HOW TO WRITE

DISSERTATION
Central University of Punjab

[Pick the date]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

S. NO. DESCRIPTION PAGE No.

Preliminary Section
1. Title Page

2. Abstract

3. Certificate

4. Declaration

5. Acknowledgement

6. Table of contents

7. List of Tables/graphs/figures

8. List of abbreviations

Content Section
9. Introductory chapter

10. Method and Procedure

11. Results, Discussion and Interpretation

12. Recommendations, Limitations and Suggestions

General Section
13. References/Bibliography/Webliography

14. Appendix

15. Physical Appearance of Dissertation

Common errors in writing Dissertation

 1. Preliminary Section
The format of the dissertation varies from university to university and
also for different programmes but there are a few common formats which
are significant part of the dissertation irrespective of the
institution/university where it is to be submitted. The preliminary pages
prior to the first chapter are to be arranged in the following sequence:

(i) Title/cover page

(ii) Abstract
(iii) Certificate by Advisor/supervisor
(iv) Acknowledgement
(v) Table of Contents
(vi) List of Tables/graphs/ Figures (if applicable)
(vii) List of abbreviations
Remember
• It is not advisable to give any page on Dedication
Quotation, etc.

• For the preliminary pages, give page numbers in

Roman numbers (small) on right/centre of the bottom of the
pages, e .g. i, ii, iii, iv, v, ....................................

• For the pages beginning Chapter I, give page number at the

bottom of the page at middle or at the right side.

• The enclosures should have clear and appropriate language

and include all the required documents.

1. TITLE PAGE

The cover page, called title page includes the following:

• Title of the dissertation
• name of the student
• Centre/ School to which it is to be submitted,
• programme of which it is a part or complete work, year of submission
and name of the university.

o While writing title of the work, two formats can be used (I)
ALL CAPS (ii) first letter capital.
o There should not be abbreviations in the title of the
dissertation and apostrophes should be avoided at the time of
the selection of the problem.
o All letters should be bold but not underlined.
2. FORMAT OF COVER PAGE

Development and Implementation of Educational Robotics

for Pre Service Teachers: An Association with Student’s
Engagement and Higher Order Thinking Skills

A Dissertation submitted to
Centre for Education
In partial fulfilment of the requirement for the award of the degree of
Master of Education

Savita
M. Ed. Student
Regd. No.

Logo

Central University of Punjab

Bathinda

2016
3. ABSTRACT

An abstract includes the objectives, brief methodology and conclusions of

the study in 1000-1200 words only. Key words are to be mentioned at the end of
the abstract.
o Abstract should be written in 1000-1200 words along with key
words.
o Use the word author instead of “I”
o It should be written in one paragraph only.
o Line spacing should be single.

4. CERTIFICATE

A certificate is given by the Supervisor/Advisor to ensure that the work is

original and has been done under his/her guidance. The supervisor also ensures
that work has not been considered for any other degree/diploma. Line spacing
should be single.

Format for Certificate

Certificate
This is to certify that Ms. Savita has completed dissertation titled
Effectiveness of Interactive Multimedia Learning Material of Science at the
Secondary Level in Relation to Learners Academic Achievement under my
guidance and supervision. To the best of my knowledge, the present work is
the result of his original investigation. No part of the dissertation has ever
been submitted for any other degree or diploma.

Date:

Name of the Advisor/Supervisor

Centre for Education

5. DECLARATION
A declaration is given by the investigator that this is an original
work. Line spacing should be single. It should be signed by the
investigator.

Format of declaration

DECLARATION

I hereby affirm that the work entitled, ------------------------- is exclusively

my own and there are no collaborators. It does not contain any work for
which a degree/ diploma has been awarded by any university.

Date Name of the investigator

Countersigned

Name of the Advisor/Supervisor

6. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Acknowledgement should include the names of those subjects,

institutions or individuals who helped in carrying out the work. Try to avoid
emphasizing family members. It is to be signed by the investigator.
The difference in acknowledgement and preface is that chapter wise detail is
not given in it; whereas page of preface is added in a book to give the outline of
each chapter of the book and the last paragraph is devoted to acknowledge the
people who helped in carrying out the work.

7. TABLE OF CONTENT
The table of content gives the detail of each chapter along with sub
topics covered in each chapter and their respective page numbers. The
preliminary pages are mentioned in italics with pagination in roman numbers
(small) on right/centre of the bottom of the pages, e .g. i, ii, iii, iv, v,
.....................................The main chapter can be bold but the whole table of
content should not be bold. Line spacing should be single. The format is given
below:
 i. Format for
TABLE OF CONTENT

Chapter No Description
Abstract........................................................................
Certificate...................................................................
Acknowledgement.......................................................
List of Tables/ Figures/ Graphs...............................
List of Abbreviations..................................................

I Introduction of the Problem (details can be

Given according to the problem).................................

II Method and Procedure (details can be given according to the

problem)...........................................

III Results, Discussion and Interpretation (details can be given

according to the problem)...........................................
IV Conclusions, Recommendations, Suggestions and Limitations
Bibliography
Webliography
Appendices
(Detailed list of appendices includes title
of the appendix and page number)

ii. Format for

LIST OF TABLES/ GRAPHS

The list includes the table number, title of the table and the respective page
number in the following format:

Table No. Description Page

No.
1 Distribution of items in the test 32
2
3
4
 • The cell alignment in the table number and page number should be in the
centre but for description of the table, it should be in the left.
• While placing the large tables and graphs, the page orientation can be
landscape.
• The title of the graphs and tables in such cases should be given at the
bottom and in the centre of the table/graph/figures.
• The margin on the top of the horizontal page should be 1” to keep space
for binding from that side.

8. LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
§ Abbreviations in the text should be avoided but if they are to be used in
tables, graphs etc, then list of abbreviations should be given in the
preliminary section.
§ The format is similar to the list of tables/graphs/figures.
§ Line spacing should be single.
 2. Content Section

For arranging and presenting the subject matter, one can follow the Chapter
Scheme as given below:

CHAPTER I: INTRODUCTION OF THE PROBLEM/

THEORETICAL ORIENTATION OF THE PROBLEM

This chapter includes introduction of the variables along with the

conceptual framework which has been taken up for the research problem. It
also includes reference of literature to mention the gaps in research
pertaining to the present problem and directs to extract the significance of the
problem. There should be logical and proper sequencing of the subject matter
within the chapter to facilitate the reader to establish linkages between sub-
content and main content.

In order to break the monotony of a single pattern of presenting the

review, it is advisable to present it in a mixed pattern wherein the reference
of an author can be written in the beginning, in the middle or at the end of
review. Review of similar type or with similar findings can be presented in
continuity in a single paragraph.
While presenting the reference of review, write the author(s) surname only e.g.

Correct form: Sharma (2000), or Chauhan and Singh (2003)

Incorrect form: Sharma Rakesh (2000), Chauhan D K & Singh K P
(2003)

(i) In case of more than two authors, write last names of all the three
authors; or write the last name of the first author and write et.al
and year e.g.
Daswani, Patkar and Mehta (2004), Daswani et. al. (2004)
Example-1 How to give reference of a review in the text?

Gauhati University (2006) reported that school authorities were not

systematic in keeping records of data regarding the release of TLM grant
from District Project Office (DPO). The teachers, during the field visit,
reported that they were waiting for instruction from DPO for utilizing the
TLM grants. It was also observed that TLM materials were not displayed to
the learners during classroom transaction but were kept inside the box.

TLM grant amount was not available on the due date, teachers did not
use the TLM effectively and no preparation before taking class was done by
teachers (DIET Narsinghpur 2007). All the sample schools in Himachal
Pradesh had received TLM grant of Rs.500. It was observed that a very
meager amount of TLM grant was utilized in purchasing ready-made TLM
like globes, block games etc in science, and the rest was utilized in
preparing self-made TLM by involving the students. Moreover, TLM
displayed by most of teachers in classroom was not up to the mark . No
separate training for developing TLM was given to teachers (Himachal
Pradesh University 2007).

A monitoring and evaluation report of SSA, Saharanpur reported

that TLM grant covered 4572 teachers of primary and 1206 of upper
primary school. In about 25 % of schools, TLM was fully used during
teaching; in about 20 % schools, TLM was often used by teachers; and in
about 55 % schools, teachers never used TLM to teach students in primary
and upper primary schools (Vashistha 2007).

Example – 2

More than 10 million working-age adults in the 16 SREB states never

earned high school diplomas, yet enrolment of young adults in adult
learning programs has dropped in recent years in the region.This new
SREB report outlines SREB states status in adult learning and the steps that
can lead to further education and higher-paying jobs for these adults.
(SREB, August 2010).
 Within the text of introduction chapter, the references of related work
can be given in a chronological format within each variable. Alternately, one
can write in a thematic way, where references are given according to various
sub themes of the research but within the sub theme, references can be placed
in a chronological order.

• Significance – The significance of the problem emerges from the

review of literature and it is to be presented in detail after
introduction.

• Statement of the Problem - The problem is to be stated in detail

giving the operational definitions of the technical terms used in the
study

• Objectives of the study are to be clearly defined keeping in mind the

significance of the study and avoiding duplicity and monotony in
them. Instead of starting every objective with the same word,
synonyms can be used like explore, investigate, reveal, compare, find
etc.

• Hypotheses are to be formulated on the basis of objectives and review

of literature, and present them along with the justification or
anticipated values of each of them.

• Delimitations of the study are to be mentioned at the end of this

chapter.

• Put a tab at the beginning of each paragraph.

• Headings can be bold, but do not underline. Do not increase the font
size of headings if these are bold. Do not make the name, year or any
other point of emphasis within the running text bold.

• Do not start a sentence with digit, e.g.

• 52 percent of the respondents viewed that

………………………… (Not appropriate)

• Fifty-two percent respondents viewed that

………………………… (Appropriate)
CHAPTER II: METHOD AND PROCEDURE

This chapter includes the following parameters of sampling design:

• Sampling Frame

• Sample Size

• Sample Area

• Sampling Techniques

Rather than giving separate information under each sub-head, which makes
it overlapping, it is advisable to present the complete information integrated in
one or two paragraph(s) under the broad heading “Sampling”.

Sampling can also be given in a diagrammatic form wherever required.

The tools or tests which have been used in the study are to be given in
details along with their reliability and validity. If the tool is standardized by the
investigator then, standardization procedure is to be given in details along with
its reliability and validity. The sub headings can be as given below:
Theoretical orientation of the test
Item format
Item content
Pre try-out
Validity
Difficulty index
Discrimination index
Reliability
Norms
Administration
Scoring procedure
However, if a standardized tool is used, then description about items,
administration and scoring procedure along with the reliability and validity of
the test should be mentioned.
 The procedure adopted for carrying out the work i.e in research design,
clearly mentions the method and criterion of formation of different groups. Procedure
can be given in descriptive or tabular form.

As far statistical strategies are concerned, it is required to be mentioned that

which statistical strategy has been used and for what purpose and for which variables.

CHAPTER III: RESULTS, DISCUSSION AND INTERPRETATION

Results are to be presented according to the variables under study and in the
following order.
• Presentation of results in tabular form of first variable
• Description of tables
• Testing of hypothesis
• Discussion
• Interpretation

• Similarly results of all the variables are to be explained; however

integration or interactional effects among different variables can be
discussed after presenting the results of every variable.
• Results at a glance can be presented graphically.

• If two or more approaches have been followed in research then results of

second approach can be presented in the next chapter.
For example, if quantitative approach and qualitative approaches have
been applied then Quantitative analysis can be given in a separate
chapter and qualitative analysis in another chapter.

• If tables are large, horizontal format can be used by giving title at the
bottom of the page.

Chapter IV: Conclusions, Recommendations, Suggestions and

Limitations

• Conclusions are to be presented in the statement form according to the

objectives and hypotheses in a separate chapter.
• Recommendations on the basis of the findings are to be presented
according to the variables of the study in sequence.
• Limitations are to be given separately before writing suggestions for
further research.
• Logical suggestions, to fill the gaps in research related to the present
research problem, for conducting further research are to be clearly
mentioned in this chapter.
 GENERAL SECTION

HOW TO WRITE REFERENCES

• Give reference of each and every author/ institution which has been quoted in any
chapter of the report in the suggested pattern.

• There are different patterns of writing references and bibliography like APA,
Howard, Canadian, etc. But the most popular style being used in social sciences is
APA. But it is very important to maintain uniformity in the pattern of
reference/bibliography/webliography in the report.

• Arrange reference/bibliography/webliography in alphabetical order.

FORMAT OF REFERENCE/BIBLIOGRAPHY IS AS GIVEN BELOW:

There are different formats for different types of references like, reference can be
from a book of single author, multiple authors or journal or magazine or edited book etc.
Such formats are given below:

Book of one author

Bawa, S.K. (2007). Psycho-social influence on convicted women .New Delhi: Authors
Press.

Book of multiple authors

Kubiszyn,T. & Borich, G. (2003).Educational testing and measurement. Singapore:

John Wiley & Sons

Edited book

Bawa, S. K. (Ed.).(2011).Globalization of education. New Delhi: APH Publications.

Edited book of multiple editors

Bawa,S.K., & Kaur, Ravinder. (Eds.). (2007). Self empowerment for social
empowerment. New Delhi: Authors Press.
Article or chapter in an edited book

Bawa,S.K. & Singh, Ravinderpal (2005). Barriers in professional growth of women

teachers In Bhargava, Mahesh (Ed.), Teacher in 21st century, (64-73). Agra: Rakhi
Prakashan.
Article in a journal

Berkerian, D. A. (1993). The ADA and the hiring process in organizations. Consulting
psychology journal: Practice and research, 45(2), 10-36.

Citing articles in monthly periodicals

Chandler Crisp, S. (1988, May) Aerobic writing: A writing practice model. Writing Lab
Newsletter, 9-11.
Citing articles in weekly periodicals

Kauffmann, S. (1993, October 18). On films: Class consciousness. The New republic,
p.30.

Article in a Magazine
Caloyianis, N. (1998, September). Greenland sharks.
National Geographic, 194, 60-71.

Article in a Newspaper

Bawa,S. K. & Singh, Dhanwant. (2008, October 12). Debt not sole reason for farm
suicides. The Tribune, pp. 3.

Webliography

Munday,Judith.B.(2012).Testing terms. Retrieved on

December14,2012,http://www.hishelpinschool.com/testing/test4.html

Appendix

Appendices are to be numbered in roman according to the reference number given in the
text and to be arranged at the end of the report accordingly.
PHYSICAL APPEARANCE OF DISSERTATION

It refers to the physical appearance of the thesis/ dissertation like quality of the paper,
binding, size of the paper, font type and size etc. The paper should be of superior quality
preferably bond paper and white in colour. A4 size paper is the appropriate size for
dissertation. As far binding is concerned, it should be firmly bound. The following format
for typing is to be used.

• Font Style : Bookman old style

• Font Size : 12

• Line Spacing : 1.15

• Margins : 1.5" from left side and 1" from all other sides

• Pagination is very essential to be done either at the centre of the end of page or at
the right side of the end of page.
• Pages are to be numbered from first chapter. The preliminary pages and
appendices are to be numbered separately in roman.
Use language which is short, coherent and understandable and I, we, my, our,
you, yours, us, should be avoided. Besides, titles before the names like Mr., Dr,
and Prof. etc. should not be written. Only the last names should be written.
• Do not write statistical/mathematical formulas in the dissertation.
• Printing may be done single side
• The dissertation should be free from typographical errors
• A soft copy should be attached at inner back of the dissertation.

Binding
- Any colour with contrast colour text on the title page
- Long lasting print
- Good quality rexin