THE NO-NONSENSE

RESEARCHER'S GUIDE
Master Research Proposals · Research Papers · Theses

Based on Makerere University DRGT Guidelines

& Research Methodology Best Practices

Everything you need to be the best researcher at your university

BEFORE YOU START: The Researcher's Mindset
Most students fail at research not because they lack intelligence — they fail because they don't
understand the rules of the game. This guide gives you those rules in plain language, based directly
on the Makerere University Directorate of Research and Graduate Training (DRGT) guidelines.

🎯 The Golden Rule

Every section you write must answer one question: WHY SHOULD ANYONE CARE? If
you cannot answer that, rewrite it.

⚡ The Big Difference

A Research PROPOSAL says what you WILL do. A Research PAPER/REPORT says
what you DID. A THESIS is a long-form paper submitted for a degree award. These are
three different documents with different rules.
 THE RESEARCH PROPOSAL
1 What you will do, how you will do it — before you do it

A research proposal is your intellectual contract with your institution. It tells your supervisors: here is
the problem, here is why it matters, and here is exactly how I will investigate it.

1.1 What the Makerere Format Requires

📏 Length Rules (Non-Negotiable)
Masters proposal: max 15 pages (excluding appendices) PhD/Postdoc proposal: max 25
pages (excluding appendices) Font: Times New Roman, size 12 | Line spacing: 1.5 |
Margins: 1 inch on all sides

1.2 The 18-Part Proposal Blueprint

Follow this order exactly. Each component is explained below.

PART 1 — Title
• Maximum 20 words. Make it specific, not vague.
• Include the key variables and context.
• NEVER write "A Study of..." or "Research into..." — just state the topic directly.

✅ Good Title vs ❌ Bad Title

✅ GOOD: 'Mobile Money Adoption and Financial Inclusion Among Rural Women in
Kamuli District, Uganda' ❌ BAD: 'A Study of the Impact of Technology on Rural People
in Uganda'

PART 2 — Background / Introduction (~600 words)

• Paint the picture: what is the situation RIGHT NOW?
• Identify the GAP — what is missing, wrong, or unknown?
• Make the reader feel the urgency. By the end, they should think 'yes, this needs to be
studied.'
• Font: Times New Roman 12, 1.5 spacing as required by Makerere DRGT.

PART 3 — Statement of the Problem (max 1 page)

This is the most critical section. Get it wrong and your whole proposal falls apart.

• The problem is an EXISTING NEGATIVE STATE — not just the absence of a solution.
• State: what has been detected? What is the magnitude of the problem?
• Link to national priorities: Uganda's NDP, African Union agenda, and Global SDGs.
• Answer: What happens if this research is NOT done?
 [Link]

🔑 The Problem Statement Formula

1. What is the situation? (evidence) 2. What is wrong with that situation? (the problem)
3. What is the gap in knowledge/practice? (why we need research) 4. What will change if
this is studied? (significance)

PART 4 — General Objective / Aim

One sentence. States the overall purpose of the entire study. Example: 'To investigate the factors
influencing mobile money adoption among rural women in Kamuli District.'

PART 5 — Specific Objectives

Break the general objective into 3–5 measurable, specific aims. Each one MUST have a
corresponding method in your methodology chapter.

• Start each with an action verb: To assess, To examine, To determine, To compare, To

evaluate.
• Each objective = one method = one results chapter.

PART 6 — Significance / Contribution

• Academic contribution: what new knowledge will this add to the field?
• Practical contribution: who will use these findings and how?
• Socioeconomic value to the community.

PART 7 — Justification / Rationale

Answer one brutal question: Would the world collapse if this research is not done? Argue
convincingly that it matters. Connect to real-world consequences.

PART 8 — Theoretical / Conceptual Framework (Masters & PhD)

• Theoretical Framework: Discuss existing theories that explain your variables.
• Conceptual Framework: A DIAGRAM showing how your variables relate to each other.
• This is mandatory for Masters and PhD proposals.

PART 9 — Scope
Set boundaries. Define: geographic area, time period, population, depth of investigation, theoretical
coverage. Don't try to study everything.

PART 10 — Literature Review

• Analyse — don't just describe — what others have found.
• Reveal contributions, weaknesses, and GAPS in existing research.
 • Organise by THEMES linked to your objectives, not by author or date.
• Use APA 6th Edition citations throughout.

⚠️Common Mistake
Do NOT write a literature review that simply summarises paper after paper. That is a
bibliography, not a review. You must critically analyse — compare, contrast, challenge,
and identify what is missing.

PART 11 — Hypotheses / Research Questions

• Hypotheses must be TESTABLE (null or alternate).
• Research questions guide qualitative studies where hypotheses are inappropriate.
• Place these after literature review or specific objectives.

PART 12 — Methodology (The Heart of Your Proposal)

This section proves you know HOW to answer your research questions. It must be detailed and
unambiguous.

1. Research Design: historical, descriptive survey, experimental, quasi-experimental?

2. Research Approach: Quantitative, Qualitative, or Mixed Methods?
3. Study Area: Describe the geographic area and why you chose it.
4. Population: Describe who/what you are studying.
5. Sampling Strategy: How will you select a representative sample? Justify your sample size.
6. Data Collection Methods: Questionnaires, interviews, observation, document analysis, lab
experiments?
7. Data Quality: How will you ensure reliability and validity of your instruments?
8. Measurements: What scales, formulae, or indexes will you use?
9. Data Analysis: What software/statistical methods? How will you interpret findings?

💡 Pro Tip
For every specific objective you listed, show exactly how your methodology will address
it. Examiners check this alignment closely.

PART 13 — Ethical Considerations

• Informed consent: how will participants agree to take part?
• Beneficence: how does the study benefit participants?
• Justice: is the study fair to all groups?
• State WHERE ethical clearance has been or will be obtained.

PART 14 — Environmental Considerations

Where applicable, address any environmental impact of your study.
PART 15 — Gender Considerations
Identify gender issues your study addresses and how gender will be handled in the analysis.

PART 16 — Limitations (Optional)

Anticipated constraints of your methods or context. Show how you will address them. Important:
limitations must NOT be so severe that they would stop the study.

PART 17 — References
List ALL works cited, in APA 6th Edition format. Makerere's approved citation style. See Section 4 of
this guide for the complete APA rules.

PART 18 — Appendices
• Budget: itemised and realistic (equipment, travel, stationery, printing, dissemination, etc.).
• Work Plan / Gantt Chart: schedule of all activities with timelines.
• Research Instruments: questionnaire, interview guide, observation checklist, etc.
• Explanatory Notes: approval letters, maps, area lists.
 THE RESEARCH PAPER / REPORT
2 What you found, what it means, and why it matters

A research report/paper is the account of completed research. You have done the work — now you
write it up clearly. The structure is similar to your proposal but shifted to past tense and focused on
FINDINGS.

2.1 The Two-Part Structure

PART A — Preliminaries (Roman numerals: i, ii, iii...)
Component What It Contains
Title Page University logo, title in CAPS, your name, qualifications, submission
statement, date. NOT numbered.
Declaration Statement that this is original work, not submitted elsewhere. You sign.
Supervisors sign.
Copyright © symbol with your name and year.
Dedication Optional. Who this is for.
Acknowledgements Thank supervisors, funders, participants.
Table of Contents All headings and their page numbers starting from Declaration.
List of Tables All tables with page numbers.
List of Figures All figures/plates/illustrations with page numbers.
List of Any abbreviations used beyond common ones (AIDS, HIV can be
Abbreviations omitted).
Abstract Max 300 words. Type of study, purpose, objectives, methodology, key
findings, conclusion, recommendations.

PART B — The Body (Arabic numerals: 1, 2, 3...)

Makerere accepts two formats for a thesis/dissertation body:

FORMAT 1: Monograph (Traditional)

Chapter 1: Introduction Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 3: Methodology Chapter 4:
Results / Findings Chapter 5: Discussion Chapter 6: Conclusions & Recommendations

FORMAT 2: Papers-Based (Article Thesis)

Chapter 1: General Introduction Chapter 2: Literature Review Chapter 3: General
Methodology Chapters 4, 5, 6... : Each objective = standalone chapter with its own
Introduction, Methods, Results, Discussion, Conclusion Final Chapter: General
Discussion → Conclusion → Recommendations
2.2 Writing Each Chapter
Chapter 1: Introduction
• Background: Paint the context, establish why this study is important.
• Problem Statement: Sharper and more focused than in the proposal (you now know more).
• Purpose/Aim: What did this study set out to do?
• Specific Objectives: What were the specific aims?
• Significance: Why does this matter?

Chapter 2: Literature Review

• Greater detail than the proposal version.
• Critical analysis — not just summaries.
• Organised by themes matching your objectives.
• End by clearly showing the gap YOUR study fills.

Chapter 3: Methodology
• Write in PAST TENSE: 'Data were collected...' not 'Data will be collected...'
• Describe exactly what you did so another researcher could replicate it.
• Include: design, approach, area, population, sampling, instruments, data collection, quality
control, analysis.

Chapter 4: Results / Findings

• Present findings clearly. Do NOT discuss or interpret here — just present.
• Use tables and figures effectively. Each must be labelled.
• Table caption: at the TOP. Figure caption: at the BOTTOM.
• Do not repeat in text what is already clear in a table or figure.

📊 Tables & Figures Rule

Table caption = BOLD and placed at the TOP of the table. Figure caption = placed at the
BOTTOM of the figure. Both captions should be in Times New Roman 11 (one size
smaller than body text).

Chapter 5: Discussion
• NOW interpret your findings. What do they mean?
• Compare with what other researchers found (your literature review).
• Explain unexpected results.
• Link back to your objectives — did you achieve them?

Chapter 6: Conclusions & Recommendations

• Conclusions: Summary of what the research found — research-based outcomes.
• Recommendations: Practical suggestions for policy, practice, or future research.
• The 'way forward': what should happen next?
2.3 Formatting Rules for the Body
Element Rule
Font Times New Roman, size 12, throughout the entire document
Line spacing 1.5 throughout — including all quotations and reference list
Margins 1 inch (1") on all sides
Paragraphs Block format (NOT indented), not justified, space between paragraphs
Preliminary pages Roman numerals (i, ii, iii) — title page NOT numbered
Body pages Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3) starting from Introduction
Page numbers All in lower centre position
Numbers in text Words for 1–9; numerals for 10 and above
Binding (exam) Spiral bound
Final binding Hard cover, black, with golden letters on the spine
 THESIS vs DISSERTATION
3 What's the difference and what Makerere requires

THESIS DISSERTATION
Definition Original contribution by research Original contribution by coursework AND
ALONE research
Award PhD (research-only) Masters or PhD incorporating
Level coursework
Title Page 'A THESIS SUBMITTED TO THE 'A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO
Text DIRECTORATE OF RESEARCH AND THE GRADUATE SCHOOL IN PARTIAL
GRADUATE TRAINING...' FULFILMENT...'
Nature Standalone research contribution Partial fulfilment of degree requirements

3.1 Title Page Requirements

• University logo and name of MAKERERE UNIVERSITY — centred.
• Title in FULL CAPITALS — centred.
• BY — centred.
• Your FULL NAME and previous qualifications with awarding institutions.
• Submission statement (Thesis or Dissertation + degree being sought + Makerere University).
• Month and Year of submission — centred.
• All text must be centred. 1-inch margins on A4 paper.

3.2 Declaration Page Requirements

• Statement that the work is ORIGINAL and not submitted elsewhere. You sign below it.
• Supervisors sign with their names, qualifications, and date.
• Statement: 'This thesis/dissertation has been submitted for examination with the approval of
the following supervisors.'

3.3 Submission of Final Thesis/Dissertation

• Submit spiral-bound copy for examination.
• Final copy: hard cover bound, BLACK colour, GOLDEN letters.
• Spine must show: degree award, your name, and year.
• Also submit an approved electronic copy (MS Word or PDF) on a virus-free CD to the
DRGT.
• Submit the abstract as a SEPARATE document on CD.
 APA 6th EDITION CITATIONS
4 Makerere's approved citation format — master this

Makerere University uses APA 6th Edition as the standard citation format. Here are the rules you
MUST know.

4.1 In-Text Citations

The Author-Date Method
Insert the author's LAST NAME and YEAR in the text: • One author: (Smith, 2019) or
Smith (2019) found that... • Two authors: (Owens & Munene, 1994) — always use & not
'and' inside brackets • 3–5 authors: cite ALL names first time; then first author + et al. •
6+ authors: first author et al. from the start • No author: first few words of title in quotes
or italics

4.2 Quotation Rules

• Short quote (under 40 words): put in double quotation marks within the text. Include page
number.
• Long quote (40+ words): indent as a freestanding block. NO quotation marks. Include page
number.
• Always include author, year, AND page number for any direct quote.

4.3 Reference List Examples

Note: The reference list cites ONLY works you cited in the text — not everything you read.

Journal Article
Beyeza-Kashesya, J., Ekstrom, A.M., Kaharuza, F., Mirembe, F., Neema,
S., & Kulane, A. (2010). My partner wants a child: A cross-sectional
study of the determinants of the desire for children among mutually
disclosed sero-discordant couples receiving care in Uganda. Biomed
Central Public Health, 10(247). doi:10.1186/1471-2458-10247

Book
American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual (6th
ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

Unpublished Thesis
Musisi, J.F.G. (1997). Academic achievement as a function of career
guidance. Unpublished master's thesis, Makerere University, Kampala,
Uganda.
Newspaper Article (No Author)
PLE results are out. (1996, March 19). New Vision, p.1. [Cited in text
as: (PLE Results, 1996)]

4.4 Abbreviation Rules

• First use: write out the full term, then put the abbreviation in brackets: The National
Development Plan (NDP)...
• After that, use the abbreviation only — do NOT alternate back to the full form.
• Well-known abbreviations (AIDS, HIV, IQ) do not need to be written out.
• Latin abbreviations (e.g., i.e., cf., etc.) stay in brackets only — use English translations in
main text.
 HEADING STRUCTURE
5 How to organise and structure your document

APA proposes five heading levels. Use only what you need — don't use all five just because they
exist.

Level Format Example Used For

5 Centred, ALL CAPS INTRODUCTION Major chapters in
dissertations
1 Centred, Title Case Literature Review Main sections of
proposals
2 Centred, Title Case, Underlined/Italics Research Design Sub-sections
3 Left-aligned, Title Case, Underlined Sampling Sub-sub-sections
Strategy
4 Indented, lowercase, underlined, ends with Data sources. Lowest level detail
period.

How Many Levels to Use

1 level needed → use Level 2 2 levels needed → use Levels 2 and 4 3 levels needed →
use Levels 2, 4, and 5 4 levels needed → use Levels 2 through 5 Do NOT number your
headings (e.g. 1.1, 1.2) unless your discipline specifically requires it.
 SUBMISSION CHECKLISTS
6 Don't submit without going through these

6.1 Research Proposal Checklist

✓ Item Details
☐ Title ≤20 words, no 'Study of...' or 'Research into...'

☐ Background ~600 words, identifies gap, Times New Roman 12, 1.5
spacing

☐ Problem Statement ≤1 page, links to NDP/SDGs, states magnitude

☐ General Objective One sentence, states overall aim

☐ Specific Objectives 3–5 objectives, each has a corresponding method

☐ Significance Academic AND practical contribution stated

☐ Framework Theoretical or Conceptual Framework diagram included

(Masters/PhD)

☐ Scope Geographic, time, population, theoretical boundaries

defined

☐ Literature Review Critical analysis by themes, not just summaries

☐ Methodology All 9 sub-sections covered, aligned to each objective

☐ Ethics Consent, beneficence, justice, clearance statement

included

☐ References APA 6th Edition, all in-text citations appear here

☐ Budget Itemised, realistic, includes all categories

☐ Work Plan Gantt chart or table with all activities and timelines

☐ Instruments Questionnaire/interview guide included in appendix

☐ Length Masters ≤15 pages / PhD ≤25 pages (excl. appendices)

6.2 Thesis / Dissertation Final Checklist

✓ Item Details
☐ Title Page Makerere logo, CAPS title, name, qualifications,
submission statement, date

☐ Declaration Your signature + supervisor signatures with dates

☐ Abstract ≤300 words: study type, objectives, methods, findings,

conclusions

☐ Roman numerals Preliminary pages numbered i, ii, iii... (title page not
numbered)

☐ Arabic numerals Body pages 1, 2, 3... from Introduction

☐ All page numbers Lower centre position

☐ Font & spacing Times New Roman 12, 1.5 line spacing throughout

☐ Margins 1 inch (1") all sides

☐ References Only works cited in text, APA 6th Edition

☐ Table captions Bold, at TOP of each table

☐ Figure captions At BOTTOM of each figure

☐ Electronic copy MS Word or PDF on virus-free CD, submitted to DRGT

☐ Binding Spiral for examination / Black hardcover for final

☐ Supervisor clearance Letter from supervisor confirming all amendments

addressed
 TOP 10 TIPS TO BE THE BEST RESEARCHER
7 What separates excellent researchers from average ones

Read obsessively in your area.

1 Read everything you can in your field. The best proposals come from researchers who
know the literature so well they can spot the gaps instantly.

Start with the problem, not the method.

2 Most beginners think about methods first. Wrong. Start with a sharp, well-defined
problem. The right methods will follow naturally.

Write your objectives first, then check everything else aligns.

3 Your title, literature review, methodology, results, and discussion must ALL align with
your specific objectives. Misalignment is the most common examiner complaint.

Consult your supervisor early and often.

4 Don't disappear for months then reappear with a draft. Supervisors help you avoid costly
mistakes. Show them sections as you write them.

Use simple, precise language.

5 Academic writing does not mean complicated writing. Short sentences, clear terms, zero
ambiguity. If a non-specialist can't understand it, rewrite it.

Keep a research journal.

6 Write notes, ideas, observations, and reflections throughout your research. This raw
material becomes invaluable when writing up.

Master APA 6th Edition.

7 Citation errors make you look sloppy. Know the rules and apply them consistently. Use
reference management software (Mendeley, Zotero) if possible.

Back up your work. Always.

8 Use cloud storage. Your data, notes, drafts — back them up in at least two locations.
Losing work to a hard drive failure is devastating and avoidable.

Get ethical clearance early.

9 Ethical review can take weeks. Apply as early as possible. Without clearance, you
cannot collect data. This is non-negotiable.
 Be honest about limitations.
10 Strong researchers acknowledge the limits of their work. Pretending your study has no
limitations makes examiners doubt everything else you wrote.
 FINAL WORD
The best researcher is not the smartest person in the room.
It's the one who is most disciplined, most curious, and most honest.
Follow this guide. Follow the Makerere format. And go do research that
matters.

Based on: Makerere University DRGT Guidelines for Research Proposals, Research Reports, Thesis and Dissertations
(March 2011)