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RESEARCH II

Quarter 2 – Module 1 (Weeks 3 and 4) : Review of Related Literature and Studies, Conceptual Framework
and Definition of Terms
OBJECTIVES: As you go through this module, you should be able to:
1.Apply the guidelines in writing the review of related literature and studies
2.Apply the guidelines in writing the conceptual framework
3. Apply the guidelines in writing the definition of Terms

LESSON 1: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Survey of Literature and Related Studies
One of the most important components of a good investigatory paper is a properly planned, adeptly
conceptualized, and well-written Review of Related Literature. Reviewing and organizing related studies is basic to all
research. This will provide you with additional knowledge and insights into the topic. It will also help you organize the
concepts and principles fundamental to your research.
Why a Review of Related Literature?
The review of related literature briefly summarizes studies directly related to your research.
Usually it includes the purpose, procedures, major findings and recommendations for further study of various researches
conducted in the past.
It discusses relevant information, reviews most recent findings, and identifies gaps in existing knowledge about
the problem or area being studied.
Through an extensive review of research, you can learn which procedures and techniques have proved useful and those
that seem less promising.
A thorough search of related studies also avoids unintentional replication of studies that have been concluded
in the past.
Some helpful tips in writing the review of related literature:
1.It must document accepted facts, concepts and processes upon which the research is based.
2.Reference information should be correctly recorded so that proper documentation of sources can be made and
appropriate credit be given the author.
3.Describe similarities and differences among research studies as background information for your current study.
Include the following as a general background information of your paper.

Living Things/Organisms (Microorganisms, Plants, Animals)

1.Give the common name, scientific name and classification of the organism.
2.Briefly describe the organism’s Habitat; Anatomy; Physiology (how it obtain needed materials, moves, eliminates
wastes, responds to stimuli, etc.)Life cycle; and, Behaviors or responses to the environment.
3. Provide detailed information in areas that are directly applicable to the study.
4. If you are using more than one organism, provide information on each, but describe similarities and differences.
Based on the given information, predict how you think the organism/animal will act in your experiment.

Behavior
1.Briefly describe the: a. type of behavior; b. primary factors influencing the behavior; c.value of the behavior; and,
d. methods for describing the behavior.
2.Identify critical factors to consider in selecting the sample for the study and for designing the procedure.
3. If you have more than one type of behavior, describe similarities and differences.
Based on the given information, predict how you think the organism /animal will act in your experiment.

c. Process/Procedure
1. Describe the purpose of the process, the major steps, how it occurs and how it relates to the experiment.
2. If more than one process is involved, provide information on each process. Then, describe the similarities and
differences, or advantages and disadvantages between these processes.
d. Matter
1.Briefly describe the substance’s chemical composition and/or common name, formula, physical properties, method of
production and uses.
2.Provide detailed information on characteristics that are directly applicable to the study.

FORMAT OR STYLE OF CITING RELATED STUDIES

Single Author

The pyrolysis apparatus or pyrolyzer should be designed to maintain an oxygen-deficient atmosphere and that material
of construction should be corrosion-resistant (Deneau, 2015).
Or
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Deneau (2015) recommends that the pyrolysis apparatus or pyrolyzer should be so designed as to maintain an oxygen-
deficient atmosphere and those materials of construction should be corrosion-resistant.

Two Authors
Asphalt or bituminous concrete has the important advantage that traffic may use it immediately after construction
(Oglesby and Gayhicks,2012)
Or
Oglesby and Gayhicks (2017) note that asphalt or bituminous concrete has the important advantage that traffic may use
it immediately after construction.
Multiple authors

The most biologically effective alternatives to chemicals for weed control in cultivated crops that have been extensively
evaluated are plant pathogens, more specifically, plant-pathogenic fungi (Boyette, et.al. 2019).
Or
Boyette, et.al. (2019) report that the most biologically effective alternatives to chemicals for weed control in cultivated
crops that have been extensively evaluated are plant pathogens, more specifically, plant-pathogenic fungi.

HOW TO ORGANIZE THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

An organized or systematic presentation of the literature is crucial in any research. The researcher who fails to
assemble related literature in a systematic manner from the beginning may not stay focused on his chosen topic.

Suggestions for organizing your review of related literature:

Create categories for your literature review, grouping together similar studies or those that tackle similar aspects of your
research.
Begin with the most recent studies and then work backward.
Whenever possible, include an extensive review of relevant local research so that you will avoid unintentional
duplication of already conducted studies.

LESSON 2: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

A science investigatory project would not be complete without a conceptual framework. Before one can begin
the project, a clear conceptual framework must first be made. A conceptual framework is a general statement which
forms the frame of reference for your inquiry or investigation. Usually written in the form of a diagram, the conceptual
framework provides the basis for conducting your research. Simply stated, Conceptual framework sets out the rationale
which underlies:
Why you do what you do and How you do your research
The conceptual framework is a tentative scheme for the research project based on the review of related
literature. Thus it immediately follows the section on Review of Literature.

There are two types of diagrams representing conceptual framework:

1. diagram showing the relationship of the key concepts
2. diagram showing the relationship of the key variables

In the diagram, lines are used to show the relationships between or among the variables. Arrows are used to
show the effect of the independent variable(s) on the dependent variable(s). Each of these lines arrows represents a
hypothesis.

However, a conceptual framework is not needed in qualitative research. This kind of research usually seeks the
relationship of those concepts/variables. Hence, the conceptual framework becomes the conclusion. However, a flow
chart of the processes involved in the study may be included in a qualitative research instead of a conceptual
framework.

Uses of the conceptual framework:

1.It helps you focus your research. As the frame of reference of your research, a conceptual framework would always
come in handy to help you focus on the purpose of your research.
2.It gives you the proper perspective on the problem you are investigating and helps you pose your research questions.
3.It provides you with a solid anchor to guide you in making your hypotheses and, after experimenting, in explaining
your findings. You can describe perspectives that have been used that do not seem to get at the problem, explain why
they do not, and show how what you propose will be more appropriate. It also helps you focus on the
theories/concepts/perspectives that are most applicable to your problem or question
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Example : Effect of Aloe vera extract on Growth and Regeneration of Planaria

Problem: What is the effect of Aloe vera extract on the rate of growth and regeneration of Planaria?

Conceptual Framework:

Regeneration of

Aloe vera extract Planaria

Growth of Planaria

Lesson 3: Definition of Terms

3.1 This section includes terms which should be interpreted in a manner unique to your research, i.e. , different from
how they are defined in the dictionary.
3.2 It includes all the important variables in the study, especially those measured by means of specific instruments or
procedures.
3.3 The definitions may be theoretical or operational.
1.Theoretical Definitions. Theoretical definitions are basic dictionary definitions. They are frequently
called constitutive or conceptual definitions. A theoretical definition gives meaning to the concept or construct under
investigation. It should distinguish it from all other concepts or constructs.
2. Operational Definitions: An operational definition is one which indicates how the particular term/variable is
measured.
Operational definitions define an object, event, variable, concept, or construct in terms of the specific processes, tests,
and measurements used to determine its presence or quantity.
Operational definitions transform theoretical definitions into observable events. This is because an operational
definition states which characteristics will be measured in the assignment of a value to the concept or construct under
study. Operational definitions form the basis for the research questions, hypotheses, and the theories associated with
the research.
Operational definition of terms refers to a detailed explanation of the technical terms and measurements used during
data collection. This is done to standardize the data. Whenever data is being collected, it is necessary to clearly define
how to collect the data. Data that is not defined runs the risk of being inconsistent and might not give the same results
when the study is replicated. Oftentimes we assume that those collecting the data understand what to do and how to
complete the task. However, people may have differing views and interpretations of the same thing, and this will affect
the data collection. The only way to ensure that the data is consistent is by means of a detailed operational definition of
terms. 
Activity I. Comprehension: TRUE OR FALSE
1.Conceptual framework answers the question why you do what you do and how you do your research.
2.Related literature and related studies are just the same.
3. In writing the review of related studies, a researcher must start from the oldest.
4.Grouping similar studies is one way of organizing your review of related studies.
5. If there are more than two authors, the researcher cites the family name of the 1 st two authors.
6. Extensive review of local research will enable a researcher to duplicate a conducted study.
7. There are two types of diagrams for conceptual framework.
8.The conceptual framework is based on the review of related literature.
9.In the diagram, lines are used to show the relationships between or among the variables.
10 For multiple authors, write only one author with et.al.
Activity II. Writing
Directions: 1. Write Chapter 2 of your Investigatory Project entitled Review of Related Literature and Studies
2.Assign part/s to each member.
Member 1 - Review of Related Literature
Member 2 – Review of Related Studies
Member 3 – Conceptual Framework and Definition of Terms
3.Be sure to pass a soft copy of the whole chapter through the Group IP GC
4.Be sure to pass a hard copy of the part that is assigned to you.
5. Do not forget to write the title of your IP and the names of your co-members.
6.You may download the sample copy of chapter 2 from our GC.
7. Do not forget to include your sources/references to avoid plagiarism.