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A guide for research processing and referencing

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Uju Regina Ezenekwe Chinecherem Uzonwanne

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
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Benedict Ikemefuna Uzoechina

Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
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Copyright ©2020
Ezenekwe, Uju Regina
Uzonwanne, Maria Chinecherem
Uzoechina, Benedict Ikemefuna

This book is copyrighted under the Berne Convention. All H are reserved. Apart from any fair dealing
for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review, as permitted under Copyright Act 1956,
no part of the publication may be reproduced, stored in retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or
by means, electronic, mechanical, optical photocopying, holder.

ISBN: ISBN: 978-978-8454-78-2

Printed and published by

FABANIEHNIG.LTD.,
Fab Anieh House
Along Club Road,
Beside Ultimate Plaza
Okpuno, Awka, Anambra State
Phone: 08035619395
Gmail: [email protected]
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Aim/Objectives ix
Dedication x
Foreword xi
Importance of Research xiv
Brief Guide on How to Conduct your Research xv

CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION 1
Background to the study 1
Statement of the problem 2
Research question(s) 5
Objectives of the study 5
Practical sample for problem statement, objectives, questions and hypothesis 8
Effect of human capital development on public sector growth in Nigeria 8
Significant of the study 12
Scope and delimitations of the Study 14
Limitations 14
Organisation of the Study 15

CHAPTER TWO
Review of related literature 16
Essence of literature review 16
Review of theoretical literature ??? 19
Conceptual Framework 19
Basic Theories 20
Empirical Literature 20
Summary Table for Empirical Literature Review 21
summary of Empirical Literature Review

CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHOD Qualitative Approach
The Design - Methods and Procedures
Sampling Instrumentation/Data Collection
Data Analysis Quantitative Approach

CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
The Components of Chapter Four
Practical Implication Theoretical Implication

CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Components of Chapter 5
Summary
Conclusions
Structure
Strategies for an effective conclusion
Recommendation Contributions to Knowledge Suggestions for Further Studies

REFERENCES
Citation and References

Single Author 40
multiple Authors 41
anonymous and Pseudonymous Authors 42
corporate Authors 43
authors with the same Surname 43
laws and Statutory Instruments 44
personal communication 44
Nations . 46
quotations
listing of References 47
arrangement 47
APA Referencing Style - 7th Edition 63
References and in-text citations in APA Style
6th to 7th Edition. 63
inclusive and bias-free language 66
APA Paper format 67
Mechanics of style - 68

GENERAL INFORMATION ON FORMATTING 69

Headings 70
table Title and Rules 70
Figures and Plates 71
Data Presentation 72
Numerals and Units 72
Definitions/Nomenclature 73
Definitions 73
Nomenclatures 74
Abbreviation s 74

SPECIMENS FOR PRELIMINARY PAGES 76

APPENDIX A1 76
APPENDIX A2 77
 DEDICATION

This handbook is dedicated to all lovers of research

 FOREWORD

If is one thing to gain admission into an institution of higher learning; it is another thing to
graduate. It is one thing to sit for and write examinations on course work; it is another thing to
begin to write, finish and defend projects, dissertations and theses. This is true for both
undergraduates and postgraduate students. There are many students, especially at the
postgraduate level, who finished their course work and never wrote any research report. As
such, they never graduated. In my long years of experience in teaching (Methodology) and
supervision in the university, I dare say that the process of research leading to valid and
coherent reporting, and comprehensive referencing is a systematic academic engagement This
'systematic' character makes the process scientific. The implication is that any student or
supervisor (hat has an enviable grasp of the knowledge and process of research would never
be cowed by the challenges of research. This is the promise of the book in your hand: A Guide
for Research Process and Referencing.
The authors of this highly valuable aid to research are aware that one of the key constraints to
enjoying research is lack of self-explanatory materials for a guide. This is their contribution to
filling that gap. No doubt, to begin anything, even to cry, is difficult. So is research. The first
three chapters are not always an easy ride. In a very simple and illustrative manner, the authors
of this Guide expose the student (researcher) to the nitty-gritty of research requirements of
these preliminary chapters in most institutions of higher learning. It is their conviction that
once a researcher is able to adequately handle these three chapters, their work is more than
eighty percent done.

Based on the above convictions, the Guide begins with introducing the student to the
preliminary aspects of research. They are particular about problem formulation/statement since
there can be no meaningful research without a problem that begs for solution/answer. The
conceptual, theoretical and empirical dimensions of Literature Review, chapter two of a work,
are well articulated and presented. Though the entire research process is scientific, the nexus
of its scientific character is in chapter three, the Research Method: data collection, data
organization, theoretical framework and! analytical process. Here, both the qualitative and
quantitative methods are graphically presented for easy comprehension for application.

To make this Guide a complete vade mecum (go with me) in research process, the authors spilt
valuable ink to direct a researcher on what it really means to present and discuss findings of a
research investigation. As nothing in research is to be taken for granted, the authors are clear
on the need and how to make good and conclusion of a research report that would give the
report-the internal coherence that gives a research the unity it requires.

The last bit of this Guide is the Referencing. It is improper dressing to have a research without
proper referencing. There are many styles of referencing. The style chosen here, resting on the
academic bias/orientation of the authors is the American Psychological Association (APA).
With this (nide, the students who experience a lot of headache in. uranging their references
will now find it very simple to do 10, especially on APA style.
I am particularly elated to be associated, in a distinguished manner, with this very timely and
useful material in research process. It is really a Guide. I unreservedly recommend this (i nide
for Research Process and Referencing to every person who has anything whatsoever to do
with research - diploma, undergraduate and graduate students; lecturers of all levels, especially
supervisors; and all in research Institutes within and outside Nigeria. The Guide cuts across
Departments and Faculties. Buy this Guide. Read this Guide. Be guided by this Giuide. Enjoy
your research investigation with this Guide. Mentor and encourage researchers by using this
Guide as gifts.

Rev. Fr. B. A. C. Obiefuna

Professor of Religion, Society and Human Relations
Director, School of General Studies
Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka - Nigeria
 THE IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

Many people assume that any literate person can write a research. This is not automatically
true. Writing is an "Art" and a difficult skill to master. It requires practice and some dedication.
Therefore, here are some tips that can help you in writing your research:

Always structure your work in advance, know what you want to say before trying to write it,
every sentence must contain one idea only, each sentence must follow logically from the one
before, because a well written text is a "chain of ideas". While writing, keep your reader's
needs in mind. This means providing a "verbal map" of your document so that your reader
knows what to expect, and placing "verbal signposts" in your text to explain what is coming
next.

Carrying out a good and useful research helps you to make some useful contribution to your
discipline or to some aspect of society, either directly or indirectly. It helps to resolve some
theoretical questions in your area of study, develop better theoretical models, influence public
policy, change the way people do their jobs in a particular field and may change the way people
live.

THEREFORE. TRUE EASE IN WRITING COMES FROM ART. NOT CHANCE.

 BRIEF GUIDE ON HOW TO CONDUCT YOUR RESEARCH

Outline of the Preliminary Pages

1. Cover Page: This contains the title of research. The Name and Registration number of
the research student, his or her Department, the University and lastly date (only month
and year).

2. Title Page: This slightly differs from the cover page by the inclusion of what the
research is for. For example, it id read: "A thesis submitted to the Department of
Economics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in partial fulfilment of the
requirements for the award of Master of Science (M. Sc.) Degree in Economics.

3. Certification: This page normally contains space for the signature of the student who
is expected to certify that the project was carried out by him/her.

4. Approval Page: This page contains space for the signatures of the Supervisor, Head of
Department, Internal Examiner, External Examiner and Dean of the faculty who are
expected to approve the work. The space for Internal Examiner may or may not be
included.

5. Dedication: This page simply dedicates the work to whoever the researcher desires.

6. Acknowledgements: The assistance of people and institutions (if any) towards the
completion of the project is acknowledged. Usually they are thanked for their critique
of the study or support or contribution* financially and morally.

7. Abstract
Although abstract comes in the early part of the work on its own page immediately after
the table of contents, it is written after the entire work is completed. Abstract is a
miniature version of the research. It should be brief hi ii informative. A very brief
summary of the work that lucidly specifies the motivation for the research, objective(s)
of the work, justification, materials and method, major findings/conclusion and
recommendation(s). Usually, an abstract may range from 100 to about 250 words. In
practice, the length of an abstract (in terms of words) is normally specified by
institutions. But where non-existent, 100 to 250 words limit serves as a useful guide.
For research projects sponsored by grant-awarding institutions, what is called an
Executive Summary (in place of an abstract) is usually demanded. Simply put, an
abstract must contain briefly, the background, the problems, objectives, the scope, the
methodology, major findings, recommendations and conclusions of the study. A good
abstract should answer the following questions:
 What you did and why.
How you did it
Your major findings, recommendations and conclusions

Center the word Abstract.

NB: The preliminary page is meant for those writing their B.Sc., PGD, M.Sc. and PhD
projects in the University.

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