Thesis Writing Guidelines and Format

Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Problem or Topic

1. Must be chosen by the researcher himself.
2. Must be chosen within the interest of the researcher.
3. Must be chosen within the specialization of the
Researcher.
4. Must be chosen within the competence of the researcher
to tackle.
5. Must be chosen within the ability of the researcher to
finance, otherwise he must be able to find funding for
his research.
6. Must be researchable and manageable, that is,
a. Data are available and accessible
b. Data must meet the standards of accuracy,
objectivity and verifiability.
c. Answers to the specific questions can found
d. The hypotheses formulated are testable, that is,
they can be accepted or rejected
e. Equipment and instruments for research are
available and can give valid and reliable results.
7. It can be completed within a reasonable period of time.
8. It is significant, important, and relevant to the
present time and situation, timely, and current
interest. 9. Results are practical and implementable
1. It requires original, critical, and reflective thinking
to solve it.
2. It must be delimited to suit the resources of the
researcher but big or large enough to be able to give
significant, valid, and reliable results and
generalizations.
3. It must contribute to the national development goals for
the improvement of the quality of human life. 4. It
must contribute to the fund of human knowledge 5. It
must show solutions of the problem.
6. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of
the people
 7. It must not advocate any change in the present order
of things by means of violence but by peaceful means.
8. There must be a return of some kind to the
researcher, either one or all of the following, if
the research report is completed:
a. Monetary, either increase in salary or
publication of the results there is some
kind of loyalty.
b. Advancement in position or promotion.
c. Improved specialization, competence, and
skill in professional work especially if the
research subject is related to the
profession.
By Calderon pp.22 -26

Research Format/Components of Research Study

TITLE
CHAPTER
1 THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
INTRODUCTION
Rationale
Literature Background
THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Design
Environment and Participants
Instruments
Procedure
Statistical Treatment
DEFINITION OF TERMS

2 PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

OF DATA

3 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations
Proposed Action Plan
REFERENCES
APPENDICES
RESEARCHER’S BIODATA
For a more detailed format, please refer below:

[TITLE PAGE] (one page)

(title is written in an inverted pyramid)
APPROVAL SHEET (one page)
ACKNOWLEDGMENT (one page)
ABSTRACT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF TABLES (If few, LIST OF TABLES AND
FIGURES)
LIST OF FIGURES

CHAPTER 1 (Center)
(no page number for starting page of every chapter but
counted)(center)
(double line space)
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE (center)
(three line spaces)
Rationale(aligned right)
(three line spaces)
[rationale content]
(three line spaces)
Literature Background (Related Literature, Related Studies, Legal
Bases)(aligned right)
(three line spaces)
[literature background content-justified]
(three line spaces)
Theoretical and Conceptual Framework (should be placed two pages after
the start of the literature background)

THE PROBLEM (center)

(three line spaces)
Statement of the Problem (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
Statement of Hypothesis (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(statement of the hypothesis content)
(three line spaces)
Significance of the Study (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(significance of the study content)
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY (center)
(three line spaces)
Design (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(design content)
(three line spaces)
Environment and Participants (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(E & R content)
(three line spaces)
Instruments (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(Instruments content)
(three line spaces)
Procedure (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(Data Gathering Procedure content)
(three line spaces)
Statistical Treatment
(three line spaces)
 (statistical treatment content)
(three line spaces)
DEFINITION OF TERMS (operational meanings)(center)
(three line spaces)
(definition of terms content-should be arranged
alphabetically)

CHAPTER 2 (no page number for starting page of every chapter but
counted)(center)
(double line space)
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA(center)
(three line spaces)
(Supply headings[bold] that correspond to the sub-problems[bold])
CHAPTER 3(no page number for starting page of every chapter but
counted)(center)
(double line space)
SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
(three line spaces)
(introductory statements for chapter 3)
(three line spaces)
Summary (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(summary content)
Findings (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(findings content)
(three line spaces)
Conclusions (not more than 150 words)(aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(conclusions content)
(three line spaces)
Recommendations (aligned right)
(three line spaces)
(recommendations content)

REFERENCE LIST(center)
(American Psychological Association-APA Format)

APPENDICES
Appendix A TRANSMITTAL LETTER/S
Appendix B RESEARCH INSTRUMENT/S
(Name each instrument, e.g.
Appendix B-1 QUESTIONNARE;
Appendix B-2 INTERVIEW GUIDE
RESEARCHER’S BIODATA(center)
(three line spaces)
Name :
Age :
Sex :
Birth date :
Birthplace :
Father :
Mother :
Address :
Religion :
Civil Status :
Educational Background:
[elementary-school and year graduated]
[secondary-school and year graduated]
[tertiary – including vocational/short courses (if any
school and year graduated]
 Operational Definition of Terms

Reminders:
1. There are three chapter adopted. The parts are already
stated above.
2. References should not be more than 5 years old.
3. Use double space and 3 spaces in between paragraphs.
4. Do not leave vacant spaces not unless you have to start
another chapter.
5. Abstract of thesis should NOT be less than 150 words and
not more than 250 words. (Full Block)
6. Use maroon cover.
7. No page number in a chapter page.

Guidelines in Writing the Title

The aim is usually omitted and sometimes the
population is not included.

1. APA recommends that your title be no more than 12

words in length and that it should not contain
abbreviations or words that serve no purpose. Your
title may take up one or two lines. All text on the
title page, and throughout your paper, should be
double-spaced.
2. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of
the research work. It may be revised and refined
later if there is a need.
3. It must include all aspects of the subject matter
studied or to be studied. Hence, the title indicates
what is expected to be found inside the thesis
report.
4. It must be as brief and concise as possible.
5. 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.
6. If the title contains more than one line, it must be
written like an inverted pyramid, all words in
capital Letters.
A brief and a concise form of the title and a
better one follows:

THE TEACHING OF SCIENCE IN THE HIGH

SCHOOLS OF CVSCAFT CAMPUSES
Rationale of the Study/ Situational Analysis

This is the first part of Chapter I. Some researchers

call it background of the study while others call it situation
analysis. Both refer to the introduction of the study.

Some aspects of the background are integrated into the

theoretical framework, objectives of the study. Presentation
must be brief but enough to justify the need to conduct the
study.

There should be theme in writing the background of the study.

The theme serves as an outline so that there is continuity of
ideas. The theme is based on the important variables of the
study, their scope, nature and characteristics. Furthermore,
the presentation must be from macro and micro, sometimes known
as the deductive approach to data presentation.

The introductory statement must be eye catching. The

issues relating to the investigation should be quoted or
documented to encourage readers to read on. The study should
also be recent.

The last part of the study is a brief situational

analysis to present information on the problem and what
prompts the researcher to venture into such a study is
relevant and contributes to the existing fund of knowledge.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

A research study should be supported with various theories

and concepts, to show that the study is researchable on a
scientific basis. The theories relative to investigation
provides directions on undertaking the study.

After incorporating the theories and concepts, the conceptual

framework is made. These concepts are presented in the form of
a paradigm or model showing the steps or processes to be used
in the study.

The paradigm also serves as a basis for conducting the

study together with the statement of the problem. All
subproblems are reflected in the paradigm in order to map out
the direction of the study.
Review of Related Literature

Three parts
1. Related Readings- major sources: laws, department
directives, such as circulars, orders, memoranda, = serve as
legal bases for the study.
2. Related Literature- any written materials such as book,
journal, magazine, novel, poetry, yearbook, encyclopedia are
considered as literature.
3. Related Studies - published and unpublished research
studies are sources of materials that are included in this
section.

Example conceptual and theoretical framework. Should be on the

2nd page of theoretical background.

Statement of the Problem

1. The problem of the study should be stated both in general

and specific terms. The general statement of the problem
is usually a reiteration of the title of the study.
Briefly pointing out the objectives, the subject and the
coverage as well as the time frame

Example:
This study aims to investigate the academic status of
CVSCAFT-TCC Teacher Education students during the School
Year 2002-2003 as perceived by the teachers.
 2. The problem must always in an interrogatory form, hence
it must ask questions. However if the study is
experimental, it is advisable to state it in the
declarative form. Subproblems must follow the main
problem and includes the possible components

3. The problem should be stated in the infinitive to(action

words in research) such as examine, analyze, determine,
measure, assess, evaluate, recommend, find out, among
others; setting 4-5 research objectives is ideal for a
research problem.
4. Specific questions should be stated using the following
question words: “How,” “Will,” “What,” “Is there,”...
5. The statement of the problem must be brief, clear,
specific and relevant.

THE PROBLEM

The main goal of this study was to innovate an existing AC-DC

Converter into a trouble-simulator, assess its production and
functional efficiency at CVSCAFT, TCC during the academic year
2006-2007 in order to propose a production package for
massproduction of AC-DC Converter Trouble Simulators.
Statement of the Problem
Specifically, this study sought to answer the following
questions:
1. What is the project profile required ins the assembly of
AC- DC Converter Trouble Simulator in terms of:
a. preparation required;
b. procedures involved; and
c. production time?
2. What is the description of the trouble simulator in the
aspect of:
a. parts and function;
b. safety measures;
c. procedure of operation;
d. advantages and disadvantages of the simulate or,
and
e. comparison with conventional gadget?
3. What is the average time spent in injecting troubles with
the conventional AC-DC converter and the AC-DC converter
trouble simulator?
4 Is there a significant relationship between the
assembly aspects of conventional AC-DC converter and the AC-DC
converter trouble simulator?
Significance of the study

The significance of the study will mainly focus on the question

“Who will benefit from the study?”
This section will state the contribution of your study and the
usefulness of your study in the society
The order should be from most benefited to least benefited.

Research Methodology

Consists of:
Research Design
Research Environment and Subject
(Describe the population of interest and
the sampling of subjects used in the
study. Why are they chosen? )_

Research Instrument
Research Procedure
Data Gathering
Statistical Treatment of Data

Data gathering Instruments

1. Research Instruments - a devise designed or

adopted by the researcher for data-gathering. Therefor to
arrive at accurate findings and conclusions, the instruments
used by a researcher should be valid and reliable to
objectively answer the purpose of the study as discussed in
the statement of the problem.

These instruments depend on the nature of the problem and

the research design. Descriptive studies usually employ
questionnaires, interviews and observations while historical
research uses documents and observations. Experimental
studies may or may not use questionnaires but manipulate
variables, observations and documentation.

Classification of data-gathering instruments:

a. Researcher Instruments
The researcher obtains information or data himself with
little or no direct involvement of other people.
b. Subject Instruments
The data is collected by directly involving the
respondents. Ex. Data maybe collected by asking for a copy
of the available science facilities and equipment, indicating
actual numbers, from the list, the researcher may determine
extent of availability and adequacy.
 c. Informant Instrument
The data collected from those knowledgeable or aware of the
subject. The researcher may ask school administrators,
science teachers and students to evaluate extent of
availability and adequacy of science facilities and
equipment of the SUCs in Region 1.

Commonly-Used Research Instruments

1. Questionnaire

Is a written or printed form containing the objectives of

the study. This is administered on the respondents to
elicit the required data based on procedures made by the
researcher. It is the most convenient and also the easiest
way to gather data. The researcher may or may not
personally administer the questionnaire provided all
instructions are clearly specified. There are two types of
questionnaires, the open-ended and close – ended.
Principles in Constructing the Questionnaire
1. Avoid double questions. The answer to one half of the
question may well be different from the answer to the other
half.
Ex. How do you rate the efficiency and friendliness of the
staff?
2. Avoid potentially offensive questions. Ex. Do you work or
are you a housewife?
3. Data should be quantified whenever possible.
Ex. Have you been under stress at work lately?
4. Keep the language single.
5. Avoid negative statements in true/false or agree/disagree.
Ex. The customs officer was not unreasonable
(agree/disagree)
6. Avoid jargons, slang and abbreviations.
7. Avoid ambiguity, confusion and vagueness.
8. Avoid emotional language and prestige bias.
Ex. What do you think about the policy to pay murderous
terrorists who threaten to steal the freedom of peace loving
people?
9. Avoid leading questions.
Ex. You don’t smoke, do you?
12. Avoid asking questions that are beyond respondents
capabilities.
Ex. How did you feel about your brother when you were 6 years
old?
13. Avoid false premises.
Ex. The post office is open too many hours.
Do you want it to open four hours?
14. Avoid overlapping or unbalanced response categories.
Ex. Are you satisfied with your job or are there things
you don’t like about it?
Operational Definition of Terms

The definition of terms must be arranged

alphabetically. Define the terms OPERATIONALLY, based
on how they function/are being used in the study

FORMAT
1. Use a SHORT BOND PAPER for the Research Manuscript
2. Margin: Left – 1.5
inches Right, Top,
Bottom – 1 inch
3. Font Type: Courier New
4. Font Size: 12
5. Font Style: Bold for Headings and Sub-Headings
6. Hide Page Number for the 1st page of every part
7. Paging – Upper Right
8. Verb Tense: Proposal Hearing – Future
Tense/Present Tense
Oral Defense – Past Tense
9. Use only the THIRD PERSON POINT OF VIEW (NO:
“I”, “We”, “Us”, “You”)
10. NAMES WHICH WILL BE SIGNED MUST BE SET TO BOLD FACE
and CAPITALIZED
11. Page size should be 8.5” x 11”.
12. Margin should be 1.5” left, and 1” for top, bottom,
and right.
13. There are three chapters adopted by BISU. The parts
are already stated above.
14. References should not be more than 10 years old
(related literature) and not more than 5 years
(related studies)
15. Use double space and 3 spaces in between paragraphs.
16. Do not leave vacant spaces unless you have to start
another chapter.
17. Titles (aligned center) and subtitles (aligned left)
should be bold. First letter of the word should be
capitalized.
18. Title of the figures (bold)should be placed at the
bottom center.
19. Titles of tables (bold) should be placed at the
above center of the table.
20. The first sentence of every paragraph should be
indented.
21. In the definition of terms, every term should be
 bold with period. Meaning is placed two spaces
after the period.
22. (For example: Instructors.[two spaces]It refers to
the teachers…)
23. When using direct quotation, font size should be 10,
aligned center, and the whole quotation is indented
two inches from the edge.
24. Abstract of thesis should NOT be less than 250 words
and not more than 500 words. Single space between
sentences and paragraphs should be used.
25. Use landscape orientation if tables/figures are too
large.
26. Starting page of every chapter should have no page
number.
27. Page number is placed at the upper right.