DISSERTATION GUIDE

Dissertation Title (15 words maximum)

The title of the dissertation should be clear, precise and attainable.

CHAPTER 1

1.0 RESEARCH OVERVIEW

1.1. Introduction

The introduction provides a brief overview of the topic, the purpose of the study and
what is to be covered in the chapter.

1.2. Background of the study

This should set out the research problem or puzzle, and provide an informed but lay
account of the necessity of a study into your research topic. You should set the
context for the problem at hand by giving a detailed literature review in which you
explain what previous studies state about the topic, discuss recent developments on
the topic, and identify the gap in the literature that has led to your study.

It is recommended that the background to the study must follow the ‘Funnel’
approach in which the study is contextualized internationally, in the African continent
and finally in Zimbabwe.

a) Statistics on the variable being studied or the severity of the problem from all
over the world, then in Africa and lastly in Zimbabwe. For statistics make sure
your sources are not older than 4 years. Also make use of government websites,
particularly government departments that focus on the problem you are
investigating. They usually publish statistics on such problems
b) Highlight how the research problem you are studying emerged or explain why it
has become a problem.
c) Try to find background information on the problem in the geographical location
where your study will be conducted.
d) Explain why the problem is worth studying now (All over the world) – and in
Zimbabwe. This will help you to easily come up with a statement of the problem.
e) Make sure you make at least 3 citations in each paragraph to reduce chances of
plagiarism.

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1.3. Statement of the problem
It is critical for any research to identify the research argument or the research
problem.
The researcher should provide an informed lay account of the necessity of the study
into a research topic.

The researcher needs to identify the problem that she/he wants to solve and the
questions that the researcher would like to address. The research problem should seek
to address a knowledge gap. The phenomenon under study should be important
enough to contribute to the existing body of knowledge. In addition, it should also
provide opportunities for further research. The problem should be in a position to be
subjected to investigation through data collection. This information should be
provided in 1 big paragraph.

1.4. Research objectives

The objectives of the study should essentially provide an outline of what the study
seeks to achieve. The researcher should identify 3 good objectives and number them
as 1, 2, 3…or in Roman numerals. The final objective should focus on interventions
to solve the problem. They have to be SMART and straight to the point. Use
measurement words like, ‘To explore’, ‘To examine’, ‘To identify’, ‘To establish’,
‘To assess’, To evaluate etc… depending on the methodology to be used. The
objectives should be attainable and limited to the geographical location under study.

1.5. Research questions

A research question is an inquiry that a research study seeks to answer. The question
seeks to fulfil the objectives of the study through data collection and analysis of
findings. The research questions should be drawn from the objectives of the study and
should include the population and the problem the study seeks to address. Research
questions are critical as they specify a wide area of study to a particular area of study.
Research questions are a guide and define the boundaries of the study clearly
outlining its limits. Research questions determine the methodology to be used, the
sample size as well as data analysis techniques.

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1.6. Justification/Significance of the study
The justification of the study is linked to the outcome of the literature review. The
researcher should be in a position to identify one or other possible gaps as follows:
i. Previous methodologies did not fully clarify the phenomenon.
ii. It is possible that new ways of inquiry/methodology provide new or fresh insight
into the phenomenon being studied.
iii. Previous approaches or concepts used were problematic.
iv. The studies conducted were only based in Europe and not in Africa or Zimbabwe.
v. The past studies were not comprehensive.

In essence, the justification of the study explains the reason why the research should
be conducted. The researcher should focus on identifying the importance of the study.
(Convince the readers of the need for the study). This section should answer the
question: What is prompting the study now? By the time these pointers are addressed,
it will assist you in providing a good justification for the study.

1.7. Delimitations of the study

Delimitations of the study are the boundaries set by the researcher for the study.
These boundaries may include the population size or the type of participants for
example in a study of men as victims of GBV, the delimitations may specify the age
range of men who are survivors of GBV, married or single. This makes the study
more focused and manageable in addressing the objectives. The limitations should be
presented in point format and should be precise, not too detailed.

1.8. Limitations of the study

The limitations of the study entail the factors that are outside the researcher’s control
yet may affect the outcome of the research. In other words, it is a restriction that is
outside the researcher’s control. Whilst the factors highlight the limitations of the
study, they also show the credibility of the research. An example of a limitation of the
study may be a resource constraint. The limitations should be presented in point
format and should be precise, not too detailed.

1.9. Chapter Summary

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At the end of the chapter, summarise the issues that have been presented. The
summary should reiterate the key aspects discussed in the chapter and also indicate
what is to be expected in the next chapter for example writing that the next chapter
will focus on a review of literature that has been conducted on GBV globally,
regionally and in Zimbabwe.

CHAPTER 2

2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW

The literature review should provide the latest studies about the research topic. The
funnel approach should also be used where the researcher starts by exploring studies
that have been done globally, regionally and finally locally. Each paragraph should
have at least 3 citations. Citations should not be more than 10 years old with the
exception of theories.

2.1. Introduction

The introduction presents an overview of the key issues that will be discussed in the
literature review. The introduction should specify the layout of the literature review
and the sub-topics to be discussed.

2.2. Theoretical Framework

The researcher is required to identify a relevant Sociological theory(ies). Find a

theory that applies to the study and explain why it is the best theory to use in
understanding the problem and its interventions (at least 3 citations per paragraph).

2.1. Sub-topics

The researcher should develop sub-topics from the objectives of the study. These sub-
topics should then be further developed into sub-themes. For example, a study on the
causes of GBV would identify objective no 1 as:

2.3. Chapter Summary

A summary of the key issues discussed in the literature review should be provided. A
statement should also be written on what is to come in the following chapter.

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CHAPTER 3

3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1. Introduction

The introduction should clearly outline the major issues to be discussed in the chapter.
The introduction should be comprehensive and also concise. It should highlight the
research approach (quantitative, qualitative or mixed approach in line with the topic).

NB: The purpose of the methodology is to justify why the research design, target
population, sample and sampling procedures, data collection methods and instruments
as well as data analysis procedures have been selected for the study in line with the
topic or purpose of the study. There should be clear inter-linkages with each stage in
the research methodology as one feeds into the other.

3.2. Research Design

The research design is determined by the topic and research approach. For example, a
study looking at the prevalence of GBV, would require a quantitative approach and a
descriptive research design. A descriptive research design collects quantifiable or
statistical data of a population under study. A research design clearly lays out the
whole methodology of the study.

3.3. Population of the study

Define and justify ‘your’ population of the study.

3.4. Sample and sampling procedures

The sampling procedures should be related to the research approach. For example, a
quantitative study should make use of probability sampling techniques. Each and
every process must be justified.

3.5. Research Instruments

The research instruments should be realistic and should be informed by the purpose of
the study and research approach. The researcher must justify the choice of instruments

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for example qualitative data is best collected using semi-structured, unstructured and
in-depth interviews as opposed to a structured questionnaire.

3.6. Data analysis Procedures

The researcher should clearly spell out the data analysis procedures. These depend on
the research approach used.

3.7. Ethical considerations

The ethical considerations should be in line with the population under study for
example when studying children, the researcher should take note of consent issues
that are sensitive to children. Or when doing research on sexual violence, it is the role
of the researcher to ensure the psychological well-being of the participant and not re-
traumatise the participant. You need to show a high level of sensitivity to the care and
protection of participants. You can refer to the APA human ethics.

3.7 Chapter summary

CHAPTER 4

4.0 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS

4.1 Introduction

4.2. Presentation of research findings

The researcher is expected to present data clearly and logically in line with the
research approach used and the objectives of the study. There are a variety of ways
that can be used to report on qualitative and quantitative data collected. Quantitative
data mainly focuses on numbers and should be presented using graphs, tables and
charts. These should be clearly labelled. Qualitative data involves data being
presented in the form of themes identified in the study. The researcher should be in a
position to tell the story, write direct quotes of what the participants said, and identify
salient links about how the findings are connected. It relies largely on the use of
words, therefore researchers using this approach are expected to have a good
command of English.

4.3. Discussion of research findings

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This is another critical aspect of the research process which involves the interpretation
and significance of the data collected in line with what other studies have already
established about the research problem. Researchers are expected to identify any new
or fresh insights about the research problem. The discussion should be connected to
the literature review and the researcher is expected to analyse these findings in line
with the literature and theoretical framework being used in the study. The discussion
of findings should explore the underlying meaning of the study and also how the
study has been able to contribute to the body of knowledge or fill existing gaps. It is
critical that the researcher applies critical thinking in the analysis.

4.4 Chapter summary

CHAPTER 5

5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Summary

5.3 Conclusions

5.4 Recommendations

5.5 Chapter Summary

REFERENCES

Students are required to use the Harvard referencing style.

Appendices

i. Questionnaires

ii. Research guides

Font type = Times New Roman

Font size = 12

Spacing = Double

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Length = 15000-18000 words or between 60 and 70 pages