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.
