Research Topics Reviewer
1. Nature and Characteristics of Research
Research is a systematic investigation to establish facts, develop or validate new knowledge,
and find solutions to problems. Here are its key characteristics:
- Empirical: Based on observable evidence.
- Systematic: Follows a structured procedure.
- Objective: Free from personal biases or emotions.
- Logical: Relies on sound reasoning.
- Replicable: Methods and results can be repeated or verified by others.
- Innovative: Aims to discover new information or re-examine existing data.
2. Types of Research
Research is often categorized into different types based on its purpose and methodology:
- Basic Research (Pure Research): Seeks to expand knowledge without an immediate
application in mind.
- Applied Research: Focuses on solving practical problems.
- Quantitative Research: Involves numerical data and statistical analysis to draw
conclusions.
- Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding phenomena through detailed observation
and interviews, involving non-numerical data.
- Descriptive Research: Observes and describes the characteristics of a subject without
influencing it.
- Exploratory Research: Investigates an area where little is known, seeking to clarify
understanding.
- Explanatory Research: Aims to explain the reasons behind a particular event or
phenomenon.
- Experimental Research: Involves manipulating variables to determine cause-and-effect
relationships.
3. Research Problem and Objectives
A research problem is a specific issue, challenge, or gap in knowledge that a study seeks to
address. It should be:
- Clearly defined and specific.
- Relevant to the field of study.
- Researchable with available resources.
Research objectives are the specific goals or questions the research aims to answer.
Objectives should be:
- SMART: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.
4. Review of Related Literature and Studies (RRL)
The Review of Related Literature (RRL) provides a summary of existing research and
theories relevant to your study. It helps to:
- Identify gaps in the existing research.
- Highlight methodologies and findings of previous studies.
- Support the theoretical framework of your study.
Steps to conduct an RRL:
- Search for sources: Use academic databases, journals, books, and other scholarly
resources.
- Summarize key findings: Extract significant points and studies relevant to your research
problem.
- Analyze gaps: Identify areas that have not been explored or need further research.
- Synthesize: Combine the information to create a coherent narrative.
5. APA 7th Edition Formatting
In academic research, adhering to the APA (American Psychological Association) 7th edition
format is crucial for consistency and credibility. Key aspects include:
- Title Page:
- Title of the paper
- Author’s name
- Institution affiliation
- Course name and number
- Instructor’s name
- Due date
- Abstract: A brief summary (150–250 words) of the key points in your paper.
- In-text Citations: Author-date style (Author, Year). For direct quotes, include page
numbers: (Author, Year, p. X).
- Reference List: Full list of all sources cited, alphabetized by the author's last name.
- Headings: Title case, bold, centered for main headings. Bold and flush left for subheadings.
- Tables and Figures: Tables labeled as 'Table 1,' 'Table 2,' and so on. Figures labeled as
'Figure 1,' 'Figure 2,' with titles below the figure.
- General Formatting: Times New Roman 12-point font, double-spaced, 1-inch margins on
all sides, page numbers in the upper right corner.
