The Research Proposal & Thesis Format (Draft) - Dec 2010
The Research Proposal & Thesis Format (Draft) - Dec 2010
The Research Proposal & Thesis Format (Draft) - Dec 2010
UNIVERSITY
GUIDELINES FOR THE FORMAT OF RESEARCH PROPOSALS, RESEARCH REPORTS, THESIS AND DISSERTATIONS
AUGUST 2010
THE MAKERERE RESEARCH PROPOSAL FORMAT 1.0 Definition of Proposal This is a written presentation of an intended research specifying the problem, the purpose, scope/objectives, methodology, references and the financial plan/budget. A synopsis is an outline of the research proposal of 3-5 pages length (including references) which is currently required for provisional admission to Ph.D and other doctoral degree studies at Makerere University.
2. Components of a Research Proposal 2.1 Title / Topic The title should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study. In addition, it should be concise, simple and catchy in not more than 20 words. The title should be informative/descriptive yet discrete and contain the key words of the proposal. Do not use terms like "Research into...", "A Study of...", etc 2.2 Background / Introduction This section provides evidence and conditions of the existing situations highlighting the gap(s) to make the reader feel the urgency of the problem, the need to study it in order to solve the problem or contribute to its solution. (About 600 words, 1.5 line spacing double spaced) Research Problem / Statement of the Problem
i.
2.3
Presents the reason behind the proposal i.e. what will change when this research is done or what would happen if the research is not done Problem is an existing negative state not absence of a solution Refers to what has been detected and needs a solution in the practical or theoretical world. Should clearly state the nature of the problem and its known or estimated magnitude / extent. Link the problem to the national development priorities/framework (NDP), the regional (e.g. AU) and the Global Development Agenda (MDGs) Should be concise and brief (not more than 1 page)
ii. iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
2.4
General Objective / Aim/Purpose Refers to the general intention of the research. Should spell put what the research is supposed to accomplish. Specific Objectives These are specific aims / objectives arising directly from the general objective / purpose / aim of the study. For each specific objective you must have a method to attempt to achieve it. Significance / Justification/Importance This refers to the relevance of study in terms of academic contributions and practical use that might be made of the findings. It should reflect on knowledge creation, technological or socio-economic value to the community. Theoretical / Conceptual Framework (i) Theoretical Framework Is an examination of existing or self-formulated theories in relation to the researchers objectives. Or (ii) Conceptual Framework Is a scheme of concepts (variables) which a researcher will operationalise in the study in order to achieve the set objectives. The framework is normally presented graphically (dramatically)
2.5
2.6
2.7
N.B. These are normally requirements for Masters and Ph.D Proposals where applicable.
2.8 Scope (where applicable) The scope provides for the boundary of the research in terms of depth of investigation, content, and sample size, geographical and theoretical coverage. 2.9 Literature Review i.This section deals with the analysis of existing literature on the subject with the objective of revealing contributions, weaknesses and gaps.
ii.The Literature Review should be according to the themes of the study and should reflect the objectives, Hypotheses, methods and research questions. iii. Citation should be in accordance with approved format. (see Guidelines for writing manuscripts - Appendix I) 2.10 Hypotheses / Postulates / Research Questions (where applicable) These are investigative assumptions, which guide the study. In case of hypotheses, they should be testable. (Hypothesis is usually null or alternate, whichever poses the investigative question).
N.B. Hypotheses can come immediately after Literature Review or Specific Objectives.
2.11 Methodology This is a detailed description of selected methodology and should be presented in unambiguous terms. The section comprises: (i) Research design, which describes the nature and pattern the research intends to follow e.g. whether it is qualitative or quantitative, historical, descriptive survey, experimental or quasi experimental and location (optional). (ii) Description of the geographical area and where population of the study exists (optional). (iii) Description of the population from which samples will be selected. (iv) Sampling strategies, by which the researcher will select representative elements / subjects from the population. (v) Data collection methods; including instruments and procedures to be used in the research described. (vi) Data quality control, which refers to reliability and validity of instruments. (vii) Measurements, which refer to the formulae or scales in the study. (viii) Data analysis, which involves organisation and interpretation of the data generated.
Note: Both raw data and the analysed form be kept both electronically and hardcopy for further reference later.
Follow the following steps in preparing data for analysis:
Receive the raw data sources Create electronic data base from the raw data sources Clean/Edit the database Correct and clarify the raw data sources Finalise database Create data files from the data bases
Ethical Consideration These include getting clearance from the ethical body (Faculty Ethics committee/Uganda National Council for Science and Technology UNCST) and consent of the respondent. Ethics of the research here refers to the moral justification of the investigation or intervention; as regards the minimal abuse, disregard, safety, social and psychological well being of the person and / or community. Makerere University College of Health Science Research and Ethical Review Committee is available to handle issues of ethics in research. Gender Consideration The section presents the gender issues addressed by the study and how they will be handled in the analysis. Limitations / Anticipated Problems (Optional) This refers to anticipated constraints imposed by methods/location/situation of research. Potential sources of bias in the proposed study are presented here. However, these must not be seen to prevent the study from being carried out, otherwise it will not start. The limitations are major considerations before embarking on a study to ascertain the feasibility of accomplishment. References This is a list of all works cited in the proposal and should be written according to the approved format. The approved format is APA Fifth Edition (Appendix I). Appendices Comprises of the budget, work plan/time framework, explanatory notes and instruments. (i) Budget This is the financial plan for implementation of the research. It should be clear, realistic and reasonable (affordable) It should be itemised according to the following: - Equipment - Stationery
2.13
2.14
2.15
2.16
Materials e.g. nails, wood, chemicals etc. Travel Subsistence Research Assistance Services (Secretarial, Photocopying, Printing, Binding etc) Other purposes (Specify) e.g10% Research honorarium (not for those doing higher degrees) -15% Institutional Administrative fee/Overhead costs (5% to the SGS, 3% to the, Department, 3% to the Faculty and 4% retained at the center as provided for on the University Research & Innovations Policy, 2008 available on the University Intranet at
(http://policies.mak.ac.ug/downloads/MAKERERE_UNIVERSITY_RE SEARCH_POLICY.pdf).
(ii)
Time Framework/Work Plan This is the schedule / time-table of activities covering the period over which the research is to be implemented with due regard to budgetary consideration as well. It could be presented in tabular form or in a Ghant chart. It is a valuable guide for evaluation of a research progress. Explanatory Notes They include research approval letters, maps, and lists of areas to be visited. Instruments These are details of tools used in the research e.g. Equipment, questionnaire, interview schedule, scales and tests etc. Length of Proposals for: Masters up to 15 pages excluding appendices Ph.D 25 pages
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
Note:
The proposal is first submitted to your Faculty Higher degrees and Research Committee for evaluation and approved before it is forwarded to the Graduate School for final approval and recording. A Ph.D degree research proposal must be vetted by the candidates doctoral committee and their views along with Faculty/School/Institute Higher Degrees and Research Committee minutes must be forwarded to the Graduate School. A letter from the designated/approved supervisor certifying that all
recommended amendments in the proposal have been addressed must accompany the Faculty/School/Institute Higher Degrees and Research Committee approved minutes. 3.0 3.1. 3.2. a) RESEARCH REPORT, THESIS/DISSERTATION FORMAT Definition of Report Is a detailed account of the study Research Report Comprises of: The preliminaries (pages numbered in Roman numerals). The Preliminaries to consist of:(i) Title page (Not numbered) (ii) Declaration (compulsory for certificate & Degree research) (iii) Copyright statement (iv) Dedication (optional) (v) Acknowledgement (vi) Table of Contents (vii) List of Tables (where applicable) (viii) List of illustrations (Figures) (where applicable) (ix) Abbreviations (Acronyms) (where applicable) (x) Abstract The Body/Text (Page numbers in Arabic numerals) i) For the dissertation published as a Monograph The text consists of: 1. Introduction 2. Literature Review and/or Theoretical Analysis 3. Methodology/Materials and Methods 4. Presentation of results/findings 5. Discussion of results/findings 6. Conclusions, Summary and Recommendations. ii) Dissertation published as papers The text consists of: 1. General Introduction 2. Literature Review and/or Theoretical Analysis 3. General Methodology/Materials and Methods 4. Chapters as standalone papers with: i) Introduction
b)
ii) Materials and Methods iii) Results iv) Discussion v) Conclusion 5. General Discussion 6. Conclusion 7. Recommendations c) d) 1) The Bibliography The Appendices PRELIMINARY PAGES EXCEPT TITLE PAGE ARE PAGINATED USING ROMAN NUMERALS (i)(x) ETC SHOULD INCLUDE: Example of Title Pages - both are hypothetical (Thesis and Dissertation) i). Title The title page should have the title of the study/thesis/dissertation in CAPITALS; full names of the researcher/candidate, qualifications already attained and their awarding Universities. Where the report is submitted for an award of Makerere University, the candidate must state whether the THESIS is submitted for the award or the DISSERTATION is submitted to the Graduate School in partial fulfilment of the award of the degree of Master or Ph.D or MD or LLD of Makerere University. This text should appear in the middle of the page. All information on the title page must be centred.
A THESIS* SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY SEPTEMBER 2006
* A Thesis is an original contribution by a Scholar towards an Academic Award by research alone as approved by an awarding Institution/University. One inch margin be incorporated on A4 paper
ART AND CULTURE IN BUGANDA MARRIAGE CEREMONIES BY KIZITO, J. BA (FINE ARTS) (Mak)
A DISSERTATION* SUBMITTED TO THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE AWARD OF MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE OF MAKERERE UNIVERSITY
* A Dissertation is an original contribution by a Scholar in partial fulfilment of an Academic Award by course work and research (for both Masters or PhD Degree) *This also applies for the award of the Degree of Philosophy and other Doctorates of Makerere University that incorporates course work One inch margin be incorporated
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(ii)
Declaration (For Diploma/Degrees) (i) This is a pronouncement by the candidate that This study researcher must append their signature just below this statement (ii)
is original and has not been published and/or submitted for any other degree award to any other University before. The
Approval by Supervisors. The approved supervisors have to sign the declaration page following the statement that: This thesis/dissertation has been submitted for examination with the approval of the following supervisors: e.g. Prof. L. Tibatemwa-Ekirikubinza, LLB, LLM, PhD Date
Dedication (Optional) This mentions name(s) to which the research is dedicated. Acknowledgement This entails recognition of mentors, colleagues, individuals, sponsors and institutions which supported the research. Table of Contents This is the list of headings, subheadings starting with declaration paginated at (i) and their corresponding page numbers. However, the title page is not numbered. List of Tables Lists tables in the report/thesis/dissertation with the corresponding pages. Tables are useful in summarising results but must not distort them List of Illustrations/Figures/Plates/Pictures Lists caption the above used in the report and their corresponding pages These forms present methods and results of identification in pictorial form and again should not be distorted.
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
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(viii) List of Appendices Lists of appendices in the document and their corresponding pages. (ix) List of Abbreviations Refers to abbreviations used in the report other than those commonly used. Abstract/Executive Summary This entails a brief summary of the report, preferably not exceeding 300 words. The abstract/summary highlights the type of study, the purpose/aim, objectives, methodology, major findings and conclusion. Note: The approved electronic copy of the abstract and the whole dissertation/Thesis as separate documents should also be submitted on a virus free Compact Disc (CD) to the Graduate School for abstract publications as you submit the hard copy of your thesis/dissertation as well. 2. a) THE TEXT SHOULD INCLUDE: Introduction: This is Chapter 1 and provides and presents the background to the study, statement of the problem, purpose/aim, objectives, significance/justification. Literature Review: This appears as Chapter 2. Same as in Research Proposal but in greater details. (Any relevant Literature may be cited in any of the
(x)
b)
chapters. In some cases there may not be a need for a separate Chapter on Literature Review and/or Theoretical Analysis)
c) d) General Methodology/Materials and Methods (as for Chapter 3 of the proposal) The successive chapters depend on the type of dissertation
i) Monograph Results can be presented together with discussion as Chapter 4* or two separate chapters i.e. (i) Presentation and Interpretation of Results as Chapter 4. (ii) Discussion of results as Chapter 5. ii) Chapters as standalone papers
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Each chapter (usually addressing each objective) has an Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion and Conclusion e) Conclusion: Summary, research based outcomes, recommendations, and the way forward, should come as the last chapter depending on how one has presented the preceding chapters.
NB:
However, a study may be split into more than the above chapters if the researcher so wishes. Where there is more than one major result, this may be presented in separate chapters
References The reference list at the end of each manuscript provides the information necessary to identify and retrieve each source. Unlike a bibliography, a reference list cites only the works which were cited in the text. Elements of references differ according to the type of publication. See the page on annotated examples of references. Citation type The preferred mode of citation is the American Psychological Association (APA) Sixth Edition. (If respective disciplines prefer a different citation mode, they should inform the Graduate School for incorporation). See Appendix I. Appendices: These comprise of instruments, maps, introductory letters and some essential raw data, personnel met and research approval letters as well as areas visited.
f)
g) .
h)
NOTE: The thesis/dissertation is presented in a monograph form as one text. However when it becomes necessary and applicable it may be presented as a compilation of several published or publishable papers with the first chapter handling all the general introductory issues in monograph form. Use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for report preparation, editing and spell checking should enhance the quality of the. Appropriate computer data analysis packages should be used.
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The dissertation/thesis is spiral bound for examination but hard cover bound in black colour with golden letters bearing what is contained in a title page in the front cover. The ridge of the report will contain the degree award, name of awardee and year of the award e.g. M.A Dissertation Kizito, B. 2001 (in golden letters). Each approved dissertation/thesis will be cross-checked for correctness by the supervisor, the examiners, Viva Voce/Doctoral Committee and finally at the Graduate School on submission.
Appendix I GUIDELINES FOR MANUSCRIPT PREPARATION [Adopted from the 6th Edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA), 2010] ABBREVIATIONS Abbreviations can be avoided, but necessary abbreviations must be written out completely on first appearance and followed immediately by the abbreviation in parentheses. Thereafter, the abbreviation is used in text without further explanation or alternation between the abbreviated and full forms of the term.
The National Development Plan (NDP) is the government framework for socio-economic transformation to prosperity in Uganda (UNDP, 2010).
Abbreviations that appear in the dictionary as words (and are not labelled abbreviation) may be used without being written in full such as AIDS, ESP,
Standard Latin abbreviations may appear in parenthetical material but English translations should be used in non-parenthetical material. Examples are: compare for cf., example for e.g., and so forth for etc., and that is for i.e. BIAS Avoid bias of language regarding gender, racial or ethnic identity, disabilities or age. CITATIONS APA uses the author - date method of citation. For example:
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The last name of the author and the date of publication are inserted in the text in the appropriate place. When referencing or summarizing a source, provide the author and year. When quoting or summarizing a particular passage, include the specific page or paragraph number, as well. When quoting in your paper, if a direct quote is less than 40 words, incorporate it into your text and use quotation marks. If a direct quote is more than 40 words, make the quotation a free-standing indented block of text and DO NOT use quotation marks.
Citation of one work by one author: In one developmental study (Smith, 1990), children learned... OR In the study by Smith (1990), primary school children... OR In 1990, Smiths study of primary school children Citation of works by multiple authors: When a piece of work has 2 authors cite both names every time you reference the work in the text. (Owens & Munene, 1994). The ampersand (&) is used in place of and when the full citation is within parenthesis When a work has three to five authors cite all the author names the first time the reference occurs and then subsequently include only the first author followed by et al. For example:
First citation: Masserton, Slonowski, and Slowinski (1989) state that... Subsequent citations: Masserton et al. (1989) state that... For 6 or more authors, cite only the name of the first author followed by et al. and the year.
Citation of works by no identified author: When a resource has no named author, cite the first few words of the reference entry (usually the title). Use double quotation marks around the title of an article, chapter, or Web page. Italicize the title of a periodical, book, brochure, or report. For example:
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The site seemed to indicate support for homeopathic drugs (Medical Miracles, 2009). The brochure argues for homeschooling (Education Reform, 2007). Treat reference to legal materials such as court cases, statutes, and legislation like works with no author. Citation of two or more works in the same parenthetical citation: Citations of two or more works in the same parentheses should be listed in the order they appear in the reference list (i.e., alphabetically, then chronologically), for example: Several studies (Jones & Powell, 1993; Peterson, 1995, 1998; Smith, 1990) suggest that... Citation of specific parts of a source Always give the page number for quotations or to indicate information from a specific table, chart, chapter, graph, or page. The word page is abbreviated but not chapter. For example: The painting was assumed to be by Matisse (Powell, 1989, Chapter 6), but later analysis showed it to be a forgery (Murphy, 1999, p. 85). If, as in the instance of online material, the source has neither visible paragraph nor page numbers, cite the heading and the number of the paragraph following it. This allows the reader to locate the text in the source. For example: The patient wrote that she was unimpressed by the doctors bedside manner (Smith, 2006, Hospital Experiences section, para. 2). COPYRIGHT Written permission to use previously published text, tables, figures, or tests should be available on request and acknowledged in reference to the text, table, figure, plate or tests using asterisk. FOOTNOTES Because they are distracting to readers, footnotes should be included only when necessary. In most cases, important information is best presented in the text, not in a footnote.
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ORGANISING AND STRUCTURING DOCUMENTS WITH HEADINGS: Documents are organised and structured by dividing them into different levels. Levels are divided into sections. The sections are given headings. Divisions or sections of the same importance are given same headings. For example, research proposals are usually divided into Background to the study, Literature Review, and Methodology. These three sections belong to the same level and are equally important. All documents should have a hierarchical (top-down) arrangement. Each section or divisions of the document should begin with the highest level possible, then lower and the lowest levels should be given. The headings (titles) given should also begin with the highest level possible, then lower and the lowest headings should be given. APA (2010, P.91) proposed five levels into which documents can be divided or sectioned. These levels are illustrated and described below: Centred Uppercase Heading ____________Level 5 Centred Uppercase and Lowercase Heading___________Level 1 Centred, Underlined, Uppercase and Lowercase Heading........Level 2 Flush Left, Underlined, Uppercase and Lowercase Side Heading.Level 3 Indented, Underlined, Lowercase paragraph________Level 4 heading ending with a period The highest level is the fifth level. All the letters are in uppercase (capital letters). It is typed on the central axis of the page. If the title does not fit on one line of the page, it is then typed as an inverted pyramid on the lines below. UNDERSTANDING THE PROSE AND POSIE OF MODERN LITERATURE IN CONTEMPORARY UGANDA The next level is called the first level. The initial letters of words are in uppercase with the exceptions of the conjunctions, Articles and Prepositions (CAPS). It is also typed on the central axis of the page. Understanding the Prose and Poise of Modern Literature in Contemporary Uganda The second level is typed exactly in the same way as the first level except that it is underlined or italicised.
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Scope Significance of the Study Definition of concepts Strategies Planned series of actions for achieving the aim. HIV. This is a virus, which causes AIDS. In Africa it is mainly transmitted sexually. Literature Review (Level 1) Methodology (Level 1) Larger documents may be divided into more levels. For example, dissertations and books can be divided into Level Five, Level three and level 4. Then they are produced as shown here. BACKGROUND (LEVEL 5) Background to the Study_________(Level 1) Statement of the Problem Objectives Level 3 Scope Significance of the Study Definition of key concepts Strategies: Planned series of actions etc. Level 4 HIV. This is a virus, which causes AIDS etc. LITERATURE REVIEW: (LEVEL 5)
APA (1994, P.91) reports that if a writer finds it difficult to adopt the APA headings, different styles of headings could be used provided they are recognised. Headings should not be labelled with numerical labels. HEADINGS Manuscripts generally use from one to five levels of headings: Centred Uppercase and Lowercase HeadingLevel 1 Centred, Underlined, Uppercase and Lowercase HeadingLevel 2 Flush Left, Underlined, Uppercase and LowercaseLevel 3 Side Heading, Indented, Underlined, Lowercase paragraph..Level Heading ending with a periodLevel 4 CENTRED UPPERCASE HEADINGS.Level 5
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If only one level of heading is needed, use level 2. If two levels of headings are necessary, use levels 2 and 4. if three levels are needed, use 2, 4 and 5. For four levels, use levels 2-5. Numbering of headings is unwanted. MARGIN Leave uniform margin at the top, bottom, and both sides of every page. One inch (1) is the default setting on most computers, and is sufficient for the marginal instructions and queries which may need to be written by an editor. 1
TEXT
1 NUMBERS Use words to express numbers one through nine, and numerals to express numbers 10 or higher, e.g. One gram and 10 mls of water were mixed. There are exceptions, as in the use of tables or the beginning of sentences. (Table 1 or Ten mls of water was added to one gram of salt....). PAGE NUMBERS Preliminary pages must be numbered with Roman numerals (i, ii, iii etc). The title page should not be numbered. Arabic numerals begin with the main text of the report i.e. from the Introduction/Background section and then numbered consecutively. All pages are numbered in the lower center position. PARAGRAPHS Each paragraph should be indented uniformly, usually five spaces or one-half inch. A paragraph should be longer than a single sentence but not beyond a manuscript page. QUOTATIONS Short quotations of fewer than 40 words may be incorporated in the text and enclosed with double quotations mark (Nsibambi, 1995, p.1). Quotations of 40 words or more may be typed double space and indented five spaces from the left without quotation marks. Every quotation must include the author, year and page number in the citation and a complete reference in the reference list.
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REFERENCES The reference list at the end of each manuscript provides the information necessary to identify and retrieve each source. Unlike a bibliography, a reference list cites only the works which were cited in the text. Elements of references differ according to the type of publication. SECONDARY SOURCES Whenever possible, original sources should be used. If a work is cited which was discussed in a secondary source, then the secondary source will be included in the reference list cited in the text. (According to Byaruhanga and Kwebiha (as cited in Ojok, Wafula, & Eyoku, 1995), this is true). SPACING Manuscripts should be double-spaced throughout, which includes all quotations and references. FONT TYPE AND SIZE For uniformity, use Times New Roman font size 12 throughout the text TABLES AND FIGURES Tables and figures are effective when a large amount of data is to be presented in a small space. Tables also have limitations and should be reserved for crucial data that is directly relevant and for text that would be dense with numbers. The APA Publication Manual has useful information on preparing tables. They should not repeat what is clearly shown on figures or already described in the text. The Table caption should be placed at the top while the figure caption are placed at the bottom of the respective figure. TITLES Manuscript titles should be a concise statement of the main topic and should identify the actual variables or issues under investigation, and the relationship between them. The recommended length is 10 to 12 words, but not more than 20 words. EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES 1. American Psychological Association, (2010). Publication Manual (6th ed.). Washington, D.C: Author. [Alphabetise Corporate Authors by first significant word of the name. when the author and publisher are identical, use the word author as name of publisher. Note the way editions are written(ed)]
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2. Barker, B.L., Jones, W. Oscar, B. B. & Harris, D. P. (1983). Effect of intertribal delays on retardation of learning. Journal of Experimental Psychological: Animal Behaviour Processes, 9, 581-593. [Journal article with three to five authors cite all authors in the first textual citations, then subsequent citations may use the surname of the first author followed by et al. (Baker, et al., 1983)]. 3. Winston, B.L. Reinhatt, M.L. Sacker, J.R Gottlieb, W. Oscar, B.B. & Harris, D.P. (1983). Effect of intertribal delays on retardation of learning. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Animal Behaviour Processes, 27. 581 593. 4. Carver, H.C. Jr. & White, C. (1981, December). Do babies sing a universal song? Psychology Today, pp.70 76. [Magazine articles include month of issue.] 5. Fujita, J.& Misumi, M. (1982). Effects of organisational development in market organisation. Japanese Journal of Experimental Social Psychology. 21: 93 111. (From Psychological Abstracts, 1982, 68, Abstract No. 11474) [If only the abstract is used as the source, cite all the collection of abstracts in parentheses at the end.] 6. Grant, S. Jr. & Cannon, C.R (Eds.), (1960). Billingual education: A Whole language approach. New York; Praeger. [Edited book, both city of publication (New York) and publisher Praeger listed.] 7. Heath, J.G. & Fraser, F.C (Eds.). (1977 - 1978). Handbook of teratology (Vols. 1 New York: Plenum Press. [Several volumes of an edited book. In text, use the parenthetical citation: (Heath & Fraser, 1977 1978.)] 8. Merman, A. S. & Kniskern, D.P. (1981). Family therapy outcome. Merman, A.S. & Kniskern, D.P. (Eds.) Handbook of family therapy (pp. 742 -775). New York: Avon. [A Chapter in an edited book]. 9. Musisi, J.F.G. (1997). Academic achievement as a function of career guidance. Unpublished masters thesis, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. [If a dissertation does not appear in Dissertation abstracts international, use this format.] 10. PLE results are out. (1996, March 19). New Vision, p.1 (Newspaper articles with no author are alphabetised by the first significant word in the title and cited in text with a short title: (PLE Results, 1996).)
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11. Annon (2002). General Information Brochure. School of Postgraduate Studies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda. (Anon is used to refer to an anonymous author(s) of a public/Government document.) Appendix II Makerere University procedures for proposal registration and examination (a) Research Project/Masters degree dissertation proposal (i) A student having identified a researchable idea, consults with potential supervisor/advisor/mentor for further development. Or (ii) Academic member of staff having identified a researchable area probably with funding, identifies a student who may be interested to develop it into a researchable topic, or the student to carry out the research project with the academic member of staff. (iii) For PhD Students: After consultation with potential supervisors, develops and presents the proposal to the Doctoral Committee for approval. The Doctoral Committee then submits their recommendation to the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (DHDRC) through the graduate degree coordinator of the Department. (iv) For Masters Student: After consultation with potential supervisor(s), presents the proposal to the Department and is advised to improve on it with the assistance of a nominated supervisor. In situations where Department capacity is high, the presentation of the proposal ends here and copies only are sent to the Faculty Office and the Graduate School Office. Otherwise, the revised proposal is presented to the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (DHDRC) through the graduate degree coordinator of the Department for approval. (v) Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (FHDRC) discusses the proposal and makes one of the following decisions: Approval without amendments
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Approval with amendments to the satisfaction of the nominated supervisor. The supervisor certifies to the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (FHDRC) to the effect that concerns of the FHD&RC have been addressed/ incorporated and acceptability of changes. Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (FHDRC) approves for the research to proceed. Recommend resubmission until approved.
(vi) The Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (FHDRC) forwards signed minutes together with the approved proposal and names of nominated supervisors to the Director, School of Graduate Studies (who is the Secretariat to Board of Research & Publications) for noting, collating of approved proposal and appointment of the supervisor(s). (vii) This is now an officially approved proposal subject to supervision and examination for the Doctorate/Masters Degree award.
(viii) Progress reports are presented every six months. For masters degree students at least one progress report is required if they are doing a dissertation as a partial requirement for the award. A second report is at submission where the supervisor(s) approve the examination of the dissertation. For plan B (Masters degree by extended course work research project,) only one progress report at the time of submission for examination is needed. (ix) (x) (xi) The candidate notifies the School of Graduate Studies three months in advance on the Intention to Submit his/her dissertation. dissertation is submitted for examination to the School of Graduate Studies after endorsement by the supervisor(s) Graduate School then requests the Faulty Higher Degrees and Research Committee (FHDRC) to nominate examiners (2 internal and one external to the university) and the Viva Voce panel.
Note: The External Examiner must have taught in a University or published in the area of study, may have supervised at least a Masters degree dissertation before and is of at the rank of Senior Lecturer standing or a Ph.D degree holder or equivalent.
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(xii)
The Graduate School then appoints examiners (one External to the University and two Internal Examiners (who are not supervisors).
The role of examiners is to ascertain that the research work done fulfils the expected University standards for a Masters degree award, and that was/or was not done by the candidate.
(b) Doctoral Degree Programme by Research alone (i) An applicant is considered for provisional admission upon submission of the following to the Graduate School: A filled in application form in duplicate. Academic credentials. Three letters of reference. A 3 5 page synopsis outlining the area of research interest.
The synopsis must have a title, a brief introduction, the statement of the problem, objective(s) of the research, significance/justification, hypotheses/research questions and minimal literature and outlining the methodology on how you intend to answer your research questions. There should be a list of the minimal references used in your literature review. The application is accompanied by a receipt as evidence of having paid application fee or any other evidence of having paid such money in Uganda shillings.
(ii)
Provisional admission (up to one year) to Doctoral Degree studies at Makerere University.
The Faculty/Institute/School Higher Degrees and Research Committee considers an application for provisional admission taking into consideration the following: If the topic is researchable (especially the statement of the problem) If there is a suitable supervisor(s) in the Faculty/School or elsewhere in the University Whether the applicant is suitably qualified to undertake the said study based on background, qualifications and relevant publications if any. Whether the applicant is suitable for PhD studies at Makerere but could be assigned another topic for research if admitted which could be developed into an acceptable research proposal. Whether the University has the requisite facilities to enable the applicant carry out their research work successfully. If
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not are there collaborative institutions elsewhere where this could be done Identify a 3-5 person Doctoral Committee to assist the student in their doctoral program (approval of the research proposal, review progress) taking into consideration the existing capacity. Please note that, staff members who qualify to supervise and or be on the Doctoral Committee must have must already have a Ph.D degree of at least two years duration/standing, Staff may supervise up to 3 PhD students and not more than 5 Masters degree students at any one time. Provisional Admission is for up to one year during which time the full proposal must be developed, vetted by the Doctoral Committee and approved by the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee.
(iii)
For full admission to be granted the following be satisfied: Proposal should have been presented to members of the Doctorla Committee for their review at least two weeks in advance. Applicant is invited to defend the proposal before the Doctoral Committee. The defense should normally not exceed one hour. The Doctoral Committee should submit their signed report to the Chairperson of the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee. Signed minutes by all members who attend the relevant Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee accompanied by the corrected final proposal be forwarded to the Graduate School. A letter from a supervisor certifying incorporation of all corrections to the proposal as recommended by the Doctoral Committee and the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee also he sent to the Graduate School. A receipt of having been paid up and registered for the PROVISIONAL ADISSION period. FULL ADMISSION letter is prepared by the DIRECTOR of the School of Graduate Studies for duration of 3 years effective from the date of the minutes of the Faculty Higher Degrees and Research Committee meeting recommending the candidate for full admission. (iv) Progress reports using a standard form obtained from the Graduate School/Faculty or Department must be submitted by the student and supervisor every 6 months before submission of the Dissertation/Thesis for examination.
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(v) (vi)
Submission of Dissertation/Thesis is upon completion of at least two years of supervised work during full admission period. If a candidate is unable to submit after 3 years of full registration one may apply for extension of registration for a period of up to one year each for a maximum of 2 years, since maximum duration is for 5 years (Full time students) or maximum duration of 7 years of study (part time students).
Note: For Doctoral students undergoing coursework, their 1st year of registration is for coursework and development of a proposal. Thereafter, the period of research is two more years which may be extended to four (4) according to circumstances for a maximum of 5 years as a full time student. Part time students may use up to six more years after the initial year of coursework to finalise their study.
(c) Examination Process (i) Examination of the dissertation should be completed within three months after receipt by the examiners. Examiners reports are forwarded only to the Director of the School of Graduate Studies. This is to ensure for confidentiality and quality assurance purposes. The decisions of examiners fall in any one of the three categories: (ii) Note: Occasionally examiners may delay to submit their reports, and in that case the School of Graduate Studies sends them a reminder. However, it is important to get a response from the External Examiner and, therefore, patience should be exercised by the candidate and the Faculty concerned. When all examination reports have been received and at least two of them are positive including that of the External Examiner, then a public defence/Viva Voce examination is held upon notice to the Dean/Director/Principal of the relevant Faculty/Institute/School/ College by the Director of the School of Graduate Studies. Members of VIVA VOCE panel must be Ph.D degree holders. Viva Voce Examination
(iii)
(iv)
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All candidates registered for Masters and Doctoral degrees by dissertation or thesis must be subjected to VivaVoce examination in order to assess the candidates in-depth knowledge of his/her registered work and attach ownership to the dissertation or thesis. Procedure for the Viva Voce examination Notice for the Viva Voce examination is given by the Dean/Director to the candidate to prepare for the examination and for members of the panel to read the thesis/dissertation. The Viva Voce panel consists of six members including the Chairperson who should normally be the Dean. The role of the Chairperson is to guide the examination. Four members including the Chairperson should form a quorum. The candidates are accorded adequate time (normally 30 - 40 minutes ) to make presentations followed by examination of the candidate for not more than one hour (for Masters Degree) and 3 hours for PhD candidates.
The Viva Voce examination is a closed one conducted by the appointed panel only. Audio Visual facilities are availed to the candidates by Faculty/departments where necessary. The assessment follows laid down criteria where the examination panel evaluates the presentation in light of the thesis/dissertation and the response to their questions. Candidates are finally assessed taking into consideration of the internal and external examiners recommendation giving a PASS or FAIL In case of revision/corrections being required, one of the internal examiners should be assigned to oversee the corrections to his satisfaction In the case of failure the candidate may be advised to redo the work and re-submit or to discontinue from the degree programme The report of the Viva Voce examination includes the membership, the recommendation of the panel and is signed by all panellists that attend the session.
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(v)
A VIVA VOCE Examination is independent of the verdict on the dissertation already given by the examiners and must be passed independently, that is Pass/Fail. Upon receipt of the signed report by the Viva Voce Panel, the letter ascertaining that all identified corrections in the dissertation have been effected to the satisfaction of the Supervisor, three copies of hard cover bound dissertation in black colour with gold letters written as specified in this guide book and the candidate is paid up fully, then the School of Graduate Studies prepares the letter of Award of the respective degree to the candidate. The award is granted by the Director, School of Graduate Studies on behalf of the Vice Chancellor and the Senate of Makerere University.
(vi)
(vii)
References American Psychological Association, (2010). Publication Manual (6th Ed.) Washington DC. Anon (2002). General Information Brochure. School of Postgraduate Studies, Makerere University, Kampala Uganda.
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