University
2016
ii
FOREWARD
The Graduate School of Education (GSoE) offers the Doctoral Degree Program and
Master Degree Program. The doctoral degree program requires a dissertation and the
master degree program requires a thesis or an independent study in order to fulfill the
requirements for the programs. The GSoE is responsible for the setting of standards
for dissertation, thesis and independent study publication.
It has been agreed that an independent study, a thesis, and a dissertation are all
concerned with research work. The ultimate purpose of research, regardless of
qualitative or quantitative or mixed approach, is to develop new knowledge. The
quality of new knowledge is based on the relevance and accuracy of the data or
information acquired in the research process, utilizing qualitative or quantitative or
mixed methodologies.
Graduate students must study the details in this Handbook, and follow the steps and
format specified herein. Use the template provided here for writing your Independent
Study, Thesis, or Dissertation. One of the most important points to be noted is that
you must not use previous materials as your guidelines or models for your
independent study/thesis/dissertation publication. This Handbook supersedes all
previous guides.
Dr. Sangob Laksana
Dean, Graduate School of Education
iv
v
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWARD iii
CONTENTS v
INTRODUCTION 1
PART I INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS) 1
1. Steps for Data Collection 1
2. Steps to request IS approval 1
3. IS manuscript 2
PART II THESIS 5
1. Steps to request thesis proposal approval 5
2. Steps for Data Collection 5
3. Steps to request thesis approval 6
4. Thesis manuscript 7
PART III DISSERTATION 9
1. Steps to request dissertation approval 9
2. Steps for Data Collection 9
3. Steps to request dissertation approval 10
4. Dissertation manuscript 11
APPENDICES Appendix A: How to Write a Good Research
Proposal and Research Report
15
Appendix B: Sample of References 27
Appendix C: Template 33
vi
INTRODUCTION
This Independent Study, Thesis, Dissertation Handbook contains three parts. Part 1
covers the guidelines for writing the Independent Study. Part II covers the guidelines
for writing the Thesis, and Part III covers the guideline for writing the Dissertation.
The Appendices include How to Write a Good Research Proposal and Research
Report, Sample of References and Template
PART I INDEPENDENT STUDY (IS)
This part includes the steps to follow and the manuscript format for the Independent
Study:
1. Steps for Data Collection
Step 1 If expert validation for the instrument is required, fill up form IS 2
(Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ )
Step 2 If data collection is needed and a letter from Graduate School of Education
is required, fill up form IS 3 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
2. Steps to request for IS approval
Step 1 The IS is to be approved by the advisor, and fill up Form IS-4 (Download
from: http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 2 The student hands in three copies to the officer.
Step 3 The Dean will appoint the Committee, and the GSoE will set up a date
and time for the IS defense.
Step 4 The Committee gives the result to the student.
Step 5 If the IS is approved and no corrections are needed, proceed.
2
If the IS is approved with some corrections required, revise the IS and
proceed.
If the IS is not approved go back to step 2
Step 6 After approval from the advisor, hand in one copy to each committee
member for the approval, and fill up Form IS-5 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 7 After receiving signatures from the committee members, pay binding fee
and submit the receipt, the CD and hard copies to the officer for binding
and further procedure.
Number of hard copies required to be given:
1. One for advisor.
2. One for co-advisor (if student has a co-advisor).
3. Copy/copies for the student.
3. IS manuscript
The IS can be divided into three sections:
a. Preliminary Section
b. Text Section
c. Reference Section
3.1 Preliminary section: This section comprises of:
3.1.1 Title page
3.1.2 Copyright page
3.1.3 Approval page
3.1.4 Abstract
3.1.5 Acknowledgements
3.1.6 Contents
3
3.1.7 List of tables (if any)
3.1.8 List of figures (if any)
3.1.9 List of abbreviations (if any)
3.2 Text section: This section may be comprised of three or more chapters:
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Objective of the Study
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Scope of the Study
Limitations of the Study (optional)
Definitions of Terms
Significance of the Study
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF LITERATURE
CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY
Subjects
Instrumentation
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Summary of the Research Process
4
CHAPTER IV FINDINGS, CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
The total number of chapters of the 2.2 text section must be 4-5 chapters to be
accepted.
3.3. References section: This section should be comprised of references,
appendices, and biography.
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PART II THESIS
This part includes the steps and manuscript for Thesis for students to understand and
follow:
1. Steps to request for thesis proposal approval
Step 1 The thesis proposal is to be approved by the advisor, and fill up Form
TS-1 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ )
Step 2 Student hands in three copies to the officer.
Step 3 The Dean will appoint the Committee and the GSoE will set up
date and time for the thesis proposal defense.
Step 4 The Committee will give the result to the student.
Step 5 If the proposal is approved and no corrections are needed, process the
thesis.
If the proposal is approved with some correction, revise the proposal and
hand in one copy to the advisor.
If the proposal is not approved go back to step 2.
2. Steps for Data Collection
Step 1 If expert validation for the instrument is required, fill up form TS 2
(Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ )
Step 2 If data collection is needed and a letter from Graduate School of Education
is required, fill up form TS 3 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
3. Steps to request for thesis approval
6
Step 1 The thesis requires to be approved by the advisor, and fill up Form TS-4
(Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 2 Student hands in four copies to the officer.
Step 3 The Dean will appoint the Committee and set up date and time for the
thesis defense.
Step 4 The Committee will give the result to the student.
Step 5 If the thesis is approved and no corrections are needed, proceed.
If the thesis is approved with some correction, revise the thesis and
proceed.
If the thesis is not approved go back to step 2.
Step 6 After approval from the advisor, hand in one copy to each committee
member for the approval, and fill up Form TS-5 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 7 After receiving signatures from the committee members, pay binding fee
and submit the receipt, the CD and hard copies to the officer for binding
and further procedure.
Number of hard copies required to be given:
1. One for advisor.
2. One for co-advisor (if student has a co-advisor).
3. One for Library.
4. Copy/ copies for the student.
4. Thesis manuscript
The thesis can be divided into three sections:
a. Preliminary Section
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b. Text Section
c. References Section
4.1 Preliminary section: This section comprises of:
4.1.1 Title page
4.1.2 Copyright page
4.1.3 Approval page
4.1.4 Abstract
4.1.5 Acknowledgements
4.1.6 Contents
4.1.7 List of tables (if any)
4.1.8 List of figures (if any)
4.1.9 List of abbreviations (if any)
4.2 Text section: This section comprises of:
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Objectives
Research Hypothesis
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Scope of the Study
Limitations of the Study (optional)
Definitions of Terms
Significance of the Study
8
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Population
Sample
Research Instrument
Collection of Data
Data Analysis
Summary of the Research Process
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
4.3 References section: This section should be comprised of references,
appendices, and biography.
.
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PART III DISSERTATION
This part includes the steps to follow and the manuscript format for the Dissertation:
1. Steps to request for Dissertation Proposal Approval
Step 1 The dissertation proposal is to be approved by the advisor, and fill up
Form DT-1 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 2 Student hands in four copies to the officer.
Step 3 The Dean will appoint the Committee and the GSoE will set up date and
time for the dissertation proposal defense.
Step 4 The Committee will give the result to the student.
Step 5 If the proposal is approved and no corrections are needed, process the
dissertation.
If the proposal is approved with some corrections required, revise the
proposal and hand in one copy to the advisor.
If the proposal is not approved go back to step 2.
2. Steps for Data Collection
Step 1 If expert validation for the instrument is required, fill up form DT 2
(Download from: http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ )
Step 2 If data collection is needed and a letter from Graduate School of
Education is required, fill up form DT 3 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
3. Steps to Request for Dissertation Approval
Step 1 The dissertation must to be approved by the advisor, and fill up Form
DT-4 (Download from: http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
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Step 2 Hand in five copies to the officer.
Step 3 The Dean will appoint the Committee and set up date and time for the
dissertation defense.
Step 4 The Committee will give the result to the student.
Step 5 If the dissertation is approved and no corrections are needed, proceed.
If the dissertation is approved with some corrections required, revise the
dissertation and proceed.
If the dissertation is not approved go back to step 2
Step 6 After approval from the advisor, hand in one copy to each committee
member for the approval, and fill up Form DT-5 (Download from:
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ ).
Step 7 After receiving signatures from the committee members, pay binding fee
and submit the receipt, the CD and hard copies to the officer for binding
and further procedure.
Number of hard copies required to be given:
1. One for advisor.
2. One for co-advisor (if student has a co-advisor).
3. One for Library.
4. Copy/ copies for the student.
4. Dissertation manuscript
The dissertation can be divided into three sections
a. Preliminary Section
b. Text Section
c. References Section
4.1 Preliminary Section: This section is comprised of
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4.1.1 Title page
4.1.2 Copyright page
4.1.3 Approval page
4.1.4 Abstract
4.1.5 Acknowledgements
4.1.6 Contents
4.1.7 List of Tables (if any)
4.1.8 List of Figures (if any)
4.1.9 List of Abbreviation (if any)
4.2 Text section: This section comprises of:
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Research Objectives
Research Hypothesis
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Scope of the Study
Definitions of Terms
Significance of the Study
CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Population
12
Sample
Research Instrument
Collection of Data
Data Analysis
Summary of the Research Process
CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION, AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
4.3 References Section: This section is comprised of references, appendices,
and biography.
APPENDICES
14
APPENDIX A
How to Write a Good Research Proposal and Research Report
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How to Write Good Research Proposal and Research Report Sangob Laksana, PhD
A set of criterion standards has been developed for evaluating the credibility of a research proposal and research report so as to ensure the accurate and trustworthy knowledge obtained from the research. The following criterion standards represent the quality of research methodology. Items 1 to 36 and 49 to 50 are applied to proposal writing. However, students should follow the format stated in the Independent Study, Thesis, Dissertation Handbook. The template of the writing can be downloaded from the website of Graduate Programs in Education.
Research Title
1. Suggest the body of knowledge to be reported by this research.
2. Should present Research Type, Key Variables, Target Group
Chapter I: INTRODUCTION
Problem/Issues/Questions to be answered by the study
3. The problem statement and research questions represent the rationale and the purpose of this research, e.g., why I conduct this study, what I want to know.
Research Objectives
4. Each objective conveys precise statement expressing specific data/information to be obtained from the study. Each objective mostly present only one type of research: Descriptive, Causal-Comparative, Correlational, or Cause& Effect Research.
5. All objectives cover key variables and related variables necessary for providing complete information for developing the knowledge in accord with the research title.
Hypotheses
6. Hypotheses are consistent with the objectives. (Research objective that emphasizes descriptive knowledge may need no hypothesis.)
7. Present the clear statement reflecting reasonable belief responding to each objective.
8. Hypotheses are testable through inferential statistics.
Theoretical Framework
9. State the underlying theory/theories to be used as the basis or the reference of the study, i.e. theories that provide the input or basis knowledge concerning the research objectives and research hypotheses of this study.
10. Explain how the theory/theories relate to the study, i.e., how theories related to key variables, research objectives, and research hypotheses.
11. There is a summary of chosen theory/theories.
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Conceptual Framework
12. Identify the structure of key variables pertaining to research objectives/hypotheses under study. Draw the diagram showing the relationship of variables, e.g. independent variables and dependent variables.
13. The flow chart of the research process, the steps of research work, can be used as the conceptual framework.
Scope of the Study
14. Scope: State the scope of the study, e.g., the scope of variables, samples, measurement of variables.
15. Scope: State the necessary assumptions, e.g. the condition that a sample is assumed representing the target population; the condition that the measurement of variables is assumed being valid, etc.
Note: 14 and 15 are often referred to as “Delimitation of the Study”
16. Limitation: Identify potential weaknesses and constraints of the study over which the researcher may have no control.
Definitions of Terms 17. Provide the operational definition (observable and measurable characteristics) to
all variables pertaining to the conceptual framework or research objectives.
18. There is conformity and consistency between definition of variables and research instruments measuring such variables.
Significance of the Study
19. State the importance of the study and the expected benefit of the findings to specific audiences, e.g. for researchers, for policy makers, for administrators, for teachers or for practitioners..
Chapter II: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE
20. Significant theories related to the study have been cited.
21. Theories provide the explanation of key variables, the relationship of variables stated in research objectives, and the solutions to the research objectives/hypotheses under study.
22. Summary of what was learned from putting together the cited theories.
23. Cite research findings that help identifying research objectives, research hypotheses, and structure of key variables, research design, research instrument, and data analysis.
24. Cite the up-to-date research findings related to the research objectives/hypotheses under study.
25. Summary of what was learned from putting together the cited research findings.
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Chapter III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
26. Present research methodology (source of data or population and sample, instrument, data analysis method) for each research objective
Describe the research methodology of each research objective 1. Research Objective 1 ………………………..
• Source of Data or Population and Sample • Instrument or Data Collection Method • Data Analysis
2. Research Objective 2 ………………………..
• Source of Data or Population and Sample • Instrument or Data Collection Method • Data Analysis
Go on to next research objectives … Population
27. The target population is quantitatively and qualitatively defined. Sample
28. Clearly describe the sampling method (how to select the sample) led to the unbiased sample strongly represents the target population.
29. The sample size meets recommended guidelines for minimum sample size, e.g. refers to Krejcie & Morgan (1970.), or based on degree of standard errors applying Yamane formula.
30. Present both population and sample sizes in the same table.
Instrumentation
31. Based on each variable, explain the instrument or technique used for measuring each variable
32. Based on each instrument, describe: 1. How to develop
2. How to determine content validity, mostly the Item-Objective-Congruence (IOC Index) judged by the experts is used.
3. How to conduct the tryout and the reliability to be determined.
4. The structure of items and variable to be measured, what items measure what variable.
5. The criteria of scale or score interpretation.
33. If the standardized instrument is used, describe the background of instrument development and use, the authority or the developer, the published reliability and validity.
20
34. If the researcher-made instrument is used, ( 1 ) describe the process of instrument
development, ( 2 ) describe the content validity determination by identifying the
names of experts with the qualification who judge the content validity, the IOC
index (Item Objective Congruence) may be used, ( 3 ) describe the tryout process
(or the pilot study) in order to determine the reliability. The method of evaluating
the reliability (e.g. applying Cronbach Alpha Coefficient reliability) and the
acceptable value of obtained reliability should be presented.
35. Describe the data collection method and the scoring, rubric, criteria of scale/score
interpretation for each instrument.
36. Summary of the Research Process: Using the following table.
21
Summary of the Research Process
Research objective
Source of Data or Sample
Data Collection Method or Research Instrument
Method of Data Analysis
Expected Results
1.
(Based on the variables specified in the research objective, from whom or from where the data pertaining to such variables will be obtained?)
(Based on the operational definition of variables specified in the objective, what is the structure of the research instrument or the technique to be used for collecting the required data?)
(Refer to how to analyze the “Qualitative Data” or what statistical method will be used to analyze the “Quantitative Data”.)
(Refer to the expected answer or the expected finding responsive to the research objective.)
2.
3.
4.
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Chapter IV: RESEARCH FINDINGS
Data Analysis, Presentation, and Interpretation
37. The sequence of data analysis is conformed to the sequence of research objectives/hypotheses, and all research objectives/hypotheses are taken into account.
38. Use effective method of data analysis for each research objective and each research hypothesis. The appropriate statistical techniques have been used for quantitative analysis, and the standard analysis and synthesis of qualitative data have been evident e.g. coding sheets, matrix of key knowledge, clustering of knowledge to dendrogram.
39. The presentation of the result of the data analysis is technically correct, using the standard format, and completely conformed to the research objectives and research hypotheses.
40. The interpretation of the data analysis is technically correct and completely provides the relevant answer to the research objectives/hypotheses. Chapter V: Conclusion, Discussion, and Recommendations 41. Findings Summary: Present the research findings in accord with the research objectives/hypotheses, and consistent with the result of the data analysis.
42. Conclusion: Conclude overall knowledge learned from the study in accord with the research problem and research questions, and summarize the findings pertaining to the research objectives/hypotheses. 43. Discussion: Discuss the deviation and conformity between the findings and the related theories or related research findings (from Chapter 2) , and provide the explanation of such deviation.
44. Discussion: Discuss the implication of the finding, provide the elaboration on the findings by referring to additional information obtained from the study (e.g. the detail of response from the questionnaire), or from the other research findings, including the limitations of this study and the points that need to modified in the further study.
45. Recommendation: Systematically recommend the policy makers, practitioners, and researchers on the application of the research findings, and what should be the further research in the future. Mostly the recommendations are based on “Significance of the Study” specified in Chapter 1. Overall Quality and Credibility of the Research
46. Internal validity: the consistency and conformity of research objectives, terms definition, sample, measurement of variables, data collection, data analysis, and findings.
47. External validity: the extent that the research findings can be generalized to the target population under study.
48. The abstract accurately and completely conveys the research design and findings.
49. Use APA style and format in writing the text.
50. All cited names, studies, and materials are put in the bibliography.
23
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APPENDIX B
Sample of References
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References
Basic Format for Books
Author, A. A. (Year of publication). Title of work: Capital letter also for subtitle.
Location: Publisher.
Calfee, R. C., & Valencia, R. R. (1991). APA guide to preparing manuscripts for
journal publication. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Edited Book, No Author
Duncan, G. J., & Brooks-Gunn, J. (Eds.). (1997). Consequences of growing up poor.
New York, NY: Russell Sage Foundation.
Edited Book with an Author or Authors
Plath, S. (2000). The unabridged journals K.V. Kukil, (Ed.). New York, NY: Anchor.
A Translation
Laplace, P. S. (1951). A philosophical essay on probabilities. (F. W. Truscott & F. L.
Emory, Trans.). New York, NY: Dover. (Original work published 1814).
Note: When you cite a republished work, like the one above, work in your text, it
should appear with both dates: Laplace (1814/1951).
Article or Chapter in an Edited Book
O'Neil, J. M., & Egan, J. (1992). Men's and women's gender role journeys: Metaphor
for healing, transition, and transformation. In B. R. Wainrib (Ed.), Gender issues
across the life cycle (pp. 107-123). New York, NY: Springer.
Multivolume Work
Wiener, P. (Ed.). (1973). Dictionary of the history of ideas (Vols. 1-4). New York,
NY: Scribner's.
27
Article from an Online Periodical
Online articles follow the same guidelines for printed articles. Include all information
the online host makes available, including an issue number in parentheses.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Online
Periodical, volume number (issue number if available). Retrieved from
http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/
Bernstein, M. (2002). 10 tips on writing the living Web. A List Apart: For People
Who Make Websites, 149. Retrieved from
http://www.alistapart.com/articles/writeliving
Article from an Online Periodical with no DOI Assigned
Online scholarly journal articles without a DOI require a URL.
Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Date of publication). Title of article. Title of Journal,
volume number. Retrieved from http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/
Kenneth, I. A. (2000). A Buddhist response to the nature of human rights. Journal of
Buddhist Ethics, 8. Retrieved from http://www.cac.psu.edu/jbe/twocont.html
Newspaper Article
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of article. Title of Newspaper. Retrieved from
http://www.someaddress.com/full/url/
Parker-Pope, T. (2008, May 6). Psychiatry handbook linked to drug industry. The
New York Times. Retrieved from http://www.nytimes.com
Electronic Books
De Huff, E. W. Taytay’s tales: Traditional Pueblo Indian tales. Retrieved from
http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/dehuff/taytay/taytay.html
Davis, J. Familiar birdsongs of the Northwest. Available from
http://www.powells.com/cgi-bin/biblio?inkey=1- 9780931686108-0
28
Online Book Reviews
Zacharek, S. (2008, April 27). Natural women [Review of the book Girls like us].
The New York Times. Retrieved from
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/27/books/review/Zachareck-
t.html?pagewanted=2
Dissertation/Thesis from a Database
Biswas, S. (2008). Dopamine D3 receptor: A neuroprotective treatment target in
Parkinson's disease. Retrieved from ProQuest Digital Dissertations. (AAT
3295214)
Online Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
Feminism. (n.d.) In Encyclopædia Britannica online. Retrieved from
http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/724633/feminism
29
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APPENDIX C
Template
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The template was created for free typing of the document using Word
commands.
These are template files:
No. Item Template name
1 INDEPENDENT STUDY Template IS
2 THESIS Template THESIS
3 DISSERTATION Template DISSERTATION
4 FORMS FOR INDEPENDENT STUDY IS-2; IS-3; IS-4; IS-5
5 FORMS FOR THESIS TS-1; TS-2; TS-3; TS-4; TS-5
6 FORMS FOR DISSERTATION DT-1; DT-2; DT-3; DT-4; DT-5
Suggestions using the template:
1. All the template files and forms can be found in
http://www.education.au.edu/downloadables/ .
2. All the template files and forms are user friendly, the page numbers appear
automatically as required, you do not need to insert page numbers.
3. All templates have predefined line spacing.
4. To retain page numbering and line spacing please type directly on the template.
5. Incase you insert text in the template, please insert according to each chapter, do
not copy paste your entire work as this will erase the page number sequence and
change template settings.
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