HOW TO WRITE A FINAL YEAR PROJECT RESEARCH

by

Raji Rafiu Boye Department of Political Science Yobe State University, Damaturu

INTRODUCTION Curriculum experts always expect at final year of study, that every student must write a project. This is to assess the depth of knowledge, particularly the writing skill, acquired by the student. Because it expected that after university education, student especially of social science orientation should be able to write very well as an academic, administrative officer opinion commentator or special assistant to a chief executive, etc.

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Your research project indicates your abilities to select research and then present a substantial piece of work that displays your intellectual abilities to the full. In any case, the skills that you will have deployed are particularly useful should you wish to undertake work for a higher degree at Masters or at PhD level, thus the skill deployed to the project writing will be of continuous help. Moreover it is expected that after sojourn for four years in the university a student must leave his/her footprint by way of a project

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Additionally, the Project counts up to six (6) credit unit in your CGPA and hence contributes heavily to the classification of your degree. Under the rules that apply to the classification of all degrees, if your final average is very close to the boundary for a classification higher than that suggested by the raw average (e.g. your final average may be 3.45) then your Project needs to be in the classification of the higher class. In the example shown above, for example, you might not be considered for an Upper Second Class classification (2:1) if your project was not graded as a 2:1 or higher. Therefore, project writing must be taking serious and approach with all the skill and ability of the researcher.

WHAT IS A RESEARCH PROJECT?

Final year research project is an original research work to be carried out by a graduating student in the final year. It is mandatory, and usually the student research on burning national issues in their areas of study. The project work is expected to be original and qualitative; it therefore requires a careful understanding before one embarked on it.

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The Websters New Oxford Dictionary defines research as a careful, systematic, patient study and investigation in some fields of knowledge undertaken to discover or establish facts or principle. Asika (2010) defines research as any organized enquiry that aims at providing information for solving indentified problems. To Ujo however, a research work is a systematic inquiry in order to find solutions to a problem, discover new knowledge, confirm or disapprove finding from previous research. (Ujo, 2004, p.2) From these definitions, it is established that research is a process of investigation or search, where the search is for something that is unknown, and this unknown factor is usually referred to as a problem

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Hence the purpose of the investigation is to provide solution to the problem and provide a useful base for conducting research, because without a problem there can not be a meaningful research. Hence, a good research project will certainly enable us to improve and develop the society, economy, political and science and technology.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A RESEARCH PROJECT

Consequently a good research project should have the following characteristics; A good research can not be done without a researchable topic; therefore, a topic connotes a pressing societal problem that is current and requires immediate solution. Getting a researchable topic could be lot easier if one chooses from among the courses treated in his/her field of study, especially those he find interesting and appealing. However, in social sciences, the easiest way is to be current and familiar with the society media, through listing to electronic news and reading from the print media such as newspapers, news magazine, journals etc this would generally exposed the research to current issues facing the society

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Having got a good topic, there is a need for general literature review. Here it is expected that a review of literature in the chosen topic would enable the student to establish the extent of research done in his/her chosen topic and to be able to know if there is gap to be filled. This is necessary to avoid repetition and plagiarism. Moreover, literature review allows a researcher to make a critique and establish a new knowledge.

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The third stage is research design; it is always good to have in mind what process will the research work follow. For instance Makodi (2010) connects a research design to a formal statement, guide, plan or blueprint on how to arrive at a solution to identifiable research problem. It thus helps a researcher to take and state the vital decision on how a research is to be conducted

RESEARCH DESIGN

There are many types of research design which connotes the types of investigation and methods of conducting the research. Hence a research design could be equates with the structure of an enquiry; it is a logical matter rather than logistical one. It should be one of the considerations, which could even influence the type of topic one chooses for the research. Research designs include but not limited to the following; Historical, Descriptive, Survey, Experimental, Case study and Causal research design

HISTORICAL RESEARCH DESIGN

Historical research design is the type of research that examines past events or combinations of events to arrive at an account of what has happened in the past. Historical research is conducted to uncover the unknown, answer questions, identify the relationship that the past has to the present, record and evaluate accomplishments of individuals, agencies, or institutions, Aid in understanding the culture in which we live.

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Historical research can show patterns that occurred in the past and over time which can help us to see where we came from and what kinds of solutions we have used in the past. We usually will observe that what we do today is specifically rooted in the past, understanding this can add perspective on how we examine current events and social practices. It can also show us that we do not need to continually reinvent the wheel because we should always start with what history tells us.

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH DESIGN

According to Connie (2001), a descriptive research design involves collecting quantitative information (data) that describes events and then organizes, tabulates, depicts and describes the data. It is usually use when the research tends toward what is rather than what ought to be. It uses description as a tool to organize data into patterns that emerges during analysis. That is why in analyzing descriptive research, the use of visual aid, such as graph, chart and other statistical tools are given prominence

SURVEY RESEARCH DESIGN

Survey research according to Adamu (2010) is a non experimental, descriptive research method. It can be useful when a researcher intends to collects data on phenomena that cannot be directly observed; he cited an example of opinions on library services. Survey are used extensively in all disciplines to asses attitude and characteristics of a wide range of subjects, from the quality of user- system to interfaces in libraries, to attitudes of parents to education of their children.

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH DESIGN

Experimental research involves deliberate or controlled manipulation of relevant variables and population samples with the objectives of finding out their relationship. Accordingly Makodi (2010) describes an experimental research design as research plan for investigation process that entails controlled or laboratory conditions.. Experimental designs are usually associated with researches in the natural sciences where rigorously controlled conditions are put into effect much more easily.

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In line with this, in social sciences what mostly obtainable is called quasi-experimental. Thus quasi-experiment is so called because the conditions for their experimentation are hardly controlled. This, in turn, is because it iis difficult to eliminate or control every stimulus in social sciences inquiry. As a result a quasi- experimental research design focuses on the main points or strength of experimentation while at the same time avoiding their weakness.

CASE STUDY RESEARCH DESIGN

Roberts Yin (1994), view case study as an empirical inquiry, in which focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context & boundaries between phenomenon and its context that are not clearly evident. It is suitable for studying complex social phenomena. For example the Role of FGN in fueling insurgency in Nigeria

CAUSAL RESEARCH DESIGN

It is the testing of a hypothesis on the cause and effect within a given social scenario. Casual Research explores the effect of one thing on another and more specifically, the effect of one variable on another. The research is used to measure what impact a specific change will have on existing norms and allows social researchers to predict hypothetical scenarios upon which a society can base its policy plan.

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For example because of their long hold onto power, it can be hypothesized that relinquishing power to the southerners will have a devastated effect on the northern oligarchies. Another example could take the form of, the social effect of petroleum pricing i. e the removal of fuel subsidiary will led to inflation and would increase the current unrest in the country causal resign design based on prediction which research later set to investigate

REQUISITE FOR GOOD RESEARCH DESIGN

Having chosen the suitable design for the research, the following attributes of a good research design must be upheld.

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A brief blueprint; this should state clearly the main issues of the research; hence the research takes a guide at this stage. Hence the background of the study should be succinctly stated at this point. Also important to mention here is the statement of the problem, Aliyu (2010) compares stating a problem in a research to the need for a Physician to make diagnosis of an ailment before prescription of medications. Therefore the problem (s) under investigation must be clearly stated

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Description of structure; this point describes formal structure of the research; it stipulates the layout of the entire research. Thirdly, method of data collection must be stated, that is to say the researcher must specific data collection. Instruments. Is it an interview, questionnaire, observations or documentary, or a combination of one or more methods

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Specification of population and sample size must be made, there must be elaborate on the relevant population and size. This should be purposeful or judgmental, since there is exclusive and inclusive population. For instance those that bear no direct relevant to the study area fall within the exclusive population.

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Method of data analysis; the research design must also mention how data is to be interpreted and analyzed. Here the researcher is expected to present his/her data in a very logical form. Hence a palpable method is required to interpret the data. Aliyu (2010) suggests some analytical and interpretative method which include the following; descriptive statistics, such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation, e t c. It could also be by way of constructing of analysis variables or regression table.

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. In analyzing, the researcher depending upon the nature of his/her data (primary or secondary) it is expected to carry out some non parametric tests like chi-square test, f-test, etc. one can equally make use of statistical packages such as; r, spss, time - series etc.

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Research design must identify the variables; it should specify the dependable and independent variables of the study. It must clarify the boundaries of the study, i.e. scopes and limitations.

GENERAL OUTLOOK OF A RESEARCH PROJECT

BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY STATEMENT OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY RESEARCH QUESTIONS ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY/ HYPOTHESES JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS RESEARCH METHODOLOGY BREAKDOWN OF CHAPTERS

LITERATURE REVIEW AND THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This is a particularly important part of the project as you are demonstrating to the readers of your project that you are familiar with the major themes, issues and debates to be found in the literature which informs your project. A literature review aims to inform the reader the state of knowledge concerning a particular topic area as represented by recognized scholars and researchers. The sources that you consult for a literature review are principally:

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Books around the subject area (the more recently published, the better) The periodical literature i.e. articles in the academic journals The Internet may itself help you with both (a) and (b) above as well as providing you with other sources of information.

METHODOLOGY

Research design Area of study Population and Sampling Instrument of data collection Method of data collection Method of data analysis

DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

Data presentation Data Interpretation Data analysis Data discussion Finding

SUMMARY

SUMMARY OF FINDING, CONCLUSION RECOMMENDATION

References Appendix

CITATION AND REFERENCING STYLES

Another important aspect of writing a good research project is the uses of appropriate or recommended reference styles, which must be current and up to date. The use of correct citation and referencing styles would prevent the researcher from committing plagiarism. Hart (2005) define plagiarism as the act of lifting an extract from another source, word for word (or nearly word for word) without demonstrating that it is a quotation or citing its source. The effect of plagiarism is that the words are effectively stolen and passed of as having been written by the dissertation author

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American Psychological Association (APA style) mostly exploit for researches in Psychology, Education, Anthropology, and other Social and Behavioral Sciences. Harvard style employed for conducting researches across Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Education, etc.

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Therefore a good understanding of what is obtainable in ones department is essential, and will ensure the quality research project. In using a reference, there is in-text citation and bibliography. While citing an author within text the following patterns are most and widely follow; if the source is paraphrased it take the following form; According to Abdulrahman (2009) who considered social institutions as enduring patterns of behavior, practices and relationships, which were sanctioned through norms in order to shapes man life in society

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however, if the full text is cited verbatim it may takes the following form; the important of social institution was mentioned by Abdulrahman, who argues that social institutions are enduring patterns of behaviors, practices and relationships which are sanctioned and maintained by social norms and have significant impacts on mans life in society (Abdulrahman, 2009, p.154)

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However, the references at bibliography take the following format in line with APA, reference styles; Books references Ujo, A.A (2000) Understanding Social Science Research in Nigeria. Kaduna: Joyce Graphic Printers & Publishers If the cited work is from edited book, it reference this way; Abdulrahman, D.A (2009) Institutions and Organizations in Abdullahi, S.A, Mohammed, I Z and Casey, C (eds.). Studies in Cultural Sociology. Ibadan Foludes Printers

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Citing articles in journals Raji, R B (2011) Executive/ Legislative Harmony for efficient Service Delivery at the Local Government level. Africa Social Science Review, Vol. 1, No. 1 October Pp 58-66

IMPORTANT ADVICES TO RESEARCH STUDENTS

Gathered the required literature and get acquainted with them, no good and reliable research could come from scanty and /or lack of literature Be patient, with the work, and your supervisor There is need to be hardworking and resilient Always proofread your work before submission to your supervisor Use the help of your fellow students by way of information sharing Follow your supervisor advices to the latter Be up to date

THANK YOU