Writing an IGNOU synopsis requires careful attention to its fundamental elements. A well-structured synopsis increases your chances of acceptance and sets a strong foundation for your research. This comprehensive guide will walk you through all the essential sections of an IGNOU synopsis and how to craft them perfectly.
1. Cover Page
The title page is the first element of your IGNOU synopsis PDF synopsis and must include:
Complete title of the research study
Your full name and registration details
Details of your supervisor
Program name and number
Year of submission
Example Title:
"Impact of Digital Marketing on Consumer Behavior in India"
2. Background of the Study
This section provides background for your research and should:
Explain the research problem
Clarify the rationale of the study
Emphasize the importance of the research
Be concise (1-2 pages)
Effective Introduction Example:
"With the rapid growth of e-commerce, understanding customer behavior has become critical for marketers. This study aims to analyze how social media campaigns influence buying habits."
3. Aims of the Study
Your aims should be:
Specific and quantifiable
Aligned with your research hypotheses
Achievable within IGNOU's timeframe
Sample Objectives:
To analyze the correlation between social media usage and brand loyalty.
To compare the effectiveness of Instagram ads versus traditional advertising.
4. Research Questions
These direct your study and should be:
Directly related to your aims
Answerable within limitations
Focused (avoid broad questions)
Sample Questions:
How does digital advertising influence millennial purchasing habits?
What variables affect the success of celebrity endorsements?
5. Theoretical Framework
This section summarizes existing research on your topic and should:
Cover key theories related to your research
Identify limitations in current knowledge
Show how your study adds to the field
Include recent sources (last 5-10 years)
Writing Tip:
Organize your literature review thematically for clearer structure.
6. Methods
This important section describes how you will conduct your research:
6.1 Research Design
Mixed-method approach
Experimental research
6.2 Sources
Secondary data sources
Case studies
6.3 Sampling Technique
Number of respondents
Selection criteria (random, stratified, etc.)
6.4 Data Analysis
Statistical analysis methods
Tools used (SPSS, NVivo, Excel, etc.)
7. Expected Outcomes
This section explains the anticipated results of your research:
How will it impact society?
What findings will it provide?
How does it address gaps in existing research?
8. References
Your synopsis must include correctly formatted citations:
Follow IGNOU's preferred citation style (APA, MLA, Harvard, etc.)
Include at least 15-20 credible sources
Avoid Wikipedia sources
Sample Reference (APA Style):
Smith, J. (2020). Digital Marketing and Buying Habits. Journal of Business Studies, 15(2), 45-60.
9. Appendices (If Applicable)
Include supplementary materials such as:
Questionnaires
Consent forms
Charts not included in the main text
10. Submission Requirements
Ensure your synopsis meets IGNOU's formatting standards:
Font: Arial, size 12
Line spacing: 1.5 or double-spaced
Margins: 2.54 cm on all sides
Page limit: Typically 5-10 pages
File format: PDF as specified
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many students make these mistakes in their IGNOU synopsis:
Unclear research objectives
Poor literature review
Overambitious methodology
Improper citation style
Ignoring IGNOU's formatting guidelines
Conclusion
A well-structured IGNOU synopsis requires careful attention to all its key components. By following this framework, you can develop a compelling synopsis that exceeds IGNOU's standards and paves the way for successful research.
For additional guidance, always consult your supervisor before submission.