Research Methodology

Student Learning objectives / outcomes:

The students shall be able to . . . . . .

1. Acquire general knowledge of research in terms of definition, values,

characteristics, research process, and the essential and difficulties
encountered in making a research paper
2. Plan a good research problem/thesis and interpret its different parts
3. Investigate the impact of making a research paper
4. Write chapter 1 of the research proposal which includes the
following:
 Introduction or brief background of the study;
 Conceptual or theoretical framework;
 Schematic diagram;
 Statement of the problem;
 Assumptions/Hypothesis
 Significance and objectives of the study;
 Scope and limitation of the study; and
 Definition of terms
5. Write chapter 2 of the research paper which includes the following:
 International related literature and
 Local related literature
6. Write chapter 3 of the research proposal which includes the
following:
 Research design:
 Research locale or setting;
 Respondents of the study;
 Research instruments; and
 Statistical treatment
7. Defend chapter 1-3 of the research proposal with panel of reviewers
8. Write chapter 4 of the research study which includes the following:
 Presentation
 Analysis, and
 Interpretation of data
9. Write chapter 5 of the research study which includes the following:
 Summary of findings
 Conclusion, and
 Recommendations
10. Write bibliography and necessary preliminaries needed in the
study
11. Defend the research study / panel of reviewers
12. Submit the research report / final paper.
PART 1
Introduction

Writing a successful research paper is not easy work. There are no

shortcuts to be taken as one sits down to choose a topic, conduct
research, determine methodology, organize (and outline) thoughts, form
arguments or interpretations, cite sources, write the first draft, and, finally,
apply the necessary revisions.

But there's no need to be anxious with a research paper. With a good

understanding of the elements of a successful research paper, the process
can be made a whole lot easier and simpler.

What is research?

The word research is derived from the Middle French "recherche", which
means "to go about seeking", the term itself being derived from the Old
French term "recerchier" a compound word from "re-" + "cerchier", or
"sercher", meaning 'search'. The earliest recorded use of the term was in
1577.

Research has been defined in a number of different ways:

A broad definition of research is given by Martyn Shuttleworth - "In the
broadest sense of the word, the definition of research includes any
gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of
knowledge."

Another definition of research is given by Creswell who states - "Research

is a process of steps used to collect and analyze information to increase
our understanding of a topic or issue". It consists of three steps: Pose a
question, collect data to answer the question, and present an answer to
the question.

The Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines research in more detail

as "a studious inquiry or examination; especially : investigation or
experimentation aimed at the discovery and interpretation of facts,
revision of accepted theories or laws in the light of new facts, or practical
application of such new or revised theories or laws".

Studying a problem or an issue systematically and scientifically to find a

solution or to have a better understanding of the causes for the problem /
issue is called 'Research'
Research means collecting information on a certain ideas or theories to
gain better knowledge on something. Research can be done through
reading source material or performing experiments.

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Research is the attempt to gather more information or to find data
concerning something.

A Successful Research Paper is a SMART one

A successful research paper fulfills the objective of increasing readers'

knowledge of a given subject. It also accurately, concisely, and
comprehensively relays unbiased information on that subject: information
that, of course, must include valid evidence to support the premise.
SMART is a good way to remember the fundamentals of research paper
writing, and to help prepare an author in writing a successful research
paper.
 Specific: A research paper should be specific. It should maintain its
focus on the given subject of research - answering a specific
research question - and not be inconsistent or aimless as to convey
information or make claims on other, unrelated topics or subjects.
 Measurable: A research paper must contain specific, proven
research, and cites all research sources and related literature.
 Attainable: A research paper must provide a thesis statement, one
that answers the research question and contributes to the
knowledge of the given subject. It can't propose to answer a
question that doesn't relate to real life or isn't based on an existing
body of knowledge.
 Realistic: A research paper is objective and realistic. Should it be
made to present interpretations, arguments, or evaluations, then it
should do so based on valid evidence from reliable sources.
 Time: A research paper cannot be written without the researcher
knowing the limits, timeframes, and focus of the required work.
Without the writer / researcher stating the scope and limitations of
the research paper, it is likely that the thesis statement will be
hampered by an inability to answer the given research question or
focus on the given research subject.
(Source:http://www.gradesaver.com/writing-help/elements-of-a-successful-
research-paper/)

The Importance of Research

The purpose of research is to inform action. Thus, your study should seek
to contextualize its findings within the larger body of research. Research
must always be high quality in order to produce knowledge that is
applicable outside of the research setting with implications that go beyond
the group that has participated in the research. Furthermore, the results
of your study should have implications for policy and project
implementation.

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One problem that often plagues progress in global issues is the slow
translation of research into practice. Oftentimes, a disconnection exists
between those who create the evidence base and those who are
positioned to implement the research findings. The underlying problem is
in “the way in which the production of evidence is organized institutionally
with highly centralized mechanisms, whereas the application of that
science is highly decentralized. This social distance prevails because
scientists are more oriented to the international audiences of other
scientists for which they publish than to the needs of practitioners, policy
makers, or the local public.”
Thus, as researchers, it is imperative to take steps to overcome this
barrier. Publishing your study may be one initial step to make your
research known to the global community. Other proactive measures can
be taken to encourage the uptake of evidence-based interventions.

The main importance of research is to produce knowledge that can be

applied outside a research setting. Research also forms the foundation of
program development and policies everywhere around the universe. It also
solves particular existing problems of concern.

STEPS IN CONDUCTING RESEARCH

Research is often conducted using the hourglass model structure of

research. The hourglass model starts with a broad spectrum for research,
focusing in on the required information through the method of the project
(like the neck of the hourglass), then expands the research in the form of
discussion and results.

The major steps in conducting research are:

1.) Identification of research problem
2.) Literature review
3.) Specifying the purpose of research
4.) Determine specific research questions or hypotheses
5.) Data collection
6.) Analyzing and interpreting the data
7.) Reporting and evaluating research
8.) Communicating the research findings and, possibly,
recommendations

The steps generally represent the overall process; however they should be
viewed as an ever-changing process rather than a fixed set of steps. Most
researches begin with a general statement of the problem, or rather, the
purpose for engaging in the study. The literature review identifies flaws or
holes in previous research which provides justification for the study. Often,
a literature review is conducted in a given subject area before a research
question is identified. A gap in the current literature, as identified by a
researcher, then engenders a research question. The research question
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may be parallel to the hypothesis. The hypothesis is the supposition to be
tested. The researcher(s) collects data to test the hypothesis. The
researcher(s) then analyzes and interprets the data via a variety of
statistical methods, engaging in what is known as Empirical research. The
results of the data analysis in confirming or failing to reject the Null
hypothesis are then reported and evaluated. At the end the researcher
may discuss avenues for further research.

Rudolph Rummel says, "... no researcher should accept any one or two
tests as definitive. It is only when a range of tests are consistent over
many kinds of data, researchers, and methods can one have confidence in
the results."

Essential Factors for Effective Research: (men, money, materials)

Difficulties encountered in research:

1. Difficulty in recognizing problems
2. Duplication
3. Indifference of people to research

PART 2
RESEARCH METHODS:

The goal of the research process is to produce new knowledge or deepen

understanding of a topic or issue. This process takes three main forms
(although, as previously discussed, the boundaries between them may be
obscure):
• Exploratory research, which helps to identify and define a problem
or question.
• Constructive research, which tests theories and proposes solutions
to a problem or question.
• Empirical research, which tests the feasibility of a solution
using empirical evidence.

There are two major types of research design: qualitative research and
quantitative research. Researchers choose qualitative or quantitative
methods according to the nature of the research topic they want to
investigate and the research questions they aim to answer:

Qualitative research

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Understanding of human behavior and the reasons that govern such
behavior. Asking a broad question and collecting data in the form of words,
images, video etc that is analyzed searching for themes. This type of
research aims to investigate a question without attempting to quantifiably
measure variables or look to potential relationships between variables. It is
viewed as more restrictive in testing hypotheses because it can be
expensive and time consuming, and typically limited to a single set of
research subjects. Qualitative research is often used as a method of
exploratory research as a basis for later quantitative research hypotheses .
Qualitative research is linked with the philosophical and theoretical stance
of social constructionism.

Quantitative research

Systematic empirical investigation of quantitative properties and

phenomena and their relationships. Asking a narrow question and
collecting numerical data to analyze utilizing statistical methods. The
quantitative research designs are experimental, correlational, and survey
(or descriptive). Statistics derived from quantitative research can be used
to establish the existence of associative or causal relationships between
variables. Quantitative research is linked with the philosophical and
theoretical stance of positivism.

The Quantitative data collection methods rely on random sampling and

structured data collection instruments that fit diverse experiences into
predetermined response categories. These methods produce results that
are easy to summarize, compare, and generalize. Quantitative research is
concerned with testing hypotheses derived from theory and/or being able
to estimate the size of a phenomenon of interest. Depending on the
research question, participants may be randomly assigned to different
treatments (this is the only way that a quantitative study can be
considered a true experiment). If this is not feasible, the researcher may
collect data on participant and situational characteristics in order to
statistically control for their influence on the dependent, or outcome,
variable. If the intent is to generalize from the research participants to a
larger population, the researcher will employ probability sampling to select
participants.

In either qualitative or quantitative research, the researcher(s) may collect

primary or secondary data. Primary data is data collected specifically for
the research, such as through interviews or questionnaires. Secondary
data is data that already exists, such as census data, which can be re-used
for the research. It is good ethical research practice to use secondary data
wherever possible.
Mixed-method research, i.e. research that includes qualitative and
quantitative elements, using both primary and secondary data, is
becoming more common.

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PART 3
HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH PROPOSAL

There is no single format for research proposals. This is because

every research project is different. Different disciplines, donor
organizations and academic institutions all have different formats and
requirements. There are, however, several key components which must be
included in every research proposal. The specific research problem will
dictate what other sections are required.

Key components are:

• A description of the research problem.
• An argument as to why that problem is important.
• A review of literature relevant to the research problem.
• A description of the proposed research methodology.
• A description of how the research findings will be used and/or
disseminated.

DESCRIBING A RESEARCH PROBLEM

Before your proposal can make sense to a reader, he or she must

understand clearly what the proposed research will be about. Therefore,
you would do well to begin this section with a clear and simple formulation
of your research question. Read the following examples:

• This research project explores the extent to which vigilantism is

growing within different sectors of the South African population. In
particular the research focuses on the factors which promote and maintain
vigilantism in our society.

• Many community projects in rural Mpumalanga rely on micro-

enterprises (such as community gardens and spaza shops), to extend the
income generating potential of communities. The following is an
investigation of the extent to which these micro-enterprises do actually
influence the broader economic position of these communities.

WHY THE RESEARCH IS IMPORTANT

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This section, often referred to as the "rationale" is crucial, because it is one
place in which the researcher tries to convince her/his supervisor/external
examiner that the research is worth doing. You can do this by describing
how the results may be used.

Think about how your research:

* may resolve theoretical questions in your area
* may develop better theoretical models in your area
* may influence public policy
* may change the way people do their jobs in a particular field, or may
change the way people live.

COMPREHENSIVE PARTS OF A RESEARCH PAPER/THESIS

Generally, there are three (3) main pats of a research paper (thesis,
special problem in business, dissertation). These are the Preliminaries,
Texts, and Reference Materials.

A. PRELIMINARIES (front matter):

TITLE
Here are examples of 3 common types of titles
 Question: Can PF Correction Increase Profits?
 Summary: Design and Testing of a Small Power Company
 2-Part: Power System Operation: How to Survive an Emergency

APPROVAL SHEET
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (optional)
DEDICATION (optional)
ABSTRACT
The abstract is a short (about 100-500 word) summary of the entire paper.
It should include: brief situation of the problem/study, goals and
objectives, results, and conclusions. It is usually one of the last parts
of the paper to be written.

TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES

B. TEXT (Body):
CHAPTER 1- THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
• Introduction
• Conceptual framework
• Schematic Diagram
• Statement of the Problem

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 • Assumptions/Hypothesis
• Significance of the study
• Scope and Limitation of the study
• Definition of terms

The introduction also has three main purposes. First, it provides

background and motivation for your topic (usually includes a review of
current literature on the topic). Second, it describes the focus and purpose
of the paper you are writing. Third, it gives an overview of what is
contained in the paper's various sections.

CHAPTER 2- REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

• Related Studies
• Local and Foreign Literature

CHAPTER 3- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

• Research design
• Research locale
• The respondents
• Category and codes
• Research instrument
• Data collection and quantification
• Statistical treatment

This section describes what you did, how you did it, gives strategies,
sample calculations, diagrams and circuits, and descriptions of equipment.
The goal here is to give the reader sufficient information to be able to
repeat your work if desired. (Of course some "standard techniques" can be
simply referenced).

CHAPTER 4-PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF

DATA
• This part will chronologically answer all questions raised in
the statement of the problem
This section is where you prove your point with the data. Give graphs and
tables of costs, profits, whatever your data is. Also give some description
or guide to help the reader recognize your important points.

CHAPTER 5- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Summary of findings
• Conclusions
• Recommendations

Here you state what you learned or proved. What are the "take home
messages" or major accomplishments of this work? You may also describe
interesting observations, new questions, and future work here.
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C. REFERENCE MATERIALS (Back matter or end matter)

APPENDICES
• Permission Letters (if there’s any letter send to the respondents)

• Research Questionnaire/Instrument

BIBLIOGRAPHY (A list of the references you used in the work & writing
the paper.)

CURRICULUM VITAE / ABOUT THE AUTHOR (curriculum

vitae/information about the author/s)

Other Important Reminders:

Font use : Bookman Old Style
Font Size : 12
Spacing : Double
Paper : Short

Choosing a good topic/problem:

1. Topics should recognize the importance of daily occurrence
2. More than compiling but involves deducting the consequences of
hypothesis through careful observation and the application of
rigorous logic
3. Process of testing rather than proving and implies objectivity of the
data
4. Select narrow and practical problems
5. The problem must have practical value
6. It has boundary line. One could glean limitations
7. It shows the goal of the study
8. It is eye-catching and functional

CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

Chapter 1 heading is capitalized.

Introduction
Guidelines:
1.) Describe the problem-situation by considering global, national, and
local situations
2.) Justify the existence of the problem situation by citing statistical
data and authoritative sources (related studies, laws, orders,
memorandum, rules) as bases to support the problem
3.) It should be short as possible, an average of three pages
4.) Use the objective line of reasoning, from macro to micro perspective
5.) Maintain the objective tone throughout the paper. Keep in mine that
a research paper is a formal explosion of research problem, not a
forum for personal opinion.
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 6.) The researcher may indicate what is wrong in the present system
and explains his desire to discover ways of enriching something
7.) At the end of the introduction, the researcher should cite motives
and justification which prompted him to conduct such study. The
clinching statement is made to relate a background to the research
problem

Conceptual Framework
This is also known as conceptual mapping. This includes systems of
concepts, assumptions, expectation, and belief that support a research
study. A concept is in the mind of the person and therefore it is not known
by any other person. Thus, this cannot be tested just like a theory.
Concept must therefore be expressed out in a diagram or illustration by
identifying the key factors, concepts, or variables of the study. This
illustration serves as a guide in conducting the study.
Guidelines:
1.) Always draw a schematic diagram / illustration and explain the
relationship of the boxes / circles/ arrows, and everything in the
diagram for the reader to clearly understand its significance
2.) If the variables are to be related, identify the independent variable,
dependent variables, and the relationship of the variables.
3.) The mapping or framework must be understood by many readers
since it is the “blueprint of the study”.
4.) A figure number below the diagram must be indicated as a caption.

Schematic Diagram
This is a diagram that discusses the research flow stating how the
dependent variables relate against the independent variables; or the input
and the output.

Statement of the Problem:

There are two problems to be stated: the major (general) and the minor
(specific). Usually, the general problems starts with the phrase: “This
study…” while the specific start with: “Specifically, this study….”

Guidelines:
1.) It must be a completely researchable unit
2.) It is arranged in a logical order from factual to analytic order
following the flow in the research schematic diagram
3.) It should be specifically, correctly, and grammatically worded in the
language of research
4.) It should not duplicate or overlap the other sub-problems
5.) It should not answerable by yes or no
6.) Each specific problem has a corresponding statistical tool.

Assumption of the study

Assumptions are so basic that without them the research problem itself
could not exist. All assumptions that have material bearing upon the
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problem should be openly and unreservedly set forth. Assumption need to
be proven not tested. To answer the questions will bring your assumption
into view. The following maybe assumed; general problem, hypothesis,
respondents, locale of the study, research instrument, among others.

Hypothesis
Hypothesis is required if significant relationship of differences between
variables is measured. Hypothesis are necessary because (1) the
researcher needs to have some points which the researchers may be
oriented in terms of searching for relevant data; (2) they allow us to
comprehend on the research project and motives of the researcher. Hey
are neither proved nor disapproved, they are tested.

Criteria:
1.) Hypothesis should be measurable
2.) It is testable and specific
3.) It is in the statistical form with a level of significance.

Significance of the Study:

Of what use is the study? What practical values does the study have?
The study is directed to whom the study will be most useful
(beneficiaries/end-users) and why the study would be useful to them (e.g.
administration, faculty, students, parents, future researchers…)

Scope and Limitation of the Study

This should indicate the coverage (scope) and limitation of the study. The
first paragraph should indicate the scope while the second paragraph
should indicate the limitation.

Definition of Terms
Terms must be defined for clearer understanding. A term map be defined
lexically (dictionary), authoritatively published and unpublished materials,
or operationally (as used in the study). If lexically or authoritatively
defined, the source must be cited.

Guidelines:
1.) There must be an introductory sentence/paragraph before starting
defining a term
2.) Terms maybe arrange alphabetically or according to their
importance or use in the study. Refer to you institutional policy
3.) Always indent the terms
4.) Emphasize the terms to be defined either by a bold print,
underlining or italics.
5.) If the term to be defined follows a dash (-), period (.) or no
punctuation, a consistent format must be followed all throughout.
6.) Do not number the terms being defined like 1,2,3…and so on.
7.) Do not capitalize the terms. Only the first letter is capitalized

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Summary of Contents of CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS
SCOPE
 Introduction (at least 2 pages)
 Conceptual Framework ( at least 1page)
 Schematic Diagram (at least 1 page)
 Statement of the Problem (at least 1 page)
o State at least (3-5) questions that the researchers need
to investigate
 Significance of the Study (at least 1 page)
 Scope and Limitation of the Study (at least 1 page)
 Definition of Terms
o Define at least 5 words or terms that are operationally
used in this research to better understand the study

PART 4
CHAPTER 2- REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
• Related Studies
• Local and Foreign Literature

Chapter 2 heading is capitalized.

Guidelines:
1.) It should be organized thematically to conform to the specific
problems however, some schools are still using the chronological
presentation
2.) Do not twist the facts of the reviewed literature. Be objective.
3.) Reviewed studies must be sufficient enough to give the researcher
an insight of his problem
4.) Must highlight important information
5.) Must be recent as possible or not beyond 10 years
6.) Only the variables of the findings that are related to the present
study should be reviewed
7.) Be consistent in citing sources
8.) Do not cite sources that are not found in the bibliography
9.) Your concluding statement should give the reader a summary of all
the reviewed studies and how the present study benefited from
those reviewed studies

The literature review:

* Provides a conceptual framework for the reader so that the
research question and methodology can be better understood.
* Demonstrates to the expert reader that the researcher is aware of
the breadth and diversity of literature that relates to the research
question.

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 It is important that you are able to provide an integrated overview of
your field of study. This means that you show awareness of the most
important and relevant theories, models, studies and methodologies.

Note: Variables in the schematic diagram is also discussed in

chapter 2 of the research paper/ thesis.

Sources of Materials for Literature Review

A. Primary sources:
1. Documents- are words kept by actual participants in, or witness of,
an event (a.) legislative acts like constitution, articles, registration
of population, school records, b.) books, newspaper, magazines,
master’s thesis or doctoral’ dissertations.
2. Relics or remains ( skeletons, fossils, walls)
3. Oral Testimony (interview with administrators, students, citizens)

B. Secondary Sources: (those not actually witnessed by reporters,

observers. Examples are textbooks, encyclopedias)

PART 5
CHAPTER 3- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
• Research design
• Research locale
• The respondents
• Category and codes
• Research instrument
• Data collection and quantification
• Statistical treatment

This section describes what you did, how you did it, gives strategies,
sample calculations, diagrams and circuits, and descriptions of equipment.
The goal here is to give the reader sufficient information to be able to
repeat your work if desired. (Of course some "standard techniques" can be
simply referenced).

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Chapter 3 heading is capitalized.
In other schools chapter 3 is called Methodology, Research methodology,
methods and procedure, or Methodology of Research.

Research Design
This indicates the research method used (descriptive, historical,
experimental, or any other type) the particular type must be indicated.
Researchers should state what design is the research. The design should
be explained in this section. Most research methodology textbooks discuss
the more commonly used research designs.
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Research Locale / Locale of the Study
This is sometime called as research settings. In this section, the place
where the study is conducted and the reasons behind the choice of the
place must be discussed. A map of the place is attached and specifies
location is emphasized either by color coding or any other marking.

The Respondents:
The respondents are those from whom the data/information is to be
collected or gathered. The respondents may be either universal/total
population or a sample from the population. In a universal, all the
members of the population are involved. If a sample is taken from the
population, appropriate formula is used. These formulas may either be
Sloven’s Formula, Parten’s Formula, Ibe’s formula, or the majority role
formula. The most common among these is the Sloven’s Fomula.

How to Use Sloven’ Formula

For example, it’s well known that IQ scores follow a normal distribution
pattern. But what about if you know nothing about your population at all?
That’s why we use Sloven’s Formula to figure out what sample size you
need to take. Which is written as:

n = N/(1+Ne2) where n=number of samples, N=Total population,

and
e=error tolerance

Sample question: use Sloven’s formula to find out what sample of a

population of 1,000 people you need to take for a survey on their soda
preferences.
Step 1: Figure out what you want your confidence level to be. For
example, you want a confidence level of 95 percent (which you give a
margin error of 0.05), or you need better accuracy at 98 percent
confidence level (which produces a margin error of 0.02)
Step 2: Plug your data into the formula. In this example w’ll use 95
percent confidence level with a population size of 1,000.
n = N/(1+ne2)
= 1,000 / (1+1000x0.052)
= 285.71415286
Step 3: Round your answer to a whole number (because you cannot
sample a fraction of a person or a thing)
n = 286 (is the sample size)

Research instrument:
Tools of gathering Data, Research Tools, Instrumentation and Data
Collection are other names. The instrument to be used should be
appropriate to the study, valid, and reliable. In this section, the researcher
must indicate how the items of the instruments were formulated; parts

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and section must be explained; to whom and how it was validated; how it
was improved, and distributed to the respondents.
Guidelines:
1. Specify the instrument /s used and justify their uses
2. Give details of construction and data validity and reliability
3. If an instrument was copied from sources and was modified, he has
to indicate the modification
4. Is an instrument is standardized and used in toto, the researcher has
to specify its reliability and validity including the name of the author
and author’s permission.
5. The researcher must give details of instructions to research
assistants, if they are utilized for research activities

Data Collection and Quantification / Data-Gathering and Procedure

In any research, the researcher should indicate briefly how the
investigation was conducted. This section is also called Procedures of
Investigation or Research Procedure.

Sources of data
Some sources could be taken from the instrument used in the study,
documents, published and unpublished research materials, books, and
periodicals.

Statistical Treatment of Data

The kind of statistical treatment depends upon the nature of the problem.
With the advent of computer age, statistics is now playing a vital role in
research Examples for statistical treatment using computers includes
Microstat Package, Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), Statistical
Analysis System (SAS), and others.

PART 6
CHAPTER 4-PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF
DATA
• This part will chronologically answer all questions raised in
the statement of the problem

This section is where you prove your point with the data. Give graphs and
tables of costs, profits, whatever your data is. Also give some description
or guide to help the reader recognize your important points.

This is the body of the study/ research. The researchers will DISCUSS
FULLY the questions raised that are based on the statement of the
problems in chapter 1.

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Guidelines in Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data
A. Presentation of Data
1. Present the data in the order of the sub-problems stated in the
Statement of the Problem
2. Table heading is generally an inverted pyramid. In some school they
use the paragraph form of block form
3. Numerical data found in the table should be consistent with the
textual presentation
4. Table heading should be consistent with the title found under the
section for List of Tables.
5. There should be fewer rows and columns in the table
6. As much as possible, tables should not be divided
7. Tables should follow the citation of the table number

B. For Graphs and Figures

1. Figures and graphs are used to illustrate quantitative data but they
should not be overused so as not to distract the presentation
2. Graphs make tabular values more clear and vivid
3. Graphs that occupy more than half a page should be placed on a
separate page.
4. Graphs are numbered with Arabic rather that Roman numerals
5. Titles of figures and graphs are placed below them
6. Graphs should follow the related textual discussion
7. Graphs and figures must be presentable in appearance
8. Figures are referred to by number , never as “the figures above” of
“the figure below”

C. In Ranking the Data

1. Arrange the data to their ranks (1,2,3,4…)
2. Put out the discussion the first 3 or 5 highest ranks and how these
ranks affect the findings. In some cases, the lowest rank are
discussed if they adversely affect the outcome of the study.

D. Analysis of Data
1. Present the result of the analysis in a clear and logically organized
manner
2. Analyze the in-depth to give meaning to the data presented in the
table
3. When variables are correlated, state whether the correlation is
positive or negative: indicate the level of significance and make a
decision
4. In determining the significance of difference of variables, state the
obtained statistical result; the level of significance of the difference
and make a decision.

E. Interpretation of Data
1. Establish the interconnection between and among data.
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 2. Check for indicators whether the hypothesis is supported or not by
the findings of the data
3. Link the present findings with previous literature or existing theory
4. Use parallel observation with contemporary events to give credence
presented in the introduction in chapter 1
5. Draw out implications

Look for sample research outputs at the university library for your
referral.

PART 7
CHAPTER 5- SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

• Summary of Findings
• Conclusions
• Recommendations

This is the final chapter in a research paper. Here you state what you
learned or proved. What are the "take home messages" or major
accomplishments of this work? You may also describe interesting
observations, new questions, and future work here.

There are two forms in writing the major findings, conclusions, and
recommendations. These are in Narrative Form and Enumerative or
Outline Form. The enumeration or outline form is widely accepted by many
institutions.

Summary
This section restates as briefly as possible the statement of the problem,
importance of the study, research methods used, respondents, and
statistical used in the study.

Major Findings
These are major statements of factual information based on the analyzed
data. Only the major or salient findings are included in this chapter. All
sub-problems must have their respective findings. The results of the
hypothesis must be presented too.

Important Guidelines:

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 1. Enumeration of findings should follow the sequence of the sup-
problems of the study
2. Only important major findings should be included and emphasized.
3. Findings should be stated cautiously as possible without further
discussion
4. The findings must be consistent with the analysis of data
5. No new data should be presented if they are not mentioned in the
analysis of data or part of the study

Conclusions
These are generalization statement in answer to the sub-problems/specific
problems raised, or the statement of acceptance or rejection of the
hypothesis (if there is). Conclusions are valid out-growth of findings and
therefore they are not supported or justified. A one-to-one correspondence
with the sub-problem is not always the rule as there are variables that can
be subsumed in one paragraph. Hence, flexibility is considered in making
conclusions.

Important Guidelines:
1. Conclusions should not contain numerals
2. No conclusions should be drawn from the implied effects of the
findings.
3. Never repeat the findings in the conclusion section
4. It should be formatted concisely and briefly stated but must convey
all necessary information.
5. No corrections should be made that were not based from the
findings

Recommendation

These are drawn from the findings and conclusions of the study. They
must be feasible to be implemented, workable or functional, doable,
adaptable, and flexible. They may be specific or general or both. A
suggestion for further studies must be included.

PART 8
PRELIMINARIES AND REFERENCE MATERIALS

Preliminaries should be made after the body of the research (Chapter 1-5)
has been made.

A. PRELIMINARIES
The Preliminaries (Font Matter):

The Title Page

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This is a one-page part. The institution has its own form in making a title
page

The title should be concise as well as descriptive and comprehensive.

Phrases like “A critical Analysis…”, “An Evaluation …”, “An Assessment of
…” “A Study…” or harmonious or catchy titles are not appropriate for
research studies.

Some common criteria in writing title are:

1.) It must be reflective of the general problem
2.) The title must be clear and descriptive
3.) It must be short and concise, preferably not more that 14 words of
two lines using the inverted pyramid format
4.) It must be correctly worded and properly edited

Approval Sheet
It provides a space for the signatures of the advisers, panelists, deans; and
other involved persons indicating their acceptance of the work

Acknowledgement
This section is when the researcher/s wishes to give appreciation of
gratitude to some important persons that helped in the accomplishment of
the research study. This is usually written in paragraph format on a one-
page paper. This section may be optional.

Dedication
This section is when the researcher/s is dedicating their works. Most of the
researchers dedicate their works to their love ones, the Almighty, and
some special ones. This is usually written in paragraph format on a one-
page paper. This section may be optional.

Abstract
The abstract is a short (about 100-500 word) summary of the entire paper.
It should include: brief situation of the problem/study, goals and
objectives, results, and conclusions. It is usually one of the last parts
of the paper to be written.

Table of Content
This section presents in an outline format all contents and their
corresponding page in the study starting from the Title Page until the
Curriculum Vitae/About the Author

List of Tables
This section list only all tables with their corresponding table title used in
the study and their corresponding page in the study.

List of Figures
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This section list only all figures with their corresponding figure title used in
the study and their corresponding page in the study.

B. REFERENCE MATERIALS (Back matter or end matter)

APPENDICES
• Permission Letters (if there’s any letter send to the respondents)

• Research Questionnaire/Instrument

An appendix should be used for materials that supplement the text but not
appropriate for inclusion in it.

Included in the appendix are as follows:

1. Permit to conduct the study
2. Type of instruments used
3. Tables containing lesser part
4. Pertinent long documents
5. Long quotations / speeches
6. Pictures during the conduct of study

The appendix are categorized into A,B,C,D, and the like.

BIBLIOGRAPHY (A list of the references you used in the work & writing
the paper.)
A bibliography is a complete list of references cited or utilized in the study.
This section is written after the chapter 5. The bibliography should be
listed as follows:
1. Books
2. Journals and periodicals
3. Unpublished Materials (Thesis/Dissertations)
4. Documents (legal sources)
5. Internet sites (authentic)

Note: Sequence of be presented in order from 1-5

CURRICULUM VITAE / ABOUT THE AUTHOR (curriculum

vitae/information about the author/s)

This section contains information about the author and their contribution
to the making of the study. All researchers with their pictures should be
included in this part.

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