Research 2 Module 2: Research Title

Basic Guidelines in Make Research Title

A research study title is the very first thing a reader comes across when searching for scientific
literature. It is a concise description of the content of the research study containing the fewest
possible words, yet adequate to describe the contents of the paper for a simple reason that we
do not want to mislead the readers. After conceptualizing a most probable research topic,
drafting the title early in the research process helps in keeping your focus on the subject. The
following are the basic guidelines in making a research study title:

1. Use an accurate description of the subject and scope of the study instead of using general
terms.
2. Do not use abbreviations except for commonly known ones like DNA and ICT.

3. Do not include words like “The study of,” “analysis of,” “an investigation of” or similar
construction as these would only lengthen the title.

4. Include the main dependent and independent variables.

5. Be mindful of the proper use of grammar and punctuation.

6. Capitalize all nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs as well as the first letter of the first
and last words.

7. State in a declarative form, although you may also see titles in question form from time to
time.

8. The year the study has been conducted should not be indicated unless it is a historical study.

9. Use current terminology.

10. Depending on the institutional requirements, 5 to15 words are sufficient to describe the
research study.

11. Use the common name instead of chemical formula (e.g., NH4)
12. Write and italicize the full scientific names.
13. Must reflect the tone of the paper. An academic research paper has title which is not casual,
or informal, or does not contain humor.

The following steps can guide you in writing your research title:

1. Determine what it is that you wish to accomplish or know from your study. Write one to
two sentences to state the main objectives of your research project.
2. Include important keywords and variables. Revise the sentences into one complete sentence
that includes important keywords and variables of the study.
3. Shorten the title by eliminating unnecessary words. You may also shrink a phrase into a
simpler phrase or a single word. In doing this, make sure that the main thought of the research
study is retained.
4. Correct grammar and punctuation errors if there is any.
5. Observe proper formatting. The format may vary according to the requirements of the course
or school. Please seek guidance from your professor.
Activity
Directions: Evaluate the following erroneous research title and justify what makes it wrong.

Example: Phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of S. trifasciata leaves

Answer: The scientific name was abbreviated and not italicized.
1. An investigation of the effects of electronics uses on Interpersonal Relationship in adults.

Answer: ________________________________________________________
2. Effects of Coconut Oil and Beeswax Edible coating.

Answer: ________________________________________________________
3. The Effects of Arts-Integrated Instruction on Arithmetic Skills of Students for S.Y. 2018-2019.

Answer: _________________________________________________________
4. Antibacterial effects of C2H5OH extract of Carica papaya leaves.

Answer: _________________________________________________________
5. Managing business during global pandemic.

Answer: _________________________________________________________

What I Have Learned

Directions: Answer briefly what is asked.
1. A researcher is discouraged from putting too many words in the research title. Why?

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2. A bad title discredits a good research. Why?

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3. What are the components of a good research title?

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What I Can Do
Directions: This activity is a continuation of what you have done in Module 1. You are to
construct a good research title for each of the quantitative research questions. Follow the format
below:

Research question 1: _______________________________________________________

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Proposed title A: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title B: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title C: ___________________________________________________________
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Research question 2: _______________________________________________________

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Proposed title A: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title B: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title C: ___________________________________________________________
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Research question 3: _______________________________________________________

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Proposed title A: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title B: ___________________________________________________________
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Proposed title C: ___________________________________________________________
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Additional Activity
Directions: After you submit your Research Title, once it is corrected in accordance with the
guidelines given, you may start incorporating your Research Title to your research manuscript.