Topic:: Elements of Research
Topic:: Elements of Research
Topic:: Elements of Research
TOPIC:
ELEMENTS OF
RESEARCH
Module Overview: This module is designed for Education students to utilize their skills when they engage
themselves in more academic papers such as the research paper or thesis
Module Outcomes:
At the end of the module the students should have;
recognized the nature and definition of Research
identified the types of research
classified the research according to design
explained the characteristics of a good research
Module Content:
ELEMENTS OF RESEARCH
Course Content
Activity Description Time
Overview
1 Interactive Discussion/Power point presentation through 30 minutes
Messenger
2 Video Clip Presentation 10 minutes
3 Discussion 20 minutes
DISCUSSIONS
One of the most common tasks you will encounter throughout your academic career is writing the
research paper. It is an assignment that will test the limits of your scholastic prowess and, for all intents and
purposes, may well be considered the academic equivalent of a rite of passage. Without a doubt, writing a
research paper will require patience and rigorous discipline but hopefully the process will also enable you to
pick up a few helpful skills along the way (Manlapaz et.al. 1).
Research papers go by a surprising number of names, from the ordinary critical essay to the ubiquitous term
paper to the more daunting thesis or dissertation.
A research paper is the presentation of opinions, conclusions, or information derived from the extensive study
and investigation of the work of others (Serrano and Ames 122).
Types of Research
Academic Research
This is done in fulfillment of the requirements for an academic title or degree.
Examples:
Thesis (Baby Thesis) - This is an academic research done by college students.
Master's Thesis — this is done by students in the graduate program taking a master's degree.
Dissertation — the term used for the research done by doctorate degree students in the graduate
program of a college or university.
Research Project
This is individual or group as part of their professional work or assignment.
Example:
A market researcher who is conducting survey on the usability of a certain product.
Feasibility study
Action Research
This is a decision-oriented research involving the application of the steps of scientific method. It is done
in response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.
1. Descriptive Research
describes systematically, factually, accurately and objectively a situation, problem or phenomenon
Characteristics of a Descriptive Research
a. The study depends on new data gathered.
b. The concept of the trait being studied is carefully defined.
c. The procedure followed in making the study is described at length.
d. The study is related to its social background.
e. The data are specific and definite and are presented in a systematic fashion.
f. The data appear to have been completely gathered.
g. Auxiliary data which throw light on the conditions which give added meaning to the facts presented
frequently.
h. The data are summarized and interpreted.
i. Needs for further research are described.
j. The report is reviewed by other experts, giving the reader additional assurance.
a. Survey Research is an organized attempt to analyze, interpret and report the present status of social
institution. It deals with the cross-section of the present time. Its purpose is to get groups of classified,
generalized, and interpreted data for the guidance of application in the immediate future.
b. Continuity Description is a method wherein knowledge about the operation of natural or social forces may be
obtained by watching them analytically at stated interval in their development over a long period of
c. Case study Research is a complete analysis of and report on the status of an individual subject with respect to
specific phases of his total personality.
d. Job and Activity Analysis is a method to gain an analytical knowledge of the details of human activity for the
purpose of improvement in industry and business, and for activity analysis.
d. Library and Documentary Research is a descriptive research in terms of surveys and critical of available data
in printed form. It constitutes one technique of historical research as history deals with records of the past.
2. Qualitative Research
obtains a more holistic picture of what goes on in a particular situation or setting
Example:
Case study - an empirical inquiry that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life
context; when the boundaries between phenomenon and context are not clearly evident; and in which
multiple sources of evidence are used (Yin 23).
Literature Research - the discussion of existing data and developments within a particular incidence
or phenomena.
3. Quantitative Research
Explains phenomena by collecting numerical data that are analyzed using appropriate statistical
treatment.
Example:
Survey Research obtains data to determine specific characteristic of a group
4. Correlational Research
otherwise known as Associational which tries to prove the significance of relationship between 2 or
more factors or characteristics
5. Experimental Research
probes into the cause of an effect by exposing one or more experimental group to one or more treatment
condition; the researcher establishes different treatments and then studies their effects.
involves a variable that can be controlled and another isolated variable for measurement of its change.
Basic Guides for Experimental Method:
a. Careful definition of an important feasible problem
b. Exact description of experimental factors
c. Control of all factors in accordance with the law of single variables
d. Selection of the best techniques for the experimental set-up
e. Administration of an adequate measurement program using valid and reliable tests
f. Adequate reporting of the experiment including the interpretation of significant differences
g. Provision for the possibility of repetition of the study and further research in the same field
7. Historical Research
attempts to reconstruct the past objectively and accurately; explains an incident in the past using data
Systematic
follows steps or procedures in solving a problem
Objective
not based on guesswork; empirical data should be gathered before making conclusion or solution to the
problem
Timely and Relevant
based on current interest of man; an answer to the present problems
Comprehensive
pertinent data, parts and all other aspects are included
Critical
procedures must be able to withstand critical scrutiny by other researcher
Rigorous
the procedures should be relevant, appropriate, justified and strictly observed
Mechanical Neatness
follows the prescribed guidelines, style and format
Empirical
generalization drawn is rooted upon hard evidence gathered through experiences and observations
A research paper analyzes a perspective or argues a point. Regardless of the type of research paper you
are writing, your finished research paper should present your own thinking backed up by others' ideas and
information.
A research paper is also an expanded essay that presents your own interpretation or evaluation or
argument. When you write an essay, you use everything that you personally know and have thought about a
subject. When you write a research paper you build upon what you know about the subject and make a
deliberate attempt to find out what experts know. A research paper involves surveying a field of knowledge in
order to find the best possible information in that field.
As a college student, the first thing that you should do in writing a research paper is to have a topic to
focus on. If you don't have a topic, you will have no point of directions. In other words, you are just wasting
your time. If you already have the title, at least you are already guided with what you are doing especially in
gathering background information.
Gathering background information enriches your knowledge about the topic. This will give you the idea why
you need to conduct a research in your chosen areas.
There are more resources available such as the library, computer sources and the internet or World Wide Web.
Books, which you can find in the library, are generally great resources. They often contain a lot of information
gathered into one place, and they can give you a more thorough investigation of your topic. As you are reading
a book, journal article, or newspaper article, you should keep the following questions in mind, which will help
you understand how useful the book will be to you. (1.) Is the book or article biased in a particular way? (2.)
Does the author agree or disagree with my thesis? (3.) Is the information presented accurate? Is the author
him/herself using valid sources?
Magazines (including Time or Newsweek) are called periodicals as they are published periodically (weekly,
monthly, etc.). Most libraries only keep the most current issues of these magazines on the shelf. The rest are
bound together in collections, usually by year.
Newspaper articles are sometimes in the bound periodicals, but are more often found on microfiche or
microfilm.
In this step, you will formulate your statement of the problem and think of an appropriate research
strategy to be done. A good thesis with appropriate research strategy leads to a smooth flow in writing a
research paper.
In writing a research paper, it is important to work out also your bibliography in which plenty of useful
information helps realize your work. Refer to discussion on documenting sources which presents similarities
and differences of the APA styles as part of bibliographical entries and in the text citations.
The list of books and other references are under:
Bibliography - if some of the data came from your background or further reading activities
References - if everything in the body of the paper comes from books and periodicals you read
4. Making an outline
An outline is very helpful in carrying out a research paper. This will not only guide you where you are
already, but help you layout each part of your work. A good outline makes your research paper unified and
well-organized.
Writing the paper is the final step. This can be divided into 3 stages; the first draft, the revised and the
final manuscript.
TITLE PAGE
RECOMMENDATION FOR ORAL EXAMINATION
APPROVAL SHEET
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES
LIST OF FIGURES
The Contents
Chapter 1: THE PROBLEM
Introduction
Statement of the Problem
Importance of the study
Scope and Delimitation of the Study
Theoretical Framework Conceptual Framework
Definition of Terms
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations
The end Matters
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
CURRICULUM VITAE
Writing the Contents
This part of the thesis introduces the topic being studied. This should give initial ideas to the readers which
should catch their attention and sustain their interest in reading your research. Some institution provides
limitation in terms of the number of pages of this section. However, it is also assumed that this depends on the
way and writing style of the researcher in the different disciplines.
Introduction
This presents the rationale of the research being undertaken. Discussions are in paragraph form starting from
general premise or concept that gives an overview of the research.
It should have the legal bases such as an Article or Section in the Philippine constitution, a Republic Act (R.A.),
a Memorandum, an Order, and the like. This adds strength on your research and proves that the topic is worth
researching.
It may also be supported with principles, ideas, studies and concepts of authorities or experts as well as other
sources. Acknowledgement of source is done in Journal form. (refer to documenting sources)
The background of the study includes the discussion of the problem situation as observed and experienced by
the researcher. In writing this, you may include;
the researcher's situational analysis (international, national, regional, local);
discussion on the existing or present conditions and what is aimed to be in the future or the gap to be
filled in by the research;
the researcher's institutional justification (What is said, what will the school/ company benefit or try to
address); and the researcher's personal justification (Ask why? — Is this for promotion, etc...)
Ideally, the background of the study should have a maximum of two (2) pages.
Theoretical Framework
This section presents a theory or theories (in a maximum of three), which serve as framework of the research.
Discussion of the main idea of theory is given first followed by the discussion of its relation to the present
study. The researcher should be able to anchor the research to the theory or establish its relationship. This may
have maximum of three (3) pages.
Theories in Psychology
Classical Conditioning Theory
Operant Conditioning Theory
Perception Theories
Reinforcement Theories
Conceptual Framework
This is otherwise known as research paradigm. This framework is the researchers' own
conceptualization of the research using a model. The conceptual model is a figurative representation of the
research framework drawn in a separate whole page in the middle of its discussion. In the discussion, the
researcher describes and explains the model, the meaning of the figures, the contents and the processes
involved. All the variables involved should be written in the model. The model may be an IPO (Input — Process
— Output) or the IV-DV (Independent Variable - Intervening Variable - Dependent Variable).
Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a claim or statement either about a value of single population characteristics or about
the values of several characteristics. A test of hypothesis is a method for deciding which of the two
contradictory claims the correct one is. In carrying out a test, we initially assume that a particular one of the
two is the correct one. This claim will be rejected in favor of the second (alternative) claim if sample evidence is
incompatible with the initial assumption.
The null hypothesis, denoted by Ho, is the claim that is initially assumed to be true. The other hypothesis is
referred as the alternative hypothesis and is denoted as Ha. In carrying out a test of Ho versus Ha, the
hypothesis Ho will be rejected in favor of Ha only if sample evidence strongly suggests that Ho will not be
rejected.
How are hypotheses stated? Hypotheses should be synchronized with the question posed in the statement of
the problem, particularly focusing on the relationship of variables.
Delimitations are those characteristics selected by the researcher to define the boundaries of the study.
The researcher makes conscious exclusionary and inclusionary decisions regarding the sample (including such
information as geographic location), the variables studied, the theoretical perspectives, the instruments, the
generalizability, etc.)
This section discusses the parameters of the research in paragraph form. It answers the basic questions:
What -The topic of investigation and the variables included and justification
Ex. * Personal Variables (age, sex, mos. family income) ** Categories, factors, indicators
How- The methodology of the research which may include the research design, methodology and the
research instrument
This section presents the presumed contribution of the results of the study to the specific individuals,
groups, organizations, institutions and other aspects of the community.
Definition of Terms
Definition of terms as part of a research should be lexical and operational. Lexical definition expresses
dictionary meaning, while operational definition explains how the term is used in the research. Only the key
words shall be enumerated and defined.
The chapter is introduced first in paragraph before the first subtitle. This section presents the related
concepts, ideas and studies gathered by the researcher. It may support the ideas of the present research. Each
of the literature and studies either foreign or local should be explained how it is related to the present research.
This should not be more than five or ten (5 or 10) years beyond. This also varies depending on the institutional
guidelines, or your professors.
Related literatures are those which we find from books, periodicals, magazines, newspapers, reports
and other published materials containing facts, laws, theories, and other documented observations. Related
studies on the other hand, refer to the theses, dissertations and research studies characterized by the presence
of research problem, hypotheses, objectives, related literature, methodology, findings, conclusions,
recommendations and bibliography.
The following approaches may be observed in presenting the review of related literature and studies.
Chronological Approach — the literature and studies are presented according to the year when they were
written as in the following structure:
Introduction
Recent Literature and Studies
Least Recent Literature and Studies
Country of Origin Approach — the literature and studies are categorized by country where they came from
as in the following structure:
Introduction
Foreign Literature and Studies
Local Literature and Studies
Research Design
This section contains in paragraph discussion - the research design, the methods or techniques used
(ex. descriptive, experimental, evaluative, correlative, historical or a combination etc.) as defined from different
sources. Discussion of how this method will be used in the present study is necessary.
This section discusses the different activities to be undertaken to complete the research. This follows
the general procedure of the study. A Gantt chart of activities may be used as guide in the discussion. For
experimental/scientific researches, an operational procedure of the experiment should be presented yvhich can
be supported by a flow chart for clarity.
This section discusses the structured instrument (questionnaire) which contains the questions to be
asked to the respondents. All information with respect to what is asked in the statement of the problem. It
consists of sections which will cover all the variables used in the conceptual framework.
1. Determine your research questions: what do you intend to find out; how will the information be helpful;
which issues will relate to the questionnaire.
2. Specify your sub-questions: list all the issues you want to find; indicate those sub - questions to be included
in the questionnaire and refine your list.
3. Draft the items: translate questions into items; formulate fill-in the blanks, multiple choice, comments, lists,
Likert and rank-order questions.
4. Sequence the items: group into topic sections; group question type and rewrite as necessary.
5. Design the questionnaire: order and number questions; layout booklet formats and arrange questions on
pages.
6. Pilot test the questionnaire: The questionnaire should be administered to a group of at least 20 $0
respondents to identify any problems they have with completing the questionnaire.
In addition to the above steps, the instrument can be subjected to phases Of validation.
Types of Interviews
1. Informal interviews. The interviewer improvises questions, adapting to the interviewee's personality and
priorities.
2. Guided interviews. The interviewer begins with a list of general questions and probes but also improvises
questions, adapting to the interviewee's personality and priorities.
3. Standardized interviews. The interviewer asks the same questions in the same order of all interviewees,
facilitating comparisons between respondents. Questions may be open-ended or close-ended.
A survey is a data collection tool used to gather information about individuals. This is commonly used to
collect self-report data, factual information, or opinions of the respondents. This can be administered through
structured interview (the researcher asks each respondent the questions), or through a questionnaire (the
respondent fills out the survey on his or her own).
Types of Surveys
1. Written Surveys. Used to obtain standardized information from a targeted sample.
2. Oral Surveys. An interview to get respondent's opinion. Closed questions are used in order to elicit YES or
NO answers to a set of preselected questions.
3. Electronic Surveys. Commonly known as online surveys. This is a web-based data gathering.
5. Ranking
Rank the following activities in this course by how engaging you found them to be (1 = the most
engaging)
_Reading the textbook
_Listening to the instructor lecture
_Watching videotapes in class
_Writing the term paper
Sources of Data
This section deals with a detailed description of the research instrument/s used in the research
(questionnaire, test, structured interview, observation, actual measurement using tools or equipment and
others).
Scoring responses to the questionnaire or test should be mentioned. For example, in descriptive
research, usually the researchers adopt the Likert scale or those that have ratin gs Of 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 with respective
verbal interpretations such as excellent, very good, good, fair and etc.
Likert scale (I'llkért/). The scale is named after its psychologist inventor, Rensis Likert. When responding to a
Likert questionnaire item, respondents specify their level of agreement or disagreement on a symmetric agree-
disagree scale for a series of statements. Thus, the range captures the intensity of their feelings for a given item.
The format of a typical five-level Likert item, for example, could be:
Strongly disagree
Disagree
Neither agree nor disagree
Agree
Strongly agree
In case of researcher -- made instruments, phases of validation process should be discussed. If the instrument
was adopted, the author should be recognized and the source should be properly documented.
Sampling
This section explains what the ideal number of respondents in order to get reliable responses for the
study.
Random Sampling Methods:
Simple Random Sampling each person has equal chance of being selected for participation and where
each combination of participants is equally similar.
Systematic Random Sampling - it employs intervals between prospective respondents, such as taking
every nth person on a list.
Stratified Sampling- sub-dividing into groups and selecting a given number in each of the groups.
Cluster Sampling - dividing the target population into groups and then choosing the groups from which
to collect your data.
Accidental Sampling - it is based exclusively on what is convenient for the researcher. He/she includes
the most convenient cases in his sample and excludes the inconvenient cases from his/her sample.
Quota Sampling — diverse characteristics, such as age, sex, social class or ethnicity are sampled in the
proportions which they occupy in the population. Judgment or Purposive Sampling the basic idea
involved in this type is that logic, common sense or sound judgment can be used.to select a sample that
is representative of a larger population
Statistical Treatment
Statistical tool to be used for each question in the statement of the problem is discussed in paragraph
form under this section. Formulas need not to be written. Ranges used for descriptive statistics should be
presented.
The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), Minitab and Statgraphics are generally used to treat the
obtained data. Other programs from personal computers like Stata, GBStat, SysStat, and Stat Pac Gold are
statistical tools used by colleges, universities, government institutions and business organizations. However,
the statistical treatment depends on the nature of the research study. Consult a statistician for the appropriate
statistical tool on your research (Arttachariya 22).
This is otherwise the results and discussions as used in some institution. An introductory paragraph is
provided at the start of the chapter.
The data may be presented in textual, graphical, and tabular ways.
Analysis - Extracting ideas from the gathered data according to the questions stated in the statement of the
problem
Interpretation- What is in the table? For every table, there should be supporting literature and studies.
Summary of Findings
Introduce first and present the synopsis of the research objectives, hypothesis, methodology and
findings.
Conclusions
Introduce first and present the brief statements about the generalizations inferred from the results.
Include the theoretical and practical implications of the findings discussed.
Recommendations
Introduce first and present a detailed description of the suggestions for futiR action based on the
significance of the conclusions. Include also recommendation for future research.
Note: Consider the following technique in writing the chapter five. This chapter should have contents parallel
to the needed information as shown in the table below.
Problem no. 1 Your findings Your conclusions based from findings Your recommendations
in problem # 1 based from conclusions in
problem # 1
Problem no. 2 Your findings Your conclusions based from findings Your recommendations
in problem # 2 based from conclusions in
problem # 2
Problem no. 3 Your findings Your conclusions based from findings Your recommendations
in problem # 3 based from conclusions in
problem # 3
Problem no. 4 Your findings Your conclusions based from findings Your recommendations
in problem # 4 based from conclusions in
problem # 4
Problem no. 5 Your findings Your conclusions based from findings Your recommendations
in problem # 5 based from conclusions in
problem # 5
If there are sub problems, then it must be under each main findings, conclusions and recommendations
respectively.
Example.
Basic Format of Citation
Single Author
Last name of author, Initial(s) of author. (Date). Title of book. City of Publication: Publisher
Sample Citation
Bargo, D. D. (2012). Effective college composition writing: Communication arts 2.Quezon City: Great Books
Publishing.
Multiple Authors
Last name of 1st author, Initial(s) of author & Last name, Initials of 2nd author. (Date). Title of book. City of
Publication: Publisher.
Sample Citation
Mosura, C. T. & Tenorio, E. S. (i999). Contemporary technical writing styles and strategies. Valenzuela City:
Mutya Publishing House.
[Note: For more than 6 authors, substitute the phrase "et al." for all subsequent authors after the sixth one.]
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ACTIVITIES
Activity 1: Give at least ten (10) (five for Single author and five for Two Authors) examples of Bibliographic
entries using APA STYLE. (20 points)
Assessment
Assessment 1: Give at least two (2) research problem on the following topics: (5 points each)
1. Study Habits
2. Bullying
References:
Dapito, C., et al., (2014) Writing in the Discipline. Cavite St., West Avenue, Q.C: Great Books Publishing
Coronel, B. et al., (2013) Basic English. Cavite St., West Avenue, Q.C: Great Books Publishing
Fernandez, E.et al., (2015) Getting High on English. Cavite St., West Avenue, Q.C: Great Books
Publishing