1 MPC101 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY WRITING A THESIS OR PAPER Syllabus: Writing a (Report) Thesis or Paper General Formation Page and Chapter Formation The

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MPC101 – RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

WRITING A THESIS OR PAPERSyllabus:

Writing a (Report) Thesis or PaperGeneral FormationPage and Chapter FormationThe use of

QuotationFootnotesTables and FiguresReferencingAppendices

Revising the Paper or ThesisEditing and Evaluating the Final ProductProof ReadingThe Final Typed Copy

Dr. K. SIVAKUMARDepartment of

ChemistrySCSVMV University

[email protected]

M.Phil (Physics & Chemistry) Unit - IV

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Report Writing – Presentation & Syllabus

Talking About Writing

Writing About Writing

The presentation……..

The syllabus……..

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Report Writing

• Writing of Report is the last

step in a research study.

• Report writing requires a set of skills somewhat different from those called for in respect of the earlier stages of research.

• This task should be accomplished by the researcher with utmost care.

• The researcher may seek the assistance and guidance of experts for writing the report.

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Report Writing – Need for Research report

Writing a research report is very challenging task for the researcher.

A research report is needed due to the following reasons:• The research must be reported in full and its results should be

subjected to a

CRITICISM AND VERIFICATION.

• The research work is done for the benefit of human being, therefore, it must be

communicable to the general public for the practical use.

• The research should be considered to be the culminating act for reflective

thinking. It encourages other persons to take up some problem for further investigation.

• The research report requires the creative thinking of a researcher to review the related studies and discussing the result of the study and also suggest some new problems for further studies.

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Report Writing – Need for Research report

A research report is needed due to the following reasons……

• The research report is meant for popularizing the new contributions in the discipline.

• The research report is also necessary for giving shape and form to the investigation and solidifying it.

• It is needed for providing a clear picture of research method, sample and techniques used in conducting the research work.

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Report Writing – Significance of Report WritingAll

• Hypothesis• Research results• Findings• Interpretations

should be effectively communicated to others.

The purpose of research is not well served unless the findings are made known to others.

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Report Writing – Order of Report

In General, the report must be presented in thedescending order of importance of details for the reader.

Most readers

Few readers

Increasingdetail

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Report Writing – Thesis / Paper

• If the findings in any research are to be used by others the results must be described properly as a write up.

• Such a write up is called a THESIS,

furthermore, the

results can be published in a concise form called PAPER.

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Thesis Writing

• The thesis writer should aim at a

• High level of readability

• Sentence should not be too involved or complex

• Sweeping statements and exaggerated claims should be avoided

• Sound reasoning and intellectual honesty for scholarly style

• Quotations must be accurately cited and suitably acknowledged

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Thesis Writing

• A thesis represents the,• collection of a substantial piece of original work• original contribution to knowledge

• External (Outside) examiners are engaged to evaluate the thesis.

• Once accepted, the thesis is placed in the library of the institution conferring the degree. The thesis virtually becomes public property.

• The reputation of the student, the faculty and the institution are at stake.

• Therefore, high standard must be set for a thesis.

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Thesis Writing

• A standard form of ReferencingFootnotingPresenting tablesPresenting figures

should be used consistently throughout the thesis

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General formation of Thesis – Main Sections of a Thesis

Generally, the mechanical format of a thesis consists of three sections,

i. Preliminariesii. The textiii. Reference materials

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General formation of Thesis – Sub-sections of a Thesis

This order should be strictly followed. However, all the listed items need not be included.

i) The Preliminaries1. Title page

2. Preface / Acknowledgements

3. Table of contents

4. List of tables

5. List of figures & illustrations

ii) The Text1. Introduction

2. Main text (this may be divided into various

chapters)

The order of sub-sections in these three main sections are outlined below,

iii) The Reference Materials1. Bibliography

2. Appendices

3. Glossary

4. Index (if necessary)

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Title Page

Generally, the following information is required in the title page of thesis.

• Title of the thesis• Degree for which the thesis is presented (M.Phil/ Ph.D / D.Sc)• Name of the candidate• Name of the institution to which the thesis is being submitted• Month and Year of submission of the thesis

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Title Page

The initial impact is important.

The title tries to grab the reader’s attention.

The title must win the attention of the reader.

Titles should be short but instructive, distinguishing between documents.

To prevent that potentially interested people will skip your Thesis / paper:

CHOOSE A TITLE THAT COVERS THE CONTENTS !

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Preface

Preface (usually used in books) may give a brief account of,

Background

Scope

Purpose of the research

The preface should not be too long with too many details about the research work or its organization, which can appear in introduction

The word PREFACE should be typed in capital letters

Preface should be written in an impressive way.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Acknowledgements

At Master’s / Doctoral level, “Acknowledgements” can be included instead of “Preface”.

Acknowledgments recognize the persons to whom the writer is indebted,

• For guidance

• For assistance

• Institutions (for providing funds)

• For Facilities

• For Resources for the study

An example for “Acknowledgements” is shown below.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Acknowledgements

• The Acknowledgements should not be too long with too many details

about the research work or its organization, which can appear in introduction

• The word Acknowledgements should be typed in capital letters

• Acknowledgements should be written in an impressive way.

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Table of contents include major divisions of the thesis such as,

• The Introduction

• The Chapters

• Chapter Subdivisions

• Bibliography

• Appendices

• Page numbers for each of these divisions

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Table of Contents

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• Table of content provides an analytical OVERVIEW of the material included in the study together with the sequence of presentation.

• The relationship between major divisions and minor divisions should be shown by an appropriate way of capitalization and indentation or by use of numeric system.

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A sample table of contents (Layout) is shown below.

Centered at top of page : TABLE OF CONTENTS (heading)

Two spaces below this heading, At the left margin: Chapter

At the right margin: Page

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All the Tables, Figures and illustrations should be listed separately (next to the table of contents) with the Table / Figures / Illustration No., Title, and Page No.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – List of Tables, Figures and illustrations

A sample list of Tables and Figures are shown below.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – The Text

In Text part the researcher presents his facts of findings,

• Carefully • Coherently• Logically

The writer should convince the reader, of the importance or power of an argument, of a series of findings.

The organization of the text needs to be carefully planned so that each section or subdivision represents an important logical division of the topic being investigated and reported

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction

INTRODUCTION

Introductio

n

--------

--------

--

--------

----

The Paragraphs that HooksYour Reader

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Introductory Paragraphs

• Introductions hook the reader’s interest, provide a bridge to the thesis, and present the thesis to the reader, which should frame your argument.

• Hooks you may want to consider are: • Citing a quotation• Raising a question• Providing relevant statistics• Challenging a common perception.


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Citing a Quotation

• If quotation is used , be sure to include the source.

• Connection between the quote and the subject of the paper should be shown.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Citing a Quotation

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“The LAST thing you know in writing a

thesis is what to put FIRST”

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Citing a Quotation

Example for Citing a Quotation

A Quotation relevant to this presentation………

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Raising a Question

• Question should be clearly tied to the topic.

• Provides a bridge to the thesis.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Raising a Question

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• If the computational 3D structures of proteins are not 100% accurate, then what is the use of modeling the proteins?

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Raising a Question

Example for Raising Question

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Providing Relevant Statistics

• When a statistic is used, its source also should be provided.

• Misleading statistics should not be used.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Relevant Statistics

31Ref: SwissProt – Nov’ 2009 Ref: GenomeNet – Nov’ 2009

Sequence growth in Protein sequence databases:

Example for Providing Relevant Statistics


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Challenging a Common Perception

• Something new that challenges the reader’s preconceived ideas.

• Think about what beliefs your readers might hold and what ideas you might use to counter these beliefs.


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• Plastics will not pollute the environment.• Chemicals like dyes, fertilizers may get

decomposed and pollute the soil and water.• But, Plastic materials will remain inert.• So, By recycling and reusing the plastics, the

problems due to the plastics in the environment can be avoided.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction – Relevant StatisticsExample for Challenging a Common

Perception

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An introduction should be written with two major aims in view:

• Introducing the problem in a suitable context

• Arousing and stimulating the reader’s interest

An introductory chapter usually contains the following:

• A lucid, complete and concise statement showing the general purpose of the study.

• A justification of the study to establish the importance of the problem.

• A preview of the organization of the thesis to assist the reader in grasping the relationship between the various parts of the thesis.

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• Define what the problem is• The questions you are addressing• Outline personal/specific considerations that lead to this

investigation• How it differs from previous work

• Also, some (hint) of the conclusions

• What the report will contain

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• If the Introduction is Dull, Aimless and Confused then the reader begins to expect an overall dullness and aimlessness in the whole thesis and the reader may not continue reading or will show only little interest in reading further.• An Introduction should not be too broad !

• Introduction shows that you have read the existing literature on the subject and

• And, Your research is new.

• All statements must refer to primary sources.

For example, Atmospheric CO2 is rising

This might have an effect on the climate

i.e., Not: it is generally known that CO2 levels are rising

But: CO2 levels are rising (Author, Year)

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Often different ideas exist about the observed situation, mention both!

INCLUDE LITERATURE SURVEY !

i.e., In other words,

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction - Review of Literature

In this section,

• The details of research done by various researchers are

listed with references• Review provides the development of the problem background.

• Review is a balancing chapter of the research report.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Introduction - Review of LiteratureExample:

In References Section:

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Experimental

In this section, the researcher should describe

• The experimental procedures adopted for the study • The Quality of the chemicals used in the study• The Calibration of the various glassware (if necessary)• The name and details of all the instruments used for measurements• The details of spectrometers used of recording the spectra• The details of computational software, tools etc., used for the study

A reader should be able to reproduce the experimental results by following the procedure reported by the writer.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Results and Discussion

In this section the researcher presents all the results of his work and explains the method of drawing all conclusions using the results.

For example,

• To establish the structures of the compounds all spectral data should be presented with suitable explanations for how he arrived at the structures using the spectral data.

• If he has found the mechanism of a reaction he should discuss the results based on the mechanism.

• This section is the most important part of the text since this section throws on the intellectual ability of the writer.

• So, the documentation must be accurate.

Research Questions

Conclusions

Results & Discussion

Report Foundations

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Results and Discussion

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Conclusions (and Suggestions)In this section the researcher presents all the findings of the study and suggestions for the further studies are also given.

The implications and delimitations of the findings are also mentioned in this section.

The main thrust in this section is the

answer of the question OR

solution of the problem

The validity of the findings should be mentioned.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Summary

In this section,

The important findings drawn from the study must be given. The important conclusions derived from the findings must be given.

The summary should leave the reader with the

impression of completeness

and of positive gain.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – References

This section consists of, • Bibliography

• Appendices

• Glossary

• Index

All these are written on a separate page (in the centre with capital letters)

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Bibliography / References

In Bibliography section,

• All the printed sources utilized in the research work are listed.

• The publications used for information-yield but not quoted in the report may also be included in the bibliography.

The number of references should exactly match that given in the main text.

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Bibliography should be categorized in the following sections:

BooksMonographs

Documents

Reports

Periodicals

JournalsEssay Articles,

Unpublished Thesis

Newspapers

Magazines

Any other Material.

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• A uniform format should be used for citing the references

Following formats is used in writing bibliography,

For Journals,

Initials, Name of the author, Title of the Paper, Name of the Journal, Volume No. (Issue No.), Page Nos. (Year).

For Books,Initials, Name of the author, Title of the Book, Publishers name, Place, (Year) Page Nos.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Bibliography / References – Citing Journals

Example for single author:

Example for two authors:

Example for two or more authors:

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – Bibliography / References – Citing Books

Examples for citing an article from a Handbook:

Example for citing a book:

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – APPENDICES

In the Appendices section, Some

• Original data• Supporting evidence• Details of calculation etc.,

which deviate from the major line of arguments and which weaken the structure of the text if included in the discussion may be given.

Each appendix should be clearly separated from the text and listed in the table of contents.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – GLOSSARY

The Glossary section includes

Meanings and explanations of some words

Definitions of terms used in the research report

Details of Notations, Symbols, Abbreviations etc., ,

Examples:

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – ABBREVIATIONS

Meaning of some commonly used Abbreviations:

Bull Bulletin

ca Circa – approximately

cf Confer – compare

e.g. “exempli gratia” – For example

et al “et alii”; and other (used to refer to co-authors where there are three or more authors)

Fig Figure

i.e. “id est”; that is

N.B. “nota bene” note well

P Page

Ph Pages

vid or vide See

viz “Vidilicat” namely

Vs “Versus” against

No Number

Ibid “ibdem” used when successive references refer to same authors, same journal but different pages.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – INDEX

The index consists of the following in alphabetical order.

Authors

Subjects

Topics

Words

Example:

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING

Rules that should be followed in the actual preparation of the report are called the mechanics of writing a report

Size and physical design:

The manuscript should be written on unruled paper 8 ½” × 11” in size.

The paper should be neat and legible.

Left hand side margin = one and one-half inches

Right hand side margin = half an inch

Top margin = one inch

Bottom margin = one inch

Line spacing = double-spaced

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING….Procedure: Various steps in writing the report should be strictly adhered (as explained

earlier……..)

This order should be strictly followed. However, all the listed items need not be included.

i) The Preliminaries1. Title page

2. Preface / Acknowledgements

3. Table of contents

4. List of tables

5. List of figures & illustrations

ii) The Text1. Introduction

2. Main text (this may be divided into various

chapters)

iii) The Reference Materials1. Bibliography

2. Appendices

3. Glossary

4. Index (if necessary)

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING….Treatment of quotations:

Quotations should be placed in, quotation marks

[ “Quotation” ]Double spaced forming an immediate part of the text.

Example: “The LAST thing you know in writing a thesis is what to put FIRST”

The following conventions must be adopted in using quotations,

The exact words of an author or the exact words from an official publication must be quoted. Exactness means using the same words, the same punctuation, the same spelling and the same

capitalization. Extreme care should be taken to reproduce quotation exactly. Complete accuracy is essential.

When a student wants to use only a few sentences within a large passage, it is permissible to omit sections of an

original passage. This procedure is usually called ellipsis. To indicate ellipsis three spaced full stops are inserted.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING….Treatment of quotations:….

The following guidelines are adopted in introducing quotations

• The short quotations (up to four lines) are incorporated into a sentence or paragraph frame work without disrupting the flow of the text. Double quotation marks are used at the beginning and the end of the quotation.

• The same spacing as in the rest of the text is used.

• Long quotations (usually five or more lines) are included without quotations marks. The quotations is indented three spaces from the left margin. Single line spacing is used.

• The quotation may be acknowledged by placing the name of the author, the date of publication and page number in the parenthesis after the quotation.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING…

Footnotes:

• Footnotes are usually placed at the foot of a page.

Example:

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Footnotes:….

• Footnotes are conventional explanatory procedures when the material being presented needs amplification or acknowledgement.

• They may be placed at the end of each chapter or at the end of the thesis. • Footnotes should be used only sparingly.

• Reference to the footnotes whenever they may be placed is made by the use of superscripts in the body of the text where the particular reference is given.

• The footnotes may be continuously numbered. However, much numbers are given to references also. Therefore, alphabets or special symbols such as asterisks and daggers are often used to indicate footnotes.

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• When footnotes are placed at the end of a chapter or thesis, the centered heading FOOTNOTES is required.

• Footnotes occupying more than one line or single-spaced and only the first line is indented. A double space separates successive footnotes.

Footnotes:….

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• Tables and figures are used to convey information.

• They are used when a collection of specific details is presented or inter- relationship of a number of parts are shown.

• Tables should not be used simply to repeat information already covered in the text.

• The word Table is restricted to information presented in a tabular from whereas Figures are used to designate other illustrative materials such as graphs, photographs, charts and diagrams.

• Sometimes the term Plate is used for photographic materials.

• Although a Table or Figure should not merely repeat information covered in the text, the text should contain sufficient details to sustain the particular argument being put forward.

• However, the same information should not be placed in tabular and graphical forms.

Use of Tables and Figures:

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• Tables and Figures should always be introduced.

• A table or Figure should follow its first mention in the text.

• A table or Figure should follow as closely after its first mention as possible.

• However, photograph material such as spectra may be placed as plates at the end of the thesis.

• All Tables should be numbered to permit easy identification.

• The usual practice is to use Arabic numerals.

• A Table is separated from the text above and below by three spaces.

• Each Table has a title. The title is concise summary of what is presented.

Use of Tables and Figures:….

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The different components of a Table are,

• The Table number, The title

• The boxheads - The captions identifying the vertical columns

• The stub, the first column in the Table.

• The field, the columns containing data.

• Tables Should be presented as simply as possible.

• Footnotes may be used in the Table

Use of Tables:……

Examples:

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• The figures also are continuously numbered in Arabic numerals.

• The word Figure and the title of the Figure are placed at the bottom of the Figure.

• The word Figure may be abbreviated as Fig.

Use of Figures:……

Examples:

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Use of Tables and Figures:……

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – MECHANICS OF REPORT WRITING….Pagination:

• Assigning page numbers of the report is very essential.

• The title page or initial page of any section does not have a page number typed on it, but a number is allotted to it in the series of pages. Page numbers are typed in the upper right hand corner, one inch below the top edge of the page.

• The small or lower Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv,) are assigned for the pages of preliminary section.

• The serial Arabic nos. 1, 2, 3, 4…..so on are assigned for the pages of textual body or main body of the report.

• i.e. Chapter I to last and Bibliography. The lower Roman numerals are assigned for the pages of appendices and index.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – REVISION AND PROOF READING

• “Draft” = a completed version of a project

Writing the First Draft

When writing the thesis,1. use own words,2. use the proper tenses,3. unite facts and views,4. pay attention to logic and organization,5. make objective rather than personal, and6. choose the right style.

• Give ample time to work on drafting the project.

• Find a comfortable place for writing.• Avoid distractions.• Take breaks.

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Rewriting

• Composed of three steps:– Revising– Editing– Proofreading

• You may do some of the processes simultaneously, but try to break them down one-by-one as well.

Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – REVISION AND PROOF READING…..

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Revising: reviewing ideas

• Review higher-order concerns:– Clear communication

of ideas – Organization of report– Paragraph structure– Strong introduction

and conclusion


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Revising….

• The thesis introduction is essential • Not all of the techniques work for every topic• Often, writers combine techniques• Intros have a hook, bridge, etc…,• Accept that your introduction paragraph is

subject to change as your essay develops• Make sure your conclusion addresses the

hook (quote, question, stats, perception) you used in your intro.


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Revising…• This is a form of Re-visioning, or

seeing again.• Look at the BIG structure:

– Does the logic hold?– Do you need to move paragraphs

around?– Do you need to add anything?– Have you proved your thesis?


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Editing

• This step is the paragraph by paragraph then sentence by sentence check for things like– transitions– word choice– correct grammar– clarity


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Proofreading

• Review later-order concerns:– Spelling– Punctuation– Sentence structure– Documentation

style

“Proofreading” = means only revising to correct spelling or grammatical errors


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Proofreading….Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – REVISION AND PROOF READING…..

• Run spell-check!

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Proofreading….

• This is the very last step, but don’t forget it!

• Read your paper word by word .– This is an old proofreaders’ trick. It

allows you to see words in isolation and better catch errors.


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Proofreading tips

• Slowly read your paper aloud.

• Read your paper backwards.• Exchange papers with a

friend.

• NOTE: Spell check will not catch everything, and grammar checks are often wrong!


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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – WRITING

• Writing is difficult• Writing takes time • When done well, writing is fun • Whatever you do next, writing is useful

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – BINDING AND SUBMISSION• It is the last activity for preparing research report. Before giving to the binder,

• It should be arranged properly and systematically and the serial number of pages are checked carefully.

• It should be given to an expert binder who has the experience of binding research thesis.

• Some universities require three copies of the thesis five copies of the abstract or summary and three copies of synopsis. These should also be prepared.

• A great precaution must be taken in printing the topic or title of the thesis that it must be the photo-state form of the topic which was approved by research degree committee.

• The covering page must be the same as inner cover given in preliminary section.

• After binding the thesis it should be submitted to the university for evaluation purpose.

• Researcher should ascertain the date of submission and other requirement e.g. certificate of the supervisor. Evaluation fees etc. For the post-graduate dissertation.

• Student should plan that he would be able to submit to college or university in time.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – EVALUATION OF RESEARCH REPORT

The evaluation of a research report is a valuable exercise for the student.

Using a pattern such as the one suggested, the critical analysis of the many aspects of another researcher’s report helps the student to develop competency in his own research and reporting skills.

The evaluation aspect is much more useful even to a guide or supervisor for instructing his research scholars in preparing a research report.

The following questions are suggested relating to the various aspects of research report as a possible structure for the analysis:

1. The Title:

(a) Is it clear and concise?

(b) Does it promise no more than the study can provide?

2. The Problem

(a) Is it clearly stated?

(b) Is it properly delimited?

(c) Is its significance recognized?

(d) Are specific questions raised and hypotheses are clearly stated?

(e) Are the assumptions and limitations stated?

(f) Are important terms defined?

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – EVALUATION OF RESEARCH REPORT…

3. Review of Related Literature

(a) Is it adequately covered?

(b) Are important findings-noted?

(c) Is it well organized?

(d) Is an effective summary provided?

(e) Is the researcher commented adequately?

4. Methodology used for conducting the study:

(a) Is the research design described in detail ?

(b) Is the method adequate?

(c) Is the population defined properly?

(d) Is the sample described?

(c) Are the relevant variables recognized?

(f) Are appropriate controls provided?

(g) Are data collecting tools appropriate?

(h) Are validity and reliability established?

(i) Is the statistical treatment appropriate?

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – EVALUATION OF RESEARCH REPORT…

5. Data Analysis

(a) Is appropriate use made of tables and figures?

(b) Is the textual discussion clear and concise?

(c) Is the analysis of data relationships logical and perceptive?

(d) Is the statistical analysis accurately interpreted?

6. Conclusions and Suggestions

(a) Are the results discussed at length adequately?

(b) Are the inferences stated appropriately?

(c) Are the limitations of the findings enumerated clearly

(d) Are the applications of the findings suggested adequately?

(e) Are some suggestions for further studies proposed appropriately?

Apart from these aspects of research report, its literary presentation should be worth for publications. There should be minimum or no typing errors.

The researcher should have the confidence aware of the limitations of his study.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – PRECAUTIONS FOR WRITING REPORTS

Research report is a channel of communicating the research findings to the readers of the report. A good research report is one which does this task efficiently and effectively. As such it must be prepared keeping the following precautions in view:

1. While determining the length of the report one should keep in view the fact that it should be long enough to cover the subject but short enough to maintain interest.

2. A research report should not, be dull; it should be such as to sustain reader’s interest.

3. Abstract terminology and technical jargon should be avoided in a research report. The report should be able to convey the matter as simply as possible.

4. Readers are often interested in acquiring a quick knowledge of the main findings and as such the report must provide a ready availability of the findings. For this purpose, charts, graphs and the statistical tables may be used for the various results in the main report in addition to the summary of important findings.

5. The layout of the report should be well thought out and must be appropriate and in accordance with the objective of the research problem.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – PRECAUTIONS FOR WRITING REPORTS…

6. The reports should be free from grammatical mistakes. The use of quotations, footnotes, documentation, punctuations and abbreviations should be used properly.

7. The report must present the logical analysis of the subject matter.

8. A research report should show originality and should necessarily be an attempt to solve some intellectual problem.

9. Towards the end, the report must also state the policy implications relating to the problem under consideration.

10. Appendices should be enlisted in respect of all the technical data in the report.

11. Bibliography of sources consulted is a must for a good report and must be given.

12. Index is also considered an essential part of a good report and as such must be given at end.

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Page and Chapter formation of Thesis – PRECAUTIONS FOR WRITING REPORTS…

13. Report must be attractive in appearance, neat and clean, whether typed or printed.

14. Calculated confidence limits must be mentioned and the various constraints experienced in conducting the research study may also be stated in the report.

15. Objective of the study, the nature of the problem, the methods employed and the analysis techniques adopted must all be clearly stated in the beginning of the report in the form of introduction.

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REMEMBER

• Nobody will read your THESIS just for Fun

• If you want the world to know what you have done you have to adapt to the world.

THE WORLD WON’T ADAPT TO YOU!

• So, THESIS should be presented in proper order

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• Practise writing. • Practise reading M.Phil / Ph.D theses• Practise reviewing / reshaping the

essential logical skeleton or argument of thesis or research.

EXPERT ADVICE

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•Has an appreciation of what came

before

• Focuses on the interesting and important • Is well-reasoned • Has well-designed experiments (hypothesis-driven)• Will change the way people think

• Has publishable results• Is logical in presentation, analysis and argumentation• Is well-illustrated with figures and graphs• Is written without grammatical and spelling errors

•Has an appreciation of what comes next

A GOOD THESIS

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• Is not interesting• Deals with small or badly described

problems• Reasons poorly• Has badly-designed experiments• Repeats or confirms well-established

things• Is inadequate in quantitative analysis • Has poor presentation of graphs and

illustrations• Contains grammatical and typing

errors

A BAD THESIS

90

QUESTIONS

1. Explain about the formats for tables, references, appendices and footnotes for writing the research paper. (May 2009, SCSVMV University)

2. Writing the importance of proof reading for the thesis. (May 2009, SCSVMV University)3. Discuss about the general formation of thesis and the importance of footnotes. (May 2009,

SCSVMV University)

4. What do you understand by research report or thesis? Indicate its need and importance in the research work.

5. Explain the following terms used in a research.(a) Research report, or thesis or dissertation,(c) Research summary

6. Indicate the general format of research report and mention its specific category of each major section of report.

7. Differentiate between bibliography and footnotes or references. Illustrate your answer with examples.

8. Point out the mechanics of report writing and illustrate your answer with examples.9. Describe the precautions that the researcher should take while interpreting his findings.10. Explain the significance of a research report and narrate the various steps involved in writing

such a report.11. Describe, in brief, the layout of a research report, covering all relevant points12. Write a short note on ‘Documentation’ in the context of a research report13. What points will you keep in mind while preparing a research report? Explain14. Write short notes on the following:

(a) The techniques of writing report;(b) Characteristics of a good research report;(c) Bibliography and its importance in context of research report;(d) Rewriting and polishing of report.

91

?

92

Good Luck!

Dr. K. SIVAKUMARDepartment of

ChemistrySCSVMV [email protected]

+91 98423 61378

The End