School of Human Movement Studies - CSUSAP: …csusap.csu.edu.au/~sbird/EHR505/MExSc(Rehab)...

Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation)Dissertation Format ‐ School of Human Movement Studies

School of Human Movement Studies, Faculty of Education Charles Strut University, Bathurst Campus

Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation) School of Human Movement Studies

Dissertation Guide

Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation) Dissertation Format ‐ School of Human Movement Studies


GENERAL DISSERTATION STRUCTURE

The Masters dissertation should be structured as described below using the headings provided. The Preliminary Material includes a cover page, administrative documentation, a detailed Table of Contents for the entire dissertation, abstract, and lists of Tables, Figures and Abbreviations. The academic material within the dissertation is presented in chapters 1‐5 (note: a title page is needed for each new chapter). Following chapter 5 is the reference list and appendices.

Preliminary Material (note: a title page for the Preliminary Material is not necessary) 1. Title Page 2. Declaration of Authorship 3. Acknowledgements 4. Table of Contents 5. Abstract 6. List of Tables 7. List of Figures 8. List of Abbreviations

CHAPTER 1: Introduction (title page)

1.1 Background to the dissertation 1.2 Statement of the problem 1.3 Purpose of the dissertation 1.4 Significance of the dissertation 1.5 Research questions 1.6 Research Hypotheses 1.7 Delimitations 1.8 Limitations

CHAPTER 2: Review of the Literature (title page)

CHAPTER 3: Manuscript For Publication (journal title page) 3.1 Abstract 3.2 Introduction 3.3 Case Description & Methods 3.4 Intervention 3.5 Outcomes/Results 3.6 Discussion

CHAPTER 4: Conclusion and Future Research Directions (title page)

REFERENCE LIST

APPENDICES



GENERAL DISSERTATION FORMATTING

Back

Dissertation Length It is expected that the length of the dissertation will be in the vicinity of 20,000 words (excluding preliminary material, reference list, and appendices). This is a general indication and the actual length of the dissertation will differ depending on their topic and available literature in the field.

Page Formatting The dissertation should be printed on A4 paper, single‐sided, with double spacing, using 12 point Times New Roman font (excluding title pages, heading and subheadings). The left margin should be 4 cm and the margin on all other sizes should be 2.5 cm. Line numbers that restart on each page also should be included.

Headers and Footers • The title of the chapter should be inserted into the header of each page with text in

italics and aligned to the right. The chapter number should be in capitals and the section name in sentence case (e.g. CHAPTER 1: Introduction).

• Page numbers should be inserted into the footer of each page with text aligned to the right. For the preliminary material (except the Cover Page), page should be numbered using Roman numerals (i, ii, iii, iv, etc). All other pages should be numbered using Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, etc).

Multiple Heading Levels Multiple heading levels will be needed to more clearly structure your dissertation; this is particularly relevant for your literature review. Multiple heading levels should be formatted similar to the example provide below using the chapter number as the first numeral:

1.1 Major heading 1 1.1.1 Subheading 1 1.1.2 Subheading 2 1.1.2.1 Sub‐subheading 1

Subheading 3

1.2 Major heading 2 1.2.1 Subheading 1 1.2.2 Subheading 2 1.2.2.1 Sub‐subheading 1 1.2.3 Subheading 3



Back

Tables and Figures • All Tables and Figures in the dissertation should be numbered using Arabic numbers

running continuously throughout the dissertation without reference to the chapter (i.e. Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, etc. Figure 1, Figure 2, Figure 3, etc).

• All Tables should have a labelled title above the table with the Table number in bold (e.g. Table 1: Physical characteristics of the subjects).

• All Figures should have a title below the figure that describes the data being displayed with the Figure number in bold (e.g. Figure 1: Changes in muscle strength over the 12‐week resistance training period).

• A legend should be placed below each Table and Figure that defines any abbreviations of symbols used to indicate significance, and the how the values are presented (e.g. mean ± SD).

• Figure plots may be printed in colour to more clearly present the data. • Each Table and Figure should be presented on a new page immediately following the

page where reference to the Table or Figure was first made in text.

Reference List The reference list should be compiled using the Harvard Author‐Date system or the APA system. It is strongly recommended that students use EndNote software to manage their references and develop their reference list. EndNote can be accessed through the CSU library, or through the DIT Software Install webpage. The CSU Library also provides students with tutorials on how to use this software.



GENERAL EXPECTATIONS AND DISSERTATION STANDARD

Back The following points outline the general expectations and standards required of an Honours dissertation. In addition to reading the points below, students are encouraged to read examples of past Honours theses held in the library with Supervisors.

Master dissertations are treated as the work of student (i.e. a "beginning" researcher) and not as the work of an experienced researcher. In this regard, the dissertation is viewed as the student's first real attempt to develop a range of research skills and analyse a body of literature. As such, the dissertation demonstrates the students’ potential to succeed at a more advanced research level (i.e. PhD).

Master dissertations are expected to display a high level of familiarity with a body of literature and competence in discussing the data obtained relative to the available literature in the field.

A high level of literacy is expected in a Master dissertations. The dissertation submitted for examination should be clearly written and carefully proof‐read. Spelling and grammatical errors should be identified and corrected prior to submission. A poorly written dissertation greatly detracts from the quality of the content and research it describes. A good quality dissertation should be clearly written with appropriate depth of analysis and smoothly flow from chapter to chapter.



DISSERTATION SUBMISSION AND EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS

Back

The dissertation should be submitted by Friday 14 October. All informed consents singed by participants, electronic data sets (raw and processed), data collection sheets, and any other ethical or data material related to the research must also be provided to the Supervisor at this time. By Law this material must be stored by the school for 5 years after the completion of the study then destroyed.

The cover of the dissertation provides the first impression of the dissertation to the examiner. As such, it should be visually appealing and provide an overall representation of the dissertation content. Graphics, pictures, photos and/or any other relevant images/figures may be included on the front and/or back cover.

• The front cover of the dissertation should include the students’ name, organisation, and date submitted must be included on the front cover (see example here).

• The spine of the cover should include the student’s name, the title of the dissertation and date submitted.

• The cover can be developed using any software application then saved as a pdf for printing. For further details on developing and printing your dissertation cover please contact the CSU Printery.

• The dissertation should be bound using Perfect Binding. For further details on developing and printing your dissertation cover please contact the CSU Printery.

Multiple copies of the dissertation should be submitted; one copy is for examination, another copy is retained by the school, one copy for the CSU Library, and the copies should also be provided to the Supervisors. Printing of the dissertation can be done by the CSU Printery and is at the cost of the student.

Once the dissertation has been examined, the student will be provided with an examination report (where the examiner may or may not be identified) along with an annotated copy of the examined dissertation containing specific comments and feedback. The examination report also provides the student with formal notification of the dissertation mark or grade.



DESCRIPTION OF DISSERTATION SECTIONS

Back Length of Dissertation The maximum length for the piece of critical writing/exegesis shall be 20,000 words.

Format The text shall be in a consistent font throughout (12 point), with any footnotes being in a smaller font. Text is normally to be double‐sided, with the pages numbered consecutively throughout the print dissertation, other examinable print work or written component of an examinable non‐print work. The following minimum margins are to be observed:

− Gutter margin ‐ 4cm − All other margins are to be 2cm

Text is to be spaced either double or space‐and‐a‐half with the exception of quotations, footnotes, references and table and figure captions, which are to be single spaced..

Preliminary Material

Title page See attached. Declaration of Authorship See attached. Declaration of Supervision of Clinical Hours See attached. Acknowledgements Dissertation acknowledgments provide an opportunity for students to express their gratitude to those people who provided assistance in the completing the dissertation. This may include those who people assisted with the proposal, collecting the data, statistical analyse, data interpretation, proof reading and/or writing the dissertation. Possible persons to include in the acknowledgements are Supervisors, Professors, Advisors, Librarians, lab assistants and colleagues. It is also appropriate to acknowledge parents and friends if desired. Table of Contents The table of contents is self explanatory. It should include all headings listed under Preliminary Material followed by the dissertation chapters (and subheadings), the reference list and appendices. For Table and Figures, the title or legend should also be included. Corresponding page numbers should also be included. For those students who are proficient in Microsoft Word, the table of Contents can be automatically generated if the style type formatting has been used consistently throughout the dissertation.



Back Abstract The abstract should be a maximum length of 1 page and should be written within a single paragraph similar to the abstract of a journal paper. The first few sentences should describe the background to the research and the purpose of the study. The next few sentences should describe the research design and methods. The major research results should be described next with the level of statistical significance included (e.g. p< 0.05). The final sentences should describe theoretical implications of the results. The Abstract should provide readers a concise summary of your research questions, methods, results, and conclusions. List of Tables and Figures The list of Tables and Figures should be on separate pages (Tables first, then Figures). Each Table and Figure should be identified by its Table/Figure number and title. The page number on which the Table/Figure appears in the dissertation should also be included. List of Abbreviations A list of abbreviations and their corresponding definitions should be provided. Arrange your abbreviations alphabetically aligned to the left, single‐spaced within each entry and double‐space between entries.



Back CHAPTER 1: Introduction

1500 words

Background to the dissertation The background to the dissertation provides an introduction to the field of study examined within the dissertation. It is a critical component of the dissertation as it sets the foundation for the remaining sections of the introduction, which narrow the focus. Statement of the Problem The statement of the problem is the focal point of your dissertation. It is usually a single declarative sentence with several paragraphs of persuasive arguments why the problem is important to research. Try to give dramatic and concrete illustrations of the problem, such as implications for health, quality of life, sports performance, practical applications, etc. After writing this section, students should be able to easily identify the single sentence that is the problem statement. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is a single statement or paragraph that explains what the dissertation intends to accomplish. That is, what specifically will be studied in the dissertation. This sentence usually includes words such as purpose, goal, or aim, etc. Significance of the Study This section uses a persuasive rationale to justify why the study is worth being conducted. It usually makes reference to larger issues and speculates as to how the possible outcomes of the study may contribute to the world. The significance of the study answers the questions: Why is the study important? To whom is the study important? What benefit(s) will occur if your study is completed? Etc. Research Questions In this section the specific research questions to be examined in the dissertation are described. Typically, but not always, a number of research questions will be identified. Where appropriate, the research questions should be tiered so that more general research questions are broken down into more specific parts. Below is an example of two research questions that are both tiered: This present dissertation will address the following research questions:

1. Is ageing associated with a reduction in MVC? 1a. If so, is ageing associated with a change in MVC per unit of muscle mass?

1. If so, is ageing associated with a decline in voluntary activation?

2. Is ageing associated with a reduction in muscle mass? 2a. If so, is ageing associated with a reduction in muscle fibre number and/or fibre CSA?

2b. If so, does the reduction in fibre number and/or CSA preferentially affect a specific muscle fibre type?



Back Tiering research questions allows students to break the study down into smaller, more manageable components. This useful as it provides direction for data analysis (as you know what to analyse) and assists with writing the results and discussion (as it provides direction for what information to include). Research Hypotheses Research hypotheses are closely linked to the research questions. They are clear and concise statements about the relationship between the research variables that have directionally and are testable. Research hypotheses also indicate results expected by students. The best way to formulate your research hypotheses by adopting a three‐step approach; this will help to focus the scope of the hypotheses, provide directionally between variables, and ensure that the hypothesis is testable. For example, a general research hypothesis might be that “Muscle strength is different between young and older adults”. This example does not provide any direction of the relationship between strength and age, nor is it testable. The hypothesis “Young adults have greater strength and older adults” is better as there is some directionally to the statement, but it is still not testable (i.e. how do you test strength?). However, the hypothesis “Young adults have greater isometric MVC than older adults” is better as it provides both directionally to the statement and can be scientifically tested. Formulating sound hypothesis is essential as they directly influence the research design and the methods used in a study. One hypothesis should be developed for each research question. A commonly used abbreviation for the research hypotheses is “H” (H1, H2, H3, H3a, H3b, etc) Delimitations Delimitations define the parameters of the investigation and those characteristics that limit the scope of the study. Delimitations are due to decisions made by the researcher during the development of the proposal to deliberately “narrow” the study. Delimitations include the research questions, research sample, treatments, instrumentation, and variables of interest, among others. As such, delimitations define the boundaries to which the results obtained in the study lack generalisability. Limitations The limitations set forth reservations or qualifications inherent in the research design. This section is like a disclaimer for the research; it acknowledges what you could not investigate, what problems hindered your study and/or the data obtained, or to what extent the research findings can be generalised. The limitations outline parameters that influence the application or interpretation of the results of the study.



Back CHAPTER 2: Review of the Literature

3500‐5000 words

2.1 Overview

2.2 Exercise for Chronic Conditions

2.2.1 Cardiorespiratory OR Metabolic OR Neurological OR Musculoskeletal Cancer OR Mental Health

2.2.1.1 Exercise as an Intervention

The review of the literature is a very important chapter. It provides the reader with a detailed overview of the relevant literature in particular topic or field of study. A review of literature is not a summary of papers or collection of article abstracts. It is an analysis and syndissertation of the pertinent literature, written in a specific style which flows from broad to narrow, and takes into account both the theoretical and methodological issues. The literature review examines issues such as: What are the critical theories related to the topic? What are the key studies in the field? What findings have been observed? How have these results been interpreted? What methodologies and methods have been used? Are these methods appropriate? Summary tables are often useful to present studies of major significance to the dissertation. The review of the literature should be approximately 5000 words in length excluding references, which should be compiled in the main reference list at the end of the dissertation. The purpose of this section is to summarise (in detail) the literature on the topic being researched. It is also your opportunity to demonstrate to the reader your intimate knowledge of the subject. This does not mean quoting everything ever written on the topic, but rather, carefully selecting the important points and including the appropriate investigations to support your hypotheses. In this chapter, include only research directly related to the topic. This involves more than a simple compilation of published studies. It should demonstrate the student’s ability to analyse critically and synthesize related facts into a comprehensive view. The literature review should cover the most important and significant studies concerned with the substantive elements encompassing each major variable of the study, and the techniques being used (when such techniques are relatively unknown or a procedure has been modified). Support data (variability, reliability, objectivity) of the instrument may also be presented. Divide the chapter into major aspects or areas of concern. Within each major heading, the studies are commonly cited chronologically to show development of the research. In some instances, it may be more meaningful to contrast the studies by concepts.



Back Each study should be reported briefly giving the subjects of the study (descriptive characteristics, geographical area, number, etc.) the procedures involved, the findings, and the conclusions. In some instances, all the foregoing may not be essential, especially when there are several similar studies and they are grouped for presentation, or where a study is merely acknowledgment. On the other hand, if the study is especially pertinent and has several essential elements, there might be two paragraphs. To be avoided are definite judgement words such as "unfortunately" and "interestingly." Use of such words should be set in proper perspective as to whom they are interesting or unfortunate. Value judgements should be documented or "hedged", e.g., "Jones stated that the most important aspect is . . . ", or "Smith stated that unfortunately. . . ." CHAPTER 3: Manuscript for Publication

Case Study Report (3500‐5000 words) Chapter 3 is a written case study manuscript for publication based on the research study conducted. The format of this chapter should adhere to the requirements of a peer‐reviewed journal selected by the student and supervisor/s. As such, the length, style and arrangement of headings in chapter 3 should be consistent with the requirements of the selected journal. To maintain consistency of presentation throughout the dissertation, the referencing style used in the manuscript should remain consistent with the format required for dissertation and references used should be compiled in the main reference list at the end of the dissertation (not in a separate reference list at the end of the manuscript).

• The paper should adopt the journal's format (e.g., Abstract, Introduction, Case description, Intervention, Outcomes, Discussion, References).

• Each subheading, table, and figure should be numbered relative to its position in the dissertation (e.g. "2.1 Introduction" rather than "Introduction").

• Spelling as per Instructions to Authors.

• Manuscript length should be that of a full length paper (3500‐5000 words) and not of a short communication.

Students should consult Instructions for Authors documentation of the relevant journal for specific details regarding how this chapter should be developed.



Back Manuscript Format and Specific Restrictions 1. Title Page

• As per Instructions to Authors (but must include the name of the journal of publication and internet address of the journal's instructions to Authors).

2. Abstract

• As per Instructions to Authors.

• The abstract is usually 200‐250 words in length. The content of the abstract is similar to that of the dissertation abstract. Following the abstract should be a list of 3‐5 keywords.

3. Introduction

• The introduction is usually 2‐4 pages in length, which includes some background information, statement of problem and justification for study, and purpose/research questions. This section should be a condensed version of chapter 1.

4. Case Description & Methods

• Must provide enough details regarding the pathology and patients current condition.

• The methods section provides details of the materials and general procedures used to collect the data presented in the manuscript. The content in the methods section should be sufficient so that the reader may replicate the study or judge the scientific merit of the results and/or the interpretation of the data. Where appropriate, the reproducibility or reliability of the data obtained using the methods employed in the study should also be included. The statistical analysis procedures employed to analyse the data must also be clearly described.

5. Intervention

• What was the exercise intervention and exercise prescription? Provide as much detail as possible.

6. Outcomes/Results

• Provide an overview of the outcomes following the intervention.

• The purpose of the results section is to present and illustrate the findings from the study. This section should be completely objective; save all interpretation of the data for the discussion. Simply describe the data you collected (e.g. the data for each group or how the data changed over time) and whether or not any differences or changes over time were statistically significant. This chapter is often relatively brief in written text. Figures and/or tables should be used to display the data as appropriate

7. Discussion

• The discussion provides an interpretation of the results obtained and support for all conclusions made in chapter 4. Initially, the discussion should concisely paraphrase the research questions examined and briefly summarises the major findings. The significance of the research findings, aspects of the results that are new or novel, and/or how the results contribute or add to the literature should then be clearly stated.



Back

• Following this, the results should be discussed and interpreted relative to other studies in the field. Data interpretation should demonstrate appropriate depth. This means that when an observed phenomenon is explained the mechanisms that may account for the observation must be described. If results do not support the hypotheses, explanations why should be included. If the results support the hypotheses, then the theory supported by evidence should be described. It is never appropriate to simply state that the data supported the hypotheses and leave it as that.

• If the results have practical or clinical applications they should be identified and discussed as appropriate. Limitations of the methods and how they may influence data interpretation should also be included as well as proposed means to address those limitations in future studies.

8. Acknowledgments

• As per Instructions to Authors. 9. References

• As per Instructions to Authors, but must provide the title of each cited article. The chapter should commence with a title page that meets the journals requirements (see example attached). Other likely section headings include: CHAPTER 4: Conclusion and Future Research Directions In this chapter students should reiterate the research questions stated in chapter 1 and provide a clear and concise response to each question based on the results obtained. Typically, each response should be 1‐3 paragraphs or so in length. In writing the response to each question, students should identify and describe the real world outcomes from the results obtained. That is, students should consider the meaning of the results outside the laboratory and typically include implications, applications, and/or recommendations for professional practice. Finally, students provide some directions for future research. The directions for future research should be informed based on gaps in the literature identified from the literature review or spin‐off research questions identified from your data. That is, interesting findings observed that were not related to your research questions, but are worthy of further investigation



Back APPENDICES

Appendices contain materials that are not strictly necessary for the presentation or interpretation of the data in the dissertation; but may be useful to clarify certain issues or provide additional details where necessary. Examples of material to include in the appendices are: pilot studies, supplementary data analyses, computer program syntaxes, Human Ethics Committee Applications and approval letters, Radiation Safety Committee Applications and approval letters, pre‐exercise health questionnaires, data collection sheets, printed SPSS outputs, etc. Each appendix should be labelled alphabetically (i.e. Appendix A: Data Collection Sheets).



Return to document



Return to document

A DISSERTATION SUBMITTED TO CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY IN THE FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF

Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation)

by

type your name here.

type undergraduate qualifications here

type the title here

October 2011

SCHOOL OF HUMAN MOVEMENT STUDIES FACULTY OF EDUCATION

CHARLES STURT UNIVERSITY BATHURST NSW 2795

AUSTRALIA



DECLARATION OF AUTHORSHIP

Return to document

STUDENT I, (insert name) Declare that the dissertation titled (Insert dissertation title) is my own work and that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, it contains no material previously published or written by another person nor material which to a substantial extent has been accepted for the award of any other degree or diploma at Charles Sturt University or any other educational institution, except where due acknowledgment is made. Any contribution made to the research by colleagues with whom I have worked at Charles Sturt University or elsewhere during my candidature is fully acknowledged.

Name (print) Signature

Date

RESEARCH SUPERVISOR In my capacity as supervisor of the candidate’s dissertation, I certify that the above statements are true to the best of my knowledge and certify that the dissertation is ready for examination.

Name (print) Signature

Date



DECLARATION OF SUPERVISION CLINICAL HOURS

Return to document CLINICAL SUPERVISOR I, Type your ProPrac supervisor name here, Hereby confirm the supervision and guidance of Type your name here throughout 500 hours of clinical practicum at Facility/Clinic name and address. Within this period Type your name here completed the two case studies involving type patient type name here as part of his/her academic requirements for the Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation) degree awarded by Charles Sturt University.

Name of supervisor (print) Qualifications

Allied health profession Address

Signature Date

Master of Exercise Science (Rehabilitation)Dissertation Format ‐ School of Human Movement Studies


EXAMPLE MANUSCRIPT TITLE PAGE

Return to document Journal: Journal of Sport Rehabilitation Author Instructions: http://www.humankinetics.com/JSR/journalSubmissions.cfm Manuscript Type: Case study Manuscript Title: APPLICATION OF FUNCTIONAL TRAINING TO IMPROVE PELVIC/SPINAL

STABILISATION IN AN ELITE ARCHER: A CASE STUDY Authors: Stephen P. Bird, PhD, AEP, CSCS Affiliations: Exercise and Sports Science Laboratories, School of Human Movement

Studies, Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW, Australia. Running Head: Supplementation and resistance training Correspondence: Dr Stephen P Bird

Room 2.13 Allen House, Building N1 School of Human Movement Studies Charles Sturt University, Bathurst NSW, Australia. (P) 612‐6338‐4155 (F) 612‐6338‐4065 [email protected]

Text word count: 2894 Number of pages: 15 Number of references: 25 Number of tables: 1 Number of figures: 3

http://www.humankinetics.com/JSR/journalSubmissions.cfm

mailto:[email protected]

School of Human Movement Studies - CSUSAP: …csusap.csu.edu.au/~sbird/EHR505/MExSc(Rehab)...

Documents

Transcript of School of Human Movement Studies - CSUSAP: …csusap.csu.edu.au/~sbird/EHR505/MExSc(Rehab)...