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


3. Steps to request thesis approval 6

4. Thesis manuscript 7

PART III DISSERTATION 9

1. Steps to request dissertation approval 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:


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.

5

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:


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.


Step 1 If expert validation for the instrument is required, fill up form TS 2

(Download from:


Step 2 If data collection is needed and a letter from Graduate School of Education

is required, fill up form TS 3 (Download from:


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:


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 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.


member for the approval, and fill up Form TS-5 (Download from:






1. One for advisor.


3. One for Library.

4. Copy/ copies for the student.

4. Thesis manuscript

The thesis can be divided into three sections:


7

b. Text Section

c. References Section

4.1 Preliminary section: This section comprises of:

4.1.1 Title page


4.1.3 Approval page

4.1.4 Abstract


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:




Research Questions

Research Objectives

Research Hypothesis



Scope of the Study

Limitations of the Study (optional)



8

CHAPTER II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Population

Sample

Research Instrument

Collection of Data

Data Analysis


CHAPTER IV RESEARCH FINDINGS

CHAPTER V CONCLUSION, DISCUSSION, AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

4.3 References section: This section should be comprised of references,

appendices, and biography.

.

9

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:


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 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.


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:


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/ ).

10

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 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


member for the approval, and fill up Form DT-5 (Download from:






1. One for advisor.


3. One for Library.

4. Copy/ copies for the student.

4. Dissertation manuscript

The dissertation can be divided into three sections


b. Text Section

c. References Section

4.1 Preliminary Section: This section is comprised of

11

4.1.1 Title page


4.1.3 Approval page

4.1.4 Abstract


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:




Research Questions

Research Objectives

Research Hypothesis



Scope 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


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

16

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.


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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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.


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.

19

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


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.

22

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

24

APPENDIX B

Sample of References

25

26

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

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30

APPENDIX C

Template

31

32

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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