Organization of the Thesis and Dissertation

The thesis/dissertation contains these chapters: Chapter 1 - Introduction; Chapter 2 - Review of Related
Literature and Studies and Chapter 3 - Research Methodology; Chapter 4 - Results and Discussion;
Chapter 5- Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations. Bibliography, Appendices, CV ( 1 page only)

Preliminaries

 Cover Page

 Title Page

 Approval Sheet

 Certificate of originality

 Acknowledgement

 Abstract

 Table of Contents

 List of Tables

 List of Figures

Chapter 1 – INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem (as approved by the Dissertation teacher)

Significance of the Study

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Chapter 2 – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature (Based on the Themes)

Synthesis

Theoretical Framework
 Conceptual Framework

Hypothesis

Definition of Terms

Chapter 3 – METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Research Locale

Participants of the Study (population, sample, sampling techniques)

Research Instrument/s

Construction

Validation

Administration

Data Gathering Procedure

Data Analysis Procedure

Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research

Chapter 4 - Results and Discussions

Chapter 5 – Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

Bibliography (APA 6)

Appendices:
Appendix A – Letter to Conduct the Study
Appendix B - Certificate of Editing
Appendix C – Certificate of Validation
Appendix D - Instruments
Appendix E - Curriculum Vitae
 Chapter 1

Introduction

This section focuses on the key issues or problem situation that the paper will cover. Facts or
statistical evidence supporting the problem as well as the need to address the gap between existing
bodies of knowledge and the prevailing subject situation are covered in this section.

Background of the Study: Contains a discussion of the problem that is existing in a unsatisfactory
condition that needs a solution, must be presented first in a global context followed by a local
perspective; the rationale for conducting the study and the output of the study.

This section is useful especially for readers who have little or no knowledge about the research topic.
This should contain a discussion on the status of the issues covered by the research topic, current
government policy or legislation.

Statement of the Problem: Contains a concise and clear statement of the research problems that the
study would like to address. The last problem must indicate the output of the study. Future tense must
be used for the research proposal and present tense must be used in the final copy of the manuscript.

The main problem should be consistent with the title of the study. On the other hand, the specific
problems are in interrogative or question form. The question must be clearly and logically presented
and be connected to the title of the thesis or dissertation.

Significance of the Study: Contains the sectors of the society (person and or group of individuals,
offices, organizations) that the researcher identifies to benefit from the study. This part must begin
with an introductory statement.

This section identifies who will benefit from the results of the study, such as specific institutions or
groups of individuals or the researcher himself or herself will be benefited. Furthermore, the
researcher should include not only the beneficiaries but also how they would be benefitted in the
findings of the study.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study: This section defines the coverage and limits of the study.
This section of the paper presents the nature, coverage and timeframe of the study. It briefly explains
the subject matter, the place, the place and the period of the study as well as the rationale behind the
limits of the scope of the study. It indicates the variables that should have been included in the study,
cites the reasons for their exclusion and how this is expected to affect the results of the study. The
delimitation of the study states the boundaries beyond which the study is not concerned and the
reasons for their exclusion.

The first paragraph contains the coverage of the study and must discuss the 5 W’s–who, what, when,
where and why of the study. The second paragraph identifies the limitation or potential weaknesses in
the research design or the constrains of the study.

Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Chapter 2, like all other chapters of a thesis/dissertation, starts with an introductory paragraph
which contains the topics or contents of this chapter as well as the objective of the chapter. This
chapter should include three sections: related literature, related studies and a synthesis and
assessment of the related literature and studies.

Related Literature: Possible sources of literature are books, journals, magazines, monographs, and
other scholarly publication. The main idea or ideas from each source should be clearly and concisely
presented. This part should not be a mere enumeration of facts and information but should show the
relatedness of the various studies and literature presented to the candidate’s paper.

The format is to present the literature by theme, wherein related literature and studies
are all presented in an integrated manner. Unless the literature is a classic, it is strongly
suggested that more recent literature, at least in the last five years, are cited.

Related Studies: Sources include thesis, dissertation and other output of research. For each study
cited, there should be a presentation and discussion of the objectives of the study, method used,
sampling subjects, major findings, conclusions or recommendations related to the present study.

As to the preferred way of citation, references should be by author and year.

Examples are:
 Rosse, Lipsey &Freeman (2004) in their Program Theory suggest approaches and procedures
that can be used to assess the program. They emphasized the fact that in assessing the need, it should
relate to the needs of the target population the program is intended to serve. If the program fails to
address the needs, it will be rendered ineffective even if it is well implemented.

If the citation is word for word or verbatim, the page number should also be cited after the
year.

Examples are:

Fishbein, Middlestadt and Hitchcock (1984: 135)’s Theory of Reasoned Action which explains
and predicts a variety of human behaviors responsible for their perception and assessment of the
program.

Barnes (2004:34) stated that ‘corporate governance mechanism must be seen not as public
relations but vital in ensuring that the right objectives form the basis of action’.

If there is more than one author, references are cited chronologically:

Examples are:

A number of studies found an inverse relationship between managerial ownership and level of
risk-taking (Chen at al. 1998, Aggarwal and Javques 2001, Barnes 2004).

Depositors are likely to cause bank runs when they have imperfect information about the
solvency of their banks (Rodriguez 2003, Leuterio and Estepa 2004, PDIC 2005).

2.1 (Based on the Themes as approved by the panel members)

The related literature and studies to be reviewed must be based on the themes relevant to the
study being conducted; the study must contain both theoretical and conceptual frameworks (if
applicable). In the theoretical framework, a specific theory and its proponent/s must be identified and
discussed. The conceptual framework clarifies the relationship between and among the major
variables of the study and must presented in a paradigm or other illustrative presentation; must be
properly labeled and must have a title.
Synthesis

A brief summary of the reviewed literature and studies should be made. It is important that
a comparison and contrast of the current work from other studies is done. The assessment
should contain comments on whether the reviewed related literature and studies are few or
many, mostly local or foreign, quite recent or not, etc. If there is evidence to support this,
this section should also clearly state that based on the review of related literature and
studies, this study will not duplicate any existing study.

Theoretical Framework

The theoretical framework discusses what is (are) the existing theory or theories that will help explain
and predict how an observed phenomena exists and operates as reflected in the paradigm. Well-
known authority sources to support the theory or theories are cited.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework expounds on the concepts, variables and its indicators that led to the
formulation of the research problem and its corresponding hypothesis. These concepts, constructs
and variables should be presented in a conceptual paradigm. Examples of these are the input-process-
output-feedback paradigm or the independent-moderating-dependent variable paradigm.

Hypotheses: Contains clear statement of the hypotheses and these must be stated in the null form
with an introductory sentence.

Examples:

Ho: There are no significant differences among the depositors’ assessments on the select
strategies/practices adopted by banks operating in the Philippines to foster confidence in the banking
system.
Ho: There are no significant differences between BSP and PDIC’s assessments with regard to the
select strategies/ practices adopted by banks operating in the Philippines to foster confidence in the
banking system.

Definition of Terms: Contains important terms or variables that must be defined conceptually or
operationally as used in the study. The terms should be alphabetically arranged. Acronyms and
abbreviations must be spelled out. This part must begin with an introductory paragraph.

The researcher should define important terms to be able to communicate to his/her reader. The
concepts, constructs and variables in the conceptual framework, statement of the problem and title
should be clearly and concisely defined.

There are two ways in defining terms, conceptual definition and operational or functional definition.
Conceptual definition refers to the definition found in dictionaries, while operational definition refers
to the specific way or the meaning used in the study. As to format, the term should be in bold font,
the first line of the definition indented which the succeeding lines are not indented.

Example:

Active Deposit – an account that has shown activity, either by increase through deposits or decrease
through withdrawals within a period of two (2) years
 Chapter 3

Methodology

The final chapter of the research proposal, Chapter 3, also begins with an introductory
paragraph which contains the topics or contents of this chapter as well as the objective of the chapter.

This part identifies and describes the method/s of research and includes a discussion of its
appropriateness to the present study. The source of the method/s used must be properly
acknowledged.

This chapter should include six sections in the following order:

Research Design

Research Locale

Respondents of the Study

Population and Sampling Design (if a sample is used in the study),

Research Instrument(s), Validation of the Instrument,

Data Gathering Procedure, and
Statistical Treatment.

Research Design: This section identifies and discusses the type of design used, its definition (with
proper citation of the author) and the justification for its use. Examples of research designs used are
historical (what was or using data in the past), descriptive (what is or using current data) and or
exploratory (what will be).

Also, this part identifies and describes the method/s of research and includes a discussion of its
appropriateness to the present study. The source of the method/s used must be properly
acknowledged.
 Research Locale

This part identifies and describes the place/s where the study was conducted.

Respondents of the Study:

If a survey is used, the respondents should be described. The study should mention the population or
the sample that was used in the research. If the respondents are the subjects of the study and the
profile is part of the statement of the problem, the profile of the respondents should be presented in
Chapter 4 (Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data). However, if the profile of the
respondents is used for information purposes, this should be presented in Chapter 3 (Research
Methodology). The profile may include factors such as gender, age, civil status, educational
attainment and income level depending on the relevance of the information to the research topic.
This should be presented in tabular form as frequency or percentage distribution.

Population and Sampling Techniques

This composes of the population and sample involved in the study and must include a discussion of
the specific sampling technique used and the justification on its use.

If a survey is used, the study should follow sampling procedures. The section should describe the
population and its size as well as the method used in determining the sample size. This section should
clearly show the appropriateness of the technique to this problem statement. The sampling techniques
often used are probability sampling (simple random sampling, stratified, cluster and systematic sampling)
or non-probability sampling (improvise, convenience or quota sampling).

Research Instrument(s):

If a survey is used, a research instrument could be in the form of questionnaire or an interview

schedule, observation guide or other documents used in gathering to answer the statement of the
problem. Specific parts of the research instrument are discussed in this section. Samples of these
instruments should be presented in the appendix. In the case of a questionnaire, include a cover letter
that should introduce the researcher and the statement of the title and objectives of the research.
Emphasize the confidentiality of the research, as well as a request for the cooperation of the
respondent in completing the survey instrument.
Discusses the construction, validation and administration of the instrument. It presents the process
for pre-testing of the questionnaire pre-tested, the revisions made on the original form of the survey
instrument and the reasons for the revisions are also discussed.

Data Gathering Procedure:

This section should also include a discussion of how many questionnaires were distributed and how
many were returned with response/no response.

This section contains a discussion of data utilized and libraries tapped. The type of data used
whether primary (from the original source) or secondary (from published sources) is also mentioned.
Furthermore, information from these data that are used or needed in the study should be mentioned.

Contains the procedures to be followed in conducting the study. The procedures must be

chronologically discussed.

Data Analysis Procedure

Statistical Treatment: This section will discuss what are the statistical techniques and formulas that
will be used in the study and its rationale. The formula on each statistical test is given followed by a
legend on what each symbol means. The source of the formula(s) must be properly cited.

In the case of qualitative researches, the chapter should include methodology such as selection of
the study and the participants or respondents of the study.
 Chapter 4

Results and Discussions

Chapter 5

Summary, Conclusion and Recommendations

References

This section contains the listing of the materials read by the researcher or used in the study.
The bibliography follows the American Psychological Association or APA style.

Examples of the APA format are shown below:

(a) Citation of a journal article: Name(s) of Author(s), year Published, Title of Article,
Title of Journal, Volume Number, inclusive pages.

Example:

Barth, J.R., G. Caprico, Jr. and R. Levine (2004). “Bank Regulation and Supervision:
What Works Best?” Journal of Financial Intermediation 13, 205-48
(b) Citation of a book: Name(s) of Author(s), year Published, Full Title of Book, Number
of edition, Place of Publication and name of Publisher.

Example:

Go, J. (2001). Fundamentals of Marketing. Manila: Design Plus.

(c) Citation of a thesis or dissertation: Name(s) of Author(s), Year, title of thesis or

dissertation, Place where thesis or dissertation was done, Address.

Example:

Gallardo, M. (2005). BSP, PDIC and the Banking Institutions Fostering Depositors’
Confidences in the Philippine Banking System. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation.
University of the East Graduate School, Manila.

(d) Citation of personal communication: Source (personal communication, date).

Example:

Senator Mar Roxas (personal communication, 25 February 2007)

(e) Citation of a newspaper or magazine source: Name(s) of author(s) (if known), Title of
Article, name of Newspaper, Date

Example:

Tan, R. ‘UE to Speed Up Accreditation Bids’. The Dawn, 27 July 2007.

 (f) Citation of an internet source: Name of author(s), Title of Article, Internet Website.

Example:

Allied Bank, 2007. ‘Updates on Allied Bank Performance’ in http://www.alliedbank.com.

Date retrieved – August 11, 2014

The materials must be alphabetically arranged. As to the format of listing of materials, the
first line should be flushed to the right and succeeding line(s) indented.

Appendices

Materials that are pertinent to the research but may distort the logical flow of the paper should
be placed at the appendix and must be properly numbered and paginated.

If a survey will be conducted, the research instrument will have to be attached to the thesis or
dissertation proposal as part of the appendix including a cover letter.

Spacing, Margins, Font Size, Pagination and Length of the Research Paper

As to spacing, typing is on one side of the paper. The text is double-spaced throughout.
However, single spacing is used for blocked quotations on the text as well as for footnotes and
bibliographic items but double spaced between such items.

In the case of margins, the following prescriptions must be strictly observed:

2 inches left side, 1 inch right side

 1 inch top and bottom margins

1 inch above a chapter number

Double space between a chapter number and a title

Quadruple space below a chapter title

Triple space above and below a centered heading

Triple space above a side heading

Double space below a side heading

Font style and size

For a common standard, Times New Roman will be used with font size at 12.

Pages in the preliminaries use lower case roman numerals, while throughout the manuscript,

Arabic numerals will be used. All pages must be paginated including the appendices. The pages, except

for the first page of each chapter, are numbered at the bottom middle of the paper.

In the case of length of the thesis or dissertation proposal or its final version, the prescribed
length, 100 pages or more.