synopsis format for medical thesis

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How to Write a Research Synopsis: Template, Examples, & More

Last Updated: May 9, 2024 Fact Checked

• Organizing & Formatting
• Writing Your Synopsis
• Reviewing & Editing

Research Synopsis Template

This article was reviewed by Gerald Posner and by wikiHow staff writer, Raven Minyard, BA . Gerald Posner is an Author & Journalist based in Miami, Florida. With over 35 years of experience, he specializes in investigative journalism, nonfiction books, and editorials. He holds a law degree from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and a BA in Political Science from the University of California-Berkeley. He’s the author of thirteen books, including several New York Times bestsellers, the winner of the Florida Book Award for General Nonfiction, and has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in History. He was also shortlisted for the Best Business Book of 2020 by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 286,695 times.

A research synopsis describes the plan for your research project and is typically submitted to professors or department heads so they can approve your project. Most synopses are between 3,000 and 4,000 words and provide your research objectives and methods. While the specific types of information you need to include in your synopsis may vary depending on your department guidelines, most synopses include the same basic sections. In this article, we’ll walk you step-by-step through everything you need to know to write a synopsis for research.

Things You Should Know

• Begin your research synopsis by introducing the question your research will answer and its importance to your field.
• List 2 or 3 specific objectives you hope to achieve and how they will advance your field.
• Discuss your methodology to demonstrate why the study design you chose is appropriate for your research question.

Organizing Your Research Synopsis

• Find out what citation format you’re supposed to use, as well as whether you’re expected to use parenthetical references or footnotes in the body of your synopsis.
• If you have questions about anything in your guidelines, ask your instructor or advisor to ensure you follow them correctly.

• Title: the title of your study
• Abstract: a summary of your research synopsis
• Introduction: identifies and describes your research question
• Literature Review: a review of existing relevant research
• Objectives: goals you hope to accomplish through your study
• Hypotheses: results you expect to find through your research
• Methodology and methods: explains the methods you’ll use to complete your study
• References: a list of any references used in citations

Tip: Your synopsis might have additional sections, depending on your discipline and the type of research you're conducting. Talk to your instructor or advisor about which sections are required for your department.

• Keep in mind that you might not end up using all the sources you initially found. After you've finished your synopsis, go back and delete the ones you didn't use.

Writing Your Research Synopsis

• Your title should be a brief and specific reflection of the main objectives of your study. In general, it should be under 50 words and should avoid unneeded phrases like “an investigation into.”
• On the other hand, avoid a title that’s too short, as well. For example, a title like “A Study of Urban Heating” is too short and doesn’t provide any insight into the specifics of your research.

• The introduction allows you to explain to your reader exactly why the question you’re trying to answer is vital and how your knowledge and experience make you the best researcher to tackle it.
• Support most of the statements in your introduction with other studies in the area that support the importance of your question. For example, you might cite a previous study that mentions your problem as an area where further research needs to be done.
• The length of your introduction will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis as well as the ultimate length of your eventual paper after you’ve finished your research. Generally, it will cover the first page or two of your synopsis.

• For example, try finding relevant literature through educational journals or bulletins from organizations like WHO and CDC.
• Typically, a thorough literature review discusses 8 to 10 previous studies related to your research problem.
• As with the introduction, the length of your literature review will vary depending on the overall length of your synopsis. Generally, it will be about the same length as your introduction.
• Try to use the most current research available and avoid sources over 5 years old.

• For example, an objective for research on urban heating could be “to compare urban heat modification caused by vegetation of mixed species considering the 5 most common urban trees in an area.”
• Generally, the overall objective doesn’t relate to solving a specific problem or answering a specific question. Rather, it describes how your particular project will advance your field.
• For specific objectives, think in terms of action verbs like “quantify” or “compare.” Here, you’re hoping to gain a better understanding of associations between particular variables.

• Specify the sources you used and the reasons you have arrived at your hypotheses. Typically, these will come from prior studies that have shown similar relationships.
• For example, suppose a prior study showed that children who were home-schooled were less likely to be in fraternities or sororities in college. You might use that study to back up a hypothesis that home-schooled children are more independent and less likely to need strong friendship support networks.

• Expect your methodology to be at least as long as either your introduction or your literature review, if not longer. Include enough detail that your reader can fully understand how you’re going to carry out your study.
• This section of your synopsis may include information about how you plan to collect and analyze your data, the overall design of your study, and your sampling methods, if necessary. Include information about the study setting, like the facilities and equipment that are available to you to carry out your study.
• For example, your research work may take place in a hospital, and you may use cluster sampling to gather data.

• Use between 100 and 200 words to give your readers a basic understanding of your research project.
• Include a clear statement of the problem, the main goals or objectives of your study, the theories or conceptual framework your research relies upon, and the methods you’ll use to reach your goals or objectives.

Tip: Jot down a few notes as you draft your other sections that you can compile for your abstract to keep your writing more efficient.

Reviewing and Editing Your Research Synopsis

• If you don’t have that kind of time because you’re up against a deadline, at least take a few hours away from your synopsis before you go back to edit it. Do something entirely unrelated to your research, like taking a walk or going to a movie.

• Eliminate sentences that don’t add any new information. Even the longest synopsis is a brief document—make sure every word needs to be there and counts for something.
• Get rid of jargon and terms of art in your field that could be better explained in plain language. Even though your likely readers are people who are well-versed in your field, providing plain language descriptions shows you know what you’re talking about. Using jargon can seem like you’re trying to sound like you know more than you actually do.

Tip: Free apps, such as Grammarly and Hemingway App, can help you identify grammatical errors as well as areas where your writing could be clearer. However, you shouldn't rely solely on apps since they can miss things.

• Reference list formatting is very particular. Read your references out loud, with the punctuation and spacing, to pick up on errors you wouldn’t have noticed if you’d just read over them.
• Compare your format to the one in the stylebook you’re using and make sure all of your entries are correct.

• Read your synopsis backward by starting on the last word and reading each word separately from the last to the first. This helps isolate spelling errors. Reading backward sentence by sentence helps you isolate grammatical errors without being distracted by the content.
• Print your synopsis and circle every punctuation mark with a red pen. Then, go through them and focus on whether they’re correct.
• Read your synopsis out loud, including the punctuation, as though you were dictating the synopsis.

• Have at least one person who isn’t familiar with your area of study look over your synopsis. If they can understand your project, you know your writing is clear. If any parts confuse them, then that’s an area where you can improve the clarity of your writing.

Expert Q&A

• If you make significant changes to your synopsis after your first or second round of editing, you may need to proofread it again to make sure you didn’t introduce any new errors. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://admin.umt.edu.pk/Media/Site/iib1/FileManager/FORMAT%20OF%20SYNOPSIS%2012-10-2018.pdf
• ↑ https://www.scientificstyleandformat.org/Tools/SSF-Citation-Quick-Guide.html
• ↑ https://numspak.edu.pk/upload/media/Guidelines%20for%20Synopsis%20Writing1531455748.pdf
• ↑ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/279917593_Research_synopsis_guidelines
• ↑ https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/editing-and-proofreading/
• ↑ https://www.cornerstone.edu/blog-post/six-steps-to-really-edit-your-paper/

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The Ultimate Guide to Medical Thesis Writing

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Writing a medical thesis is no easy task. It requires a depth of knowledge, meticulous research, and an ability to communicate complex ideas effectively. In this ultimate guide, we will walk you through the process of writing a top-notch medical thesis. From understanding the basics to choosing your topic, conducting thorough research , crafting a strong thesis statement, and outlining your thesis, we will cover everything you need to know to successfully complete your medical thesis.

Understanding the basics of medical thesis writing

Before we dive into the intricacies of medical thesis writing, let's first define what a medical thesis actually is . A medical thesis is a research paper that presents an original argument or an analysis of a medical topic. It provides an opportunity for medical students and researchers to contribute new knowledge, enhance medical practice, and influence future research.

When delving into the realm of medical thesis writing, it is essential to grasp the significance of this academic endeavour . Not only does it showcase a student's depth of knowledge in a specific medical field, but it also serves as a platform to showcase their research skills and ability to critically analyse complex medical issues.

Defining a medical thesis

In simple terms, a medical thesis is a comprehensive written document that demonstrates a student's understanding of a specific medical subject and their ability to apply scientific research methods. It explores a well-defined research question or problem and incorporates evidence-based findings to support a particular conclusion.

Furthermore, a medical thesis is not just a mere academic exercise; it is a testament to the writer's dedication to advancing medical knowledge and improving healthcare practices. By conducting thorough research and presenting well-supported arguments, a medical thesis contributes to the ongoing dialogue within the medical community.

The importance of a well-written medical thesis

A well-written medical thesis holds significant importance in the medical field. It contributes to the existing body of knowledge, adds value to medical literature, and influences medical practice and policies. Moreover, a high-quality medical thesis reflects the writer's analytical thinking, critical reasoning, and research skills, which are vital for any aspiring healthcare professional.

It is worth noting that a meticulously crafted medical thesis not only benefits the individual student but also has the potential to shape the future of healthcare by presenting innovative ideas and solutions to current medical challenges. Therefore, the process of writing a medical thesis goes beyond academic requirements; it is a gateway to making a meaningful impact on the medical community at large.

Choosing your medical thesis topic

Now that we have a grasp of the basics, let's discuss the first crucial step in writing your medical thesis - choosing an appropriate topic. Selecting a compelling and relevant topic not only sets the tone for your entire research but also ensures that you stay engaged and motivated throughout the writing process.

Embarking on the journey of selecting a medical thesis topic is akin to setting sail on a voyage of discovery and knowledge. The topic you choose will not only shape your academic pursuits but also contribute to the broader landscape of medical research and practice.

Factors to consider when selecting a topic

When choosing a medical thesis topic, it is essential to consider a few key factors. Firstly, think about your personal interest and passion. Select a topic that genuinely captivates you and aligns with your career goals. Additionally, assess the feasibility and accessibility of resources to conduct research on your chosen topic. Furthermore, delve into the historical context of the topic to understand its evolution within the medical field and how it has influenced current practices.

Moreover, ponder upon the ethical implications of your chosen topic and how it aligns with the principles of medical ethics and patient welfare. Consider the interdisciplinary aspects of the topic and how it intersects with other fields such as technology, sociology, or public health. By exploring these dimensions, you can enrich the depth and breadth of your research.

Brainstorming your thesis topic

Brainstorming is an effective technique to generate ideas for your medical thesis topic. Start by identifying broad areas of interest within the medical field. Then, narrow down your choices by considering specific research questions, healthcare issues, or medical advancements that intrigue you. Engage in discussions with your mentors, professors, or other healthcare professionals to gain valuable insights and refine your topic further.

Furthermore, immerse yourself in the current literature surrounding your potential topics to understand the existing gaps in knowledge and areas for further exploration. Attend conferences, seminars, and workshops to stay abreast of the latest developments in the medical field and identify emerging trends that could inspire your research. By actively participating in the academic discourse, you can refine your thesis topic and ensure its relevance and timeliness in the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare.

Conducting comprehensive research

Once you have chosen your medical thesis topic, it's time to embark on the research phase. Conducting comprehensive research is the backbone of any excellent medical thesis. It involves gathering relevant information, critically evaluating existing literature, and identifying knowledge gaps that your research aims to address.

Undertaking thorough research in the medical field is a meticulous process that requires attention to detail and a discerning eye for quality sources. It is essential to delve deep into the subject matter, exploring various perspectives and theories to form a well-rounded understanding of the topic at hand. By immersing yourself in the existing body of knowledge, you can uncover valuable insights that will enrich your thesis and contribute to the advancement of medical science.

Identifying reliable sources

It is crucial to ensure that your research is based on reliable and credible sources. Utilize academic databases, scholarly journals, medical textbooks, and reputable online resources to gather information. Make sure to critically evaluate the information for accuracy, relevance, and reliability before incorporating it into your thesis.

Moreover, engaging with experts in the field through interviews or consultations can provide firsthand knowledge and unique perspectives that may not be found in traditional sources. Building relationships with professionals in the medical community can offer invaluable insights and strengthen the academic rigour of your research.

Organising your research effectively

Organizing your research is key to maintaining clarity and coherence throughout your writing process. Create a structured system to collate and organize your research materials. Consider using note-taking tools, citation management software, or organizing your findings into different folders. This will not only save you time but also make it easier to refer back to specific sources when you start writing your thesis.

Furthermore, establishing a clear timeline for your research activities and setting achievable milestones can help you stay on track and ensure that you cover all necessary aspects of your chosen topic. By implementing effective organisational strategies, you can streamline the research process and enhance the overall quality of your medical thesis.

Crafting your thesis statement

With a strong foundation in place, it's time to craft your thesis statement. A thesis statement is the core argument or main idea of your research paper. It provides a roadmap for your readers and encapsulates the essence of your research findings.

When embarking on the journey of formulating your thesis statement, it is crucial to delve deep into the subject matter and critically analyse the key components of your research. This process not only helps in clarifying your thoughts but also aids in establishing a solid foundation upon which your entire paper will be built.

Characteristics of a strong thesis statement

A strong thesis statement is concise, specific, and arguable. It clearly defines the scope and purpose of your research while presenting a unique perspective or stance on the topic. It should be supported by evidence and serve as a central guiding point throughout your thesis.

An effective thesis statement not only acts as a beacon for your readers, guiding them through the intricate web of your research, but also sets the tone for the intellectual discourse that is to follow. It is a declaration of intent, a bold assertion that demands attention and invites scrutiny.

Refining your thesis statement

As you progress with your research and analysis, you might need to refine your thesis statement. Refining your thesis involves revisiting your initial argument and ensuring it accurately represents your research findings. Don't be afraid to make adjustments or modifications to your thesis statement as you gain a deeper understanding of your topic.

Refinement is a natural part of the thesis-writing process, akin to the sculptor chiselling away at a block of marble to reveal the hidden masterpiece within. Embrace this iterative journey of honing your thesis statement, for it is through this process of refinement that the true essence of your research will shine forth with clarity and precision.

Outlining your medical thesis

An often overlooked but crucial step in medical thesis writing is creating a well-structured outline. An outline serves as a blueprint for your thesis, providing a clear structure and logical flow for your ideas.

Before delving into the intricate world of medical thesis writing, it is essential to understand the significance of a meticulously crafted outline. Not only does it act as a roadmap for your research journey, but it also serves as a foundation upon which the entire thesis is built. A well-structured outline not only aids in maintaining coherence and clarity but also facilitates the smooth progression of your arguments, ensuring that your thesis resonates with academic excellence.

The importance of a well-structured outline

A well-structured outline helps you stay organized and ensures that your thesis follows a logical progression. It enables you to divide your thesis into manageable sections, making it easier to write and revise. Additionally, an outline allows you to visualize the connections between different ideas and ensure coherence in your argument.

Embarking on the journey of outlining your medical thesis requires a keen eye for detail and a strategic approach. Each section of the outline should be meticulously crafted to encapsulate the essence of your research while maintaining a seamless flow of ideas. Remember, an effective outline not only guides your writing process but also acts as a tool for self-assessment, enabling you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments along the way.

Key elements of a medical thesis outline

A typical medical thesis outline consists of an introduction, literature review, methodology, results and discussion, and conclusion. Each section plays a crucial role in presenting and analyzing your research findings. Within these sections, you can further break down the chapters or subsections to provide a clear framework for your writing.

As you embark on the exhilarating journey of crafting your medical thesis, remember that attention to detail and a structured approach are key ingredients for success. By meticulously outlining your thesis, you lay the groundwork for a comprehensive and coherent research document that not only showcases your academic prowess but also contributes significantly to the field of medicine.

Writing a medical thesis requires time, dedication, and perseverance. By understanding the basics, choosing an appropriate topic, conducting comprehensive research, crafting a strong thesis statement, and outlining your thesis, you are well on your way to creating a compelling medical thesis. Remember, seek guidance from your mentors, embrace feedback, and stay focused and motivated throughout the writing process. Good luck!

Therapeutic

Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences

• Thesis and defence

Thesis formalities

Before submitting your PhD thesis, please read the following requirements for a PhD thesis at the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences.

Thesis format: Synopsis or monograph

The PhD thesis should be written in English, and may either be written as a monograph or as a synopsis with manuscripts/papers included.  As a general rule, the PhD student may not copy text directly from own  manuscripts/papers. This is perceived as potential self-plagiarism and is not acceptable.

The synopsis-based thesis consists of a synopsis and published papers and/or unpublished manuscripts. There are no specific requirements concerning the number or type of first or co-authored papers/manuscripts.

The synopsis is typically 30-60 pages long (papers or manuscripts not included), but there are no specific requirements concerning the number of pages in the synopsis. The synopsis should clearly and concisely encapsulate and discuss the research findings presented in the manuscripts/papers included in the thesis. The synopsis should at least include:

• Summaries in Danish and English (a requirement according to the PhD Order section 12, subsection 3)
• Methods: this chapter should briefly summarize and reflect on the methods used
• Description of the research project placed in the context of international state-of-the-art research within the subject area
• Summary of the results of the papers and their relation to international state-of-the-art research within the subject area
• If required for the studies, information on ethical and legal permits and approvals
• Conclusions and perspectives for further research
• Chapters consisting of any papers or manuscripts included in the thesis. The chapters must appear in the end of the thesis.

The monograph is typically 100 pages long, but the number of pages can vary. The monograph should include the following elements:

• Summaries in Danish and English
• Description of the research project placed in the context of international state-of the-art research within the subject area
• Description of the research carried out (including materials, methods and results)
• If required for the studies, information on ethical and legal permits and approvals
• Discussion of results

Thesis front page layout

• The red UCPH logo must be included on the front page of the thesis. Please note that the official logo includes the red line that intersects with the lowest red circle. 
• The following must be stated on the front page of the thesis: “This thesis has been submitted to the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen [INSERT DATE].
• See also   UCPH design template - Please notice that the template only suggests the text “Submitted on:”, but The Graduate School requires the full text “This thesis has been submitted to the Graduate School of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen [INSERT DATE]”.
• Please remember to change the standard text in the upper left corner of the template. Insert the name of your own department or faculty.
• Font, image use, etc. are agreed between the PhD student and the supervisor
• The entire thesis – including published articles and/or unpublished manuscripts – has to be screened for plagiarism at The Royal Library. Therefore the entire thesis has to be OCR-readable. This means no articles and no text can be inserted as pictures. How to convert your thesis into an OCR-readable PDF
• Your thesis must not exceed 100MB. Minimize it by compressing any images. The co-authorship declarations must be submitted in a separate PDF.

Declaration of co-authorship

Any articles included in the thesis may be written in cooperation with others, provided that each of the co-authors submits a written declaration stating the PhD student's or the author's contribution to the work. It must appear from the co-authorship declaration if an article or manuscript is also included in a co-author’s thesis. If a manuscript or published paper has eleven or less authors, all authors must sign a declaration of co-authorship. If it has twelve or more authors, only the PhD student, the corresponding author(s), the senior author and the principal supervisor need to sign the declaration of co-authorship.

The contribution of the PhD student must be described in the co-authorship declaration if an article or manuscript is also included in a co-author’s thesis.

Download:   Declaration of  co-authorship

Use of material from published articles (including your own)

Use of your own material from published articles

As a general rule, you may not copy text directly from your own manuscripts/papers into the thesis. This is perceived as potential self-plagiarism and is not acceptable. However, generally it is accepted to copy methods descriptions, concrete results incl. figures and tables when appropriately marked and referenced. If you have transferred copyright of your own publication to a publisher, the Graduate School recommends that you obtain permission from the copyright owner before you publish.

Of note, the Faculty screens all PhD theses for duplicate text using iThenticate immediately after submission and prior to forwarding to the assessment committee. iThenticate screens PhD theses against published papers, not your unpublished manuscripts.

To read more please see these guidelines avoiding potential plagiarism and self-plagiarism  in your PhD thesis.

Use of material from published articles in general

If you copy/adapt figures, tables or other content from published articles (including your own) it is important that the source is always clearly stated in the thesis (e.g. in the figure text).

To avoid conflicts with the owner of the copied material, the Graduate School recommends that you obtain permission from the copyright owner(s) to publish material from already published articles in your thesis. This includes your own publications if you have transferred copyright to the publisher. The allocation of the copyright often depends on which contract the journal's publisher has signed with the article's author(s). If the copied material is published open access, it is typically allowed to copy the material by referring to the Creative Commons license .

If you plan to use this kind of material, we recommend that you contact the relevant publisher to ask for permission to use the material. It can typically be done at no cost via an online permission application link on the publications website. We also advice you to consult the information on KUnet and/or contact the library if you have questions regarding copyright.

Copyright of the PhD thesis

As a main rule the PhD thesis is not considered a publication, and PhD students are entitled to the copyright of their own unpublished manuscripts and the synopsis of the PhD thesis.

However, the copyright to any published articles in the PhD thesis or copied figures, tables and texts belongs to the publisher, depending on the agreement in each case.

To ensure compliance with copyright regulations, please adhere to the following guidelines:

• Publisher Permission: Ensure that the publisher permits the inclusion of the article(s) in the thesis, especially if you plan to distribute the thesis or if the articles are not Open Access.
• Clearing Copyrights: Obtain clearances for copyrights before submitting the thesis, and explicitly state in the thesis that necessary permissions have been obtained. If you ie. include figures/tables from already published papers in the synopsis, please specify permission under each figure/table. Permission for including an already published article in your thesis (typically inserted after the synopsis), should be stated in the introduction of the thesis or before each article.
• Accessibility Considerations: Be aware that even if a publisher allows articles in PhD theses, they may have policies on the accessibility of the thesis after defense, such as restrictions on digital availability.

For more information about copyright please contact the Department for Research Support, see link: Copyright – University of Copenhagen (ku.dk)

Thesis accessibility and distribution

Regarding thesis accessibility and distribution, please be aware of the following guidelines:

• Pre-Defence Distribution: The Graduate School allows interested parties to obtain a copy of the thesis from the PhD student before the defence, but otherwise the thesis is not freely available online. Requests for access to your thesis prior to the defence cannot be declined.
• Managing Requests: When receiving requests to access your thesis, inform recipients that it cannot be shared with others. This is particularly crucial if the thesis includes articles that are not Open Access.
• Additional Guidance: Familiarize yourself with university policies on thesis accessibility and consider seeking guidance from your advisors or the university's copyright office if needed.

Nominating an assessment committee

Screening for duplicate text, submission of thesis, illustration: the final stages of the phd.

•   ---Citations---

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Guidelines for writing a research project synopsis or protocol

"Success is often the result of taking a mis - step in the right direction. "

Al Bernstein

A protocol or a synopsis of a research project is a document submitted to an authority or an institution for the purpose of

• Ethical clearance
• Formal registration to universities for the award of a degree or doctorate
• Peer review
• Financial assistance from organizations like ICMR, DST, NACO, DGHS, and MHRD

Synopsis is the gist of your planned project submitted for approval from competent authorities. It gives a panoramic view of your research for quick analysis by the reviewers.

Thus, a protocol or a synopsis forms an integral part of a research project or a thesis. Many universities have made it mandatory for the postgraduate degree student to prepare a thesis as a part of their postgraduate training. A good knowledge about how a protocol or a synopsis is written is imperative to all people involved in medical research.

Literally, protocol (Greek word, protokollon - first page) means a format procedure for carrying out a scientific research. Synopsis (Greek word, sun - together, opsis - seeing) means brief summary of something. Frequently, both the terms are used as synonyms but the term ′synopsis′ is used more often.

A synopsis should be constructed in a manner that facilitates the reviewer to understand the research project at a glance. It should be brief but precise. A synopsis can be structured in the following manner:

• Statement of the problem and hypothesis
• Aims and objectives
• Review of literature
• Research methodology
• Official requirements

Title The title of the research project should be brief but informative; sensationalization of the title is best avoided. It should neither be too short nor too long. Any name of the institution, the number of cases to be studied should not be included. The hypothesis to be studied can be included.

a. "Study of ectopic pregnancy"

This was a title chosen for university registration. The title is too short. It does not state the problem or the hypothesis and is least informative. More meaningful title shall be, "Study of ectopic pregnancy in relation to morbidity, mortality, and intervention in a referral hospital".

b. "A novel sustained release matrix based on biodegradable poly (esteramides) and, impregnated with bacteriophages and an antibiotic shows promise in management of infected venous stasis ulcer and other poorly healing wounds", (Int. J Dermat vol 8 2002). The title is long and ill conceived. It gives a confusing picture about the study problem. Such long titles are best avoided. Certain amount of sensationalization is also present by using term ′novel′. More meaningful title shall be, "Response of venous stasis ulcers and other poorly healing wounds to a biodegradable matrix impregnated with bacteriophages and an antibiotic". The other details about the new method can be mentioned while stating the problem.

c. "Fine needle aspiration, as a diagnostic tool for papulonodular skin lesions". This is an acceptable, informative, and precise title. It states the hypothesis correctly.

Statement of the problem or hypothesis The problem being studied should be mentioned in precise and clear terms. Understanding the problem aids the researcher in constructing the research proposal. It also allows the person to formulate the hypothesis. The problem under study should be relevant to the present. A brief account of its utility at the local or national level has to be discussed. The present status of the problem and the necessity for taking up the study needs to be mentioned.

Hypothesis is mentioned as a tentative prediction or explanation of the relationship between two or more variables. Hypothesis should not be a haphazard guess but should reflect the knowledge, imagination, and experience of the investigator. Hypothesis can be formulated by understanding the problem, reviewing the literature on it, and considering other factors. A researcher can state the problem and the hypothesis in about 200 words covering all the aspects described above.

Aims and objectives All research projects should have objectives and aims and every effort should be made to achieve them. The objectives and aims should be only a few (2-3). They must pertain to the study problem. Usages of terms like "first study", "the only study", etc. should be avoided.

Review of literature Review of literature is a very important part of a research project. It achieves the following:

• Familiarizes the reader to the problem under study.
• It describes the work done by others either at local or international level on it or similar subject.
• It helps the researcher to understand the difficulties faced by others and the corrective steps taken or modifications made by them. The researcher can anticipate similar or additional problems during the study and review of literature helps him in anticipating them.
• Research methodology of the researcher can be structured and modified after reviewing the literature.
• The review assists in identifying various variables in the research project and conceptualizes their relationship.
• Review of literature in a synopsis helps the reviewer in assessing the knowledge of the researcher. The reviewer can assess the work put in by the researcher and also assists in assessing the feasibility of the study.

The review of literature in a synopsis need not be exhaustive. The relevant information should be covered in about 300 words quoting 8-10 authentic, easily retrievable references. Literature can be reviewed by using various scientific-information-gathering methods. These are journals, national or international; bulletins of organizations like WHO, CDC, and ICMR; books; computer-assisted searches like Medline and Medlar; and personal communications with other researchers. Internet provides a vast avenue for information gathering. Care must be taken to retrieve only relevant information. In this era of information technology review of literature is literally "just a click away".

Research methodology In a synopsis the research methodology adopted should be mentioned in about 150-200 words. The research methodology forms the core of the research project. The methodology should cover the following aspects:

• Study design

Study settings

• Study methods - examinations or investigations
• Data collection
• Data analysis

Study design The methodology starts with selection of study design. A single study design or a combination can be selected e.g.:

Descriptive designs

Cross-sectional study or survey

Epidemiological description of disease occurrence

Community diagnosis

Study of natural history of a disease

Observational analytical designs

Prospective study

Retrospective study

Follow-up study

Experimental designs

Animal studies

Therapeutic clinical trials - drugs

Prophylactic clinical trials- vaccines

Field trials

Operational designs

A mention about the research setting should be made. This includes information about the institution, facilities available, time of study, and population of study.

Sampling Sampling is selecting a sample of appropriate size for the study. The sample size depends on the study design. The study population can be population of cases, population of people, or population of recipients of certain treatment.

There are many methods for sampling like simple random, systemic and stratified sampling, cluster sampling, etc. Care should be taken to ensure that the sample size is adequate to produce meaningful results. The sample size should be adequate to apply all relevant tests of statistical significance. The samples should be representative of the population and should be reliable. This minimizes sampling errors.

Variables Variables are the factors that can change. These changes can affect the outcome of a research project. Thus, it is important to identify the variables at the planning stage. They should be quantified with a measurable unit. Knowledge of the various variables in a research project will assist in refining the objectives. Usually, objectives of a research will be to see the effect of independent variables on dependent variables. There are four types of variables.

Independent variables

These are the variables that can be manipulated by the researcher and the effects of that are observed on the other variables. For example, predisposing factors, risk factors and cause.

Dependent variables

The changes occur as a result of independent variables. For example, disease and outcome.

Intervening variables

These may influence the effect of independent variables on the dependent variables. For example, while studying the response of HIV-AIDS to HAART the outcome may be influenced by the presence of antitubercular drugs.

Background variables

These are changes that are relevant in the groups or population under study. These need to be included in the study. For example, age, sex, and ethnic origin.

Controls Control groups increase the validity of the research project. They usually consist of units of same population but differ in some respects. Controls are not necessary for all research projects. As far as possible they should be used in all analytical studies, drug trials, and intervention programs.

Study methods Here the researcher will have to describe the method of data collection, which may be in the form of:

• Questionnaire
• Medical examination
• Laboratory investigations
• Screening procedures

A sample of the proforma should be prepared and attached. The possible cost involved and any financial assistance received must be mentioned.

Data collection A brief note on how data are collected should be included. The information should be about:

• The organizational setup
• Training to data collecting team
• Logistic support
• Plans for collaboration with other organization should be included

Data analysis Data analysis is an important part of a research project. A good analysis leads to good results. The plans for data analysis should be mentioned under the following heads Statistical methods, Computer program used, and Data sorting method. A general statement "appropriate statistical methods will be used." must be avoided.

Ethical clearance Wherever necessary, ethical committee clearance from the institute should be obtained. The certificate must be attached. Ethical clearance is required in all human and animal studies.

References All references quoted in review of literature and anywhere else in the synopsis should be listed here. There are two styles for writing references, Vancouver style and Harvard style. Vancouver style is easy to follow as it depends on the numbers as quoted in text.

Official requirements A synopsis is incomplete if it does not contain the following information:

• Name of the researcher and designation
• Name and designation of the guide
• Name and designation of head of department\institution
• Name of the institution
• Signatures of all with official seal

Synopsis writing is an important step in a research project. A good synopsis will give maximum information in minimum words. A well-conceived synopsis will go a long way in convincing the reviewer about the ability of the researcher to conduct the project. In cases of need for financial assistance, the request will be considered favorably. Thus, all research workers should make efforts to prepare a well-structured synopsis.

Acknowledgments

The author is thankful to M/s Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers for their permission to reproduce this article from the "Handbook on Health Professional Education" published by them. [21] [Table 1]

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WRITING A GOOD Ph.D RESEARCH SYNOPSIS

Synopsis is a short summary of your Ph.D thesis work. This paper suggests some ideas to motivate the young researchers for effectively writing the Ph.D synopsis with essential tips and tricks.This can act as a reference and help young researcher to going to write Ph.D synopsis.

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Literature writing is a skill that every PhD candidate must procure to communicate his or her research findings clearly. The main objective of this paper is to facilitate the literature writing process so that PhD candidates under- stand what PhD literature is and are able to write their PhD literature cor- rectly and scientifically. The methodology used in this research is a descrip- tive method as it deliberates and defines the various parts of literature writing process and elucidates the how to do of it in a very unpretentious and under- standing language. As thus, this paper summarizes the various steps of litera- ture writing to pilot the PhD students so that the task of PhD literature writ- ing process becomes adaptable and less discouraging. This research is a useful roadmap especially for students of the social science studies. Additionally, in this paper, literature writing techniques, procedures and important strategies are enlightened in a simple manner. This paper adopts a how-to approach when discussing a variety of relevant topics, such as literature review intro- duction, types of literature review, advantages of literature reviews, objective of literature review, literature review template, and important check lists about literature review are discussed. This paper has 5 parts, such as Intro- duction, Literature Review, Methodology, Results and Conclusion. The lit- erature review chapter is discussed in this paper. I will discuss the rest as a se- ries in the future. Keywords Thesis Writing Process, Literature Review, PhD, Social Science, Research Methodology

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• > Introduction to Research Methodology for Specialists and Trainees
• > How to Write a Medical Thesis

Book contents

• Introduction to Research Methodology for Specialists and Trainees
• Copyright page
• Contributors
• Chapter 1 Research During Specialist Medical Training
• Chapter 2 Time Management When Planning and Conducting Medical Research
• Chapter 3 Computer Skills Required for Medical Research
• Chapter 4 Computer Skills Required for Medical Research: Social Media
• Chapter 5 Finding and Using Information in Your Research
• Chapter 6 Critical Appraisal of the Medical Literature
• Chapter 7 Evidence-based Medicine and Translating Research into Practice
• Chapter 8 Clinical Audit for Quality Improvement
• Chapter 9 A Journey of Exploration
• Chapter 10 Randomised Clinical Trials
• Chapter 11 Animal Research and Alternatives
• Chapter 12 Genetic and Epigenetic Research
• Chapter 13 ‘Omic’ Research
• Chapter 14 Data Management in Medical Research
• Chapter 15 Statistics in Medical Research
• Chapter 16 Epidemiological Research
• Chapter 17 Informing Patients, Consent, Governance and Good Clinical Practice
• Chapter 18 Patient Involvement in Medical Research
• Chapter 19 Research in the National Health Service
• Chapter 20 Supervising Medical Research and Being Supervised
• Chapter 21 Funding Medical Research
• Chapter 22 The Purpose and Practice of Medical Research Meetings
• Chapter 23 How to Present a Medical Research Paper
• Chapter 24 How to Write a Medical Research Paper and Get It Accepted for Publication
• Chapter 25 How to Write a Medical Thesis
• Obstetrics and Gynaecology Supplement
• B Research in Fetal Medicine
• C Research in Maternal Medicine
• D Research in Benign Gynaecology
• E Research in Gynaecological Oncology

Chapter 25 - How to Write a Medical Thesis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 August 2017

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• Book: Introduction to Research Methodology for Specialists and Trainees
• Online publication: 04 August 2017
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A step-by-step guide on how to write an ideal medical thesis.

What do you need to write a medical thesis?

Of course, a knowledge about how to conduct a research and how to pen down its results in an appropriate format.  Even if you are adept in clinical research, it doesn’t mean writing a thesis comes easily to you. A  medical thesis  has a structure that is important to follow.

So, here we provide a step-by-step guide on how to write an ideal medical thesis.

Step 1:  Start your thesis with a suitable  ‘Title’ . The title is an intro to the contents of your thesis. An ideal title should be within 65 characters, devoid of all abbreviations and grammatical mistakes, and not contain stop words like ‘a’, ‘an’, ‘the’, ‘of’, ‘but’, etc.

Step 2:  Next, write your thesis  ‘Abstract’ . An abstract is an introduction that tells the readers why you conducted the particular study.  What has already been done in the field, what were the gaps, and how you fill those gaps with your study?

To write an ideal abstract:

• Give a brief background information about your topic
• State the importance of the problem and what is unknown about it
• Tell the readers about the objectives of your study clearly
• Give references to the research papers written on your research topic. However, do not cite the well-known facts. For example, “Isaac Newton discovered gravity…”
• Include no information other than the problem being examined

Step 3:  After the abstract, follow it with the title  ‘Method and Material’ . Format this section as below:

• Setting – the environmental conditions in which you conducted your research
• Sample – what materials were used in research and details about the participants in the study
• Inclusion and exclusion criteria – what factors were considered to include or exclude any participant in the study
• Measurement tools – details about the methods and equipment used to measure the outcomes of the study
• Independent and Dependent variables – what were the factors you controlled or changed during the experiment and what you measured as the outcome

Step 4:  Write the  “Analysis of Data “.

Step 6:  Write the  ‘Results’  where you will show the conclusion of your study.  You can present your results as a text, table, figure, or illustrative graphs, but keep in mind the aim of your study. Include no result that doesn’t satisfy the aim of your study.

Step 7:  It is the most crucial step where you include the  ‘Discussion’  of your results. An ideal discussion should include:

• The principal findings of your study
• Strengths and weaknesses of your study in relation to other studies in the field
• A take-home message for the clinicians and policymakers
• Questions that your study can’t answer to propagate further research

Step 8:  Follow the discussion with the ‘ Limitations of your study’

Step 9:  At the end of your thesis, include your  ‘References’ . Track all your references so you don’t miss out on anyone.

Finally, the quality of your thesis depends upon the topic you choose, whether you opt for a purely scientific experiment or a clinical trial or a social research study addressing the experiences of the patients, etc.

Seek help from your mentor at every stage of clinical research as well as  medical thesis writing . To be ideal, the study should be carried out ethically in compliance with the legal regulations.

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How to write a Doctoral Thesis

Prof. HR Ahmad, Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan. E-mail: [email protected]

Note: * Ahmad HR. In: Medical Writing. Eds. SA Jawaid, MH Jafary & SJ Zuberi. PMJA, 1997 Ed II: 133-142.

PATIENT care and teaching are rather well established components of our medical career. However, with the passage of time a third component has started to influence our medical culture, namely research. 1 - 4 How to accept this challenge is a question. 5 Indeed, teaching and research form a dialectic unit, meaning that teaching without a research component is like a soup without salt. It is a well-established fact that the research activity of an institution is directly proportional to the number of qualified and committed PhD candidates. An inspiring infrastructure, laboratory facilities and libraries are pre-requisites for a research culture to grow. 6 - 8 This forms the basis of a generation cycle for an institution, so that research activity and its culture continues to grow from one generation to the next. The main objective of doctoral work in biomedical sciences is to develop a galaxy of scientist physicians and surgeons possessing high degree of humility, selflessness and ethical superiority. Such a programme will add a scholastic dimension to the clinical faculty.

Education in how to write a doctoral thesis or dissertation should be a part of the postgraduate curriculum, parallel to the laboratory work and Journal Club activities during the PhD studies and/or residency levels. 9 , 10 The overall structure of a doctoral thesis is internationally standardized. However, it varies in style and quality, depending upon how original the work is, and how much the author has understood the work. Therefore a thorough discussion with supervisor, colleagues and assistance from other authors through correspondence can be useful sources for consultation.

The choice of a topic for a doctoral thesis is a crucial step. It should be determined by scanning the literature whether the topic is original or similar work has already been done even a hundred years ago. It is the responsibility of both the supervisor and the PhD candidate to sort out this problem by continuous use of internet and a library. 11 The work leading to the PhD degree can originate from research in following spheres: 12

• b) Methodology
• c) Diagnostic
• d) Therapeutic and Management
• e) Epidemiology

The availability of internationally standardized methods, as well as research committed supervisors can enable physicians and surgeons to do PhD work in both basic and clinical health sciences. The importance of research in basic health sciences cannot be overemphasized. It is rather the base of the applied sciences. There are many instances where the elucidation of a mechanism involved in a process awaits the development of an adequate methodology. 13 In such a scenario; a new method is like a new eye. Research activity in the field of (a) and (b) illuminates the research directions for (c) (d) and (e). It is worth noting that sometimes important basic questions can come from (e) and stimulate research activity in the domain of basic health sciences. 14 , 15

Types of Doctoral Thesis

TYPE-I: Book Form: a classical style. The blueprint of this form is shown in Table-I .

Type-I: The Classical Book Form

TYPE-II: Cumulative Doctoral thesis: A modem but quite useful practice.

INTRODUCTION

A book containing the pearls of a PhD work has standardized divisions and formats, where the number of pages should be weighted in terms of content rather than container. The book includes summary, introduction, materials and methods, results, discussion, conclusions, references and acknowledgements.

Two exercises are mandatory before starting a PhD programme:

• Literature survey using a regular library hours and internet surfing
• Familiarization with the hands-on-experience of methodology involved in the work
• The importance of a continuous literature survey using library, internet and direct correspondence with authors across the globe in the same field cannot be over-emphasized. The main goal of this exercise is to pinpoint the unresolved problem in the literature. An attempt to solve this problem now becomes the topic of the PhD thesis. All the relevant references should be collected, and carefully preserved in the form of a card system arranged alphabetically according to themes and authors. The introduction of the thesis should be styled like a review article with a critical analysis of the work of authors in the literature. The aims of the present PhD work can then also be addressed in the form of questions. The objectives would then deal with how to achieve the aims of the proposed study.

MATERIALS / SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Now comes the most crucial and functional part of the doctoral work, the materials/subjects and methods section. This part can be considered as the motor of the PhD work. The reliability, sensitivity and specificity of the motor must be checked before embarking on a long journey. Controlling the controls is the best guide for a precise and authentic work. Usually materials and methods contain components such as a description of the species involved, their number, age, weight and anthropometric parameters, types of surgical procedures and anesthesia if applied, and a detailed description of methodology. Continuous or point measurements should be thoroughly described. However, a dynamic method should always be preferred to static one.

The experimental protocol should be designed after a small pilot study, which is especially advisable in research on human subjects. A detailed and well-thought experimental protocol forms the basis of conditions under which the results would be obtained. Any deviation from the experimental protocol will affect the outcome, and the interpretation of results. It may be noted that great discoveries are usually accidental and without a protocol, based merely on careful observation! However, for the sake of a publication, a protocol has to be designed after the discovery. After having described the different phases of the experimental protocol with the help of a schematic diagram e.g., showing variables, time period and interventions, the selection of a statistical method should be discussed. Negative results should not be disregarded because they represent the boundary conditions of positive results. Sometimes the negative results are the real results.

It is usual practice that most PhD candidates start writing the methodological components first. This is followed by writing the results. The pre-requisites for writing results are that all figures, tables, schematic diagrams of methods and a working model should be ready. They should be designed in such a way that the information content of each figure should, when projected as a frame be visually clear to audience viewing it from a distance of about fifty feet. It is often observed that the presenters themselves have difficulty in deciphering a frame of the Power-Point being projected in a conference.

The results of a doctoral thesis should be treated like a bride. The flow of writing results becomes easier if all figures and tables are well prepared. This promotes the train of thoughts required to analyze the data in a quantitative fashion. The golden rule of writing results of a thesis is to describe what the figure shows. No explanation is required. One should avoid writing anything which is not there in a figure. Before writing one should observe each diagram for some time and make a list of observations in the form of key words. The more one has understood the information content of a figure; the better will be the fluency of writing. The interruption of the flow in writing most often indicates that an author has not understood the results. Discussion with colleagues or reference to the literature is the only remedy, and it functions sometimes like a caesarean procedure.

Statistical methods are good devices to test the degree of authenticity and precision of results if appropriately applied. The application of statistical technique in human studies poses difficulties because of large standard deviations. Outliers must be discussed, if they are excluded for the sake of statistical significance. Large standard deviations can be minimized by increasing the number of observations. If a regression analysis is not weighted, it gives faulty information. The correlation coefficient value can change from 0.7 to 0.4 if the regression analysis is weighted using Fisher’s test. The dissection of effect from artifact should be analysed in such a way that the signal to noise ratio of a parameter should be considered. A competent statistician should always be consulted in order to avoid the danger of distortion of results.

The legend of a figure should be well written. It contains a title, a brief description of variables and interventions, the main effect and a concluding remark conveying the original message. The writing of PhD work is further eased by a well maintained collection of data in the form of log book, original recordings, analyzed references with summaries and compiling the virgin data of the study on master plan sheet to understand the original signals before submitting to the procedures of statistics. The original data belong to the laboratory of an institution where it came into being and should be preserved for 5-7 years in the archive for the sake of brevity.

This is the liveliest part of a thesis. Its main goal is to defend the work by staging a constructive debate with the literature. The golden rule of this written debate should be that a rigid explanation looks backward and a design looks forward. The object is to derive a model out of a jig-saw puzzle of information. It should be designed in such a way that the results of the present study and those of authors from the literature can be better discussed and interpreted. Agreement and disagreement can be better resolved if one considers under what experimental conditions the results were obtained by the various authors. It means that the boundary conditions for each result should be carefully analyzed and compared.

The discussion can be divided into the following parts:

• criticism of material/subjects and methods
• a list of important observations of the present study
• interpretation and comparison of results of other authors using a literature table
• design of a model
• claim of an original research work
• The criticism of the methodological procedure enables a candidate to demonstrate how precisely the research work has been carried out. The interpretation of results depends critically on the strict experimental protocol and methods. For example, an epidemiological work is a study of a population. However, if the population sampling is done regularly at a specific location; the question arises as to how a result derived from a localized place can be applied to the whole population.
• After having discussed at length the strong and weak points of material/subjects and methods, one should list in a telegraphic design the most important observations of the present study. This may form a good agenda to initiate interpretation, argument, reasoning and comparison with results of other authors. The outcome of this constructive debate should permit the design of a working model in the form of a block diagram. All statements should be very carefully referenced. The ratio of agreement and disagreement should indicate the ability of the author to reconcile conflicting data in an objective and quantitative way. Attempts should be made to design a solution out of the given quantum of information. It is also well known that most of the processes of human physiology can only be understood if their time course is known. The dynamic aspect of interpretation of results is therefore more powerful and superior to the static one. 16 Therefore a continuous record of variables should be preferred and sought to reveal the secrets hidden in the kinetics.
• Finally, the discussion should conclude how far the study was successful in answering the questions being posed at the end of the introduction part. Usually a doctoral thesis raises more questions than it answers. In this way research does not come to a standstill and does become a life time engagement for a committed scientist. Also it is important to note that all scientific theses should be quantifiable and falsifiable, otherwise they lose the spirit and fragrance of a scientific research.
• The author’s claim of original work is finally decided by the critical review of his research work by the literature and the number of times being cited. It can be easily read by a high rate of a citation index of a publication and invitation. When a methodological research clicks, one becomes a star overnight.

Type-II: CUMULATIVE DOCTORAL THESES

Another way of writing a doctoral work is a cumulative type of thesis. 11 It consists of a few original publications in refereed journals of repute. It is supplemented by a concise summary about the research work. This type of thesis is usually practiced in Sweden, Germany and other countries. It has the advantage of being doubly refereed by the journals and the faculty of health sciences. Additionally, papers are published during a doctoral work. A declaration has to be given to the faculty of science about the sharing of research work in publications, provided there are co-authors. The weightage should be in favour of the PhD candidate, so that the thesis can ethically be better defended before the team of august research faculty.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A critical review of this manuscript by Dr. Roger Sutton, Dr. Khalid Khan, Dr. Bukhtiar Shah and Dr. Satwat Hashmi is gratefully acknowledged.

Dedicated to the memory of Mr. Azim Kidwai for his exemplary academic commitment and devotion to the science journalism in Pakistan.

How to Write a Great Synopsis for Thesis

A synopsis is a structured outline of a research thesis and the steps followed to answer the research question. The goal of writing a synopsis is to clearly and thoroughly explain the need to investigate a certain problem using particular practical methods to conduct the study. One of the main components of this written work is an extensive literature review containing strong evidence that the proposed research is feasible.

Establishing the Background

A supervisor may ask you to write a synopsis for one or more reasons:

• to help you improve your critical thinking and writing skills
• to help you understand how to design a comprehensive synopsis
• to encourage you to write a comprehensive literature review to make sure that the research problem has not been answered yet
• to make you conduct a logical analysis of the steps that should be followed to meet the objectives of the research

A synopsis should be coherent in terms of research design. Thus, you should ensure that the research problem, aims, and research methods are logically linked and well-considered. Note that all synopses should contain answers for several crucial questions:

• Why should research on the proposed problem be undertaken?
• What is expected to be achieved?
• What has been done by other researchers on the proposed topic?
• How will the objectives of the study be achieved?

The Writing Process

Before proceeding, consider answering the following questions:

• Why am I going to study this topic?
• Why do I consider it to be important?
• Have I conducted an extensive literature review on the topic?
• What problem will the research help to solve?
• How do I incorporate previous studies on the topic?

The structure of a synopsis should correspond to the structure of qualifying research work, and the word count should be 2,500–3,000 words (Balu 38). The basic elements of a synopsis include a title page, contents page, an introduction, background, literature review, objectives, methods, experiments and results, conclusions, and references.

Introduction

As this comprises the first part of the main text, the introduction should convince readers that the study addresses a relevant topic and that the expected outcomes will provide important insights. Also, this section should include a brief description of the methods that will be used to answer the research question. Usually, the introduction is written in 1–3 paragraphs and answers the following questions:

• What is the topic of the research?
• What is the research problem that needs to be meaningfully understood or investigated?
• Why is the problem important?
• How will the problem be studied?

In this section, you should set the scene and better introduce the research topic by proving its scientific legitimacy and relevance. It is important to establish a clear focus and avoid broad generalizations and vague statements. If necessary, you may explain key concepts or terms. Consider covering the following points in this section:

• Discuss how the research will contribute to the existing scientific knowledge.
• Provide a detailed description of the research problem and purpose of the research.
• Provide a rationale for the study.
• Explain how the research question will be answered.
• Be sure to discuss the methods chosen and anticipated implications of the research.

Literature Review

A review of existing literature is an important part of a synopsis, as it:

• gives a more detailed look at scientific information related to the topic
• familiarizes readers with research conducted by others on a similar subject
• gives insight into the difficulties faced by other researchers
• helps identify variables for the research based on similar studies
• helps double-check the feasibility of the research problem.

When writing the literature review, do not simply present a list of methods researchers have used and conclusions they have drawn. It is important to compare and contrast different opinions and be unafraid to criticize some of them. Pay attention to controversial issues and divergent approaches used to address similar problems. You may discuss which arguments are more persuasive and which methods and techniques seem to be more valid and reliable. In this section, you are expected not to summarize but analyze the previous research while remembering to link it to your own purpose.

Identify the objectives of the research based on the literature review. Provide an overall objective related to the scientific contribution of the study to the subject area. Also include a specific objective that can be measured at the end of the research.

When writing this section, consider that the aim of the research is to produce new knowledge regarding the topic chosen. Therefore, the research methodology forms the core of your project, and your goal is to convince readers that the research design and methods chosen will rationally answer the research questions and provide effective tools to interpret the results correctly. It may be appropriate to incorporate some examples from your literature review into the description of the overall research design.

When describing the research methodology, ensure that you specify the approaches and techniques that will be used to answer the research question. In addition, be specific about applying the chosen methods and what you expect to achieve. Keep in mind that the methods section allows readers to evaluate the validity and feasibility of the study. Therefore, be sure to explain your decision to adopt specific methods and procedures. It is also important to discuss the anticipated barriers and limitations of the study and how they will be addressed. Specify what kind of contribution to the existing knowledge on the topic is expected, and discuss any ethical considerations that are relevant to the research.

Experiments and Results

Logically present and analyze the results of the study using tables or figures.

In this section, you should again state the significance of the research and summarize the study. Be sure to mention the study objectives and methods used to answer the research questions. Also, discuss how the results of the study contribute to the current knowledge on the problem.

A synopsis should contain a list of all references used. Make sure the references are formatted according to the chosen citation style and each source presented in this section is mentioned within the body of the synopsis.

The purpose of writing a synopsis is to show a supervisor a clear picture of a proposed project and allow him or her to find any gaps that have not been considered previously. A concisely written synopsis will help you gain approval to proceed with the actual research. While no rigid rules for writing this type of paper have been established, a synopsis should be constructed in a manner to help a supervisor understand the proposed research at first glance.

Balu, R. “Writing a Good Ph.D Research Synopsis.” International Journal of Research in Science and Technology, vol. 5, no. 4, 2015, pp. 38–48.

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