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)

HON’BLE 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for the research.The importance should be highlighted with pertinent authentic references from literature.The historical references are no bar.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. The need of the study (including the Type of the study) in given area/set-up.

ii. The study should fulfill the criteria like :a. Essentialityb. Feasibilityc. Plausibility

4. HYPOTHESIS.

If the research is of descriptive type, at the end, formulate the hypothesis based on the observations, result and the possible cause-effect 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 Agent-Host-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. The characteristics / variables to be studied - of the Subjects/Population/ Universe/procedures etc. under the study

2. The Salient features of the disease/ condition/ authentication methods etc. which occurs or can occur in the study subjects.

3. The possible aetiological/ risk factors/ standardization techniques etc. related to the above two points.

4. The Time- Response Relationship5. The Dose – Response Relationship.6. Additional/ Supportive factors – if any 7. 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 objectivesiii. Short term, Mid-term and long term objectivesiv. 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. Historical Reviewii. Current and Contemporary Reviewiii. Review of Proceduresiv. Review of standardization procedures & techniquesv. Review of text books and reference booksvi. Review of the journalsvii. 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 advancesx. 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. Area or place of studyii. Type of study, Phase of Study and Study Design – as

applicable.iii. Operational Definition/s of various term/s etc.iv. Description and explanation of the procedures – as, when and

if required.v. Preparation of Proforma / Format / Questionnaire / case study

sheets etc.vi. Developing the systematic Research Protocolvii. Protocol testing by Pilot testing – if required. viii. Pilot Study – to test the other factors to be used in the study

protocol, as per requirement.ix. Please note that, the terms ‘Pilot Testing’ and ‘Pilot Study’

have different meanings. These two are used for different purposes.

x. Enumeration of the population universexi. Identification of population base i.e. number of At-risk

group/sxii. Parameters used for identifying the population base.xiii. Description of Independent variables and Dependant variables

as per the type of study.xiv. Sampling technique used for obtaining the sample size.xv. Derivation of Sample in study group and control group – as

per the requirement of the study.xvi. Inclusion and exclusion Criteria.xvii. Specificity / Sensitivity of the test/ procedure/ trial etc.

xviii. Calibration, validation and standardization of the instruments, equipments.

xix. 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 & Non-Differential error etc. according to the type of study and the research protocol.

xx. Study Design – if any specified design available.xxi. Appropriate Consent form / Assent form as per the age of the

participantsxxii. Use of appropriate statistical techniques for analysis of the

dataxxiii. Feasibility of testing the Clinical co-relation along with

statistical significancexxiv. All the text of Methodology should be mentioned in the ‘Past

Tense’ only.xxv. 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 synopsisC. 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 Eii. Point No. F to L

10. SAMPLING

Samples are drawn in 2 basic manners.

1. As a component of ‘Universe’ of population, subjects, objects, procedures, techniques etc.

2. 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 non-representative 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. Give the Serial Numbers and Headings to every table.2. 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.

3. Provide foot notes to the table/s where required.4. In the foot note, mention the meaning of any symbols, short forms

or acronyms etc. used in the table.5. 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.

6. 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. Statistical Associationii. Clinical Association

iii. Biological Associationiv. 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. Formulate the Hypothesis at the end of the study.ii. Hypothesis must contain all the essential components in an orderly

manner.iii. Justify, on which basis, each point in hypothesis has been

formulated. iv. Quote the references in support of the formulated hypothesis.

In Analytic and Experimental studies, please enumerate i. Which components of Hypothesis could be studiedii. What were the reports of the testing these components of

Hypothesisiii. Which components have not been studied/not given adequate

importance and why ?iv. 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. If the Hypothesis is formulated on the basis of pilot study, it should be subjected to proper testing in a systematic and methodical manner.

ii. 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 short-comings 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.

Pancha anumana vakyaIt consists of

1. Pratigya, hypothesis,2. Hetu, supportive theory or experiment

3 Udaharan, example having same phenomenon proved4. 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. Jidnyasa or Jignyasab. Prayojanac. Samshayad. Tarka

e. Samshaya Vyudaasf. 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. Vidya- Knowledge

2. Vitarka- Reasoning

3. Vignana- Scientific Method

4. Smruti- Memory

5. Tatparta- Repeated observation / Curiosity

6. Kriya- Practical application

Pramanas (Investigations)

1. Aptopadesha- Knowledge through the teaching of Authoritative resources.

2. Pratyaksha- Knowledge from senses.

3. Anumana- Knowledge by reason and logic

4. 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. Suggestion for finding a topic

2. Identifying a topic

3. Testing the topic

4. Finding background information

5. Encyclopedias & dictionary

6. Exploit bibliography

7. Finding books articles and other materials

8. Evaluating resources

9. Initial appraisal

10. Content analysis

11. Objective reasoning

12. Coverage

13. Writing style

14. Evaluative reviews

Steps of Research Methodology in Advancement of Ayurveda.

1. Determining a theory

2. Defining Variables

3. Developing the Hypothesis

4. Standardization

5. Selecting subjects

6. Testing subjects

7. Analyzing Results

8. Determining significance

9. Communicating results

10. Replication

TANTRA – UKTI.

This pertains to the ‘Theorization’ aspect of Ayurveda.Tantra Ukti is described in ancient ayurvedic literatures as well as in Kautilya’s 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 ‘Rog-samuchhyas’ 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. Establishing the correctness of identification of a disease.ii. Comparing the samprati components in Ayurveda and

Contemporary Medicine.iii. Authentication of Samprapti for the disease to be studied.

7. 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 Corelationiii. Direct Corelation

a. One – to – one corelationb. One – to – more than one corelationc. Multiple – one – corelationd. 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.