AR3XO Guidelines

AR3X0 (FOUN3099) – Research Project
SOME GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCTING RESEARCH

These are general guidelines and as such you are not expected to adhere to them slavishly. In
fact, the discipline within which you are doing your research may have more specific guidelines
which you are required to follow. Discuss with your supervisor if there are any such specific
guidelines on the final structure or format that your research project should take.

A typical study usually consists of the following parts:

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER

1. Brief background to the study – what prompted your interest
2. Identification and definition of the problem – state clearly what it is you want to know; a
rationale (theoretical base) for the study and its significance
3. The objectives of the study
4. Limitations of the study
5. Definition of terms or concepts used in the study
6. Research design – method to be used to collect data
7. Plan of study (optional)

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW

This is an examination of the literature on the topic to establish theory/factors that relate to it; to
identify trends, arguments, opinions, research methods and instruments used in investigating the
topic; to give you an idea of the type of information you need to collect to answer your research
questions. Should not be just a descriptive or a jumble of quotes but critical, showing that you
are thinking. Should establish firmly the theory concerning the topic.

CHAPTER 3: RESEARCH DESIGN
(If very brief, can sometimes be included in the introductory chapter.)

1. This is the total plan for carrying out the study, includes also a step-by-step sequence of
how the study was executed.
2. State the research method used and why suited to your study. The methods chosen
determine how data will be collected.
3. Explain sampling procedure: describe the population; determine sample size, identify
sampling frame and sample selection.
4. Create data collection instrument; describe and explain how arrived at and its contents.
5. Detail how research (especially data collection) was literally carried out and any
problems encountered, adjustments made etc.

CHAPTER 4: DATA PRESENTATION/ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Contains the raw data in an organized form for ease of presentation, explanation and
understanding. For studies at this level, this chapter may also include the interpretation of the

Revised August 2005

data. First you describe what was found, then look for trends, patterns, similarities/differences
and put forward possible explanations for these findings based upon the theories explored in
the literature surveyed and the background data given earlier on the topic. Where data from
questionnaire are being presented, you should first include the question in its exact format as it
appeared in the questionnaire then go on to present the data collected followed by the discussion.
Graphic representation of data expected. Commonly used graphics – tables, maps, charts – pie,
bar-graphs. Tables: should be properly constructed, labeled, contain numbers and percentages,
where applicable. The information and the relationship of one set of numbers to another should
be easily seen. All tables should be numbered sequentially as they appear through the study. Put
table first, then discuss its contents afterwards. Confine discussion to what is presented in the
table, do not discuss data that you have not shown, although for interpretation you may link the
contents of one table to another.

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION/FINDINGS and their implications and/or
RECOMMENDATIONS

Here the actual findings/conclusions from the study are presented based on what you FOUND,
not what you thought you would find. Comment on/discuss the implications of these findings
relative to the research problem. Recommendations can be made regarding the following: the
research topic/problem; the need for further research based on some of the issues/findings arising
from your study; and how your research findings can be used.

1. PRELIMINARY PAGES:
Title page, Acknowledgements, Dedication, Content Pages (separate for Text and
Illustrations, if any) should have chapter titles and page numbers.

2. SUBSIDIARY PAGES:
Appendices: extra materials that would not fit into main text e.g. copy of questionnaire(s),
interview schedules or other data gathering instruments, cover letters to participants, more
detailed responses to open-ended questions, illustrative materials etc.

3. BIBLIOGRAPHIC CITATIONS:
References: Depending on citation style used (APA, MLA, Chicago) decide if you are going
to use Footnotes or End notes or a Reference List at end of study. Be guided by the format
of the citation style used. Be consistent in the citation style used. Do not mix MLA with
APA. Check the library for citation style manuals. Ask your supervisor for advice on the
citation style commonly used in the academic discipline within which you are conducting the
research.

Bibliography: at the end of the study, all sources should be listed (whether or not you
quoted from them in the study) in a consistent format using the correct style as indicated
by the recommended style manual of your choice.

You do not need both a Reference and Bibliography. Choose which you will use based
on your citation style.

Revised August 2005

4. The research project should be written/typed on letter size paper, 8 1/2 x 11, and should
have a title page with the name and ID number of the student, I.D. number, title of paper,
degree and academic year of presentation. No other size paper will be accepted (see
sample title on page 8).

5. It should have a well-arranged bibliography, with authors, dates and other publication
details.

6. The study must be presented in a sturdy and securely-fastened folder, or properly bound.

7. It must be LEGIBLE, free from grammatical and typographical errors. Examiners can
impose a penalty for breach of the above.

8. Page by page footnoting is not required but the study may carry footnotes or endnotes
clearly identifying source for quotation, statistical data and so on.

9. Footnotes or endnotes and Bibliography should be organized according to the
recommended citation style.