RESEARCH AND THESIS WRITNG
COMPILED BY: MBTM
This manual is a step by step approach to the process of preparing and completing the thesis laid down here to make the undertaking simple and easy to handle and pleasant to engage in. The subject chosen must be in the student’s major field. Therefore, the thesis is not only an achievement in itself when completed but is also a proof of the student’s mastery of the subject.

To the students, who are at a loss on the intricacies of presenting their subject matter in a thesis, here are the guide- post that will show them how to turn this activity into a pleasant accomplishment.
A word of caution is necessary before we go further. Remember that each institution of learning has its own distinct requirements for undergraduate, graduate thesis. These requirements, must be met to gain the approval of the thesis adviser and of the Thesis Committee, headed by the Chairman of the Panelist.
It is hoped that through this manual, students may avail of the guidelines on how to write a thesis.
Undergraduate thesis is a requirement in Pharmacy curriculum and in other courses. Students select their subjects for thesis based on their major interests. then they
May fulfill the writing requirements without the pressures and arbitrary limitations of time which characterized much of their course works.
What is a Thesis?
The word thesis means two(2) different things. First, it is defined as a hypothesis, as a position or proposition which is advanced and maintained, therefore, a thesis is a tentative solution to a problem. Second, a thesis is defined as a formal essay whose function is to convey a logical argument upholding a specific point of view, particularly, a solution to a problem.like the hypothesis it supports, the argument conveyed must be a product of the writer’s own mind and be based on his original inquiry and research. Research is an instrument and procedure in order to make an accurate solution of a problem or an issue.
A thesis is the written product of the systematic study of a significant problem.

Four (4) Stages in Conducting a Research:
A.Choosing the Research Problem. The research problem has to be resolved.
1. researcher may consider the following common tips when selecting a research problem:
* Novelty or Originality
* Practicality of the Problem
* Ito comnterest of the Researcher on the Topic/ Problem
* Availability of data
* Special qualification of the researcher
* Required time to complete research
* Financial requirements
2. Procedure on how to select a problem
* Analyze what is known, including the historical record
* look for gaps or deficiencies in discussion
* watch for incongruities and contradictions, the points of controversy and the untested conclusions
* follow clues and suggestions obtained from readings, conferences, and thinking
3. Possible sources of Problems
* actual problem encountered
* academic related experience
* area of specialization
* recommendations of other researchers.
* the unit of analysis chosen
* the time frame
4. Characteristic of a Good Problem
* the topic should be of great interest to you.
* it should be useful for the concerned people in a particular field
* it should be novel
* it should lend itself to complex designing
* it should be completed in the alloted time desired
* it should not carry ethical or moral impediments
* it should not encroached /trespass/invade into the privacy of others or putting anybody, any group or any institutions or agency to bad light.

B. Stating the hypothesis:
It is a tentative solution to a problem, since data are not yet available, that has to be proven statistically.

C. Formulating Research Design ( refer to chapter 3 for the types of research designs)
D. Data Collection
The questionnaire is the most commonly used instrument in gathering data. it is simply a set of questions that will supply the necessary information to complete a research study when answered properly by a required number of properly selected respondents.
***Advantages of using the questionnaire:
1. It is easy to construct
2. Distribution is easy and inexpensive
3. Responses are easily tabulated
4. The respondent's replies are are of his own free will
5. Confidential information may be given freely
6. The respondents has enough time to think reflectively of his replies.
7. The respondent can accomplish the questionnaire anywhere at any time at his own convenience
*** Disadvantages of using the questionnaire:
1. The questionnaire cannot be used with those who cannot read nor write
2 Considerable follow ups are necessary
3. Responses cannot be corrected once whenever an error is detected.
4. Some questions may remain unanswered
5. The number of choices may be so limited
Types of Questionnaire:
1. Open Questionnaire- is a type of a questionnaire wherein questions are asked in such a way that the respondent may explain his answers in his own words, style and convenience.
2. Closed Questionnaire- refers to a type of questionnaire where answers are to be chosen from list of answers provided by the researcher.

Advantage of the Interview:
1. It yields more complete and valid information
2. The interviewer can always clarify points which are vague
3. Only the interviewee can make his directly reply to the interviewer
4. There is flexibility
Disadvantages of the Interview:
1. Respondents are hard to contact
2. It is expensive
3. Responses may be in accurate if interviewee has not time to verify records
4. Interviewers may influence interviewees answers
Types/ Classes of Interviews:
1. Standardized Interview
In this type of interview, the interviewer is not allowed to change the specific wordings of the questions in the interview schedule.
2. Non-standardized Interview
The interviewer has complete freedom to develop each interview in the most appropriate manner for each situation
3. Semi-standardized Interview.
The interviewer is required to ask a number of specific major questions, and beyond these he is free to probe as he chooses.
4. Focused Interview
This is also called depth interview. This is similar to the non standardized interview in which no required questions should be asked by the interviewer.
5. Non-directive Interview
this type of interview, the interviee or subject is allowed and even encouraged to express his feelings without fear of disapproval.

Types of Interview Instrument:
1. Interview Schedule
It is the same as questionnaire. the difference between an interview schedule and a questionnaire is that in the former, the question is read to the respondent for him to answer and the interviewer writes his reply. while in the questionnaire, the respondents himself reads and fills out the questionnaire alone without the aid of the researcher.
2. Interview Guide
The interview guide does not go into details but it only provides ideas and allows the interviewer to freely pursue relevant topics in depth.

Some Pointers in conducting Interview:
1. Planning step
2. Selecting the place for interview
3. Establishing Rapport
4. Carrying out the interview

Tips in Constructing a Questionnaire
1. Perform a library Research
2. Talk to Knowledgeable People
3. Mastering the guidelines
4. Writing the Questionnaire
5. Editing the Questionnaire
6. Reviewing the Questionnaire
7. Pre-testing the Questionnaire
8. Writing the questionnaire in its final form
The interview is another form of data gathering technique commonly used by the researcher. it is defined as a purposeful face to face relationship between two persons, one of whom called the interviewer who asks questions to gather information and the other called the interviewee or respondent who supplies the information asked for.

Feasibility of the Study:
The study must answer the following questions:
1. Has the researcher access to the data/ sources/ references he needed?
2. Does this study merit financial assistance? If yes, is the assistance available?
3. Will this study elicit the cooperation and support of agencies?
The thesis has a fairly standardized format. It is organized into three(3) sections:
1. Preliminary mater ( includes title, approval pages, abstract, dedication if desired,, acknowlegment, the table of contents, list of tables, list of figures( if figures appear in paper), other list ( nomenclature, definitions, preface..
However, not every thesis will include all these elements
Preliminary pages are paginated separately from the rest of the text. Use lower-case Roman numerals at the bottom of these pages. Beginning numbering with the abstract, page iii.
The title page and approval page are counted but not paginated. Continue using the lower- case Roman numerals up to the first page of the text.( page 1 of chapter I or the Introduction).
2. Text ( Introduction and Chapters).
3. Back Matters ( Include notes, references or bibliography, appendixes, and Biographical sketch)
The different parts of the format is explained briefly as follows:

RESEARCH TITLE
This is the distinctive name given to the research proposal that describes the work in specific, clear and concise terms. It should contain the independent and the dependent variables. The principal words in the title should not exceed 25. This is written in an inverted pyramid. It should reflect the main purpose of the proposed study. Non-standard or not widely used acronyms and abbreviation should be spelled out.

TITLE PAGE
This is placed after the cover page that contains the complete research title. Description of the requirement, names of the college, institution, professor and researcher/s.
Proper spacing and arrangement are clearly indicated on the sample.
1. margins: left 1 ½; top, right, and bottom 1”
2. typeface and size: consistent with text
3. no underlining, or italics ( exception : names of species, genera, or book titles may be underlined or italicized)
4. title length: 25 words or fewer the better( 1o05 characters or fewer)
5. no abbreviation or chemical symbols in title
6. date: month and year of graduation
7. page number: no page number appears ( although title page is counted as page i)
Abstract. Your abstract should be a brief descriptive summary of the thesis. It should include a brief statement of the subject of your study. Try to read number of abstracts in your field, and you will come to recognize the qualities of a good abstract and learn what to avoid. should be not more that 600 words. Do not write in the first person such as “I” and “WE”.
Approval Page. The approval page, as shown in the sample. Provides space for the signatures of the Thesis Committee, Adviser, Chairperson, Panel of Oral Examiners. Graduate school dean. Same arrangement and style as on title page. Exact date of the oral defense passed. All type written names should be with the corresponding degrees. No page number appears. ( although the Approval Page is counted as page ii).
Dedication. The dedication is usually optional.
List of tables and list of figures. Only those theses which use tables and figures require these list. The list of tables precedes the list of figures. Make entries for every table title and figure caption. Numbers consecutively from the last page of the table of contents, centering between the proper margins the Roman numerals 1” from the bottom of the page.

Text Requirements:
Your adviser will review your manuscript for typographical and grammatical errors. If chronic problems are apparent, He/She will recommend the help of an English editor. However, it is your adviser who will advice about the design of your paper, a particularly on the writing style, content and arrangement of tables, and the need for figures or photographs.
Every page of your paper must meet the requirements 1- ½” on the left and 1” at the top, right, and bottom. The extra half –inch in the left margin will be taken up by the binding.
The text, headings, lists, tables, and figures of your paper will appear off-center on the printed page, but will automatically be centered between the proper margins. Once bound, the margins will appear equal and the material centered properly.
Placement of Tables and Figures. Placing tables and figure near the text that refers to them is more useful to your reader than grouping them at the end of the paper. The reader can easily determine the relevance of the table or figure, which reinforces or substantiate the text. Tables and figures may appear on the same page as text. Also a photograph(plate) or figure should be preceded or followed by text. Otherwise , they may appear on a separate page following the text which refers to them. Table titles must always appear with the table, usually above the table. Large figure sometimes leave little room for the caption. When this happens, the caption may appear on the facing page.
All pages of the text must meet the same margin requirements, including pages on which tables and figures appear. Font size 12, Arial type all throughout the text.
Pagination:
Your text begins with the first page of Chapter I. This page is counted as page 1, but not numbered. No page number appears on the first page of each chapter, the first page of the reference list or bibliography, and the title pages of the appendixes. The text is numbered with Arabic numerals placed in the upper right- hand corner, 1” from the top edge of the page. Begin numbering with page 2. the text begins two spaces below the page number.
Page number appear in upper right-hand corner 1” from top and 1” from right.

Back Matter Requirements:
This consists of the bibliography, appendixes,and the bibliographical sketch( optional). The back matter is paginated consecutively from the last page of the text.
The back matter, including appendixes, must meet the same requirements as the rest of the paper.



TABLE OF CONTENTS
The table of contents introduces the reader to your text, indicating its contents, organization, and progression. It precedes all the sections it lists. As such, it is the key to your paper that should make access easy, but should not overwhelm the reader with a detailed index of the contents. It contains all the parts of the chapters with corresponding page numbers. Length, may run to several pages. Do not type ‘”continued” at the bottom of second and subsequent pages.. number consecutively from the acknowledgments, centering between the proper margins the Roman numerals 1” from the bottom of the page.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Before this is also optional , although most theses include a brief paragraph acknowledging the contributions or the researcher expresses his / her gratitude or words of appreciation to some special/ important individuals who assist him/ her in the completion of the research. Paginate consecutively from the last page of the abstract or the Dedication, centering between the proper margins the Roman numeral 1 “ from the bottom of the page..

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION
* Background of the Study
This part indicates explanations of the research issue and background information. It discusses the factors that lead to the conceptualization of the problem. The reason/s of the research in conducting the research should be indicated in this part. It indicates the local national or even global problems.
* Theoretical Framework
This part gives the discussion of the theories and models that provide the conceptual bases of the study or the legitimate basis for defining its parameters. The review of the related literature may be discussed here to show how this proposed research study is related to the previous studies.
*Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework consists of the investigator’s own position on a problem after his exposure to various theories that have bearing on a problem. It is the researcher’s new model which has its roots on the previous models that the researcher has read. It provides explicit explanation through a model why the problem ,
It is simple an educated guess or hunch that can be supported by theory and previous research. It is defined as a wise guess that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the observed facts covered by the study. It serves as a guide to the investigator on what to do and how to go about finding the solutions to the problems. It is characterized as testable, logical, directly related to the research problem, presents a single unit or subset of the problem, factually and theoretically based, states a relationship between variables and sets limits of the study.
*Significance of the Study
The study should be timely and relevant. Also, it must contribute fruitfully to national development, particularly on the economic, cultural, social and/ or intellectual life of the people. This deals with the beneficiaries of the research. In this section, the writer expresses the value or importance of the research study. It is where the significant contributions of the results of the study are enumerated. The beneficiaries will gain from its results or findings such as improvement of policies and practices, contribution to the particular field of study in terms of knowledge and new technology and serves as a guide in decision making.
*Scope and Delimitation, Limitation
It refers to the scope or inclusive frame of reference as well as its limits of the study. It indicates the place where the date are gathered or the entity to which the data belong. It is the population or universe from which the respondents are selected. This should be large enough to make the generalization significant. In brief and concise form, the scope of the investigation defines where and when the study is conducted and who the subjects are. The scope sets the delimitation and establishes boundaries of the study. Delimitations are boundaries beyond which is the study is not concerned.
*Definition of Terms
The terms, words or phrases that have special meanings in the study are defined in this part. The terms should be defined operationally or conceptually and that is how they are used in the study. The researcher may develop his/ her own definition from the characteristics of the terms defined. The definitions may be taken from encyclopedia, book, magazine, journal, dictionary, newspaper article and other publications but He/She must acknowledge the source/s. Definitions should be clear and brief. Acronyms should be spelled out fully especially if it is not known or it is used for the first time.

CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
It is an essential step or chapter in the research process because it gives the investigator a complete understanding on the way he can design and carry out his research study more effectively. It is composed of the discussions of facts and principles to which the present study is related. This chapter has two(2) parts:
*Related Literature:
It consists of articles or information taken from any reading material written by authorities giving their opinions, experiences, theories or ideas of what is desirable or undesirable within the problem area.
*Related Studies:
This part refers to the published reports of actual research studies done previously which are relative to the researcher/s study.

CHAPTER III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
A> Research Design/ Method
It is the scheme or a plan of action meeting the objectives of the study. A number of research designs have been developed by the researchers. Each design has its own applicability depending on the problems and objectives of the study, and several factors like the investigator’s capability, resources and time. From the available research designs, the researcher is to select that which is appropriate and effective in attaining his goal. The appropriateness of a research design depends largely on what method will help the investigator to attain his study goals.
The types of Research Designs are:
1 Historical Design. It is the critical investigation of events, development and experience of the past. Its goal is to know the whole truth about the past so that He/She will not understand the present but know what to do in the present and futures situations. or this is designed to interpret the signs of the past time in order to test hypotheses concerning causes, effects or trends of those events which may help to explain present and anticipate future events.
2 Descriptive Design. It the best design to be used because it aims to describe the nature of the situation as it exist at the time of the study and to explore the causes of a particular phenomenon.this design involves the description, recording, analysis, and interpretation of conditions that now exist. it often involves some type of comparison or contrast and may attempt to discover a cause-effect relationship that exists between non-manipulated variables.
3 Experimental Design. The only method which can truly test hypothesis concerning the cause and effect relationship.this is a design that describe what will be when certain variables are carefully controlled or manipulated. the focus is on the cause-effect relationship.
4 Research Survey- this survey is an organized attempt to analyze, interpret, and report the present status of a social institution, group or area.
5 Case Study Research- the case study is a complete analysis and report of the status of an individual subject with respect, as a rule to specific phases of his total personality.
6 Field Research- it is a research type conducted in a realistic situation in which one or more independent variables are manipulated by the experimented under carefully controlled conditions as the situation will permit.
C> Sampling Size
In determining the sample size, some researchers who have no idea of a scientific way of determining the size of a sample adequate for a given population arbitrarily decide in terms of percentage. Sampling is a process of choosing a representative portion of a population. Some of the researchers would say that 50 % of the population would be enough sample size. Others would choose a proportion either lesser or greater that half of the population under investigation. Asked about their basis, their answers all boil down to subjective decision. Subjected to a statistical measure in determining adequate sample size, the sample size they arrived at is inadequate or is much more than what is needed, resulting in an necessary added cost, time and effort. To avoid the problem, the researchers may use sampling formula like the Slovin’s formula or the Lynch and other formula.
D> Sampling Design
Sampling is the process which involves taking part of the population, making observations on this representative groups, and then generalizing the findings to the bigger population.
The research study uses a certain design. Sampling design has two(2) classifications:
1. Probability or Random Sampling Design
Each unit of the population has known probability of being selected or included in the sample. This type of sampling makes possible the selection of sample representative of the population under investigation. The best way to ensure this design is to make sure that there is no bias enters the selection process. That the researcher or other factor cannot consciously or unconsciously influence who gets chosen to be in the sample.
* Simple Random
It is the best known and most commonly used probability sampling. the two methods are lottery and table of random sampling.A simple random is one in which each and every member of the population has an equal and independent chance of being selected. If the sample is large one, it is the best way yet devised by human beings to obtain a sample that is representative of the population from which it has been selected.
* Stratified Sampling
It is a process of selecting of samples from the different classes or strata of the population involved in the research. Each class is treated as a different population.
* Cluster Sampling
This sampling technique involves the selection of the samples in a group and is usually applied on a geographical basis in a heterogonous population. members of the sample are selected in cluster rather that in using separate indviduals. it is atype of sampling in which groups not individuals are randomly selected.
* Systematic Sampling with a random start. it is a strategy for selecting the members of the sample that allows only a chance and a system to determine the membership in the sample. a system is a planned strategy for selecting members after a starting point is selected at random, such as every fifth subject, every tenth subject, etc.
2. Non-Probability or Non-Random Sampling Design
Each unit of the population will be selected is not known, nor is there any assurance that every unit has a chance of being selected; some in fact, have no chance to be chosen. it is one where not all elements in the population frame have an equal change of being selected.
*
* Purposive Sampling/ Deliberate( Judgment) sampling
The respondents are selected based on the judgment of who best qualify the objectives of the research./ the researcher selects a particular group based on certain criteria .
* Quota Sampling
This method involves the taking of the desired number of respondents with the required characteristics proportionate to the population under study.This is often times used for infinite population and therefore the researcher cannot get a random sample form such a big population.
*Accidental or Covenience sampling
This technique involves the conduct of the study wherein respondents are selected based on the convenience of the researcher.this is a sampling strategy based on the convenience of the researcher. this strategy allows the use of any available group of the research activities. two of these are snowballing and network sampling.
E> Subjects of the Study or Respondents of the Study
The respondents are the individuals who respond and who answer various questions
F > Research Instrument
These are some researches instruments can be used in the research such as questionnaires or interview. The instrument used to collect data is a questionnaire. This is used because it gathers data faster than any other method. In the development of the questionnaire, the researcher may read study some samples of questionnaires from related studies then he may prepare a questionnaire for his study. He may also consult some knowledgeable people about how to prepare it. After formulating the questionnaire, he should submit it to a panel of evaluators who are experts in the field.
G> Validity and Reliability of the Test
In research, the concept of validity and reliability refers specifically to the measurement of data. This is used to answer the research questions. In most cases, the instrument that measures for variables is the central issue in determining the variability and reliability of data. Specifically reliability means the degree of consistency and accuracy with which an instrument measures a variable, while validity refers to the extent to which an instrument measures what it is designed to measure.
H> Data Gathering Procedure or Research Procedure
The process by which the researcher requires subjects and collects the information needed to answer the research problem is referred to data collection. In collecting the data, the researcher must decide which data to collect, how to collect the data, when to collect and who will collect the data.
CHAPTER 1V
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA
This chapter answers the statement of the problem and arrange according to the flow in chapter III. This is the chapter result.
CHAPTER V
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS
Summarizes what has transpired during the study, concludes the findings and recommends to the readers what is to be done for future study
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Your comprehensive list of references may be called “work cited”, references, or bibliography, but certain requirements apply to the list of references no matter what it is called. This gives the listing of books according to some systems or reference plan like author, subject or date. It gives the list of works of a specific author or publisher. It is a list of writings relating to a given subject in preparing a particular work.
NOTE:
The researcher should use:
1. Arial type
2. 12 font size
3. double space between sentences and three (3) spaces between titles, sub titles, paragraphs and from one paragraph to another paragraph
4. consistent in size and styles from beginning to last page.