Prepared by: MARIA CHING A.

SAYANG, MBA- Assistant Professor 1

Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP)
Palawan State University

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Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION OF RESEARCH

Learning Objectives

At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

a) Define the meaning of research;
b) Enumerate the values of research to a man;
c) Identify the qualities of a good researcher; and
d) Distinguish the different characteristics of a research

How will you define research? Do you know the value of research to us? Do
a researcher have the qualities and characteristics to become a good researcher
that enable to succeed in his field of interest? In this module you can find out
the characteristics of research.
Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena, which
includes the collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation of data or
facts that link man‘s speculation of reality.
In our daily life, research is there, we do different daily activities to
examine everything just to get what we need and what we want in our life. If
you really want to know, discover and solve something, you need to elevate
your higher order thinking skills strategies by formulating questions to conduct
investigation and collect data just to get the correct answers and information.
So, it‘s actually true that research has a great value to man. Through research,
the quality of man‘s life has improved from conventional to modern. It has
made our life comfortable and more meaningful. Through research, people have
found ways to come increase their income and lessen poverty.
If the researcher wants to conduct a research, it‘s necessary that his field
of specialization must be aligned to the objectives of his research. See to it that
his research has a significant value that can also give a convenient life to
anyone. The following are some of the values of research to man:
1. Research improves quality of life
2. Research improves instruction and student‘s achievements
3. Research reduces the burden of work.
4. Research satisfies man‘s needs
5. Research improves the exportation of food products.
6. Research improves teacher‘s competence
7. Research responds to the country‘s effort as economic recovery
8. Research trains graduates to respond to the socioeconomic development
of the society and to compete globally.
9. Research makes the country great again

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Qualities of a Good Researcher
There are innate qualities that a researcher must possess to succeed in
challenging task that requires much imagination and perseverance.
However, even if the researcher does feel and believe that he lacks some of
those qualities mentioned here, it is still possible to train and build himself
up on those qualities that he finds himself wanting. Thus, here are seven
(7) notable attributes of people that will serve as a guide towards research
discovery.
1. Intellectual Curiosity
 The researcher is inquisitive. He engages in reflective thinking
and investigates things, situations, and problems around him.
He is interested in acquiring knowledge about them especially
the new and uncommon.
2. Prudence
 It is said that intellectual curiosity ends when prudence and
carefulness begin. Once the researcher has chosen his research
problem wisely, his intellectual curiosity ends prudence begins.
The researcher is prudent if he conducts his research project
carefully, wisely and practically at the right time and the right
place, effectively, efficiently, and economically.
3. Healthy Criticism
 The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the
results of his study. Normally, the researcher always doubts the
corrections of his findings even if the data are gathered and
computed honestly.
4. Honesty
 An intelligent researcher is honest in gathering data or facts in
order to arrive at honest and valid results because success or
failure of the research study lies in his hand. He must be
honest in gathering his data and declare the honest results of
his study.
5. Creativity
 An intelligent researcher is creative when he conducts research
which is new, unique, and original.
6. Inventiveness
 An intelligent investigator must be inventive and innovative in
his research. Not only should his research be the first of its
kind, but the result should also be patentable.
7. Productivity

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  An intelligent researcher must be productive and resourceful in
conducting research that has return of investment, by applying
the invest-harvest principle.
Characteristics of Research
There are seven (7) characteristics of research. These characteristics of
research serves as a guiding tool of the researcher to do a research.
1. Empirical is based on direct observation or experience of the
researcher. The collection of data is based on practical experience
without assistance of scientific knowledge or theory.
2. Logical is based on legal principles and procedures in gathering
of data.
3. Cyclical is a cyclical process that starts with a problem and ends
with a problem
4. Analytical is research utilizes proven analytical procedures in
collecting data, whether historical, descriptive, experimental, or
case study.
 Historical research – the data gathered focus on the past.
 Descriptive research – focuses on the present situation
 Experimental research – focuses on the future
 Case study- focuses on the past, present, and the future.

5. Methodical is research conducted in orderly manner without

bias, using systematic procedure and techniques, an appropriate
research design, and statistical tool to arrive at scientific
interpretation.

Kinds of Research
There are three kinds of research, namely:
1. Basic Research – is also call fundamental research or pure research. It
aims to discover basic truths or principles.
2. Applied Research – is seeking new application of scientific knowledge of
developing a new system or procedure, a new device, and a new method
in order to solve a problem.
3. Development Research – is decision-oriented research involving the
application of scientific methods in response to an immediate need to
improve existing practices.

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Purposes of Research to the neophyte’s researcher
1. To learn how to work independently.
2. To learn how to work scientifically or systematically.
3. To have an in-depth knowledge of something.
4. To elevate your mental abilities by letting you think in higher-order thinking
strategies (HOTS) of inferring, evaluating, synthesizing, appreciating,
applying and creating.
a. Inferring - deduce or conclude an object from evidence and reasoning
rather than from explicit statements.
b. Evaluating - to give judge and determine the significance, worth, or
quality of an object based on performance.
c. Synthesizing- to collect, create and produce new ideas.
d. Appreciating – to admire the value something based on quality and
performance.
e. Applying – bring or put into operation for practical use.
f. Creating – to produce tangible product for use.
5. To improve your reading and writing skills.
6. To be familiar with the basic tools of research and the various techniques of
gathering data and of presenting research findings.
7. To free yourself, to a certain extent, from the domination or strong influence
of a single textbook or of the professor‘s lone viewpoint or spoon feeding.
Types of Research
1) Based on Application of Research – Is the research applied to theoretical
issues? If it deals with concepts, principles, or abstract things, it is pure
research. This type of research aims to increase your knowledge about
something. However, if your intention is to apply your chosen research to
societal problems and issues, finding ways to make positive changes in
society, you call your research applied research.
2) Based on Purpose of the Research- Depending on your objective or goal in
conducting research, you do any of these types of research: descriptive,
correlational, explanatory, exploratory, or action.
a. Descriptive Research – this type of research aims at defining or
giving a verbal portrayal or picture of a person, thing, event, group,
situation, etc. This is liable to repeated research because its topic
related itself only to a certain period or a limited number of years.
Based on the results of your descriptive studies about a subject,
you develop the inclination of conducting further studies on such
topic.
b. Correlational Research- a correlational research shows
relationships or connectedness of two factors, circumstances, or
agents called variables that affect the research. It is only concerned

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 in indicating the existence of a relationship, not the causes and
ways of the development of such relationship.
c. Explanatory Research – this type of research elaborates or
explain not just the reason behind the relationship of two factors,
but also the ways by which such relationship exists.
d. Exploratory Research – an exploratory research‘s purposes is to
find out how reasonable or possible it is to conduct a research
study on a certain topic. Here, you will discover ideas on topics
that could trigger your interest in conducting research studies.
e. Action Research – this type of research studies an ongoing
practice of a school, organization, community, or institution for the
purpose of obtaining results that will bring improvement in the
system.
3. Based on Types of Data Needed
The kind of data you want to work on reflects whatever you wish to do a
quantitative or a qualitative research.
What is the difference between Qualitative and Quantitative research?
Qualitative research requires non-numerical data, which means that the
research uses words rather than numbers to express the results, the inquiry or
investigation about people‘s thoughts, beliefs, feelings, views, and lifestyle
regarding the body of the study. These opinionated answers from people are
not measurable; so verbal language is the right way to express your findings in
qualitative research.
In qualitative research, there are five major types of qualitative research:
1) Phenomenology – a form of qualitative research in which the researcher
attempts to understand how one or more individuals experience a
phenomenon.
2) Ethnography - is the form of qualitative research that focuses on describing
the culture of a group people.
3) Case study research – is a form of qualitative research that is focused on
providing a detailed account of one or more cases.
4) Grounded theory – is a qualitative approach to generating and developing a
theory from data that the researcher collects.
5) Historical research – research about events that occurred in the past.

Quantitative research involves measurement of data. Thus, it presents

research findings referring to the number of frequencies of something in
numerical forms (i.e., using percentages, fractions, numbers)

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 The data you deal with in research are either primary or secondary data.
Primary data are obtained through direct observation or contact with people,
objects, artifacts, paintings, etc. Primary data are new and original information
resulting from your sensory experience. However, if such data have already
been written about or reported o and are available for reading purposes, they
exist as secondary data.
In quantitative research, the necessary item is the variable, set of related
attributes. It is often the purpose of the study to determine if and/or how one
or more variable/s affect another. This is a basic paradigm in quantitative
research. These variables are called independent and dependent. The
dependent variable is the outcome of the study, the one affected and
influenced, and being observed. Often called, a responsive variable or
predictable variable. While the independent variable refers to the variable that
explains the response variable. Often called an explanatory variable or
predicator variable based on its attributes.
Example:
Variable Attributes
Age Young, middle, aged, old, senior
citizen
Gender Male, female, gay, lesbian, bisexual,
transsexual
Civil Status Single, married, legally separated,
annulled, divorced
Occupation Lawyer, medical doctor, teacher,
bank teller, data encoder, taxi driver

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Chapter 2: IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
Learning Objectives
At the end of this module 2, the students shall be able to:
 Explain their understanding of term ―inquiry;
 Enumerate the benefits of inquiry-based learning
 Design a research that is appropriate to field of specialization
 Write a research title
 Describe the justification and reasons for conducting the research
 Presents written statement of the problem
 State research questions
 Indicate scope and delimitation of research
 Cite benefits and beneficiaries of research

Inquiry and Research are two terms that are almost the same in meaning.
Both are involved investigative work in which seeking information about
something by searching and examining the object. Inquiry is to look
information by asking various questions about the thing are interested to the
researcher, while research is to discover truths by investigating on chosen
topic scientifically; meaning, by going through scientific way of doing things
wherein the researcher is start from the simplest to the most complex modes or
patterns of thinking. It requires a person to collect data, meaning, facts, and
information about the object of your inquiry, and examine such data carefully.
In analyzing the data collected, thinking strategies that range from lower-order
to higher-order thinking skills such as inferential, critical, integrative, and
creative thinking. These are the top-level thinking strategies that need to
perform in discovering and understanding the object of inquiry. As a future
researcher, engaging yourself in many ways of thinking, you come to conclude
that inquiry is an active learning process.
What are the Benefits of Inquiry-Based Learning (IBL)?
Educators, businessmen and other professionals consider all of the cited
below benefits of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in various fields of knowledge to
be crucial to the success of anyone in the 21st Century. Hence, knowing the ins
and outs of IBL will greatly guide you in deciding which learning method will
guarantee successful learning in the present world.
1. Elevates interpretative thinking through graphic skills
2. Improves student learning abilities
3. Widens learners‘ vocabulary
4. Facilities problem-solving acts
5. Increases social awareness and cultural knowledge

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 6. Encourages cooperative learning
7. Provides mastery of procedural knowledge
8. Encourages higher-order thinking strategies
9. Hastens conceptual understanding
Qualitative and Quantitative Research Problem and Title

Qualitative research studies can provide you with details about human
behavior, emotion, and personality characteristics that quantitative studies
cannot match. In every research, stating a research topic or problem is the very
basic and the very first step in making a research. This is the very crucial part
and somehow the hardest part in research. “How to start”. It is always based
on the researcher‘s knowledge, experiences, skills, interests, and expertise
in selecting a good research topic problem.

Also, a quantitative research is a more logical and data-led approach

which provides a measure of what people think a statistical and numerical
point of view. Researches that are qualitative usually observe the behaviors and
attitudes of the object of study directly while researchers in quantitative
research uses various instruments such as surveys in order to gather data and
perform statistical and mathematical analysis.

Quantitative research is generally used for collecting and analysis of

empirical data, generation of models, theories and hypotheses, development of
instruments and methods for measurement, experimental control and
manipulation of variable, and for modeling and analysis of data.

A research problem may come from:

1. Social issues – topics can be from the social and political arena.
2. Existing theories – research aims to develop and test theories.
3. Folklores – beliefs can be right or wrong.
4. Brainstorming – it is a key in finding new techniques and new questions
that the researchers are very curious of.
5. Consultation with experts – experts can help give more knowledge on
what they have experienced in the past.
6. Exposure to field situations – these can help the researchers get a variety
of experiences in the field.
7. Personal and practical experiences – day to day experiences can be a
good source of creating a research problem.
8. Critical appraisal of literature – these may come from books and articles
which may trigger the researcher‘s curiosity
9. Questions seeking answers – these may refer to area of concern to
improve and or eliminate difficulties.
The following are some points in selecting a good research problem:

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 1. Significant – it should add more on the body of knowledge in a specific
area. It should serve a purpose on the area of knowledge.
2. Original – every research has to be unique and the problem should be
new. The researcher must possess an innovative knowledge on a topic.
3. Feasible – it could help if the research is appropriate or not. It would help
if the study could be carried out.
4. Researchable – there are some problems that are very ambiguous and
somehow unsolvable for example the existence of God.
5. Current – more researchers would be interested in the study if it is based
on current with full enthusiasm.
6. Ethical – the research question is anchored on a morally good
perspective.

Writing the Statement of the Problem

https://www.editage.com/insights/the-basics-of-writing-a-statement-of-the-
problem-for-your-research-proposal

Research is a systematic investigative process employed to increase or

revise current knowledge by discovering new facts. It can be divided into two
general categories: (1) Basic research, which is inquiry aimed at increasing
scientific knowledge, and (2) Applied research, which is effort aimed at using
basic research for solving problems or developing new processes, products, or
techniques.

The first and most important step in any research is to identify and
delineate the research problem: that is, what the researcher wants to solve and
what questions he/she wishes to answer. A research problem may be defined
as an area of concern, a gap in the existing knowledge, or a deviation in the
norm or standard that points to the need for further understanding and
investigation. Although many problems turn out to have several solutions (the
means to close the gap or correct the deviation), difficulties arise where such
means are either not obvious or are not immediately available. This then
necessitates some research to reach a viable solution.

A statement of the problem is used in research work as a claim that

outlines the problem addressed by a study. The statement of the problem
briefly addresses the question: What is the problem that the research will
address?

What are the goals of a statement of the problem?

The ultimate goal of a statement of the problem is to transform a

generalized problem (something that bothers you; a perceived lack) into a

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targeted, well-defined problem; one that can be resolved through focused
research and careful decision-making.

Writing a statement of the problem should help you clearly identify the
purpose of the research project you will propose. Often, the statement of the
problem will also serve as the basis for the introductory section of your final
proposal, directing your reader‘s attention quickly to the issues that your
proposed project will address and providing the reader with a concise
statement of the proposed project itself.

A statement of problem need not be long and elaborate: one page is more
than enough for a good statement of problem.

What are the key characteristics of a statement of the problem?

A good research problem should have the following characteristics:

1. It should address a gap in knowledge.

2. It should be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of

research

3. It should lead to further research

4. The problem should render itself to investigation through collection of

data

5. It should be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time,

and resources

6. The approach towards solving the problem should be ethical

What is the format for writing a statement of the problem?

A persuasive statement of problem is usually written in three parts:

Part A (The ideal): Describes a desired goal or ideal situation; explains how
things should be.

Part B (The reality): Describes a condition that prevents the goal, state, or
value in Part A from being achieved or realized at this time; explains how the
current situation falls short of the goal or ideal.

Part C (The consequences): Identifies the way you propose to improve the
current situation and move it closer to the goal or ideal.

Research Title
A research title should be short, sharp and describes what your research
is about. (Arcinas 2016), mentioned five characteristics of a good research title:

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  Informative. Identify one or two main points in the research to
communicate to the audience; a good title is capable of conveying those
points. Be as specific as possible without adding unnecessary details.
Title that are too vague or too general do not help the reader distinguish
your work from others. Choose words carefully, cognizant that
prospective readers will often find your article through electronic
searches.
 Accurate. The title should be truthful about the contents of the paper. Do
not overpromise the results of the paper in the title.
 Clear. The audience should not have to think about what the title
means. Different people may interpret the title differently, so ask a
number of people to critique your title and tell you what they think the
paper is about before they even read it.
 Concise. Short titles are instantly recognizable and jump off the page.
Every word should have a reason for being present, and each word
should contribute to the message of the title.
 Attention commanding. Think of a title that can catch the eye and the
interest of the reader. Not all research projects can produce an attention-
commanding title, but attempt to think of one that is a bit provocative.

Scope and Delimitations of the Research

https://thesisnotes.com/thesis-writing/sample-scope-and-delimitation/

The scope of study in the thesis or research paper is contains the

explanation of what information or subject is being analyzed. It is followed by
an explanation of the limitation of the research. Research usually limited in
scope by sample size, time and geographic area. While the delimitation of
study is the description of the scope of study. It will explain why definite
aspects of a subject were chosen and why others were excluded. It also
mentions the research method used as well as the certain theories that applied
to the data.

In writing the scope and delimitation, the following points should be

seen:

 A brief statement of the general purpose of the study.

 The subject matter and topics studies.
 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 make generalizations significant.
 The period of the study. This is the time, either months or years, during
which the data were gathered.

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Significance of the Study
https://thesisnotes.com/thesis-writing/writing-thesis-significance-of-the-
study/

Significance of the study is written as part of the introduction section of

a thesis. It provides details to the reader on how the study will contribute such
as what the study will contribute and who will benefit from it. It also includes
an explanation of the work‘s importance as well as its potential benefits. It is
sometimes called rationale.
Tips in Writing the Significance of the Study
1. Statement of the problem will guide you to write a significance of the
study. Based on your statement of the problem you will see the potential
benefits of your study. Just answer this question, ―What are the benefits
or advantages of the study based on statement of the problem?‖
2. Determine the specific contribution of your research paper to the society
as well as to the individual

Below is an example of significance of the study of thesis entitled,

―Development of a Source Material in Food Dehydration Craft Technology for
the Secondary Schools‖ by Mary Rose Florence S. Cobar.
Significance of the Study
The study of dehydration technology and fabrication can be a learning
paradigm in the secondary level and vocational schools to enhance the students’
knowledge and entrepreneurial skills as well. The project’s goal is designed to
help students improve academic competence, develop employability skills,
implement a career plan and participate in a career pathway in preparation for
post-secondary education or careers in the food manufacturing or services sector
after graduating from high school.

Qualitative VS Quantitative Research Questions

https://unstick.me/qualitative-vs-quantitative-research-questions/

Your research question guides your study and determines whether you
are going to use a quantitative or qualitative research methodology. It reflects
the direction and epistemological underpinnings of your research path. Both
methodologies have merit, but you need to decide which one is more
appropriate to use for your specific research problem.
By looking at your research question(s), you should be able to determine
whether you are looking at causal relationships (quantitative study) or
exploring a phenomenon (qualitative study). The wording and structure of
quantitative and qualitative research questions differ significantly. Start by

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asking yourself if your area of inquiry has a qualitative or a quantitative
purpose. Then, design your question accordingly.

Here are some guidelines that can help you develop the right question for your
study.

Quantitative Research Questions:

1. Usually start with ‗ how,‘ ‗what‘ or ‗why‘.
2. Contain an independent and a dependent variable.
3. Look at connections, relations or comparisons between variables.

Types of quantitative research questions with examples:

1. Descriptive questions are usually simple questions that ask about ‗how
much‘ or ‗how often‘ or look for a list of things/factors.

Example 1: How often do people aged 30 to 40 visit their parents?

These types of questions are useful for simple studies, but would not be
robust enough for a dissertation.
1. Causal questions try to determine a relationship between two variables
or they compare two variables.
Example: How does stress at work relate to quality of life in people working
night shifts? (a relationship question)

Example: How do lean participants compare to obese participants in their

frequency and intensity of food cravings? (a comparison question)

1. Predictive questions try to forecast an outcome. Studies that result from

these questions are often controversial as it is hard to single out one
variable and unquestionably link it to an outcome. You need to be
confident that you can indeed ensure a controlled environment, one in
which you are able to control for other variables and observe only the
effect of your chosen variable.
Example: Does a stressful work environment lead to higher turnover rates?

Qualitative Research Questions:

1. Usually start with ‗what‘ or ‗how‘ (avoid beginning qualitative questions
with ‗why‘ as this implies cause and effect).
2. Identify the central phenomenon you plan to explore (tell in your
question what you are going to describe, explore, generate, discover,
understand).

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 3. Avoid the use of quantitative words such as relate, influence, effect,
cause.

With qualitative research, you will usually have one central question and
possibly also some sub-questions to narrow the phenomenon under study
further. The sub-questions will generally be more specific.
Examples of qualitative research questions:
1. What is it like growing up in a single-parent family in a rural
environment?
2. What are the experiences of people working night shifts in health care?

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Chapter 3: REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Learning Objectives
The student shall be able to:
a) Recognize the different concepts of selecting relevant literature ad studies;
b) Cites related literature and studies using standard style;
c) Synthesizes information from relevant literature and studies; and
d) Follows ethical standards in writing related literature and studies

A literature review surveys scholarly articles, books and other

sources relevant to a particular issue, area of research, or theory, and by
so doing, providing a description, summary, and critical evaluation of these
works. Literature reviews are designed to provide an overview of sources
you have explored while researching a particular topic and to demonstrate
to your readers how your research fits into the larger field of
study. Likewise, Related studies can be taken from journals, magazines,
website links, thesis, dissertations, government reports and other source. The
researcher presents to the readers the body of knowledge, different
from the published works, that have already been established in a
certain topic. However, a review of literature is not just a descriptive
list of related materials or a set of summaries; it is synthesis and
analysis of results from preview works. https://libguides.usc.edu/.

The analytical features of a literature review might:

 give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old

interpretations,
 trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major
debates,
 depending on the situation, evaluate the sources and advise the
reader on the most pertinent or relevant, or
 usually in the conclusion of a literature review, identify where gaps
exist in how a problem has been researched to date.

The purpose of a literature review is to:

 Place each work in the context of its contribution to the

understanding of the research problem being studied,
 Describe the relationship of each work to the others under
consideration,
 Identify new ways to interpret, and shed light on any gaps in
previous research,

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  Resolve conflicts amongst seemingly contradictory previous
studies,
 Identify areas of prior scholarship to prevent duplication of effort,
 Point the way in fulfilling a need for additional research, and
 Locate your own research within the context of existing literature.

Why write a literature review?

https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/literature-review/

When you write a research paper, you will have to conduct a literature
review to situate your research within existing knowledge. The literature review
gives you a chance to:

 Demonstrate your familiarity with the topic and scholarly context

 Develop a theoretical framework and methodology for your research
 Position yourself in relation to other researchers and theorists
 Show how your research addresses a gap or contributes to a debate

You might also have to write a literature review as a stand-alone

assignment. In this case, the purpose is to evaluate the current state of
research and demonstrate your knowledge of scholarly debates around a topic.

The content will look slightly different in each case, but the process of
conducting a literature review follows the same steps.

Step 1: Search for relevant literature

Before you begin searching for literature, you need a clearly
defined topic.

If you are writing the literature review section of a dissertation or

research paper, you will search for literature related to your research
problem and questions.

If you are writing a literature review as a stand-alone assignment, you

will have to choose a focus and develop a central question to direct your
search. Unlike a dissertation research question, this question has to be
answerable without collecting original data. You should be able to answer it
based only on a review of existing publications.

Step 2: Evaluate and select sources

You probably won‘t be able to read absolutely everything that has been written
on the topic – you‘ll have to evaluate which sources are most relevant to your
questions.

17
For each publication, ask yourself:

 What question or problem is the author addressing?

 What are the key concepts and how are they defined?
 What are the key theories, models and methods? Does the research use
established frameworks or take an innovative approach?
 What are the results and conclusions of the study?
 How does the publication relate to other literature in the field? Does it
confirm, add to, or challenge established knowledge?
 How does the publication contribute to your understanding of the topic?
What are its key insights and arguments?
 What are the strengths and weaknesses of the research?

Make sure the sources you use are credible, and make sure you read any
landmark studies and major theories in your field of research.

You can find out how many times an article has been cited on Google
Scholar – a high citation count means the article has been influential in the
field, and should certainly be included in your literature review.

The scope of your review will depend on your topic and discipline: in the
sciences you usually only review recent literature, but in the humanities, you
might take a long historical perspective (for example, to trace how a concept
has changed in meaning over time).

Take notes and cite your sources

As you read, you should also begin the writing process. Take notes that
you can later incorporate into the text of your literature review.

It is important to keep track of your sources with citations to avoid

plagiarism. It can be helpful to make an annotated bibliography, where you
compile full citation information and write a paragraph of summary and
analysis for each source. This helps you remember what you read and saves
time later in the process.

You can use our free citation generator to quickly create correct and
consistent APA citations or MLA format citations.

Step 3: Identify themes, debates, and gaps

To begin organizing your literature review‘s argument and structure, you need
to understand the connections and relationships between the sources you‘ve
read. Based on your reading and notes, you can look for:

 Trends and patterns (in theory, method or results): do certain

approaches become more or less popular over time?

18
  Themes: what questions or concepts recur across the literature?
 Debates, conflicts and contradictions: where do sources disagree?
 Pivotal publications: are there any influential theories or studies that
changed the direction of the field?
 Gaps: what is missing from the literature? Are there weaknesses that
need to be addressed?

This step will help you work out the structure of your literature review and (if
applicable) show how your own research will contribute to existing knowledge.

Example of trends and gaps in reviewing the literature on social media and
body image, you note that:

 Most research has focused on young women.

 There is an increasing interest in the visual aspects of social media.
 But there is still a lack of robust research on highly visual platforms like
Instagram and Snapchat – this is a gap that you could address in your
own research.

Step 4: Outline your literature review’s structure

There are various approaches to organizing the body of a literature review. You
should have a rough idea of your strategy before you start writing.

Depending on the length of your literature review, you can combine several of
these strategies (for example, your overall structure might be thematic, but
each theme is discussed chronologically).

Chronological
The simplest approach is to trace the development of the topic over time.
However, if you choose this strategy, be careful to avoid simply listing and
summarizing sources in order.

Try to analyze patterns, turning points and key debates that have shaped the
direction of the field. Give your interpretation of how and why certain
developments occurred.

Thematic
If you have found some recurring central themes, you can organize your
literature review into subsections that address different aspects of the topic.

For example, if you are reviewing literature about inequalities in migrant health
outcomes, key themes might include healthcare policy, language barriers,
cultural attitudes, legal status, and economic access.

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Methodological
If you draw your sources from different disciplines or fields that use a variety
of research methods, you might want to compare the results and conclusions
that emerge from different approaches. For example:

 Look at what results have emerged in qualitative versus quantitative

research
 Discuss how the topic has been approached by empirical versus
theoretical scholarship
 Divide the literature into sociological, historical, and cultural sources

Theoretical
A literature review is often the foundation for a theoretical framework. You can
use it to discuss various theories, models, and definitions of key concepts.

You might argue for the relevance of a specific theoretical approach, or

combine various theoretical concepts to create a framework for your research.

Step 5: Write your literature review

Like any other academic text, your literature review should have
an introduction, a main body, and a conclusion. What you include in each
depends on the objective of your literature review.

Introduction
The introduction should clearly establish the focus and purpose of the
literature review.

 If you are writing the literature review as part of your research question
and give a brief summary of the scholarly context. You can emphasize
the timeliness of the topic or highlight a gap in the literature.
 If you are writing a stand-alone paper, give some background on the
topic and its importance, discuss the scope of the literature you will
review (for example, the time period of your sources), and state your
objective. What new insight will you draw from the literature?

Body
Depending on the length of your literature review, you might want to divide the
body into subsections. You can use a subheading for each theme, time period,
or methodological approach.

As you write, you can follow these tips:

20
  Summarize and synthesize: give an overview of the main points of each
source and combine them into a coherent whole
 Analyze and interpret: don‘t just paraphrase other researchers—add
your own interpretations where possible, discussing the significance of
findings in relation to the literature as a whole
 Critically evaluate: mention the strengths and weaknesses of your
sources
 Write in well-structured paragraphs: use transition words and topic
sentences to draw connections, comparisons and contrasts

Conclusion
In the conclusion, you should summarize the key findings you have taken from
the literature and emphasize their significance.

When you‘ve finished writing and revising your literature review, don‘t forget to
proofread thoroughly before submitting. Our quick guide to proofreading offers
some useful tips and tricks!

CITING SOURCES
One important factor to remember when writing one‘s review of related
literature is to correctly cite where your sources come. Citing sources gives
credit to the authors that wrote the works that you fashioned your research
from. This is not only avoiding plagiarism, which is punishable by law, but is
also gives credibility to what you have written as a researcher as it shows that
the topic is well studied. Below are common citations styles referencing style:
APA – American Psychological Association
This type of citation is commonly used as format for academic
documents and puts an emphasis on the author of the work and the date it
was published.

The APA (American Psychological Association) style requires two elements: in-
text citations throughout your assignment, and a reference list at the end.

1. Throughout the text: In-text citations

Include information about a source within the text of your assignment:

 the name of the author or authors

 the year of publication
 Citations may be placed at the end of a sentence before the concluding
punctuation in brackets.

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Examples:

Paraphrase of the source in your own words

Encouraging students to memorize information and then testing their memory

has been a consistent criterion of pedagogy (Broudy, 1998).

Broudy (1998, p. 8) explains that memorization does not result in an ability to

solve problems.

Quotation (exact words from the source)

Broudy (1998, p. 9) argues that ―on the common criteria for schooling, our
sample citizen has failed because he cannot replicate the necessary skill or
apply the relevant principles‖.

CMOS – Chicago Manual of Style

This citation style offers writers a choice of several different formats or

allows mixing of formats. It is used in some social science publications and
most historical journals.

Example:

Journal - Myers, Michael D. “Qualitative research in information systems.”

Management Information Systems Quarterly 21 (1997): 241-242

Book - Corbin, Juliet, and Anselm Strauss. Basics of qualitative research:

Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage
publications, 2014.

Harvard Style

This type of citation is quite similar to the APA, uses the author-
date method. However, it is commonly used in humanities

Example: Myers, M.D., 1997. Qualitative research in information systems.”

Management Information Systems Quarterly, 21, pp. 241-242.

MLA Style – Modern Language Association

This is considered to be one of the most popular types of citation

being used. Commonly used in scholarly books and articles in
humanities disciplines.

22
Example: Corbin, Juliet, and Anselm Strauss. Basics of qualitative research:
Techniques and procedures for developing grounded theory. Sage
publications, 2014.

Vancouver Style

The Vancouver system is usually used in the physical sciences, medical

and scientific paper, journals. It uses the author number system

Example: Myers MD. Qualitative research in information systems. Management

Information Systems Quaterly. 1997 June 1:21:241-2

Ethical standards in writing literature

Given that and more organizations and researchers are conducting
researches, the need for a standard set of rules arises. Codes of Ethics vary
amongst organizations and standardized rules that guide the design and
conduct of research. The term ethics refers to questions of right and wrong.
When researchers think about ethics, they must also ask themselves if it is
right to conduct a particular study or carry out certain procedures.

Below is the list of the general standards of ethics in writing literature in order
for a harmonious contribution to the body of knowledge.
1. Honesty: researchers must strive for an honest and well-written report of
the information that they gathered.
2. Objectivity: researches must be unbiased in data and must avoid self-
deception.
3. Integrity: researchers must act with sincerity and consistency of though and
action.
4. Carefulness: avoidance of careless actions and errors may lead to better
results.
5. Openness: openness to criticisms and new ideas is an ideal feature of any
kind of researcher.
6. Confidentiality: protect those you communicate with in the duration of your
research.
7. Responsible Publication: the main goal of publishing papers is to contribute
to the advancement of research knowledge, not to boost one‘s career. Avoid
duplicative publication.

23
8. Non-Discrimination: the total avoidance of discrimination based on sex,
gender, ethnicity, or other factors is not just something applicable in
research but in general living itself.
9. Legality: the search for knowledge does not excuse a researcher from
obeying the law.
10. Commitment: researchers must demonstrate responsiveness in writing a
clear and pure research ideas just to capture the interest of the reader.

These ethical standards promote the aims of research. The intolerance of

fabrication, falsifying of information, misinterpretation adheres to the main
aims of research which is to provide truthful knowledge to the public.

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Chapter 4: Formulation of Conceptual Framework

Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

a) Recognize the steps on how to make a conceptual framework;

b) Identify the proper use of independent and dependent variables;
c) Explain the different usage of hypothesis in research paper; and
d) Understand the importance of the ―definition of terms‖ in research paper.

The conceptual framework is an important part of the study. It is a part of

the study that ―explains‖, either graphically or in narrative form, the main
things to be studies, the key factors, concepts, or variables and the presumed
relationships among them. Statistically speaking, the conceptual framework
describes the relationship between specific variables identified in the study. It
also outlines the input, process and output of the whole investigation. The
conceptual framework is also called research paradigm. It serves as a model or
guide. It is the proposed theory of the topic you are researching. This helps you
assess and refine the goals of the research, notice possible errors and select
appropriate methods for the study.
Definitions:
 A conceptual framework is the researcher’s idea on how the research
problem will have to be explored. This is founded on the theoretical
framework, which lies on a much broader scale of resolution. The theoretical
framework dwells on time tested theories that embody the findings of
numerous investigations on how phenomena occur.
 A conceptual framework represents the researcher‘s own synthesis of
literature on how a phenomenon is explained. It shows how the research
problem will have to be explored given his previous knowledge of other
researchers‘ point of view and his own observations on the subject of
research.
 In other words, conceptual framework is the researcher‘s own
understanding of how the particular variables in his study are related.
 The conceptual framework this identifies the variables to be included in
the research investigation. It is the researcher‘s ―map‖ in pursuing the
investigation.

Research Questions: What? Where? When? Why? Who? How?

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Steps on how to make a conceptual framework

1. Choose your topic

Decide on what will be your research topic. The research topic
should be relevant within your field of specialization.

2. Do a literature review
Review relevant and updated literature on the topic that you decide
to work on after careful scrutiny of the issues at hand. Preferably use peer-
reviewed and well-known scientific journals as these are reliable sources
of information.

3. Isolate the important variables

Identify the specific variables described in the literature and figure
out how these are related.

4. Generate the conceptual framework.

Build your own conceptual framework using your own mix of the
variables from the scientific articles you have read. Your statement of the
problem serves as reference in constructing the conceptual framework. In
effect, your study will attempt to answer a question that other researchers
have not answered yet. Your study should address a knowledge gap.

Independent and Dependent Variables

https://www.scribbr.com/author/laurenthomas/

In research, variables are any characteristics that can take on different

values, such as height, age, species, or exam score.

In scientific research, we often want to study the effect of one variable on

another one. For example, you might want to test whether students who spend
more time studying get better exam scores.

The variables in a study of a cause-and-effect relationship are called

the independent and dependent variables.

 The independent variable is the cause. Its value is independent of other

variables in your study.
 The dependent variable is the effect. Its value depends on changes in
the independent variable.

Examples of independent and dependent variables

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 Research Question Independent variable(s) - Dependent variable(s)-
Cause Effect

What is the effect of diet  The type of soda you  Your blood sugar
and regular soda on drink (diet or regular) levels
blood sugar levels?
How does phone use  The amount of phone  Number of hours
before bedtime affect use before bed of sleep
sleep?  Quality of sleep

What is the effect of  The number of effects  Student‘s

online classes in the of online classes Academic
academic performance of Performance
the students? (Outstanding, Very
Satisfactory,
Satisfactory, Poor)

The Research Hypothesis

A research hypothesis is a specific, clear, and testable proposition or

predictive statement about the possible outcome of a scientific research study
based on a particular property of a population, such as presumed differences
between groups on a particular variable or relationships between variables.
Specifying the research hypotheses is one of the most important steps in
planning a scientific quantitative research study. A quantitative researcher
usually states a priori expectation about the results of the study in one or more
research hypotheses before conducting the study, because the design of the
research study and the planned research design often is determined by the
stated hypotheses (https://methods.sagepub.com/reference/encyclopedia-of-
survey-research-methods).

The six (6) most common forms of hypotheses are:

https://examples.yourdictionary.com/examples-of-hypothesis.html

1) Simple Hypothesis
2) Complex Hypothesis
3) Empirical Hypothesis
4) Null Hypothesis (Denoted by "HO")
5) Alternative Hypothesis (Denoted by "H1")
6) Logical Hypothesis

1. A simple hypothesis is a prediction of the relationship between two

variables: the independent variable and the dependent variable.

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  Drinking sugary drinks daily leads to obesity.

2. A complex hypothesis examines the relationship between two or more

independent variables and two or more dependent variables.

 Overweight adults who 1) value longevity and 2) seek happiness are

more likely than other adults to 1) lose their excess weight and 2) feel
a more regular sense of joy.

3. A null hypothesis (H0) exists when a researcher believes there is no

relationship between the two variables, or there is a lack of information
to state a scientific hypothesis. This is something to attempt to disprove
or dishonor.

 There is no significant change in my health during the times when I

drink green tea only or root beer only.

4. Alternative hypothesis (H1) enters the scene. In an attempt to disprove

a null hypothesis, researchers will seek to discover an alternative
hypothesis.

 My health improves during the times when I drink green tea only, as
opposed to root beer only.

5. A logical hypothesis is a proposed explanation possessing limited

evidence. Generally, you want to turn a logical hypothesis into an
empirical hypothesis, putting your theories or postulations to the test.

 Cacti experience more successful growth rates than tulips on Mars.

(Until we're able to test plant growth in Mars' ground for an extended
period of time, the evidence for this claim will be limited and the
hypothesis will only remain logical.)

6. An empirical hypothesis, or working hypothesis, comes to life when a

theory is being put to the test, using observation and experiment. It's no
longer just an idea or notion. It's actually going through some trial and
error, and perhaps changing around those independent variables.

 Roses watered with liquid Vitamin B grow faster than roses watered
with liquid Vitamin E. (Here, trial and error are leading to a series of
findings.)

Out of 6 (six) common forms of hypothesis, null and alternative

hypothesis are basically used by some researchers, especially the students in
any field of specializations.

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Parameters of a Good Hypothesis

In order for a hypothesis to be sound, the following are the tips:

Ask yourself questions.

 Brainstorm. Define the independent and dependent variables very

specifically, and don't take on more than you can handle. Keep yourself
laser-focused on one specific cause-and-effect theory.

Be logical and use precise language.

 Keep your language clean and simple. State your hypothesis as

concisely, and to the point, as possible. A hypothesis is usually written in
a form where it proposes that, if something is done, then something else
will occur. Usually, you don't want to state a hypothesis as a question.
You believe in something, and you're seeking to prove it. For example: If I
raise the temperature of a cup of water, then the amount of sugar that
can be dissolved in it will be increased.

Make sure your hypothesis is testable with research and

experimentation.

 Any hypothesis will need proof. Your audience will have to see evidence
and reason to believe your statement. For example, I may want to drink
root beer all day, not green tea. If you're going to make me change my
ways, I need some sound reasoning and experimental proof - perhaps
case studies of others who lost weight, cleared up their skin, and had a
marked improvement in their immunity by drinking green tea.

The Definition of Terms

These are the listing of principal terms used in the study. This section
defines the major terms in the statement of the problem and conceptual
framework, particularly those that vary in meaning to different people. This has
both the conceptual/theoretical, how it was defined in the previous study or by
an earlier author and operational definitions, how it will be used in the study.

29
Chapter 5: RESEARCH METHODS AND DESIGN

Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, the students are expected to:

 Identify the research methods and design;

 Distinguish the appropriate type of research;
 Describes sampling procedures and sample;
 Constructs an instrument and establishes its validity and reliability;
 Create data collection procedures; and
 Presents written research methodology.

Research methods are the strategies, processes or techniques utilized in

the collection of data or evidence for analysis in order to uncover new
information or create better understanding of a topic.

Research design refers to the overall strategy utilized to carry

out research that defines a brief and logical plan to tackle established research
question(s) through the collection, interpretation, analysis, and discussion of
data. The design of a study defines the study type, research
problem, hypotheses, independent and dependent variables, experimental
design, and, if applicable, data collection methods and a statistical analysis
plan. A research design is a framework that has been created to find answers
to research questions (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Research_design).

Types of Research

Quantitative research gathers numerical data which can be ranked,

measured or categorized through statistical analysis. It assists with uncovering
patterns or relationships, and for making generalizations. This type of research
is useful for finding out how many, how much, how often, or to what extent.

Type of Quantitative Research

1. Survey research – this type of research uses interviews, questionnaires,

elections and other similar instruments in order to gather data.
2. Correlational research – this type of research aims to study the
connection between two variables. The researchers would want to know
how a certain variable can affect the other variable.
3. Causal-comparative research – this type of research is used in order to
verify a suspected cause and effect relationship between variables.

30
 4. Experimental research – this type of research is based on a formed
hypothesis. It aims to prove or disprove the hypothesis.

Quantitative research gathers data about lives experiences, emotions or

behaviors, and the meaning individuals attach to them. It assists in enabling
researchers to gain a better understanding of complex concepts, social
interactions or cultural phenomena. This type of research is useful in the
exploration of how or why things have occurred, interpreting events and
describing actions.

Mixed methods research integrates both quantitative and qualitative

research. It provides a holistic approach combining and analyzing the
statistical data with deeper contextualized insights. Using mixed methods also
enables triangulation, or verification of the data from two or more sources
https://libguides.newcastle.edu.au/researchmethods.

Triangulation is a method used to increase the credibility and validity of

research findings. Credibility refers to trustworthiness and how believable a
study is; validity is concerned with the extent to which a study accurately
reflects or evaluates the concept or ideas being investigated.
Triangulation, by combining theories, methods or observers in a research
study, can help ensure that fundamental biases arising from the use of a single
method or a single observer are overcome.
Triangulation is also an effort to help explore and explain complex human
behavior using a variety of methods to offer a more balanced explanation to
readers. It is a procedure that enables validation of data and can be used in
both quantitative and qualitative studies.
Triangulation can enrich research as it offers a variety of datasets to explain
differing aspects of a phenomenon of interest. It also helps disprove where one
dataset invalidates a belief generated by another. It can assist the confirming of
a hypothesis where one set of findings confirms another set. Finally,
triangulation can help explain the results of a study. Central to triangulation is
the notion that methods leading to the same results give more confidence in
the research findings.
Four types of triangulation are proposed by Denzin (p.301)
1) data triangulation, which includes matters such as periods of time, space
and people;
2) investigator triangulation, which includes the use of several researchers
in a study;
3) theory triangulation, which encourages several theoretical schemes to
enable interpretation of a phenomenon; and
4) methodological triangulation, which promotes the use of several data
collection methods such as interviews and observations

31
https://ebn.bmj.com/content/22/3/67
Description of Sample

A sample is a small part of a population. It is meant to represent that

population as a whole for the study that is being conducted. The term
population is the entire sum of objects, persons, families, species, or orders of
plants or animals.

Why uses a sample

In large populations, not all of the members can be

interviewed/surveyed/etc. it would be impossible to cover an extremely large
group. A sample is used in order to make data collection easier and possible to
do.

Different Sampling Methods

1. Random Sampling – every single member of the population has an equal
chance to get selected as a respondent. This type of sample required the
researcher to name or number the entire population and select randomly
from them. This is the best of selecting a sample since it eliminates the bias
and it represents the entire population.
2. Stratified Sampling – the population is divided into different groups then the
researchers would take equal number of people to represent each of the
groups.
3. Opportunity Sampling – this type of sampling is also known as convenience
sampling. This method involves selecting respondents who are willing to
participate in the study.
4. Systematic Sampling – all of the members of a population are listed and
numbered. The researchers then take every nth member of a population.
This can represent the entire population but it is difficult to do.
5. Purposive Sampling – this type of sampling is based on selecting the
individuals as samples according to the purposes of the researcher as his
controls. A researcher is chosen as of a sample due to good evidence that he
is a representative of the total population.

Instrument Development
Constructing a good instrument for data collection should be done
carefully in order to develop a good questionnaire. This involves several steps
and each step should be carefully followed.

1. Background – this step involves looking into the purpose, objectives,

research questions, and hypothesis of your research.
2. Questionnaire Conceptualization – this step involves formulating some
questions and statements for the questionnaire. Basically, the contents from
the framework and the review of related literature are converted into

32
 questions that can be used to gather data. You must also make sure that
the questions that you form are in line with the objectives of your research.
3. Format and data analysis – in this step, you will write the statements and
questions. You will develop a way to measure and quantify the data that you
will gather. These are called scales of measurement. You will also create a
format for your questionnaire; this includes your medium, the layout, the
font size and font style.
4. Establishing Validity – from the first three steps, you will already have a
draft of your instrument. This step involves looking over your draft and
making sure that it will be able to measure data correctly and properly.
5. Establishing Reliability – the last step involves making sure that the
questionnaire is reliable. This means making sure that the questionnaire is
accurate and precise in collecting and measuring the data. In order to do
this the researchers can do a pilot test, wherein they will give out the
questionnaire to a few people to make sure that it will perform correctly.

Data Collection

Quantitative and qualitative data can be collected using a number of

different methods and from a variety of sources. Before proceeding to the
methods of data collection, one must know the two types of data. These are
primary data and secondary data. Primary data are also known as first-hand
data which means that the data were collected directly from the source and are
the original data. Secondary data are those which have been collected by
someone else and have been passed through data analysis and interpretation
of results.

Methods of Collecting Primary data

1. Observation- this method is executed by the observer going directly to

the field to observe the surroundings in attempt to gather data. When
observation is done by characterizing style of recording the observed
information and documented.
2. Interview – this is an oral-verbal method in which the interviewer asks
questions directly to the interviewee which aims to get information
relevant to the study. Interviews can be conducted face-to-face or by
telephone.
3. Survey – one of the common methods of diagnosing and solving of social
problems using questionnaire through online or face to face.

33
Research Manuscript Template
For Research Proposal
Chapter I – Introduction
 Background of the study
 Statement of the Problem (at least 4 questions using What, How,
Where, Why, When)
 Objectives of the Study
 Significance of the Study
 Scope and limitation
Chapter II – Review of Related Literature and Studies (use APA – American
Psychological Association)
Related Literature
 Foreign
 Local
Related Studies
 Foreign
 Local
(Here are the pointers that you have to remember in searching for the best
sources of information or data:
1. Choose previous research findings that are closely related to you research
title and problem.
2. Give more weight to studies done by your chosen author/s research ideas
by possessing expertise and authority in the field of knowledge to which
research studies belong.
3. Consider sources of knowledge that refer more to primary data than to
secondary data.
4. Prefer getting information from peer-reviewed materials than from general
reading materials.
5. All of your research variables must come from your RRL and RRS, even
your sample survey questionnaires)
Also, coming from various books on literature and studies review from thesis,
journals and dissertation writing, there are the two (2) methods use to link or
express author’s ideas in your paper. Using correct words to link ideas will make
you synthesize your RRL and RRS, in a way that evidence coming from various
sources of data, will present an overall understanding of the context or of the
present circumstances affecting the research problem.

34
 Transitional devices – also, additionally, again, similarly, a similar
opinion, however, conversely, on the other hand, nevertheless, a
constricting opinion, a different approach, etc.
 Active verbs – analyse, argues, assess, assert, assume, claim,
compare, contrast, conclude, criticize, debate, defend, define,
demonstrate, discuss, distinguish, differentiate, evaluate, examine,
emphasize, expand, explain, exhibit, identify, illustrate, imply,
indicate, judge, justify, narrate, outline, persuade, propose,
question, relate to, report, review, suggest, summarize.

35
Chapter III – Theoretical Framework
 Discuss research theory that serves as the basis of the study
 Research Paradigm using Input, Process, Output or Independent and
Dependent Variables
 Theoretical or Operational definition of terms of each variable. It should
be alphabetically arrange.
Chapter IV – Research Methods
 Research Approach or Methods
 Research Design
 Research Locale
 Population of the Study
 Data Collections and Procedures
 Ethical Considerations
Exhibits:
Copy of your survey questionnaire
Photos and documentation of group meetings in conceptualizing and
finalizing your research/study

Take Note the following:

Paper size: Short
Spacing should be 1.5
Font size: 12
Font: Times New Roman
Margin: Left margin 1.5 inches
Right, Top and bottom 1 inch

36
 Structure and Format of the Research Report

1. Research Title

The title gives information and description of the subject matter of the
research. Being the short catchy part of your paper that has the power to
instantly attract a reader, it must contain keywords to predict the content
and tone of the research paper. An attention-getting kind of a title is short,
informative, made up of only 15 to 20 words. Owing to this essential role of
a research title, you must think of one that is meaningful, specific, and
reflective of the standards of writing research titles like: the title is not a
sentence; not all capitalized; and not negative in tone. In addition,
jargons and acronyms are a big no-non to research title writing.

2. Abstract

The abstract concisely discusses the essential aspects of your paper such
as the background of the problem, objectives, significance, research design,
data collection technique, data analysis method, discussion of the findings,
scope, conclusions, among others. Giving 100 to 150 words discussions of
the relevant parts of the research paper, your abstract serves as the
summary of your research report. Since an abstract explains in a nutshell
all essential components of the research paper, it usually comes to its
written form only after the final stage of the research work.

3. Introduction

This part explains the background of the research problem, states a set
of specific research questions, and of optional hypothesis or assumptions.
The purpose of this section it to let the readers see the connection of the
purposes of your research questions not only with the current word
condition, but also with theoretical principles that underlie your topic and
other aspects of your research.

4. Method

This section explains the types and sources of data as well as the method
you used in collecting and analysing the data you have gathered. Doing this
part accurately enables the readers to determine how objective and ethical
you were in conducting the research and how possible it could be for them
to replicate your research study for validation purposes.

37
5. Findings

Present as findings of your study those that you have analyzed and
commented on. There are several ways of doing this: by means of graphical
presentation, statistical method, or written discussion.

6. Discussion and Conclusion

Findings resulting from thematically or theoretically gathered and

analyzed data with the capacity of leading you to a valid conclusion are
explained in this section. Any conclusions stated in this part of the paper
derive their validity or truthfulness from realistic or understandably
determined data. Also, such conclusions become valuable as they are able
to answer the specific research questions and render any research
hypothesis or assumptions right or wrong.

7. Recommendations

To broaden the readers‘ knowledge and understanding of the area

covered by the research, recommend or let the readers positively consider
some activities they can possibly do to extend, modify, replicate, or validate
the findings of your research work. Recommendations should be helpful to
enhance the knowledge of the readers, even the respondents of the research.

8. References

Follow a standard documentary style. Alphabetize, identify, and list down

in this section all sources of knowledge you used in carrying out your study.

9. Appendix

This contains copies of table, questionnaires, interview rates, observation

checklist, pictures and other materials that are essential and necessary in
completing your research study.

38
 Concept Paper Format

• Proposed title
• Background of the study
o Provide a brief discussion of the background of the problem, present
proposed arguments and hypotheses of the study (Note: This may be
supported by numbers or statistics)
o Present identified research gap/s from the initial literature review and
cite previous studies to convince readers that your study would
contribute to existing literature and advancement of knowledge (Note:
literature review may also help you identify research methodologies)
o Explain the importance of pursuing your study and identify the
interested parties who will benefit from your study
• Research Problem/Objectives
o Present the research questions/issues/problems that your study will
address
o Present a plan to address the problem or issues

• Expected Output
o The output of your study can be any of the following:
 model that will solve an existing problem or better
explain/understand an issue
 proposed design of a system
 validation of hypothesis that will help managers or decision makers
address a problem
• Describe the research plans and strategies
 Identify the type of data that will be collected for data analysis and
pinpoint specific location where the data will be gathered
 Identify target groups or resource person/s (for primary data) or
identify data sources (for secondary data or data mining)
 Identify appropriate statistical tools that will be used to process and
analyze data
 Prepare a timeline of research activities using Gantt Chart (Please
note that the submission of research proposal may be two or three
weeks before the final exam week)

• List of references
 Use APA (American Psychological Association) citation format
 This link may be used as reference:
https://www.mendeley.com/guides/apa-citation-guide
Additional notes:
 Submitted outputs will undergo plagiarism check. Maximum similarity
index allowed is 25%.
 Present a concise and convincing concept paper (Maximum of 3 pages
excluding references)

39
 Rubric for Research Proposal

Research Title:
Excellent Very good Satisfactory Poor Score
(27 to 30 points) (23 to 26) (19 to 22) (18 and below)

Presentation Student presents information Student presents information Student presents Student is unable to
structure/orderliness systematically and in a logical sequence which information with poor deliver
of the flow of comprehensibly. Delivers panelists can follow. logical flow and panelists comprehensible
presentation/organizat presentation in a logical have difficulty in presentation.
ion of thoughts (30%) sequence and stimulates following the order of
interest of panelists. presentation.

Presentation/Commun Student presents with well- Student pronounces most Student inconsistently Student mumbles,
ication skills (30%) modulated voice, correct, words correctly with few speaks in a clear voice, incorrectly
precise pronunciation of inconsistencies in voice incorrectly pronounces pronounces words
words, and appropriate eye- modulation. Student delivers some words, and and panel cannot
contact understandable presentation panelists have difficulty hear or understand
hearing or understanding the presentation
some parts of the
presentation
Excellent Very good Satisfactory Poor
(18 to 20 points) (16 to 17) (13 to 15) (12 and below)

Visual aids/Use of Visual aids use interesting Visual aids use commonly Visual aids use graphics No graphics was
appropriate and innovative presentation used style/graphics in and style that rarely used in the
presentation materials style and graphics that clearly presentation and clearly support text and presentation or
or resources (20%) reinforce the idea being explains the idea being presentation superfluous
conveyed conveyed graphics/presentatio
n style was used

Member All members of the group Some members of the group Some members of the Some members of
Participation/Coordin presented and answer the presented more topics than group did not present and the group did not
ation of presentation questions of the panel the others and not all answer did not answer any of the present and only
(20%) the question of the panel. question of the panel one answer the
question of the
panel

TOTAL

40
 BAC 7: RESEARCH 1 – PROPOSAL DEFENSE TEMPLATE

TITLE PAGE

APPROVAL SHEET

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Scope and Delimitation of the Study

CHAPTER 2 – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature
Foreign
Local
Related Studies
Foreign
Local
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Synthesis
Definition of Terms (Operational)
Hypothesis (optional)

CHAPTER 3 – METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Research Locale
Population and Sample
Research Instruments
Data Collection Procedure
Ethical Consideration
Statistical Treatment

41
 BAC 8: RESEARCH 2 – FINAL DEFENSE TEMPLATE

TITLE PAGE
APPROVAL SHEET
ABSTRACT
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
LIST OF APPENDICES

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Statement of the Problem
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitation/Delimitation of the Study

CHAPTER 2 – REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Related Literature
Foreign
Local
Related Studies
Foreign
Local
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Synthesis
Definition of Terms (Operational)
Hypothesis

CHAPTER 3 – METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Research Locale
Population and Sample
Research Instruments
Data Collection Procedure
Ethical Consideration
Statistical Treatment

CHAPTER 4 – RESULTS, ANALYSIS, AND FINDINGS

CHAPTER 5 – SUMMARY, CONCLUSION, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
CURRICULUM VITAE

42
 SUBMISSION OF FINAL RESEARCH OUTPUTS AS ONE OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR
GENERAL CLEARANCE

1. Three (4) printed copies of the final research paper shall be submitted to the following:
a. Registrar’s Copy (Approval Sheet)
b. Research Adviser - Hardbound copy
c. University Library – Hardbound copy; and
d. ETEEAP Office – Hardbound copy;

2. Secure one (1) copy for yourself.

43