Types of Research

There are three (3) types of research, namely: (1) pure research, (2) applied research,
and (3) action research.

1. Pure research. This is also called “basic research” or “fundamental research.” It aims
to discover basic truths and principles. It is intended to add to the body of scientific knowledge
by exploring the unknown to extend the boundaries of knowledge as well as to discover new
facts, and learn more accurately the characteristics of known without any particular thought as
to immediate practical utility (Shubin, 1971). The examples of pure researches are as follows:

1.1 Archimedes principle. Although accidental, Aristotle Archimedes discovered what is

known as the Archimedes’ Law of Bouyancy. He extended his principle further as follows: “An
object in a liquid will experience a buoyant force just equal to the weight of the liquid
displaced.” (Manlulu and Garcia, 1985). He extended his principle further as follows: “An object
will float if the buoyant force of the liquid is greater than its weight or the gravitational pull of
the earth for the object.”
1.2 Newton’s law. As a result of his experience, Isaac Newton conducted pure research
known as Newton’s Law of Motion which states that “A body at rest remains at rest and a body
in motion will continue to move with the same velocity in a straight line unless acted upon by
an external force.” (Rebollos, et. al., 1986).
1.3 Hooke’s law. Pure research conducted by Robert Hooke resulted in Hooke’s Law
which states that “Within the limit of perfect elasticity, strain is directly proportional to stress.”
(Manlulu, 1985).
1.4 Boyle’s law. Robert Boyle’s law states that “If the temperature remains constant, the
volume of a confined gas is inversely proportional to the pressure.” (Rebollos, 1986).
1.5 Charles’ Law. Jacques Charles’ law states that “The volume of a dry gas is directly
proportional to the Kelvin temperature, provided the pressure remains constant.” (Williams,
1980).

2. Applied research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of scientific
knowledge to the solution of the problem, such as the development of a new system or
procedure, new device, or new method in order to solve the problem. In this type of research,
the problem is identified and a new system or new method is applied in order to solve the
problem. For instance, to solve problem of rice shortage, research on using new varieties of rice
has been conducted for the purpose producing more rice. Another problem is population
explosion. To solve this problem, research on the effectiveness of the different contraceptives
for family planning has been conducted to alleviate the number of children per family.
3. Action research. This is decision-oriented research involving the application of the
steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.
This process involves practitioners who study a certain problem in vivo and from such
experience draw their decisions and actions as well as evaluation. For instance, the culture of
seaweed, particularly Eucheuma using the broadcasting method has existed in the locality and
can be improved by using staking and bamboo rafts methods.

Classification of Research

Research is classified as: (1) library research, (2) field research, and (3) laboratory
research.

1. Library research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions or
problems of the study are available. The historical method lends itself to library research
because the study is focused on the past, and much of the primary and secondary sources are
found in the library. Some historical evidence may, of course, be from archaeological findings.
Field and laboratory researches also make use of the library researches but the answers
to certain problems are not available in the library. The data are gathered through survey or
experimentation.

2. Field research. Research is conducted in a natural setting. No changes are made in the
environment. Field research is both applicable to descriptive survey and experimental methods.
An example of field research using the experimental method is “The Cultivation of
Green Mussel Using Bamboo Raft and Staking Methods in Bulobadyang Island, Estancia, Iloilo.”
In this study, the green mussel is cultured in the natural environment. All things are made equal
except the methods used in cultivation.

3. Laboratory research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions by

isolating the study in a rigorously specified and operationalized area. The purposes are (1) to
test hypotheses derived from the theory, (2) to control variance under research conditions, and
(3) to discover the relations between the dependent and independent variables.
Laboratory research is applicable to both experimental, descriptive, and case study
methods. An example of laboratory research using the experimental method is “Cultivation of
Milkfish at the Fishpond Using Fish Meal and Bread Meal as Supplemental Feeds.”
The researcher uses two compartments, namely: the control and experimental ponds.
All things are held constant, except the supplemental feeds used.
An example of laboratory research using the descriptive method is “The Effectiveness of
Traditional and Modern Methods of Teaching Physics.” The researcher who should be a Physics
teacher should choose his subjects of the study (the students) with almost the same mental
ability in both traditional and modern methods. Test is the instrument used to gather data in
this study. All things are made equal except the methods used.
Steps in Scientific Method of Research

1. Determining (recognizing) the problem

2. Forming a hypothesis
3. Doing the library search
4. Designing the study
5. Developing the instruments for collecting data
6. Collecting the data
7. Analyzing the data
8. Determining implications and conclusions from the findings
9. Making recommendations for further research.

Scientific Methods of Research

The researcher goes through all the nine (9) steps. In the standard format of thesis writing,
the following will be observed:

 The first two steps will be included in Chapter 1 (The Problem and Its Setting)

 The third step will be in Chapter 2 (Related Literature and Studies)

 The fourth, fifth and sixth steps discussed in Chapter 3 (Methods of Research and
Procedures)

 The seventh step presented in Chapter 4 (Analysis and Interpretation of Data)

 The last two steps placed in Chapter 5 (Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations)

GUIDELINES IN THESIS WRITING

Thesis Writing Introduction

This format has been established to ensure vital information is presented in an orderly
and uniform manner. This form, however, is designed to allow for maximum flexibility in minor
matters, which vary among academic disciplines (e.g., citation styles). Thus, while the student
will need to comply with the specifications given, they will have to constantly consult their
designated adviser for their guidance and sound opinion in this endeavor.
Further, the student is advised not to solely depend on using another thesis as a base
model for their work as it may contain parts that do not conform to this guideline, which may
confuse. Remember that this guide may be revised from time to time, and the student must
meet current requirements.
Significance of Thesis

The thesis is a formal research report done by the student in the fulfilment of a
particular academic degree. The main goal and importance of a thesis or dissertation are to
train the student in the processes of scholarly research and writing. Under the tutorship, first of
the designated adviser, second of the designated Panel of Examiners, and third by the
university.

Whom Thesis/Dissertation is Written for

1. The thesis panel members will be the first line of examiners who will read the paper.
They will be experts in Criminological Research.
2. The thesis will also be used as a scientific report and consulted by future researchers.
The conversion of the thesis in a journal article makes it more accessible. In most cases,
other researchers prefer to cite published research work rather than the thesis or
dissertation as there is an assumed "quality" imputed in the published scholarly article
than in unpublished thesis or dissertation.
3. Other stakeholders (government agencies, policy-makers, private companies, fellow
students and researchers etc.) are also probable readers of your research work.

Format and Content of the Research Sections

There are three general sections of a research:

a. Preliminaries
b. Body
c. Appendices

a. THE PRELIMINARIES
 Title Page
 Approval Sheet
 Acknowledgment
 Abstract - An abstract is a summary of the study, planned to appraise potential students
about its content. It typically comprises a brief explanation of the research, the
methodology, and the conclusions or outcomes.
An abstract will not include headings, citations of items in the reference section,
diagrams and other illustrations found in the study.
It has the heading ABSTRACT at the top. The core content of the abstract should
not be more than 400 words.
 Table of Contents - The "TABLE OF CONTENTS" must be in all capital letters, centered on
the page, as page heading.
The list the sections/chapters of the dissertation or thesis; also list preliminary
sections starting with the Approval Sheet.
The page numbers shall be listed in a column to each section; only the initial
page of the chapter or section is stated (not a range of page numbers, such as 7–22).
 The table of contents may be single-spaced.
Do not include "Curriculum Vitae" in the Table of Contents
 List of Tables (if any) - Use "LIST OF TABLES" as a page heading, in capital letters,
centered on the page.
 List of Figures / Illustrations (if any) - Use "LIST OF FIGURES" or "LIST OF
ILLUSTRATIONS" as a page heading in capital letters, centered on the page.

b. The Body

Chapter 1- INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

The importance of this part is to show the necessary background or context for your
research problem.
This usually begins with statement on the research topic and its significance and ends with
words on the objectives achieved or questions that the research has answered.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

State your major problem and sub-problems. The main problem is the central focus of the
study. Simultaneously, a given sub-problem is a unit-re searchable area, and the solution of all
the sub-problems, taken collectively, leads to the overall answer to the major problem.

1.3 Research Framework

A framework is a set of concepts that are logically and sequentially arranged to explain
and predict the occurrence of a certain phenomenon.

1.4 Research Paradigm (Conceptual/Theoretical Framework)

The research paradigm is a technical part of the preliminary section because it would be of
help to concertize the explanation of the relationship of the variables in the study. In this
sense paradigm or schematic diagram explains the relationship of variables and presents the
acceptability of the research framework.

1.5 Significance of the Study

It focuses on the question “who will benefit from the study?”
States the contribution of your study and its usefulness to society.

1.6 Scope and Delimitation

The scope is the range of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which
it is relevant
Defines the range of activities that your project will cover. This will also determine the limits
of research, content and output that will form part of your project.
Allows the proponent to set the levels of expectations that the reader will be constrained to
when the proponent produces the project
1.7 Definition of Terms
These are the important terms to be defined, should be operationally or contextually
defined, and if the definitions are based on sources, there should be proper documentation.
The words should be listed alphabetically.

Chapter 2 – RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY

Use "RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY" as a page heading, in capital letters,
centered on the page.
This is the research design that describes the systematic plan to attain the objectives
needed information. The contents may vary from thesis to thesis. This section must be detailed
enough to permit another competent researcher to reproduce exactly what was done.

Chapter 3 - PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

Use "PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA" as a page heading, in
capital letters, centered on the page.
Suspense is not necessary for reporting the results, and such is often irritating to
examiners. Data should immediately be reported.
The results should contain the relevant data gathered as outlined in the Materials and
Methods, the results of data processing, and the results from data analyses. It also includes
relevant descriptions of the conditions by which the data has been obtained, processed, and
analyzed.
The results may be presented in prose, tables, figures, and other forms deemed acceptable
and appropriate for the reader to understand better the data presented. Voluminous raw data
are best appended. Data summary in tabular or graph form is normally sufficient.
It will be fruitful when the student would distance himself/herself from the work and the
usual mindset the researcher had when he/she started the research. This eliminates possible
"bias" and has the advantage of putting oneself in the "shoes of the examiner". The student
should not just ask himself/herself what the results mean in terms of the orthodoxy of his/her
own beliefs (or his/her adviser's, institution's, or community's beliefs), but also how other
people in the field (especially those who might have opposite opinions) might see it. Upon
examining your results, have any implications that do not relate to the questions you set out to
answer?

Chapter 4 - SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The chapter (section) presents a discussion of the results in terms of the purpose of the
study, the research questions or hypotheses, and the Review of the Literature. The chapter
generally begins with a summary of the significant findings. This is succeeded by a detailed
discussion of the results collated, as indicated above. Conclusions are then made, followed by
recommendations for further research.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Use "BIBLIOGRAPHY" in capital letters, centered on the page. Follow the APA format in
writing your bibliography.

c. APPENDICES
The word “APPENDICES” should be in capital letters and must be placed at the centered-
bottom part with a font size of 36”.
 Request Letters
 Validation Letters/Tools
 Survey Tools/Interview Guide
 Themes/Codes
 Computations/Formulas
 Plagiarism Check Result
 Certification from Critic Reader
 Documentations
 Curriculum Vitae

Chapter 1 - INTRODUCTION

Selection of Research Topic

This is the original idea that motivates curiosity, the area of personal or academic
interest that generates the driving force. The mind should be stimulated by the topic that there
is a certain sense of compulsion to undertake the research.

The Title
It must contain the subject matter of the thesis, the setting of the study, the respondents
involved, and the period when the data will be collected.
The title indicates what is expected to be found inside the thesis report.
It must be brief and concise.

The Research Problem

By and large, majority of the thesis writers and neophytes in research find difficulty in
searching for a research problem. Once a problem is found, they still find difficulty in
formulating specific problems and objectives. Sometimes, they do not see that a simple
question may actually be a research problem stated in an interrogative form. Likewise, they are
misled into thinking that research objectives are the same as instructional objectives.
It is a must that thesis/dissertation writers and neophyte researchers should know how
to choose a researchable problem, formulate specific problems and objectives. They should
also see that even simple questions are research problems stated in interrogative forms.
Moreover, they should see the difference between research objectives and instructional
objectives.

Concepts of Research Problem

There are five factors to consider to determine whether that a problem is researchable
or not. These factors are as follows: (1) the problem is existing in the locality or country but no
known solution to the problem; (2) the solution can be answered by using statistical methods
and techniques; (3) there are probable solutions but they are not yet tested; (4) the occurrence
of phenomena requires scientific investigation to arrive at precise solution; and (5) serious
needs/problems of the people where it demands research.
Based on the foregoing factors, the investigator can choose a researchable problem. The
research problem must be stated vividly and explicitly expressed in interrogative form for
“questions have the virtue of posing a problem directly.” (Kerlinger, 1986).

Capsulizing Research Problem into Title

1. It should be clearly and specifically stated.

2. Variables investigated should, by all means, be written as part of the title
3. Relationship between and among variables should be indicated
4. Target population should be shown in the title to achieve specificity
5. It should have a maximum of twenty substantive words.
6. Title must take the form of an inverted pyramid

Avoid using the following:

 An Analysis of
 An Investigation of
 A Study of
Note: All of these are understood to have been done or to be done when
research is conducted
 Should the title contain more than one line, it must be written like an inverted
pyramid

Guidelines in Selection of Research Problem or Topic

The topic must be researchable and manageable

 Data are available and accessible
 Answers to specific questions (sub-problems) can be found
 The hypothesis formulated are testable
 The topic must be chosen by the research himself
 Must be within the interest and specialization of the researcher
 Must be within the capability of the researcher to discuss
  Must be within the financial capability of the researcher
 It can be completed within a reasonable period
 It must be significant, important and relevant to the present time, situation,
timely, and of current interest
 The results are practical and implementable
 Can be delimited to suit the researcher's resources but big or large enough to
able to give significant, valid and reliable results and generalization

Sample Title
 The effectiveness of Police Checkpoint in Calumpit, Bulacan: A Basis for Prevention and
Suppression of Motorcycle Riding Criminals
 Effectiveness of Curfew in Barangay Sto. Niño, Macabebe, Pampanga
 Causes of Jail Congestion in Bulacan Provincial Jail: An Assessment