Department of Health Sciences

Department of Health Sciences

Nursing Programm

GUIDELINES ON WRITING YOUR THESIS

Contents

TOC o "1-3" h z u

Abstract: PAGEREF _Toc147499405 h 3Chapter I- Introduction/ Background and rationale PAGEREF _Toc147499406 h 4II Research Questions and Aims: PAGEREF _Toc147499407 h 5Chapter II Methodology PAGEREF _Toc147499408 h 5Chapter III -Writing the Literature Review PAGEREF _Toc147499409 h 6Chapter IV- Discussion PAGEREF _Toc147499410 h 7Chapter V-Recommendations PAGEREF _Toc147499411 h 8Chapter VI-Conclusion: PAGEREF _Toc147499412 h 9References: PAGEREF _Toc147499413 h 10

Writing your ThesisFollowing the submission of your protocol/proposal for the course NURS-430 during the Fall semester, the current phase entails the development of your thesis in accordance with the established protocol/proposal. You should contact your main supervisor and according to his/her directions, you should produce your final thesis. Your final thesis should be a minimum of 10,000 words supported by Bibliography.In the following paragraphs, there will be a detailed explanation on how to write each chapter of your thesis.

Abstract: (300- 400 words)An abstract in an article is a concise summary that provides an overview of the main points and findings of the research study. It encompasses the following elements, each outlined in a separate sentence:

Background

Aims

Methodology

Results

Conclusion

Keywords

Chapter 1- Introduction/ Background and rationaleThe introduction to a literature review serves as a critical component that establishes the context, significance, and scope of the study. It typically includes the background and context. It begins by providing a brief overview of the research topic, highlighting its relevance and significance within the broader field of study. Introduce the key concepts, theories, or themes that will be explored in the literature review, offering a context for understanding the subsequent discussions.

Overall, the introduction of a literature review should provide a clear and concise overview of the research topic, the problem being addressed, and the objectives of the review. It should set the stage for the subsequent discussions and help the reader understand the significance and rationale for conducting the literature review.

1.1 Research Questions and Aims:

Clearly state the main research question/s that the literature review aims to address.

Then give the aims and objectives of your research in bullet points.

Chapter II MethodologyYou need to say what methodology is and give a definition of the various methodologies e.g. what is qualitative and Quantitative research methods.

Explained in detail how you got your articles:

Keywords used,

Search strategies,

Inclusion /exclusion criteria used.

What mechanism did you use to retrieve them and how did you choose the right articles

If you are to use a thematic analysis of the literature, you must also give in a list format in this chapter the themes as they emerged from the articles youve read and reviewed.

Chapter III -Writing the Literature ReviewWhen you find your articles, please follow the below steps:

Read Actively:

Begin by reading each article carefully and actively. Take notes as you read to capture important points, key findings, and relevant quotes.

Organize Your Materials:

Create a system for organizing your articles and notes. Consider using citation management software like EndNote, or Mendeley to keep track of your sources.

Identify the Research Question or Objective:

Determine the main research question or objective of the article. What problem is the study addressing, and what is the author trying to achieve?

Evaluate the Methodology:

Assess the research methodology used in the article. Consider factors such as data collection methods, sample size, research design, and any limitations mentioned by the authors.

Examine Key Findings:

Summarize the key findings of the article. What are the main results, and how do they contribute to the understanding of the topic?

Relate Articles to Your Research Questions:

Connect each article's findings and insights to your own research questions or objectives. Explain how each article contributes to your literature review's overall narrative.

Create Synthesis and Themes:

Organize the articles into themes or categories based on commonalities or differences in their content. This will help you structure your literature review.

Chapter IV- DiscussionSummarize Key Findings:

Begin the discussion by summarizing the key findings from the articles you reviewed. This serves as a quick reference for readers and helps establish the context.

Identify Themes and Patterns:

Identify common themes, patterns, or trends that emerged from literature. Discuss how these themes are relevant to your research questions or objectives.

Discuss the gaps or limitations identified in the existing literature. What areas have not been sufficiently addressed, and where is further research needed? Be specific and provide evidence from the literature.

Compare and Contrast:

Compare and contrast the findings of different studies. Discuss similarities and differences in methodologies, results, and interpretations. Highlight any contradictory findings.

Chapter V-RecommendationsProvide practical recommendations for researchers, policymakers, or practitioners based on the literature. How can the findings of the review inform decision-making or practice in the field?

Recommend theoretical frameworks or models that future researchers could employ to advance the understanding of the topic. Explain why these frameworks are suitable.

Chapter VI-Conclusion:In the conclusion, you should:

Summarize major contributions of significant studies and articles to the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the introduction.

Conclude by providing some insight into the relationship between the central topic of the literature review and a larger area of study such as a discipline, a scientific endeavor, or a profession.

References:Include all the references cited in the Project.

Use the Harvard Reference Style

Do not Number them