c

,
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A PRACTICAL GUIDE
for the

ll~lfGRADUATESCHOOL
FORM AND STYLE for THESES and
DISSERTATIONS

(an instructional material for Graduate Seminar and Methods of Research)

Joel V. Lubrica, PhD

February 2010
 Q

FOREWORD

The SSU Graduate School prescribes a standard form and style for
theses and dissertations. These .are described in the 2000 edition of the Form
and Style for Graduate Students, formulated by a BSU Committee when the
Graduate School (GS) was then headed by Dean Dr. Dominador S. Garin.

This instructional material was developed for the subject 'Graduate

Seminar' where the 'mechanics' of BSU theses and dissertations are
considered. It can also be used for the subject 'Methods of Research' when
proposal writing is included. Moreover, it can be utilized by GS students in
adhering to the prescribed form and style, which had changed slightly due to
various actions of the BSU University Academic Council, the GS Academic
Council, and the GS Executive Committee.

This Guide was based primarily on:

BSU (Benguet State University) Committee, 2000. Form and

Style for Graduate Students of the Benguet State
University, BSU, La Trinidad, Benguet.

Other references are:

Gray, D. 2004. Doing research in the real world. London: Sage
Publications;

Graziano, A. and M. Raulin, 2007. Research methods: A process

of inquiry. 6th edition, Boston: Pearson Education, Inc.;

Jackson, S. 2006. Research methods and statistics: A critical

thinking approach, 2nd edition. USA: Thomson Higher
Education; and,

UB R&D (University of Baguio Research and Development

Center) n.d. Thesis Format for Graduate and
Undergraduate Programs, 3'd edition, US, Baguio City.

The author wishes to thank all the people who assisted in this endeavor,
especially the students who provided comments and suggestions after trying
out parts of the Guide.

The author obtained his PhD Science Education degree (by research) from the
University of New England (Australia), his MA Physics degree from UP Diliman, and his as
Physics for Teachers degree (cum laUde) from the Philippine Normal College (Manila). He
teaches Physics, Earth Science, Environmental Education, Computer Education, Strategies
and Methods of Teaching, Graduate Seminar and Methods of Research. His research is
focused on physics and science education.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations
IVL: February 20 10
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Foreword. ii
Table of Contents iii
Title Page. 1
~p[o.val Sheet . 2q
'2.10
Agn'o~ments: 3
Abstract 4
Table of Contents (non-technical) 5
Table of Contents (technical) 7
List of Tables . 10
List of Figures. 11
Introduction 12
Results and Discussion 14
Figure. 15
Table. 16
Continued Table 17
Literature Cited 18
Appendix A 20
Biographical Sketch 21
Chapters of a BSU Thesis or Dissertation 22
General Considerations 23
Paper . 23
Margins. 23
Font and Font Size 23
Spelling and Grammar 23
Tense. 23
Spacing 23
Other Considerations. 24
Abstract . 24
Acknowledgments. 24
Background of the Study 24
Conceptual Framework 24
Review of Literature . 25
Statement of the Problem 26
Hypotheses of the Study 26
Methodology . 26
Results and Discussion 26
Conclusions 27
Recommendations 27
Appendices 27
Literature Cited 27

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations
JVL: February 20 I0
 )1•.

Page

Biographical Sketch 27
The Proposal . 27
Roles of the Student, Adviser, Advisory Committee,
and Graduate School 28
Annual Best Dissertation/ Thesis Award 28
Some Tips 29
Hierarchy of Topics 29
How to Insert Two Blank Single Space Lines Above
and/or Below a Center Heading . 30
How to Insert Two Blank Single Space Lines Above a
. Side Heading. 31
How to Format the Table of Contents, List of Tables
and Other Lists 32
Be Consistent. 32

A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations
JVL: February 2010
 ,
\
1J\

TITLE OF THE THESIS OR DISSERTATION IN FULL
CAPITALS AND IN INVERTED PYRAMID
FORM IF LONG
• Separate the contents of this page with appropriate
spaces to show· symmetry. Do not use any boldface
type (in this page and throughout the manuscript).

Use full capitals and single spacing.

If long, form it as an inverted pyramid
NAME F. STUDENT Do not go beyond three lines; do not end the first or
second line with an article, preposition or conjunction

Use full capitals; include middle initial

SUBMITIED TO THE FACULTY OF THE GRADUATE SCHOOL This should appear 'as is"
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY, LA TRINIDAD, BENGUET _ - - - - - - - - - - -
IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS ' Use single spacing
FOR THE DEGREE OF

Use single spacing

Use full capitals, for the degree program
Capitalize only the first letter of each important word for
the area of specialization. Enclose in parentheses.

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
(Human Resource Development)

Use full capitals; Do not put punctuation after the month.

XXXXXXX 2010 -4.

Do not show page number, even if this is already page

----
JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations
"ill.

February 2010
 ~
'-S

Contribution No. MA 2009-0517-05 • Separate the contents of this page with appropriate
spaces to show symmetry. Do not use any boldface
Republic of the Philippines
BENGUET STATE UNIVERSITY "-
type (in this page and throughout the manuscript).
La Trinidad, Benguet
Insert (or 'Enter') one blank single space line here
.~--
GRADUATE SCHOOL

'-
-------. -~ __

This xxxxxxxxxx hereto attached, entitled TITLE OF THE THESIS OR

------ ~____
Use single spacing

Insert (or 'Enter') two blank single space lines here.

DISSERTATION rN FULL CAPITALS BUT NOT rN BOLDFACE,-;p:re~p~ar;;;e'dd---- _
Use full capitals for the title. Do riot use boldface, italics,
and submitted by NAME F. SnJDENT in partial fulfillment of the requirements
or underlines! underscores.
for the degree of XXXXXXX OF XXXXXXX~xxxxxxxxxx), is '"
Double space these lines
hereby accepted. ---

Can spell out the middle name of student

COMMITT E. MEMBERl, PhD COMIT E. MEMBER2, DFor
Member Member -:.- Use single spacing
Date Signed: _ Date Signed: _
Use full capitals for all names. Do not use boldface.
Capitalize the letter "s" in "Signed".
ADVISER F. STUDENT, PhD .. --------------
Adviser ..".;:' --," _.~ ...-

Date Signed: _ If four names, such as for a dissertation, place the names
of one member and of the Adviser alongside each
other, with the Adviser's name on the right.
Accepted as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

XXXXXXX OF XXXXXXXX (Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx). Use full capitals for the degree program. For the
specialization, capitalize only the first letter of each
important word.
DEAN F. ORDIRECTOR, MS JOEL V. LUBRJCA, PhD
Xxxxxx, Xxxxxx of Xxxxxx Dean, Graduate School ='
Date Signed: _
Use single
. spacing; Use full capitals for. all names. Do not
Date Signed: _
use boldface. Capitalize the letter "s" in "Signed".

-<:r--------- Do not show page number, even if it is known as page ii.

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 2
February 2010
 GI1
r::: "
\ ' V)

_ ~ CERTIFICATION J
n
-«.'~' ( ~'
This is to certify that all sources used in thi~ thesis/dissertation proposal
~ ~

\:< "
__-----+1- have been properly acknowledged or duly cited. ~

This is to certifY further that the proposed study is an original research ~.

~?
undertaking and has not been copied from a previous ~ork

t vl " ~~
(Signature)
NAMEF. STUDENT r (, :, "
~

rk 'Y. J ')IJ~('- ~Y'

111
 . jCERTIFICATION geidJ:
is'~~~~
This is to certify that all sources used in th{s thesis/dissertation .ave been

properly acknowledged or duly cited. ..JJ. t7v~

This is to certifY further that the research is an original undertaking and ~.
has not been submitted for another degree.

tY~,,,,,,{ <;lJ~"" ~VJ

~

<;(>'J

/l~

-r;!

III
rt-

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
~~------- Use exactly the word 'ACKNOWLEDGMENTS',
Use full capitals. Do not use boldface, Center this at the
Xxx The recommended spelling is ACKNOWLEDGMEN~x first line. .'
xxx xx, xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx.

. Xxx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx :
Insert two blank single space lines here,
Xxx xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xx, xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x
Indent all paragraphs by 5-7 spaces. Double space
xx. The xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x
paragraphs with each other. (u,e <4.....1--- 5!«'o())
xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx;

Xx xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. The xx xxxx xxxx

xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx.
--- Use double spacing

Insert three blank single space lines hare.

xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx;

Use full capitals and flush this to the right margin; Can
spell the middle name in full.

Xx xx xxxx x xx. The xx xxxx xxxx xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx

Show page number ·,vllere,
Put it at the center. It should be in the 'footer' (not within
xxx xxx x xx; Xx xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. (There should the text portion of manuscript), Do this for 211 the
be two single~spaces between the full name and the text.} xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x. preliminary page~.

xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx x xx. Xxxxx xxxx [The name is in full capitals,

and flush to the right margin. The middle name can be spelled in full] xxx.
I

NAME FERNANDEZ STUDEN~ /

\v

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 3
" February 2010
O'l. \

ABSTRACT =_::- _ Write 'ABSTRACT' in full capitals, but not in boldface.·

NAME FERNANDEZ STUDENT, OctO:be~r:20~O;9-.~T~itkle:_;;jof(TTjj;ne;;S7lls""O'::::=_------- __
Center it at the first line.
\•.....s
~ University. La Trinidad,----- Insert two blank single spaces,here
Benguet.

Adviser: Name F. Advisor, Ph. D.

~ Use double spacing

---------
Id be wrinen simply
Write the name in full capitals, but not in boldface. The
middle name can be spelled in full. The end
punctuation is a comma.
and in not more than three pages. xx x

xx. [The complete name of the student is used: h Capitalize only the first letter of the month. There is no
punctuation after it. However, put a period after the
name. The month is in capitals and spelled fully. The title is
year.
italics.] Xxxx [There are two single~spaces below the word 'ABSTRAC'f"i..Xxxx
For the title, capitaliz~ only the important Words. Write it
xxxx [These lines are double-spaced] xxx x xx. xx [There are two single-spaces.
in italics. 00 ... at "rclAy<:c.o>"e.
below the Adviser line. The name of the adviser is in Title Case, not in full
Insert two single space lines here.
capitals.] xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx

xxx xxx xxx x xx. Xxx xxxx xxxx xxx x xxx xx, xx xxxx. Capitalize only the fir~t letter of each word. Do not use
Xxxx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx
italics.

x xxxx. xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. Xxx Indent all paragraphs by 5-7 spaces. Double space
paragraphs with each other, \ ..e, v.s<!. .,.l"",lor", !>fa..';'~.
xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xx, xx xxxx xxxx xx xx. Xxx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx

xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx. xx xxxx xxxx Use double spacing
,
xx xx x xxxx xxx xxx xxx x xx.
0. ~"I,.J./L
Show the,page number' _.here.

..,.--~---
Put it at the center. It should be in the 'footer'.
iv

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 4
- February 2010
;.

TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR NON-TECHNICAL THESESI DISSERTATIONS

Write/TABLE OF CONTENTS" in full capitals, but noyn

Title Page
boldface.
Center it at the first line.
Approval Sheet ii "-...
..
Ce·.··\--..f\~1~.'\ \:.1. '-
~~V Acknowledgments \_V
Insert two blank single space lines here

XV. -JJ Abstract vi The word "Page" is flush to the right margin (or "right-
1('')' justified").
Table of Contents viii
-a (vs-I,"
List of Tables . xii Insert one blank single space line here.
List of Figures. xiii I
The page numbers a~e also right-justified.
INTRODUCTION _ _ ~

Background of the Study -- 1

Conceptual Framework ~ 4 _

Xxxxxx )(Xxx 8

Xxxxxx: 'KXXX 10

Statement of the Problem J~

Hypotheses of the Study 16

METHODOLOGY _ 17

Research Design 17

Population and Locale of the Study. 18 Use the appropriate number and spacing of "dots".
Data Collection Instruments 22
Show the page number here, using small Roman
Data Collection Prqcedure 24 numerals, like all the other preliminary pages_

vi

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 5
February 20 I0

1
-,
C>

Page -«-~ _

Treatment of Data

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

28

33
----- - "Pag~" is flush to the right margin (or "right-justified").

, Insert one blank single space line here.

Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx on the Xxxxx
of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. ~ 33
The page numbers are right-justified.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx on the Xxxxx -
of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. 36 Use single spacing for long titles.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx.~O~~;oth~e~Xx~;;:XJ(;;XX--~--J:g !- _
of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx.- - 38 However, double space them with each other (i.e., insert
one blank single space line between them).

~
Summary
_~_~--:~----~====
45
Type the 'chapter lilI~s'
in full capitals.
_ For other titles, capitalize only the first letter of each
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS 47 important word -7 TITLE CASE.
Conclusions . 51 ,
~ Label the appendices using capitals A, B, C, .... There is
Recommendations 52 no end punctuation after the letter.
LITERATURE CITED 55 ~--~ Center the labels under the word "APPENDICES".
Use around 5 space~ between the letter and the
APPENDICES appendix title.
A Xxxxxx of Xx 58
Write the appendix titles in TITLE CASE.
B

Show the page number here.

z Xxxxxx .

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH .

vii

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 6
February 2010
=

TABLEOFCONTENTS _ _
. ----- FOR TECHNICAL THESESI DISSERTATIONS

pa~~
Title Page i""" "'" ~
~ ~
.. "'-.
Write "TABLE OF CONTENTS" in full capitals, but noUn
boldface.
Center it at the first line
Approval Sheet II

-- .~'J C~<4'~~"
Acknowledgments

Abstract
'"it?

vi
Insert two blank single space lines here

The word "Page" is flush to the right margin (or "right-

{
Table of Contents vi justified").

~ List ofTables . xii

Insert one blank single space line here.
€~ List of Figures. xiv
The page numbers are also right-justified.
'ii\~sl'" List of Plates . xvii

List of Appendix Tables xxi Use double spacing

INTRODUCTION ; I
. Write the 'chapter titles' in full capitals.
Background of the Study
~...:-_.:-~~--,-_-,-_ _A.4 -------- For other titles, capitalize only the first letter of each
Objectives of the Study
... important word -7 TITLE CASE. Use single spacing if
Importance of the Study 15 long.
Place and Time of the Study 16
Still for others, capitalize only the first letter, unless a
REVIEW OF LITERATURE . 17 . word is for a proper noun -7 SENTENCE CASE. Use
single spacing if long.
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx .

Xxxxxxxx xxx' Xxxxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxx. 18 - - - - Use the appropriate number and spacing of "dots".
Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx. 19
. _ - - - - - - - . Show the page number here.
vi ~"'~-----
---
JVL: A Practical Guide for Ihe BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 7
February 20 I0
:-:.

Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx 20 "Page" is flush to the right margin (or "right-justified").

Xxxx Xxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx. 22 Insert one blank single space line here.
24 ...
, _
Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
The page numbers are right-justified.
MATERJALS AND METHODS. 27

Materials 27 Use single spacing for long titles. When 'chopping' the
title, try to have balance so that a line does not reach
Methods 28 more than 3/4 of the allotted space.
Xxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxx 28
However, double space them with each other (Le., insert
Xxxxxx xx xxx 30
one blank single space line between them).
Treatment of Data 32
Write the 'chapter titles' in full capitals.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 43

Xxx xxx Xxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx on the Xxxxx

of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. 43 . Show the page number here.
Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxx xxxx Xxxxxxx on the X
of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. 46

Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxx xxxx Xxxxxxx on the Xxxxx

of Xxx xxxx in Xxx x Xxxxx Xxxxxx. 4

Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx on the Xxxxx

of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. 56

Xxxxxx Xxxxx of Xxx xxxx Xxxxxxx on the~xx

of Xxxxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx. / . /58/
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS / / 6 7

67
Summary
//
/'
,/
vii ,t;;

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 8
February 20 I0
~".

Page : : : : _
Conclusions 69~ "Page" is flush to the right margin (or "right-justified").
Recommendations 72
Insert one blank single space line here.
LITERATURE CITED 75
<--_._----- The page numbers are right-justified.
APPENDICES

A Xxxxxx of Xxxxxxx
---~--.:_- --'-
--
78
78 ---- _
_. Write the 'chapter titles' in full capitals.
B ~ '7

, Type all the others in title case.

z Xxxxxx. 109 Label the appendices using capitals A, S, C, .... Do not

use any end punctuation after the letter.
Center the labels centered under the word'
"APPENDICES". Use around 5 spaces between the
letter and the appendix title.

Write the appendix titles in Title Case.

Show the page number here.

_/~
/'
..'

.-/

... V
VIII

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 9
February 2010
-.

LIST OF TABLES « - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Write the "LIST OF TABLES" in full capitals, but not in
boldface:
Center it at the first line.
Table No. Page
. ~.

la Xxxxxx of xxxxxxxx xxxx on the xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx Insert two blank single space lines here
of xxxxxxxx in xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx . 26

1b Xxxxxx of xxxxxxxx xxxx on the xxx x xxxxxxxxxxx "Table No." is flush to the left margin, while "Page" is
of xxxxxxxx in xxxxxx xxxxx xxx x . 27 flush to the right margin. Put them on the same line.
Ie Xxxxxx of xxx xxxxx xxxx on the xxx x xxxxxxxxxxx
of xxxxxxxx in xxxxxx xxxxx xxxx . 29 Insert one blank single space line here.
"<--
2a Xxxxxx of xxxxxxxx xxxx on the xXxx....l'f?'xxxxxxxxx
of xxxxxxxx in xxxxxx xx;.;;xx xxxx. --.--.
The page numbers are right-justified.

Use single spacing for long captions. When 'chopping'

the caption, try to have balance so that a line does
not reach more than 3/4 of the allotted space. vis< '5,~jA""
O";;~J ~.., •

Xxxxxx of xxxxxxxx xxx.x on the xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx *",~~..o.,.

2e
~ of xxxxxxxx xxxx on the xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx
However, double space them with each other.
Xxxxx~xxxxx xxxx xxxxxxxxxxx . j 4S
Use the appropriate number and spacing of "dots".

Number the tables consecutively, using Arabic numbers.

Center the numbers under the words "Table No." Do
not use any end punctuation after the number.

Use around 8 spaces between the number and the

caption .

. Show the page number here.

- ---_ _._----_._~
..

ix ..(.

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 10
February 20 I0
~:'l

LIST OF FIGURES , • Write the "LIST OF FIGURES" in full capitals, but not in
. boldface.
Figure No. Page · Center it at the first line.

Xxxxxxx of the xx-xx 17 · Insert two blank single space lines here
2 ~~ Xxxxxx OfXXX~ xxxx on the xxx x
_''-,- xxxxxxxxxxx 0 • XXX xxx . . 20 · The word "Figure No." is flush to the left margin, while
"'.,", "Page" is flush to the right margin. Put them on the
same line.
"'.'"
.... Insert one blank single space line here.
8 "I: XXXXXXOfxxxx~~nthexxxx 70
.... xxxxxx.'(.'{xxx of xxx xxxx
", '-
. The page numbers are right-justified.
' .., .............
Use single spacing for long captions. When 'chopping' the
caption, try to have balance so that a line does not
reach more than 3/4 of the allotted space. ~5'~ ·s.. ",t~ .. ~'
. ~~ ~ G4f+"~s.

However, double space thr.m with each other (i.e., there is

one blank single space between them).
•
Use the appropriate number and spacing of "dots".

[When making this LIST OF FIGURES, as the other LISTS, we suggest that you Number the figures consecutively, using Arabic numbers.
use a three-column table, with the gridlines hidden. With this kind of table, it will
be easy to center those in the fmit column (the figure numbers), align-left those in
These numbers are centered under the words "Figure
the middle column (the figure captions), and align-right those in the right column No.". There is no end punctuation after the number.
(the page numbers).]
Use around eight spaces between the number and the
caption.

· READ ME.
x < ... _ .._. .._ .- _ ----
---. '--"~-'-'- . '--'-. Show the page number here.

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations II
February 20 I0
,.s. \,

INTRODUCTION

Xxx It is recommended that a paragraph that pro'

):
-------- Do not show the page number on the first page of a
chapter or major section (such as' the LITERATURE
CITED, APPENDICES, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH,
... ).
chapter or main section will be placed here. It should have at lea~wo sentences,

as a single-sentence paragraph is not acceptable. xxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx ~xxxx

Write "INTRODUCTION" at the center of the first line.

xxxxxxxxxx xxxx the xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx.
Type it in full capitals, but not in boldface. -7
DO THE SAME for METHODOLOGY, REVIEW OF
Background of the Study LITERATURE (if any), RESULTS AND DISCUSSION,
and other major sections such as those mentioned
Xxxx This section, thre' five pages long, pr, iew of the above.
study. It gives the reader a) a sense of a the research is be
Insert two blank single space lines here.
b) possible contributions of the research to existing"'knQ.wiedge. ThuS>.tt provides
(READ ME)
the justification for conducting the study. When writing this seCtion: You can..start

with the context or situation of the problem (preferably as an 'inverted p

from the international down to the local level). At this portion, sources can be.
Delineate divisions within a chapter by a CENTER
HEADING. The center heading is in title case,
cited to support important ideas. Next, discuss the justification, motivation, or underlined, not boldface, not italicized. It has no end
reasons of selecting the topic for research. Lastly, include the significance punctuation. If it is has two or more lines, it is single
spaced, formed in an inverted pyramid.
(theoretical or practical) of the study by enumerating possible contributions to

existing knowledge. Xx xxxx. ~'\.,

, Always, insert (or 'Enter') two blank single space lines
both above and below a center heading.
Conceptual Framework

Xxxx This section presents the basic arrangement of the study by showing

the inter-relationships among the important topics or the variables. If

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 12
February 20 I0
\

there are theories or models that underpin the study, these are presented in this

section.
Show the page number at the second page of a chapter or
When writing this section, you can star1 with the theory or model, if any, major section. Put it at the upper right hand corner. I(
that underlies the study and a discussion of the theoryl model. The next part can should be inside the "header", and must be around one
blank single space line above the text of the page.
then be the enumeration (in paragraph ronn) of the a) independent variables (or

their equivalent), b) the dependent variables (or their equivalent), c) intervening

or moderating variables, if any, and d) other components of the research. A figure (READ ME)
(possibly the "Paradigm of Variables") showing the inter.relationships of these

topics can then be shown. After the figure showing the paradigm of variables. the

independent variables are discussed in relation to existing literature. This is

Since this is a division Within a chapter, delineate by the
followed by a discussion of the dependent variables. If relationships between the
use of a center heading.
independent and dependent variables are being studied, then the last portion of the
(READ ME)
Conceptual Framework should consider literature about these relationships. If the

study does not involve independent-dependent variables, eaeh of the main topics

are still to be discussed in relation to existing literature.

Note that, since there is no separate sub-section for 'Definition o(;fenns',

the terms that are used in the study are defined in this section, as tbe"{ occur.

Statement of the Problem

[A heading should never be typed at the bottom of the page \vithout a line of text
material below it. Thus, either transfer this heading to the next page, or reduce the
content of the paragraphs before it.]

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 13
February 20 I0
 A
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
~--~ Do not show the page number on the first page of a major
section ..
Xxx It is recommended that a paragraph that provides an 6
Again, put the title of the chapter or the major section a(
chapter or main section will be placed here. It should have at least two sentences, the center of the first line. Write it in full capitals, but
as a single-sentence paragraph is not acceptable. xxx [The page number does nof
not in boldface.

appear on the first page of a chapter] xxxxxxxx. Insert two blank single space lines here.

Xxxxx"x x Xxxx,xxxx '7_---,1-(-------------------- Use a center heading for this. If it is long, use a single
• spaced inverted pyramid format.
Xxxx Another paragraph can be placed here. It can be used to provide an
Delineate the sub-divisions of a 'center heading' by SIDE
overview of the next sub-section. xxx xxx xxxxxxx xx xxx. Xxxxxxxx. HEADINGS. The side heading is flush to the left side. It
is in title case, underlined! underscored, not boldface,
Xxxxxxxx x Xxx:x.x. xxxx not italicized. It has no end punctuation. If it is has two
Xxx This is a side heading. the left margin. There are two
or more lines, it is single spaced, with the second line
still flush to the left.
single spaces above it ("triple-spaced") and one single space below it (leading to a

"double-spacing" between it and the next line. Thc side heading is always in Title Always, insert (or 'Enter') two blank single space lines
above a Side heading, and one blank single space line
Case and always underlined. There is no punctuation after it. xxxx xxx~ below it.
xxx xxxxx xxx ..xx.
xx:~
Delineate further divisions within a 'side heading' by
PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. The paragraph heading is
Xxxxxxxxx xxx x..xxxxx xx xxx Xxxxxxxx
indented. Only the first letter of the first word is
Xxxx xxx.~ This is a paragraph heading. Only the first letter of the capitalized, unless a word is a proper noun. The
paragraph heading is underlined, not italicized, not
first word is capitalized; however, proper nouns shall sta a ital letter. It
boldface. It ends with a period.
is underlined and ends with a period. X xx xxx x xxxxxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx
. A sentence immediately follows the paragraph heading.
xxxxxxx xx xxx.

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU FOIlTI and Style for Theses and Dissertations 14
February 2010
':;'\'

8'

xxxxx. Introduce a figure (Figure I) in the text before showing it. xxxx xxxxxxx
SAMPLE of a page that contains a figure
xxx xxx x xxx xxx. Xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx. [There should be at least three single-

spaces above the boundary of the figure.] Xxx xxxx xxxx.

~. In the text, introduce a figure before showing it.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Insert three blank single space lines above the boundary
Xxxxxx xxxx Xxxxxx xxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx of the figure.
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
I ~
Xxx xxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx xxxx
Xxxxxx
X:l$.XXXX xxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
Xxxxxx
~_ _- - - - - - - - Place the figure caption under the figure. Write the caption
Figure 1. Xxxxxxxx x xxx xxxxx~xx xxxxx xx xxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxx " in Sentence Case.. The caption has the same font and
xxx xxxx xxx xxxxxxxlxxxxxx xxxxxxx
font size as those of the text. It is set flush to the left
margin. It does not have any end punctuation. It is not
Xxxx [The figure caption is Plac~ in Sentence underlined, not in boldface, and not italicized.
Case, like the captions of a table. It has the same font and font size as the-
-If it is has two or more lines, use single spacing, with the
the text. It is set flush to the left margin. If it is has two or more lines, it is single-
second line starting under the first line after the figure
spaced, with the second line starting under the first line after the figure number. It number.
does not have any end-punctuation. It is not underlined, nor in italics. There is one..
Insert one blank single space line above the caption;
single-space above the caption; there are two single-spaces below the caption] Insert two blank single space lines below the caption.
xxxxxxx a xxxxx xxxxxxx xxx x the xxxx xxx xxxxxxxx. xxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xx .

. JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 15
February 2010
 \
" \
"\

18

Xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx a xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxx the xxxx xxx SAMPLE of a page that contains a table
xxxxxxxx. A table (Table I) is 'introduced' in the text before it is shown. The

caption is placed above the table. [There are two single-spaces above the caption, '" In the text, introduce a table before showing it
and one single-space below it. If it is has two or more lines, it is single·spaced,
Insert two blank single space lines above the table
with the second line starting under the first line after the table number. The' caption,
caption has no end punctuation. However, there is a perio~umber]
Place the table caption above the table, Write it in
xxxx xxx.
Sentence Case, The caption has the same font and
font size as those of the text It is set flush to the left
Table 1. Xxx of xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx on the sxxx xxxxxxxx of xxxxxxxx in margin, It does not have any end punctuation, It is not
xxxxxxxxxx xxxxxx, ~ "
underlined, not in boldface, and not italicized.
'" XXXXXX XXXXXXX
XXXXXX XXX XXX XXXXX Use single spacing if it is has two or more lines, with the
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xx: z.zz Xxx Xxxxxx second line startinn 'mder the first line after the table
Xxx xxx xxxx xxxxxx Z:zZ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx l.ZZ Xxx Xxxxxx
number.
Xxx xxx xxxx xxxxxx Z.lZ Xxxxx Xxxxxxx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx Z Xxx Xxxxxx Insert one blank single space line below the caption,
Xxx xxx xxxx xxxxxx Z.Z xxxx Xxxxxxx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx Z.ZZ X xxxxx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx Z.zZ XxxXx x Type the header row, or the first level, in full capitals,
Xxx xxx xxxx xxxxxx l.ZZ Xxxxx Xxxx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx Z.ZZ Xxx Xxxxxx
Do not draw any vertical lines on the table.
Xxxxx Xxxxxx Z.ZZ Xxxxx Xxxxx Use horizontal lines only for the header and bottom rows,

Use double-lines used at the top and bottom of the table

Xxxx [The first level are in full capitals] xxX»xxx The table does not

contain any vertical lines. Horizontal lines are only for the header and bottom Insert two blank single space lines after the table,
rows. Tables are numbered consecutively. Xxxxx xxxxxxx xxx x xxxx, xxxx

xxxxxx xxxx xx xxxx xx

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 16
February 2010
\.1

:Ill

Table 4e. Continued . . "

If at table is LONG, continue it on the next page. Note that
xxxxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx
a table can have a font and font size (usually smaller)
Xxxx Xxx Xxxx x""""
that is different from that of the main text.
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx l.ZZ xxxxx--
Xx xx xxxx xxxx Z.ZZ 'V"'"'xx
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx l.ZZ l.ll
Xx xxx xx xxxxxx xxxx xxxx Z.ZZ l.ZZ
The continuation table includes only the table number and
Legend: ZZZ = xxx; FFF· ecce; GGG - mmm
the work 'Continued' followed by three dots.

Xxx [T ontinuation Of....the table should contain the same column Again, insert one blank single space line below the
,e font and font size as those in the
caption.

table, and can be single-spaced. It s -space below the table The continuation of the table should contain the same
(Banaag, 2005). xxxxxxx xxx x xxx. There are
column headings.

or the legend, as appropriate (Banaag, 2005; Greggy, .' The first level is in full capitals; the second level, if any, is
xxxxxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xx xxx. If there are numbers With decimal in title case. .

points, the decimal points are aligned (Gualdardo et 01., 2009). xxxxxxx xxx Use a double-line at the bottom of the table.
xxxx, xxxx xxxxxx xxxx xx xxxx xx xxxxxxxx.
For the legend, use the same font and font size as those
in the table. Can use single spacing.
Xxxxxxx of Xxxxxxx Xxxxxx on the Xxxxx Xxxxxx
of Xxxxx in Xxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxx
Insert two blank single space lines after the table.
Xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx a xxxxx xxxxxxxxxx xxxx the xxxx xxx

xxxxxxxx. Xx xxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xx xxx. xx x.

Xx xxxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxxx xxx xxx x xxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xx

xxx. Xxxxxxxx. Xxxxxx xxxxxxxxx xx xx xx xxxxx xx x xx xx x xxxxxxxx,

xxxx xxxxxxxxx xx xxxxxxx xx.

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 17
February 20 I0
 .
-.~ ,
./\

LITERATURE C[TED
Book, single author
ACZEL, A. D. 1989. Complete Business Statistics. Homewood. Boston: Richard
D. Irwin. Inc. Chaptef in an edited book.
ANDRlCH, D. 1999. Rating scale analysis, in Advances in Measurement in
Educational Research and Assessment. G. Masters and J. Keeves (cds), Anonymous author.
Oxford, UK: Pergamon, Pp. 110-12 L
Internet source.
ANON. 197[. Rural Development in a City. Sunday Punch. Dagupan City. 12: 19.

BACAN[, R. 1990. Education for All (Philippines), Journal, with volume (number): pages. Like the other
httpJlwww.unesco.orglef/weflsearchlgsurhit.htw,Accessed on August 8,
2009.
citations, only the first author has the name inverted for
alphabetizing. The word "and" is spelled out.
BALLANTYNE, R. and 1. PACKER 1996. Teaching and learning in
environmental education: Developing envirornnental conceptions, Journal
of Environmental EducatioI\ 27(2): 25-32.
Monograph

BIOLOGY EDUCATION GROUP 2000. Materials and Methods in High School Thesis
Biology in the Philippines (1960-[998). Monograph No. 62. University of
the Philippines, Quezon City: Institute for Science and Mathematics
Education Development. Paper presented in a conference/seminar. Like the other
citations, there is no punctuation after family name.
BRlBONAL, A. 2007. Difficulties Encountered in Science & Technology IV by
Students in Public Secondary Schools in the Division of Abra 1998-1999.
Unpublished Master's Thesis, Benguet State University, La Trinidad, Organization/s as author/so
Benguet.

CHACKO, C. and N. ABRAHAM 1999. Developing environmental literacy of

teachers: Should it be a priority in inservice and preservice teacher
education? Paper presented to the Distance Paper Group of the 19 lh Seminar
of The International Society for Teacher Education, April 10-19, University
of Kent, Canterbury, England.
DECS-DENR (Department of Education, Culture and Sports- Department of
Envirorunent and Natural Resources) 1997. Environmental Education Draft
Executive Summary, Asian Development Bank TA No. 1385·PHI,
Philippines.
IMPORTANT
Indicate literature cited in the text as follows: Aczel
(2010) or (Aczel, 2010); for two authors, Ballantyne and
Packer (2008) or (Ballantyne & Packer, 2008); for more
than three authors, Reyes et al. (2007) or (Reyes et al.,
2007).
For citations involving two or more sources, arrange
chronologically, most recent first., e.g., (Bautista & Pinos-
an 2009; Cruz, 2008; Reyes, et al., 2007))

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 18
February 20 I0

(
l
 "

..
.r' ~~J.~~
----
.' ;'
~8 ____

FISCHER, q. and I. MOLENAAR (eds.) 1995, Rasch Models Foundations, _ - Show the page number.
Recent pevelopments, and Applications. New York: Springer-Verlag New
York.

GIBSON, J.:, J. IVANCEVICH and H. DONN ELY. Jr. 1994. Organizations, 8'" Edited book.
ed. Homewood, Illinois: Richard D. Irwin, Inc. P. 100.

LANETE, A. 1999. Integration of Environmental Education Concepts in the Book with three authors. There appears to be an end
Teaching of Philippine History. Unpublished Doctoral Dissertation, Miriam punctuation here, but only because Jr. ends with a period.
College, Quezon City.

LODDING, W. (ed.) 1967. Gas Emuent Analysis. New York: M. Dekker, Inc. P. Dissertation
220.

RPN-9 2001. Ecological Concerns (video recording), in the program .LateNight....... _

Edited book.
July 12,2008, Manila.
Television program
SACAY, O. J. and F. S. COMILA 1974. Samahang Nayon: A Ncw Concept on
Cooperative Development. Quezon City: National Publishing Co. Pp. 2-9. ."'0--- _
. - Book with two authors.
SEVILLA, C. G. et aI. 1999. Research Methods. Manila: Rex Printing Company, ."<.-- _
Inc., P. 182. -'
Book with four or more authors.
TIMSS 2003. Trends in Intemalional Mathematics and Science Study. Chapter 3.
www.seLdost.gov.phltimss-r/sdoc/chap3.pdf.AccessedonJuly 21, 2007. ~<:-----------_ Internet source.

IMPORTANT

Always list citations alphabetically by authors.

List only literature that is cited in the text. Make the

citations complete, consistent and accurate.

For other sources, the citations should contain all the

data necessary to locate easily these sources. If no
publication date is available for a document, state n.d. in
its place.

JVL: A Practical Guidc for the BSU Form and Style for Thcscs and Disscnalions 19
February 20 I0
\
,x
APPENDIX A

Xxx xxx xx Xxxxxxxxx Do not show the page number on the first page of a malar
.section, such as the APPENDICES.

Xxxxxx xx Xxxxxxxxx Put "APPENDIX A" at the center of the first line. Write it in
Xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx full capitals, but do not use boldface, underlines, or
x..'Xxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx italics.
h""C.
Insert two blank single spac~ here.
•
[The appendices contain instruments like the questionnaire, interview schedule, Type the title of the appendix in title case.
letters of transmittal. decrees or laws, sets of raw data, statistical computations or
other relevant information.]

Insert three blank single space lines here.

The appendix can contain single spaced text.

(READ ME)

JVL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 20
February 2010
 );
/
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

Xxx The biographical sketch tells about the author (bi" Do not show the page number on the first page of a major
section, such as the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
form. xxxxx xxx xxxxx xx xxx xxx Xx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx.

xxxx xxxxx x x xxx x xxx xxxxx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxx xx xxxx Put "BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH" at the center of the first
line. Write it in full capitals, but do not use boldface,
xxxxx xxxx xxxx Xxxxx Xxx xxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx. xxxxx xxx x xxx xx x x xxx x
underlines, or italics.
xxx xxxxx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxx. xxxxx xxxx xxxxx x x xxx x
Insert two blank single space lines here.
xxx xxx xx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxx.

Xxx xxxxx xxx xxxxx xx xxx xxx Xx Xxxxxxx, Xxxxxxxxxx. Xxxxx Indent all paragraphs.
xxxxx xxxx xxxxx x x xxx x xxx xxxxx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxx

XX xxx.'C xxxxx XXXX xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx Xxxxxxxxxxxx. xxxxx xxxx xxxxx x x..

xxx x xxx xxxxx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxx.xx xx xxx. xxxxx xxxx xxxxx x x

xxx x xxx xxxxx. Xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxxxx xx xxx.

JYL: A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissenations 21
February 20 I0
 GENERAL CO, SIDERATIONS

Paper size should be Le tel': 5 ,i oy 11 inches. Do not use A4 or long

bond paper. Paper should b subslc: ,re 20 or equivalent. Reproduction qf
manuscripts through photocopying is '-,lic,liied with the use of 'powder', not ink.

For all pages, from the Ti~le Pe,g.3 to the Biographical Sketch, use 1.7
inches for the left margin, 1.5 inch',,;--' 'op, 1.3 inches right, and 1.3 inches
bottom. The text in the boC:y of the rn:-;luscript is justified (or aligned both left
and right).

Font and FQnt Size

For all text including chapter tilies, you can use 12 pt Times New
Roman, Times or Aria!. Tables and ligures can have different fontl font sizes
(usually smaller).

Use American Englisll. if a word can be spelled correctly in more than

one way, select one and be consistent in its use. Rules of grammar shall be
followed. Avoid paragraphs that are composed of only one sentence.

Use the past tense in the Abstract, in describing methods, and in

presenting the summary (of findings or of the study). Use either the past or
present tense in the 'Results and Discussion'. For the introductory part, the
conclusions and recommendations, use the appropriate tenses.

Use double spacing be1ween :ines. if not otherwise specified. Two lines
that are double spaced have a blank single space line between them.

After a period, comma, question mark or exclamation point, leave one or

two character spaces (be consistent ill using either). However, do not put a
space after an open parenthesis or LJefore a close parenthesis. For example,
write "(Author, 2010)" instead- of "( Author, 2010 )". Also, do not put a space/s
before a comma or a period ,ns done in this sentence your are now reading .

For lengthy direct quotations tn:,t ::lre in the form of a paragraph, use
single spacing. Indent the whole paru;raph around Y, inch on both sides; do
not set offthe paragraph using quotatio, i marks.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form :IIHI Si.ylc ftll ·:·i\,.~· . ~. s and Dissertations 23
JVL: February 2010
 OTHER CO',iS;OERATIONS

The abstract is a surnrmliY of lIHo study, containing a brief introduction,

methods, results and conciu~lons. It should be written simply and in paragraph
form. It should not be more than three pages. It may contain the
recommendations of the study.

Acknowledgments

Use the third person in writing the Acknowledgments. Example: "The

author would like to thank the foiiov"ing: ... ", not "I would like ... ". Put
dedications, if any, in this section, because there is no separate section for
DEDICATION.

Background. of tile Study

This is a short overview of the study, perhaps covering only three to five
pages. It should give the render a 3e:lse of: a) why the research is being
conducted, and b) possible contribuliol';s of the research to existing knowledge.
In short, it provides the justification for conducting the study. When writing the
'Background', you can, first, provide the context or situation of the problem
(preferably as an 'inverted pyramid', from the international down to the local
level). At this portion, sources can be cited to support important ideas. Next,
discuss the justification, motivation, or reasons of selecting the topic for
research. ,Of'-
For technical researches, discuss the importance or significance
• •
(theoretical or practical) of the stUdy at :l,e last portion.o~ ~'5 seC/he:. . .

The conceptual framework presents the basic arrangement of the study

by showing the inter-relationships among the variables. If there are theories or
models that underpin the study, they ~1i'0 presented in this section.
The first part can start with the Uieories or models. This is then followed
by a simple enumeration of tile a) independent variables, b) the dependent
variable, c) intervening or moder2t!:lg variables, if any, and d) other
components of the research. You can ;,;iso use the input-process-output model
when enumerating the variables or main concepts.
Then present a figure or diagram ("paradigm of the study") showing the
inter-relationships.
Next, discuss each of the cO:lcepts or variables in the 'paradigm' in
relation to existing literature (very n:u,;h like a 'review of literature'), with an
emphasis on findings and methods.
Moreover, since there IS no SETmate section for 'Definition of Terms',
define here the terms that are usc'.; in the study, as they occur in the
discussion. It is advisable to show a e!l-ar hierarchy, or organization, of topics in
the Conceptual Framework by using headings and sub-headings.
Note that the paradigm is shown after the variables or concepts are
enumerated, but before the discussk'il of the concepts or variables.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Forlll :md Sl~/le r\)j" n.I>~S and Dissertations 24
JVL: February 2010
 ·. __ ._ .. ..,. .. -
~ --"--r~- -
However, you can show thl': laradigm at the last portion of the
Framework, if your discussion is not long. It is just that, sometimes, the reader
can 'get lost' in a long discussion and can get confused on how the concepts
being discussed are related to the resC'arch topic. Thus, we recommend that
the fi9We will bE: shown before the discussion, to serve as a guide.
( 9"fJ,'3'" )

Review of Literature

The literature review establishes a link between the present study and
existing literature (studies, repori's, books, and other sources). This review can
be embedded in the topic 'Conceptual Framework' for non-technical
researches, or it can stand as a separat'3 chapter entitled "Review of Literature"
for technical researches.
In terms of presentation, the review should be based on the variables or
main concepts of the study. That is, the review can be broken down into topics
that relate directly to the variables. Literature that are common can be put
together so that they need not be cited individually, although, the researcher
can write the review in a preferred WAy Nevertheless, the underlying idea for
the review is to show how the present study is similar with past studies (existing
literature), how it will be diff3rent, and;;ilat research gaps (or lack of research)
are being addressed.
If you want to use some review c,f iiterature from another research (such
as a thesis or dissertation), do not simply copy and 'paste' it on your review.
Recognize that the review is the intciiectual product (and property) of the
person who put it together. Thus, you need to cite your source.
For example, you wish to include the idea of the following sentence
(perhaps found in the 2009 work of Gaccam) in your thesis or dissertation, to
support one of your ideas:
Gifford and Haipole (2003), Hart and Cottle (2003), and
Alters (2005) ail report that students who had high grades in
high school English and hJd tallen environmental education
in college performed well il' !':a,ih Science in college.
Do NOT simply 'copy and paste' this sentence (yes, even if it is only
one sentence!). Instead, you can write it in your work as:
This is supported by the ::1ssertion of Gaccam (2009), citing
the works of Gifford and Halpole (2006), Hart and Cottle
(2003), and Alters (2005), i!>"lt students who had high grades
in high school English "nd had taken environmental
education in college performed well in Earth Science in
college.
Then, you will not be committing plagiarism (the act of claiming the work
of another as one's own work) because you are giving credit to your sources.
Taken the other way, you would not want somebody to copy what you have
painstakingly put together as your own review of literature, and not giving you
credit for doing it by NOT citing your w.. ri': as the source.
Do not use wrong gmmmar, such as, "According to Author (2010), he
said that a paragraph should contain I" re than one sentence." Perhaps you
can modify this to become: "Accordin~J to Author (2010), a paragraph should
contain ... "
Indicate literature cited as follow'.>: Aczel (2010) or (Aczel, 2010); for two
authors, Ballantyne and Packer (20013) or (Ballantyne & Packer, 2008); for
.more than three authors, Reyes et al. (2007) or (Reyes et al., 2007).

A Practical Guide for the BSU Fvrm ~wd Slyle Ii.l: dl'': ..:.s and Dissertations 25
JVL: February 2010
 For citations involving two or more sources, arrange chronologically,
most recent first., e.g., (Bautista & Pinos-an/2009; Cruz, 2008; Reyes, et a/.,
2007). Note that et at. is in italics.

Statement of the Problem

State the specific problems in interrogative form. Try to make them

parallel to objectives that are SMART (or Specific, Measurable, Achievable,
Result-oriented, and Time-bound).

Hy:pothesAs of the Study:

The plural of 'hypothesis' is 'hypotheses'. The trend now, at least for

non-technical researches, is to write a hypothesis as an alternative, instead of a
null hypothesis. For example, use "There is a significant difference between ... ",
instead of "There is no significant difference between ... ". The reason is in the
question: "Why study something when, in fact, you have already assumed that
you will see no difference at all?"

It is advisable to provide justificJtion of your choice of research design,

instrument, analysis or treatmElllt of data, among other things. If using an
instrument that you have developed. include a description of how you
developed it and what sources you have built upon. Make it clear that you have
introduced enhancements and that you are not simply repeating what has been
used or done before.
Before undertaking research involving people, it is necessary to take
ethics into account. Specifically, you have to explain to the respondents or
participants the following (Gray 2004):
aims of the study, who will undertake it, who will participate, what kind of
information is being sought, how much of the participant's time is required, the
participation is voluntary, who will h::ve access to the data once they are
collected, and how anonymity of respondents will be preserved.
If the participants give their consent after you have provided this
information (verbally or in the form of a cover letter for your questionnaire), then
you have obtained their informed cons·:;!?!. .
There are also ethical issues in researches involving animals and plants.
Consider all these.

.Results and Discussion

Do the presentation ac:::ording to the sequence of your specific

problems.
For each, present first the resl ;lts or findings. Then relate (is there
affirmation or contradiction?) these to previous studies, if any. State whether
they tend to confirm or reject your hypotheses. Provide possible explanations.
Cite implications. Give your own insights, based on your experience and
expertise.
In discussing results that are shown by tables or figures, do not repeat
what are already shown. Perhaps consider first the general trend shown by

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form ,ml! Style for The"e, and Dissertations 26
JVL: February 2010
..
"1,'

your results. Then provide possible explanations for the results, cite
implications, give insights, and so on.
For non-technical researches, end this chapter with a summary of the
results. This is in contrast with the summary (in the chapter Summary,
Conclusions and Recommendations) for technical researches which also
includes a summary of the problems, materials, and methods.

Conclusions

Your conclusions are generalizations that you can glean from your
results. Write them as inferences; do not repeat your findings.

Recommendations

Make your recommendations specific. They should arise from your

results. You can offer the conduct of specific actions or of further research.

Appendices

The appendices (plural of 'appendix') contain materials that could

enhance the veracity and quality of your thesis or dissertation. Examples of
these materials are letters of transmittal, copies of survey questionnaires or
interview schedules, numerical computations, or raw data.

Literature Cited

Arrange alphabetically, by author. Do not categorize into books, articles,

internet sources, etc. List only literature that is cited in the text. Make the
citations complete, consistent and accurate.
Include all literature that you have cited, even the 'secondary' sources,
such as those that appear, for example, in "According to Caccam (2009), citing
the works of Author1 (2007) and Author2 (2008), ... " Therefore, you need to put
an entry for Caccam as well as for Author1 and for Author2.
For other sources that do not fit the 'pattern', include all the data
necessary to locate easily these sources. If no publication date is available for
a document, state n.d. in its place.

Biographical Sketch

Use the third person in writing the Biographical Sketch. For example, writ~
"The author underwent...", not "I underwent...". Include schools and dates
attended and degrees and honors conferred.

The Proposal

The thesis or dissertation proposal includes everything from the Title Page
to the Methodology, except Abstract and Acknowledgments. It should also
include the Literature Cited and part of the appendices (e.g., copies of your
proposed data collection instruments). It is written in future tense.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 27
JVL: February 2010

----_._----- -
 Roles of the Student. Adviser, Advisory Committee
and the Graduate School

The 2000 BSU Form and Style for Graduate Students of the Benguet
State University states the following r o l e s : . .
The student pays the appropriate fees to the Graduate School;
schedules proposal and final defenses; masters and adopts the GS style and
form; checks accuracy of measurements, citations, and other parts of the
manuscript; acknowledges the sources of materials used in the research; and,
selects the statistician and editor of the manuscript.
The Adviser facilitates the completion of the research and manuscript,
guides the researcher in all aspects related to the research, helps in the
presentation of the research to the pane,!, follows up progress of the research in
all phases, checks and reviews the accurateness and interpretation of
measurement and the reliability and validity of instruments and interpretation of
the data, recommends presentation and publication of manuscript, acts as chair
of the advisory and defense committee, implements the mechanics spelled out
in the GS style and form, ensures that no part of the manuscript is plagiarized,
recommends a statistician who will help in the statistical data analysis and
interpretation and an editor who will help in editing the manuscript, and
confirms and affixes signatures on approved manuscripts. The Adviser is
equally responsible as the student on the submission of books within the
prescribed period. The Adviser serves as the moderator during the public
presentation of your work.
The Advisory Committee endorses the Plan of Coursework of the
student and any deviations from this plan. It acts also as the examining
committee during the qualifying examination (for doctorate only),
comprehensive examination, thesis/ dissertation proposal defense and fin'll
(oral) defense. Aside from assisting in your Plan of Course work, they
countercheck the accuracy and interpretation of data in your thesis/dissertation,
assist the adviser in all phases of the research process, ask critical questions in
response to the manner and system of conducting the research, make
suggestions for the improvement of the research and manuscript, assist the
adviser in ensuring that no part of the manuscript is plagiarized, confirm and
affix signatures on the manuscript.
The Graduate School (G8) approves, facilitates, and coordinates
scheduling of defense; reviews the mechanics of the manuscript; implements
provisions on the selection of advisory and defense chair and members;
monitors remuneration of adviser and members; and, confirms selected adviser
and members. The GS Dean confirms and affixes signatures on the
manuscript.

Annual Best Dissertation/ Thesis Awards

Every year, the Graduate School gives awards for best dissertation or
thesis in four categories: Best Dissertation, Social; Best Dissertation, Technical;
Best Thesis, Social; and, Best Thesis, Technical. The criteria are:
60% Quality of research (novelty of idea and/or framework;
comprehensiveness; appropriateness of statistical treatment;
soundness and depth of interpretation of findings; relevance of
conclusions and recommendations; and, evidence of personal
work)

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JVL: February 2010
 30% Organization of the research (coherence and consistency; unity
of structure and logic of presentation; and, clarity of expression
and propriety of emphasis)
10% Mechanics of the text (use of acceptable format; general
appearance, including typing, spelling, grammar and syntax; and,
presentation of bibliography, appendices, etc.)
The awards are conferred during the Achievement and Recognition
Program on the year following the search. Thus, the 2010 Best
Thesis/Dissertation Awards (selected from dissertations and theses completed
during the period January 1, 2010 to December 31,2010) were given during
the 2011 BSU Achievement and Recognition Program.
Nominations are called around the last week of November, through the
Deans and Directors. In addition to a certificate of recognition, there are
financial incentives of Three Thousand Pesos (Php 3000.00) for Best
Dissertation and Two Thousand Pesos \Php 2000.00) for Best Thesis.

SOME TIPS

Hierarchy of Topics

A topic can be divided into sub-topics, which can be sub-divided further.

For example, the topic 'Graduate Seminar', possibly under the chapter
"RESULTS AND DISCUSSION" has divisions that are also shown by the
hypothetical Table of Contents entries following:

Pa.e
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 35
Graduate Seminar. 35
Written presentations 35
Sections 35
Introductory portion 36
Final Dortion 36
BSU GS style 35
Tense 35
SlYle 35
Oral presentations 36
Pointers for oral presentations 36
Critique of some presentations 36

When you present these topics in your thesis or dissertation, show the
divisions (thus, the hierarchy, organization or levels of your topics) by using
the headings and subheadings. For example, the hierarchy shown in the
preceding table can appear in your thesis or dissertation, as follows:

Graduate Seminar

A major division of a chapter is delineated by a CENTER HEADING. The

center heading is in title case, underlined, not boldfa~e, not italicized. It has no end
punctuation. If it is has two or more lines, it is single spaced, and formed as an
inverted pyramid.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 29
JVL: February 2010
 :;J

Written Presentations
Delineate the sub-divisions within a 'center heading' by SIDE HEADINGS.
The side heading is flush to the left margin. It is in title case, underlined!
underscored, not boldface, not italicized. It has no end punctuation. If it is
has two or more lines, it is single spaced, with the second line still flush to
the left.

Sections. Delineate further divisions within a 'side heading' by

PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. Only the first letter of the first word is capitalized
(except proper nouns). The heading ends with a period. A sentence immediately
follows.

i. Introductory portion. If there are smaller divisions within the 'paragraph

heading', then you can do this type of heading, which is in italics, not underlined
and only the first letter of the first word is capitalized.
I

ii. Final portion. If there are smaller divisions within the 'paragraph
heading', then you can do this type of heading.

BSU-GS style. Delineate further divisions within a 'side heading' by

PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. This heading is indented.

i. Tense. If there are smaller divisions within the 'paragraph heading', then
you can do this type of heading.

ii. Style. If there are smaller divisions within the 'paragraph heading', then
you can do this type of heading.

Oral Presentations
Delineate the sub-divisions within a 'center heading' by SIDE HEADINGS.

Pointers for oral presentations. Delineate further divisions within a 'side

heading' by PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. A sentence immediately follows.

Critiques of some presentations. Delineate further divisions within a 'side

heading' by PARAGRAPH HEADINGS. A sentence immediately follows.

How to Insert Two Blank Space Lines Above

and/or Below a Center Heading

I. For the TITLES of chapters and major sections (e.g., ABSTRACT, TABLE OF
CONTENTS, ... , BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH) -7 these are flush to the top
margin and has two blank single space lines befowthem:

A. One way:
1. Type the title. Remember to use full capitals. Center the title on the
page.
2. Put your cursor at the END of the title.
3. Do "Format -7 Paragraph -7 Indents and Spacing -7 Line spacing (make
sure that you have 0 pt for the spacing Before and After) -7 Multiple at
3 -7 OK".
4. Press "Enter" once.
5. Start typing. However, since this line is now also triple spaced, either
double space (shortcut: press Ctrl and 2 at the same time, or Ctrl-2) or
single space (shortcut: Ctrl~1), depending on what you need.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Form and Style for Theses and Dissertations 30
JVL: February 2010
B. Another way:
1. Type the title. Remember to use full capitals. Center the title on the
page.
2. Put your cursor at the END of the title.
3. Do "Format -7 Paragraph -7 Indents and Spacing -7 Line spacing (make
sure that you have 0 pt for the spacing Before and After) -7 Single-7
OK". (Shortcut: Ctrl-1)
4. Press "Enter" three times.
5. Start typing. However, this line is now also single spaced. If you need to
double space, press Ctrl-2.

II. For the CENTER HEADINGS (these have two blank single space lines
above, and two blank single spaces below)

Recommended way, assuming that you are starting from the normal double-
spacing of the text:
1. At the end of the preceding paragraph, press "Enter" once.
2. Type the title of the center heading. Remember to underline (Ctrl-u) and
to center this heading.
3. Put your cursor at the START of the heading.
4. Do "Format -7 Paragraph -7 Indents and Spacing -7 Line spacing (make
sure that you have 0 pt for the spacing Before and After) -7 Single-7
OK" . (Shortcut: Ctrl-1)
5. Press "Enter". (This will 'carry' your heading one single space line
downward.)
6. Put your cursor at the END of the heading.
7. Press "Enter" three times.
8. Start typing. However, this line is now also single spaced. Press Ctrl-2 to
regain double spacing.

How to Insert Two Blank Space Lines Above

a Side Heading

1. At the end of the preceding (double spaced) paragraph, press "Enter"

once.
2. Type the title of the side heading. Remember to put it flush to the left
margin.
3. Put your cursor at the START of the title.
4. Do "Format -7 Paragraph -7 Indents and Spacing -7 Line spacing (mak13
sure that you have 0 pt for the spacing Before and After) -7 Single-7
OK" . (Shortcut: Ctrl-1)
5. Press "Enter" once.
6. Put your cursor at the END of the title.
7. Press Ctrl-2.
8. Press "Enter" once.
9. Start typing. Remember to indent this line.

A Practical Guide for the BSU Fonn and Style for Theses and Dissertations 31
JVL: February 2010
 How to Format the TABLE OF CONTENTS. LIST OF TABLES.
and other LISTS

When making your TABLE OF CONTENTS, LIST OF TABLES, and the

other LISTS, you can use three-column tables as shown below. Then, it will be
easy to align-left, align-center, or align-right.

For example, the word 'Page' and the page numbers can be aligned-
right easily. Moreover, to double space, you can first single space all the lines,
and just press 'Enter' at the end of the page number.
, ,.
When you PRINT, remember to HIDE the table grid lines.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 35

Graduate Seminar. 35
Written oresentations 35
Sections 37
Introductory portion 39
Final portion 40
BSU GS style 43
Tense 44
Style 45
Oral presentations 57
Pointers for oral presentation 60
Critique of some oresentations 66

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Page

I Put here the caption for Table No. I 35
2 Put here the caotion for Table No.2 45
3 Put here the caotion for Table No.3 55

Be Consistent

If you are not sure about what form and/ or style to use, just be
consistent in using one form. For example, use consistently either "j" or "J" to
represent Joule, or "kcal" or "C" to represent kilocalorie. Anyway, it will be easy
to replace one with the other later, if you need to. For instance, if you are using
Word, you can use 'Ctrl-h' to "find and replace" j with J, or kcal with C.

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JVL: February 20 I0