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DAVAO ORIENTAL STATE COLLEGE

OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Graduate School (GS, Term 1, 2010)

(Insert graphics here)

Thesis Style Guide

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DAVAO ORIENTAL STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Thesis Style Guide

© 2010 DOSCST – Graduate School

Dahican 8200 Mati, Davao Oriental, PHILIPPINES Phone 087-388-4756 • Fax 087-388-3195

doscst-gradstudies@yahoo.com www.doscst.edu.ph

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Copyright Page ii

Table of Contents iii

Overview 7

General Requirements 7

General Structure and Format 7

Language 7

Length and Thickness 8

Paper Size and Specifications 8

Page Orientation 8

Copying Process 8

Typing the Document 8

Production 8

Binding 9

Number of Copies 9

General Thesis Format Guidelines 9

Contents 10

Typeface 10

Chapter Titles, Headings and Sub-headings 11

Text alignment 11

Margins 11

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Pagination for Preliminary Section 11

Pagination for the Body and Pages Thereafter 11

Spacing between Words, Sentences, Lines and Paragraphs 11

Tab Setting 12

Equations and Formulas 12

Corrections 12

Widows and Orphans 12

Tables and Figures 13

General Rule 13

Thesis Format Guidelines for Specific Sections 13

Text of Outside Cover 14

Academic Integrity Declaration Page 14

Copyright Page 14

Abstract Page 14

The Abstract 15

Title Page 15

The Title 15

Approval Sheet Page 15

Acknowledgment Page 16

Dedication Page 16

Table of Contents Pages 16

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

List of Tables and Figures Pages 16

Table and Figure Captions 17

List of Abbreviations 17

The Body and Finale 17

Introduction 18

Review of Related Literature and Theoretical/Conceptual Framework 19

Theoretical Basis/es 19

Conceptual Framework 19

Methodology 20

Design 20

Sampling 20

Collection 20

Data 20

Presentation 21

Analyses 21

Results and Discussion 22

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations 22

Summary 22

Conclusions 23

Recommendations 23

Others: Bibliography / References, Appendices, Biographical Sketch 23

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Title Page

Bibliography (or References or Works Cited) 23

Appendices 24

Biographical Sketch (Curriculum Vitae) 24

Appendices 25

Appendix A 26

Appendix B 27

Appendix C 28

Appendix D 29

Appendix E 30

Appendix F 31

Appendix G 32

Appendix H 35

Appendix I 35

Appendix J 36

Appendix K 36

Appendix L 37

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Overview

The thesis is a scholarly work that cements singular perspective as a result of original research conducted by undergraduate or graduate

students. This is a requirement prior to conferment of master’s degree. The following information and guideline about thesis preparation applies

to all Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology – Graduate School (DOSCST-GS) students who have not yet formally proposed their thesis as of the first term of 2010 and onward.

It is among the DOSCST-GS mandates to safeguard and widely

disseminate the research endeavors of the students. Although its content is the student’s liberty, it is, however, the school which specifies the

format and style for the proper guidance to all writers and researchers. This guide charts the steps in preparing the thesis, as easy and

straightforward as possible. It is imperative therefore for thesis writers/researchers to pay attention to this guide to avoid unnecessary,

unwarranted, tedious and expensive revisions.

General Requirements

Only those students who have passed the Comprehensive Assessment and have paid the required fees are eligible to apply, enroll

and consequently write the thesis. This passed through two major endeavors – proposal and final paper defense, which are complied orally

before the Thesis Advisory Committee (TAC).

All requirements of the program must be complied with within five

years since the first registration. Submission of several clean copies of the thesis is needed prior to the awarding of the degree.

General Structure and Format Language

As a general rule, it is the English (American or Queen’s) language

which must be used in writing the thesis. While the writer has the option which English language he prefers, extra care must be taken to ensure

not to combine both (e.g., the use of two words with same meanings but with different spellings). Exceptions to this rule maybe granted depending on the nature of the research which will be formally requested

in writing to and duly approved by the graduate school and college academic authorities.

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Length and Thickness

The length in terms of number of pages of the thesis is not specific.

The researcher is however encouraged to work closely with his/her thesis adviser and the thesis advisory committee. The thesis including the hard

covers must not exceed two (2) inches in thickness. Paper Size and Specifications

All copies of the thesis submitted to the Graduate School must be

in book paper (Sub 20, white). The page must be Letter size (8.5 inches x 11 inches), i.e. A4 is not allowed. Oversized paper “fold-outs” is

discouraged. It may be used only for very long and large tables and illustrations. The thesis is printed only on one side.

Page Orientation

The page orientation is generally Portrait. Orientation can however be resorted to Landscape only in cases where the tables and figures do

not fit in the former page orientation. Wide tables are usually set in this type of page orientation.

Copying Process

No manuscript will be accepted for defense without the prior approval of the researcher’s thesis adviser. The researcher should keep

the original file or printout. Any future alteration or reproduction must be based from the original copies. All theses submissions must be “clean copies”, complete, in order and as sharp as the original; otherwise the

same will not be accepted and has to be reprinted.

Typing the Document

It is ideal for the researcher to personally type the text of the research report. This lessens the possible errors in the final printout. If however the researcher hires typist/s to get the job done, it is assumed

that the final output is clean. Hence, it is the responsibility of the researcher to ensure the previous requirements stipulated must be

enforced and implemented.

Production

With the wide accessibility and utility of Information

Communication and Technology (ICT) devices like high-end computers, letter-quality printers and page copiers, researchers or thesis writers

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have almost all these tools including most popular word processors at their disposal.

Since clarity and readability are primordial on the part of the

thesis advisory committee members, all prints must be clear and sharp. Hence, the use of laser printer is preferred. Hardcopies from other

printers or copiers with similar or better print clarity or typeface quality to that of laser printers are acceptable. To ensure this, a printer resolution of at least 300 dpi is a required setting which the writer

should strictly follow and implement. Missing these requirements may attract delay.

Binding

The finished and clean copy of the manuscript (see also Text of

Outside Cover) must be bound using a blue (maybe changed only

through AC approval) hard cover wrapped in transparent plastic. The hard cover (Appendix A) and spine (side or rectangular space between the

front and back covers) should contain the title, College logo, name of author and date of graduation (month and year only). All texts are

stamped in gold foil and font sizes of 14 points. Number of Copies

Ideally, five copies of the thesis must be submitted to the Graduate

School. The GS retains two copies; the library, one; the Research and Extension office, one. Additional bound copies of the thesis may be

required by satellite libraries, the advisory committee member/s and probably sponsors or funding agencies. Just check this rule from the Graduate School head and the concerned funding organization/s from

time to time.

General Thesis Format Guidelines

Graduating students of the GS who enrolled in thesis writing

course must follow the guidelines presented on the proceeding lines. The

general guidelines are presented first while specific guidelines follow next.

For certainty in the forms and style in thesis writing, this guide of

the GS shall suffice. However, it is always a good practice to work closely with the thesis adviser for proper guidance. The researcher is also advised not to use the format of the theses and other scholarly works in

the College Library since formats changed over the years.

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Contents

The contents of the pages of the thesis should follow the following order: Preliminary, The Body and Finale, and Others. The sections and

subsections are mandatory unless designated as optional.

A. Preliminary

Academic Writing Integrity Declaration

Copyright Page (optional)

Abstract

Title Page

Approval Sheet

Acknowledgement

Dedication (optional)

Table of Contents

List of Tables (if included)

List of Figures (if included)

List of Abbreviations (optional)

List of Symbols (optional)

B. The Body and Finale

Introduction

Review of Literature and Theoretical (or Conceptual) Framework

Methodology

Results and Discussion

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

C. Others

References (or Bibliography or Works Cited)

Appendices

Biographical Sketch or Curriculum Vitae (optional)

Typeface

The Bookman Old Style font in 12 points is the typeface that will be used all throughout the thesis. Font style (e.g., set in bold, italic, underlined or any combination thereof) can be used whenever

appropriate. For tables and figures, however, the Times New Roman (any appropriate font size that fits the figure or table) is used.

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Chapter Titles, Headings and Sub-headings

The first letter of the chapter text is set to capital letter C and the chapter number in Roman numeral (e.g. Chapter I). The chapter title is

set to bold, centered and all in capital letters, i.e. INTRODUCTION. The headings on the other hand (e.g., Background of the Study) are set to

bold but left-aligned. Subheadings are also left-aligned, bold but underlined while sub-sub-headings if unavoidable are indented, set to bold and ends with a period (.)

Text Alignment

While the subtitles or topics are left aligned, the body texts or

paragraphs are generally right-justified; that is, aligned in both the left and right margins.

Margins

All pages of the thesis shall have the following margin dimensions: left – 1.50 inches, top – 1.25 inches, right – 1.0 inch and bottom – 1.0

inch. Pagination for Preliminary Section

In the preliminary pages, lowercase 12-point Roman numerals

must be used as page numbers (e.g. i and ix). These are placed at the right of the top margin, 0.75 inch from the top edge and 1.0 inch from

the right edge. Numbering starts with the Acknowledgement page, i.e. “vi.”, until

the List of Symbols (when included). The academic writing integrity declaration, copyright page, abstract, title page and approval sheet are

counted but not numbered.

Pagination for the Body and Pages Thereafter For this part, 12-point Arabic numerals are used as page numbers

and still placed at the right of the top margin, 0.75 inch from the top edge and 1.0 inch from the right edge. Every chapter should begin in a

new page. Its introductory page is counted but not numbered.

Spacing between Words, Sentences, Lines and Paragraphs

When encoding, there should be one space between words. Also,

one or two spaces may be placed before the start of a next sentence while the space between lines is generally set to double (or 24-point). For

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researchers who are used to a word processor (e.g. MS Word 2003), navigating through Format | Paragraph | Indents and Spacing |

Line Spacing is straightforward. One blank line should separate two succeeding paragraphs while two blank lines must be between the last

sentence of the last paragraph and a subheading. Captions, quotations, table entries, and abstract on the other hand, are single-spaced.

Tab Setting

Paragraphs throughout the manuscript are indented one tab from left margin. This is in the 0.5-inch mark on the top ruler line. To ensure

the correctness of this setting, (for MSWord 2003) just navigate through Format | Paragraph | Tabs (button in bottom left) and make sure that

the entry in the Default Tab Stops box is 0.5”, Alignment selected is left and Leader is None, else make the necessary adjustments and click OK. For MSWord 2007, navigate to Page Layout | Paragraph. Point and

click the Paragraph Dialog Box Launcher (bottom right corner of the Paragraph tab) and click Tabs (located bottom left) button and enter or

adjust the Default Tab Stop at 0.5” then click OK.

Equations and Formulas

All equations must be typed using an equation editor. Equation as

an insertion (i.e., through Copy-Paste or Insert Picture in Word), like JPEG, PNG, GIF, TIFF, BMP, PDF and similar others is not allowed.

Equations generated from LATEX and/or other word processors or applications may be allowed but must be referred to the adviser and

approved by the TAC and GS heads before it can be used in the manuscript.

Corrections

The thesis manuscript is assumed a “clean copy”. Any submission with strikeovers, fluid and tape corrections will not be accepted.

Exception to this rule can be made however in consultation with and approval from the thesis adviser, TAC Chair and GS head.

Widows and Orphans

Short paragraph lines on top of a page (usually at the end of a chapter and known as widows) must be avoided and are advised to be

removed. Recasting to shorten the paragraph will solve this problem. Similarly, a heading or subhead at the bottom of a page where its corresponding text is separated (orphans) must not exist. Non-

observance to this rule may delay defense proceedings.

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Tables and Figures

The table and/or figures should be shown within the page where either is introduced. A table and/or figure that run over the next page

must be avoided. The title/captions for table (see Appendices K and L) are entered above the table and aligned with respect to the table’s left

and right edges; that is the caption must not bleed beyond the right edge of the table. This can be avoided by continuing the caption in another line by moving the right margin marker to a point vertically aligned with

the table’s right edge.

Furthermore, the figure title/caption must be centered and placed below the figure. If the figure or drawing like chart or map is bounded by

a rectangular border line, the same caption should neither bleed in the left nor in the right edge of the figure.

Borrowed or adapted table and figures must be properly acknowledged by including its source. This acknowledgement must be

written below the table and figure and a corresponding bibliographic entry in its appropriate page. This implies further that if a figure requires

a source below it, it is automatic that the title/caption be written above the figure.

Since tables and figure vary in size, its text might also differ from the body text of the manuscript. Times New Roman in smaller font size

may be preferred. Strictly, non-regulation font types are not allowed. Exemptions are deemed applicable only when cleared by the adviser and

approved by the TAC and GS heads. General Rule

If the researcher is in doubt with respect to the style he/she

employed, the only safest thing to do is consult the adviser and finally seek guidance and approval from TAC and GS head. The latest edition of

referencing guide like APA 6th edition may however be referred to but it must be understood that the same cannot be over and above the rules and guidelines set by the Graduate School and State College.

Thesis Format Guidelines for Specific Sections

The general thesis format guidelines are already presented; the guidelines for specific sections will be taken up next.

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Text of Outside Cover

The outside cover (see Appendix A) should have the following format:

Font – Bookman Old Style, bold, 4-16 points, Gold

Title: All caps, 1.5 inches from the top edge

College logo centered within both the horizontal and vertical margins. (The official College logo in electronic form can be sought from the department.)

Name of Researcher (e.g. TEEJAY T. GO), all caps, 3.0 inches from the bottom edge

Date of the conferment of degree, caps and lower case (e.g. April 2020), 1.5 inches from the bottom edge

Academic Integrity Declaration Page

This page is the researcher’s declaration of adherence to general policies, standards and/or norms on academic integrity (See Appendix B)

Copyright Page

This page has no heading. The copyright notice (see Appendix C)

should be the only information on this page. This is vertically and horizontally centered within the margins.

The date, which follows the copyright symbol, is the year when the degree will be conferred or granted. This is followed by the name of the

researcher (Firstname MI. Lastname). If researcher opts not to copyright his/her thesis, a blank page is inserted instead.

Abstract Page

The Abstract page (see Appendix D) heading is simply “ABSTRACT”

in all capital letters, bold and centered 1.50” inches from the top edge.

While other do not require the name of the researcher, the school, the address, the date of graduation (month and year only), the title of the

study and the name of the thesis adviser, in DOSCST-GS, the aforementioned are included and form the introductory information of

the page. The abstract includes a summary of the problem statement,

methodology, findings and the conclusions. Its average length is about 200 to 400 words or one page. The page heading, name of researcher,

and title of the study are set to capital letters and bold. Only the first

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letters of the first name, middle initial and last name of the adviser (i.e. Firstname MI. Lastname) is set to caps-lower case (clc) and bold.

The Abstract

APA Manual (5th ed.) defines abstract as a brief, comprehensive

summary of the contents of a study or research. It gives the reader a quick view of what the manuscript is all about. This is part where most writers or researchers preferred to read first. It is the abstract that

makes the readers decide whether the entire manuscript is to be read or not. The information the abstract conveys must be profound, accurate,

coherent, well organized, concise, self-contained and non-evaluative.

For empirical studies, the abstract should describe the problem under investigation, the respondents or subjects, the attributes, the methods, materials, data collection, findings, conc1usions,

recommendations or implications or applications.

Title Page

Page number is counted but not shown on this page. All lines on this page are double-spaced. The title must be set in capital letters, bold, centered, and 1.50 inches from the top edge of the page (see

Appendix E).

The Title

The title encapsulates the main thought of the study, concise, and isolates the variables or issues and tells relationship between them. It should be fully explanatory when standing alone. Its main task is to

inform readers of the research.

Words that serve no purpose should be avoided in crafting titles (e.g. "A Study of" or "An Investigation of". Also avoid using abbreviations

in a title. As much as possible, a good title has 10 to 12 words (APA, 2002).

Approval Sheet Page

Page number is counted but not reflected. The paragraphs on this page are double-spaced while the names of the advisory committee and

their respective positions (titles such as Dr., Prof., M.S., Ph.D., etc. are excluded) are single-spaced. This page (see Appendix F) is a recommendation for approval and acceptance of the thesis by the adviser

and the thesis advisory committee to the head of the Graduate School.

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In the event that the head is also a member of the advisory committee, the Vice President for Academic Affairs shall take his/her stead.

Acknowledgement Page

The acknowledgment page may be presented in the first-person.

This is where the writer affirms the assistance and support of any sort given by many, e.g. respondents, the adviser, the advisory committee, the researcher’s organization, his family, friends and sponsors/funding

institutions and several others. The heading is centered in the page, 1.50 inches from the top edge, bold and set in all capital letters as

“ACKNOWLEDGMENTS” or “ACKNOWLEDGMENTS”.

Dedication Page

This is an optional page. When included, the title is not required.

This is purposely and commonly a page for the writer’s loved ones. The text is centered on the page and can be shown in italic or regular type.

Other language medium can be used on this special section.

Table of Contents Pages

The page heading in all caps – “TABLE OF CONTENTS” (see

Appendices G1-G3) is centered, 1.50 inches from the top edge. This consists of two columns – the mandatory sections and sub-sections on

the left and page numbers at right. The page heading and the mandatory section headings are set in bold while the sub-headings and page

numbers (Roman and Arabic) are not.

Only the page number of each mandatory section and/or sub-

heading is written and not a range of page numbers, such as 13–22. The table of contents is double-spaced. However, if a particular section

heading is long and requires more than one line, the same is single-spaced.

A sub-heading of more than one line is flushed left and single-

spaced.

List of Tables and Figures Pages

The “LIST OF TABLES” and “LIST of FIGURES” pages (see Appendices H and I) follow the same format as that of the Table of Contents. However, only the page headings are set in bold.

Figure/illustration/table numbering must be continuous throughout the

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thesis (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, …). The word “Table” or “Figure” must be spelled out (not abbreviated), and the first letter must be capitalized.

Table and Figure Captions

A table caption (see Appendices J and K) starts with for “Table”

and <number> (e.g. 1) followed by a period (.) and the caption itself. This is left-aligned (and not justified) with respect to the table and not of the left margin. On the other hand, the caption for a figure also begins with

“Figure” and <number> followed by a period (.) and the caption. This is placed at the bottom of the figure and is centered with respect to the

picture. The font type for both is Arial while the font size may vary depending on the size of the table or figure. It is important to note that

the font size used for the table and figure must be the same. All captions are single-spaced. All illustrations other than table are treated as figures.

List of Abbreviations

As a page heading, use “LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS / ACRONYMS”. Place at the center of the page, 1.5 inches from the top edge, all caps and

set in bold.

This page is composed of two columns: abbreviations and/or

acronyms on the left and the corresponding description on the right. First column starts at 2.0 inches from left edge. Descriptions are set in

lower case. Only the first letter and proper names are set in capitals.

The Body and Finale

This section contains the following mandatory parts:

Chapter I INTRODUCTION

Background

Statement of the Problem

Objectives of the Study

Significance of the Study

Scope and Limitation

Definition of Terms

Chapter II REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND THEORETICAL (or CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK)

Literature and Studies

Theory Base

Conceptual Framework

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Chapter III METHODOLOGY

Design

Sampling

Collection

Data

Presentation

Analysis

Chapter IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Chapter V SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary

Conclusion

Recommendations

These parts may vary depending on the kind of study undertaken

by the student. In the event these contents are changed, approval from the thesis adviser, the advisory committee and GS head must be sought prior to its implementation.

Introduction

This is the first chapter of the manuscript. It generally consists of

the background, statement of the problem, objectives of the study, significance of the study, and the scope and limitation of the study, and definition of terms.

Firstly, the background of the study (about 2 pages in length)

tells very briefly the origin or basis of the problem. It describes the rationale and justification for its conception or selection. A connection

among the contemporary situations or circumstances from local to international must be established.

Second is a clear, accurate and precise statement of the problem.

A declarative general statement is presented first while the specific

statements (in interrogative form) come next. This is followed by the objectives of the study which exposes the purposes the research wants to

achieve.

Subsequent to that is the part which gives the answers to the questions: a) why the problem being studied is very relevant, important or significant?, b) what are its potential contribution to the existing body

of knowledge, its implication to policy and utility of the output?, c) how do the hypotheses and the design relate to the problem?, d) does the

study have theoretical implications?, e) does it relate to previous work?, f)

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are there testable theoretical propositions?, and g) who will benefit and what benefit will they get from the study?

The next item focuses on the clear and specific definition of the

boundaries, the terms of reference or scope that include among others the limitations on the methods, treatments, the population or sample,

instruments and design used.

The last part of the chapter operationally defines the terms as

they are used in the research (and not those words as revealed in standard dictionary). This is so since many terms are subject to a variety

of interpretations. Terms used in the title should firstly be defined. Other terms like the variables and those that are the intent of treatments and

measurements should also be defined according to its intended meaning (see Appendix L).

Review of Related Literature and Theoretical/Conceptual Framework

This second chapter gives the readers a broad perspective of the

research at hand. It typically consists of: a) the review of recent (i.e. within ten years) and related literature and or studies, and b) the theories and/or concepts which are presented in a framework or

diagrams where the variables and relationships involved are fully explained.

Specifically, this part of the paper: (a) reviews the studies, i.e.,

those which were finished and has not been explored on the topic; and (b) discusses clearly the theoretical bases of the research problem. It should be fully understood by the researchers or thesis writers that the

review must only cover those which have relationship with the current endeavor in terms of objectives, methods, findings, conclusions, and

implications or interventions. Critical analysis is the approach utilized in this section (e.g. pointing out the weaknesses and strengths. A very clear

transition between the old works to the current undertaking should be established.

Theoretical Basis/es. This part discusses the very foundation or rationale why the study is conducted. This covers known and long-

accepted concepts, theories, laws, policies, and principles which form the legal basis where the current study is anchored upon.

Conceptual Framework. In this part of the manuscript, the

conceptual scheme of the study is framed. This is usually composed of

diagrams which show the possible relationships of the different variables involved in the research problem. For further elucidation of the models

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or frameworks presented, a straightforward discussion of the same should follow.

Methodology

This third chapter of the manuscript describes in detail how the study is to be conducted. This description can tell the readers how appropriate the methods are and whether the results can be reliable and

valid or not. It also helps others decide whether the study is attracts future replication.

This basically includes detailed descriptions of: design, data,

collection, presentation and analyses.

Design. In this section, a detailed description of the research

design used in the study (e.g. descriptive method, survey method, experimental, etc) is presented.

Sampling. This part exhaustively discusses in detail how the

sample is being arrived at. This includes a thorough description of the population, the population frame, respondents/participants/subjects of the study, the sampling technique/s as well as the bases if any. Else, a

great deal of narrative rationale or justification is required.

Collection. From the preceding process, the data collection method or a combination thereof, are clearly detailed next. If for instance

an instrument is constructed and utilized, its reliability and validity processes and outputs as well as the use of other related tests must be explained. Moreover, the process of arriving at the estimates should also

be elucidated. If the instrument and/or criteria are adapted or used, a rationale is required and author’s or owner’s permission is expected.

Communications through e-mail or purchase receipts placed as attachment to the final manuscript may be sufficient proof for its

compliance.

Respondents or subjects to non-experimental research can help

greatly in minimizing errors of the research if they understand what the study is all about; that is if their consent is sought; their privacy

respected, or their contribution recognized. Hence, it is ethical and a fitting that for data collection methods like the use of questionnaire or

interview guide, a one-page brief (see Appendix _) that answers the following queries: a) what the research is all about?, b) who are the participants of the research?, c) do respondents / participants have

choice?, d) what are the risks and benefits of participating?, e) how will privacy be protected?, f) how will the collected information be used?, and

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g) what would the participants/respondents must do?, must be presented first.

Also, in cases where devices and equipment are used, their

specifications and attributes should correspondingly be identified. For specialized or custom-made instruments, illustrations are recommended.

If the instrument is translated into a different language or dialect,

the method of translation should be specifically described (e.g., back

translation).

Data. This section discusses the data sources, data types, and measurements scales generated from data collection. This is very

important since the appropriateness of the tools and analyses is dependent on the types of data or measurement scales being generated from the data collection method employed.

For non-human subjects, the taxonomy, attributes, frequencies,

suppliers, stocks identifications and other relevant information should properly be recorded. Local and international guidelines in proper

handling and treatment of these subjects must be taken into consideration and fully discussed in this section.

Presentation. While this part may be simple, for reference purposes by new researchers, it is found appropriate to reveal how data

are presented (e.g. contingencies, cross-tabulations, frequency distributions, polygons, pie chart, pictographs).

Analyses. This is considered the core of the chapter. This section tells the reader what the researcher has done and how he/she did one or

all, in sufficient detail so replication is reasonably doable. In here, the collected data are being manipulated or treated in order to satisfy the

objectives are presented. This could include an explicit mention of what statistical methods, tools, tests and techniques used; after which a

detailed narrative of the procedure or a narrative on how the tool or process is used. Preferably, the presentation corresponds to the problem statements or objectives order as shown in Chapter I.

For new or unfamiliar statistical techniques for example, formula is

required to be shown and explained. Other pertinent procedures may also be mentioned, but details maybe given in the Appendices section.

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Results and Discussion

This is Chapter IV. In here, the collected data and the statistical techniques being used are described and/or summarized. The results are

presented and reported in an as-is-where-is basis; objective and logical. Opinions and biases are unwelcome. This shall be straightforward when

done sequentially with respect to the problem statements or objectives and the hypotheses.

Since the mere presentation of table or charts may not be fully grasped by the readers, as such salient information like patterns,

variations or contradictions and not individual data or restatements should be clearly presented. Complete data or other tables may however

be placed in the Appendix for ready reference. Also, avoid redundant presentations.

Moreover, data interpretation must include: a) antecedents of what has been found; b) consequences or implications drawn from the

findings; c) practical applications or uses of the findings; d) conditions that limit the generalization of the findings so that the reader can judge

the validity of the conclusions and inferences; e) suggestions for improvement of instruments and procedures; and f) differences and/or similarities between the findings and conclusions of the study and those

of other investigations including its justifications.

Finally, tables and figures should follow right after its introduction. For a specific case, information may be presented in either a table or a

figure but never both. Numbering is sequential.

Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

This chapter presents the summary, conclusion and

recommendations of the study. Summary

The summary is a brief recapitulation and/or narrative that

includes an overview of the research, a brief statement of the problem, the procedures and the findings. Furthermore, only the summary of

findings and not the numerical data are presented in this part of the manuscript. Definitely no new information is allowed in this section.

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Conclusions

This is also a narrative about the deductions, inferences, and/or suppositions which are solely based from the results and findings of the

study. Baseless or weak generalizations – those not adequately supported by data, must be avoided.

Honest declarations for the incorrigible weaknesses of the

investigation like design flaws, fault in the techniques, or sampling errors

and the likes which have bearing in the research outcomes can be also discussed in this section.

Recommendations

This reveals the recommended activities to be undertaken by

stakeholders as a response to the findings of the study and to be able to

address fully the problem statements/objectives. This may also be the section for suggestions in terms of techniques, tools, strategies and the

likes that could have been implemented to check the flaws and errors and eventually contribute to a high degree of efficiency, reliability and

validity of study outcomes. If an intervention is recommended, a brief outline of the strategy may be shared; the detail of which can be attached in the Appendix part of the manuscript.

Others: References, Appendices, Bibliography

Bibliography (or References or Works Cited)

Bibliography or references are single-spaced, hanging-indented (6

characters from left margin), alphabetical, succinct, accurate, complete and useful to other investigators.

All in-text citations (i.e. citation in the manuscript) must have a

counterpart in reference list or bibliography pages. Unless the study requires otherwise, as much as possible, sources

of information must be within ten years – meaning, if the researcher intends to conduct the study in 2020, no reference should be earlier than

2011.

To ensure accuracy, familiarity of APA 5th/6th Edition Style Guide) or the guide from the DOSCST-Research Division is required. In the latest edition, Digital Object Identifiers (DOI) are already in use;

hence, take note of this whenever browsing e-documents / websites.

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendices

The appendices serve as repository of materials that are too long or quite detailed rendering them distractive, or inappropriate to be included

in the body of the manuscript. Examples of these are (a) computer program or codes or algorithms, (b) new or unfamiliar procedures, (c)

mathematical proofs, (d) detailed description of a complex piece of equipment e) long/additional tables, h) plates/slides, i) communications, and several others.

The order of listing is not alphabetical but in accordance with their

appearance in the text. Page heading must be centered and in the format: Appendix <letter A-Z>: <Title of document> (see Appendix). Its

font is still Bookman Old but the font size may be smaller. Biographical Sketch (Curriculum Vitae)

The biographical sketch is a narrative written in third-person voice

and contains among others the educational background of the researcher. It may contain additional biographical facts. As a page

heading, use “BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH” in all capital letters, centered on the page.

If the researcher chooses the Curriculum Vitae, he/she may use ready-made forms or CV templates.

© 2010 AGOlandria

APPENDICES

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix A. Cover Page

LEADERSHIP PRACTICES AND INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY OF

SOUTHEASTERN MINDANAO PUBLIC SCHOOLS

JOHN P. GAYOD

April 2020

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix B. Sample Academic Integrity Declaration Page

Republic of the Philippines

DAVAO ORIENTAL STATE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Graduate School Dahican, 8200 Mati, Davao Oriental

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY DECLARATION

I, JULIO T. JUNIO, declare that this research is my own original

work. Most stipulations presented herein are mine alone. Borrowed

ideas are given due recognition and are properly acknowledged. With the

best of my ability, this investigation was treated with utmost care to

adhere to internationally known standards/policies on academic

integrity.

I attest further that this piece of academic requirement has not

been submitted previously for an academic credit in this or in any other

course.

_____________________________ Researcher

_____________________________

Date

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix C. Sample Copyright Page

© 2020 Arianne Denielle T. Aromplio

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix D. Sample Abstract

ABSTRACT

AROMPLIO, JULIUS CAEZAR, Graduate School, Davao Oriental State

College of Science and Technology, Dahican, 8200 Mati, Davao Oriental,

Philippines, April 2020, EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED

MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION –

DAVAO ORIENTAL DIVISION SCHOOLS

Adviser: Jose P. Magtatambag

The text of this page is single-spaced; consists ideally from 300 to

400 words or no more than one page. Readers more often read the abstract first and decide from there whether to read the entire thesis or

not.

According to APA Manual (2001), abstract is a summary of the contents of the research. For empirical studies, it should describe the problem under investigation, the respondents or subjects and their

pertinent attributes, the methods and materials, data-collection procedures, the findings, the conc1usions and the implications or

applications.

It is accurate, self-contained, concise and specific, non-evaluative, coherent and readable. Accurate meaning it should reflect its purpose and content. Information not found in the body of the paper should not

be included. A useful way of verifying accuracy is through comparison with the outline of the paper. Self-contained since it defines all

abbreviations, acronyms, unique terms. It paraphrases ideas and properly cites authors. Furthermore, it is concise and specific while

making each sentence maximally informative. Abstracts starts with the most important information.

It is non-evaluative since the paper is expected to be based from facts and is free from any comment. It is coherent and readable for it

utilizes the active voice; the present tense in describing results; past tense in describing methods being used; the third person rather than the

first person.

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix E. Title Page

EFFECTIVENESS OF SCHOOL-BASED MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS OF THE

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION – DAVAO ORIENTAL DIVISION SCHOOLS

A Thesis

Presented to

The Faculty of the Graduate School

Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology

Dahican, 8200 Mati, Davao Oriental, Philippines

In Full Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Master of Education in Educational Management

JOHN P. GAYOD

April 2025

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix F. Sample Approval Sheet

APPROVAL SHEET

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree, Master of

Education, major in Educational Management, this thesis entitled,

“Effectiveness of School-based Management Programs of the

Department of Education - Davao Oriental Division Schools”,

prepared and submitted by TJ Trex T. Aromplio, is hereby

recommended for approval and acceptance.

JOSE P. MAGTATAMBAG Adviser

Approved by the Thesis Advisory Committee:

ANDRES D. PUNO

Chairperson

ROY A. KAUBANAN PEDRO Y. MIEMBRO MARIA C. BOOTAN

Member Member Member

Accepted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree,

Master of Education, major in Educational Management.

INOCENCIO C. ANTOLIHAW Head, Graduate School /

Vice President for Academic Affairs

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix G1. Sample Table of Contents

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY DECLARATION i

COPYRIGHT PAGE (optional) ii ABSTRACT iii

TITLE PAGE iv

APPROVAL SHEET v

ACKNOWLEDGMENT vi

DEDICATION vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS viii

LIST OF TABLES xiv LIST OF FIGURES xv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS (optional) xvi

LIST OF FIGURES xvii

Chapter

1 INTRODUCTION

Background 1

Statement of the Problem 6 Objectives of the Study 7

Significance of the Study 8

Scope and De/Limitation 10

Definition of Terms 10

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix G2. Sample Table of Contents

2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE AND FRAMEWORK

Literature and Studies 18

Theory Base 55

Conceptual Framework 56

3 METHODOLOGY

Design 58

Sampling 58 Collection 60

Data 63

Presentation 64

Analyses 79

4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Topic 1 / Problem 1 80

Topic 2 / Problem 1 91 Topic 3 / Problem 1 109

. . .

. . .

. . . Topic X / Problem X 114

5 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary 132

Conclusions 137

Recommendations 139

REFERENCES (BIBLIOGRAPHY) 142

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix G3. Sample Table of Contents

APPENDICES

Appendix A 145

Appendix B 146

Appendix C 147

. . .

. . .

. . .

Appendix X 160

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH (CURRICULUM VITAE) 161

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix H. List of Tables

LIST OF TABLES

Table Page

1 Age and Gender of Respondents 12

2 Civil Status and Educational Attainment

of Public School Administrators 15

. . .

. . .

. . .

X Distribution of Respondents 66

Appendix I. List of Figures

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure Page 1 Monthly Income of School Heads 22

2 Attendance to In-Service Trainings 15

. . .

. . .

. . .

X Annual Budget of the Division 57

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix J. Sample Tabular Presentation

Table 1. Ages of Respondents by Gender

Age

Respondents

Male Female

f % f %

16 – 25 20 43.48 25 46.30

26 – 35 16 34.78 22 40.74

36 - 45 10 21.74 7 12.96

Total 46 100.00 54 100.00 Source: Arianne D Research, Ltd., 2020

Appendix K. Sample Graphical Presentation (if figure is not on a box)

Figure 1. Arc Length of the Function

Figure 2. Aerial View of Huxley Library, University of Newcastle

Source: Google Earth 2010

© 2010 AGOlandria

Appendix L. Definition of Terms Page

Definition of Terms

The following terms are defined operationally in this study:

Effectiveness refers to the degree to which objectives are achieved

and the extent to which targeted problems are resolved. In contrast to

efficiency, effectiveness is determined without reference to costs; also

means "doing the right thing."

School-based Management is a research based, committed,

structured, and decentralized method of operating the school district

within understood parameters and staff role to maximize resource

effectiveness by transferring the preponderant share of the entire school

system's budget, along with the corresponding decision-making power, to

the local schools on an equitable lump-sum basis, based upon a

differentiated per pupil allocation to be spent irrespective of source in the

best interests of the students in those schools according to a creative

local school plan and local school budget developed by the principal

collaboratively with trained staff, parents and students as stakeholders,

and approved by the superintendent.

Department of Education refers to …

© 2010 AGOlandria

REFERENCES

Abstract and Dissertation Format Guidelines. Horace H. Rackham School

of Graduate Studies. University of Michigan. Michigan, USA. http://www.rackham.umich.edu/OARD

Academic Integrity and You. University of Maryland Libraries. Retrieved

http://www.umd.edu/guides/honesty.html

Code of Academic Integrity (2009). University of Vermont. Policy

V.3.4.3.3

Dissertation and Theses Format Guide: Instructions for Preparation and Submission (2009). Graduate Division. Graduate Academic Affairs. University of California Riverside.

Doctoral Dissertation and Master’s Thesis Guide. Formatting, Production

and Submission Requirements. Cornell University Graduate School.

Guide for the Electronic Submission of Thesis and Dissertation (2010).

Duke University Graduate School. Durham, North Carolina.

http://www.gradschool.duke.edu

Guide to Theses and Dissertations (2004). The Graduate Centre. School of Graduate Studies. The University of Auckland, Auckland, New

Zealand. http://www.postgrad.auckland.ac.nz Implementing Rules and Regulation (n.d.). Manual of Operations.

Department of Graduate Studies. Davao Oriental State College of Science and Technology. Mati City, Davao Oriental, Philippines

NCSU Graduate School Guideline and Requirements for Masters Theses

and Doctoral Dissertations (2009). Electronic Theses and Dissertation Guide. The Graduate School. North Carolina State University. http://etd.ncsu.edu

Organization and Formatting Guidelines for Theses, Dissertations and

Doctoral Essays (2009). Graduate School. University of Miami. Coral Gables. FL USA. http://etd.library.miami.edu/students.html

Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 5th ed.

(2001). Washington, D.C. http://www.apa.org

© 2010 AGOlandria

The Code of Academic Integrity and Acknowledging the Work of Others (2006). Office of the University Faculty, Cornell University, USA

Thesis and Dissertation Format Guide (2007). Student Handbook.

Graduate School. University of Wyoming. Laramie, WY, USA. http://www.uwyo.edu/uwgrad

Thesis and Dissertation Format. University of Southeastern Philippines,

College of Governance, Business and Economics (USEP-CGBE).