THESIS WRITING CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

Research
Abdirahman Sameeco, +252 63 4179350
Methodology
Title: How to Write a proposal/ Thesis or Dissertation
Abdirahman A. Mohamoud (Sameeco)
General psychology (Amoud university)
Research and data analysis (Beder University)
Educational planning and administration (Gollis university)
Public administration (Civil service institute)
Education (Beder International university)
English language (Islamic online university)
Teacher training (national teacher training college)
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Research thesis writing skills help

Writing a Research proposal
 Define thesis
 Components
 Difference between proposal vs dissertation
 Chapter one
Lecture 3 Research Methodology

• PROPOSAL Is a statement in writing, spelling out
ones intention of carrying out a research in a given
area.
• Research proposal is a written presentation of an intended research
specifying the problem, the purpose, scope, methodology, references
etc. It is a formal document indicating how a study would be
executed. It is a statement of intent written in future tense on how a
research will be conducted for the purpose of a bachelor degree. It
demonstrates the researcher’s capacity to undertake the study
successfully and determines the feasibility of the study.
• On the other hand, thesis is a complete research report containing
extension of the features of the research proposal.
Research proposal Research Methodology

• A research proposal/thesis is made up of three sections
1. Preliminaries section
2. Text section, and
3. Appendices section
Research Methodology

• Title Page
• Declaration
• Approvals
• Dedication
• Acknowledgements
• Table of Contents
• List of Tables
• List of Figures
• List of Abbreviations
• Abstract
The preliminary section Research Methodology

• Title Page
The title page (or cover page) of your thesis, dissertation, or research
paper should contain all the key information about your document.
It usually includes:
• Dissertation or thesis title
• Your name
• The type of document (e.g., dissertation, research paper)
• The department and institution
• The degree program (e.g., Master of Arts)
• The date of submission
Examples The preliminary section Research Methodology

• It sometimes also includes your dissertation topic or field of study,
your student number, your supervisor’s name, and your university’s
logo.
• should accurately reflect the scope and content of the study. In
addition, it should be concise, simple and catchy preferably less
than 15 words but not exceed 20 words. The title should be types in
UPPER CASE, centered and positioned in the upper half of the page.
• The title should be informative/descriptive yet discrete and contain
the key words of the proposal. Avoid using words that serve no
useful purpose in the title such as: "Research into...", "A Study
of...", etc. Avoid using abbreviations in the title.
Examples The preliminary section

•Chapter One: Introduction
•Chapter Two: Literature Review
•Chapter Three: Research Design
•Chapter Four: Results and Discussion
•Chapter Five: Conclusion and Recommendation
The text section Research Methodology

Research proposal Research thesis/dissertation
1. Describes what the researcher
intends to do and why he intends to
do
1. Describes what the researcher
has done
2. Before the research field begins 2. After the completion whole
research project
3. Shorter in length 3. Longer than research proposal
4. Contains three chapters 4. Contain five chapters with
preliminary and appendix
5. Written in future tense 5. Written in past tense

These are described in the following subsections.
1. Background of the study
2. Problem statement
3. Objectives of the study
4. Research questions or hypothesis
5. Scope of the study
6. Significance of the Study
7. Operational definitions of the study
8. Description of the study area/organization
9. Limitations

• The background should be written as a summary of your
interpretation of previous research and what your study
proposes to accomplish.
• The background section should provide general information
about the topic of your research and emphasize the main aims
of the study.
• Please note that the background section gives you an
opportunity to show that you have a good knowledge of the
body of literature, the wider context in which your research
belongs and that you have awareness of methodologies and
related theories.

• Historical perspective
A historical perspective is a short and precise paragraph on the
relationships between the variables under investigation in a
historical perspective.
• the study is usually the initial section of the proposal and it has
three main dimensions and they are:
• Global history (Universal)
• Continental history (Regional)
• National history (Somaliland)
structure the background of the study Research Methodology

• The historical background may be written along the IV, the DV or the
target population.
• A researcher may choose to describe the history of the IV or the DV,
or of the target population.
• There is no standard structure for writing the historical background.
• All that a researcher needs to show is that the issues under
investigation have historical significance and do not exist in
isolation.
• But it is important to describe the history starting from a global
perspective and then narrowing down to the local context.
• Background of the study often requires maximum two pages.
Historical perspectives Research Methodology

Example topics
• The Role of Teachers’ Job Satisfaction on Students’
Academic Performance in Ahmed- Dhagax District Hargeisa,
Somaliland
• The impact of social media and students’ academic
performance in Beder university, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
• Factors affecting public speaking anxiety among university
students at Edna Adan university in Hargeisa ,Somaliland
Historical perspectives Research Methodology

Teachers are the main backbone of the education system of any
country. They shoulder the huge responsibilities in moulding the young
minds to achieve the vision and mission of the country. And in this 21st
Century teachers are playing greater roles and given bigger
commitments in the profession particularly due to some external
factors such as the influence of globalization and intricate intercultural
communication. Besides that, they also face challenges within the
teaching profession itself which range from students’ discipline, school
facilities, teachers’ own knowledge competency (Omar & Bing, 2005)
and teacher’s own economic standing. More often than not, these
increased responsibilities and higher expectations do take its toll on
them especially when they feel that they have not been fairly
commensurate.
An Example of Background of the study Research Methodology

• Hence, according to Parkaran (1994) as cited in Jabnoun and Chan (2001), the
Malaysian Education Ministry has been instructed to carry out investigations to
identify reasons for teachers opting for early retirement. Undoubtedly, there
are also those who “...persist difficult times, cope with stressful situations, and
often succeed despite trying environments” (Eklund, 2009, p. 25), nevertheless,
their ability to persist and cope may or may not be a clear indication of the true
sense of satisfaction in their working profession. As indicated by Ololube (n.d.),
“the relevance of job satisfaction and motivation are very crucial to the long-
term growth of any educational system around the world…as the veritable
determinants of educational success and performance”. The role of teachers is
crucial for the transfer of knowledge in schools. At the same time, teachers.
Remuneration is the biggest cost factor in educational finance. In most
countries, developing and industrialized alike, teachers. Salaries account for
between half and three fourth of current education expenditure
Global context Research Methodology

Continental or regional Research Methodology
• In some African countries, their part rises up to 90% (World Bank
2001). Given the magnitude of the financial investment involved,
it is extremely important to know whether these funds are used
efficiently. In this respect, job satisfaction is indeed most crucial
not only in determining the faithfulness of an employee to an
organization but more importantly it is the main indicator of an
individual’s level of commitment and productivity in his or her
profession. Among the factors that influence job satisfaction are
salary, professional development, administrative relationship and
rapport. Hence, if teachers have a high level of job satisfaction, it
can be assured that a more enjoyable,

• In Somaliland, a report carried out in Somaliland post showed the significant relationship
between transactional and transformational the role of teacher job satisfaction on students’
academic performance. The learning community needs to pay close attention to the quality
of the teachers they provide. It is an open job that requires confidence, knowledge and
training. In the new school year in Somaliland up to university level a large number of
teachers will return to their jobs. Advised, or Loved or Seen as a Temporary Work. A student
who is ready and committed to learning is an incentive for the teacher to do well in his or
her work. Little is known about the current situation in the country, such as unemployment
and migration. Whenever the quality of teaching or teaching is poor or the teacher neglects
his role while he is in school, poor students will emerge who will not benefit the country in
the future. Many teachers who look at the big money and are not interested in the value of
the student's education or who do not think about the quality of the lesson but look at the
money they are being paid look at the other side. full. As a teacher, you must have worked
hard and had a reputation that you will be proud of in the future. Every year a large number
of teachers are hired and added to the new payroll, yet there are no rights and benefits or
retirement plans for teachers. (Abdifatah M. Ahmed, 2013) However, this study will
investigate the role of teachers’ job satisfaction in secondary schools Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Local context Research Methodology

The impact of social media and students’ academic performance in
university of Hargiesa, Hargeisa, Somaliland.
Practical example Research Methodology

Definition of problem statement
Problem statement is:
 undesirable situation that needs to be solved.
A question that needs to be answered.
A concept that the researcher wants to understand.
A cause –effect relationship that context that the researcher
wants to explore.
A problem statement is a short, concise explanation of a problem
that individuals, groups, community or countries are facing.
It is the heart of the research proposal, thesis, dissertation or
research project.
2. Problem statement Research Methodology

It is preferred to follow this format
1. Ideal Situation
Show the connection between IV and DV.
2. Actual (Realistic/ current situation)
Talk about the current situation, actual problem,
causes of that problem.
3. Consequence (impact- if the problem is not
fixed)
Problematize the situation indicating how ‘bad’ or ‘good’ the
situation that concerns or bothers you.
How to write problem statement Research Methodology

4. Gap
• Your problem statement must be specific to the issue at hand
and often ends up with research questions
• The research questions specifically indicate what your study is
about.
How to write problem statement Research Methodology

Teachers are the main reason for a student academic performance in the
classroom. Teachers are the ones who plays a major role and make significant
contribution in the educational system. (ideal)
The low status, the meagre remuneration, the deplorable working conditions and
lack of future prospective have created a lot of despair and low morale among
teachers. Teaching profession is facing problems related to job satisfaction among
teachers. (actual)
This low level of job satisfaction has made public secondary school teachers have
low morale and lack of commitment to their work and this can be portrayed by
the poor results and declining trends in Somaliland Certificate of Secondary
Education (SLNECB) examination.
This has deteriorated more specifically from 2017-2022. A report from the
national examination office (2012) consequence
Thus, this study may fill this gap The relative the teachers’ job satisfaction on
students’ academic performance has not been well investigated. (Gap)
An example of a problem statement Research Methodology

• PRACTICAL
• An example of a problem statement
The impact of social media and students’ academic
performance in Beder university, Hargeisa, Somaliland.

3. Objectives of the study: Research Methodology
• Objective of the study describes briefly what the research is
trying to achieve.
An objective is a goal, a planned or intended outcome.
This is the breakdown of the purpose, aim or general objective of
the study into specific activities that when executed will result
into achievement of the study purpose.
• Objectives should be closely related to the statement of the
problem.
• The objectives of a research summarize what is to be achieved by
the study. Objectives further specify the issues or area of
knowledge that the researcher wants to examine or explore.
Usually, Objectives provide a link between the problem and the
findings of the research.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Objectives of the study: Research Methodology
+252 63 4179350
 To get right solution of a right problem, clearly defined
objectives are very important, enlighten the way in which the
researcher has to proceed.
 A research objective is a clear, concise, which provides direction
to investigate the variables, sometimes objectives are directed
towards identifying the relationship or difference between two
variables.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Parts of Objectives of the study: Research Methodology
+252 63 4179350
Objective of the research study are categorized into two broad
parts which are: General Objective and Specific Objectives.
These specific objectives are derived from the main objective of the
topic under research.
 General Objective: should be in line with your title/topic. what
researchers expect to achieve by the study in general terms. It is
the aim of the study.( Most of the time only one.)
 Specific objectives: The general objective of a study states It is
possible (and advisable) to break down a general objective into
smaller, logically connected parts. These are normally referred
to as specific objectives. (Generally, more than three. )

Abdirahman Sameeco,
+252 63 4179350
the study common words used are: to determine, compare,
investigate, differentiate, explore, find out, inquire, describe,
calculate.
 To examine
 To establish
 To identify
 To determine
 To assess
 To evaluate
 To analyze
 to find out

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Specific objective Research Methodology
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 Specific objectives are specific targets arising directly from the
general objective of the study.
 a breakdown of the purpose into small manageable units
 Specific objectives should systematically address the various
aspects of the problem as defined under ‘Statement of the
Problem’ .
They should specify what you will do in your study, where and for
what purpose.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Why State Objectives? Research Methodology
+252 63 4179350
 Objectives are useful in research because they:
1. Provide focus by specifying the intended outcomes of the study.
Because the researcher has an end in mind he or she can work
consciously towards that end.
2. Narrow the scope of the study to specific issues, and helps the
researcher to generate specific hypotheses and develop
research questions.
3. Enable the researcher to select a research design or method.
The way an objective is stated and the words used in it
determine the methods that can best achieve it. Objectives that
deal with views, for example, require a different method from
those that deal with

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Continuous.. Research Methodology
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4. Enable the researcher to select suitable tools for data collection
and appropriate methods for data analysis.
5. Enable the researcher to evaluate the outcomes of the study. It is
by comparing the intended outcomes against the actual outcomes
that a researcher can tell whether or not the study was successful.
Without first stating the intended outcomes, effective evaluation
cannot be done

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Characteristics of a Good Research
Objective
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 A well-stated research objective has five basic characteristics
which can be abbreviated as SMART.
 Specific, (Addressing one thing only)
 Measurable, (Can be evaluated: Use proper action verbs (to
determine, to find out)
 Attainable, (Given the resources available like (finances,
equipment, personnel and even time).
 Realistic (Given the local conditions
 Time-bound (Can be achieved in the given time)

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Objectives of the study Format Research Methodology
+252 63 4179350
 Once specific targets have been identified, they should be stated
clearly so that even in the absence of the researcher, the
objectives can still be pursued as was stated and achieved as
intended. Research objectives derive from the research topic.
Once the variables are operationalized, the researcher should
then express the relationship between the independent and the
dependent variables in a manner that points to the purpose of
the study, using words that “imply action” and in observable and
measurable terms. There are three approaches (or models) to
writing research objectives, based on the operationalization and
the placement of the independent and the dependent variables.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
+252 63 4179350
(Model 1 objectives), the independent variable is separated into
operational units but the dependent variable is retained as a unit, as
illustrated in Figure. In this model, each operation of the independent
variable is related to the dependent variable.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Model 2 Objectives Research Methodology
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each individual operation of the independent variable is related to
each operation of the dependent variable as illustrated in.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Model 3 Objectives Research Methodology
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the independent variable is retained as a unit and related to each
operation of the dependent variable as illustrated in Figure

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Model 4 Objectives of the study: Research Methodology
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Model 4 objectives is a kind of a free approach (general format) to
writing objectives and particularly suitable in exploratory and one
variable studies, and in qualitative research. The objectives are
generated without focusing on specific operations of the variables.
For example, in our case title of - effect of remuneration on
motivation of diploma teachers in primary schools in Kenya - a
researcher may state the following objectives:

Abdirahman Sameeco,
+252 63 4179350
 A research question is an objective re-stated in question form,
and in a manner that require collection of data to answer. It is
this requirement for data collection that makes a question a
research question.
 To write research questions, a researcher simply
states each objective in question form and
avoids questions that require YES/NO answers.

Example of objectives of the study
• The role of teachers’ job satisfaction on students’ academic performance
in Hargeisa, Somaliland
• 1.3.1 General object
• To assess The role of teachers’ job satisfaction on students’ academic
performance in Hargeisa, Somaliland
• 1.3.2. specific objective
1. To determine the workload on students’ academic performance in
Ahmed-Dhagax district.
2. To identify the interpersonal working relationship on students’
academic performance in Ahmed-Dhagax district.
3. To establish conditions of service on students’ academic performance
in Ahmed-Dhagax district.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
Hypothesis of the study: Research Methodology
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 A hypothesis is a prediction of some sort, regarding the possible
outcomes of an intended study.
 Research questions and hypotheses are usually used alternately.
If questions are posed, hypotheses are usually not stated at the
same time.
Practical example

Abdirahman Sameeco,
5. Scope of the Study Research Methodology
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This section specifies the boundaries of their research. These
should include:
 the geographical scope, which defines the location of the study;
 the content scope, which defines the factors and variables and
issues to be considered;
 and the time scope which identifies the time which has been
used to collect the data
All the dimensions of the scope are stated in future tense when
writing research proposal, but this should be changed to past tense.
The scope of the study shall not exceed half a page.

Example of scope of the study
• This study will focus on the role of teachers’ job satisfaction on
students’ academic performance In Hargeisa, Somaliland.
• Geographically, the study will undertake at Hargeisa capital city of
Somaliland. This city of study was chosen for research because the
accessibility, time and economic factors and also it is a city where all
schools are actively operating and this facilitates getting the
necessary information concerning the matter under investigation.
The students’ academic performance and teachers’ job satisfaction
their role was weak, that is why the researcher strategically
selected these time frames and
• the duration of the study will be April.2022- August 2022.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
6. Description of the study area Research Methodology
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 Depending on the sampling unit of the study, students must give
brief description of the study area or study organizations. This
section provides information about the characteristics of the
study areas as population, location, climate, socioeconomic
activities etc. In case students are studying about institutions,
information concerning target institutions is inevitable. Such
information may include organizational structure, mandates of
respective institutions, establishment laws etc. Completely
description of the study area/organization is stated using
present tense

Abdirahman Sameeco,
7. Significance of the Study Research Methodology
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The significance of the study states how the results of a research will
influence the institution or society in question, why the study is worth
the time, efforts and expense.
In this section, students will state why they feel the study is important.
This is usually stated in terms of identifying people or institution that
will benefit from it and how they will benefit. Notice that it is here
where students convince scholars that their research is worth
undertaking or studying. At proposal stage, beneficiaries and
associated benefits are put in future tense and the same is put in
present tense. This section could be as long as one – and –a-half pages.

The findings of the study will significant to the following groups
such as non- governmental organizations.
The significance section of the proposal should answer at least two
questions: first how will policy makers or practitioners( example
government and other stakeholders benefit from the study
findings?
Second, how will theoreticians, academicians or researchers
benefit from the study findings?
Example of Significance of the study

• The main purpose of this study is to investigate the role of teachers’
job satisfaction on students’ academic performance. Accordingly,
the result of this study will have the following importance: The
study will help MOE and science officials as well as policy
implementers to be informed about the role teachers’ satisfaction
identify students’ academic performance.
• The future researchers will use as reference of this study to embark
on a related study. A teacher who is happy and satisfied with his or
her profession will emanate positive energy that will give positive
influence on those around him or her particularly the students. As
such, teachers who possess high level of satisfaction in their job will
be a source of motivation to the students to succeed in their
studies.

Abdirahman Sameeco,
8. Operational Definitions Research Methodology
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 When the researcher thinks that some of the key words are used
in a special manner in the context of the current study, he/she
needs to provide a section with operational definitions of terms.
Similarly, when the researcher thinks that some terms in the
study are unfamiliar to the reader, he /she has to provide
definitions of the key terms in a section named definitions of the
key terms.
Define:
Independent variable, dependent variable

Abdirahman Sameeco,
9. Limitations Research Methodology
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 The limitation of observations is that it consumes time and it
affects the behavior of the participant
 This section explains the limitations that may invalidate
the study or make it less than accurate. At proposal stage,
students forecast possible limitation of the research, but
students have to devise how the limitation will be handled. At
thesis stage, students must give limitation affecting results of
the thesis that are faced in the course of conducting the
research. Students have to bear in mind that certain limitations
like cost and time cannot be presented as limitation to the fact
that the research can manage these issues.

Example of limitation
• the teachers of the schools will not co-operative in releasing sensitive information about their
job satisfaction
• The researcher will be sought permission from the school principles .
• first, the researcher will tell the respondent that information collected will be treated with
confidentiality.
• Secondly, the researcher will share the respondents that information collected is for academic
purposes only. Shortage of secondary data: there is no well-organized secondary data in the
context of Somaliland that relevant to this title and this will hinder the researcher to grasp and
to get full details about the existing conditions in the context. As a result, researcher will use
other global studies as a literature
• 3. Not all questionnaires maybe return completely answered nor even retrieved back due to
circumstances on the part of the respondents such as travels, sickness, hospitalization and
refusal/withdrawal to participate. In anticipation to this, the researcher was reserved more
respondents by exceeding the minimum sample size. The respondents will also be reminded
not to leave any item in the questionnaires unanswered and will closely followed up as to the

THE END OF CHAPTER ONE!!!
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THESIS WRITING CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

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