KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCES

GUIDELINES FOR WRITING ACADEMIC

RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND THESES IN THE SCHOOL OF
APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCES OF KENYATTA UNIVERSITY

PREPARED BY THE SCHOOL BOARD OF POSTGRADUATE

STUDIES

MAY 2012
TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREAMBLE………………………………………………………………………….........3

1.0 General Information ……………………….………………………….…………...4

1.0 Supervision…………………………………………………………………..……...4
1,0 Responsibilities of supervisors……………………………………………...……...4
3.0 Format of Main Body of Proposal ………….……………………………………...6
Chapter Two Literature Review…………………………………………………...7
Chapter Three: Methodology………………………………………………………7
Reference …………………………………….……………………………………...8
Appendices …………………………………………………………………...……..8
4.0 Proposal Presentation Details ……………………………………………………..8
5.0 Submission of Proposal to SAHS – BPS …………………………………………..9
6.0 Progress Reports and Notices of Thesis Submission …….……………………….9
7.0 Thesis Format ……………..…………………………………………………….....10
8.0 Use of Tables, Figures and Plates………………………………………………….11
10.0 Chapters …..……………………………………………………………………… 12
13.0 References.……………………………………………………………………… ….12
14.0 Specific Guide for Proposal Reviewing ……………………………………….. …14
15.0 Specific Guide for Thesis Reviewing ……………………………………………...16
16.0 Examples of References ………………………………………………………... …17
17.0 Guidelines to Supervisors ………………………………………………………….18

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PREAMBLE

This working document is a general guide for students to write research proposals, projects
and theses. The document will also help supervisors in guiding postgraduate students in
matters relating to research preparation, thesis production and project work. In addition, the
document explains ways of maintaining quality supervision among postgraduate students and
their supervisors. It also highlights on how students registered for Graduate Courses in this
school can complete their courses within the stipulated time. This is only possible if the
students and supervisors work hard and in an enabling environment. How this environment
can be obtained has been described and explained in the document.

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1.0 GENERAL INFORMATION AND UNIVERSITY GUIDELINES FOR
WRITING ACADEMIC RESEARCH PROPOSALS AND THESES IN THE
SCHOOL OF APPLIED HUMAN SCIENCES.

Supervision

Every department shall identify and allocate supervisors for its postgraduate students. In
principle, every student will have a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 3 supervisors,
depending on need. One of the supervisors shall be from the department or School where the
student is registered.

A supervisor may be drawn from outside the department, School or even the University, in
which case, the Board of Postgraduate Studies (BPS) must certify that he or she is competent
in the candidate’s area of study upon submission of certified curriculum vitae by the
supervisor. On-line supervision may also be used.

Responsibilities of Supervisors

As principal resource persons to the students, supervisors shall:

• Be available for consultation at least once per month.

• Give feedback to their students within 2 weeks.
• Guide students to relevant literature and their sources.
• Link students to researchers working in related fields.
• Discuss and critically evaluate the candidate’s findings and ideas.
• Advise candidates on the form and structure of thesis/proposal.
• Train candidates in the conventions of scholarly presentations.
• Advise students on rules governing their specific degrees.
• Enhance the quality of a student’s work.
• Ensure that written report on the progress of a student’s studies are submitted as
required by University regulations.
• Ensure that a student presents at seminars at appropriate levels as required by the
University regulations.

In the absence of a supervisor for supervision for a substantially long time, arrangements must
be made by the Chairman of Department to ensure continuity in supervision by identifying a
suitable replacement.

By placing his/her signature on the declaration page of the thesis, a supervisor will certify that
the thesis represents the work of the candidate that was carried out under his/her supervision
and is ready for official examination.

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2.0 FORMAT OF PRELIMINARY PAGES OF A PROPOSAL

2.1 (a) Cover Page

This page should not be paginated

All wording should be single- spaced and in uppercase
The Items in the cover page should be bold and font-size 12 New Times Roman arranged in
the following sequence:

• Title should be focused, informative and not more than 20 words

• Full names of student followed by highest qualification in standard abbreviation in
brackets
• Registration number of student below the name

Then follows the writing:

For Masters
A Research Proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the
Degree of (specify, e.g. PhD) Kenyatta University School of Applied Human Sciences.

For PhD
A Research Proposal submitted in partial fulfillment of the Requirements for the Award of the
Degree of (specify, e.g. Master of Science) Kenyatta University School of Applied Human
Sciences.

Month and year of submission comes immediately after (Centered)

(b) Student Declaration Page

To have the following writings in font 12, New Times Roman:

“This Proposal is my Original Work and has not been Presented for a Degree in any other
University.” Then the student signs above his/her name and registration number, followed by
the date.

E.g. Signature_____________________ Date __________________

Name: Osore Beatrice Mugita - H60/10704/2008

Supervisors: This proposal has been submitted for review with our approval as
University supervisors:

Then the supervisors, sign above at least two of their names written in full, together with their
respective departments. The name of the main supervisor should appear at the top and the
other(s) below it. In areas where the supervision is not a Professor indicate besides the
name their highest qualification as shown in the example 3.
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E.g. 1. Signature _____________________ Date _____________________
Prof. Edith Andati

X Department
Kenyatta University (State Institution of the Supervisor)
2. Signature ______________________ Date ____________________
Prof. Caroline Nyakoa A.
Y Department
Moi University (as the case may apply)

3. For PhD supervisors Caroline Nyakoa A (PhD)

Y Department
University
(c) Table of contents.

The table of contents should capture the main titles and subtitles (Up to three levels) in the
text (proposal/thesis), and should be 1.5 spaced.

The table of Contents, List of Tables, and List of Figures need to be computer generated and
listed sequentially.

(d) Abbreviations and Acronyms

This section should be included in the proposal. Abbreviations and acronyms need to be
given because they may be found in the proposal.

(e) Operational Definitions of Terms

This should come immediately after the abbreviations and acronyms

(f) Abstract

All proposals must have an abstract of not more than 500 words should be single-spaced and
not paragraphed. The abstract should consist of precise spectrum of the entire proposal
including the problem, objectives and methods of Data Analysis. It should give an overview
of the proposal. The abstract follows Operational Definition of Terms and start on a new
page.

3.0 FORMAT OF MAIN BODY OF PROPOSAL

Each major section e.g. INTRODUCTION should start on a separate page.

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CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the study (introduces subject area under study and current situation).
1.2 Problem Statement (to be precise and focused)
1.3 Purpose of the study
1.4 Objectives of Study (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound)
1.5 Research Questions and or hypotheses.
1.6 Significance (to explain the benefits and the beneficiaries of the findings of the study).
1.7 Delimitations/Scope of the study (Gives the extent to which the study will be carried
out).
1.8 Limitation (Anticipated shortcomings).
1.9 Assumptions (if necessary).
1.10 Conceptual and/Theoretical Framework.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

Items in this section must be serialized from 2.1 onwards.

In this section of Literature Review, candidates 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 specific objectives of the study. Thus, relevant themes to the study and those derived from
related literature including the theoretical framework guiding the study should be discussed
here. The literature review should have a summary of identified gaps in the reviewed
literature. Unless for archival studies, 80% of the references used should be less than five
years old. Endeavour to use current refereed journals and periodicals as much as possible.

CHAPTER THREE: METHODOLOGY

This Chapter highlights methodological details appropriate to the study. They include:

3.1 Research Design (State and justify the chosen design)

3.2 Measurement of variables (explain the independent and dependent variables) and
how they will be measured.

3.3 Study Area (State where the study will be done (location) and why it was chosen).

3.4 Target Population (Describe the target population and give figures and a source).
Where applicable include;
3.4.1 Exclusion criteria
3.4.2 Inclusion criteria

3.5 Sampling Techniques (Explain the Sampling techniques used for the study)

3.6 Sample size (explain the sample size - (unit of analysis) and explain how it will be
determined).
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3.7 Research Instruments (Justify the choice of instruments that will be used in the
study and how they will be constructed and what they are meant to achieve).

3.8 Pre Testing – Use relevant statistics techniques to conduct pretesting

3.9 Validity and Reliability (explain how the validity and reliability of the instruments
will be established). N.B. If using standardized test, quote test and existing validity
and reliability levels.

3.10 Data collection Techniques (Explain how field data collection will be done)

3.11 Data Analysis and Presentation (researcher should explain and justify the analytical
framework and also the anticipated findings).

3.12 Logistical and Ethical Considerations

3.13 Measurement of variables (explain the independent and dependent variables and
how they will be measured.

REFERENCES

Reference should be alphabetically listed. For citation within the text the format of author and
year of publication is recommended. Use latest American Psychology Association (APA)
style of referencing. Website citations should indicate dates when accessed within the
text.

APPENDICES

Will include such items as Questionnaires, Maps, budget and work plan. These must be
arranged alphabetically e.g. Appendix A.

4.0. PROPOSAL PRESENTATION DETAILS

(a) Typing

4.1 Typing: All proposals in the School should be typed in font 12 (Times New Roman) on
A4 size paper, double- spaced, and on one side of the page; except cover page, Table
of contents and Abstract.

4.2 Page margins: page margins will be as follows: left 40 mm (1.5 inches) and all other
sides 25 mm (1 inch);

4.3 Page numbering: e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc should be top center and start on the
INTRODUCTION page. All preceding pages except cover page should have Roman
Numbering system (i.e. i, ii, iii, etc). From Title Page to abstract page, the numbering
will be in Roman lower case (i, ii etc) in a sequential manner.
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4.4 Page numbers: The proposal should not exceed 20 pages for a Masters and 30
pages for a PhD excluding references and appendices and; introductory pages.

4.5 Table Numbering: Tables will be done sequentially according to Chapters e.g. Table
1.1 in chapter One, Table 2.1 first table in Chapter Two etc. Table titles should be at
the top.

4.6 Figure Numbering: Numbering of figures will be done sequentially according to

Chapters e.g. figure 1.1 in Chapter one, figure 2.1 for the first figure in Chapter Two.
The titles and sources (where applicable) should be at the bottom of the figure.

(b) Oral Presentation

The recommended mode of oral presentation is the POWER POINT, overhead projector or
any other method agreed by the Board. The Dean’s office will be requested to facilitate such
presentation in the School’s Boardroom/Lounge.

(c) Tense
Future tense should be used in writing proposals, but this must be changed to past tense when
writing thesis.

5.0 SUBMISSION OF PROPOSAL TO SAHS – BPS

Three spiral bound copies, duly signed by the student and all supervisors and accompanied by
departmental minutes certifying that appropriate seminars were held, will be handed to SAHS
– BPS by the departmental representative to the board. No proposal will be handled if not
accompanied by the respective departmental representative, with a nil fee balance statement.
Defense of proposals must be handed in 3 weeks prior notice to handing in the signed
proposal to the departmental coordinator and at least one supervisor MUST BE present.

6.0 PROGRESS REPORTS AND NOTICES OF THESIS SUBMISSION

All supervisors are expected to sign and endorse the progress and notice of submission forms.
If however, a supervisor is not available, the main supervisor’s signature shall suffice, but
names of the other supervisors must be written in their specified positions. A note on why
any of them cannot sign must be attached. However, it is preferred that supervisors who are
out of the country should write to confirm their approval. A copy of duly signed forms should
also be left at the respective department for filing.

All students will be expected to submit their progress reports quarterly.

All students are required to submit their “Notice of Thesis Submission” 3 months in advance
of thesis submission. Failure to do so, then the student will have to re-submit the Notice in
accordance with the above-mentioned requirement.

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7.0 THESIS FORMAT

The standard format shall comprise

a) Cover Page (same as in proposal)

Full name of student should appear as it is in the registration form, while the
registration number should be written below the name, together with the name of the
Department, then follows the writing. “A Research Thesis Submitted in Partial
Fulfillment for the Degree of … (Specify e.g. master of Science) in the School of
Applied Human Sciences of Kenyatta University”. Then the date e.g. May 2012.

b) Declaration Page (should be similar to that in the proposal except that the
word “Proposal” is replaced with “thesis,” followed by the declaration words.” This is
my original work ……. (As it is in the proposal).

c) Dedication statement not exceeding 25 words for Masters’ thesis and 30 words for
Ph.D thesis may follow declaration, beginning on a separate page.

d) Acknowledgement – This, beginning on a separate page, should follow dedication

and not exceeding 200 words.

e) Abstract (As it is in proposal except it captures results and the recommendations and
should not exceed one page.

f) Abbreviations/Acronyms (As it is in proposal)

g) Operational Definition of Terms

h) Table of Contents

This begins on a new page. It should assist the reader to know quickly and clearly, how
the thesis is organized. There must be consistency in the use of headings and
subheadings.

i) List of Tables

This follows the table of contents, beginning on a separate page. Numbering of tables
should be: Table 1.1, 2.1, 3.1…throughout the text.

j) List of figures

This immediately follows the list of tables and on a separate page. Numbering
should be figure 1.1, 2.1, 3.1 etc. The name/title of the figure and source(s) should be
written below it.

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k) Numbering of Chapter and subtitles in thesis should be based on Chapter numbers
e.g. subtitles in chapter one should be numbered as 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.

8.0 USE OF TABLES, FIGURES AND PLATES

Tables, Figures and Plates may be included within the text or appear on separate pages. If on
separate pages, however, they should be placed near the text, which refers to them.
Each table or figure shall have a full caption. Tables, figures and plates should be numbered
in sequence and be cited by a number in the text (numbering sequence is as shown in the
previous section on proposals). A table that is oversized may be divided so that a portion
appears on two pages, which face each other. If this method is used, the entire title and
footnotes, if any, appear on the left hand side of a table.
Photographs should be scanned and printed on A4 paper and on appropriate pages.

Guidelines on tables and figures

• Place a table or figure immediately after the first mention of it in the text on the same
page if there is room, or on the following page.

• Tables or figures or peripheral importance to the text may be placed in an appendix.

• All tables and figures must be referred to in the text by number (not by a phrase such
as “the following table”).

• Avoid using colour to distinguish different lines or areas in a figure because the
distinction will be lost when your work is photocopied or microfilmed.

• Words included in the figure should be typed unless there are technical reasons why
this is not possible.

• List and caption photographs as figures unless you wish to have a separate list of
photographs or plates.

• Landscape, If a table/figure is set up in landscape orientation then it should always be

on a page by itself. Landscaped materials must be placed reading outward (i.e., with
the top of the table/figure at the binding [left] side of the page). This page must have a
page number. The page number, however, should be in portrait orientation like all
other page numbers.

• Each figure must have a caption that begins with the word “Figure” (“F” capitalized)
and the figure number, followed by a brief description of the figure. This must be
placed below the figure, with one blank line separating the bottom of the figure and
the top of the caption as follows:-

Figure, Chapter number, figure number, description e.g. Figure 4.3. Schematic of
control system for the methanol-water column.

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 • Each table must have a caption that begins with the word “Table” (T capitalized) and
the table number, followed by a brief description of the table. This must be placed
above the table, with one blank line separating the bottom of the caption and the top of
the table.

Table 3.2. Performance measures obtained using the proposed procedure.

When a figure or table is continued to the following page, a continuation note (e.g., “Figure 5,
continued” or “Table 5, continued”) must appear in place of the caption on the continuations.
The original caption must be repeated in either case.

9.0 REFERENCES

APA is the recommended conventional referencing technique for both in-text-citation

and references. Reference should follow chapter V.

10.0 CHAPTERS

Chapters one to three have content and form as those described in the section for
proposal. The future tense must change to past tense where applicable.

11.0 CHAPTER FOUR: FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION

This chapter should deal with the interpretation and explanation of the findings of the study
with regard to the stated hypotheses and research questions. Internal Inconsistency in view of
the research problem, the reviewed literature should be seen in the explanation.

Guidelines of Chapter Four

ƒ An overview of the findings need be mentioned.

ƒ Discussion the findings is to be based on the objectives. The results are
actual presentation of observations, including statistics, tables and
graphs.
ƒ Move from the descriptive (univariate) to the inferential statistics
(multivariate) Mention negative results as well as positive. Concur and
critique other studies.
ƒ Lay out the case as for a jury. Present sufficient details so that others
can draw their own inferences and construct their own explanations.
ƒ Break up your results into logical segments by using subheadings.
ƒ Key results should be stated in clear sentences at the beginning of
paragraphs. It is far better to say “X had significant positive
relationship with Y (Linear regression p<0.01, r^2=0.79)” than to start
with a less informative like “There is a significant relationship between
X and Y”. Describe the nature of the findings; do not just tell the
reader whether or not they are significant.
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The discussion section should be a brief essay in itself, answering the following questions and
caveats:

1. What are the major patterns in the observations?

2. What are the relationships, trends and generalizations among the results?

3. What are the exceptions to these patterns or generalizations?

4. What are the likely causes (mechanisms) underlying these patterns resulting
predictions?

5. Is there agreement or disagreement with previous work?

6. Interpret results in terms of background laid out in the introduction – what is the
relationship of the present results to the original question?

7. What is the implication of the present results for other unanswered questions?

8. Multiple hypotheses: There are usually several possible explanations for results. Be
careful to consider all of these rather than simply pushing your favorite one. If you
can eliminate all but one, that is great, but often that is not possible with the data in
hand. In that case you should give even treatment to the remaining possibilities, and
try to indicate ways in which future work may lead to their discrimination.

9. Avoid bandwagons: A special case of the above. Avoid jumping a currently

fashionable point of view unless your results really do strongly support them.

10. What are the things we now know or understand that we didn’t know or understand
before the present work?

11. Include the evidence or line of reasoning supporting each interpretation.

12. What is the significance of the present results: why should we care?

12.0 CHAPTER FIVE: SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

This Chapter should have a summary of findings. Besides conclusion and recommendations,
the implication of findings should be explained here. It is in this chapter that additional
research areas should be suggested as well as future projection based on the study.

The specific areas include:

i. Summary
Summary of the major findings among others to begin here.
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 ii. Conclusions
Summary of the implications of the main findings, Emphatic, strong
conclusions based on the study findings should be stated here.

iii. Recommendations for Policy/Practice

Summary of the main recommendations based on the study findings and
logical statements in the conclusion should be stated here.

iv. Recommendations for Further Research

What is considered to be gaps left out by the study, which would need further
investigation through research should be given.

v. The references and then appendices should follow this chapter.

13.0 REFERENCES

The recommended referencing style for the school is latest APA for all
students to follow or use.

14.0 SPECIFIC GUIDE FOR PROPOSAL REVIEWING

The following is the specific guide for reviewing proposals, which will be
closely followed. (Note that the information given is only a summary).

a) Title
• Appropriateness
• Focus

b) Background to the problem

• The problem and its originality should be clearly shown and
stated.
• Objectives, research questions well stated.
• Hypothesis well stated.
• Conceptual and theoretical framework well framed.
• Rationale/purpose of the study and other matters such as
assumptions, scope, etc spelt out closely.

c) Literature review

• Flow of the literature

• Relevance of the content synthesized suits the study.
• Identification of the gaps.
• Current status of the research problem.
• Must avoid plagiarism.

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 d) Methodology

• Research design and location

• Target population and sample
• Sampling techniques
• Methods of data collection, reliability and validity of the
instruments
• Variables; dependent and independent
• Methods of data analysis
• Appropriateness of the methodology

NB: All the above sections must be presented in a way that gives internal
consistency and coherence.

e) References
• Link references to the text.
• References especially in the text must be accurate.
• Be used exhaustively.
• Variety of references be used.
• Currently published material used as much as possible.
• Latest APA used for bibliography and in-text citation.

f) Time- Schedule
• Should show practicability
• Show distribution of activities
• Should show logic

g) Budget
• Budget itemization
• Appropriateness of the budget lines
• Budget carefully thought out

h) Format
Overall presentation, including content of the proposal.

• The above information is only a summary guide. Fine details may be found
and harmonized with that provided to candidates.
• The reviewer can consider other useful aspects that can help the candidate(s)
to improve on his/her proposal.

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15.0 SPECIFIC GUIDE FOR THESIS REVIEWING
Start: Information in chapter I-III of the proposal remains the same except the
future tense is changed to past tense.

15.1 Chapter 1V: Emphasis to be on the following:

a) Results
• Accuracy
• Relevance to the objectives, research questions and hypothesis.
• Consistent organization format

b) Data analysis
• Accuracy
• Originality
• Use of appropriate statistical tools.
• Relevance to objectives and research questions
• Data should be seen to answer research questions, reject or accept hypotheses.

c) Discussion
• Academic argumentation shall prevail
• Show ability to view results in the light of the previous findings contained in
literature review.
• Show insight into the research findings and subsequent arguments.

15.2 CHAPTER V: Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

Emphasis should be on the following areas:

a) Summary
• Conciseness and relevance
• Summarize the entire study.

b) Conclusion
• Show logical statements
• Derived from the findings leading to appropriate clue for recommendations.

c) Recommendations
• Derived from the study findings
• Reasonable.

d) Further research
• Derived from the gaps created by the study.
• Based on the study findings

e) Referencing
• Main referencing techniques followed i.e. American Psychology Association
(APA).
• Ensure that the recommended one i.e. APA technique is followed.
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16.0 EXAMPLES OF REFERENCES

(i) Book
Canlcutt, R. (1999). Statistics in Research and Development (2nd ed.).
London: Chapman & Hall

(ii) Edited Book

Lethe ridge, S. and Cannon. C.R (eds.) (1980) Bilingual Education: Teaching
English as Senior Language. New York: Praeger.

NB: This is for an edited book without different contributors.

With contributors it will be as follows:

Hartley, J.T; Harker, J.O & Ealsh, D.A. (1980). Contemporary Issues and New
Directions in Adult development of Learning and Memory. L.W Poon (ed.).
Ageing in the 1990s: Psychological Issues (pp. 232-252). Washington DC,
American Psychology Association.

(iii) Journal
Horowitz, L. M., Post, D.L, French, R. S., Wallis, K. D. & Segelman, E. Y.
(1981). The Prototype as a Construct in Abnormal Psychology; 2 Clarifying
Disagreement in Psychiatric Judgments. Journal of abnormal psychology,
90, 575 – 585

NB: Names of all the authors are given the reference writing, but in-text citation,
use of “etal” comes after author.

(iv) Newspaper
• Lubin, J.S. (1980, 5th December). On Idle; the Unemployed Shun much
Mundane Work, at Least for a While. The Wall Street Journal, pp.1, 25.
• Study Finds Free Care Used more (1982, April). APA monitor, P. 14.

NB: This is an article without an author. The title of the article takes the place of
the Author.

(v) Magazine

Gardener, H. (1981). Do Babies have a Universal Song? Psychology Today,

pp.70-

(vi) Newsletter

Staff, (1980, 1st September). Professionals Face Tax Rises as IRS Targets
Personal.

Service Corporation. Behavior Today p.5

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17.0 GUIDELINES TO SUPERVISORS

a) Basic Responsibilities

Ensuring that the student:

• Develops and writes focused researchable topic.

• Writes clear and precise statement of the problem.

• Works within the frame guidelines, specified in this document.

• Follows correct organization format, including conventionally written

references.

• Develops correct academic argumentation, including in-text citation.

• Does not allow plagiarism.

18.0 CONCLUSION

It is hoped that this guide will be of value to both the students and supervisors.
The guide is however subject to review from time to time depending on operation
policies that may emerge at the Graduate School or at the School of Applied Human
Sciences.

SAHS – BPS SECRETARIAT

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