E 08 Format for Practicum

Format for Practicum

The practicum paper should follow the following headings/ sub-heads, and should be 5 – 10 pages.

Title of the Study/problem

AUTHOR

Code & Name of the Paper

·         Background and Rationale

In this part of the paper, an introduction to the research area along with relevant related literature will be given. A theoretical basis/ framework to the study be established; a brief review of related studies be undertaken; and an explanation be given as to how this present study is a new study exploring new vistas or extending the exploration of previous research findings.

·         Objectives of the Study

Based on the preceding discussion, the objectives of the study should be categorically (point-wise) listed.

·         Hypotheses (if any)

The hypotheses of the study (if any) in research or null form should be stated point-wise, corresponding to the objectives of the study listed above.

·         Methods

The ‘methods’ section of the proposal should be divided into four sections, given as follows:

i)                    Research Methodology

In this sub-section, categorical statement be made and discussion be undertaken with regard to the exact research method followed in the study. This may include historical, philosophical, case study, descriptive, experimental (and the type of experimental method), or a mixed research methodology. The rationale for selecting the research method be given. For scientific research, an explanation be provided to the nature of experimental design used for the study.

ii) Population and Sample

In this section, the population should be categorically defined (geographic, demographic, physical, social and other aspects as appropriate), and the sampling method followed to select the sample be noted. The nature of the proposed sample be stated; and the rationale for selecting the sample method and the sampling (and its size) be underlined. It may also be noted in what way a group of sample or even a single case is representative of the population species.

iii) Tools and Techniques

In this section, the various tools and techniques to be adapted or to be developed for use in the study be noted, in relation to the objectives of the study. Reliability and validity of the tools and techniques, as appropriate, should be mentioned. Aspects to be included in the questionnaire/interview schedule/observation schedule/rating scale, etc. should be mentioned. For scientific research, one may underline the process of experimentation and testing, and methods used to observe and/or measure the corresponding changes in the treatment and the depending variables. Also, a brief description may be given on a variety of instruments and objects to be used for conducting the research.

iv) Procedure of Data Collection and Analysis

This section should focus on the procedure/steps proposed to be followed for administration of tools and techniques to collect data, and/or the process of conducting the experiment or case study.

·         Results

In this section, proposed methodology to be followed to tabulate/collate various data collected for the study should be noted. Statistical and other qualitative techniques (if any) to be applied for data analysis should be mentioned; and how will the analysis be interpreted in relation to the stipulated objectives and hypotheses of the study and how conclusions be drawn should be noted. In case of experimentation, the stages of the process, and quantitative and qualitative changes/effects and their process of analysis and interpretation should be stipulated.

·         Discussion of Results and Implications of the Study

In this section, it should be mentioned how the results obtained as above will be discussed; how and in what respect implications for theory, policy and practice be drawn; in what way the results support/contradict previous such findings; and what contribution it makes to scientific theories or interpretations.

References

This section should note the references quoted in the paper.