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Thesis Writing
Professor Dr. Md. Abdul Wohab KhanMBBS, FCPS
Professor and HeadDepartment of Surgery
Anwer Khan Modern Medical College And
A learner in ‘Medical education’
Objectives
The participant will be able to
o Describe what are the purposes of writing an academic thesis
o How to write a thesis proposal
o What are the component of a thesis
o What are the steps of thesis work
o How to write a thesis
o How to defend a thesis
• Both are
o Written report of supervised research at the institute level
o A Primary publication of the candidate’s independent research
o Contains and presents candidates own findings --
Which are critically analyzed with scientific informations from other sources
Is there any difference between the two?
• Practically NO!
• Both are research work and submitted for attaining a higher degree.
But
• Medical education needs ----
o ‘Production of the producers’ i.e. Teacher - with a wide range of scholarly work
And
o ‘Production for the users’ i.e. service providers - with less extensive works to train them for an evidence based practice.
Difference between
--
• In UKo Dissertation is for diploma, undergraduate or First Master’s degreeo Thesis is for MPhil/PhD
• In USA (Just opposite !!!!!!)o Thesis is for diploma, undergraduate or Master’s degree (usually two
years)o Dissertation is for PhD level (usually 3-6 years) o Dissertation is much more extensive work and often called ‘Doctoral
dissertation’
• In some universities, dissertation and thesis are seen as the same thing
Why it is a prerequisite for fellowship,
masters and PhD programs ?
To use this excellent learning experience as a tool for ‘learning to learn’
• To familiarize the student with the steps of research,
• To promote critical and analytical thinking
• To provide an experience in scientific writing and
• To contribute to knowledge.
Other learning objectives
o To develop a skill to find out the literature
o To demonstrate the appropriate depth and breadth of knowledge in the discipline
o To develop the skill to evaluate the available information and thus --- • To help them to adopt evidence based practice.
o To practice ethical application in professional life
o To think critically and creatively
Benefits
Medical practice is complex and unpredictable! Needs ----- Best professional judgment –
o With a professional wisdom• A complicated amalgam of
o Factual knowledgeo Procedural skill and o Intuition
The exercise of academic research is to learn, build up and develop the professional wisdom
Benefits
Development of writing skill – a communication
• Communication among the scientific - progress of science
• So the scientist should have
o A strong general writing skill
o An understanding of the convention of scientific writing and
o An understanding of the Reader’s expectation
All these are necessary to develop a skilled professional -
o To methodically deal with the real world problems and
o To find out the best possible evidence-based solution
Steps of thesis work
Steps for thesis
works
• Step 1- Start literature review
• Step 2 – Start working with guide/Supervisor
• Step 3 – Preparation, submission and approval of the proposal
(all these must be completed within 3m 1/4th of the total time)
• Step 4 – Start data collection
• Step 5 – Start data management and start report writing
• Step 6 – Continue to finish report writing
( must be completed within 8th m)
• Step 7 – Revision and correction of the report
• Step 8 – Final correction, editing and submission
(must be within 10th month)
• Step 10 -- Writing thesis derived articles
• Step 11 – Defending the thesis
Step 1 Start literature search and review
• To select the problem
• To build up knowledge on the related issues
• To discuss with the supervisor for finalization
• Selection and working with the title
Step 2
Start working with the Guide
• Mind maps on
o Development of the research instrument
o Planning for pretesting
o Development of proposal draft
o Time line for submission for protocol
Protocol vs proposal • Protocol – A written detailed scientific plan of the
study
• Proposal – A document written for obtaining fund that contains o Study protocolo Budgeto Other administrative and supportive informations
Elements of a protocolsimilar to that of a thesis a large fraction of the material can be
used for final thesis.
• Title page/ Cover page
• Abstract
• Table of contents
• Introduction
• Thesis/ problem statement
• Approach/methods • Preliminary/expected
results and discussion
• Implications of research
• List of references
• Work plan including time table
Major Parts of the Thesis Proposal
• INTRODUCTIONo A short summary of the major questions behind the research, the context of those
questions within a larger academic framework.
• PROBLEM STATEMENTo Describe in depth, and provide the background and particular context of the problem in
relation to the particular academic field.
• LITERATURE REVIEWo Address the scope of research and list major findings.
• METHODOLOGYo Describe what you plan to do, why you plan to do it, and how you are going to go
about doing it.
• BIBLIOGRAPHY o A list of all source materials
Tips For Preparing the Proposal
• Give yourself plenty of timeo A good proposal needs around six months to prepare
• Complete a thorough literature review
• Communicate with your guide /supervisor
• Talk with the experts
Thesis work (plan)
Activities in relation with time
July’ 11
Aug’ 11
Sept’ 11
Oct’ 11
Nov’ 11
Dec. 11
Jan.’ 12
Feb.’ 12
Mar’ 12
Apr.’ 12
May’ 12
Jun.12
Literature review
Writing Research proposal
Development of research instrument
Data collection
Data entry and analysis
Report writing and editing
Submission of report
How to write a thesis
The need for a standard format
Thesis/dissertation is a weaving of theory and facts that makes the fabrics of knowledge.
Marvin Harris said that
o ‘Facts are always unreliable without theory and o Theories without facts are meaningless’
So o A logical structure reflects and clarify the relationship between
theory and fact of a research paper
Need for Consistency (in structure and the format)
• Variations distracts o Reader have to spent more time and energy
• to understand and conceive the idea and
o There is a possibility of misinterpretation
• Easy and short sentences o writer’s intention will be best understood by most of the readers
The basic physical
arrangementOf
A thesis/dissertation
• Front matters
• Body
• Back matters
Front matters • Title page• Declaration of
authorship
• Certificate or forwarding of guide or supervisor (omitted after approval)
• Recommendation or Approval for acceptance
• Dedication (optional)• Epigraph (optional)• Frontispiece (optional)• Acknowledgement (optional)• Preface (optional)
• List of contents
• List of tables
• List of figures and diagrams
• List of abbreviation
• Abstract
Title page
• Title of the study
• Students name, course name, session
• Institute name, place, month & year of submission
Title page
• Title at the top o extra space above and below, o larger and bold face font than the other items of the page, o ALL CAP or Capitalize Each Word o 1.5 space between lineso No abbreviations - everything in wordo All centered o Name as recorded in the institute
QUALITY OF SUPERVISED RESEARCH REPORT
IN RELATION TO POSTGRADUATE MEDICAL
QUALIFICATIONS OF BANGLADESH
MMEd Thesis
By
Dr. Md. Abdul Wohab Khan MMEd student (ME -7)
Centre for Medical Education (CME) Mohakhali, Dhaka
Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)
July 2012
Declaration• Declarations made by the student
o Declaration of authorship • Transition from student to scholar
o Declaration of the purpose
o Declaration of originality
o Authorization of property rights
2nd Page
Declaration
This thesis is the document of my research work and was done under the guidance and
supervision of Professor ……………….., Professor Department of …………………,
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka. I would like to emphasize that
the work is my original one. Due reference and acknowledgement are made clearly,
wherever others contributions are taken.
The work was done and submitted to the Centre for Medical Education Mohakhali,
Dhaka in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of MMEd awarded from
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University during the academic session 20…--
20…..
No part of this work has been submitted for any other degree under any other institution
or published anywhere for any purpose.
I authorize Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University and Centre for medical
Education to lend this thesis to other institutions or individuals for the purpose of
scholarly research. I further authorize the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
and the Centre for medical Education to reproduce this thesis by photocopying or by
other means, in total or in part, at the request of other institutions or individuals for the
purpose of scholarly research and for national and or international benefit.
Dated:
The 15th June, 2012 (……………………………..)
Centre for Medical Education MMEd student,
Mohakhali, Dhaka. Session: 2010-2012
3rd page
Certificate of the Guide/Supervisor
Certification on the o Originality o Guidance and o Other informations declared by the student.
This page can be omitted after final approval
Certificate
This is to certify that the thesis entitled “Quality evaluation of supervised research
report in relation to postgraduate medical qualifications of Bangladesh” and
submitted by Dr ……………….. for partial fulfillment of the MMEd degree from Center
for Medical Education awarded by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University;
embodies original work done by him under my direct supervision.
PROFESSOR …………………………
Professor ……………………….
Department of ………………………….
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
Dhaka
4th Page ----
Recommendation for Acceptance
• Recommendation
• Signature, name and designation of the board members
• Date of approval/recommendation
Recommendation for Acceptance
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University Postgraduate faculty of Basic Medical Sciences
Dhaka, Bangladesh
We, the undersigned certify that we have carefully read and recommended to the faculty
of Basic Medical Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University for
acceptance of this thesis titled “Quality of supervised research report in relation to
postgraduate medical qualifications of Bangladesh” conducted by Dr Md Abdul
Wohab Khan for partial fulfillment of the MMEd degree from Center for Medical
Education during the session 2010-2012.
BOARD OF EXAMINERS
1. Signature……………………………………
Name:
2. Signature: …………………………………….
Name:
3. Signature: …………………………………….
Name:
4. Signature: …………………………………….
Name:
Approved on ---------------------------------
Dedication
This thesis is dedicated---
To my Parents for their care and support during the time I grown up and
developed myself.
To all of my teachers from primary to graduate level for teaching me to
accomplish any complicated task in step by step at a time.
To all educationist who have laid out the direction, tried to eliminate the blisters
and to open our eyes to understand the excellence of continuing education.
5th page (optional)
Epigraphs
“For you (God) subjected all that is in the heavens and on the earth, all from Him.
Behold! In that are signs for people who reflect”.
--- Surah Al-Jathiya, verse # 13 (Al Quran)
“Fear of the LORD is the foundation of true knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and
discipline” ---The Bible
“Educating the brain without educating the heart is not at all education”
---Aristotle
“Write for an open minded non-expert; write for him, he should be able to see your
argument not necessarily agree or disagree with it, but accept it.” ---Bob Dick
“It is common sense to take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it frankly and try
another. But above all, try something.” ---Roosevelt
6th page (optional)
Frontispiece
An illustration of a dissertation defense ceremony (Dissertation Leiden 1721)
Universiteits Bibliotheek Leiden (Breimer 2005)
7th page (optional )
Acknowledgement
All praise is upon the almighty -------------------------------------------------------------------
My heartiest gratitude and special honor to -------------------------------------------------------
Dr ……………………….. has contributed in every aspect of my total work; --------------
I would like to express my best regards to ---------------------------------------------------------
I am indebted to ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
My sincere gratitude to ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am also thankful to ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It was my good luck to have opportunity to share and have valuable input from ------------
My heartiest thank to my entire course fellows of ------------------------------------------------
I should express my pleasure for the excellent academic environment -----------------------
and the administrative staffs for ----------------------------------------------------------------
I shall not forget the kind cooperation from -------------------------------------------------------
Finally I should thank my ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
All the flavor may have in this thesis is the credit of the numerous study subjects and my
ignorance must be the cause of shortcomings in this report.
Dated:
The 15th June, 2012 (-----------------------------------)
Centre for Medical Education MMEd student, -----------------
Mohakhali, Dhaka Session, -----------------------------
8th page (optional!)
Preface
This thesis was a dream to learn about the overall academic research and also to see the
criteria followed. The University of Dhaka has the guideline for thesis examination in
written (not published), the Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU)
and the Bangladesh College of Physician and Surgeon (BCPS) has their own style format
published in 2008 and 2009 respectively. As the guideline of the university of Dhaka for
the examiners are not published, probably most of the supervisors/guide or examiners and
none of the student are familiar with that.
If any one goes through more than one thesis/dissertation in any discipline; he will be in a
dilemma of the criteria of standard. Although the thesis/dissertation manual is not very
difficult to reach and follow, still the variation in consistency with style format is
alarming. The Institutes has got their own system of examination. How much the system
is working and how much the quality is assured this study will be able to focus on that
issue to some extent.
Evaluation of the institutional format and style consistency is prerequisite to assure the
quality. This thesis tried to highlight in this respect inspite of its all limitations. The effort
will be considered successful if much concentration is given to its pitfalls and usability is
tested with intelligent criticism.
Dated:
The 15th June, 2012 (…………………………)
Centre for Medical Education MMEd student
Mohakhali, Dhaka Session 2010-2012
9th page (optional)
10th page
• Chapters (No. or Name)
o Contents (Name or Heading)
o Page no (In Romans or Arabic's)
List of contents
List of Contents
Content Page no
Declaration …. …. …. …. …. ii
Certificate …. …. …. …. …. iii
Recommendation for acceptance …. …. …. …. …. iv
Dedication …. …. …. …. …. v
Epigraph …. …. …. …. …. vi
Frontispieces …. …. …. …. …. vii
Acknowledgement …. …. …. …. …. viii
Preface …. …. …. …. …. x
List of content …. …. …. …. …. xi
List of tables …. …. …. …. …. xv
List of figures …. …. …. …. …. xvi
List of abbreviation …. …. …. …. …. xviii
Abstract …. …. …. …. …. xix
Chapter 1 1 – 17
Introduction …. …. …. …. …. 1
Background …. …. …. …. …. 3
Rationale …. …. …. …. …. 8
Research question …. …. …. …. …. 10
Objectives …. …. …. …. …. 10
List of variables …. …. …. …. …. 12
11th page List of tables
Contents Page no.
Table 1 Quality Chasms identified in the titles…. …. …. …. …. 61
Table 2 Flaws detected in Abstracts …. …. …. …. …. 63
Table 3 Weaknesses identified in the introductory chapter. …. …. 65
Table 4 Limitations identified in literature review…. …. …. …. 67
Table 5 Shortcomings in the methodology …. …. …. …. …. 69
Table 6 Type of problems detected in the result sections... …. …. 71
Table 7 Weaknesses identified in discussion …. …. …. …. …. 73
Table 8 Category of problems apparent in making conclusions…. 75
Table 9 Weaknesses of recommendation …. …. …. …. …. 77
Table 10 Defects found in citation …. …. …. …. …. 79
Table 11 Imperfection detected in presenting appendices… …. …. 81
Table 12 Problems detected in demonstration of innovation and creativity 83
Table 13 Flaws identified in physical format and overall get up …. 85
Table 14 The mean, median and mode of overall marks …. …. …. 87
Table 15 Distribution of marks scored in different sections. …. …. 88
List of Figures
Content: Page no.
Figure 1 The quality of title observed in the study. …. …. …. …. 60
Figure 2 The frequency of Abstract according to the quality …. …. 62
Figure 3 The quality of the introduction .... .... …. …. …. 64
Figure 4 The frequency of quality grades of literature review ... …. 66
Figure 5 The quality grade evaluated for the methodology sections.. 68
Figure 6 The quality grades on result …. …. …. …. …. 70
Figure 7 Frequencies of quality grades of the discussion sections…. 72
Figure 8 Distribution of quality grades detected in conclusion …. …. 74
Figure 9 Distributions of quality labeled on recommendations …. …. 76
Figure 10 Quality grades assigned to the citation …. …. …. …. …. 78
Figure 11 Frequencies of quality of appendices presentation …. …. 80
Figure 12 Level of innovation and creativity …. …. …. …. …. 82
Figure 13 Grading on general quality and physical format.... …. …. 84
Figure 14 Overall grading of the report …. …. …. …. …. 86
Figure 15 The alertness level of the candidates …. …. …. …. …. 89
Figure 16 Evidence of plagiarism …. …. …. …. …. 90
12th page
13th page List of Abbreviation
AACU Association of American Colleges and Universities
APA American Psychological Association
BCPS Bangladesh College of Physicians and Surgeons
BMRC Bangladesh Medical Research Council
BSMMU Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University
G Grade (in this document G1 to G4 for quality grade were used).
GMER Global Minimum Essential Requirement
IIME Institute for International Medical Education
IRB Institutional review board
L2 Second language
LEO Literacy Education Online
MD Doctor of Medicine
MLA Modern Language Association of America
MHRA Modern Humanities Research Association
RCT Randomized Control Trial
TOT Training Of Trainer
USA United States of America
WFME World Federation of Medical Education
WMA World Medical Association
14th page
Abstract
In any academic field the question of quality is central issue and the ‘fundamental
relationship’ between assessment and learning quality needs to be expressed. Evaluation
of the quality in supervised research in medical education is very important in higher
education and teaching. The purpose of the supervised research project is to provide the
learner an experience in scientific writing, to familiarize the student with the steps of
research, to promote critical and analytical thinking of the learner and to contribute
something new to knowledge base. The objectives of the study were to determine the
quality in postgraduate supervised research report writing, according to the standard
commonly prescribed and implied by the post graduate medical institutes of Bangladesh.
A descriptive study was performed on 64 thesis and dissertation submitted during the
period of 2008-2010 in two selected post graduate institutes of Dhaka city. The overall
quality was less than marginal in 93.8% (60), marginal in 6.3% (4) of the reports. None
could be appraised as good or exemplary. It was evident from the study that there are
difficulties in learning and gap in fulfillment of the purpose of supervised research.
Weaknesses in supervision were also evident and theoretical knowledge gap in all level
could be assumed. There were also evidences that the prescribed standard were not
followed. To address these issues planning, designing, supervision and evaluation system
of supervised research in relation to the postgraduate medical qualification of Bangladesh
needs critical attention.
Body of the thesis
Chapter I
Introductory chapter
• Introduction
• Background(may have subsections)
• Rationale or Justification
• Research question and or Hypothesis
• Objectiveso General o Specific
• List of variables
• Operational definitions
Chapter II
Literature review • It is the research on research
o All over the world it is considered as the most important section !!!!!!
• Describe, summarize, evaluate and clarify the informations so far known on the problem
• Build up theories on the problem
• Formulate the instruments and methods
Chapter III
Methodology or material and method
• Study design or type of study
• Place of study with brief description
• Study period
• Study population
• Sampling unite o Sample sizeo Sampling technique
• Selection criteriao
o Species/strain ( other than human)
o Sources of materials (if necessary)
• Sample size estimation
• Sampling technique
o Inclusion criteriao Exclusion criteria
• Grouping (if applicable)
Chapter III; contd. • Data collection
o Data collection instrument • Development • Pretesting • finalization
o Data collection procedure (Detailed, if new or modified)
o Laboratory methods (if applicable)
• Data management o Processingo Summarization
• Data analysis
• Limitation
• Quality control
• Ethical consideration
Chapter IV
Results • You need not to randomly present every result
found
• Present your concrete finding and result of your own research
• Must be pertinent and relevant to the specific objectives
• Are the Result and data same ???o Result is the ‘statement of interpretation’ which is a translated finding
from summarized data
• Presentation should justify the ground created in -- o Introduction and literature reviewo Leading to the answer to your research question
• Structure and organization should be readers friendly
• No scope for opinion
• A successful result section --- o Well presented tables and figureso Clarification with salient interpretation
Chapter V
Discussion • It is the communication of the meaning of research
outcome to the readers
• A valid and interesting data may be spoiled if discussion is not organized in logical way
• The target is to answer research question and to test hypothesis
• Future problems should be perceptible
• As it is a long section subheading may help the readers to understand the analysis and interpretation of findings
Chapter VI
Conclusion and recommendation
• A good conclusion is reiteration of ‘what intended to found and what was found’
• Main statement should be based on strongest evidence
• Others comment or result should not be there
• Should not be repetition of your result or discussion word for word.
Back matters• Reference list/Bibliography
(Although it is in back matter the pagination is continuous with the body)
• Appendices or annexure – instruments, work schedule, Maps etc.
• List of symbols and formulas (optional)
• List of pictures and plates (optional)
• Glossary of terms (optional)
√ Pagination in romans and continuous with the front matte
Summary
Writing a thesis is the
How to defend thesis
General guideline• Defence should summarize the thesis
• Enough information on o What you have done?o Why you have done it?o How you did it o What you found; and o What the implications of your finding
• Advisor must be satisfied
• Make sure all technical facilities working well
Goals The goal is
Not to Present what you wrote?
But to Present what you did?
The goal of writing a thesis is to present all of your work to someone that knows nothing about your work.
The defense presentation's goal is to present the highlight of your work to people that have
already read your document.
Only two things to present !!!
What is known And
What you have added
Don’t present o Literature review o References o Acknowledgements and other optional thingso ‘Out line of my talk’ slide
Know your audience/Examiners !!
• Prepare your slides– not more than 20 m
• Practice repeatedly
• Check the instruments – have back ups
• Review your thesis, forecast questions, prepare to answer – write down the
• Introduce your work
• Justify
Final game !• Justify your work means justify your conclusion
o Back up it with solid findings or references
o When in doubt Qualify or temper the inconclusivestatement rather to stretch on conclusion.
Questions • Inquisitive
o Committee members expect more explanation to be satisfied
• Curious o They simply wants to know more
• Hostileo They are trying to explore the inadequacy
Answer• Inquisitive question
o Answer question if you cano Answer to best of your abilityo Never try more than you know
( You should know everything related to your research question but not necessarily to know everything of the field)
o If the question is beyond the research scope –• Answer if you know• Or explain that you don’t know and it is beyond the scope of your
area
• Allow advisor/Guide to step in !
Contd. • Curious question
o Answer if you cano It is good if you know and can show the relevance to your worko Do not spent more time in an unrelated area
Contd.
• Hostile question
o Don’t let question get to you – remain professional
o If at all a committee member out to get youo A conflict between two memberso Evidences of your weaknesses
Do not fake answer try to answer to best abilityBest if advisor rescue you
o If the things are pointed out wrongly – don’t go into confrontation – At best you can point out the error
o If you are wrong admit it and move on as quickly as possible
After the Defence • Record the notes and corrections prescribed by
the examiners
• Make necessary revisions for final aproval
• Acknowledge them accordingly
