How to Write a Dissertation Dr Madaki JK Aboi Family Physician and Health Management Specialist A lecture delivered at the NPMCN Update Course at Abuja

How to Write a Dissertation

Dr Madaki JK AboiDr Madaki JK Aboi

Family Physician and Health Family Physician and Health Management SpecialistManagement Specialist

A lecture delivered at the NPMCN A lecture delivered at the NPMCN Update Course at AbujaUpdate Course at Abuja

11-12 June 201411-12 June 2014

Outline•Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives•Approved proposalApproved proposal•Sections/ChaptersSections/Chapters•Proof-reading and Proof-reading and supervisionsupervision

•Presenting the bookPresenting the book2Madaki-writing a dissertation -update 2014

Learning objective• At the end of this session, participants At the end of this session, participants

should be able to :should be able to :

• State the objectives of writing a State the objectives of writing a dissertationdissertation

• List the sections/chapters and the order List the sections/chapters and the order of presentation in a dissertationof presentation in a dissertation

• State the essential elements required in State the essential elements required in each sections or chaptereach sections or chapter

• State the indices that guide the State the indices that guide the presentation of a good bookpresentation of a good book

3Madaki-writing a dissertation -update 2014

Objective of writing a dissertation• The objectives of writing a dissertation are The objectives of writing a dissertation are

to give the candidate the opportunity to to give the candidate the opportunity to demonstrate ability to:demonstrate ability to:• choose a simple researchable question on choose a simple researchable question on

a family medicine issuea family medicine issue• define its objectives,define its objectives,• design a study with an appropriate design a study with an appropriate

research methodology research methodology • collect and analyze data to achieve the collect and analyze data to achieve the

research objectivesresearch objectives4Madaki-writing a dissertation -update 2014

Approved Proposal• Writing the dissertation usually follows Writing the dissertation usually follows

the approval of a topic by the examining the approval of a topic by the examining College (National or WACP) College (National or WACP)

• An approved proposal (synopsis) often An approved proposal (synopsis) often carries these essential elements :carries these essential elements :• The topic (The topic (++ modification) modification)• Study objectivesStudy objectives• Material and MethodsMaterial and Methods• Consent formConsent form• ++ Ethical Clearance Ethical Clearance


Caution -1• The approved proposal must be The approved proposal must be

your guide because you will be your guide because you will be examined based on what was examined based on what was approved approved

• Do not neglect modifications in the Do not neglect modifications in the approved proposal because it is the approved proposal because it is the first thing that the assessor looks first thing that the assessor looks at.at.


Sections and ChaptersoPreliminary pagesPreliminary pagesoSummary Summary oIntroductionIntroductionoLiterature ReviewLiterature ReviewoMaterial and MethodsMaterial and MethodsoResultsResultsoDiscussionDiscussionoReferences and References and oAppendicesAppendices


Preliminary pages• These pages should be numbered with small These pages should be numbered with small

Roman numerals (i-viii) Roman numerals (i-viii) ..

i.i. Title page. Title page. ii.ii. Preface and Acknowledgement. Preface and Acknowledgement. iii.iii. Dedication (if any).Dedication (if any).iv.iv. Certification.Certification.v.v. Table of contents.Table of contents.vi.vi. List of Tables.List of Tables.vii.vii. List of Figures.List of Figures.viii.viii. Appendices.Appendices.ix.ix. List of AbbreviationsList of Abbreviations


Preliminary pages• These pages should be numbered with These pages should be numbered with

small Roman numerals (i-viii) small Roman numerals (i-viii) ..

i.i. Title page. This should include Title page. This should include the approved title of the the approved title of the dissertation, name and dissertation, name and qualification of author, the qualification of author, the inscription ‘Being presented in inscription ‘Being presented in Partial fulfillment of the Partial fulfillment of the requirement for Award of requirement for Award of Fellowship….’’ and year of Fellowship….’’ and year of examination (take note of examination (take note of representation of the book which representation of the book which should have the current year).should have the current year).


Preliminary pages• These pages should be numbered These pages should be numbered

with small Roman numerals (i-with small Roman numerals (i-viii) viii) ..

ii. Preface and ii. Preface and Acknowledgement. Acknowledgement. o Acknowledge only Acknowledge only

those with relevant those with relevant inputs and support to inputs and support to the work. the work.


Preliminary pages• These pages should be numbered These pages should be numbered

with small Roman numerals (i-with small Roman numerals (i-viii) viii) ..

iii. Dedication (if any).iii. Dedication (if any).o Dedicate the book to a Dedicate the book to a

person(s), group(s) or person(s), group(s) or cause that has special cause that has special meaning to authormeaning to author


Preliminary pages• These pages should be numbered with small Roman These pages should be numbered with small Roman

numerals (i-viii).numerals (i-viii).

iv.iv. Certification. Certification. o Signed by the Supervisor(s), Signed by the Supervisor(s),

Head of Department and or Head of Department and or Director of Training or Medical Director of Training or Medical Director to certify that the book Director to certify that the book is the author’s personal workis the author’s personal work..

v.v. Table of contents.Table of contents.o This should contains all the This should contains all the

relevant sections and chapters relevant sections and chapters with their page numberswith their page numbers



Roman numerals (i-viiiRoman numerals (i-viii).).

vi.vi. List of Tables.List of Tables.o Include all the tables in their Include all the tables in their

order of appearance in the bookorder of appearance in the bookvii.vii. List of Figures.List of Figures.o Include all the figures in their Include all the figures in their

order of appearance in the bookorder of appearance in the bookviii. Appendices.viii. Appendices.o Include the questionnaire, the Include the questionnaire, the

consent form and ethical consent form and ethical clearance in this section.clearance in this section.



Roman numerals (i-viiiRoman numerals (i-viii).).

viii. Appendices.viii. Appendices.o Include the questionnaire, the Include the questionnaire, the

consent form and ethical clearance consent form and ethical clearance in this section.in this section.

ix. List of Abbreviationix. List of Abbreviationo Use mainly the common onesUse mainly the common oneso Abbreviations used for the first time Abbreviations used for the first time

should carry full meaning of the should carry full meaning of the alphabets.alphabets.


Summary• The text proper begins. The text proper begins. • The pages are numbered with ordinary The pages are numbered with ordinary

numerals, starting with Page 1. numerals, starting with Page 1. • The summary should be about 250 to 500 The summary should be about 250 to 500

words, and should include the study words, and should include the study purpose (aim), the study objectives, study purpose (aim), the study objectives, study design and the key findings related to the design and the key findings related to the primary objective and main conclusion.primary objective and main conclusion.

• The summary is like the abstract and The summary is like the abstract and should be written in a manner that it can should be written in a manner that it can be presented at scientific meetingsbe presented at scientific meetings


Chapter One: Introduction • This should include the This should include the

Statement of the research Statement of the research problem, problem,

Aim of the study Aim of the study objectives of the studyobjectives of the studyJustification (rationale) for Justification (rationale) for the studythe study


Chapter One: Introduction Statement of the research problem,Statement of the research problem,

A concise description of the research A concise description of the research problem/issueproblem/issue

The burden of the issues ( who is The burden of the issues ( who is affected, how, when, where, why is affected, how, when, where, why is this group of people affected)this group of people affected)

What are the past attempts to address What are the past attempts to address the issues and what were the results?the issues and what were the results?

What contribution will the present What contribution will the present study make in addressing the study make in addressing the problem? problem?


Chapter One: Introduction Aim of the study Aim of the study

The general contribution that the study The general contribution that the study will make to the practice of medicinewill make to the practice of medicine

Objectives of the studyObjectives of the studyThese are the SMART statements These are the SMART statements

against which the dissertation will be against which the dissertation will be assessed.assessed.

They should be concise and They should be concise and achievable with the selected study achievable with the selected study design and sampling method design and sampling method

They should range from 3-5 onlyThey should range from 3-5 only18Madaki-writing a dissertation -update 2014

Chapter One: Introduction • Justification (rationale) for the studyJustification (rationale) for the study

Why should the research issue Why should the research issue be considered and studied now?be considered and studied now?

What is the relevance of the What is the relevance of the research issue to Family research issue to Family Medicine practice in the Medicine practice in the country/region?country/region?


Chapter Two: Review of the Literature

• A candidate should take every A candidate should take every opportunity to read widely, with opportunity to read widely, with emphasis on literature already emphasis on literature already produced in Nigeria and the West produced in Nigeria and the West African sub-region,. African sub-region,.

• Summarize in logical sequence points Summarize in logical sequence points relevant to the subject chosenrelevant to the subject chosen

• Usually starting with the general Usually starting with the general global view and move down to the global view and move down to the local and specific local and specific


Chapter Two: Review of the Literature• Make use of recent material on the subject Make use of recent material on the subject

as much as possible keeping within the as much as possible keeping within the publication age limit of 10 years for publication age limit of 10 years for published materialpublished material

• Identify and use appropriate subheadingsIdentify and use appropriate subheadings• Citing a study should include the design of Citing a study should include the design of

study, the key finding and author of the study, the key finding and author of the study and the term ‘et al’ where there are study and the term ‘et al’ where there are more than two authorsmore than two authors

• Ensure that the review addresses all aspects Ensure that the review addresses all aspects of all the objectivesof all the objectives


Materials and Methods• Chapter Three: Materials and methodChapter Three: Materials and method• Provide enough detail to enable someone to Provide enough detail to enable someone to

repeat the study in the same way.repeat the study in the same way.• Errors in the methods section are the most Errors in the methods section are the most

common reason for absolute rejection of common reason for absolute rejection of scientific reports.scientific reports.


Methods: What to Include

• Report details of the location of the studyReport details of the location of the study• Describe the study populationDescribe the study population• State the study design and give the State the study design and give the

duration of the studyduration of the study• Restate the study hypothesis and describe Restate the study hypothesis and describe

how the sample size was calculated based how the sample size was calculated based on the primary objective.on the primary objective.

• Describe how subjects were recruited and Describe how subjects were recruited and chosen including the inclusion and chosen including the inclusion and exclusion criteria usedexclusion criteria used

• Give reasons for excluding subjectsGive reasons for excluding subjects


Methods: What to Include• State how sampling and randomization State how sampling and randomization

was donewas done• Describe methods of allocation Describe methods of allocation

concealment and blinding of subjectsconcealment and blinding of subjects• Describe the intervention if anyDescribe the intervention if any• Give complete details of new methods Give complete details of new methods • Give exact drug dosages, names, and Give exact drug dosages, names, and

methods of preparationmethods of preparation• If standard methods of measurement were If standard methods of measurement were

used, only appropriate references are used, only appropriate references are requiredrequired


Methods: What to Include• Provide specific operational definitions Provide specific operational definitions

related to data collectionrelated to data collection• Describe how data was collated, Describe how data was collated,

prepared for statistical analysis prepared for statistical analysis including the software used for data including the software used for data entry and analysis (eg Epi Info 3.02.2, entry and analysis (eg Epi Info 3.02.2, CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA).CDC, Atlanta, GA, USA).

• State how ethical consideration was State how ethical consideration was addressed addressed


Chapter Four: Results• Results should be presented as text, tables, Results should be presented as text, tables,

figures and other relevant illustrations.figures and other relevant illustrations.• Avoid repetitionsAvoid repetitions• The textThe text tells the story of what you found. tells the story of what you found.

Use text to guide your reader in a logical Use text to guide your reader in a logical flow toward your conclusion. flow toward your conclusion.

• Point out what is notable and relevant in the Point out what is notable and relevant in the tables and figures, but do not mention every tables and figures, but do not mention every item. Also worthwhile to state what you did item. Also worthwhile to state what you did not find (unexpected results).not find (unexpected results).


Results: what to include• The tables The tables present the details of what you present the details of what you

found. found.

• Use them to report the bulk of your data and Use them to report the bulk of your data and statistical significance of comparisons.statistical significance of comparisons.

• Indicate the statistical applied in the main Indicate the statistical applied in the main variables on a tablevariables on a table

• Provide clear titles for the tables and Provide clear titles for the tables and number them sequentially.number them sequentially.


Results: what to include• The tablesThe tables. .

• Ensure that marginal totals are correct and Ensure that marginal totals are correct and use appropriate symbols at the bottom of use appropriate symbols at the bottom of the tables to explain missing information the tables to explain missing information and gaps.and gaps.

• Understand the difference between a table Understand the difference between a table and a listand a list


Results: what to include• The figures The figures make the dramatic impressions make the dramatic impressions

of what you found. of what you found.

• Use them to help the reader understand Use them to help the reader understand your results.your results.

• Provide appropriate titles and label Provide appropriate titles and label

• Select an appropriate figure for every set of Select an appropriate figure for every set of datadata

• Be innovative and use a good combination Be innovative and use a good combination of figures for your resultsof figures for your results


Results: what to include• The figures The figures

• A pie chart should be applied to a A pie chart should be applied to a distribution with at least 3 or more distribution with at least 3 or more variables. variables.


Results: Statistics• Do not give results to a greater degree of Do not give results to a greater degree of

accuracy than that of the measurement. accuracy than that of the measurement. • Reporting of means allows one more Reporting of means allows one more

significant figure than the individual significant figure than the individual measurements.measurements.

• When describing proportions, give the When describing proportions, give the absolute numbers, not only percentages.absolute numbers, not only percentages.

• Confidence intervals are preferred over P Confidence intervals are preferred over P values.values.

• Examine your data for normal distribution, Examine your data for normal distribution, and use appropriate statistical testingand use appropriate statistical testing ..


Chapter Five: Discussion• Summarize the major findings in first Summarize the major findings in first

paragraph. paragraph. • Do not repeat data in the Results.Do not repeat data in the Results.• Compare your results with previous workCompare your results with previous work

• Not with every other paper on the Not with every other paper on the subject, but with the most relevant and subject, but with the most relevant and recent ones. recent ones.

• Discuss important differences and what Discuss important differences and what you think accounts for them.you think accounts for them.


Discussion• Discuss the clinical and scientific Discuss the clinical and scientific

implications of your findings. implications of your findings.

• State how scientific understanding may State how scientific understanding may progress as a result of your work.progress as a result of your work.

• Give implications for clinicians and Give implications for clinicians and policymakers.policymakers.


Conclusion and recommendations

• The main inferences and conclusions The main inferences and conclusions derived from the results of the study are derived from the results of the study are outlined here. outlined here.

• Key recommendations from the study Key recommendations from the study should also be highlighted, including any should also be highlighted, including any suggestions for further studies on the suggestions for further studies on the research topic. research topic.

• Relate the findings to Family Practice and Relate the findings to Family Practice and recommend how current practice should recommend how current practice should changechange


Conclusion and recommendations

• Produce a succinct conclusion, but avoid Produce a succinct conclusion, but avoid repetition. repetition.

• Your conclusion should not go beyond your Your conclusion should not go beyond your findings.findings.


Limitation of the study• The limitations of the study should be The limitations of the study should be

identified, itemized and discussed here. identified, itemized and discussed here. • Discuss possible problems with your Discuss possible problems with your

methods (weaknesses and limitations).methods (weaknesses and limitations).• Methods are never perfect, so discuss Methods are never perfect, so discuss

how you overcame limitations and how how you overcame limitations and how your methods are an improvement over your methods are an improvement over those previously used by others those previously used by others (strengths).(strengths).

• Methods are never beyond criticism.Methods are never beyond criticism.


References• Should have at least 50 references (WACP 60 Should have at least 50 references (WACP 60

references)references)• References should be numbered consecutively References should be numbered consecutively

in the order in which they are first mentioned in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text.in the text.

• Where there are many suitable articles, cite the Where there are many suitable articles, cite the best 3 eg ‘global malaria mortality estimated is best 3 eg ‘global malaria mortality estimated is 20%20%3-53-5 ’ ’

• Follow the standards of the Uniform Follow the standards of the Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts with emphasis Requirements for Manuscripts with emphasis on the on the Vancouver method of ReferencingVancouver method of Referencing..


References• Use correct journal abbreviations.Use correct journal abbreviations.• Standard Journal article:Standard Journal article:• The first six authors should be listed, The first six authors should be listed,

followed by et al.followed by et al.• Authors. Title. Journal (abbreviated) Year Authors. Title. Journal (abbreviated) Year

Month; Vol: pages.Month; Vol: pages.• Madaki JKA, Zoakah AI, Ochayi O, Madaki JKA, Zoakah AI, Ochayi O,

Obadofin M, Thacher T, Laabes P et al. An Obadofin M, Thacher T, Laabes P et al. An Audit of Outpatient Diagnosis of Malaria in Audit of Outpatient Diagnosis of Malaria in Jos. Nig Med Pract 2000; 8(1): 19-24. Jos. Nig Med Pract 2000; 8(1): 19-24.


References• Textbook/Publication:Textbook/Publication:• Author. Title of Chapter. In: (Editors). Title Author. Title of Chapter. In: (Editors). Title

of Publication. Edition. Press; year. of Publication. Edition. Press; year. pagination. e.g. “Phillip SJ. Hypertension pagination. e.g. “Phillip SJ. Hypertension and stoke. In: Laragh JH, editor. and stoke. In: Laragh JH, editor. Hypertension.. 2Hypertension.. 2ndnd Ed. New York: Raven Ed. New York: Raven Press; 1995. . 465 – 478.”Press; 1995. . 465 – 478.”

• Dissertation:Dissertation:• Authors. Title (dissertation). Authors. Title (dissertation).

Institution/University; Year. Page(s). Institution/University; Year. Page(s).


References• Conference proceedings:Conference proceedings:• Name of editors. Title of proceedings. Name of editors. Title of proceedings.

Number and name of the conference; Year Number and name of the conference; Year of conference, Month, days, Town, of conference, Month, days, Town, Country. Publishers; year of publishing. Country. Publishers; year of publishing. (Note that the proceedings may not be (Note that the proceedings may not be published the same year as the conference). published the same year as the conference).

• Conference paper:Conference paper:• Author. Title of paper. In: Name of editors Author. Title of paper. In: Name of editors

(e.t.c. like above ). Page(s).(e.t.c. like above ). Page(s).


References• Avoid referencing a paper you haven’t read (eg Avoid referencing a paper you haven’t read (eg

abstract).abstract).• Include both local and international references. Include both local and international references. • Local references (work done in the country Local references (work done in the country

and West Africa) should preferably account for and West Africa) should preferably account for at least 25% of number of references in at least 25% of number of references in common medical/health issues common medical/health issues

• References should be within the last 10 years References should be within the last 10 years by age of publication and not more than 10% by age of publication and not more than 10% should be older than 10 years.should be older than 10 years.

• Preference should be given to non textbook Preference should be given to non textbook reference materials.reference materials.


Presentation of the Book• The overall length should be about 80 to The overall length should be about 80 to

120 pages, excluding the preliminary pages, 120 pages, excluding the preliminary pages, References and Appendices .References and Appendices .

• The document should be typed on one side The document should be typed on one side of A4 paper (11.69” by 8.27”); with a 1.5” of A4 paper (11.69” by 8.27”); with a 1.5” margin on the left to allow for binding, 0.5” margin on the left to allow for binding, 0.5” margin on the right, and 1” margin top and margin on the right, and 1” margin top and bottom. bottom.

• Double-space the main text, with Double-space the main text, with approximately 250 words per page font approximately 250 words per page font size 12, New Times Romans. size 12, New Times Romans.


Presentation of the Book• Illustrative photographs should be black and Illustrative photographs should be black and

white or colour prints (not photocopies). white or colour prints (not photocopies). • Ethical clearance, Consent form and Ethical clearance, Consent form and

questionnaire and other relevant data questionnaire and other relevant data collection tools should be included as collection tools should be included as appendices.appendices.

• Four spiral-bound volumes of the Four spiral-bound volumes of the Dissertation should be submitted with the Dissertation should be submitted with the Case Book and the examination application Case Book and the examination application form, to the Colleges not later than the form, to the Colleges not later than the examination entry closing dates of the examination entry closing dates of the Colleges. Colleges.


Presentation of the Book• When the candidate has satisfied the When the candidate has satisfied the

examiners, and before convocation, examiners, and before convocation, four copies in hard bound cover in the four copies in hard bound cover in the Faculty colour (black-WACP; Green-Faculty colour (black-WACP; Green-NPMCN) should be submitted to the NPMCN) should be submitted to the College.College.


Presentation: Style• Remove any unnecessary words (e.g. then, Remove any unnecessary words (e.g. then,

at that time, is said to be, as already stated, )at that time, is said to be, as already stated, )• Be efficient with the languageBe efficient with the language

• Came to the identical conclusion = Came to the identical conclusion = agreedagreed

• Due to the fact that = becauseDue to the fact that = because• A considerable proportion of = manyA considerable proportion of = many• It is also probable that = probablyIt is also probable that = probably• Comparatively frequently = oftenComparatively frequently = often• As well as = andAs well as = and• Lower limbs = legsLower limbs = legs


Presentation: Style

• Avoid redundancyAvoid redundancy• Skin rash Skin rash rash rash• Yellow in color Yellow in color yellow yellow

• Break long sentences into twoBreak long sentences into two• Spell out abbreviation the first time it is Spell out abbreviation the first time it is

used, but avoid excessive abbreviationsused, but avoid excessive abbreviations• Reading out loud will help you identify Reading out loud will help you identify

problem areas.problem areas.


Proof -Reading and Supervision

• No excuse for typographical errors.No excuse for typographical errors.

• Invite experienced doctors to read your Invite experienced doctors to read your dissertation (those who will be merciless in dissertation (those who will be merciless in their criticism are better).their criticism are better).

• Serif fonts are easier to read and more Serif fonts are easier to read and more suited for professional documents.suited for professional documents.

• Engage the services of a professional proof Engage the services of a professional proof -reader where necessary. -reader where necessary.


Proof -Reading and Supervision

• Agree on a supervisory plan with your Agree on a supervisory plan with your supervisor and keep to it. supervisor and keep to it.

• Every section and chapter should be vetted Every section and chapter should be vetted by your supervisor.by your supervisor.

• It is good practice to have another trainer It is good practice to have another trainer with experience in your area of study look with experience in your area of study look at your work before the final submission to at your work before the final submission to your supervisor your supervisor


Thank You For Your Thank You For Your Attention Attention Thank You For Your Thank You For Your Attention Attention

49

Documents

How to Write a Dissertation Dr Madaki JK Aboi Family Physician and Health Management Specialist A lecture delivered at the NPMCN Update Course at Abuja