Points to Remember in Writing a Research

1. It should be clear and concise.

2. The most profound ideas should be explained in simple and short coherent language.
3. Slang and flippant phrases should be avoided.
4. Only the last names of cited authorities are used. Titles such as professor, Dr., or Dean are
omitted.
5. The past tense should be used in describing completed thesis and dissertation.
6. Abbreviations should be used only after their referent has been spelled out, with the
abbreviations following in parenthesis. Well-known abbreviations are exemptions such as I.Q.,
UNESCO, U.P. etc.
CHAPTER I: The Problem and Its Background

A. The Introduction

The statement in the introduction introduces the study and signifies its importance to
create an interest and intense desire on the reader to know more about the investigation.
This is the preliminary part of the problem, leading to its main part and objectives. It may
include legal or other bases related to or for conducting the study.

Suggested Guidelines in Writing the *Introduction

1. The first paragraph is intended to provide the readers a mental readiness, thus giving
them the information as to what the problem of the research is all about. It introduces
the study and its justification.
2. The second paragraph carries the greater part of this introduction and the problem
that is used as a frame of reference. It tells the readers the scope, circumstances,
and coverage of the study.
3. The third paragraph revolves around the various conditions that accompany and
determine the purpose of the study.
4. The last paragraph is a sort of closing portion that arouses the curiosity and interest
of the readers to know the results of the study.

*The introduction may be composed of three or four paragraphs.

B. Statement of the Problem

This is the focus of the study and all questions should be categorically stated and
answered.

Suggested Tips for Writing the Statement of the Problem

1. The problem should be stated both in general and in specific terms. The general
statement of the problem is a reiteration of the title of the study.
2. The problem is stated in an interrogatory form. It must ask a question and sub-
problems must follow the main problem which are the key issues for investigations
in the research
3. The problem should be stated in the infinitive to (action words in research). Ex.
Examine, analyze, determine, assess, evaluate, find out etc.
4. Specific questions should be stated using the following guide question words: How,
Will, What, Is there?
Example:

The study was conducted on all aspects of Teaching English in the High Schools of the
Province of Laguna during the School Year 2024-2025 as Perceived by English Teachers.

Specifically, the study attempted to answer the following questions:

1. How do the respondent’s profile be described in terms of:

1.1 educational qualifications;

1.2 area of specialization;

1.3 status of employment

2. How effective ….?

3. What problems …?

4. What suggestions are offered by…?

C. Theoretical Framework

The research should identify the important concepts that are utilized in the research
work for better understanding and insight into the theories, models, and paradigms
related to the problem and hypothesis. It can also be modified or reconstructed into a
general framework containing the variables and relationships for the research to be
undertaken. It is necessary to mention the theory that will be utilized by giving the
assumptions, defining key terms and concepts, identifying variables, and stating the
relationship of the hypothesized variables.

D. Conceptual Framework

This is a mental image or perception anchored on the theoretical framework. It is the

detailed presentation of the variables to be observed in the ongoing study; the concepts
defined in a way the investigator wants, the way the variables are operationalized, and
the method of measuring the variables.

The conceptual framework is drawn from the review of related literature and studies.
It should clarify the relationship between and among major variables of the study. It
should be illustrated further by drawing a conceptual paradigm.
 Paradigm

- a pattern, example, or model

- is the mental window through which the researcher views the problem

- a research perspective or view that holds about what research goals and methods
should be

- a perspective or frame of reference for viewing the problem, consisting of concepts and
assumptions

E. Assumptions

These are statements related to the problem. They are presumed to be true based
on observation or experience. They are used to provide general direction to the study
and do not require confirmation or discussion in the thesis or dissertation nor statistical
computation.

F. Hypothesis

It is a guess at the solution to a problem or the status of the situation. It is a

proposition about the solution to a problem or the relationship of two or more variables.
It is a tentative formulation or explanation of the expected outcomes of the study. It is
presented in the null form.

Hypothesis is understood as:

A statement of what one expects to find; a statement

to be proven; An initial answer to the research
questions;

An expected relationship between variables;

An explanation of the
phenomenon; A
common sense
statement;

A statement of patterns of behavior

Examples:

Children from low-income families are more likely to drop out than those from high-
income families. IQ is negatively related to dropping out of school.
 Types or Forms of Hypothesis

1. Null Hypothesis – sometimes described as the hypothesis of no difference or no

relationship;

the independent variable does not affect the dependent variable

2. Alternative Hypothesis – this says “there is a difference”; the independent variable

affects the

dependent variables

G. Significance of the Study

This part shows that the investigator expresses the value of the problem to be
undertaken. It is where the significant contributions may be viewed from the point of the
target beneficiaries like the researcher himself, service provider, administrators, parents,
teachers, students, planners, decision-makers, legislators, politicians, implementers,
practitioners, the family, the government, the community, and the educational and
political institutions.

What should be included in the Importance or Significance of the Study?

1. The rationale, timelines, and relevance of the study to existing
conditions/situations covered by investigations
2. What motivated the researchers to conduct the study?
3. The possible solutions to existing problems or improvement to unsatisfactory
conditions
4. Show the individuals, groups, or communities who may be placed in a more
advantageous on account of the study
5. The possible contribution to the fount of knowledge
6. It should consider and discuss the implications, including the possible causes of
the problems, the positive effects of the problems, and the remedial measures
to solve the identified problems.

H. Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This part identifies the boundaries in terms of time, location and samples, subjects,
and the limitations that are beyond the control of the researcher.

I. Definition of Terms

This part contains the definition of the terms used in the study. The key terms should
be substantially and clearly defined according to how they are utilized in the study to
facilitate understanding of the problem. The definitions of terms/variables may be either
 lexical/conceptual, operational, or both. The terms defined should be arranged in
alphabetical order. Acronyms should be spelled out fully, especially if they are not
commonly known or if used for the first time.

Operational definition expresses the meaning of the terms/variables as used in a

particular field of study.

The lexical or conceptual definition is usually taken from the dictionary and carries a
universal meaning easily understood by the readers.

CHAPTER II: Review of Related Literature and Studies

In the review of literature, the researcher can find out how other researchers have
formulated fruitful lines of inquiry within a particular field of interest. The review of related
literature and studies should be presented in topical form, irrespective of whether it is local
or foreign, and not necessarily in chronological order.

The Difference between Related Literature and Related Studies

Related Literature
These are the printed materials that the researcher has consulted for the thesis or
dissertation. These include both printed (books, magazines, newspapers etc.) and
electronic copies.

Related Studies

These are published books, periodicals, technical reports, professional journals, and
a variety of academic theses and dissertations in print. The sources of related studies
usually are laws, department orders, memoranda and circulars established and
promulgated by duly constituted authority for observance and compliance which are
directly related to the present study. These are written and positive rules prescribed
under the authority of the state.

Purposes of a Review of Literature

1. It delimits the research problem.

2. It selects new lines of investigation.

3. It avoids fruitless approaches.

4. It gains methodological insights.

Steps in a Literature Review

1. Search preliminary sources. Ex. Books, articles, professional journals, and other
publications that are relevant to the problem.

2. Use secondary sources. Ex. Other research with written reviews of literature that may
be relevant

to your study.

3. Read primary sources. Ex. A document that can be found in a Master’s thesis,
dissertation, or journal.

4. Synthesis of the literature.

Guidelines on Effective Writing of the Literature and Review

1. Research papers must be written in a formal style, which is in the third person, not the
first person.

2. Avoid highly descriptive writing style, not appropriate for scholarly research.

3. Use the active voice for direct impact and easy understanding.

4. Avoid the use of jargon; use familiar terms in place of terminologies.

5. Language should be neutral gender, no sexy language like his.

6. Make the conclusions and contradictions found in the literature clear in the report.

7. Use short sentences; avoid elongated and run-on expressions.

8. Use proper grammar and proofread the work.

9. Never plagiarize; give credit to the original author of ideas.

10. Pay attention to the structure and form of published articles.

Ex. Jose (2007) claims that job-related stress can…

CHAPTER III: Methods of Study and Sources of Data

This chapter of the research process contains a comprehensive description of the

research designs, research locales, samples and sampling techniques, the subjects,
research instruments, validation of the instruments, data gathering procedures, data
processing methods, and the statistical tools and treatments.

Research Designs

Research designs form the structure and the researcher’s method of answering his
questions and conducting studies. This is categorized according to the procedure the
researcher collects and analyzes data and his research purpose. The two basic research
designs based on the way information is collected, synthesized, and analyzed are
quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative Research

This is characterized by the use of statistical analysis. The most common quantitative
descriptive research measures research use are the mean (a measure of central tendency)
and the standard deviation (a measure of the variability of the data around the mean).

Qualitative Research

This is a term used for a range of research strategies that has roots in the research of
the social sciences such as anthropology and sociology. It involves collecting data within
natural settings, and the key data-collecting instruments are the researchers themselves. In
qualitative research, data are verbal and not numerical.

The Participants of the Study

The researcher has to explain how the participants/respondents are selected and the
place where they are taken. If the population is too large, then the sampling may be
employed.

The Research Instruments

These include psychological tests and inventories, questionnaires, opinionnaires,

checklists, rating scales, interviews, and document analysis. Some researchers use only
one of the research devices, while others employ a number of them in combination.

Data Collection

The data for quantitative and qualitative research are collected from direct observation,
tests, survey questionnaires, and interviews. Researchers refer to these data collection
devices and procedures as instruments.
 Questionnaires

This requires the respondent either to write answers to questions about the
topic or to answer orally.

I
n
t
e
r
v
i
e
w
This is when the respondent answers orally and the researcher records the
answers.

CHAPTER IV: Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data gathered out of the instruments
used in the study presented according to specific problem. This is the reiteration of the
research problems by way straight presentation of results vis-à-vis research hypothesis and
research questions. The presentation of findings should be based on each of the problem.

Data Presentation

This is the process of organizing data into logical, sequential, and meaningful
categories and classification to make them amenable to the study and interpretation.

Tables

Tables are a systematic method of presenting statistical data in vertical columns and
horizontal rows according to the items and classifications of subject matter. Tables are
numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals throughout the thesis and or dissertation.

The statistical table should have the following parts which are briefly described below.

1. Table heading. It consists of the table number (in Arabic and placed at the center,
above the title
 numbered consecutively throughout the research) and the title. Written below is the
table number describing the subject matter or content or the data presented in the table.
The title is presented in V-shape or inverted pyramid form.

2. Boxhead. It is found at the top of the column. It identifies what are contained in the
column. Included

in the boxhead are the subhead, the master caption and the
column captions.

3. Stubs. It is the classification or categories found at the left side of the body of the table.

4. Body. It is the main part of the table. It contains the substance or the figures of one’s
data.

Tables should not be divided. It should not exceed the page or size of the manuscript.
Large tables should be reduced to the page-size of the manuscript by photocopy or some
other process of reproduction. A smaller font to reduce the print is recommended.

Tables are numbered consecutively throughout the entire thesis and dissertation. The
caption of the table should be brief and clearly indicating the nature of the data presented.

Figures

Figures in thesis and dissertation are illustrative devices that present statistical data in
graphic form. A figure is a symbol applied to a wide variety of graphs, charts, maps,
diagrams, sketches and drawings. Figures are referred to by number, never as “the figure
below/above.”

Graphic Presentation

It is a graphic of a chart, representing the quantitative variations or changes of a

variable in comparisons with those of another variable in pictorial or diagrammatical form.

Bar graph is a diagram consisting of line showing the variations, relationships of data in
different ways. Horizontal bar graphs are used to compare components of a particular
time. Vertical bars are used to make comparison at different times.
Line graph

The line graph consists of lines representing the relationship between two or more sets
of quantities. It is useful in showing change in data relationships over a period of time.

Pie chart

The pie chart is used in presenting frequency distribution where in the entire circle
represents the total population.

Pagination

Every page of the thesis/dissertation should have a page number except the title page
though a number is assigned for it in the series. Page numbers are placed in the upper-
hand corner one inch below the top of the page and aligned with the right margin. Pages
are numbered consecutively for the title page up to the curriculum vitae.

Data Analysis and Interpretations

Analysis should be done first before the interpretations. An analysis is useless without
interpretation while interpretations are impossible without analysis. Statistical techniques
are used to give meaning to the data gathered from the subjects.

Analyzing and interpreting the raw data should go hand in hand in order to give
meaningful results. Interpretation is important to have a clearer meaning of the research
findings.

Data analysis may be defined as an explanation of data or facts in terms of quantity,

quality, attributes, traits, patterns, trends, relationships among others so as to answer
research questions which involve statistical techniques and procedures.

CHAPTER V: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

The whole research study is summarized – the synopsis of the research objectives,
hypothesis, research methodology, sampling designs, consideration in determining
sample, the subjects, research instruments, measurement and data collection and
processes, and statistical treatment.

Guidelines in Writing the Summary of Findings

1. A brief statement about the main purpose of the study should be stated.
 2. The findings may be lumped up all together but clarify demands specific questions
under the statement of problem must be written first to be followed by the findings
that would answer it. The specific questions should follow the order they are given
under the statement of the problem
3. Every statement of fact should consist of words, numbers or statistical measures
woven into a meaningful statement. No deductions on the interpretation should be
made.

4. The findings should be concisely stated.

Conclusions

The final part of the study are joined together harmoniously with the findings. The
results should be arranged in a logical order based on the statement of the problem. The
hypothesis which is the antecedent of a conditional proposition is either accepted or
rejected.

Guidelines in Writing the Conclusions

1. Conclusions should not contain numerals.

2. It should appropriately answer the specific questions raised at the beginning of the
investigation.

3. It should be drawn from the direct effects of the findings.

4. It should be explicit and definite, leaving nothing merely implied giving the researcher a
bit of doubt.

The use of qualifiers such as, probably, perhaps, maybe should be avoided.

5. It should not be repetitions of any statements anywhere in the research, thesis or

dissertation.

Tips in Drawing Conclusions

1. Know the area/locale in which the research has been conducted.

2. What is the research literature?

3. Focus on the meaning/essence of the results.

4. If theory is involved, either existing or a new theory is reproduced, show the similarity
between the results and the theory.
5. If possible, suggest future investigation that might lead to address unsolved problems
and provide

an extension of knowledge.

Recommendations

These are based on the conclusion of the study. Give a detailed description of the
suggestions for future action based on the significance of the findings. It includes
implications for future use of findings and recommendation for future research. Appeals to
people or agencies concerned to help solve the problems should be stated categorically.

Guidelines in Writing the Recommendations

1. It should have the aim and effort to solve problems in the study.

2. It should ensure a continuous benefit being accorded to the universe – mankind

involved.

3. It should recommend a further study or investigation in a wider perspective and

application

Bibliography

This is the list of readings on a particular subject that are used or consulted in the
preparation of the thesis/dissertation or that are referred to in the text are alphabetically
arranged. This is placed after the recommendations. It provides the reader and other
researchers the scope of the research study.

Appendices

These are placed after the bibliography. These are the supplementary materials used
in the preparation of the thesis/dissertation; these include questionnaire, letter to authority
to conduct the study and its approval, letter to respondents/participants of the investigation,
supporting documents, e.g. Constitution, laws department circulars memoranda as legal
bases, illustrative materials like the map or facility. An appendix is listed by a capital letter
with the corresponding caption.

Source:

Zulueta, Francisco M., and Jose R. Perez. Methods of Research: Thesis Writing and
Applied Statistics. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store. 2012.