BENUE STATE UNIVERSITY, MAKURDI
FACULTY: ARTS
DEPARTMENT: ENGLISH
COURSE TITLE: RESEARCH METHODS (ENG 801)
CORSE LECTURER: PROF. ABIMBOLA SHITTU
A BRIEF STUDY OF SOME SECTIONS OF THE DISSERTATION
BY
BUTER, PHILIP LUPER
PG200646
Abstract
This paper presents the description of some sections of a dissertation. It embraces
aims/objectives, scope, method, result and conclusion. The approach given to the
aforementioned is done in such a way that, even a novice in research work can have a
picture of what dissertation is all about.
Introduction
The effective functioning of a body is largely dependent on the significant contribution of the
constituent parts. This implies that the elements involved usually channel the necessary strength
to the unit for the development of the whole. This is the situation obtainable in the writing of a
dissertation. Several sections such as introduction, review of literature, methodology, scope,
aims/objectives, discussion, among others converge to make the whole body of a dissertation. In
our discussion, we shall be considering: aims/objectives, scope, methods, result and conclusion.
Aims and Objectives
The basic focus of the researcher is usually expressed in terms of aims and objectives which
come in chapter one, the introduction to the research project. Though often used together aims
and objectives are not the same. This leads us to what they are. Aims are statements of intent.
They point out what the researcher hopes to achieve at the end of the dissertation. One may ask,
“How many aims should there be in a dissertation?” The answer to such would be that, (though
not fixed) there should be a main aim supported by at least two subsidiaries. The following could
be used to illustrate our point:
To investigate the relationship between language and society (main aim).
To investigate language as a means of identity
To investigate language as a tool for National development.
Objectives on the other hand, are specific statements that define measureable outcomes.
Objectives should be S.M.A.R.T which means they should be:
S-Specific: Be definite about what you want to do.
M-Measureable: Be able to show progress at stages.
A-Achievable: Don’t attempt too much.
R-Realistic: Do you have the necessary resources to achieve the objectives- time, money,
skill, etc
T-Time constraints: Determine when each stage needs to be completed- time conscious.
Just as the aims, there is no fixed number of objectives, but you would be required to
produce sufficient objectives that can aid you to measure progress towards achievement
of the aim(s).
Scope
Scope points to the boundaries surrounding the area of coverage of a research work. This
covers the method of data collection, available materials, timeframe, sampling population and
the type of data (primary or secondary data). This section enables the researcher to be focused in
achieving the target without confusion/much stress. Areas of concern in this section include:
Examining the structure of your research questions
Considering the resources available
Being realistic about your timeframe
Considering the gap you are to cover
Note: Narrowing your scope is very important as this would enable you to achieve your aim
within the timeframe.
Methods
This section which comes in chapter three of the dissertation refers to the specific tools and
procedures used for the collection and analysis of data. Data, which may be primary or
secondary, refers to the information gathered to answer research questions. This section reiterates
the research questions and hypothesis, presents the research design, discusses the participants,
the instruments to be used, the procedure, the data analysis plan and the sample size justification.
As mentioned earlier, method could be used both for collection and analysis of data. It is
important to note that choosing a method is dependent on the type of data you want to collect.
The following are the methods for collecting data:
Experiment: It is used for collecting primary data which uses quantitative
methods for analysis. The experimental method is used to test cause-and-effect
relationship.
Survey: It is also used for collecting primary data. . The method for analysis is
quantitative. The survey method is used to understand general characteristics of a
population.
Interview /focus group: It is used for collecting primary data. . The method for
analysis is qualitative. It is used to gain in-depth understanding of a topic.
Observation: It is used for collecting primary data. The method for analysis can
be either qualitative or quantitative. It is used to understand how something
occurs in its natural setting.
Literature review: It is used for collecting secondary data. The method for
analysis is either qualitative or quantitative. It is used to situate your research in
an existing body of work or to evaluate trends within a research topic.
Case study: It is used for collecting either primary or secondary data. . The
method for analysis is either qualitative or quantitative. It is used to gain in-depth
understanding of a specific group or context or when you do not have the
resources for a large study.
The methods for analysing data (collected) are quantitative and qualitative. Qualitative
analysis method is used to understand words, ideas and experiences. Quantitative analysis
method on the other hand, uses numbers and statistics to understand frequencies, averages and
correlation (in descriptive studies) or cause-and-effect relationship in experiments.
Result
The result section comes subsequent to the collection and analysis of data. It is where you
report the main findings of your research and briefly observe how they relate to your research
questions or hypothesis. The presentation of result should have a logical organization that
reflects:
The aim or research questions of the project including any hypothesis that have
been tested.
The research method and the theoretical framework that have been outlined
earlier in the dissertation.
Your result will look different, depending on the research methodology used. In some
type of research, it might not make sense to include a separate result section as done in desk
research which focuses on interpretation of texts or analysis of case studies. However, in most
dissertation based on experimental research (that is, collection of primary data), it is a good idea
to report of your study before moving to the discussion of their meaning for the readers clearer
understanding of the idea and what you found.
The result section should be written in past tense. Its length is dependent on the amount
of data you collected and analysed. Despite this, care should be taken to include only relevant
information relating to the research problem and questions.
As regards the structure of the results section, it is advisable to begin with a paragraph
without a visual presentation of the data. Care should be taken to show the relevant tables and
figures after they are mentioned in the text. At the beginning of your result section, explain any
missing data or problem with collecting the data, then explain the main result and address the
hypothesis. Subsequent to this, explain all other trends in the data which might be interesting to
the reader.
The dissertation result describes the findings of the research, any problem you
encountered with the data, the main result of the research as well as any interesting trend you
identified in the data. This section should contain only the outcome of the experiment with no
interpretation, for the latter will be done in the discussion chapter.
Conclusion
The conclusion is basically an evaluation of where you take a step back and review the
research process. Here, you mention where and how the study would have been stronger, sharing
with the reader you critical assessment of the result. Essentially, the conclusion chapter is
generally not the place for introducing any new material. Rather, you seek to make sense of the
material you have already presented in the dissertation. This section pulls everything together for
the reader. It is an area where you summarise your dissertation, indicating an evaluation of how
everything fits together, which shows an alignment with what you originally set out to do, how
you went about it and what you have as findings. It is important to mention that your findings
justify the rationale you gave at the beginning of the project. In addition, you seek to show that,
the evidence provided to support the argument in the dissertation actually proves effective.
In conclusion, the discussion and conclusion of a dissertation which usually are the
reflection and fulfillment of the researcher’s intent (running from the introduction to the
conclusion) are purely a product of the various sections involved. This therefore underscores the
fact that, each chapter of the dissertation deserves maximum attention for the achievement of the
desired result.
Reference
Evans D. & Gruba P. (2002). How to write a Better thesis (2nd ed) Melbourne University Press.
Golden-Biddle K. & Locke K. (1997). Composing Qualitative Research Sage Publications
Silverman D. (2005). Doing Qualitative Research: A Practical Handbook (2 nd ed). Sage
Publications.
Swales J.M & Feak, C.B. (2004). Academic writing for Graduate Students (2 nd ed) University of
Michigan Press.
