GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR

WRITING THE THESIS FOR Ph.D.

BY
PROF. DR. SHEKHAR S. RAJDERKAR.
M. D. (Preventive & Social Medicine)

PRO VICE CHANCELLOR.

MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
NASHIK.

and
PROF. DR. ARUN V. JAMKAR.
M.S. (GENERAL SURGERY), Ph.D. (ONCO-SURGERY)

HONBLE VICE CHANCELLOR.

MAHARASHTRA UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES,
NASHIK.

DOCUMENT CREATED FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY.

NOT FOR REPRINT, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL PURPOSES.

GENERAL FORMAT FOR WRITING Ph.D. THESIS IN

HEALTH SCIENCES.

GENERAL
NOTE.
ALL THESE ARE THE MINIMUM GENERAL GUIDELINES. THERE
IS ALWAYS A SCOPE OF MODIFICATION, ALTERATION, ADDITION,
PUNCTUATION ETC. WHICH MAY BE DEEMED 00NECESSARY IN
THE CONTEXT OF THE RESEACH.
THIS BOOKLET IS PREPARED WITH THE DESIRE TO HELP THE
Ph.D. SCHOLARS, Ph.D. GUIDES AS WELL AS FOR THE P.G.
STUDENTS AND P.G. GUIDES IN ALL PATHIES, ALL FACULTIES
AND ALL DISCIPLINES IN THE FIELD OF HEALTH SCIENCES.
The research scholars and guides are requested to the understand the
fundamental difference between the terms Dissertation and Thesis.
A Dissertation is the research work carried out in a descriptive manner; and
every descriptive study is complete only after formulating an HYPOTHESIS.
The Thesis is the research work aimed either at testing the Hypothesis by the
analytic methods or at obtaining the further scientific proof of the validity /
invalidity of the hypothesis by the experimental methods.
1. THE TITLE OF THE STUDY.
The title of the study should be self explanatory in context with the
purpose and type of study. It should be formulated with Precision. It
should not be very short or much lengthy.
The terms used in the title should be authentic.
Avoid the terms like To Study.. Instead, use the term like Study
of etc.
2. INTRODUCTION.

This chapter is meant to highlight the importance of the topic

proposed to be undertaken for the research.
The importance should be highlighted with pertinent authentic
references from literature.
The historical references are no bar. However, highlighting the
importance on the basis of only the historical/ ancient/ old references
is not advised. The references giving as much recent information as
possible are welcome.
There is no limit of pages. However, about 2 to 6 pages may be
deemed adequate. Of course, the individual variations are always
there.
3. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
Why the researcher wishes to carry out the proposed study must be
clearly spelt out. There should be no subjective approach. The
objective explanation is required for the purpose. The study should not
be done only because it was convenient to do so. It must have certain
utility in the field of health sciences.
The purpose of the study should be quoted on the basis of :
i.

a.
b.
c.

The need of the study (including the Type of the study) in given
area/set-up.
ii.
The study should fulfill the criteria like :
Essentiality
Feasibility
Plausibility

4. HYPOTHESIS.
If the research is of descriptive type, at the end, formulate the
hypothesis based on the observations, result and the possible causeeffect relationship of the variables included in the study.
If the analytic or experimental study is to be carried out, formulate the
hypothesis at the beginning.
Hypothesis is a supposition arrived at, from observation and / or
reflection of the study.

It provides hint at possible Cause-Effect relationship between AgentHost-Environment.

No analytic and / or experimental research aims at proving or
discarding the hypothesis. Hypothesis is only tested scientifically. This
testing is based on developing a scientifically sound research protocol.
COMPONENTS OF HYPOTHESIS
Please write the hypothesis in point-wise manner. Give the Serial
Numbers to the points.
Hypothesis differs in various studies. The format of Hypothesis may
be different in the
Longitudinal Descriptive studies,
the mixed method (qualitative plus quantitative) studies,
exploratory studies where the literature is available adequately
and the analytic studies (e.g. the case-control studies,
the cohort studies and the nested case-control studies).
in-vitro & in-vivo studies,
in-ovo studies,
animal experiments,
laboratory studies,
environmental & ecological studies,
the RCTs (of different phases)
any other trials involving vaccines,
certain procedure/s, tests,
testing of the standardisation and / or utility of an equipment,
basic bio-science studies,
Health systems research studies, developing newer drug
(including identification, authentication and standardisation),
drug testing,
Studies on accidents, injuries& traumas,
Institutional studies,
Hospital studies,
Non-Randomised experiments,
any innovative topic on which not much literature may be
available,
interdisciplinary research etc.

Though the types of Hypotheses do vary, the golden rules are :

a. The One Liner Hypothesis may be acceptable for a
research paper. However,the research at Ph.D. level demands
that, the hypothesis must be developed in details.
b. Always substantiate the proposed Hypothesis with authentic
references.
c. If it is deemed necessary, the research scholars are at liberty
to formulate the hypothesis in their own manner. Howerver,
such a hypothesis needs the appropriate discussion and
reasoning over developing the hypothesis, which convinces
the scientific community in the proper manner.
One general example of the essential components of Hypothesis is
given below. It can be applied by the research scolars of all pathies
and faculties.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

The characteristics / variables to be studied - of the Subjects/Population/

Universe/procedures etc. under the study
The Salient features of the disease/ condition/ authentication methods etc.
which occurs or can occur in the study subjects.
The possible aetiological/ risk factors/ standardization techniques etc.
related to the above two points.
The Time- Response Relationship
The Dose Response Relationship.
Additional/ Supportive factors if any
Accessory factors if any

5. RESEARCH QUESTION / S.
In descriptive research, depending upon the Purpose of the study, the
research questions need to be developed.
In analytic and experimental studies, the Research Questions are based
on the Purpose of the study and Hypothesis.
Review of the literature in a systematic manner does help in deriving
the Research Questions.

6. AIM AND OBJECTIVES.

Aim is usually qualitative, which has multi-dimensional ramified
scope. The practice of using the title as the aim is not desirable. Aim
must have proper correlation with the purpose, research questions and
as the case may be hypothesis.
The Aim must never be the ditto copy of the Title (The meaning of
this is Please do not put your Title as the Aim in verbatim manner).
However, the shadow of the title must essentially reflect in the Aim.
Aim must be constructed to ensure that it is qualitative,
comprehensive and as per the requirement of the research methods, it
should also contain the time frame. The quantitative components also
may be added to the aim, depending upon the nature of the research.
The Aim is supposed to be ideal with multiple dimensions. Thus, in
most of the instances, aim cannot be achieved completely. Therefore,
the Aim needs to be fractionated.
These fractions are called the Objectives for the proposed research.
The objectives should be arranged systematically in order of
importance, in the descending manner.
The objectives need to be coherent with the Purpose of the Study, the
Research Question/s, Aim and Hypothesis.
The objectives are broadly classified according to the type of study as
follows :
i.
Primary and secondary objectives.
ii.
General and Specific objectives
iii. Short term, Mid-term and long term objectives
iv.
Descriptional and analytical objectives
The Aim and Objectives should be cohesive with each other. In addition,
these should not waver from the purpose and hypothesis.
Usually the Aim is single. Having more Aims is uncommon but not
unknown.The researcher and the guide need to decide whether the Aim
should be single or multiple. If more Aims are proposed, appropriate
explanations and the discussion there-for are required.

7. REVIEW OF LITERATURE.
The review helps in providing the description, scope, definitions and
scope of various terms used in the planned study. This leads to removal of
ambiguity in the study protocol.
The review should have following components. These components vary,
depending upon the type and method of the proposed study.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
vii.

Historical Review
Current and Contemporary Review
Review of Procedures
Review of standardization procedures & techniques
Review of text books and reference books
Review of the journals
Review of unpublished work and data, quoting the same by giving
the source, name/s of the researcher/s, the authenticity of the
quotings etc.
viii. If the reference is In Press, please mention along with the name
of author, the journal/book etc.
ix.
Review of recent advances
x.
Checking, re-checking, double-checking and cross-checking of the
cross references.
xi.
Confirm the ingenuity and authenticity of the article, quote as well
as the journal or the book.
xii. Quote the title of the non-serial publications of state Govt., Central
govt. and any other state level, regional, national or international
recognised agency and try to find the year of publication.
xiii. Use of single Uniform method of quoting the references
preferably the Vancouver Style or Harward Style.
8. METHODOLOGY (MATERIALS & METHODS)
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Area or place of study

Type of study, Phase of Study and Study Design as
applicable.
Operational Definition/s of various term/s etc.
Description and explanation of the procedures as, when and
if required.

v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
ix.

x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
xiv.
xv.
xvi.
xvii.
xviii.
xix.

xx.
xxi.
xxii.
xxiii.
xxiv.
xxv.

Preparation of Proforma / Format / Questionnaire / case study

sheets etc.
Developing the systematic Research Protocol
Protocol testing by Pilot testing if required.
Pilot Study to test the other factors to be used in the study
protocol, as per requirement.
Please note that, the terms Pilot Testing and Pilot Study
have different meanings. These two are used for different
purposes.
Enumeration of the population universe
Identification of population base i.e. number of At-risk group/s
Parameters used for identifying the population base.
Description of Independent variables and Dependant variables
as per the type of study.
Sampling technique used for obtaining the sample size.
Derivation of Sample in study group and control group as
per the requirement of the study.
Inclusion and exclusion Criteria.
Specificity / Sensitivity of the test/ procedure/ trial etc.
Calibration, validation and standardization of the instruments,
equipments.
Measures if any for preventing, controlling or minimizing
the Errors and Biases like Sampling Error, Non-Sampling
Errors, Inter-Observer Error, Intra-Observer Error,
Instrumental Error, Confounding Bias, Differential & NonDifferential error etc. according to the type of study and the
research protocol.
Study Design if any specified design available.
Appropriate Consent form / Assent form as per the age of the
participants
Use of appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of the
data
Feasibility of testing the Clinical co-relation along with
statistical significance
All the text of Methodology should be mentioned in the Past
Tense only.
The Statistical components should be specified, elaborated
and explained in a desirable manner. Please ensure to mention,
what and which statistical procedure/ method/ tecnique has
been used for any study component.

xxvi. Please do not mention the statistical interpretations only in

terms of Statistically Significant/ not significant or p (or any
other value) = or or or or or . Please explain the
exact meanings, interpretations and inferences.
xxvii. While giving the name of any statistical test, please always
mention the purpose of using it, the type of the test
(Parametric/ Non-Parametric, Qualitative/ Quantitative,
Univariate/ Bi-variate/ Multi-variate, etc.)
xxviii. Please give the actual interpretation of the test/s and result/s.
xxix. If the study involves any expenditure, please provide the
scheme of Funding and Expenditure. If the research grants
are procured please mention the source/s and furnish the
legitimate certificate that, no study participants (Cases,
volunteers, reference groups, screened groups, control groups
etc.) will have to spend in cash or kind from their own pocket,
under any pretext.
xxx. Please ensure that, all the possible Medico-Legal, Moral and
Ethical aspects are followed properly.
xxxi. Ensure to procure the desired type of consent and assent from
the participants and their families as per the requirements.
*

Please note that, the study of the records is also a method of

research. It is called as Lectic Research. If the Lectic research
involves study of past records, it is called Retrolective study. If
the records are analysed prospectively, it is known as Prolective
study. A combination of prolective and retrolective studies is also
an acceptable method.

The Record analysis study is usually a part of Medical or Hospital

Audit Study or a part of Health Systems Research.

The Methodology for the KAP Surveys (Knowledge Attitudes

practises surveys) differs from other studies.

It is always advisable to refer to the standard books on

research methodology, before deciding about the particular
method.

9. TIME UTILISATION CALENDER

A. Date of registration for Ph.D.

B. Duration for preparation of the Study Title, Study Protocol etc. in
order to formulate the synopsis
C. Date of Submission of the synopsis to the Institutional Ethics
Committee.
D. Date of Approval of the synopsis by the Institutional Ethics
Committee.
E. Authentic certificate from a Statistician working in a recognised
Health Professional Institute, to the effect that, the expert has gone
through the proposed research synopsis prior to starting the same,
and has approved it with necessary modifications etc. if any.
F. Date of Approval of the synopsis by the MUHS.
G. Date from which, the actual work started.
H. Whether the study was Single Observation Study or Follow-up
Study ?
I. Whether every case/ control/ procedure/ technique etc. was
observed at a given specified, limited time span; or whether the
work required more time ? If so, the reasons there-for.
J. How much time was required per case / per procedure/ per
standardization technique etc ?
K. How many subjects / procedures/ techniques were studied for how
many times, at what intervals etc ?
L. Date on which actual work i.e. data collection and recording of
observations was completed.
M. Give the algorithm/s where-ever pertinent.
N. Provide the Network Analysis or Gnat Chart of the activities
carried out during your research. Use the PERT (Pathway
evaluation and Review Technique) and CPM (Critical Pathway
Method) especially for the time bound studies, drug trials and for
the health systems research.
O. Total Study Period with dates.
P. The time required for compilation and analysis.
Q. Total Duration from
i.
Point no. A to E
ii.
Point No. F to L
10.SAMPLING

Samples are drawn in 2 basic manners.

1.
2.

As a component of Universe of population, subjects, objects,

procedures, techniques etc.
As the number of observations per unit period of time.

Samples as a component of Universe of population, subjects, objects,

procedures, techniques etc.
1. 100 percent sampling.
If the total universe can be covered under study, it is called
as achieving 100 percent sample size for the study.
2. Sample as a part of Universe.
If the Universe is large and cannot be covered entirely for
the study, a part of it is to be taken.
Taking a part of sample can be by Randomised Technique
which is also known as Non-Convenience Sampling. Such
sample is usually Representative of the Universe.
3. Samples obtained in any other manner - including the
Volunteers sample is called as convenience sampling or nonrepresentative sampling.
4. There are various methods of any sampling. Please consult the
Medical statistician for having the proper type of sampling as
well as to achieve the scientifically acceptable adequate sample
size.
11.OBSERVATIONS & RESULTS
(THIS SHOULD INCLUDE THE STATISTICAL PART AS WELL)
1.
2.

3.
4.
5.

6.

Give the Serial Numbers and Headings to every table.

Description of the table should be brief and understandable. Please
do not repeat everything contained in the table in the text, which
follows the table.
Provide foot notes to the table/s where required.
In the foot note, mention the meaning of any symbols, short forms
or acronyms etc. used in the table.
Include the charts and graphs if required, along with the tables.
Please ensure that, the tables, charts, graphs, illustrations, figures
etc. included in the text are self-explanatory.
Elaborate the statistical components in an ordely manner.

12.DISCUSSION
The testing of the Significance (Positive, Negative or Nil) is of following
essential types.
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Statistical Association
Clinical Association
Biological Association
Combination of above.

Only for testing the statistical Association, we use the Null Hypothesis.
In all other circumstances, Hypothesis only means the Hypothesis as
described earlier in point no. 4 as well as at the point no. 12 below.
13.HYPOTHESIS FORMULATION / COMMENTS OVER
HYPOTHESIS TESTING. (DEPENDING UPON THE TYPE OF
THE STUDY)
In Descriptive Studies,
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Formulate the Hypothesis at the end of the study.

Hypothesis must contain all the essential components in an orderly
manner.
Justify, on which basis, each point in hypothesis has been
formulated.
Quote the references in support of the formulated hypothesis.

In Analytic and Experimental studies, please enumerate

i.
ii.
iii.
iv.

Which components of Hypothesis could be studied

What were the reports of the testing these components of
Hypothesis
Which components have not been studied/not given adequate
importance and why ?
Comments on the testing of Additional/Supportive/Accessory
components if any

It is permitted to formulate the Hypothesis on the basis of a properly

designed, conducted, assessed and evaluated Pilot Study.

i.

ii.

If the Hypothesis is formulated on the basis of pilot study, it should

be subjected to proper testing in a systematic and methodical
manner.
At the end of the final study, the comments must be provided over
the testing of Hypothesis. This will help in knowing whether the
formulated hypothesis was qualitatively adequate. If so, this can
give insight into further studies if similar nature. If not, the shortcomings of the study carried out need to be discussed in relation to
the Hypothesis formulation and hypothesis testing.

14.SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

15.LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
16.FUTURE PERSPECTIVES IF ANY
17.ANNEXURES
18.REFERENCES / BIBLIOGRAPHY
19.ADD ANY OTHER HEADING AS MAY BE SUITABLE IN RESPECT
OF THE RESEARCH CARRIED OUT.

The following tips especially for Ayurvedic scholars may be

useful.
20. Ayurveda has its own research methodology.

1.
2.

Pancha anumana vakya

It consists of
Pratigya,
hypothesis,
Hetu,
supportive theory or experiment
3
Udaharan,
example having same phenomenon proved
4.
Upanaya
acceptance of hypothesis (or Rejection)
5.
Nigamana
establishment of a set of principles.
The Pratigya or Pratidnya has its origin in Naiyamik Vichar as well.
The other components related to Ayurvedic Research as indicated by
Maharshi Charaka are

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

Jidnyasa or Jignyasa
Prayojana
Samshaya
Tarka
Samshaya Vyudaas
Shakya-Praapti.

Similarly many other concepts like

Nidanapanchaka,
Shat kriyakala,
Janapadodwansaniy etc.
are nothing but the excellent examples of highly developed research
methodology in Ayurveda.
Ancient methods of Research Methodology in Ayurveda
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Vidya- Knowledge
Vitarka- Reasoning
Vignana- Scientific Method
Smruti- Memory
Tatparta- Repeated observation / Curiosity
Kriya- Practical application

Pramanas (Investigations)
1.
2.
3.
4.

Aptopadesha- Knowledge through the teaching of Authoritative

resources.
Pratyaksha- Knowledge from senses.
Anumana- Knowledge by reason and logic
Yukti- Knowledge by ingenuity

The Ph.D. scholars in Ayurveda are requested to incorporate especially the

PANCHA-ANUMANA WAKYA while writing the text (Synopsis as well as
the final Thesis work).

In this regard, it may also be useful to go through the following suggestions

regarding the research work.
Choosing and developing a research topic in Ayurveda.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Suggestion for finding a topic

Identifying a topic
Testing the topic
Finding background information
Encyclopedias & dictionary
Exploit bibliography
Finding books articles and other materials
Evaluating resources
Initial appraisal
Content analysis
Objective reasoning
Coverage
Writing style
Evaluative reviews

Steps of Research Methodology in Advancement of Ayurveda.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Determining a theory
Defining Variables
Developing the Hypothesis
Standardization
Selecting subjects
Testing subjects
Analyzing Results
Determining significance
Communicating results
Replication

TANTRA UKTI.
This pertains to the Theorization aspect of Ayurveda.

Tantra Ukti is described in ancient ayurvedic literatures as well as in

Kautilyas Arthshastra. This concept can be used for developing the
research methodology in Ayurveda.
The guidelines cover majority of the aspects.
In addition to these a note on samprapti (patho-physiology) of the disease
need to be added because the efficacy of the trial drug depends on how it
breaks the samprapti (sampraptibhanga means treatment).
SAMPRAPTI & SAMPRAPTI-BHANGA.
1.

The classical Ayurvedic texts discuss various illnesses as the Rogsamuchhyas i.e. the group of diseases, which in certain instances
may be eqated with the Syndromes.

2.

The patho-physiology and the signs & symptoms with other accessory
information are elaborated in the classical texts.

3.

When a Contemporary Ayurvedic Scholar discusses a disease with the

help of ancient texts, the problem is that, he tries to generalise the
samprapti, as the referred texts focus on a group of diseases, instead of a
single disease.

4.

If a systematic attempt is made to identify the desired single disease

entity, it will not be impossible. After identifying such single disease, the
samprapti of that particular disease or condition needs proper description.

5.

In this context, comparing the selected disease entity with the one given
in allopathic (or contemporary) medical literature will help in establishing
the identity of the disease in question. This in turn goes to prove the
authenticity of the disease description in the classical ayurvedic texts.

6.

Such comparison is essential for two reasons.

i.
ii.
iii.

7.

Establishing the correctness of identification of a disease.

Comparing the samprati components in Ayurveda and
Contemporary Medicine.
Authentication of Samprapti for the disease to be studied.

Alternatively the above process may be reversed. This will help in finding
out, whether the facts Mentioned in the Contemporary Medicine confirm
to the contents of the Ayurvedic Texts.

8.

After these comparisons, apply the similar technique to Samprapti.Upon

getting the satisfactory comparisons; try to discuss Samprapti-Bhanga
for the disease in question.

9.

Once this is done, by applying the essence of Ayurvedic methodology,

the Hypothesis may be developed by the Ayurvedic Scholars.

HYPOTHESIS
THE AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE
Vs
MODERN MEDICINE PERSPECTIVE.
There is no doubt that, the hypothesis developed paralally as per Ayurvedic
Research Guidelines and as per the Modern Medical Research Guidelines
should be comparable.
Assuming this, the hypothesis may be tested both ways as per Ayurvedic
contentions and as per Modern Medical contentions.
Such a exercise needs to be done to exibit the true spirit of research with the
desirable scientific approach.
This will be mutually beneficial. Therefore, it is suggested to undertake the
Hypothesis Formulation as well as Hypothesis Testing in bilateral ways. This
will add a newer dimention to the ideology of the Ph.D. work in Ayurveda.
It is also desirable to test, whether the Hypothesis proposed in either manner
sustains itself on the basis of Cause Effect Relationship.
The cause effect relationship as described in Ayurveda as well as Allopathy
focuses on following types of relationships.
i.
Spurious Corelationship (Non-sense Corelation)
ii.
Indirect Corelation
iii. Direct Corelation
a. One to one corelation
b. One to more than one corelation
c. Multiple one corelation
d. Multiple to multiple corelation
Another important point is about probable mode of the action of the trial
drug/ procedure.

OTHER ASPECTS
Prakriti Nirikshan
Saar Parikshan.