OT 6340 RESEARCH PROJECT

PREAMBLE

This handbook on The Guidelines on Thesis Format for Bachelor Programme is intended to assist Perdana University School of Occupational Therapy (PUScOT) students in preparing their thesis to adhere to Perdana University Thesis Style.

It is the responsibility of each student to ensure that his or her work conforms to the guidelines set in this guideline. The policies, format and style requirements in this guideline reflect Perdana University’s standards for scholarship and high quality of work.

The guidelines are reviewed and updated periodically to reflect the dynamic nature of scholarship. Students should not follow the format of a previously written thesis, nor should they rely on a former version of the guidelines. Thesis submission that does not fully comply with these guidelines will not be accepted.

1. GENERAL REQUIREMENTS OF A THESIS

1.1 Language

Thesis must be written in English with British (UK) spelling used throughout the thesis. Final oral defence (VIVA-VOCE) will be conducted solely in English.

1.2 Technical Specification

Printing should be done on a letter-quality or laser printer. Only the original word-processed copy of a thesis or its good and clean photocopies will be accepted.

Once corrections have been endorsed by examiner(s) and approval letter for binding is issued, TWO (2) hardbound copies of thesis together with TWO (2) soft copies in CD (PDF) format must be submitted within the time frame stipulated by the School.

1.3 Thesis Title (Hard cover)

Thesis title should not contain formulas, symbols or subscripts, Greek letters, or other non- alphabetical symbols; rather word substitutes are used. No short forms and scientific words should be italicized.

The thesis cover should be bound in black buckram with gold lettering. This page should contain the following information (Refer to Appendix A):

• The name of the University is written in full, bold, uppercase, centred using 18-point font and Times New Roman.
• The final title used must be the one approved by the panel of examiners. It should be centred, uppercase, bold, single-spaced using 18-point font and Times New Roman.
• Name of the student must be uppercase, bold using 18-point font and Times New Roman.
• Name of degree title award is typed in title case using 18-point font, Times New Roman and bold (e.g: BSc (Hons) in Occupational Therapy) as stated in the offer letter issued by Perdana University.
• The year of the final hardbound submission for binding is to be stated 3 cm below the name of degree title award, 18-point font, Times New Roman and bold.
• For the spine, put information of student name, final title and year hardbound submission- 16 point font, bold, Times New Roman and upper case.

1.4 Page Layout

The text should be represented in the portrait layout. The landscape layout may be used for figures and tables

1.5 Type of Paper

High quality bond paper A4 with 80g thickness must be used for 2 hardbound copies. This paper should be white colour, acid free and ‘non-erasable’ kind.

1.6 Typeface and Font Size

The entire text of the thesis, including headings and page numbers, must be produced with Times New Roman. The font size should be 12-point and should not be scripted or italicised except for scientific names and terms in a different language (excluding the entire Bahasa Melayu abstract section). Bold print is to be used for chapter number, chapter title, headings and its subheadings. Footnotes in tables should be 8-point.

1.7 Margins

A margin is the amount of blank space from the edge of the page to any print, be it a heading, page number, figure, or text. The finished thesis must have the margins indicated below.

Margin requirements extend to tables, figures, and material in the appendix. A proper setting of the printer is required to ensure the final manuscript is printed as specified. You may want to use a ruler to measure the actual margins since interfaces between computers and printers can vary the measurement of the margins. Note that all margins must be specified as follows EXCEPT front cover (refer to Appendix A). Below is the margins details:

1.8 Spacing

The first line of all paragraphs should be indented one tab key from the left-hand margin. The main body text should be justified. In the main body, use 1.5-line spacing. Leave a 1.5 line spacing before a heading.

The following, however, should be single-spaced:

• Footnotes (if absolutely necessary)
• Multi-line captions (table, figures)
• Appendices, such as questionnaires, letters
• Headings or subheadings
• Confirmation by panel of examiners (refer to Appendix E)
• Author’s declaration (refer to Appendix F)
• Abstract (refer to Appendix G)
• Acknowledgement (refer to Appendix H)
• Table of contents (refer to Appendix I)
• List of tables (refer to Appendix J)
• List of figures (refer to Appendix K)
• List of symbols (refer to Appendix L)
• List of abbreviations (refer to Appendix M)
• List of appendices (refer to Appendix N)

1.9 Pagination

Page numbers should be placed at the bottom of the page and centred.

1. Each page in the thesis, from the body onward, should be numbered in consecutive order. This includes the text, references, and appendices.
2. Preliminary pages carry lowercase Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, etc.). The first page of Chapter One marks the starting of pagination in Arabic numerals (1, 2, 3, etc.).
3. The first page should be the title page. This page should be counted as page “I” but should not be printed.
4. Font for pagination should be in Times New Roman.

1.10 Numbering the Chapters and Sub-sections

All chapters and their sub-sections must be labelled and numbered.

1.  The chapters are numbered using Arabic numeric, bold and caps lock (e.g:
2. The subsections must be bold, caps lock (only for first and second level) and should not be indented but arranged in a structured manner not more than four levels as follows:

CHAPTER 1, CHAPTER 2, CHAPTER 3)

1  First level (TITLE OF THE CHAPTER)

1.1  Second level (TITLE OF THE SUB-SECTION)

1.1.1  Third level (title of the sub-sub-section)

1.1.1.1  Fourth level (title of the sub-sub-sub-section)

1. Refer to Appendix P.

1.11 Tables

Do ensure that each table shown in the thesis, including those in Appendices, is referred to in the text. Tables should be numbered with Arabic numerals throughout the thesis including both text and Appendices. Caption of table must be bold, font-10, Times New Roman.

Number the tables by chapter, e.g. Table 1.1, Table 1.2 and Table 1.3 to indicate they belong to Chapter 1, Table 2.1, Table 2.2 and Table 2.3 to Chapter 2, and so on. A table should be on the same page following the first reference to it, or if this is not possible, as soon as possible in the following pages.

When a large table is placed in a landscape orientation, the top of the printed page should be at the thesis binding edge. Page number for landscape orientation remained on the bottom right of the page. The table number, title and caption are typed single-spaced and placed above the table left aligned (Appendix C). The style used must be consistent throughout the thesis. Table sources and notes should be placed directly below the table. If a table has a source, but has been adapted, indicate by using “Adapted from...” instead of “Source...”Avoid the use of vertical lines to separate columns within a table unless absolutely necessary.

1.12  Figures

As with tables, ensure that each figure in the thesis is referred to in the text. Figures include maps, charts, graphs, diagrams, photographs (or plates), engineering drawings and printed images. They are numbered consecutively or according to the chapter throughout the thesis, including those in the Appendices. Caption of table must be bold, font-10, Times New Roman.

The figure number, title and caption should be typed single-spaced and placed below the figure left aligned using Arabic numeral and lowercase (Appendix D). Figures should be inserted as soon as possible after their first mention in the text. As with tables, the style used must be consistent throughout the thesis.

If a figure has a source, but has been adapted, indicate by using “Adapted from...” instead of “Source...” A figure should be at least half a page in size. It should not be sandwiched between two paragraphs. A figure drawn in the landscape format should have the top of the figure at the binding edge. The figure number, title and caption should be typed parallel to the orientation of the figure. Figures should conform to standard margin requirements. All figures must be printed in colour.

1.13 Binding

Before making the required number of copies and binding the thesis, ensure that all University requirements for a thesis have been met and necessary signatures and approval have been obtained from the examiner(s), PUScOT Research Coordinator and the Dean. Check that all pages are in the correct order.

The thesis should be bound with a black buckram hard cover and the binding should be of a fixed kind in which pages are permanently secured. The requirements for the front cover should be adhered to as stated in Subsection 2.3 and the Appendix A & Appendix B. All the figures must be printed in colours.

1.14 Length of Thesis

Total number of words for an Undergraduate thesis should be at least 10,000 words.

The total number of words does not include endnotes, quotations, appendixes, tables and diagrams.

2. FORMAT OF THESIS

A thesis generally consists of 3 main parts: preliminary pages; text or main body, usually divided into chapters and sections; and supporting pages containing references, appendices and biodata of the student. The entire thesis should be bound in a single volume. The arrangement of thesis content MUST follow the sequence as stated below:

2.1 Title Page

This page should contain the following information (Refer to Appendix B):

• The name of the University is written in full, bold, uppercase and centred using 18-point font
• The final title used must be the one approved by the panel of examiners. It should be centred, uppercase, bold and single-spaced using 18-point size.
• Name of the author must be uppercase and bold using 14-point size.
• The degree thesis is submitted is typed in title case using 14-point font. (e.g. Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Occupational Therapy) as stated in the offer letter issued by Perdana University. It should be indicated that the thesis is being submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the particular degree.
• The faculty in which the student is registered is written in title case and bold using 14- point size.
• The year of the final hardbound submission for binding is to be stated 2 cm below the name of the faculty, 14-point size and bold.

2.2 Confirmation by Panel of Examiners

The student is provided with a copy of the Confirmation by Panel of Examiners which names should be included in the preliminary page (ii). The page is signed by the current Dean of PUScOT (Refer to Appendix E).

2.3 Author’s Declaration

This page must be signed by the author and this author’s declaration page is for stating the material presented for examination is her/his own work or how far the work contained in the thesis was the student’s own work, and stating that the thesis is not being submitted for any other academic award (Refer to Appendix F).

2.4 Abstract

The abstract should give a brief statement of the research problems, aims of the research, methodologies used, results and implications of the study. It should not be less than 250 words and must not exceed ONE PAGE (Refer to Appendix G).

2.5 Acknowledgement

In this page, it give a brief statement of appreciation in recognition of any special assistance rendered to the student during the period of research conducted. It should be typed in single spacing and should not exceed one page in length (Refer to Appendix H).

2.6 Table of Contents

Titles of chapters, headings, and subheadings must be listed in the Table of Contents and must be worded exactly as they appear in the body of the thesis (Refer to Appendix I).

2.6.1 List of Tables, and Figures

The numbers and the captions must be listed in the order they appear in the text.

• List of Tables (Refer to Appendix J)
• List of Figures (Refer to Appendix K)

2.6.2 List of Symbols and Abbreviation

These must appear after the lists of tables, figures and plates.

• List of Symbols (Refer to Appendix L)
• List of Abbreviations (Refer to Appendix M)

2.6.3  List of Appendices

These must appear after the lists of symbols and abbreviation.

• List of Appendices (Refer to Appendix N)

2.7  Body of Thesis

The text is made up of a number of chapters. The major chapters of the thesis should include but not limited to the following

2.7.1  Chapter 1- Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study

(Explain about topic/area of research, general background of research, statistic, definition)

1.2 Problem Statement

(What makes you want to conduct this study, gap or limitation from previous studies or other study that makes you want to conduct this study?)

1.3 Objectives

(The main finding you want to obtain from your study)

• General objectives (Your general objective)
• Specific objective

(From your general objective, break into more specific. Can be more than one)

1.4 Research Questions

(Based from your objective, develop research question to answered later in your Chapter 5- Discussion)

1.5 Research Hypothesis

(Based from your objective, develop alternative & null hypothesis to be proven/discuss in your chapter result and discussion)

1.6 Significance of the Study

(What/who can benefit by your research findings. Contribution of your research findings)

1.8 Definition of key terms

(Definition of terms based on your title/key term)

2.7.2 Chapter 2- Literature Review

(Discuss on details background of your study, definition, related topics findings from previous studies and gaps. Relate it to your study objectives)

2.7.3 Chapter 3- Research Methodology

3.1 Study Design

(Explain type of study design you conduct. Example: experimental, cross sectional, survey)

3.2 Study Location

(Where do you conduct your study)

3.3 Period of Data Collection

(How long you took to collect the data and your research duration)

3.4 Method of Data Collection

(Explain in detail, method you use to collect your data, presented in flow chart as well to make your reader clear about your explanation)

3.5 Study Population

(Who are the sample population of your study)

3.6 Sampling Method

(Explain types of sampling method you used. Example: convenience sampling, stratified sampling, etc.)

3.7 Sample Size

(Explain how many of your sample (n=?), based on what calculations you got these sample size. At the end of study, how many sample size you were able to receive)

3.8 Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

(Based on your study sample population, state who are able and unable to participate in your study. You may put citation if you took inclusion and exclusion criteria from somewhere)

• Inclusion Criteria
• Exclusion Criteria

3.9 Ethical Clearance and Consent

(Explain about where you received your ethical clearance in order for you to conduct this study, mention as well about the consent of your sample when they want to participate in your study. This will be inserted in appendices)

3.10 Instruments

(Explain in details, instruments you used to find your findings as stated in your objective earlier, the validity of instruments, how many questions/subsections, demographic data, name of questionnaire, is it adapted, if yes from where, put citation, how to answer the instruments is it by self-report, interview, rating scale. Attached in your appendices)

3.11 Data Analysi

(Explain how the data from your instruments including demographic data was analysed, is it by descriptive analysis or inferential analysis, how about the normality of your data, parametric or non-parametric test you will use, name of the statistical test you will use and reason why you use that test, name the version of SPSS you used. *Should match with your objectives*).

2.7.4  Chapter 4- Results/Findings

Explain about your findings, present your results based on your objective(s). Explain your demographic result - descriptive analysis result - inferential analysis result. Put suitable table to explain your result, then below the table briefly explain about the findings (data only, further discuss during discussion.

2.7.5 Chapter 5- Discussion

Discuss in detail about your findings, relate it with other findings of the study (you explained in Chapter 2-litreture review) to discuss your findings. If same, cite which study mentioned it. If not, explain why.

2.7.6 Chapter 6- Conclusion

6.1 Conclusion

(Explain conclusion of your study based on their findings)

6.2 Limitation

(What the limitations of this study. Example: sample size, instrument, duration of the study and etc)

6.3 Recommendation

(What is your recommendation to improve this study based on your limitation)

2.8 Reference Materials

2.8.1 References

Every reference quoted or cited in the thesis must be included in the list of references and numbered accordingly. References should be ordered alphabetically and follow the APA 6^th edition format of referencing.

Refer to page 21 for further information on referencing.

2.8.2 Appendices

Information or data that are too detailed for inclusion in the main body of the thesis may be included as appendices. Appendices include original data, summary, side-line or preliminary tests, tabulations, tables that contain data of lesser importance, very lengthy quotations, supporting decisions, forms and documents, computer printouts and other pertinent documents.

Appendix materials should be grouped by type, e.g. Appendix A: Questionnaire; Appendix B: Original data; Appendix C: Tables of results. Appendices must be paginated consecutively with the main text. If there are three or lesser appendices, their details such as number and titles should be listed as items in the Table of Contents. If there are more than three, then the Table of Contents should include a List of Appendices with its page number. The list itself should come immediately after the List of Figures (Refer to Appendix N)

2.9 Writing Conventions

2.9.1 Math

• Variables are set in italic; vectors and matrices are usually boldface italic.
• Remove commas around variables in text.
• Always add a zero before decimals, but do not add after (e.g., 0.25).
• Spell out units in text without quantities (e.g., where the noise is given in decibels).
• Numbers and units used as compound adjectives should be hyphenated only if needed for clarity (e.g., 10-kV voltage; 5-in-thick glass).
• Use thin spaces (instead of a comma) between numbers in tens or hundreds of thousands (e.g., 60 000, 100 000, but 4000).
• Use zeroth, first, second or ninety-ninth not 0th, 1st, 2nd or 99th in text.
• Use the word “Equation (1)” at the start of a sentence only, but in text just use the number (e.g., “in (1)”), unless describing an equation (e.g.,“refer to Darlington equation (1)”).
• The slash is used in place of the word “per” when it leads to the clarity of the sentence (e.g., “the ratio of 16 samples/s to 35 samples/s as compared to…”)
• Use “indices” instead of “indexes” when referring to subscripts.
• Plural variables have an “’s”.

2.9.2 Ellipsis

Ellipsis (…) may be used to show continuation in an expression (e.g., x_2, …, x_16). The type of mathematical expression will determine whether the ellipsis are on the baseline or centred.

2.9.3 Conditions

In displayed equations, there should be a comma or parentheses and a space between the main expression and the condition following it. For example:

• X=yn^{-2}, for all n=3
• X=yn^{-2}, Vn=3
• X=yn^{-2}, if n=3-y^{-4}
• X=yn^{-2}, y3,…,m

2.9.4 Use of Period and Commas

Equations that conclude a sentence should end with a period. The only time punctuation is used to lead into an equation when the lead-in text is a complete sentence. Example: where we had the following:

x=Y+Z.

Or, where, i.e.

x=Y+Z.

Commas appearing at the ends of equations are deleted unless they are critical to the punctuation of the sentence containing the equation.

2.9.5 Displayed Equations

Certain types of material in displayed equations are automatically italicised. Some simple general rules apply. All variables are italic. (e.g., x, y, n). Function names and abbreviations are Roman (sin, cos, sinc, sinh), as are units or unit abbreviations (e.g., deg, Hz,) complete words (e.g., in, out), and abbreviations of words (e.g., max, min), or acronyms (e.g., SNR). Single letter superscripts and subscripts may be italic even if they are abbreviations, unless this leads to inconsistency between italic and roman characters for similar types of subscripts.

2.9.6 Direct Quotations

The quotation needs to be true to the original, quoted in the text to support an argument. Example:

Crompton (2004), confirmed that “the real estate market consistently demonstrates that many people are willing to pay a larger amount for a property located close to parks and open space areas than for a home that does not offer this amen.

3. REFERENCE STYLE

APA citation style refers to the rules and conventions established by the American Psychological Association for documenting sources used in a research paper. APA style requires both In-text citations and a Reference list. For every in text citations there should be a full citation in the reference list and vice versa.

3.1 Citation Style for References in Text

The American Psychological Association (APA) reference citations in text is used to provide information for readers to locate the source of information listed in the alphabetical selected bibliography or references at the end of dissertation or thesis.