GUIDE ON RESEARCH, PROPOSAL, AND SEMINAR WRITING
1. PRELIMINARY PAGES
The preliminary pages include: Cover Page, Declaration, Certification,
Dedication, Acknowledgement, Abstract/Keywords, Table of
Contents, List of Figures, List of Tables, and Abbreviations/Acronyms.
1.1 Cover Page
- Contains the research title in a black box (no ribbon, border, or color).
- Center the box about one-third down the page.
1.2 Declaration
A statement confirming that the research is original and has not been
submitted elsewhere.
Example:
> I, [Name], declare that this research project titled “[Title]” is my original
work and has not been submitted elsewhere for any academic award. All
sources of materials have been duly acknowledged.
1.3 Certification
Confirms the work was done under supervision and includes the supervisor’s
name and signature.
Example:
> Certified by [Supervisor’s Name], [Degree].
1.4 Dedication
Dedicated to individuals or families (use only surnames, not full names). Do
not include “God” here.
1.5 Acknowledgement
Appreciate contributors from highest to lowest: supervisor, lecturers, staff,
participants, family, and finally God.
1.6 Abstract and Keywords
Summarizes the study’s background, objectives, methodology, results,
and conclusion. Keep it under three-quarters of a page.
Keywords follow immediately. Example: Keywords: malaria, pregnancy,
prevalence.
1.7 Tables, Figures, and Abbreviations
Include all figures and tables with corresponding page numbers. List
abbreviations alphabetically.
2. RESEARCH FORMAT AND WRITING
Font and Formatting
- Font: Times New Roman
- Font sizes:
- Main heading: 16 (bold)
- Subheading: 14 (bold)
- Sub-subheading: 12 (bold)
- Body text: 12
- Line spacing: 1.5
- Alignment: Justified
- Margins: 2.5 cm
- Scientific names in italics
- Preliminary pages: Roman numerals; Main text: Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3…)
3. CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
Chapter one contains: Background, Problem Statement, Rationale,
Hypothesis, Research Questions, Objectives, and Significance.
3.1 Background
Define and introduce the topic.
Include statistics at global, African, and local (Cameroon or regional)
levels.
Explain public health importance, risk factors, and knowledge gaps.
Highlight why the topic is important to study.
3.2 Problem Statement
Start with a short literature-based summary.
Then emphasize the existing gap using:
> “Despite existing data, there still exists this problem, which could be
due to…”
3.3 Rationale
Two parts:
1. Scientific reasoning (why the problem exists)
2. Personal justification (why you are doing the research)
3.4 Hypothesis
Null (H₀): contradicts the research aim.
> H₀: There is no significant prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among
women of reproductive age in ADESO Clinic.
Alternative (H₁): supports the research objective.
> H₁: There is a significant prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among
women of reproductive age in ADESO Clinic.
3.5 Research Questions
Derived from the topic and should always end with a question mark.
3.6 Objectives
General Objective: add “To” to the research title.
Specific Objectives: break down the general one into measurable
steps derived from the research questions.
3.7 Significance
State the importance and benefits of the research — how it will help the
scientific community, the public, or health policies.
4. REFERENCING (VANCOUVER STYLE)
General Rules:
- Citations are numbered in order of appearance: [1], [2], [3]…
- References are listed numerically (not alphabetically).
- Punctuation and order must be exact.
Article Format
(Number). (Authors). (Title). (Journal Abbreviation). (Year);(Volume):(Page).
Example:
2. Zhao D, Liu D, Shivang W, Yueyang W, Qu P, Minong Y, et al. Association
between Maternal Blood Glucose Levels during Pregnancy and Birth
Outcomes: Int J Biol Med Sci. 2023;20(3):2102.
Book Format
(Number). (Author). (Book Title). (Edition). (Place of Publication). (Publisher);
(Year). (Page).
Example:
1. Cheesbrough M. District Laboratory Practice in Tropical Countries. 2nd
ed. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press; 2009. p.26.
Website Format
(Number). (Owner/Organization). (Title: Subtitle). (date of last review: DD
Month YYYY). Available at: (link). (date accessed: DD Month YYYY).
Example:
1. WHO. Malaria: Intermittent preventive treatment to reduce the risk of
malaria during pregnancy. (date of last review: 9 August 2023). Available at:
[Link] (date
accessed: 16 August 2025).
5. SUMMARY
To prepare a research, proposal, or seminar document:
1. Follow the correct structure and formatting.
2. Write clear preliminary pages and organized chapters.
3. Use Vancouver referencing correctly.
4. Maintain academic tone and scientific precision.