CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION
1.0 Overview
1.1 Background
1.2 Statement of the problem
1.3.1 General objective
1.3.2 Specific objectives
1.4 Research questions or Research hypotheses
The Background of the study may highlight the scope, context,
historical developments, concepts, perspectives, trend, magnitude of
the problem, effects, consequences, etc. Further, this section is
supposed to be written in past tense within about two pages.
Statement of the problem is supposed to be in present tense,
highlighting; the magnitude of the problem, the gaps in knowledge, the
discrepancy that exists between the idea and actual situation, and
demonstrate the existence of the problem. The researcher should
qualify why the study is necessary and show why the research
warrants further research.
Objectives are supposed to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Realistically stated; taking into account the socio-economic and
political conditions, and Timely. Objectives are supposed to be
developed using action verbs such as to; verify, establish, find out,
ascertain, analyze, etc. The variables, theory, literature review and
data collection are supposed to match with the objectives. Objectives
bring focus to the study.
Research questions should reflect what is stated under each particular
objective. Research questions are ideal for qualitative studies. In
quantitative studies, the research is guided by research hypotheses
with are supposed to be; testable, specific, bias free, etc.
The variables in the theory or conceptual framework should match with
the variables in the objectives, the two should go together. Equally, the
theory or conceptual framework should match with the literature
review and other sections. A theory should be relevant to your field of
study and you should show its application to your work. Further, the
variables in the theory should match with the objectives, literature
review, etc.
In literature review, discuss the themes developed from the objectives;
discuss from
Global, Africa, Sub Saharan, Zambia, etc. perspectives on each theme.
Do not produce headings showing “Global, African, sub Saharan, and
Zambian; perspectives”. Further, add the other sections such as
personal critique of the literature and establishment of
research gap.
The sub headings in the literature review are supposed to
developed from the objectives (maintain the context), develop a
theme out of a given objective. Number the themes accordingly and
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discuss studies done at global, Africa, Sub Saharan and Zambia. Report
on; who did the study, where, when, what was the methodology
(research design, analysis and sampling designs), sample size,
findings, conclusions.
Methodology should be fully explained and justified; Why do you
propose to use a particular method? and how is it going to be applied
or implemented in the research project to be undertaken?
Choose the most appropriate research design; case study, exploratory,
descriptive, action research, causal research design, experimental
research design, explanatory, analytical, cross sectional, longitudinal,
ethnography, grounded theory, etc.
Note that Qualitative Mixed Methods and Quantitative are not
designs, rather they are approaches.
Choose the appropriate sampling technique for the study, explain how
it is going to be applied and justify why it is relevant for your study.
The sampling technique chosen should match with the approach of
the study whether qualitative or quantitative.
Sampling techniques includes; simple random sampling, stratified,
cluster, cluster multistage, systematic, quota, snowball, purposive, and
convenience sampling.
Data collection should be based on the objectives stated. Develop a set
of indicators for each objective that you have stated. Then collect data
on each indicator. Each objective will be evaluated by its own set of
indicators, and each objective will form a specific section in the
questionnaire. The questions should not be ambiguous, threatening,
double barreled, leading, technical jargon, taboo, etc. That's the logic
and reasoning to be observed here. Data collection methods includes;
Focus Group Discussions,
Questionnaires (Survey), Observation, In-depth interviews, Census, etc.
Secondary data from credible sources (Govt Departments, World Bank,
NGOs, IMF, CSO, etc.) may also be relevant. However, the researcher
needs to collect primary data as well.
During data analysis, tabulate results to establish the objectives and
research questions/ hypotheses. Results are supposed to respond to
the objectives and research questions/ hypotheses. Use Regression,
ANOVA, Time series, Chi-squire, Hypothesis testing, Confidence
intervals, Cross-tabulations, Correlation, Descriptive analysis,
Inferential analysis, etc. Analyze and interpret the findings accordingly.
Tabulate the results systematically based on the objective and/or
research questions or hypotheses stated.
Label the charts as well as tables (give them titles, i.e. Figure
1.1, Table 1.1 respectively).
The font of the title should be done in New Times Roman,12 point, and
bold. The font size in the charts and figures should be in New Times
Roman,12 point and not in bold.
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The conclusions should be specific and clear. They should bring out the
key findings.
These are bold empirical declarations that a researcher makes based
on their research objectives and findings. The recommendations should
be based on the results tabulated and the conclusions made. They are
not supposed to be speculative.
At report stage, the researcher will be requested to develop an
Abstract of 500 words, summarizing the whole work and
focusing on the; Background, statement of the problem,
objectives, methodology, results and conclusions. It may be
done in one continuous paragraph. Further, identify five key
words and put them below the abstract.
Once the research work is at report stage, you will be give the format
for your work and edit accordingly. Do not distort the structure of the
pages or format. Maintain the structure of the pages the way it is, only
insert your details into the template by typing into the text.
Print and submit a spiral copy of the proposal to the department, and
the final report for peer review and authorization in order to advance
to the next stage of the research.
Finally, the researcher will be requested to print and bind three copies
of their/ Report/ thesis.
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