WRITING STYLE OF THESIS: Example of a Good Thesis Dr. Hardeep Kaur Assoc. Professor UCON, Faridkot 9/13/20151

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Identify questions/ problem Quality clinical practice Utilize research findings Disseminate knowledge Generate new knowledge Conduct research Continuous practice What is a complete research…..

Need of reporting Research is a costly endeavor. No study is complete until the findings have been written and shared with others in form of a research report. Reporting contribute to the base of evidence for nursing practice 9/13/2015

Research report Communication and dissemination outlet of summarized research findings. Communication outlets are –Theses and dissertations –Term papers –Journal articles –On-line publications –Report to funder –Professional conferences- Oral report / Poster session 9/13/2015

Thesis A long piece of writing, a formal paper, discussed in a logical way, completed by a student as a part of a university degree, based on his/her own original research. Interchangeable with dissertation. 9/13/2015 Oxford dictionary, 8 th ed, 2009

Why thesis? Share with wide number of people Critique Replication Evidence based practice Requirement of a particular course- B Sc (N) / M Sc (N)/ M Phil/ Ph D 9/13/2015

Characteristics of good thesis Clarity Concise Complete in information Accurate Interesting Attractive, neat and clean Objectivity and Honesty 9/13/2015

Most universities have a preferred format for their thesis. Follow your university format. Please log on to 9/13/2015 Very important

Outline of thesis 1.Preliminary section 2.Main body 3.Supplementary section 9/13/2015

1. Preliminary section Title page Endorsement by the HOD, principal/head of the institution Certificate by the guide, co-guide Declaration by the candidate Acknowledgment Abstract Table of contents List of annexure List of tables List of figures List of abbreviations & symbols used 9/13/2015 Preface / forward

9/13/2015 STUDY TITLE 16-18, CENTERED, UPPER CASE University logo NAME OF CANDIDATE NAME OF COLLEGE NAME OF THE UNIVERSITY CITY MONTH & YEAR OF SUBMISSION Upper Case

9/13/2015 ENDORSEMENT BY THE HOD, PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTION Certified that this is bonafide work Of Name of the Candidate At the Name of college Thesis submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Name of course Speciality Of Name of university City Month and year of submission Roll No…….. Course Name ENDORSEMENT BY THE HOD, PRINCIPAL OF THE INSTITUTION Certified that this is bonafide work Of Name of the Candidate At the Name of college Thesis submitted for the partial fulfillment of the requirement for the degree of Name of course Speciality Of Name of university City Month and year of submission Roll No…….. Course Name Signature of the Principal Name: Qualification: College Name : University Name: City, State, Country

9/13/2015 CERTIFICATE OF SUPERVISOR This is to certify that ----Name of the Candidate----- has carried out thesis entitled “ " is a bonafide research work done at College Name, University Name, fot the partial fullfillment of requirement for the degree, of Master of Science in Nursing -----put your specialty----. Signature of the Guide Signature of the co- Guide Name Designation and department

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9/13/2015 DECLARATION BY THE CANDIDATE I hereby declare that this thesis entitled “ " is a bonafide and genuine research work carried out for the partial fullfillment of the requirement of the degree of Master of science in Nursing (speciality). Date : Signature of the candidate Place: Name Course Name College and University Name

9/13/2015 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Mention persons who have made substantial contribution to the study but whose contribution does not qualify them for authorship. Might include your guide, co guide, principle/HOD, faculty, statistician, friends, organization, funding agency, family, and off course patients or study participants. Not lengthy, one page & signed. Signature of the Candidate Name

9/13/2015 LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS & SYMBOLS USED Use only standard abbreviations Do not use abbreviations in the title Specify abbreviation in full when it comes 1 st time in text. In alphabetical order 1. anon- Anonymous 2. et. el.- and others 3. illus- Illustrated a

Abstract First point of contact with readers about findings, so deserve careful attention. Written brief description of research problem, methods and finding of the study, so readers can decide whether to read the entire thesis. –Traditional (unstructured) paragraph –Structured with sub headings. Include key words that will help others to locate your study, should indexed in Medline or CINAHL. 9/13/2015

STRUCTURED ABSTRACT (Max words) Background & Objectives Methods Results Interpretation & Conclusion Keywords: (Max. 10, Each keyword should be separated by semicolon ;)

9/13/2015 TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter No.ContentsPage No. IINTRODUCTION Background of the study1-5 Need for the study5-6 Statement of the problem6 Objectives6 Assumptions7 Operational definitions7-8 Conceptual framework8-12 IIREVIEW OF LITERATURE13-32 IIIMETHODOLOGY Research approach33 Research design33 Setting33 Population 33 Sample and sampling technique34 Data collection tools and techniques35 Ethical clearance 40 Method for data collection40 Pilot study41 Data analysis41 IVANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION42-81 VDISCUSSION82-92 REFERENCES93-99 ANNEXURE

9/13/2015 LIST OF ANNEXURES S.No. Name of Annexure ILetter to experts for content validity of the tool IILetter to authoritarian person for conducting study IIIConsent form IVCertificate of editor (Punjabi) VCertificate of editor (English) VIList of Experts VIIList of formulae used VIIIEnglish tool IX Punjabi tool

9/13/2015 LIST OF TABLES Table No.Title of TablePage No. 1. Frequency and percentage distribution of sample characteristics Frequency and percentage distribution of women during menopause transition according to levels of physical problems Frequency and percentage distribution of women during menopause transition according to levels of psychological problems Correlation between physical and psychological problems during menopause transition among women Mean physical problems score of women during menopause transition according to sample characteristics Mean psychological problems score of women during menopause transition according to sample characteristics 34-35

9/13/2015 LIST OF FIGURES Figure No. Title of FigurePage No. 1. Conceptual framework based on modified Roy’s Adaptation Model 9 2. Research design Frequency and percentage distribution of women during menopause transition according to levels of physical problems Frequency and percentage distribution of women during menopause transition according to levels of psychological problems Correlation between physical and psychological problems during menopause transition among women Mean physical problems score of women during menopause transition according to sample characteristics Mean psychological problems score of women during menopause transition according to sample characteristics 37

2. Main body Chapter I- Introduction Chapter II- Review of Literature Chapter III- Methodology Chapter IV- Analysis and interpretation/ Results Chapter V- Discussion and summary 9/13/2015

Chapter I - Introduction Introduction Background Need of the study and how this work will help Statement of the problem, research questions Aim of the study Objectives (1, 2, 3....) Variables under study (IV, DV & EV), Hypotheses, Delimitations, Assumptions, Operational definitions, Conceptual framework. 9/13/2015 General specific

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This chapter has dealt with ………………………… …..The next chapter will deal with……. 9/13/2015 At the end of every chapter……..

Chapter II- Review of literature Divide all available review in different section as per study Arrange recent to old In historical research- Old to recent Follow Vancouver style 9/13/2015

Example 2. Green Bob, Young R, Kavanagh D. Cannabis use and misuse prevalence among people with psychosis. Br J Psychiatry 2005; 187: /13/2015 Over the lifetime course of schizophrenia, approximately one-half of all patients experience a co-occurring substance misuse disorder which is surprisingly very high as compared to general population². Over the lifetime course of schizophrenia, approximately one-half of all patients experience a co-occurring substance misuse disorder which is surprisingly very high as compared to general population. (Green Bob, Young R, Kavanagh D)

Chapter III. Methodology Research Approach Research design Setting Population Sampling technique & Sample( IC and EC, sample size) Data collection tools & techniques ( From tool no 1 to tool no n, with content validity and reliability, Development of the tools) Translation of tools Researcher training for tool use Tools try out 9/13/2015 Contd..

Intervention if any Ethical clearance Informed consent Data collection procedure (method of data collection) Pilot study Duration of data collection Problems in data collection(if any) Data analysis plan 9/13/2015 Contd….

Chapter IV. Analysis and interpretation Results Specify about coding of data, master data sheet and statistical package (SPSS 10) Presentation of data in sections, objective wise, significant bold Emphasize only important observations from tables/illustrations in the text without undue repetition of date & give interpretation of the finding 9/13/2015 Contd..

Contd…. Do not repeat the same data in tables & illustrations. Start with description of subjects characteristics, then present findings as per the objectives of the study (Obj-1 to obj- n), if any extra finding- put it at end. Write p value exactly 9/13/2015

Chapter V. Discussion Summary of major findings, Do not repeat all the data, Discussion (mention & link review in support of your findings, defend your findings with available literature or logic), As per objective Conclusions Implications (nursing education, administration, practice & research) Recommendations (present and future) Limitations. Avoid conclusions for which adequate data has not been obtained 9/13/2015

References Vancouver style Reference list after chapter V. References should be numbered consecutively in the order in which they are first mentioned in the text. They should not be listed alphabetically by author or title or put in date order. 9/13/2015

Vancouver style for citing a journal article 2. Green Bob, Young R, Kavanagh D, Wilson JD, Martin JB, Kasper DL, et al. Cannabis use and misuse prevalence among people with psychosis. Br J Psychiatry 1996 Jun;12(5): /13/2015

3. Supplementary section References (if not mentioned earlier) Annexure Index 9/13/2015

Annexure / Appendices Letter granting ethical clearance Any specific material developed –Informed consent Tools- Original and translated Any developed guideline Competency certificate List of experts CD 9/13/2015

Front page and binding Same as title page Binding- –Printed colored hard board binding with silver / gold foil lettering. –Printed soft spiral / staple binding Cover thesis with plastic to make it safe. All the colleges / a university students should use same color Blue / brown / light green are good colors. 9/13/2015

Hard board binding Spiral binding

Side of the thesis Put three information in following sequence 9/13/2015 Course Candidate name Month & year of submission

Specific Instructions Use bond paper, A4 size (min 80 gsm) Type on one side of paper only, Para indent 5-7 spaces, Keep left alignment, do not justify lines Do not divide the words at the end of the line. (-) Leave 1-1 1/2" space on all sides of the paper (Lt- 1.5”, Rt- 1”, top & bottom- 1”) Prepare 6-7 copies for submission & one for yourself 9/13/2015

Tables/figures Color page, cover with transparency Number the tables/figures consecutively and not for each chapter separately. Insert figure in the text page itself instead of a fresh page each time. Do not break a table on two pages Obtain permission to use photographs Give a brief but clear title to each table / figure 9/13/2015

CHAPTER TITLE- 16, CENTERED, BOLD, UPPER CASE Sub heading: 12, Left, bold lowercase Heading: 14, Left, bold, lowercase Text: font size 12, un-bold, left aligned Text Type double space, (Times New Roman)

English Editing Free from grammatical & spelling mistakes Avoid abstract terms and technical jargons Use of Tense –Past or present perfect tense for review & discussion of past events –Past- to discuss results –Present- conclusions Passive voice and impersonal pronouns as these suggest greater impartiality. Don’t use I / We / me / us (personal pronouns) 9/13/2015

From where, to start thesis writing? 9/13/2015 I Introduction II Review of lit III Methodology IV Results V Discussion

What to do if find thesis work boring? Do it ……….. Do it ……….. Do it ……….. Do it … Get an habit of writing, even only min/day Just begin somewhere & keep it regular Writing of 1 st draft is hard Take deep breath Meditation/ yoga Fulfill hobbies 9/13/2015

What is the Vancouver Referencing Technique? A uniform set of requirements for bibliographic references.  a "numbered" style  follows rules established by the International Committee of Medical Journal EditorsInternational Committee of Medical Journal Editors  also known as: Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts Submitted to Biomedical Journals.

About Vancouver  Small group of editors met in Vancouver, Canada in Known as Vancouver group  Established guidelines for format of manuscripts submitted to their journals  Guidelines developed by the NLM, first published in 1979  Group expanded to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE)  ICMJE broadened concerns to include ethical principles related to publication in biomedical journals

In-text citing  A number is allocated to a source in the order in which it is cited in the text  If the source is referred to again, the same number is used.  Example:...as one author has put it "the darkest days were still ahead" [1]: which is well documented in the literature. [2-5] This proves that "the darkest days were still ahead". [1]

Essential Elements for referencing books  Author  Title  Edition  Place of Publication  Publisher  Date (year) journals  Author  Title of Article  Journal Title  Date  Volume number  Issue number  Page numbers

Examples for books Personal Author: Adam RD, Victor M. Principles of Neurology. 5 th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, Organization as author: Virginia Law Foundation. The Medical and legal implications of AIDS. Charlottesville: The Foundation, 1987.

Examples Chapter in a book: Wynick D, Bloom SR. Islet cell tumors. In: Grossman A. Clinical Endocrinology. Oxford: Blackwells Scientific Publications, 1992: Conference Proceedings: Preston D, editor. Computers in Clinical Dentistry. Proceedings of the first International Conference on Computers in Clinical Dentistry; 1991 Sept 26-29: Houston. Chicago: Quintessence, Monograph in electronic format: CDI, Clinical dermatology illustrated [monograph on CD-Rom]. Reeves JRT, Maibach H. CMEA Multimedia Group, Producers. 2 nd ed. Version 2.0. San Diego: CMEA; 1995.

Examples (Titles of Journals should be abbreviated according to Index Medicus) Standard Journal Article: (list all authors, but if there are more than six, only list the first six followed by “et al”) Burks RT, Morgan J. Anatomy of the lateral ankle ligaments. Am J Sports Med 1994 Jan-Feb; 22(1): Organization as author: NIH Technology Assessment Workshop Panel. The Persian Gulf Experience and Health. JAMA 1994; 272: No author given: Coffee drinking and cancer of the pancreas [editorial] BMJ 1981; 283:628.

Examples Volume with supplement Leff J. Working with the families of schizophrenic patients. Br J Psychiatry 1994; 164 Suppl 23: Issue with supplement: Hirschfeld RMA, Holzer CE. Depressive personality disorders: clinical implications. J Clin Psychiat 1994 Apr; 55 (4Suppl): Journal article in Electronic format: Morse SS. Factors in the emergence of infectious diseases. Emerg Infect Dis [serial online] 1995 Jan-Mar [cited 1996 Jun 5]; 1(1): [24 screens]. Available from: URL:

To summarize Follow your university guideline. Though many things are same as we discussed today but ……off course few variation might exist uni to uni. If you are not following than guideline strictly, it may result that your thesis comes back to you for clarification and rectification and You may have undue stress and unnecessary workload to correct the things which could be done earlier. 9/13/2015

Thesis and dissertations Both are written discourses on a given subject. Thesis implies that original research is involved. Dissertation implies that you have looked into something and are setting down what you have found and are perhaps including your thoughts on it. Thus a Thesis is what you will write to obtain a higher degree, but a dissertation is more likely to be a small part of a first degree. 9/13/2015

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