Academic Research Guidelines

Title Page
The first page of the project, that contains the research title, author’s name, institution, department, and date of submission. It may also include the project supervisor’s name and the student’s ID number.

Approval Page
Approval page should includes signatures of the supervisor and other relevant authorities, signifying approval of the project. It may also indicate the date of approval.

Dedication
The dedication page is an optional section where the author dedicates the project to someone special, such as family members, mentors, or others who inspired the work.

Acknowledgements
A section where the author expresses gratitude to those who contributed to the project, such as supervisors, colleagues, institutions, or family.

Abstract
A concise summary of the entire research work, including the research problem, objectives, methodology, key findings, and conclusions. It typically ranges from 150 to 300 words.

Table of Contents
An organized listing of all the sections and chapters in the project, along with their corresponding page numbers.

List of Figures
This is a list of all the figures (graphs, diagrams, illustrations, etc.) included in the research work, along with their titles and page numbers.

List of Tables
A list of all tables included in the project, along with their titles and page numbers.

List of Abbreviations
An alphabetical listing of all abbreviations and acronyms used in the project, along with their full forms. This helps readers unfamiliar with specific terms.




Chapter One (1): Introduction

Background of the Study:
This provides context for the research by discussing the broader area of study and the specific issue being addressed.

Statement of the Problem:
The statement of problems clearly identifies the problem or gap in knowledge that the current research aims to address.

Research Questions/Hypotheses:
This lists the specific questions the research seeks to answer or the hypotheses to be tested.

Objectives of the Study:
This outlines the main goals of the research, usually divided into general and specific objectives.

Significance of the Study:
This explains the importance of the research and its potential impact on the field.

Scope and Limitations:
This defines the boundaries of the research, including what is and isn’t covered, and acknowledges any potential limitations.

Definition of Terms:
This provides clear definitions for key terms used in the project to ensure understanding.




Chapter Two (2): Literature Review

Theoretical Framework
This discusses the theories that underpin the research and how they relate to the study.

Conceptual Framework
This explains the key concepts and how they interact within the study.

Review of Related Studies
This summarizes and critically evaluates existing research related to the topic, identifying gaps that the current study will address.




Chapter Three (3): Methodology

Research Design:
This describes the overall approach or strategy used to conduct the research (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods).

Population and Sample:
This defines the population being studied and the sample chosen for the research, along with the sampling techniques used.

Sampling Techniques:
This explains how participants or data points were selected.

Instrumentation:
This describes the tools or instruments used to collect data, such as surveys, tests, or observation checklists.

Data Collection Procedure:
This outlines the steps taken to gather data, including any procedures followed to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Data Analysis Techniques:
This details the methods used to analyze the data, including any statistical tests or qualitative analysis techniques.

 

Chapter Four (4): Results and Discussion

Presentation of Data:
This section presents the collected data in a clear and organized manner, often using tables, charts, or graphs.

Analysis of Data:
This analyzes the data in relation to the research questions or hypotheses, using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.

Discussion of Findings:
This Interprets the results, explaining their significance and how they relate to the research questions, existing literature, and theory.

Chapter Five (5): Conclusion and Recommendations

Summary of Findings:
This section should summarize the key findings of the research work, highlight the answers to the research questions.

Conclusion:
This draws final conclusions based on the findings, emphasizing the contribution of the study to the field.

Recommendations:
This provides suggestions for practical applications of the research findings, as well as recommendations for future research.

References

A detailed list of all sources cited in the project, formatted according to a specific citation style (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago). This ensures that all references used in the research are properly credited.

Appendices

This section contains supplementary material that supports the main text but is too detailed to include in the main chapters. This may include raw data, questionnaires, interview transcripts, or additional figures and tables.

TAKE NOTE: Each academic institution or department might have specific guidelines, so it’s important to follow your school or institution guideline