CHAPTER I – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background to the study
This gives specific gaps that are considered to be the root of the
problem. It should be a maximum of one and half pages
1.2 Problem statement
Should be precise and focused and not more than a page
1.3 Justification
Should state clearly why the proposed research should be
undertaken. Why the need for the study? What information will the
study add? What is potential utility of the findings? What are the
implications of the study outcomes?
1.4 Research questions
These should be clear and focused and should guide the researcher
towards developing a logical argument.
1.5 Objectives
1.5.1 Broad objective
1.5.2 Specific objective
Should not be more than three
Should be specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and
time-bound (SMART)
1.6 Scope and limitation
Explains to what extent the study will be carried outCHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW
The student should demonstrate evidence of understanding of current
research on the subject under investigation and show clear gaps in
knowledge that will be discussed. Appropriate themes for this chapter
can be developed using the research questions and research objectives.
Thus, relevant themes to the study and derived review should be
consistent with the requirements of the title (internal consistency ) and
aspects of the introduction e.g. background to the study.
Relevant literature should be reviewed according to objectives, recent
literature (not more than 10 years)
Should be at least 5 pages in length for diploma and 10 pages for
higher diploma courses
CHAPTER III – M ATERIALS AND M ETHODS
This Chapter highlights methodological details appropriate to the study.
Thus:
3.1 Study design
State and justify the chosen design
3.2 Study area
Describe where the study will be done (locate) and why it was chosen
3.3 Population
Describe the study population; describing specifically who will be part
of the study. (Occasionally “target population” may be mentioned)
3.3.1 Inclusion criteria
3.3.2 Exclusion criteria
3.4 Variables
3.4.1 Dependent
Explain the dependent variables
3.4.2 Independent
Explain the independent variables
3.5 Sampling techniques
Explain the sampling techniques for each respondent (subject) to be
selected
3.6 Sample size determination
Describe how the sample size will be computed.
3.7 Development of data collection tool/instrument
Explain the instruments that will be used in the study and how they
will be constructed
3.8 Data collection process
Explain how field data collection will be done
3.9 Pre-testing/piloting
Describe how data will be collected and how pilot centres will be
selected). It is here that the following issues will be discussed:
3.10 Validity
Explain how validity of the instruments will be established
3.11 Reliability
Show and explain how reliability of the instruments will be established
3.12 Data analysis
Explain the methods that will be applied in analyzing the data after field
work
3.13 Ethical considerations
Explain how the study will meet ethical requirements as per the nature
of the research
REFERENCES
References should be single spaced and listed alphabetically in the
reference list. For citation within the text the format of author and
year of publication is recommended. Students should use the APA
referencing style
APPENDICES
Will include such items as work plan, budget, maps, questionnaires,
consent forms, interview schedules etc. numbered sequentially as 5.1,
5.2, 5.3, etc.
PROPOSAL FORMAT
i.
Typing
All proposals in the college should be typed in font 12(Times New
Roman) on A4 size paper, double spaced, and on one side of the page.
ii.
Page margins
Page margins will be as follows: left 40 mm (1.5 inches) all other sizes
25 mm (1 inch)
iii. P age numbering
a. Preceding pages
All preceding pages except cover page should be numbered
using lower case roman numbering system (i.e. i, ii, iii, etc) and
in a consecutive manner
b. Pages from CHAPTER I to APPENDICES
All pages from chapter one to appendices should be numbered
consecutively using the Arabic number format (i.e. 1, 2,3,4,5,6,
etc)
i v . L en gth
The proposal should not exceed 15 pages
v.
Tense
Future tense should be used in writing proposals
Note
page number should appear in the centre of the lower margin of the
page.