Research Title

Once the researcher has already had a problem that will be subjected for a study, he/she may now begin
formulating a good research title that will best represent the problem and the study itself in general. As
cited from Sacred Heart University Library (2020), a research title should help the readers to see the
main idea as well as the summary of the whole study. Further, it usually contains fewest possible words
that can bring understanding of the content and the purpose of the study among the readers.

Characteristics of a Research Title

As commonly observed, a research title is the first one to be read before proceeding to the other parts of
the research paper. Hence, it is really important to know for the researcher what makes a research title
an effective one in order to capture the interest of the readers towards the problem to be investigated.
Here are some of the characteristics of a research title that the researcher should put into
considerations:

1. It should be limited only to substantive words with high consideration to the key variables such as the
phenomenon under investigation, the participants, and the setting of the study.

2. It should use words that can create a positive impression among the readers. Avoid using
abbreviations as well as some word constructions such as: "method," "result," and "investigation."

3. It should be in the form of a phrase with correct use of capitalization, that is, the first letter appeared
in the title as well as the first letter of each noun word should be capitalized. 4. It should be concise by
adequately implying the participants and the coverage of the study.

The Research Title:

 summarizes the main ideals of your study
 captures reader's attention and draws his attention at the research problem being investigated
 differentiates the paper from other papers of the same subject area
 Predicts content
 Contains keywords that will make it easy to access by a computer search

Here are basic reminders to keep in mind while writing a research title:
1. Keep it simple, brief, and attractive. The primary function of a title is to provide a precise summary of
the paper's content. So, keep the title brief and clear. Moreover, a good tile for a research is typically
around 10-15 substantive words long. A lengthy title may seem unfocused and take the reader's
attention away from an important point Avoid Drug X has an effect of muscular contraction for an hour
in snails Better Drug X induces muscular contraction in snails.

2. Use appropriate descriptive words. A good research title should contain key words used in the
manuscript and should define the nature of the study. Think about terms people would use to search for
the study and include them in the title.

Avoid: Effects of Drug A on schizophrenia patients

Better: Psychosocial effects of Drug A on schizophrenia patients
3. Avoid abbreviations and jargon. Known abbreviations such as AIDS, HIV, and so on can be used in the
title. However, lesser-known or specific abbreviations and jargon that would not be immediately familiar
to the readers should be left out.

Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial
fluid
Better: Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and
early osteoarthritic synovial fluid.

4. It is a good idea to create a 'working research title first. This title helps focus the research and writing
but can be changed if needed. The final title should be a phrase or a question that indicates the subject
and scope of the research while generating the reader's interest and enthusiasm for the topic

Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial
fluid
Better. Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and
early osteoarthritic synovial fluid

HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH TITLE

Follow these steps:

Step One:
Ask yourself these questions and make note of the answers:

1. What is my paper about?

2. What techniques/designs will be used?
3. Who/What will be studied?
4. Where is the setting of the study?
5. When is the period or duration of the study?

Step Two:
Use your answers to list key words.

Step Three:
Create a sentence that indicates the key words you listed.

Step Four:
Delete all unnecessary/repetitive words and link the remaining

Step Five:
Delete non-essential information and reword the title.

Let us take this sample title:

A Phenomenological Study on the Behavior of Senior High School Students with
Absentee Parents of Tabaco National High School in the School Year 2017-2018

From this title, you can find out a lot about the research before reading the actual proposal or actual
research report.
 1. What are we looking at? The behavior of Senior High School students with absentee parents
2. Who are the subjects? Senior High School students with absentee parents
3. Where is the setting/place of the study? Tabaco National High School
4. What type of study is it going to be? It is going to be a qualitative study, and Phenomenology will
be used.
5. What is the period covered of the study? School Year 2017-2018
6. What size is the sample? We will just be using a small sample
7. What data-collection methods will be used? Information from the participants will be obtained
through interviews, observation, open-ended questionnaires, etc.

The table below shows sample research titles for the different Senior High School strands which might be
helpful for you as you decide to have your own research title/topic

Track/Strand

Research Titles/Topics

STEM
Health Hazards of Direct and Indirect Smoking: Prevention and Care

HUMSS
The Perception of the Stakeholders on the Implementation of Senior High School

ABM
The Effect of Word of Mouth Advertisement on the Stability of Julia’s Bakery

GAS
Factors Influencing Secondary Students’ Perception and Preferences in Choosing a Strand in Senior High
School

TVL (Computer Programming)

Employability of Computer Programmers: Job Market Analysis

TVL (Bread and Pastry)

Perception of the Trainers of the Effectiveness of Bread and Pastry Production Training Program

TVL (Tour Guiding Servicing)

The Effect of Tourist Attractions to the Development of Economy

TVL (Automotive Servicing)

Awareness on the Responsibilities: Contributions and Significance of Automotive Technicians
Now, let us move on to the Senior High Track you are enrolled in.

Before you make a final decision on your topic, reflect on these questions:

1. What area/s not covered in classroom lessons/discussions do I still want to know/investigate in

my specific track?

2. If I do this research project, how useful will it be to me as a senior high school student and to the
community where I belong, and even to the larger community, the Philippines, the ASEAN, and
the world?

Note: Your research project will be worth all the planning, execution of plans, resources in time,
manpower and budget if it will reflect your knowledge and skills, as well as attitudes, as a successful
senior high school student on your specific track, and if it will contribute to the well- being or progress of
the beneficiaries of your study: