Guidelines To Dissertation / Thesis Writing: Institute of Graduate Studies Sultan Idris Education University
Guidelines To Dissertation / Thesis Writing: Institute of Graduate Studies Sultan Idris Education University
Guidelines To Dissertation / Thesis Writing: Institute of Graduate Studies Sultan Idris Education University
DISSERTATION / THESIS
WRITING
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APPROVED IN 171TH SENATE MEETING NO.10/2018 DATED 17 OCTOBER 2018
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UNIVERSITI PENDIDIKAN SULTAN IDRIS
1. NAME
2. PURPOSE
3. DEFINITION
In this guidelines, the following are the details of the definition unless the context describes the
meaning otherwise:
a) Thesis: Academic research reports submitted by students for the fulfilment of the Doctorate
program of study; Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Education.
b) Dissertation: Academic research reports submitted by students to meet program
requirements for Masters by Research and Masters by Research and coursework.
c) Project Paper: Academic research reports submitted by students to meet program
requirements for Masters by Coursework.
d) Candidate/Students: A person who has registered for the Graduate Program at Sultan Idris
Education University (UPSI).
e) Supervisor: Academicians or industry experts proposed by the Faculty and approved by the
Graduate Studies Committee to oversee the study by the students.
f) Dissertation/Completed Thesis: Hardbound copies that have undergone the correction and
improvement process.
4. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Candidates are required to submit a complete dissertation / thesis after the checking and correcting
in accordance with the guidelines established by IGS.
Students are required to fulfil this condition to enable them to receive their respective
degrees. University will not award a degree to a candidate that has failed do so.
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b) Reserve of Dissertation/Thesis Copy
Three (3) hardbound copies of the dissertation / thesis and two copies of a compact disc (CD)
in PDF format must be submitted by the student to the following parties:
i. One softcopy that is uploaded in UPSI digital resipotory together with a hardbound
copy to be kept in the University's library.
ii. One softcopy to be stored in IGS.
iii. One hardbound copy to be submitted to the Faculty.
iv. One hardbound copy to be submitted to the Supervisor.
c) Plagiarism
Sultan Idris Education University provides the use of similarity index software (percentage);
(for example Turnitin software) to help the students to tackle plagiarism. For the purpose of
sending the draft dissertation / thesis for Viva Voce oral examination, candidates are required
to send a copy of the plagiarism/similarity index result (not exceeding 30%) which had been
approved by the supervisor to the Institute of Graduate Studies. Failure to do so will result
in cancellation of Viva Voce oral examination from being carried out.
d) University's Property
All the dissertation / thesis will be permanently entitled to Sultan Idris Education University
in which the copyright of the original copy will be owned by the University, and not by the
author of the dissertation / thesis. Any publication which involves the dissertation / thesis or
any part of it requires permission from the University beforehand.
a) Introduction
b) Literature Review
c) Methodology
d) Findings
e) Discussion, Recommendations, Implications and Conclusions
a) Introduction
Preface / Introduction
This section is an introduction to the issues related to the study / research in general. Its
descriptions should give an initial overview of the scope of the study which is to be carried
out by the candidate.
Background Research
These sections describe in general about the study that will be carried out. Details and
elaborations of this section become the trigger point of the research's ideas.
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Problem Statement
This section describes the issues / problems to be studied in the research. Candidates need
to explain why those studies should be carried out based on the arguments and evidence
related.
The objective of the study should be specific, measurable, accessible, realistic and suitable
with the duration of the study. Objective writing needs to be in the form of verbs, related to
the field and their respective research level.
Research Question
This section enlists the questions that need to be answered in the study. Research questions
are usually created based on the objective of the study and must be related to the problem
statement mentioned.
This part of the study states early expectations about the possible results of the study. One
of the important characteristics of hypotheses is the ability to show the correlation between
the variables in the study that are specific, clear and measurable.
Explains the aspects related to theories and / or concepts that underlie study based on the
resources that are reliable from scholars / experts / researchers in the field. If necessary, this
framework could also be presented in the form of diagrams.
Operational Definition
The operational definition / term definition explains the key concepts based on the context
of the study.
Study Limitations
Importance of Research
This section will clearly describe in details of the study's impact and explain the benefits of
the study's findings and results to multiple organizations, communities, countries, related
agencies and also the development of knowledge in that particular field of study.
Summary
This part formulates concepts, principles, and ideas included in the chapters.
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b) Literature Review
The literature review represents the critical and analytical writing about academic writings
that had been published by scholars and researchers on the topics studied. The purpose is to
enlighten the readers on the theories, concepts, and arguments that had been used in
formulating the research procedures. It also discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the
researches conducted on the related topic and scope of this study.
The literature review should be centred on the research questions formed. This part does not
only list the research items obtained for the study or the compilation of previous studies
alone. Instead, the candidate must demonstrate the synthesis of the results in the form of a
summary of the researches that has been previously known and unknown, identifying
controversies involving the field of study, and thus form the research questions that need
further researching. The results of this literature review can be used to help form a rationale
for your study, to identify the variables, and ultimately help in choosing appropriate research
methodologies. It can also be linked to the findings of the study in the discussion section.
Proposed writing on this sections consists of three (3) categories:
Introduction
- Identify common topics, issues, or areas of focus, then provide the appropriate context
for the literature review.
- Shows the overall trend ; or contradictions in the theories, methodologies, evidence, and
conclusions; or gaps in research or the field; or a problem / new perspectives that interest
researchers.
- Justify the reasons for the need of literature review; explain the criteria used for the
analysis, compare and arrange materials from the literature, and state why certain
literature are excluded, if needed (scope).
Main (Body)
- Collecting materials for literature (research, reviews, theoretical articles, case studies
and so on) based on categories / similar themes such as qualitative versus quantitative
approach; author's summary; purpose or objectives; chronological order and etc.
- Summarizing research or articles in accordance with the relevance of references in the
literature.
- Suggesting main ideas at the beginning paragraph and in other parts that are strategic to
facilitate the readers in understanding the comparisons and analysis presented.
Summary
- Formulate major contribution of the related researches and the materials referred for the
study to be conducted. Candidates should focus on research questions mentioned in the
introduction.
- Evaluate the latest trend of the field of study that has been researching on. Candidate
needs to propose on the development of the main methodology referred, show the gap
that exists in the study, theories and findings that are inconsistent and field or issue
related to the research that is about to be studied.
- Make a conclusion by showing a relationship between the main topics in literature with
the field to be studied.
- If necessary, this structure can be presented in a diagram.
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c) METHODOLOGY
This part is different between one dissertation / thesis with other dissertation / thesis
depending on the field of study being researched about and it may not be available in
theoretical based dissertation / thesis. This section contains information and justification
towards materials, theoretical approach, experimental design and method (including
statistical analysis) used to achieve the research's objectives. Materials and methods used in
research need to be explained thoroughly and accurately. Reference for methods and
procedure applied must be stated. Shown below is an example of methodology section
written on social science research. The example below can be modified to suit the research
areas being studied, such as Information Systems, Engineering, Science, Sports, and Science
and etc.
Introduction
Introduction in methodology chapter should discuss what was discussed in the chapter,
briefly. For example, Parts One narrates on survey design while Part Two explains on the
sample population and many others. It is also for the best if the methods used are also
included according to the sequence of objectives of the study as stated in the first chapter.
Research Approach
Instruments
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- Instrumentation is a combination between the instruments and procedures used in
gathering data.
- An instrument that was created by self must go through a certain consideration in terms
of its validity, reliability, objectivity (refer to subjective assessment), and usability.
- An instrument that is adapted or that uses existing instruments need to go through :
a. Acculturation process, for example, an instrument that was taken from overseas,
must be adjusted to local socio-culture.
b. Translation process needs to go through face validity (confirmation by linguist
and content expert) and back to back translation.
- Procedure for collecting data. How data are collected, for example, questionnaire
distribution, in-field data collection , interview process, and observations.
- Pioneer study's purpose – why or reasons to choose that particular sample; validity and
reliability.
- When, where and who was involved in the implementation of the pioneer study.
- The results of the pioneer study - the validity, reliability and other related information
(if any).
- Items that were to be dropped, added or to be modified (if any).
- Was the normality test analysis was conducted and what were the results.
Summary
d) FINDINGS
Introduction
The introduction in finding chapter should briefly discuss what is in the chapter.
Main (Body)
This chapter presents and interprets the research data. The overall findings of the study and
analysis can be presented in tables, figures, and statements to enable important discoveries
to be highlighted. Each table should consist the introduction of the table, table and
description of the table. The findings can also be written with more than one chapter. This
section should be arranged according to the hierarchy of research questions to show that all
questions are answered.
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Summary
This chapter should briefly summarize the research findings. Next, this chapter also
discusses the study's findings by relating theories and past research discussed in the literature
review. It is best if the study findings and discussion are written according to the sequence
of objectives or research questions. These findings need to be discussed critically to
symbolize how scholarly that certain study carried out. The findings are concluded in synch
with research questions. The study also can suggest a new innovation or new ideas based on
the findings. Significance and implications of the research conducted on the field of study
must be stated. Suggestions for future research should also be included in this chapter.
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DISSERTATION/THESIS
FORMAT
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1.0 DISSERTATION/THESIS FORMAT
Each dissertation / thesis MUST follow the format that had been fixed by IGS.
06. Tables List page Compulsory Numbered with small Roman numerals
07. Figures List page Compulsory Numbered with small Roman numerals
08. Abbreviations / Symbols List Page Compulsory Numbered with small Roman numerals
The page number is continued from the
09. Reference Compulsory
last page of dissertation / thesis
10. Appendix Optional
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1.4 Declaration of Dissertation / Thesis Status
1.5 Appreciation
1.6 Abstract
Uses one or two sentences for each of the matters specified above. The abstract should be
no longer than 300 words, written in one paragraph and written in both Malay and English.
For the dissertation / thesis written in Malay, the title, and abstract translation must be
translated into English and vice versa . It must be written in single spacing. Please refer to
the example of Malay abstract in APPENDIX E1 and English abstract in Appendix E2 for
a thesis written in Malay.
Note: For quantitative studies, certain value findings (such as validity coefficient values,
reliability values, frequency / frequency values, or any value obtained) can be specified if
necessary according to the study's suitability.
The contents page contains a list of references for all the information in the dissertation /
thesis granted under preliminary dissertation / thesis, chapters, and pages. Each prefix
dissertation / thesis, chapter and page number shown in the page content must coincide with
the beginning of the dissertation / thesis, chapter, and page number in the dissertation / thesis.
Show the title of contents up to three levels only. Please refer to the example in APPENDIX
F.
This page contains a list of all tables in the thesis. Information on the tables that needs to be
stated are the numbers, table captions, and the number of pages where those tables are placed.
The list must be written according to the order of the chapters. However, if the entire
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dissertation / thesis contains only one or two tables, the list of Table is unnecessary. Please
refer to APPENDIX G.
All illustrations included in the text, such as maps, charts, drawings, graphs, printed images,
diagrams, and photographs are referred to as 'figures'. List of figures contains all the number
of figures, the title of the figures and the pages where these figures are included in the
dissertation / thesis. List of figures must be written according to the order of the chapters.
Please refer to APPENDIX H.
This page lists the symbols, abbreviations, nomenclature and terminology that are found in
the text. The order of writing are as follows:
Please refer to APPENDIX I. To get more details on the spelling and abbreviations, students
are encouraged to refer to 'Gaya Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka'
This page lists all the attachments used by the students in completing the research. Please
refer to APPENDIX J.
1.12 Text
The text of the dissertation / thesis must be divided into chapters with titles given and each
of the titles must reflect the content of the chapter. Each chapter must begin on a new page.
The chapters can be expanded into smaller parts with given sub-chapters. The titles and sub-
headings should be numbered. Please refer to the examples in APPENDIX K1 and K2. The
number of chapters in the dissertation / thesis is not limited. Generally, a dissertation / thesis
will be structured as follows:
i. Introduction
ii. Literature review
iii. Methodology
iv. Findings
v. Summary, Discussion, Recommendation, Implication and Conclusion
All the information and ideas quoted from a source must be acknowledged in the
text. Please refer to matter 3.4 and the latest APA style guide.
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1.12.2 Tables in text
All tables are given a number and must refer to the chapter like Table 4.2 for
the second table in chapter 4. Each caption is written on the left and with single
spacing. The table's title is to be written on top of the table and written using
Times New Roman, size 12 without a full stop at the end and written on the left
as well. Please refer to APPENDIX L. If the table was taken from a specific
source, the source must be stated at the end of the table. However, in writing,
tables can only be placed referenced in the text. Please refer to the latest APA
style guide and should be consistent in the overall writing of dissertation/thesis.
All figures are given numbers using figure direction. Numbers of those figures
should refer to the chapter such as Figure 5.2 for the second figure in chapter 5.
Each headline of figures is written on the top left of the figure followed by the
figure. The headings are written using Times New Roman font, size 12, without
the full stop at the end and written on the left. Please refer to APPENDIX M. If
a figure is taken from a particular source, the source must be stated at the lower
end of the figure. However, in writing, tables can only be placed after referenced
in the text. Please refer to the APA style guide 6th edition.
y = mx+ c (2.1)
z = 10x2 + y2 (2.2)
UPSI dissertation / thesis uses only the reference list and not the bibliography. This list must
be attached at the end of the dissertation / thesis, before the Appendices. Candidates cannot
mix up a style of reference writing and it should be consistent. Please refer to the latest APA
style guide and should be consistent in the overall writing of dissertation/thesis
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TECHNICAL
SPECIFICATION
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2.0 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
The title of dissertation / thesis should be short and it can convey the meaning / purpose of
research. The title length should not exceed 15 words.
Dissertation / thesis length depends on the program of study. However, the following
guideline may be followed:
Text page in dissertation / thesis should be presented in portrait format. Landscape shaped
page layout can be used to presenting figures and schedules.
Only the white paper, sized A4 (210 x 297 mm) with good quality paper types such as
similes weighing 80g, or which have almost the same qualities can be used to prepare the
copies of the final dissertation / thesis. Copies of the dissertation / thesis must also be
produced using similar quality paper.
Text in the dissertation / thesis, including titles and pages must be produced using the same
fonts letters. Type of fonts suitable for use in the dissertation / thesis is Times New Roman
or Arial.
Font size options that can be used in the text are either size 11 for Arial font or size 12 for
Times New Roman font. The size selected must be applied uniformly in the entire
dissertation / thesis. Footnotes and text in the table could use a smaller font size but shall not
be less than a size 8.
Italic writings are not allowed except for scientific names and terminology in different
languages. Use bold writings for the chapter headings and subheadings without lines.
The chapter title should be capitalized and bolded. For sub-headings, only the first letter of
the first word in the sub-chapter should be capitalized.
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2.6 Frame
Certain frame specifications are intended to facilitate the process of bookbinding and editing
of dissertation / thesis later. All information in the dissertation / thesis, including the title of
the text, footnotes, diagrams and pages, must be within the scope of the text that has been
set.
Text should be typed using left-right align (justify). The first line of the first paragraph
should not be aligned to the right. For the second and subsequent paragraph, the first line of
each paragraph should be aligned about 1.27 cm @ 0.5 inches from the frame on the left.
However, a new paragraph cannot be started on the last line of a page.
Each line of text in the dissertation / thesis must use double spacing. This spacing must be
applied uniformly in the entire dissertation / thesis.
i. The spacing distance between the top margin and chapter number is 2.54cm or
equivalent to double spacing, down from the first line.
ii. Four spacing are used between the chapter number and title, and between the title and
the first line of text.
iii. Double spacing used between sub-section of titles and the first line of text of that
particular sub-section.
iv. Double spacing is also used for the last line of text and tables, or diagrams, or
illustrations.
v. At least one-character spacing should be used between commas ',' or a full stop '.' and
the first letter of the next sentence in the same paragraph. However, no spacing
required between the last letter of the previous paragraph in the same paragraph with
commas or periods.
The title of the chapter should be typed in the middle between the left and right borders.
Each chapter must be started on a new page.
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2.8 Page
Dissertation / thesis should be printed on side of the page only, on each sheet of paper. All
the pages in the page dissertation / thesis should be numbered consecutively, including pages
that contain tables, figures, and appendices. Page numbers should be placed at the right side
on the upper ledge, namely 27.1 cm @ 0.5 inches from the top and 2.54 m @ 1 inch from
the right side, using the Times New Roman font size 12 or Arial font size 11. The page
number should stand alone without any use of parentheses '()', hyphen '/', a dash '-' or any
decorative images.
i. Early pages before Chapter 1 must be numbered in small Roman numbers (such as ii,
iii and iv).
ii. The title page should not be numbered even though it is recognized as the pages
numbered i.
iii. Every page which contains chapter heading also does not need to be numbered
although the page number considered into account. For example, page 1 is the first
page for Chapter 1: Introduction that does not need to have its page number.
iv. Every appendix that needs to be attached has to be labelled with a letter, for example,
Appendix A, or Appendix B and numbered according to the appendix letter. For
example, Appendix A might include 10 attachments that are separate. So, it needs to
be given a number page like A1, A2, A3 until A10.
v. List of references page should be numbered and the numbering is continued from the
last page of candidate dissertation / thesis. For example, the last page number of
candidate dissertation / thesis is 224, so the page number for the first reference list
page is 225.
Each chapter and sub-section must be labelled and numbered. Chapter numbering must
always use digits, such as Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3 and so on.
Each subsection must be aligned and arranged neatly but should not exceed four levels (three
decimal places) just like the following example:
Note: In the above example, the entry level is 5, which is the first level (Heading chapter)
but was not included in the sample in order to avoid confusion because the format for
justifying and spacing the number and title of the chapter is different compared to other
levels, according to the format as shown in Appendix K1 and K2.
If the length of chapter's heading or any level exceeds a line, double spacing will be used
just like the spacing used between the lines in the text.
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2.10 Binding
Six (6) copies of dissertation/thesis for Master students and seven (7) copies
of thesis for Ph.D. students (binding with soft-cover) must be handed to at the
Institute of Postgraduate Studies with the completed submission form of
dissertations / theses.
2.10.3 Cover's Colour and Letter's Colour (Master’s Degree / Ph.D.) - Name and Colour
Code
Hard Cover
Study Program
Colour Colour Code
Ph.D. Black 585
Masters Maroon 567
The statement on the cover must be printed using the capital letters that are fully
gold coloured and requires hot stamping, with Arial or Times New Roman font,
size 18 and should contain the following:
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2.10.5 Spine (dissertation/thesis)
The statement in the spine of the dissertation/thesis must be printed using the
capital letters that are fully gold coloured and requires hot stamping, with Arial
or Times New Roman font, size 18 and should contain the following:
i. Student’s name;
ii. Name of Study program;
iii. Initials of the University; and
iv. Submission year of the dissertation / thesis.
2.10.6 Trimming
Students must also provide softcopy (CD) in PDF format to be sent along with
the copies of the dissertation / thesis. The softcopy should be labelled with the
following information: (Appendix P)
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WRITING
CONVENTION AND
REFERENCE
WRITING
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3.0 WRITING CONVENTION
The use of standard measurement system, Standard International (SI) and its acronyms are
encouraged. Some common examples are shown below:
2 litre(2L)
10 millilitres (10 mℓ)
15 kilograms (15 kg)
7 grams (7 gm)
9 kilometres (9 km)
5 hectares (5 ha)
25 tons (25 t)
135 parts per million (135 ppm)
50 Australian Dollars (AUSD 50)
2.7-ton metric/hectare (2.7 t/ha)
Numeral writing in the front of unit measurements cannot be spelled (written by 2L, and not
two L), except when written in the beginning of a sentence or figure one (1).
All figures / digits usage less than ten has to be spelled except for those with a unit of
measurement (for example 7 g, 10 mℓ). The sentence that starts with figure has to be written
with the word (for example, "Fifty respondents was interviewed" and not "50 respondents
was interviewed). Another alternative is by compiling sentence sequence by using numbers
into a numerical series as follows:
i. The observed class has 1 table and teacher's chair, 25 benches and a table for the pupil,
4 fans, and 1 whiteboard.
ii. Enrolment number of the pupil in grade 4 at Bangi SRK throughout the past three years
are 125, 180 and 225.
Symbol % or percent word can be used without white space between digits and symbol, for
example, 10.5%. If it was written 10.5 percent (percent), that usage should be consistent
throughout the thesis writing. Percentage (Pct.) short form can be used when naming column
subject to symbolize percentage.
Both quotations are made directly and indirectly in the text should be given
acknowledgment. Failure to do so may lead to charges of plagiarizing the author's work.
Usually, surname / father's name is used in the text to make reference. For example, Allen
Luke inscribed as Luke in the text. For Chinese author, for example, Goh Hock Seng was
written with the surname or the author name is located in the front. Malay author names can
be written, for example, Ramlah Mailok written with the full name, surname or author’s first
name located in the front. Citations in the text should be in the reference list at the end of the
thesis / dissertation.
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3.4.1 Direct Quotation
Direct quotation less than three lines is shown using the quotes symbol. If more,
the quotation should be aligned and written with its page number. The example
below shows how various forms and quotation directly inserted into the text.
Example:
Examples:
Examples:
d) The longer quotation is aligned on the left side only or both sides without
the quotes.
Examples:
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3.4.2 Indirect Quotation
a) If the idea and not the original text of author is included in the text, write
only the name and year published. Other information will be inserted in
the reference index.
Example:
Examples:
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Quoting directly from the author (less than 40 words)
Example:
Dalam membicarakan panduan asas fiqh wanita, Siti Nor Bahyah (2008) menyatakan
bahawa "semakin tinggi ilmu yang dimiliki, bukan untuk bermegah tetapi untuk
memandu seseorang itu meningkatkan amal kebajikan. Amal fardu kifayah dan amal
fardu ain dapat dijadikan sebagai bekalan yang akan manusia bawa apabila telah mati
kelak' (ms.152)
Below is the statement quoted in the KBSR that shows the importance of
mathematical thinking elements and problem solving in the teaching and learning
mathematics:
The learning of mathematics at all levels involves more than just the basic
acquisition of concepts and skills. It involves, more importantly, an
understanding of the underlying mathematical thinking, general strategies of
problem-solving, communicating mathematically and including positive attitudes
towards an appreciation of mathematics as an important and powerful tool in
everyday life. (Curiculum & Malaysia, 2006, p.112)
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Writing text Sample
Seramai 15 orang responden terlibat dalam kajian ini. Mereka terdiri daripada tujuh
orang responden lelaki dan lapan orang responden perempuan dari kelas 5 Amanah. Borang
latar belakang (Lampiran G) disediakan untuk mengetahui serba sedikit latar belakang
keluarga responden-responden ini dan pengenalan diri responden bagi memudahkan proses
temu bual yang akan dilakukan kelak. Borang ini disediakan dalam bentuk jadual bagi
memudahkan dalam bentuk jadual bagi memudahkan pengkaji untuk mengisi maklumat.
Numbers 1 to 9 must be
written in words.
Numbers 10 and aboveshould Example: one, two, ... ,
be written in a numeral.
Example: 10, 11, 12, .....
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A) Number written in Numeral
Number 10 and above 12 cm 13 list
25 years 105 words
Number which represents
Times 5 3 times more
mathematical function
Over 5% of the sample 0.33 from
A number which represents time, 1 hour 24 minutes 12.30 a.m.
date, score, and etc.
A score of 4 on a scale of 5 Table 4
3.5 References
Any reference dissertation / thesis either quoted directly or indirectly, should be listed in the
references. For each source used, the candidate must have a reference. This is to certify the
source used and allow the reader to keep track of everything that candidates have used. A
complete reference can avoid allegations of plagiarism. The reference list is to be started on
a new page and word REFERENCE is typed in capital letters. Writing of references uses
APA style format, 6th edition.
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Bracket format, Bracket format,
First reference Next reference
Passage Type first reference in next reference
in text in text
text marker in text
One author Walker (2007) Walker (2007) (Walker, 2007) (Walker, 2007)
Walker and Allen Walker and Allen (Walker & Allen, (Walker & Allen,
Two author
(2004) (2004) 2004) 2004)
Bradley, (Bradley,
Bradley et al.
Three author Ramirez, and Soo Ramirez, & (Bradley et al., 1999)
(1999)
(1999) Soo, 1999)
Bradley, (Bradley,
Ramirez, Soo, Bradley et al. Ramirez, Soo,
Four author (Bradley et al., 2006)
and Walsh (2006) & Walsh,
(2006) 2006)
Walker, Allen, (Walker, Allen,
Bradley, Walker et al. Bradley,
Five author (Walker et al., 2008)
Ramirez, and (2008) Ramirez, &
Soo (2008) Soo, 2008)
Organization
Sultan Idris (Sultan Idris
(easily identified
Education Education
by the initials) as UPSI (2013) (UPSI, 2013)
University University
the author
(UPSI, 2013) [UPSI], 2013)
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General Guidelines
One Author
Last name / family’s name is written first, followed by the first letters of the author's first name.
Example:
a) Al-Attas, S.M.N (1980). The concept of education In Islam. Kuala Lumpur: ABIM.
Two Authors
Last name / family's name is written first followed by the first letters of the author’s first name.
Use the symbol “&” but not “and”
Example:
a) Creme, P. & Lea, M. R. (2003). Writing at University. 2nd ed. Maiden: Open University
Press.
b) Wegener, D.T. & Perry, R.E. (1994). Mood management across affective states. The hedonic
contingency hypothesis. Journal of Personality & Social Psychology, 66, 1034-1048.
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Chinese Author With English Name
Surname followed by the first letters of the next name of the author.
Example:
a) Vincent Foo Hiap Khian
Cited as: Foo,V.H.K (1983). Sarawak: Mini episodes of the past. Selangor, Malaysia: Fajar
Bakti
Inherited Name
Use the inherited name
Example:
a) Raja Ahmad Niza, cited as: Raja Ahmad Niza. (2009).
Titles Given
Leave titles like Datuk / Tan / Sri / Tun / Prof / Dr / Hajj
Example:
a) Tun Mahathir Mohamad, cited as: Mahathir Mohamad
Corporations
Use the official full name
Example:
a) Yayasan Sabah. (2009).
b) Committe of Bank Rakyat finance. Kuala Lumpur. DBP.
Organizations as Author
Example:
a) American Psychology Association. (2003).
Conference Name
No need to enter the number/session
Example:
a) Persidangan Fizik Asia Pasifik Ke Lima, dipetik sebagai: Persidangan Fizik Asia Pasifik
Unknown Author
Use the title of the article to replace the author’s name
Example:
a) Developing a teamwork. (2006)
b) Merriam-Webster’s collegiate dictionary (10th ed.).(1993). Springfield, MA: Merriam-
Webster.
29
PLAGIARISM
30
4.0 PLAGIARISM
Plagiarism is the use of an idea, work or data taken from other people which are placed in the
main text of the dissertation / thesis without giving credit to the original author and use that
information as if it belonged to the candidate himself. Those works include :
i. Words or ideas from printed materials such as journal articles, magazine articles, books,
newspapers, websites, computer programs, and others.
ii. Diagrams, tables, diagrams, illustrations, charts, maps, photographs or other visual material;
and
iii. Information from interviews and etc.
i. Directly copy a sentence or paragraph from a reference obtained and write as if the result is
the result of the students themselves; and
ii. Using the original text from a source without using quotation marks (") or indent, although
the source is acknowledged.
iii. Paraphrasing without recognition / acknowledgement.
Plagiarism is a very serious crime in the world of academia and is not accepted by academic
scholars. Therefore, if the dissertation / thesis candidate is found to have plagiarism, dissertation /
thesis will be considered as FAILED and the candidate will be terminated from the study program.
Candidates are advised to always refer to the original author when using ideas or words from the
work of the authors or others to avoid plagiarism.
A method for avoiding plagiarism is to make sure that the credit should be given when using the
work of other authors. Candidates need to do this even if the original source had been paraphrased
or summarized. When quoting a statement that was tele-casted even orally, it must be identical to
the original and must be attributed to the original author.
31
REFERENCE
Anderson, J. & Poole, M. (2011). Assignment and thesis writing. (Marzita Puteh & Saadiah Baharom,
Penulisan tugasan & tesis) (edisi ke-4). Tanjung Malim: Penerbit Universiti Pendidikan Sultan
Idris.
Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen N. E. (2009). How to design and evaluate research in education. (7th ed.).
New York: McGraw-Hill
Hamidah Yusof, Jamal Yunus & Khalip Musa. (2014). Kaedah penyelidikan pengurusan pendidikan.
Tanjong Malim: Penerbit Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris.
Pusat Pengurusan Siswazah. (2010). Panduan Penulisan Tesis Gaya UKM (edisi semak kedua). Bangi:
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Pusat Pengajian Pascasiswazah. (2014). Garis panduan gaya penulisan pascasiswazah. Kota Kinabalu:
Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
School of Graduate Studies. (2013). Postgraduate student’s guide thesis preparation. Serdang:
Universiti Putra Malaysia.
32
APPENDIX
33
1. PLEASE SET THE MARGIN
2015
34
PLEASE SET THE MARGIN AS FOLLOWS :
2015
UPSI/IPS-3/BO 32
Pind : 00 m/s: 1/1
This declaration is made on the …………….. (day) …………….. (month) 20… ..... (year)
i. Student’s Declaration:
I, (PLEASE
INDICATE STUDENT’S NAME, MATRIC NO. AND FACULTY) hereby declare that the dissertation /
thesis for titled
is my original work. I have not plagiarised from any other scholar’s work and any sources that
contains copyright had been cited properly for the permitted meanings. Any quotations, excerpt,
reference or re-publication from or any works that has copyright had been clearly and well cited.
(TITLE) was
prepared by the above named student, and was submitted to the Institute of Graduate Studies as
a partial / full fulfillment for the conferment of
(PLEASE INDICATE THE DEGREE), and the aforementioned work, to the best of my knowledge, is
the said student’s work.
36
APPENDIX C
37
APPENDIX D
iii
Double spacing, start
typing on the third row
2.54cm @ 1 inch
38
LAMPIRAN E1
iv
2.54cm @ 1 inch
39
LAMPIRAN E2
2.54cm @ 1 inch
40
APPENDIX F
vi
Double spacing, start typing
on the third row
Page
RECOGNITION ii
APPENDIX iii
3.81cm @
ABSTRAK iv 2.54cm
1.15 inch
@ 1 inch
ABSTRACT v
CONTENT vi
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ix
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Introduction 1
2.54cm @ 1 inch
41
APPENDIX G
vii
Double spacing, start typing
on the third row
2.54cm @ 1 inch
42
APPENDIX H
viii
Double spacing, start
typing on the third row
2.54 cm @ 1 inch
43
APPENDIX I
ix
2.54cm @ 1 inch
44
APPENDIX J
x
Double spacing, start
typing on the third row
A Title Page
B Declaration of Authenticity
F Example of Abstract
2.54cm @ 1 inch
45
PLEASE SET THE MARGIN AS FOLLOWS :
APPENDIX K1
Top : 2.921 cm @ 1.15 inch
The right edge : 2.54 cm @ 1 inch
The left edge : 3.81 cm @ 1.5 inch
The bottom edge : 2.54 cm @ 1 inch
5.08cm @ 2 inch
PLEASE SPECIFY THE FONT (Double spacing, start
Times New Roman size 12 /Arial size 11
typing on the third row)
Single spacing (langkauan satu)
CHAPTER 3
Skip 4 rows
Set’Center’and
shade
Skip 4 rows
3.1 Introduction
Skip 1 line. The beginning paragraph should begin from the
left.
First paragraph
This chapter will discuss the research methodology.The aim is
should not be
indented
to...............................................
Skip 1 line for a new paragraph and it has to be justified.
Indent 1.27cm @
0.5 inch Discussion includes research design,the dependent variable,independent
( TAB once)
variable,variable moderator,sampling,instrument research,data analysis and control of
amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut dolore ......
2.54cm @ 1 inch
46
APPENDIX K2
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor
incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud
exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure
non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Pro eu prima fabellas neglegentur, ne omnis explicari eam. Cum concludaturque 2.54cm
3.81cm @ 1 inch
@ 1.15 inch vituperatoribus in, vim et adhuc ceteros iudicabit. Error doming voluptua eam et. At
lorem imperdiet sit.Et eam hinc dictas aliquid. Maluisset adipiscing sit ad, ferri tollit
dicunt te pro, aeque aperiri et duo. Per mundi maiorum tacimates ad. An veri vocent
dignissim at est. Scripta appetere reprimique ius ut. Alii meliore omittantur at nec, mei
Nec an rebum alienum, ex amet deleniti detraxit quo. Id qui delicata constituam
interpretaris. Fierent eleifend similique eos te. Pri epicurei reformidans at, est dictas
47
2.54cm @ 1 inch
APPENDIX L
Table 3.1
95% CI
Length M(SD)
LL UL
3.81cm @ Note, CI = Confide nce Interval; LL = L ower Limit, UL = Upper Limit. 2.54cm
1.15 inch
Adaptation from A merican Psychological Association (APA), 2010. @ 1 inch
2.54cm @ 1 inch
48
APPENDIX M
Alat
Meningkatkan keupayaan
Aktor sosial
Mewujudkan perhubungan
Media
Menyediakan pengalaman
Lelaki
Perempuan
Year
Figure 4.2. Students Enrolment from 2010 until 2013 in Sekolah ABC, Tg. Malim
49
APPENDIX N
3.0cm
SITI HAJAR ISMAIL
MASTERS IN EDUCATION (BIOLOGY) UPSI 2015
3.0cm
50
APPENDIX O
3.0cm
3.0 sm
DOLBASAR
KASAN
S
IT
I
H
AJ
A
R
DOCTOR
IS OF
PHILOSOPHY
M
AI
(EDUCATION
MANAGEMENT)
L
SARJANA
UPSI
PENDIDIKAN
2015
(SAINS
BIOLOGI)
3.0cm
51
APPENDIX P
CD FORMAT
v. Type of CD : CD-RW
vi. Store in plastic envelope
52