Romblon State University

INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES

Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

EM200 METHODS OF RESEARCH ENGR. REYNALDO P. RAMOS, PhD

MODULE THREE:
Review of Related Literature
BACKGROUND
This module covers the conduct of literature review, particularly on how to critique journal articles, the use of the
American Psychological Association (APA) style of citation and referencing, including the elements of a research
design and the forms and contents of an abstract. This module will be supplemented with additional handouts
about plagiarism.

At the end of this module, it is expected that the student is able to:
 conduct, write and compile appropriate literature and studies relevant to their proposed research topic ;
 apply the proper way of citation and referencing using APA style;
 recognize the elements of a research design;
 identify the different types of variables; and
 avoid plagiarism during the research proposal writing and conduct of research.

1. Literature Review
A literature is an independent works or brief introduction to the reports of new primary data with
different focuses, goals, perspectives, strategies, organization and audiences. It can also focus on research
outcomes, research methods, theories and applications. It provides background to and context for the
research and to establish a bridge between the research study and the existing body of knowledge on the
research topic. It is a process in which the researcher “critically” reviews available literature directly or
indirectly related to the conduct of the research. There are three main reasons why a literature is
necessary: (a) determining what research has been done on the research topic, (b) determining what level
of theory and knowledge development relevant to the research topic, (c) determining relevance of the
current/existing knowledge in relation to research problem.

Major Steps to Literature Review

(a) Determine when to conduct a search, (b) Delimit what is searched, (c) Access database for books,
journals, and documents, (d) Organize the information gathered, (e) Critically evaluate the
literature, (f) Write the literature review

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

Primary Techniques for Incorporating Source Material

Table below shows the three main techniques in the conduct of literature review.

Example: The example for each technique is based on the statement, “Skin cancer is generally divided into
two main classes, nonmelanomas and melanomas, both types affecting different types of skin cells” (Joyce
2005, 143).

Technique Description Example

Quoting Exact words used in the original are placed in quotation “Skin cancer is generally divided into two
markers main classes.”
Paraphrasing Information from a source is restated in a that retains the There are two primary types of skin
essence of the original statement cancer.
Summarizing Key points from the source material are rewritten in a The type of skin cell affected depends on
more succinct, more focused way in the student’s own the type of skin cancer.
words

Example of Citation Styles

Table lists down the three most common citation used style guides/publication are the following: (a)
American Psychological Association, (b) the University of Chicago Press, and the (c) Modern Language
Association.

Citation
Journal Book Web Source
Style
APA Journal Article without Digital Object Identifier Shotton, M.A. (1989). PZ Myers. (2007, January 22). The
American (DOI) Computer addiction: A study unfortunate prerequisites and
Psychologic Light, M.A., & Light, I.H. (2008). The of computer dependency. consequences of partitioning your
al geographic expansion of Mexican London, England: Taylor & mind [Web log post]. Retrieved
Association immigration in the United States and its Francis from
implications for local law enforcement, Law http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngu
Enforcement Executive Forum Journal, 8(1), la/2007/01/the-
73-82. unfortunate_prerequisites.php

Journal article with DOI

Herbst-Damm, K.l., & Kulik, J.A. (2005).
Volunteer support, marital status, and the
survival times of terminally ill patients.
Health Psychology, 24, 225-229, doi:
10.1037/0278-6133.24.2.225
Chicago Calabrese, E.J. and L.A. Baldwin, 1999. Martin du Gard, Roger. Website, owner of site used for
Reevaluation of the fundamental close- Leiutenant-Colonel de author
response relationship, Bioscience 49:725-32 Maumort. Translated by Luc Federation of American Scientists.
Brebion an Timothy Crouse. Resolution comparison: Reading
New York: Alfred A Knopf, license plates and headlines.
2000.

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

http://www.fas.org/irp/imint/reso
lves.htm
MLA Web publication
(Modern Eaves, Morris Robert Essick, and
Language Joseph Viscomi, eds. The William
Association) Blake Archive, Lib of Cong, 28
Sept., 2007.
<http://www.blakearchive.org/bla
ke/>

REMINDER: Download the handout material that is also available at Weebly website:
http://www.brainitiativesph.com/uploads/7/7/6/4/77644974/sample_apa_guidelines_7.pdf

2. What is a Research Design?

Some definitions of research design are as follows:
- A technical document where the decisions to conduct a research project, including some
exploratory work have been stated, justified, evaluated and completed
- An overall action plan or scheme which contains specific structure and strategy of investigation to
obtain answers to identified research questions and to control variance.
- A process link research questions, empirical data, and research conclusions
- Considered as a working document derived from courses/modules taken in research
methods/methodology, as well as an output from the discussions between the supervisor and a
student
- It aims to provide framework for the collection, analysis and interpretation of data; and it specify
or designate the logical manner by which the variable units are compared and analyzed
-
3. Basic Elements of a Research Design
The fundamental stages by which choices need to be made are as follows. (a) research topic/problem, (b)
research questions and objectives, (c) research methods, techniques and strategies, (d) research concepts,
hypotheses and models, (e) data sources, types of and forms, (f)selection from data sources, (g) data
collection and timing, (h) data reduction and analysis. In general, a research design needs to answer basic
questions: what will be studied? Why will it be studied, and how will it be studied? The selection or choice
of a research design is the most important decision to make because this decision greatly influence s and
have direct impacts in the prospective results of the study. Every type of research design setting has its
own individual central characteristics and expected outcomes as illustrated in the table below.

Type Characteristics Outcome

Sample survey - It deals with a fraction of o total population - Data analysis is based on a simple
- It employs a sampling method to provide a sample relationship between two variables
that represents the total population - It utilizes both qualitative and
- Test hypotheses are also established quantitative analysis
Field Study - It concern primarily with processes and patterns - The data gathered enable to test
under investigation (community, group) many hypotheses compare to the
sample survey

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

- It emphasizes on the social structure and social - General control through focusing on
interactions subgroup of larger population
Case Study - Intensive analysis of a single instance of a - Concepts is discovered and tested
phenomenon being investigated - Cases are coded and statistically
- It attempts to discover unique features and tested
common characteristics
- Cases is grouped by type to discover uniformities
Combined - Survey methodology is utilized to determine Creation of two databanks,: case study
survey ad case relationship in a correlational pattern, and then analysis and statistical data
study interpreted using case study to discover patterns Relationships accompanied by process and
and processes pattern data
- Cases selected from the results of the survey
analysis particularly with significant results

4. Variables - It is defined as a quantity susceptible of fluctuation or change in value or magnitude under

different conditions. Numerical values or categories represent these quantities.

Types of Variables:
a. Independent variable – the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher to determine its
relationship to an observed phenomenon. This is the one being manipulated.
b. Dependent variable – this is the response variable which is observed and measured to determine
the effect of the independent variable – it changes when the independent variable varies.
c. Moderate variable - this is a secondary or special type of independent variable to determine if it
changes or modifies the relationship between the independent and dependent variables.
d. Control variable - this is a variable that is controlled in which the effects can be neutralized by
eliminating or removing the variable.
e. Intervening variable – this is a variable which interferes with the independent and dependent
variables, either its strengthen or weaken these variables.

5. What is Abstract?
It is a brief and concise descriptive summary of statement of the problem, hypotheses, significance of
the study, research design, determination of sample size, sampling design and technique, the research
instrument and validation, data processing and method, statistical analysis, findings, conclusions and
recommendations.

Forms of Abstract:
a. Short Form – it consists of 100-250 words and normally used for publication of research paper in a
journal.
b. Extended Form – it consists of 500 – 900 and being used in research paper contest; and presentation
of scientific papers during symposium, seminars and conference.
c. Long Form – it consists of 900-1000 words and being used in master’s thesis and PhD dissertation

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

MODULE ASSESSMENT

MODULE THREE ASSESSMENT TASK #3

1. Choose one (1) journal article relevant to your proposed research topics/titles that you submitted in
Assignment/Assessment #2.
2. Read carefully the journal article and part of critiquing, write the following basic information about
the article using the APA style.
a. Name(s) of the author(s)
b. Title of article
c. Title of journal, volume number, date, month and page numbers
d. Statement of the problem or issue discussed
e. The author’s purpose, approach or methods, hypothesis, and major conclusions (Please
summarize)
3. Answer the following questions:
a. Is the title of the article appropriate and clear? If yes/no, explain why.
b. Is the abstract specific? Does it fit with the type of abstract for journal? If yes/no, why?
c. Is the purpose of the article made clear in the introduction? Explain why.
d. Should some sections of the manuscript be expanded, condensed or omitted?
e. Are the study design and methods appropriate for the purposes of the study? Explain why.
f. Have the procedures or methodology been presented in enough detail to enable a reader
to duplicate them? Briefly discuss.
g. Scan and spot-check calculations. Are the statistical methods appropriate? Briefly discuss.
h. Do you find any content repeated or duplicated? (A common fault is repetition in the text
of data in tables or figures. Suggest that tabular data be interpreted of summarized, nor
merely repeated, in the text.) Cite any part of the article that has duplication.
i. What is the main significance of the article to your proposed topic or research area of
interest?
4. Submit your answers thru Google Classroom on or before 23:59PM, Tuesday 13 July 2021. Point
deduction for late submission.
5. Short bond paper, 1.5 spacing, 10-12 font size, either MSWord or PDF file. The file name should be:
FIRSTNAMESURNAME_Assessment#3. Upload your submission to the link provided in Google Classroom
and make sure that the file successfully uploaded

DEADLINE: 13 JULY 2021, 23:59PM

“PLAGIARISM IS AN ACADEMIC OFFENSE, NOT TO BE TOLERATED”

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

READING MATERIALS
1. Dawson, C. (2009). Introduction to Research Methods, A Practical Guide for Anyone Undertaking a Research
Project, 4th Edition, UK: How to Content. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/introduction-to-research-
methods-a-practical-guide-for-anyone-undertaking-a-research-project-d157725135.html

2. Vanderstoep, S. & Johnston, D. (2009). Research Methods for Everyday Life: Blending Qualitative and Quantitative
Approaches, USA: Jossey-Bass. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/research-methods-for-everyday-life-
blending-qualitative-and-quantitative-approaches-research-methods-for-the-social-sciences-d161070302.html

3. Neuman, W. (2014). Social Research Methods: Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches, 7th Edition, UK: Pearson
Education Limited. Retrieved from https://www.pdfdrive.com/social-research-methods-qualitative-and-
quantitative-approaches-e19744746.html

4. Johnson, R. & Christensen, L (2014). Educational Research: Quantitative, Qualitative, and Mixed Approaches, USA:
SAGE Publications, Inc. Retrieved from https://ismailsunny.files.wordpress.com/2017/07/educational-research_-
quantitat-r-robert-burke-johnson.pdf

REFERENCES AND OTHER SUGGESTED READING MATERIALS

1 Albert, J. R. (2008). Basic Statistics for the Tertiary Level, Padua, Patungan & Marquez (eds), Manila: Rex Book
Store
2 Ariola, M. (2016). Principles and Methods of Research, 1st Edition, Quezon City: Rex Store, Inc.
3 Asaad, A. S. (2008). Statistics Made Simple for Researchers, Manila: Rex Book Store
4 Calderon, J. & Gonzales, E. (2016). Methods of Research and Thesis Writing, Mandaluyong City: National Book
Store
5 Castillo, F. S. (2007). Research Education and Scientific Writing, Latest Edition, Manila: Booklore Publishing
Corporation
6 Finkelsten, L. Jr (2005). Pocket Book of Technical Writing for Engineers and Scientists, 2nd Edition, McGraw-Hill
(Asia)
7 Fraenkel, K. R., Wallen, N. E., and Hyun, H. H. (2013). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 8th Edition,
New York, USA: McGraw-Hill International Edition
8 Frankfort-Nachmias, C., and Nachmias, D. (1997). Research Methods in the Social Sciences, 5th Edition, London:
Arnold.
9 Fraenkel, K. R., and Wallen, N. E. (2010). How to Design and Evaluate Research in Education, 7th Edition, New York,
USA: McGraw-Hill International Edition
10 Hair, J., Celsi, M., Ortinau, D. and Bush, R. (2017). Essentials of Marketing Research, 4th Edition, New York: McGraw
Hill Education
11 Jha, A. S. (2011). Research Methodology, Delhi, India: APH Publishing Corporation
12 Lavina, C., Manabo, R., Hernandez, G., Hablanida, F., Lacorte, A., & Gaza-Ebron, J. (2016). Outcomes-based
Practical Guide to Thesis and Capstone Project Writing in Computing, Manila: Mindshapers, Co., Inc.
13 Mustafa, A. (2010). Research Methodology, India: AITBS Publishers
14 Paler-Calmorin, L, & Calmorin, M. A. (2007). Research Methods and Thesis Writing, 2nd edition, Manila: Rex Book
Store
15 Sanchez, C. A. (1997). Methods Techniques of Research, 3rd Edition, Manila: Rex Book Store

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 Romblon State University
INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE STUDIES
Odiongan, Romblon
Tel. no. (042) 567-5952

16 Tayie, S. (2005). Research Methods and Writing Research Proposals, Pathways to Higher Education Project, Center
for Advancement of Postgraduate Studies and Research in Engineering Sciences, Faculty of Engineering – Cairo
University
17 Trinidad, J.E (2018). Researching, Philippine Realities: A Guide to Qualitative, Quantitative, and Humanities
Research, Quezon City: Ateneo De Manila University Press
18 Walliman, N. (2018). Research Methods the Basics, Second Edition, London and New York: Routledge Taylor &
Francis Group

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