SELF-LEARNING PACKAGE IN

RESEARCH 9
Module 1 Week 1
A. Revisiting and Refining of the draft
Research Proposal
Learning Competency:
Refine the research proposal by incorporating the
suggestions / recommendations given by experts
SSP-RS9-RRP-Ia-1
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 Ready to Launch!

In your Grade 8 research, you were taught how to generate researchable

problems, formulate hypotheses, select, synthesize and cite relevant literature,
following ethical standards, apply the principles of experimental design and
methodology, determine the basic statistical tools, and enhance scientific writing
skills in doing a research proposal.

In this module, you will continue to work on your research project by applying
the suggestions and recommendations given by the experts during your research
proposal presentation and incorporate them into the draft of your research proposal.
Furthermore, this module will equip you with the knowledge that you will need in
developing a well-written research paper.

Aim at the Target!

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. Revisiting the concepts, elements, and principles in writing a research

proposal.

Try This!

What Makes a Good Research Topic?

When you “Think Like a Researcher” you are focused on:

a. formulating a research question rather than a research topic;
b. articulating the problem that underlies the question;
c. utilizing problems that have social significance; and
d. giving a solution that is arguable and feasible based on reliable evidence.

The table below shows how to formulate a research question based on your chosen
issue/topic. There are given samples below to serve as your guide in formulating your own
research question.

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Examples

Issue Research Underlying Social Proposal/Solution

(Broad) Question Problem(s) Significance What is your
What is the (Narrower) What is the Does your proposal for
issue or What is a problem that problem have addressing this
overall topic specific makes your social problem?
that interests research question worth significance? Is your proposal
you? question you investigating? both arguable &
want to Is this an actual feasible?
investigate? problem or an
assumed
problem?

Are fruits and Conventional Human health Consumers should

vegetables farming may choose fruits and
grown on produce Environment vegetables grown
organic farms vegetables with
organically,
1. Organic healthier than pesticide
those grown residues leaving especially those fruits
Farming
on individuals and vegetables that
conventional susceptible to are most susceptible
farms? preventable to pesticide residue.
diseases.

2. Rising Is a college Many students Debt Colleges should

Cost of a education are emerging Unemployment focus on critical
College worth the from 4-year Value of thinking and data
Education investment for degree programs Education analysis skills in the
students in the with staggering social sciences
social student debt and curriculum.
sciences? no job prospects

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Activity 1. Building My Research Question

With the broad issue/topic you have in mind, try to formulate a narrowed research
question where the underlying problem(s), social significance, and possible proposal/solution
are embedded in it. Build a research question that would reflect what you want to happen in
your study.
Issue Research Underlying Social Proposal/Solution
(Broad) Question Problem(s) Significance What is your
What is (Narrower) What is the Does your proposal for
the issue What is a problem that problem have addressing this
or overall specific makes your social problem?
topic that research question worth significance? Is your proposal
interests question you investigating? both arguable &
you? want to Is this an actual feasible?
investigate? problem or an
assumed
problem?

Violence in
the Media

Campus
Safety

Now that you have accomplished the activity, try to check the draft of your research
proposal you have on hand. Did you formulate a good research question? If not, now you
have the idea to make an engaging research topic.

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 Keep This in Mind!

The research subject is taught systematically, then, following steps in writing a

research proposal must be done in such order. The first step to take is choosing a
topic. Click the link descriptions below and watch the videos on Choosing a
Research Topic to guide you in refining your topic, as its next step.

ACTIVITY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rjuvdglDyoY

https://www.slideshare.net/walshandj/choosing-a-research-topic

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ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION

Activity 2: Creating a Research Question

Name: ________________________Period: ____________ Date:__________

Goal:

The purpose of this exercise is to help you further refine your research topic. All
careers and disciplines deal with a variety of problems, issues, and projects that
require research to develop solutions. To do good research, you must have a clear
understanding of what issues are important and which questions relate to the topic
you wish to explore.
This exercise will lead you through the process of mentally and visually narrowing
and/or restricting your topic ideas that you developed with the concept mapping
exercise. Formulating research questions about your topic will naturally assist you in
narrowing or focusing the direction of your research.

Description:

To formulate questions about your topic, consider some of the related topics you
listed on your concept map and refocusing map and select one of the related topics
that interest or intrigue you the most.

Evaluate your topic in terms of the social, economic, environmental, or political

implications and determine possible causes, effects, and/or solutions. Using the
information from your preliminary research and your Concept Map Refocusing,
develop at least 3 research questions that incorporate one or more of these issues.
The purpose of the research question is to assist you in determining what aspects of
your topic you would like to investigate.

We will be looking at your ability in developing research questions that help you
focus on the main questions you wish to investigate related to your topic. Remember
that a well-developed research question will help you formulate a working thesis
statement that succinctly summarizes your main idea, position, and solution to your
topic.

A sample is given for you below:

GENERAL TOPIC: Genetic Engineering

NARROWED TOPIC: Genetically Modified Food

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: What are the nutritional benefits of genetically modified food?

What types of genetic modifications are being made in our

food supply?

How will the genetic modifications be made to our food impact

or affect the nutrition and health of people?
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Direction: Using the question words WHAT, WHY, and HOW to develop at least
three different questions that you would like to find answers to in regards to your
topic.

STATE YOUR GENERAL TOPIC: ________________________________________

NARROWED TOPIC:
___________________________________________________

RESEARCH QUESTIONS: (complete three research questions in the boxes below.)

1. What?

2. Why?

3. How?

Good work! You are geared already on what your research study would be like.
The next step for you to consider is where to find the information you need to answer
in your research questions. With vast sources of information, you tend to be
bombarded with what and what’s not to be included in your study. Thus, you need to
evaluate the sources of information that you are going to cite in your study.

ABSTRACTION AND GENERALIZATION

An Overview to the Research Process

I. Choosing a Topic

Choosing your topic is the first step in the research process. Be aware that
selecting a good topic may not be easy. It must be narrowed and focused enough to
be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information.

Here are some of the tips that you could use to refine your topic and make it even
better.

#1: Pick a topic that interests you. You are going to live with this topic for weeks
while you research, read, and write your assignment. Choose something that
will hold your interest and that you might even be excited about it. Your attitude
towards your topic will come across in your writing or presentation. To do this,
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 you could use brainstorming as a technique that you can use to help you
generate ideas.

Below are some of the brainstorming exercises and resources to help you come
up with research topic ideas by asking yourself the following questions:
 Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
 Did you read or see a news story recently that has interested you?
 Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest that you would like to know
more about?
 Is there an aspect of one of your classes that you would like to learn more
about?
 Keywords are the main terms that describe your research question or topic.
Keep track of these words so you can use them when searching for books and
articles.

#2: Identify the main concepts in your research question. Typically there should
only be two or three main concepts.
#3: Look for keywords that best describe these concepts.
#4:You can look for keywords when reading background information or
encyclopedia articles on your topic.
#5:Use a thesaurus, your textbook, and subject headings in databases to find
different keywords.

II. Refining your research topic

It is common to modify your topic during the research process. You can never be
sure of what you may find. You may find too much and need to narrow your focus, or
too little and need to broaden your focus. This is a normal part of the research
process. When researching, you may not wish to change your topic, but you may
decide that some other aspect of the topic is more interesting or manageable. Once
you have chosen a general topic idea, the next step is to refine your topic and
ultimately to formulate a research question.

Consider the points below to keep your research focused and on track.

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Types of Information Sources

There are many different types of information sources that can be useful for your
research. The chart below lists some common information sources with examples of
each to help you evaluate and select the best sources for your project.
SOURCE DESCRIPTION EXAMPLES
Newspapers Typically content revolves around current events. The focus is geared The Wall Street Journal,
toward the general public with articles written by journalists or The New York Times,
freelance reporters Financial Times

General Magazines usually cover current events and general interest Time, Newsweek,
Interest subjects. Articles from magazines can help you generate ideas about Psychology Today, The
Magazines issues, controversies, or unanswered questions about a topic, which Economist, Scientific
you might want to explore further. They sometimes refer to studies or American
scholarly work that you can track down for more information.
Trade Trade publications are written by and for professionals within an Advertising Age,
Publications industry. These are an excellent source of very specific information Marketing Week, Nation's
from inside the field. Restaurant News,
Investment Weekly

Scholarly Scholarly journal articles go through a process of peer review before Harvard Business Review,
Journals they are published. They are written by experts in the field and their Journal of Applied
purpose is to advance the ongoing body of work within the discipline. Psychology, Academy of
These articles might present original research data and findings, or Management Review
take a position on a key question within the field. They can be difficult
to read because their intended audience is other experts and
academics, but they are at the top of the line when it comes to
authoritative information.
Books & Books cover virtually any topic, fact or fiction. For research purposes, Print books in the library,
eBooks you will probably be looking for books that synthesize all the eBooks from library
information on one topic to support a particular argument or thesis. databases
Books usually provide in-depth and/or historical analysis of a subject.
Subscription Subscription databases provide a variety of information on many Business Source
Databases subjects. Some of the information you can obtain from databases Complete, Morningstar
includes news and journal articles, datasets, analyst reports,
dissertations, and company financial data.
Websites, The focus, content, and authors of websites vary widely according to Government, company,
Internet each individual site. Always evaluate website information carefully. consumer, university, a
non-profit organization,
etc., websites, Wikipedia
Miscellaneous A document is a broad category and can be found in a variety of White papers, working
Documents places including the library, internet, and databases that cover white papers, newsletters,
papers, working papers, newsletters, etc. Documents may contain dissertations, analyst
industry information, statistics, as well as potential insider information. reports, conference
proceedings, etc.

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APPLICATION

Choosing a Topic
Sometimes it's hard to decide on a topic for a report or research project. Use this
worksheet to help you brainstorm and come up with a final topic.

Student name: _____________________________

Date: _________________

1. Brainstorm a list of topics that you find interesting:

Topic 1. ________________________________________________

Topic 2. ________________________________________________

Topic 3. ________________________________________________

Topic 4. ________________________________________________

Topic 5. ________________________________________________

2. Go to your library. Do a quick search for books and other resources that relate
to the topics on your list. Write down the resources you find for each of your
topics.

Topic 1: _______________________________________________ _

Resources I found on Topic 1: ___________________________ _

______________________________________________________ __

Topic 2: ___________________________ ___________________ __

Resources I found on Topic 2: __________________________ _

_______________________________________________________ _ _

Topic 3: _______________ _________________________________

Resources I found on Topic 3: ______________________ ______

______________________________________________ ___________

Topic 4: ______ __________________________________________

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 Resources I found on Topic 4: _____ _______________________
________________________________ _________________________

Topic 5: ___________________ _____________________________

Resources I found on Topic 5: ___________________ _________

___________________________________________ ______________

3. Narrow your original list. Don't use topics that you didn't find much information
on.

Topic 1: ________________________________________________

Topic 2: ________________________________________________

Topic 3: ________________________________________________

4. Choose one topic from the list above. State your topic in the form of a question
or problem to be solved, and write it below:

_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________

Reflect

Why is it important to possess fundamental research skills in pursuing your study?

___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Reinforcement & Enrichment

Visit the link below to reinforce your learnings and gain further understanding
on how to create a better research project.

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 https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/list

Assess Your Learning

Read and analyze the statements in each item. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
Write it on your answer sheet.
1. Jane wants to develop a research study to determine the effects of video
games on children's health. Her University does not have enough funds to
support her project. Which of the following should she write to request support
from a government agency?
A. Research proposal
B. Business report
C. Science report
D. Business letter

2. Which part of a research proposal needs to grab the reader's attention and
explain
what the project is about?
A. Abstract
B. Discussion
C. Table of contents
D. Title

3. Which section contains a short summary of the project?

A. Abstract
B. Discussion
C. Table of contents
D. Title

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 4. Good research proposals will always:
A. focus on the Harvard style.
B. provide respondent names and addresses.
C. focus on addressing the research objectives.
D. consider all possible research that had previously been done on the topic.
5. Which section of a research proposal is intended to describe the purpose with a
full statement of the research question?
A. Introduction
B. Literature review
C. Proposed Method
D. References

References & Photo Credits

Hailman, JP, and KB Strier. 1997. Planning Proposing and Presenting Science
Effectively: A Guide for Graduate Students and
Researchers in the Behavioral Sciences and Biology. Cambridge University Press,
Cambridge, UK. 128pp
Pechenik, JA. 2004. A Short Guide to Writing About Biology. Pearson Education Inc.,
Boston, MA. 302pp
Smith, RV. 1990. Graduate Research: A Guide for Students in the Sciences. Plenum
Press, New York, NY. 292 pp
https://study.com/academy/practice/quiz-worksheet-research-proposal-
components.html (Items 1-3)
https://wps.pearsoned.co.uk/ema_uk_he_saunders_doingresearch_1/209/53534/137
04779.cw/index.html (Items 4-10)
https://www.claytonschools.net/cms/lib/MO01000419/Centricity/Domain/206/Mind%2
0Map%20Rubric.pdf.
https://ggu.libguides.com/c.php?g=106905&p=694002
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3282423/
https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project-ideas/list

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 ANSWER KEY

Try This

Answers may vary

Issue Research Underlying Social Proposal/Solution

(Broad) Question Problem(s) Significance What is your proposal for
What is the (Narrower) What is the problem Does your addressing this problem?
issue or What is a that makes your problem have Is your proposal both
overall specific question worth social arguable & feasible?
topic that research investigating? significance?
interests question you Is this an actual
you? want to problem or an
investigate? assumed problem?

Violence in How do first- First-person shooter Mental Health The Entertainment Software
the Media person shooter games reduce Rating Board should
games affect players’ level of Public Safety encourage game
the psychology self-control and developers to create and
of their players? empathy which rate games at levels that
increases criminal are appropriate for
violence. anticipated players’ age and
psychological development.

Campus How are Colleges have a Public Health To minimize date rape,
Safety colleges responsibility to (Mental & colleges should require
effectively provide safe Emotional) students to participate in
addressing and campuses for their violence prevention
reducing date students, yet date Public Safety education including date
rape on their rape still occurs. rape myth training, and
campuses? provide 24/7 counseling
services.

Analysis
(Answers may vary)

Application
(Answers may vary)

Reflect
(Answers may vary)

Assess Your Learning

1. A

2. D

3. A

4. C

5. A
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15 |R. Pañamogan. R. Gargarita- SDO SAN CARLOS CITY