ESTABLISHING A GOOD TITLE

AND THE FIRST CHAPTER

for RESEARCH
Special Science High School Grade 10
Quarter 2 / Week 2

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 FOREWORD

Research IV for Grade 10 aims to enhance the research project

conducted in Grade 9. Competencies were designed to equip students with
enhanced knowledge of conducting experimental research. Research IV may
serve as an avenue for students to demonstrate higher level of competence
in research by enhancing their previous research project and conducting a
continuing research or a new research project.

To acquire mastery and competence in conducting sound researches,

establishing a stronger linkage, collaboration and maximizing the available
resources of research institutions and the community shall be practiced.
Likewise, constant coaching and consultation with experts will also be done for
robust and well-guided execution of the enhanced research project/plan.

This paper discusses the importance of good research and the common
causes of research bias. It also provides guidelines for evaluating research and
data quality and describes examples of bad research.

This learning kit is composed of three parts:

1. What Happened

This section provides activities that will prepare learners to the

discussion of the topic provided in this material.

2. What I Need To Know

This is the discussion section of the SLK. Exercises after the

discussion are also provided to further enrich student’s learning of the
topic.

3. What I Have Learned

This portion will gauge student’s learning and will determine how
much the learner has learned.

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COMPETENCIES:

• Utilizes the standards (criteria or checklist) in evaluating research paper

(peer/group/expert evaluation).

• Revises/ enhances the research project by incorporating the

suggestions given by the peer/group/experts.

OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson, you should be able to:

K: Identify the contents of the introduction of a research

paper.
S: Create a sample introduction using the research (SIP) done
in grade 9; and
A: Express appreciation on the effectiveness of a well-written
introduction by accomplishing the tasks and activities
provided.

Now, let’s begin this learning journey…

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What Happened
PRETEST:
Directions: The following words are parts of the first chapter of a research
paper. Unscramble the given letters to form the correct word asked
for in each item. Write the correct answer on your activity
notebook.

1. A G B O N U K C R D FO HTE YUSTD

2. I N I O T F E D I N OF REMST

3. D R I O I T U C N N T O

4. L O U T C P E N C A WFAMEROKR

5. E T S T A E N M T FO EHT BELPROM

6. S Y P O H E I S T H

7. O P C S E DNA TELDITAIONSM

8. C L E T O H R I E T A ROEFRAWMK

What I Need To Know

DISCUSSION:

Prior to discussing the parts of the first chapter of any research paper,
it is important that you know how to choose a good topic and, from there,
establish a working title to set a particular focus for your study. Just like any
other reading material, a good title helps readers establish clear
expectations of the material they are about read.

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title
contains the fewest possible words needed to adequately describe the
content and/or purpose of your research paper.

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Importance of Choosing a Good Title

The title is the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually
read first. It is, therefore, the most important element that defines the
research study. With this in mind, avoid the following when creating a title:

• If the title is too long, this usually indicates there are too many
unnecessary words. Avoid language, such as, “A Study to
Investigate the...,” or “An Examination of the ” These phrases are
obvious and generally unnecessary unless they cover the scope,
intent, or type of a study.
• On the other hand, a title which is too short often uses words which
are too broad and, thus, does not tell the reader what is being
studied. For example, a paper with the title, “African Politics” is so
non-specific the title could be the title of a book and so ambiguous
that it could refer to anything associated with politics in Africa. A
good title should provide information about the focus and/or
scope of your research study.
• In academic writing, catchy phrases or non-specific language may
be used, but only if it’s within the context of the study (e.g., “Fair
and Impartial Jury–Catch as Catch Can”). However, in most cases,
you should avoid including words or phrases that do not help the
reader understand the purpose of your paper.
• Academic writing is a serious and deliberate endeavor. Avoid
using humorous or clever journalistic styles of phrasing when
creating the title to your paper. Journalistic headlines often use
emotional adjectives (e.g., incredible, amazing, effortless) to
highlight a problem experienced by the reader or use “trigger
words” or interrogative words like how, what, when, or why to
persuade people to read the article or click on a link. These
approaches are viewed as counter-productive in academic
writing. A reader does not need clever or humorous titles to catch
their attention because the act of reading is assumed to be
deliberate based on a desire to learn and improve understanding
of the research problem. In addition, a humorous title can merely
detract from the seriousness and authority of your research.

Structure and Writing Style

The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable

research paper title:
1. The purpose of the research
2. The scope of the research

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 3. The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of
the research]
4. The methods used to study the problem

The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to

highlight the research problem under investigation.

Create a Working Title

Typically, the final title you submit to your professor is created after the
research is complete so that the title accurately captures what has been
done. The working title should be developed early in the research process
because it can help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way
the research problem does. Referring back to the working title can help you
reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if you find yourself
drifting off on a tangent while writing.

The Final Title

Effective titles in academic research papers have several

characteristics that reflect general principles.
• Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study;
• Rarely use abbreviations or acronyms unless they are commonly
known;
• Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader
interest;
• Use current terminology from the field of study;
• Identify key variables, both dependent and independent;
• Reveal how the paper will be organized;
• Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major
hypothesis;
• Is limited to 5 to 15 substantive words;
• Does not include redundant phrasing, such as, “A Study of,” “An
Analysis of” or similar constructions;
• Takes the form of a question or declarative statement;
• If you use a quote as part of the title, the source of the quote is
cited [usually using an asterisk and footnote];
• Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first words and last
words capitalized, including the first word of a subtitle. All nouns,
pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs that appear between
the first and last words of the title are also capitalized; and
• Rarely uses an exclamation mark at the end of the title.

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Sample Titles
• Learning Strategies and Learning Beliefs of Grade 10 Students of
Zamboanguita Science High School
• “Ang Babaeng Hampaslupa” Television Drama: Its Effects to the Attitude
of Young Viewers of Barangay Poblacion, Zamboanguita
• Self-Efficacy and Academic Performance: A Correlational Study of STEM
Students in Zamboanguita Science High School

Parts of Chapter I

➢ Introduction
➢ Background of the Study
➢ Statement of the Problem
➢ Theoretical Framework
➢ Conceptual Framework
➢ Assumptions and Hypothesis
➢ Scope and Delimitations of the Study
➢ Limitations of the Study
➢ Definition of Terms

Introduction
Discusses four (4) relevant ideas:
▪ TOPIC or subject matter: define and elaborate using methods of
paragraph development like classification and giving examples.
▪ IMPORTANCE of the topic: cite the role that the topic plays in your life
and the benefits you derive from it.
▪ REASONS for choosing the topic: emphasized what motivated you to
choose the topic.
▪ PURPOSE of the study: discusses the objective of the study.

Sample Introduction
In today’s modern age, work computer has become a way of life.
However, it is evident that a majority of the country’s institution still do not
adopt the high technology. Particularly in most medical clinic facilities, daily
clinic transactions are still done on paper. It is a known fact that modern
clinics are now operating at great pace of striving to serve as many patients
as possible with the best of their abilities. But as the years rolled by, the
number of patients has grown, and various medical cases arise. The manual
method of managing patient records, prescriptions, billing, and
appointment schedule is no longer practical.

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 In this study , the researchers hope to develop a web-based
application that will minimize all the paper works and manual records
keeping, therefore allowing doctors and staff ease in keeping track of
patients, reducing patients’ waiting time, and increasing the number of
patients served—a system that is fully automated, user friendly, time
effective, and efficient.

Background of the Study

▪ Consists of statements on what led the investigator to launch the study.
▪ May have been generated by some empirical observations, the need
to explore the problem and some other relevant conditions.
▪ Describe as clearly as possible the problem intended to be addressed
and refer to the relevant literature in the field.
▪ It is an overview of factors which have led to the problem, comprise the
problem and historical significance relative to the problem.

Sample Background of the Study

People usually have keys. These keys are used to open doors, cases,
and different locks. However, when not used, these keys rust. It turns dark
and may continue to turn black. So, some just result in throwing away these
keys and buying or duplicating new ones because they find scrubbing each
rusted key a time-consuming and tiresome work.
Rusting, by the way, is a result of a chemical reaction between iron
and oxygen-containing substances in the air. Rust ranges in color, from a
reddish-brown to an absolute black, depending on how long it has been
allowed to develop.
Since this rust reaction converts chrome-iron into chrome-iron oxide,
the researchers thought that to turn back the chrome-iron oxide into
chrome-iron alone, they just need to do the reverse of the chemical
reaction by using electrochemistry.
Maybe a lot are not familiar with electrochemistry but the connection
between chemistry and electricity is a very old one, dating back to
Alessandro Volta’s discovery in 1973 (Lower, 2). Meanwhile, the use of
electricity as a means of bringing about chemical change continued to
play a vital role in the development of chemistry according to Stephen K.
Lower of Simon Franser University (3).

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 These are the reasons why the researchers are interested in using the
principles of electrochemistry in restoring chrome-nickel from chrome-nickel
oxides. Even though there are key polisher designed to remove rust, this
study was conducted in order to provide people with the alternative way
and let them save money. This study also determined the effectiveness of
the use of salt and battery in the removal of tarnish to bring back the original
shine of the key.

Statement of the Problem

▪ There should be a general statement of the whole problem followed by
the specific questions or sub-problems into which the general problem is
broken up.

Sample Statement of the Problem

The study aspired primarily in finding a way on how to restore the shine in
people’s rusted nickel-chrome keys or any nickel-chrome item. It also focuses on
the application of electrochemistry with the use of battery that served as rust
remover. In order to address the general problem, the researchers came by the
following specific questions:
1.) How effective is the salt solution with the help of the battery in
cleaning rusted keys?
2.) How did the overall creation work?

Theoretical Framework
▪ This is the foundation of the research study. These are highly related
theories and principles that were established and proven by authorities.
▪ Refers to the set of interrelated construct, definitions, and prepositions
that presents a systematic view of phenomena.
▪ An organized body that explains what has been done and what has
been said on the topic or problem being investigated.

What must be obtained from a theory?

▪ The name/s of author/s of the theory must be taken including the place
and the time/year when he or she postulated such a principle or
generalization.
▪ The part or parts of the theory that are relevant to your study
▪ Synthesis by relating to your findings.

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Sample Theoretical Framework

Conceptual Framework
▪ A tentative explanation or theoretical explanation of the phenomenon
or problem and serves as the basis for the formulation research
hypotheses.
▪ Consists of the investigator’s own position on a problem after his
exposure to various theories that have bearing on the problem.
▪ The conceptual framework becomes the central theme, the focus, the
main thrust of the study. It serves as a guide in conducting investigation.
▪ Paradigm. A paradigm is a diagrammatic representation of a
conceptual framework. It depicts in a more vivid way what the
conceptual framework wants to convey.

Sample Conceptual Framework

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Assumptions and Hypothesis
Hypothesis is a tentative answer to a research question. If it can be
derived from the observation before the research is conducted, this is called
inductive hypothesis. If it is derived from the theory, it is called deductive
hypothesis.
▪ Historical and descriptive investigations do not need explicit hypotheses
and assumptions. Only experimental studies need expressly written
assumptions and hypotheses.
▪ Assumptions are a belief that forms one of the bases for the research.
This belief is not to be tested or supported with empirical data. Very
often, belief is not stated in a research proposal.
▪ Research hypothesis is usually developed from experience, literature or
theory, or combination of these. This is the expected relationship
between variables.
▪ Null hypothesis is the one that states NO relationship between variables.
The function is to let the research test the hypothesis statistically.

Sample Hypotheses
Hypothesis 1:
The salt solution with the help of the battery won’t be able to remove rust
from the keys.
Hypothesis 2:
The set-up with the longer time being submerged in the solution is not
effective compared to the set-up with the shorter time submerged in the
solution.

Scope and Delimitations

The scope and delimitations should include the following:
▪ A brief statement of the general purpose of the study.
▪ The subject matter and topics studied and discussed.
▪ The locale of the study, where the data were gathered or the entity to
which the data belong.
▪ The population or universe from which the respondents were selected.
This must be large enough to generalize significant findings.
▪ The period of the study. This is the time, either months or years, during
which the data were gathered.

Limitations of the Study

▪ Include the weaknesses of the study beyond the control of the
researchers.
▪ The weaknesses spring out of the inaccuracies of the perceptions of the
respondents.

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 Variable is the operationalized way in which the attribute is represented
for further data processing. Values of each variable statistically “vary” (or are
distributed) across the variable’s domain. Basically, a variable is any factor that
can be controlled, changed, or measured in an experiment.

Types of Variables
▪ The independent variable is the one condition that you change in an
experiment.
▪ The dependent variable is the variable that you measure or observe. It is
the factor that is dependent on the state of the independent variable.
▪ A controlled variable or constant variable is a variable that does not
change during an experiment.
▪ Extraneous variables are “extra” variables that may influence the
outcome of an experiment but aren’t taken into account during
measurement.

Sample Scope and Delimitations

This study focused mainly on restoring the shine on items especially

those made of chromium and iron through the use of batteries and salt
solution to know the effectiveness of the method. This study made use of
experimental design. This study limits only on keys that are made of
chromium and iron. Purely salt solutions with varying amount of time are
used to test the effectiveness of the method discovered.
In this study, some variables are remained constant. Solution of salt is
used as a constant to test different amounts of times. It also made use of a
salt solution wherein pieces of copper wire and the rusted keys were
submerged. This solution is believed to take part in the removal of rust.
Above it all, the entire experiment is an application of the principles
of electrochemistry.

Significance of the Study

▪ The rationale, timeliness, and/or relevance of the study to existing
conditions must be explained or discussed.
▪ Possible solutions to existing problems or improvement to unsatisfactory
conditions must be mentioned. Who are to be benefited and how they
are going to be benefited?
▪ It must be shown who are the individuals, groups, or communities who
may be placed in a more advantageous position on account of the
study.
▪ Possible implications that include the possible causes of the problems
discovered, the possible effects of the problems, and the remedial
measures to solve the problems must be discussed here.

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Sample Significance of the Study

There are some things that people thought were already useless but
can still come in handy. Rusted keys, especially those made of chromium
and iron that people tend to throw away because cleaning them is quite
difficult and time-consuming, can be cleaned without scrubbing and just
using batteries and salt solution. This research is beneficial to:

Families. With the aid of this research, families who don’t know what to do
with their rusted keys will now have an answer. They will be able to clean
their rusted keys in an easy, less hassle, and quick manner. Thus, mothers or
wives will still have some time to do other household chores after solving
their problems regarding rust.

Households. Through this research, they can now reuse their rusted keys.
Instead of throwing these things or buying another set which may add to
the family’s expenses, they can now adapt or apply this method in order to
save their keys and also their money in an alternative way.

The future researchers. The researchers believe that this study will
encourage future researchers to discover and create new methods in
“recycling” things that those people think have no more use. This will also
pave the way towards significant breakthroughs and encourage research
and development activities for new inventions. Furthermore, this can serve
as their basis for seeking for better way to restore keys from rusted ones.

Definition of Terms
Only terms, words, or phrases which have special or unique meanings in
the study are defined. Terms should be defined operationally, that is, how they
are used in the study. The researcher may develop his own definition from the
characteristics of the term defined. Definitions may be taken from
encyclopedias, books, magazines and newspaper articles, dictionaries, and
other publications but the researcher must acknowledge his sources.
Definitions should be brief, clear, and definite as possible. Acronyms should
always be spelled out fully.

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Sample Definition of Terms

For easy, quick, and full understanding of the readers, the researcher
designed to give the meaning of the following terminologies which can be
seen in the paper.

Battery – a device used to force out electrons from the copper.

Chrome – metal that keys are usually made of.
Copper – the reddish-brown metal coating which served as the positive
terminal in order for electricity to flow.
Commercial rust remover – products sold in the market that are used to
remove rust and are quite expensive.
Electricity – the presence and flow of electrons used in combination with
a chemical reaction in order to remove rust from the keys.
Electrochemistry – the combination of electricity and chemistry which is
the main principle used as an alternative way to remove rust in place of
the commercial rust remover.
Salt Solution – the solution used that served as an electrolyte or liquid that
contains ions, which in return made the reaction faster and remained
constant.
Scrubbing – the act of rubbing rusted keys in order to restore its shine,
which turned out to be the problem faced by most people regarding
their tarnished keys items.
Nickel – the metal that is usually used in creating keys and the like which
usually get tarnished and needs to be cleaned.
Voltage – determines the strength of the battery.

Keep in Mind

Before the year ends, you need to come up with a research paper in
order to pass the subject. Please start constructing it as early as today.

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Task 1.
Directions: Testing your learning from the discussion above, identify what is
being described in the statements below. Write the correct answer on your
activity notebook.

1. This section discusses the topic, importance, reasons, and purpose for
the study.

2. This is the foundation of the research study that refers to the set of
interrelated construct, definitions, and prepositions that presents a
systematic view of phenomena. These are highly related theories and
principles that were established and proven by authorities.

3. This section includes the weaknesses of the study that usually spring out
of the inaccuracies of the perceptions of the respondents.

4. This is the part of a paper that is read the most and is usually read first
and summarizes the main idea(s) of the research paper.

5. This is a short, clear explanation of the issue to be researched. It sets up

the context, relevance, and aims of the research project.

6. This part contains operationally defined terms found in the research

paper. This section will give readers easier understanding of the
terminologies used.

7. This is the operationalized way in which the attribute is represented for

further data processing. It is any factor that can be controlled, changed,
or measured in an experiment.

8. This section shows the individuals, groups, or communities who may be

placed in a more advantageous position on account of the study.

9. This refers to the tentative answer to the research questions.

10. This is a diagrammatic representation of a conceptual framework. It

depicts in a more vivid way what the conceptual framework wants to
convey.

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 What I Have Learned
POST-TEST:
Directions: As mentioned above, you are to start making Chapter I of your
research paper. Below is the criteria in making the the first chapter
of your paper. You are given exactly one (1) week to finish it and
may pass during the distribution of modules.

Criteria 5 Excellent 4 Good 3 Fair 2 Poor

Fairly well
formulated Introduction is
Well formulated Lacks a proper
introduction not well
introduction based introduction.
that has some constructed
on facts that are There is no
evidence to and provides a
supported with 5 or substantive
Introduction support the few (less than
more strong evidence to
topic, but the 5) sources of
sources of support the topic.
evidence is a weak evidence
evidence specific
mixture of to support the
to the topic.
strong and topic.
weak sources.
Fairly well
Statement of Lacks a proper
posed
Very clearly posed the problem is statement of the
statement of
statement of the not clearly problem.
the problem
problem and stated and/or Evidence
Problem Statement that provides
supported with lacks quality presented does
evidence, but
high quality evidence to not support the
the evidence is
(strong) evidence. support the thesis or problem
not as strong as
problem statement.
it could be.
Purpose of the
Fairly well
study is not Lacks a purpose
Very clearly stated stated purpose
clearly stated of the study
purpose of the of the study
and/or does statement or does
study that that connects
not connect not pertain to the
Purpose of Study connects very well well to the
well with the introduction
to the introduction introduction
introduction and/or the
and the statement and the
and the statement of the
of the problem. statement of
statement of problem.
the problem.
the problem.
3 comprehensive Stated 3 Stated less than 3
Stated less
objectives stated objective but objectives with no
than 3
with considering limited evidence of
Objectives/mission objective & not
the achievable & evidence of measurable &
clearly
measurable achievable & achievable
objective
objective measurable objective
Adhere with ALL Meet the Not met the
Lack format
Format format format format
requirement. requirement. requirement. requirement.

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Refer to the format below for a uniform output. Your output must be encoded
in a short sized bondpaper with Century Gothic as your default font.

[Working Title] – font size 14, centered, bold

Chapter 1 – 12, centered, bold

I. Introduction – 12, bold

II. Background of the Study

III. Statement of the Problem

IV. Theoretical Framework

[insert diagram here]

V. Conceptual Framework

[insert paradigm here]

VI. Scope and Delimitations

VII. Significance of the Study

VIII. Definition of Terms

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