WLC RESEARCH FORMAT

-RESEARCH ORIENTATION FOR THESIS 1-

Prepared by: DR. BRYANT C. ACAR, GS Dean

I. THESIS 1/ RESEARCH PROPOSAL (CHAPTER 1) FORMAT

CHAPTER I – THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION

Rationale of the Study

Theoretical Background or Review of Literature
THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem
Statement of Hypotheses
Significance of the Study
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Environment
Research Respondents
Research Instruments
Research Procedures
Gathering of Data
Treatment of Data
DEFINITION OF TERMS
BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
A. Transmittal Letter
B. Research Instrument
CURRICULUM VITAE

II. BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE PARTS

PARTS OF RESEARCH PROPOSAL

1. The Rationale of the Study

This section in a research paper provides ideas and background that caused
the researcher to undergo the study. It may be composed of 3 to 5 paragraphs or a
total of 2-3 pages.

1. The first paragraph presents an opening statement or a general idea or

information about the main variable/s. It will expound the statement
justifying the study.
2. The second paragraph (may be composed of two) should revolve around the
scope and coverage of the study. It presents the prevailing scenario or
current situation of the environment or the elements being studied by
presenting statistics or data as situationaires.
3. Third paragraph usually challenges the readers to become interested in the
findings of the study. This will bridge the whole rationale to the problem
statement.
4. A maximum of three sentences may form part of the last paragraph
discussing the competence of the researcher/s to conduct the study.

2. The Theoretical Background

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 This portion presents the anchor/main theory which is the cornerstone of the
research or springboard of the study. Supporting theories should also be included
and discussed. The authorities who formulated the theories and ideas cited in the
study should be properly cited. Supporting the theories under the theoretical
background are reviews of related literature and studies. A good review of related
literature is exhaustive comprehensive and selective. Findings of previous studies
should be incorporated in relation or support to a theory or literature. Local and
international sources or studies will make a good review of related literature.
Theories, literatures and studies should be logically arranged according to its
relevance and/or relatedness to each other. A theory may be supported by an
international literatures and studies then followed by local resources.

Documentation in Research Paper, Thesis and Dissertation

Documentation is important in writing a research paper, thesis, and

dissertation to determine if the researcher has consulted several research works as
references. A research paper, thesis and dissertation are valueless without
documentation. It can be gleaned that whether statements are quoted directly or
indirectly, primary or secondary sources, they must be cited to provide an accurate
information of the materials and the exact source. A researcher who fails to cite
documentation on his research paper, thesis or dissertation of ideas taken from
other sources resorts to plagiarism. This is an act wherein the writer uses the
passages, ideas, writings, and statements of others without giving due credit.

Generally Accepted Documentation:

Parenthetical Reference Citations in Text and Bibliography
(Largely influenced by the American Psychological Association)

3. The Research Problem

The problem statement sets the direction of the study. It is the verbalization
of the “question” which the study proposes to answer. This is divided into the main
problem and the subsidiary problems. These can be stated in declarative (infinitive)
or interrogative (question) form.
The main problem is the whole focus of the study. This is reflected in the title
of the study. The sub problems are the break down of the main variables into their
components. When the answers to the sub-problems are put together, they answer
the main question.

Techniques to facilitate problem identification

 Visit the library and browse books and other reading materials
 Consult your heads about the research thrusts of the school
 Observe needs and concerns in your workplace, community or school
 Search related topics from journals and other scholarly materials
 Analyze the possible causes of the present problems or current issues and
their possible solutions
 Read recommendations from unpublished materials (theses and
dissertations)

Hypothesis

Hypothesis is a scientific guess pertaining to the relationship or difference of

variables being investigated. It is optional. However, it must be used whenever
there is a basis for prediction.

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Independent and Dependent Variables
An independent variable is a variable that stands alone and isn't changed by
the other variables you are trying to measure. A dependent variable is something
that depends on other factors. (Independent variable) causes a change in
(Dependent Variable) and it isn't possible that (Dependent Variable) could cause a
change in (Independent Variable).

For example: (Time Spent Studying) causes a change in (Test Score) and it
isn't possible that (Test Score) could cause a change in (Time Spent Studying).

We see that "Time Spent Studying" must be the independent variable and
"Test Score" must be the dependent variable because the sentence doesn't make
sense the other way around.

The Title

These are the characteristics of the title.

1. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of the research work.
2. The title must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale of the
study and the population involved.
3. The title indicates what is expected to be found inside the research report
by stating the aspects of the subject matter to be studied. It must be as brief
and concise as possible.

4. Avoid using the terms “An Analysis of,” “A Study of,” “An Investigation
of,” and the like. All these things are understood to have been done or to
be done when a research is conducted.
5. If the title has more than one line, it must be written like an inverted
pyramid and all words should be capitalized.

Example
LEARNING STYLES AND BRAIN DOMINANCE OF FRESHMEN
HIGHSCHOOL STUDENTS IN UNIVERSITY OF
SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES FOUNDATION
(USPF), CEU CITY

4. Significance of the Study

Significance of the study in a research manuscript lists the benefits of the

study either to a body of scientific knowledge, to practitioners in the area of the
research or to any other group which will benefit from the results. In short, this will
answer the question: Why is it important for the study to be conducted? Who will
benefit from it? What benefits could be derived from the study?

5. The Research Designs

Research Design is a systematic plan of a research. It usually includes
formulating a strategy to answer a research question(s). It also provides details
about methods for collecting, recording, processing, and analyzing the recovered
data from the research environment. It is a plan for collecting and utilizing data so
that desired and sufficient information are obtained and the hypotheses are tested
properly.

According to Calmorin and Calmorin (2007), there are four kinds of research
designs. These are historical, descriptive, experimental, and case study.

6. The Research Environment

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 The research environment is the place where the study is conducted. Other
authors call this as the research locale. This portion in the research report proposal
provides necessary information about the place or the environment where the
researcher conducts his/her study. It will include a brief description about the place,
geographical location, population and other important information about the place.
For example, studies conducted in schools should include the physical plant and
facilities, teaching force and student population. Studies conducted in hospitals
should include the hospital location, type of hospital, bed capacity, occupancy and
medical and support personnel.

7. The Research Respondents / Subjects

This section in a research report describes the population or samples of the

study. This will indicate the characteristics of the elements from which the samples
will be taken. This elaborates how the samples will be chosen. The sample size and
the population frame from which the samples will be taken are also included in this
section.

Research Subjects are the elements being studied. For example in

determining the teaching performance, the subjects are the teachers.

Research Respondents are the elements or group who will provide the
data. In the same example, the data on teaching performance can be taken from
the students evaluation or principal’s observation. The group who will answer the
questionnaire or research instrument are considered research respondents.

Research participants refer to the elements involved in the study.

Research subjects who are also respondents in the study are considered
participants. Other units involved in data collection and experimentation are also
considered participants.

Sampling Strategies for Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Qualitative Research Quantitative Research

Convenience sample: Participants Convenience sample: Members of
who are readily available and the population who are easily
represent the phenomenon of identified and readily available are
interest are included in the sample. included in the sample; a
nonprobability sample.
Snowball sample: Participants who Quota sample: one or more criteria
are known to and recommended by are used to ensure that a previously
current participants are identified and established number of subjects who
included, building the sample from a fit those criteria are included in the
few participants to as many as are sample; a nonprobability sample.
needed.
Purposive sample: Participants who Purposive sample: Subjects in the
are intentionally selected because sample are limited to those who have
they have certain characteristics that certain characteristics that are
are related to the purpose of the related to the purpose of the
research are included in the sample. research; a nonprobability sample.
Simple random sample: Subjects
are selected by enumerating all
members of the population, and a
completely random process is used to
identify who will be included; a
probability sample.
Stratified random sample:

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 Members of the population are
grouped by one or more
characteristics, and subjects are
selected from each group using a
completely random process; a
probability sample.
Cluster sample: Groups of the
population are enumerated and
selected by a completely random
process, then individual subjects from
within these groups are randomly
selected; a probability sample.
Systematic sample: The members
of a population are enumerated and
every member at a fixed interval is
selected as a subject; a probability
From Macnee (2004) sample.

8. The Research Instruments

This part of the research report describes the tools for data collection. Tools
refer to the questionnaire or data gathering instrument to be constructed, validated
and administered. Tools can also be interview guide and/ or checklist. If the
instrument is prepared by the researcher, it should be tested for validity and
reliability. However, if the instrument is standardized, the student should indicate
its description as to its items, scoring and qualification. The researcher must explain
its parts, and how the instrument will be validated. The instrument to be used
should be appended (except for standardized). For scientific and experimental
researches the materials and equipment to be used in the experiment must be
specified.
The qualities of a good research instrument are (1) validity, (2) reliability,
and (3) usability.

Validity

Validity means the degree to which an instrument measures what it intends

to measure. The validity of a measuring instrument refers to has to do with its
soundness, what the test or questionnaire measures its effectiveness, how it could
be applied.

Reliability
Reliability means the extent to which a “test is dependable, self-consistent
and stable” (Merriam, 1975). In other words, the test agrees with itself. It is
concerned with the consistency of responses from moment to moment. Even if a
person a takes the same test twice, the test yields the same results. However, a
reliable test may not always be valid.

Practicality
Practicality also known as usability means the degree to which the research
instrument can be satisfactorily used by teachers, researchers, supervisors and
school managers without undue expenditure of time, money and effort. In other
words, usability means practicability.

9. The Research Procedure

Research procedure is a step by step presentation of the different stages of

the research. Particularly in the administration and retrieval of research instrument.
It can also be in the form of observation through observation technique, key

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informant interviews, focused-group discussion. Research procedure also traces the
data collection data, data processing, analysis and interpretation.

Gathering of Data Collection/Data Collection

This describes in detail the data to be collected, how, from whom and where.

Statistical Treatment/Statistical Design

When the study involves statistical data, the researcher must explain in this
section how the data will be analyzed. For instance, hypotheses to be tested or
relationship to be determined. Specify the hypothesis test that will be used or the
correlation analysis to be used for each hypothesis. Dummy tables may be included
if desired. Percentage formulas are unnecessary. Statistical tools should be listed.
They should be individually explained on what data will be treated by each tool.

10. Definition of Terms

Emphasis must be given to operational definition of terms. Operational

definition refers to the meaning of the words as used in the study. It is necessary to
orient the readers in order to attain logical presentation of the study. The terms
must NOT be numbered. The numbers of words to be defined depend on the
variables, words and phrases used in the title, statement of the problem and
research tool.

11. BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES

Bibliography is composed of all the works consulted for the purpose of the
study. This includes books, unpublished theses/dissertations, journals, periodicals
and public documents including internet services. The APA (American Psychological
Association) style is used in parenthetical reference citations and in bibliographical
entries
The bibliography includes all works cited. The first line of the entry begins
flush left; the second and successive lines are indented three to five spaces (one
tab) from the left. Entries appear in alphabetical order according to the author’s
last name; two or more works by the same author appear in chronological order;
two or more works by the same author and with same publication date appear in
alphabetical order by title. When you have two or more books or articles by the
same author, repeat the name of the author in each entry.

Sample Bibliography (APA Style)

Books

Andales, Venancio B. (1992). Basic Concepts and Methods in Research.

Quezon City: Great Books Trading.

Calderon, Jose F. and Expectacion C. Gonzales (1984). Measurement and

Evaluation. Manila: National Bookstore.

Calderon, Jose F. and Expectacion C. Gonzales (1993). Methods of Research

and Thesis Writing. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store.

Calmorin, Laurentina P. (1983). Educational Measurement and Evaluation.

Manila: National Bookstore.

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 Calmorin, Laurentina P. (1994). Educational Research Measurement and
Evaluation. Second Edition Manila: National Bookstore.

Patricio, Catalino C. (2007, July 18) Personal Interview.

Castillo, Lilibeth T. (2007, March 6) Letter to the author.

Lazaro, Cheche (Producer) (2008, December 12) “Red November,” The Probe
Team, GMA, Quezon City.

Redford, Robert (Director) (1980). Ordinary People [Film], Paramount.

Socash, Ethel G. (2000, July 22) “Opiates as Reinforces,” Paper delivered at the 9 th
Regional Convention of the Psychological Association of the Philippines,
Cebu City.

http:// www.docpotter.com/Beajob_aml_bo.html retrieved 4 January 2000

www.projectappleseed.org/assessment retrieved 5 January 2006

11. APPENDICES

They are supporting attachments: Transmittal Letters, Questionnaires, Interview

Guides, Sample Tests, Rubrics, Unit of Measures and Curriculum Vitae of the
Researchers

Note

1. Cover Page – Title (inverted pyramid) followed by the name of department and
researches

2. All text should be Verdana style with 12 font size

3. All should be in double space with justified alignment.