Thesis_Method_Svyasa.ppt

Suggestions forSuggestions forThesis writingThesis writing

An ideal thesis should…..An ideal thesis should…..

• Have ‘sound stuff’Have ‘sound stuff’• Be well writtenBe well written• Be presented wellBe presented well• Be accurate, completeBe accurate, complete

……Well writtenWell written

Concise, yet clear (scientific writing should Concise, yet clear (scientific writing should avoid long sentences)avoid long sentences)

Attention to grammar, punctuationAttention to grammar, punctuationAttention to details (for example, terms Attention to details (for example, terms

written in a language other than English written in a language other than English should be in should be in italicsitalics))

…….Presented well…simple, yet .Presented well…simple, yet importantimportant

Titles, sub-titles, sub-sub-titles (differences in Titles, sub-titles, sub-sub-titles (differences in case, font size, bold/underlined/italics, centered case, font size, bold/underlined/italics, centered or indented or not-indented)or indented or not-indented)

Indentation, line spacingIndentation, line spacing Fonts (thesis-writers should be discouraged from Fonts (thesis-writers should be discouraged from

using fonts other than Times NR/ Arial); Font using fonts other than Times NR/ Arial); Font size 12, 14size 12, 14

Bold/Italics/UnderlinedBold/Italics/Underlined Using the customary sections, using the Using the customary sections, using the

appropriate terms (for e.g., references rather appropriate terms (for e.g., references rather than bibliography)than bibliography)

……..Accurate, complete…..Accurate, complete…FOR EXAMPLE…..FOR EXAMPLE…..Figures should have a legend regarding Figures should have a legend regarding

the source from which they are the source from which they are reproducedreproduced

References cited in the text & in the References cited in the text & in the reference list should NOT have any reference list should NOT have any discrepancies (e.g. authors’ names, year..)discrepancies (e.g. authors’ names, year..)

Material used for assessments (e.g., Material used for assessments (e.g., questionnaires, recording sheets should questionnaires, recording sheets should be provided in an Appendix)be provided in an Appendix)

The main sections…The main sections… IntroductionIntroduction Aims (in most cases ‘objectives’ = aims with specific Aims (in most cases ‘objectives’ = aims with specific

targets to achieve) *****targets to achieve) ***** A review of the relevant literatureA review of the relevant literature MethodsMethods ResultsResults DiscussionDiscussion SummarySummary ReferencesReferences AppendicesAppendices

NOTE ***** indicates topics which the dissertation NOTE ***** indicates topics which the dissertation committee may especially like to re-evaluatecommittee may especially like to re-evaluate

The main sections…..a few detailsThe main sections…..a few details

Each Section begins on a fresh pageEach Section begins on a fresh pageSection Titles should be in Times New Section Titles should be in Times New

Roman font, Font size 14, centered, Roman font, Font size 14, centered, bold, bold, upper caseupper case

After each Section Title the first para of After each Section Title the first para of each Section should be left aligned & each Section should be left aligned & not not be indented; subsequent paras are to be be indented; subsequent paras are to be indentedindented

For example:For example:INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION

This………………………………………………………………………………………This…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………..

In the next…………………………………………………………………… In the next…………………………………………………………………… …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Apart from the Sections from Start Apart from the Sections from Start to End a thesis may have:to End a thesis may have:

The Title pageThe Title page An inscription/dedicationAn inscription/dedication CertificateCertificate DeclarationDeclaration AcknowledgmentsAcknowledgments Abstract (******)Abstract (******) The contents page (including the contents of The contents page (including the contents of

Appendices)Appendices) IntroductionIntroduction Aims (and Objectives ****)Aims (and Objectives ****) A review of the relevant literatureA review of the relevant literature

…….continued.continued Methods (or Materials, and another Section for Methods (or Materials, and another Section for

Methods, or Materials and Methods ******)Methods, or Materials and Methods ******) Results, including Tables, FiguresResults, including Tables, Figures DiscussionDiscussion SummarySummary ReferencesReferences Appendices – usually 2: *******Appendices – usually 2: ******* - Appendix A: Materials used in testing- Appendix A: Materials used in testing - Appendix B: Original Data which could also - Appendix B: Original Data which could also

include computer printouts of waveforms, include computer printouts of waveforms, graphs…graphs…

Cover Page with University Logo &Cover Page with University Logo &a Photograph of the University Office a Photograph of the University Office

BuildingBuilding The title: In upper case, Arial, Font Size 16The title: In upper case, Arial, Font Size 16 Name of the candidate: Sentence case, Name Name of the candidate: Sentence case, Name

followed by qualifying degree, Arial, Font Size 14followed by qualifying degree, Arial, Font Size 14 Names of Guides: Names followed by degrees Names of Guides: Names followed by degrees

(standard short forms, e.g., Ph.D. rather than (standard short forms, e.g., Ph.D. rather than PHD or PhD), Arial, Font Size 14 PHD or PhD), Arial, Font Size 14

Name of the institution: In upper case, Arial, Name of the institution: In upper case, Arial, Font Size 16 Font Size 16

Can covers be different colors? *****Can covers be different colors? ***** Should covers be hard-binding and the front Should covers be hard-binding and the front

page pasted? *****page pasted? *****

The Title Page inside the ThesisThe Title Page inside the Thesis Do we still need to standardize the format? ****Do we still need to standardize the format? **** The title: In upper case, Times NR, Font Size 16The title: In upper case, Times NR, Font Size 16 Name of the candidate: Sentence case, Name Name of the candidate: Sentence case, Name

followed by qualifying degree, Times NR, Font Size 14followed by qualifying degree, Times NR, Font Size 14 Names of Guides: Names in Sentence case, followed Names of Guides: Names in Sentence case, followed

by degrees (standard short forms, e.g., Ph.D. rather by degrees (standard short forms, e.g., Ph.D. rather than PHD or PhD), Times NR, Font Size 14than PHD or PhD), Times NR, Font Size 14

Names of Dissertation Committee members in Names of Dissertation Committee members in Sentence case, followed by degrees, Times NR, Font Sentence case, followed by degrees, Times NR, Font Size 14Size 14

Names of Doctoral students who assisted in Sentence Names of Doctoral students who assisted in Sentence case,Times NR, Font Size 12 *****case,Times NR, Font Size 12 *****

…….what each section should .what each section should contain…..contain…..

Inscriptions/ Dedications:Inscriptions/ Dedications:

This is, of course, optional and depends on This is, of course, optional and depends on the candidate. As far as possible a dedication the candidate. As far as possible a dedication or inscription should or inscription should not not bebe corrected or corrected or modified. modified. However it is necessary to check However it is necessary to check that there are no obvious grammatical/spelling that there are no obvious grammatical/spelling errors or that a quotation is not misquotederrors or that a quotation is not misquoted

Certificate & Declaration – the format are Certificate & Declaration – the format are standardizedstandardized

Acknowledgments….Acknowledgments…. It is very important to be clear who may be It is very important to be clear who may be

acknowledged when writing a thesis – as acknowledged when writing a thesis – as compared to compiling a manuscript…compared to compiling a manuscript…

OBVIOUS INCLUSIONS:OBVIOUS INCLUSIONS:• Guides, Dissertation committee membersGuides, Dissertation committee members• Assistance received for laboratory tests, Assistance received for laboratory tests,

statistical analysis, compilation, library searchesstatistical analysis, compilation, library searches• Sources of funding both Institutional (to be Sources of funding both Institutional (to be

mentioned in all cases), other fundsmentioned in all cases), other funds

OPTIONAL (for a thesis not a manuscript)OPTIONAL (for a thesis not a manuscript)• Family and friends Family and friends

The Contents The Contents Should be accurate – absolutely no Should be accurate – absolutely no

discrepancies are permissible here!discrepancies are permissible here!Should be easy to followShould be easy to followShould be comprehensive – cover as Should be comprehensive – cover as

much of the thesis as possible, including much of the thesis as possible, including where to find original data, tables, graphswhere to find original data, tables, graphs

The Contents The Contents The numbering system has been worked The numbering system has been worked

out *****out *****

Font, Font Size, Bold/Not, for Main Font, Font Size, Bold/Not, for Main headings, sub-headings, sub-sub-headings, sub-headings, sub-sub-headingsheadings

IntroductionIntroductionAn average introduction should build up An average introduction should build up

the logic the logic why why it was necessary to conduct it was necessary to conduct the studythe study

An average Introduction should be approx. An average Introduction should be approx. 5 A4 pages, double spaced, Times NR, 5 A4 pages, double spaced, Times NR, Font size 12Font size 12

An Introduction may contain Figures An Introduction may contain Figures needed to build up the logic. These should needed to build up the logic. These should have a legend mentioning the Source, have a legend mentioning the Source, Year of publicationYear of publication

Scope and ObjectivesScope and Objectives An aim or aims should be 1-3 sentences and as An aim or aims should be 1-3 sentences and as

concise as possible:concise as possible: Examples:Examples:• The present study aims at evaluating the The present study aims at evaluating the

physiological changes associated with the physiological changes associated with the practice of practice of bhastrika pranayama.bhastrika pranayama.

Or:Or:* * The present study wasThe present study was conducted to study the conducted to study the

therapeutic efficacy of yoga for rheumatoid therapeutic efficacy of yoga for rheumatoid arthritis.arthritis.

Objectives (consider the same example of Objectives (consider the same example of physiological changes related to bhastrika physiological changes related to bhastrika pranayama, called BhPR for brevity, belowpranayama, called BhPR for brevity, below))

To identify the principal physiological changes associated with To identify the principal physiological changes associated with the practice of BhPRthe practice of BhPR

To discuss the basis for the changes in physiological variables To discuss the basis for the changes in physiological variables associated with the practice of BhPRassociated with the practice of BhPR

To evaluate and compare the present findings with those of To evaluate and compare the present findings with those of previously reported, similar studiespreviously reported, similar studies

To identify possible conditions in which BhPR may be To identify possible conditions in which BhPR may be recommended based on the findingsrecommended based on the findings

ScopeScope What is covered/ what is notWhat is covered/ what is not Implications, applicationsImplications, applications

Review of the Relevant LiteratureReview of the Relevant Literature

This Section should contain relevant references This Section should contain relevant references from from

1.1. Traditional texts (ending with a clear link to Traditional texts (ending with a clear link to experimental research)experimental research)

2.2. Early publications (e.g., books, Yoga Early publications (e.g., books, Yoga MimamsaMimamsa))

3.3. Recent publications – preferably publications, Recent publications – preferably publications, also booksalso books

4.4. Tabulate the most relevant references at the Tabulate the most relevant references at the end of the Sectionend of the Section

MethodsMethodsThis Section has been called: Methods/ This Section has been called: Methods/

Materials and Methods/ Methods as one Materials and Methods/ Methods as one Section and Materials as another – we can Section and Materials as another – we can use METHODS *****use METHODS *****

The Methods Section varies according to The Methods Section varies according to the type of study. This presentation the type of study. This presentation includes a standard description for an includes a standard description for an experimental study conducted with Human experimental study conducted with Human Subjects.Subjects.

Sub-sections, general rulesSub-sections, general rules

Sub-section titles should be in Times NR, Sub-section titles should be in Times NR, font size 12, bold, left aligned, Sentence font size 12, bold, left aligned, Sentence CaseCase

After each Sub-section heading,After each Sub-section heading, the paragraph should begin on the next the paragraph should begin on the next

line, not indented, left-alignedline, not indented, left-aligned

Methods – the Sub-sectionsMethods – the Sub-sections SUB-SECTION 1: ParticipantsSUB-SECTION 1: Participants – as far as – as far as

possible avoid using the terms Subjects/ possible avoid using the terms Subjects/ Patients/ VolunteersPatients/ VolunteersThis sub-section should include (and can be This sub-section should include (and can be presented as a Table):presented as a Table):

1.1. The sample size (how many?) & how it was The sample size (how many?) & how it was derivedderived

2.2. Source of participantsSource of participants3.3. Method of involving them – as a compulsory Method of involving them – as a compulsory

part of their course/ as volunteers - ?part of their course/ as volunteers - ?4.4. Age range, Group mean , SD, SexAge range, Group mean , SD, Sex

Methods, Participants – contd.Methods, Participants – contd.

5. Inclusion criteria5. Inclusion criteria6. Exclusion criteria 6. Exclusion criteria Note 5 &6 should not OVERLAP!!!Note 5 &6 should not OVERLAP!!!7. Informed consent – if it is mentioned candidates 7. Informed consent – if it is mentioned candidates

should show a signed sample and include a should show a signed sample and include a sample in Apeendix A along with Ethical sample in Apeendix A along with Ethical Committee clearance (if any).Committee clearance (if any).

8. Other relevant details – were the participants on 8. Other relevant details – were the participants on medication or not/ were they right-handed/ were medication or not/ were they right-handed/ were they smokers/notthey smokers/not

NOTE: Point 8 differs for each studyNOTE: Point 8 differs for each study

Methods, Sub-sectionsMethods, Sub-sections SUB-SECTION 2: DESIGN OF THE STUDYSUB-SECTION 2: DESIGN OF THE STUDY This sub-section should mention the Design of the This sub-section should mention the Design of the

Study, briefly yet clearlyStudy, briefly yet clearly Important terms which should be detailed:Important terms which should be detailed:1.1. Blinding, Masking – how was it doneBlinding, Masking – how was it done2.2. Randomization how was it done?Randomization how was it done?3.3. Matched pairing – what was the basis?Matched pairing – what was the basis?

Typical examples of Study Designs:Typical examples of Study Designs:1.1. Randomized Controlled TrialRandomized Controlled Trial2.2. Paired, matched Controlled TrialPaired, matched Controlled Trial3.3. Self-as-control designSelf-as-control design4.4. Cross-sectional studyCross-sectional study This sub-section often requires a diagram for clarityThis sub-section often requires a diagram for clarity

Methods, Sub-sectionsMethods, Sub-sections SUB-SECTION 3:ASSESSMENT PROCEDURESUB-SECTION 3:ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE This sub-section should cover:This sub-section should cover:

1.1. The equipment/ psychological questionnaires The equipment/ psychological questionnaires used for assessment citing the Name of the used for assessment citing the Name of the manufacturer, Place or Reference (for manufacturer, Place or Reference (for questionnaires)questionnaires)

2.2. The procedure with a reference from the standard The procedure with a reference from the standard literature (a textbook or relevant publication) or literature (a textbook or relevant publication) or cite a previous pilot study (as unpublished data).cite a previous pilot study (as unpublished data).

3.3. Equipment: mention calibration, accuracy, error Equipment: mention calibration, accuracy, error rangerange

4.4. Questionnaires: reliability, validityQuestionnaires: reliability, validity

Methods, Sub-sectionsMethods, Sub-sections SUB-SECTION 4: INTERVENTIONSSUB-SECTION 4: INTERVENTIONS This sub-section should include a description of This sub-section should include a description of

the yoga intervention, as well as any other the yoga intervention, as well as any other alternate intervention if one was givenalternate intervention if one was given

While mentioning the yoga intervention as many While mentioning the yoga intervention as many details as are relevant should be provided. The details as are relevant should be provided. The yoga practices should be mentioned in ‘running yoga practices should be mentioned in ‘running sentences’, numbering practices within a sentences’, numbering practices within a sentence, if needed. Sanskrit terms are to be sentence, if needed. Sanskrit terms are to be mentioned in parenthesis and italics:mentioned in parenthesis and italics:Example: yoga postures (Example: yoga postures (asanasasanas)….. With )….. With transliterationtransliteration

Methods, Sub-sectionsMethods, Sub-sectionsSUB-SECTION 5: DATA EXTRACTIONSUB-SECTION 5: DATA EXTRACTIONThis sub-section should describe how data This sub-section should describe how data

were extracted from…a questionnaire, an were extracted from…a questionnaire, an electrophysiological record … or whatever electrophysiological record … or whatever method was used for assessment.method was used for assessment.

Methods, Sub-sectionsMethods, Sub-sections

SUB-SECTION 6: DATA ANALYSISSUB-SECTION 6: DATA ANALYSIS

This sub-section should mention the statistical This sub-section should mention the statistical test used with the rationale (in NOT MORE than test used with the rationale (in NOT MORE than one sentence) and a relevant reference (if one sentence) and a relevant reference (if needed)needed)

There is no need to mention tests carried out to There is no need to mention tests carried out to assess whether data were normally distributed/ assess whether data were normally distributed/ had equal variance, .. As these are routinely had equal variance, .. As these are routinely donedone

ResultsResults

This main Section should be very conciseThis main Section should be very concise It should include – what was found – mentioning It should include – what was found – mentioning

the level of significance and other information the level of significance and other information considered relevant depending on the test usedconsidered relevant depending on the test used

Mention the effect size Mention the effect size TablesTables GraphsGraphs Information in Tables & Graphs should NOT Information in Tables & Graphs should NOT

duplicate each otherduplicate each other

Results, TablesResults, Tables Tables should be numbered in Arabic Numerals Tables should be numbered in Arabic Numerals

(Table 1, Table 2…)(Table 1, Table 2…) Each Table should have a comprehensive Each Table should have a comprehensive

heading – this should begin on the next line after heading – this should begin on the next line after the Table No. Headings should be in Times NR the Table No. Headings should be in Times NR (like the rest of the text), Font size 12, Bold, (like the rest of the text), Font size 12, Bold, Sentence caseSentence case

Each Table should indicate significant changes Each Table should indicate significant changes with asteriskswith asterisks

The level of significance (e.g., * = p<.05…) The level of significance (e.g., * = p<.05…) should be mentioned below the Table, Times should be mentioned below the Table, Times NR, Font size 12, BoldNR, Font size 12, Bold

Results, FiguresResults, FiguresFigures should not duplicate data given in Figures should not duplicate data given in

TablesTablesFigures should be numbered in Arabic Figures should be numbered in Arabic

numerals (Fig. 1, Fig. 2…..)numerals (Fig. 1, Fig. 2…..)Every Figure should have a legend written Every Figure should have a legend written

below it in Times NR, font size 12, bold, below it in Times NR, font size 12, bold, sentence casesentence case

The units for all numbers should be The units for all numbers should be provided in SI units (e.g., length – meter provided in SI units (e.g., length – meter (m), time – second (s), frequency – cycles (m), time – second (s), frequency – cycles per second (Hz)per second (Hz)

DiscussionDiscussion This is a very important Section!This is a very important Section! It should attempt to describe what the study It should attempt to describe what the study

found & possible reasons for the findingsfound & possible reasons for the findings How the findings differ/are similar to those How the findings differ/are similar to those

described earlier – and reasons for differences if described earlier – and reasons for differences if anyany

Obvious drawbacks of the study design (etc.) Obvious drawbacks of the study design (etc.) and how these could have influenced the and how these could have influenced the outcomeoutcome

Implications of the findingsImplications of the findings Applications of the findingApplications of the finding Sub-sections depending on variables studied, Sub-sections depending on variables studied,

integrating the discussion on each at the endintegrating the discussion on each at the end

SummarySummary This Section should ideally ‘Stand Alone’ – if anyone This Section should ideally ‘Stand Alone’ – if anyone

reads it they would know why the study was done, reads it they would know why the study was done, what was done, what was found..what was done, what was found..

It should include:It should include:1.1. The Background (1-2 sentences)The Background (1-2 sentences)2.2. The AimThe Aim3.3. The MethodsThe Methods4.4. ResultsResults5.5. ImplicationsImplications6.6. DrawbacksDrawbacks7.7. Directions for future researchDirections for future research

ReferencesReferences

We will follow the style of the Indian We will follow the style of the Indian Journal of Medical ResearchJournal of Medical Research

AppendicesAppendices

Appendix A: Test materialsAppendix A: Test materialsAppendix B: Original dataAppendix B: Original data