Research (res 401)

WRITING THE RESEARCH REPORT study and course or degree conferred, background of the study, research
methodology, findings and recommendations.
Generally, there are three (3) main parts of a research paper (thesis, special
problem in business, dissertation). These are the preliminaries, texts, and reference F. Table of Contents
materials. This part lists all the parts of the research paper with their corresponding
page numbers.

I. Preliminaries (Front Matter). It includes the following: G. List of Tables

This part should contain the table number, table title and page number. The
A. Title Page table number must not be punctuated. The table title should correspond to the
Criteria for Evaluating a Title: table title found in the text.
The research title names the particular area to be investigated. It gives a good
indication in what the study is all about. A topic is not a title, but a research title H. List of Figures
is the research topic of a research problem. This part contains charts, graphs and illustrations which are presented in the
The title should be concise as well as descriptive and comprehensive. Phrases text. The figure number must not be punctuated and the title should correspond
like “A Critical Analysis…” “An Evaluation…” “An Assessment of…” “A Study…” or to the figure found in the text.
humorous or catchy titles are not appropriate for research studies. II. Text (Body). It consists of the following chapters:
Some common criteria that should be remembered in writing the title are:
1. It must be reflective of the general problem. Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
2. The title must be clear and descriptive.
3. It must be short and concise, preferably not more than 14 words or two lines A. Background of the Study (For title proposals, Rationale is used)
using the inverted pyramid format. Guidelines:
4. It must be correctly worded and properly edited. 1. Describe the problem situation by considering global, national and local
situations.
B. Approval Sheet 2. Justify the existence of the problem situation by citing statistical data and
It provides a space for the signature of the adviser, reader (if any), panelists, authoritative sources as bases to support the problem.
dean; other persons indicating their acceptance of the work. 3. It must be short as possible, an average of three persons.
C. Acknowledgment 4. Use the deductive line of reasoning, from macro perspective to micro
It contains expressions of appreciation for the assistance and guidance in the perspective.
preparation and completion of the study. Acknowledgments should be expressed 5. Maintain an objective tone throughout the paper.
simply, honestly, sincerely and tactfully. Do not extend gratitude to those who 6. The researcher may indicate what is wrong the present system and explain
never helped you because that is a great intellectual dishonesty. his desire to discover ways of enriching something, thus the study.
7. At the end of the Background of the Study/Rationale, the researcher should
D. Dedication
cite motives and justification which prompted him to conduct such a study.
In this part, only those persons who are close members of the family or those
Thus a clinching statement is made to relate a background to the research
whom you personally love should be cited. There are different styles of writing a
problem.
dedication depending upon the researcher’s taste and style.
B. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
E. Abstract
Theoretical framework includes theories which are essentially
An abstract is a brief summary of the research study. It should include the
explanations on how one or more variables are related to other variables. It
following: names of the researchers, year of publication, institution, title of the
attempts to develop a general explanation of phenomenon. It is primarily

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concerned with explanation and therefore focuses on determining cause-effect consists of the general purpose of the study. It is usually patterned from the
relationships. research title. The general problem is broken down to specific problems or
sub-problems in order to be researchable units. Usually, the general problem
Guidelines in Using the Theoretical Framework: starts with the phrase: “This study” while the sub-problems start with:
1. Always indicate the name of the theory or theories including its author and “Specifically, this study.”
what the theory is all about. Guidelines in Using the Sub-problems of the Study:
2. Indicate the applicability of the theory to the study. 1. It must be a completely researchable unit.
3. If there are many related theories, select the nearest theory and explain its 2. It is arranged in logical order from factual to analytical order
applicability to the present study. following the flow in the research paradigm.
4. As much as possible, map out or illustrate the theory. 3. It should be specifically, correctly and grammatically worded in the
5. Do not include theoretical framework in the thesis if there is no theory language or research.
involved or to be proven. 4. It should not duplicate or overlap the other sub-problems (mutually
exclusive dimensions).
Conceptual framework includes the systems of concepts, assumptions, 5. It is not answerable by yes or no.
expectations, and beliefs that support a research study. A concept is in the 6. Each specific problem has a corresponding statistical tool.
mind of the person and therefore it is not known by any other person. Thus,
it cannot be tested just like a theory. Concept must therefore be expressed D. Hypothesis
out in a diagram or illustration by identifying the key factors, concepts, or Hypothesis is required if significant relationship, difference and
variables of the study. This illustration serves as a guide in conducting the correlation between or among variables is measured. Hypotheses are
study. necessary because (1) the researcher needs to have some points around which
the researcher may be oriented in terms of searching for relevant data; (2)
Conceptual paradigm is sometimes referred to as research paradigm of they allow us to comprehend on the research project and the motives of the
the study. It is a schematic diagram or illustration depicting what the researcher.
concept of the study is all about. If it is already mapped out or diagrammed,
it becomes a framework, a blue print or a plan. Criteria for Evaluating Research/Working Hypothesis:
1. Hypothesis should be measurable. It states expected relationships between
Guidelines in Using Conceptual Framework: two or more variables as answers to the problems.
1. Always draw the schematic diagram/illustration and explain the 2. It is testable and specific.
relationship of the boxes/circles, arrows, and everything in the 3. It is in statistical form with a level of significance. A hypothesis cannot be
diagram for the reader to clearly understand its significance. accepted nor rejected in a decision-making activity without the statistical
2. If variables are to be related, identify the independent variables, significance which is usually .05 or .01.
dependent variables, and the relationship of the variables.
3. The mapping or framework must be understood by any reader since E. Significance of the Study
it is the “blueprint of the study”. Of what use is the study? What practical values does the study have? These
4. A figure number below the diagram must be indicated as a caption. questions refer to the significance of the study. The study is directed to whom
the study will be most useful (beneficiaries/end-users) and why the study
C. Statement of the Problem would be useful to them.
There are two problems to be stated: the major (general or main) problem
and the minor (specific) problems or sub-problems. The general problem
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F. Scope and Delimitation of the Study 4. Reviewed studies must highlight important information such as findings,
The study should indicate the coverage of the study (scope) and the conclusions and sometime recommendations.
variables excluded (delimitation). Limitation of the study indicates the 5. The research literature/related studies must be as recent as possible or
variables that are to be contained/studied in the study while delimitation of not beyond ten (10) years in relation to your study.
the study are those which are not part (excluded) of the study. In writing this 6. A clinching statement showing how the reviewed materials had assisted
section, the first paragraph should contain the scope and the second the researcher in the present study should be the last part.
paragraph should contain the delimitation. 7. Only the variables and findings that are related or have bearing to the
present study should be reviewed.
G. Definition of Terms and/other Variables 8. When the findings of two or more studies are closely related, those
Terms must be defined for clearer understanding by the readers. Technical findings must be synthesized and presented as consolidated findings.
terms and terms which are oftenly used in the study but have different 9. The researcher must immediately present the data of the reviewed
interpretations, or terms that may be misinterpreted, must have to be defined. literature in a logical manner.
A term may be defined lexically/conceptually (dictionary), authoritatively 10. The researcher must follow the correct thesis form and style in quoting
(published and unpublished materials), or operationally (as used in the study). long and short paragraphs.
If the term is lexically or authoritatively defined, the source must be cited. 11. Be consistent in the thesis form and style in citing the sources.
Guideline for the Definition of Terms: 12. Do not cite sources that are not found in the bibliography section of your
1. There must be an introductory sentence/paragraph before starting manuscript.
defining a term. 13. When citing sources of information from reviewed literature, be careful
2. Terms must be arranged alphabetically and are always indented. and cite them correctly.
3. The term to be defined must follow a period and is underlined. 14. Your concluding statement should give the reader a summary of all the
4. Do not number the terms being defined like 1., 2., 3., and so on. reviewed studies and how the present study benefited from those
5. Do not capitalize the terms; only the first letter is capitalized. reviewed studies.

Chapter 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES Chapter 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

A. Related Literature A. Research Design
This part contains non-research reference materials written by authorities In this section, the researcher must state the type of research, its meaning
on the subject that embody the experiences, viewpoints and interpretations of and how it is applicable to the study. If a certain method is used, the particular
the subject of the research study. type or research must be indicated.
B. Related Studies B. Research Setting
This part consists of research literatures such as theses, dissertations, This section includes the time and place when and where the study is
special problems, seminar papers which are either published or unpublished conducted and the reasons behind the choice of the place must be discussed.
and have bearing on the research study being undertaken.
Guidelines in the Use of Review of Related Literature and Studies:
1. It should be organized thematically to conform to the specific problems. C. Research Respondents
2. Do not twist the facts of the reviewed literature. Be objective. The respondents are those from whom the data/information are to be
3. Reviewed studies must be sufficient to give the researcher an collected or gathered. The respondents of the study may either be
insight/conceptualization of his/her problem. universal/total population or a sample from a population.

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There are three types of respondents: try-out, target and actual. the approval of the permit to conduct the study to how the instrument is
distributed; who were given the instrument; how many were given; and how
Try-out respondents are those people from whom the test/instrument is the instrument was retrieved. As much as possible, the percentage of
tried or piloted to determine its validity and reliability. They should not be distribution and retrieval of the research instrument should be indicated.
involved in the actual study. In target, they are the respondents to the
G. Statistical Techniques Used
finalized/validated instrument although some of them may not be able to
The kind of statistical treatment depends upon the nature of the problem
respond, accomplish or return the distributed instrument. The actual
especially the specific problems and the nature of the data gathered. The explicit
respondents are those who actually responded, accomplished and returned
hypothesis particularly determines the kind of statistics.
the instrument and where the obtained data from them are used as bases for
In this section, the sub-problems must again be stated and accompanied by
statistical analysis.
the kind of statistics to treat the data gathered for each problem. In this process,
D. Sampling Design the researcher will not find difficulty in the process of his research. This process
This part contains the method used in getting the universal/total of a sub-problem equals statistics is what we call a “one-to-one” approach.
population or a sample from a population. It also includes the formula/s to be
used in getting the sample of the total population/respondents involved in the Chapter 4 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND
study. INTERPRETATION OF DATA
E. Research Instrument This is usually the Chapter 4 of the thesis report – the heart of the research
In this section, the researcher must indicate how many items in the study. This chapter heading is capitalized. It is in this section where the obtained data
instrument were formulated; parts or sections of the instrument must be for the sub-problems/specific problems are presented, analyzed and interpreted. The
explained; to whom and how it was validated; and how it was data can be presented through the use of tables, texts, graphs and figures (if needed).
improved/modified and incorporated in the final form. The research sub-problem is given a heading and is presented consistent with the
• Guidelines in the Use of Research Instruments: sequence found in the Statement of the Problem. After the data have already been
1. Specify the instrument/s used (main instrument and subsidiary presented in textual and tabular forms, then the data are analyzed and interpreted
instrument, if needed. Justify their uses. substantially.
2. If the instrument is constructed by the researcher, he has to give details of
construction and data on validity and reliability. If a pretest/dry run was Guidelines in the Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data:
used, he has to indicate the place, number of people tried out and the A. Presentation of Data in Table Form
results of the tryouts. 1. Present the data in the order of sub-problems stated in the Statement of the
3. If an instrument was copied from sources and was modified by the Problem.
researcher, he has to indicate the modification. 2. Table heading is generally an inverted pyramid.
4. If an instrument is standardized and used, the researcher has to specify its 3. Numerical data found in the tables should be consistent with the textual
reliability and validity including the name of the author and author’s presentation.
permission. 4. Table headings should be consistent with the title found under the section
5. The researcher must give the details of instructions to research assistants, for List of Tables.
if they are utilized for research activities. 5. There should be fewer rows and columns in the table.
6. As much as possible, tables must not be divided.
7. Tables should follow the citation of the table number.
F. Data Gathering Procedure
In any research study, the researcher should indicate briefly how the
investigation was conducted. The conduct of the research should start from

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B. For Graphs and Figures 3. When variables are correlated, state whether the correlation is positive or
1. Figures and graphs are used to illustrate quantitative data but they should negative; indicate the level of significance and make a decision.
not be overused so as not to distract the presentation. 4. In determining the significance of difference of variables, state the obtained
2. Graphs make tabular values clearer and more vivid. statistical result; the level of the significant difference and make a decision.
3. Graphs that occupy more than half a page should be placed on a separate
page. E. Interpretation of Data:
4. Graphs are numbered with Hindu-Arabic rather than Roman numerals. 1. Establish the interconnection between and among the data.
5. Titles of figures and graphs are placed below them. 2. Check the indicators whether the hypothesis is supported or not supported
6. Graphs should follow the related textual discussion. by the findings of the study.
7. Graphs and figures must be presentable in appearance. 3. Link the present findings with previous literature or existing theory.
4. Use parallel observation with contemporary events to give credence
Characteristics of a Good Figure: presented in the Background of the Study (Chapter 1).
1. The title should clearly describe the nature of the data presented. 5. Draw out implications.
2. Figures should be simple enough to convey a clear idea and can be
understood without the aid of textual description. Chapter 5 SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND
3. Numerical data upon which the figure is based should be presented in an RECOMMENDATIONS
accompanying table, if it is not included in the figure itself.
4. Data should be used sparingly. Too many figures distract rather than A. Summary
illuminate the presentation. This restates as briefly as possible the Statement of the Problem,
5. Figures that occupy less than half page may be placed on the same page as Significance of the Study, Research Method Used, Respondents, Research
textual material. Instrument/s and Statistical Tools utilized in the analysis of data.
6. Figures should follow, never precede, the related textual discussion.
B. Findings
7. Figures are referred to by number, never as “the figures above” or “the
These are major statements of factual information based on the analyzed
figures below”.
data. Only the major and salient findings are included in this chapter. All sub-
8. Figures are numbered with Hindu-Arabic rather than Roman numerals.
problems must have their respective findings. The results of the hypothesis
9. The title of the figure is placed below it rather than above it.
must be presented.
C. Conclusions
C.In Ranking the Data:
These are generalized statements in answer to the sub-problems/specific
1. Arrange the data according to their ranks (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and so on).
problems raised, or the statements of acceptance or rejection of the hypothesis.
2. Point out in the discussion the first three (3) highest ranks or first five (5)
Conclusions are valid out-growth of findings and therefore they are not
highest ranks and how these ranks affect the findings. In some cases, the
supported or justified.
lowest ranks are also discussed if they adversely affect the outcome of the
study. D. Recommendations
These are drawn from the findings and conclusions of the study. They must
be feasible to be implemented, workable or functional, doable, adaptable and
D. Analysis of Data:
flexible. They must be specific or general or both. A suggestion for further
1. Present the result of the analysis in a clear and logically organized manner.
studies must be included.
2. Analyze in-depth to give meaning to the data presented in the table. Avoid
table reading.

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There are two forms of writing the major findings, conclusions and 2. It must contain all the needed facts: author, place of publication,
recommendations. These are narrative form and enumeration or outline form. publisher, year of publication and other facts.
The enumeration or outline form is widely accepted by many institutions. 3. The spelling in this section should tally with the textual listing.
Guidelines on Findings: 4. Correct punctuation mark should be followed in this section.
1. Enumeration of findings should follow the sequence of the sub-problems of 5. All cited sources in the text must be entered in this part.
the study.
2. Only the important findings should be highlighted. B. Appendices (Appendix, if only one)
3. Findings should be stated as cautiously as possible without further This should be used for materials that supplement the text but are not
discussion. appropriate for inclusion in it. This contains the following:
4. The findings must be consistent with the analysis of data. “A” – Letters of Request
5. No new data should be introduced into the findings if they are not found in “B” – Questionnaire-Checklist
the analysis of data, or not part of the study. “C” – Statistical Computations
“D” – Map (Location Perspective)
Guidelines on Conclusions:
1. Conclusions should not contain numerals. C. Curriculum Vitae (Biodata)
2. No conclusions should be drawn from the implied effects of the findings. This section contains the researcher’s personal and educational background.
3. Never repeat the findings in the conclusions sections.
4. Conclusions should be formulated concisely and briefly stated but must
convey all the necessary information resulting from the study as required in
the sub-problems.
5. No conclusions should be made that were not based from the findings.

III. Reference Materials (Back or End Matter). It consists of the following:

A. Literature Cited
This contains the complete list of references cited or utilized in the research
study. This section is written after the Chapter on Summary, Conclusions and
Recommendations. It should be listed as follows:
1. Books
2. Journals and Periodicals
3. Unpublished Materials (Thesis/Dissertations)
4. Documents (Legal Sources)
5. Internet
Criteria in the Use of Literature Cited:
1. Use the institutional format and follow it consistently both in the textual
listing and reference listing.

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