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MODULE 1

Introduction and the Research

Problem

Lesson 1 Nature, Characteristics, Values, Importance, and

Functions of Research and Difficulties Encountered in
Research
Lesson 2 Stages in the Research Process, and Types of
Research
Lesson 3 Writing the Title of the Study and Statement of the
Problem
Lesson 4 Background, Framework and Significance of the
Study
Lesson 5 Definition of Terms

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MODULE 1

INTRODUCTION AND THE RESEARCH PROBLEM

INTRODUCTION

This module presents the nature, characteristics, values, importance of

research. You will learn also the functions of research and also the difficulties
encountered in research.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. discuss the nature and characteristics of research;

2. enumerate the uses and functions of research in TLE;
3. explain the difficulties encountered in research;
4. differentiate types of research;
5. illustrate how to write a title;
6. construct research titles;
7. construct background of the study, framework, statement of the
problem, significance of the study and definition of terms;
8. propose and defend a title of research

DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are five (5) lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have benefited from
it. Work on these exercises carefully and submit your output to your subject
teacher.

In case you encounter difficulty, discuss this with your subject teacher
during the face-to-face meeting. If not contact your subject teacher.

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Good luck and happy reading!!!

Lesson 1

Nature, Characteristics, Values,

Importance, and Functions of
Research and Difficulties
Encountered in Research

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
Research is systematic and objective analysis and recording of
controlled observations that may lead to the development of generalizations,
principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate control of
events.
It is a systematic activity that is directed toward the discovery and
development of an organized body of knowledge.

Specifically:
1) Research is directed toward the solution of a problem.
2) Research emphasizes the development of generalizations, principles or
theories helpful in predicting future occurrences.
3) Research is based upon observable experience or empirical evidence.
4) Research demands accurate observation and description.
5) Research involves gathering new data or using existing data for a new
purpose.
6) It is characterized by carefully designed procedures that apply rigorous
analysis.
7) Research requires expertise.
8) Research strives to be objective and logical.
9) Research involves the quest for answers to unsolved problems.
10)Research is characterized by patient and unhurried activity.
11)Research is carefully recorded and reported.
12)Research requires courage.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1) Empirical-based on direct experience or observation

2) Logical-orderly, methodical and scientific
3) Cyclical-it starts with a problem ends with a problem.
4) Analytical-research applies analytic procedures in gathering data.

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5) Replicability-similarities and differences of replicated researches can be

compared.
6) Critical-research exhibits careful and precise judgement.

CHARACTERISTICS OF THE RESEARCHER

1) Intellectual Curiosity
Reflective thinking and inquiry of things around him. Eager to get
information regarding his problem due to novelty or unusualness.
2) Prudence
The researcher is conducting a research study at a right time and
right place wisely, economically and efficiently. In other words, he is
doing the right thing at the right time.
3) Healthy Criticism
Normally, the researcher always doubts the truthfulness of his
findings even if the data are gathered honestly.
4) Intellectual Honesty
The researcher is honest in collecting or gathering the data or
facts to arrive at honest results.

VALUES OF RESEARCH TO MAN

1) Research has improved the quality of life.

2) Research has improved instructions.
3) Research has improved student’s achievement.
4) Research has satisfied man’s needs.
5) Research has reduced the burden of work.
6) Research has deep-seated psychological aspects.
7) Research has improved exportation of food products.

IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

The main purpose of research is to inform action, to prove a theory, and

contribute to developing knowledge in a field or study. This article will
highlight the significance of research with the following points:
1) A Tool for Building Knowledge and for Facilitating Learning
Research is required not just for students and academics, but
for all professionals and nonprofessionals alike.

2) Means to Understand Various Issues and Increase Public Awareness

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Television shows and movies ooze with research - both on the

part of the writer(s) and the actors. Though there are hosts who rely
on their researchers, there are also those who exert effort to do their
own research. This step helps them:
● get information that hired researchers missed,

● build a good rapport with the interviewee, and

● conduct a good interview in the process

3) An Aid to Business Success

Research benefits business. Many successful companies, such as
those producing consumer goods or mass-market items, invest
in research and development or R&D.
4) A Way to Prove Lies and to Support Truths
Doing research to reveal lies or truths involving personal
affairs contributes in either making a relationship work or in breaking
away from a dysfunctional one.
5) Means to Find, Gauge, and Seize Opportunities
Research helps people nurture their potential and achieve
goals through various opportunities. These can be in the form of
securing employment, scholarships, training grants, project funding,
business collaboration, and budget traveling, among others.
6) A Seed to Love Reading, Writing, Analyzing, and Sharing Valuable
Information
Research entails both reading and writing. These two literacy
functions help enable computation and comprehension. Without these
skills, it is less likely for anyone to appreciate and get involved in
research.
7) Nourishment and Exercise for the Mind
Curiosity may kill not just the cat, but the human as well. Yet,
it is the same curiosity that fuels the mind to seek for answers.

FUNCTIONS OF RESEARCH

1) Research corrects perceptions as well as expands them.

2) Research gathers information on subjects or phenomena we lack or have
little knowledge about
3) Research develops and evaluates methods that test concepts practices
and theories

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4) Research also develops and evaluates methods that test concepts,

practices, and theories.
5) Research obtains knowledge for practical purposes like solving problems
on population explosion, drug addiction, juvenile delinquency and the
like
6) Research provides hard facts, which serve as bases for planning,
decision-making, projects implementation, monitoring and evaluation.

DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED IN RESEARCH

There are several problems encountered by students and novice

researchers.
1) Lack of scientific training in the methodology of research
2) Copying of data (Plagiarism)
3) Manipulation of Data
4) Lack of availability or access to literature needed
5) The outlook of the researcher/research student
6) Lack of confidence to take up a new study especially explorative study
7) Unavailability of permission to do research in specific centers
8) Research a mere formally to fulfill course requirement
9) Publishing may be expensive
10)Lack of availability of sponsors

LEARNING ACTIVITY

Answer the following

In your own perspective, what is the value of research to

man? Justify your answer
As a student, what are the possible difficulties will you
encounter when doing research? Discuss briefly.

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Lesson 2

Stages in the Research

Process, and Types of
Research

STAGES IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

1. Identification of a Problem/ Objectives

2. Theoretical and conceptual framework
3. Hypotheses
4. Research Design
5. Data Collection
6. Data Processing and Analysis
7. Data Interpretation and Discussion
8. Conclusions, Implications and Recommendations

TYPES OF RESEARCH

1) Pure/ Basic/ Fundamental

It aims to discover basic truths or principles ex. Archimedes
Principle, Newtons Law
Sample Title: Screening of milk and dairy products for
isolation of lipolytic bacteria

2) Applied Research
This is an application of scientific knowledge to the
solution of a problem
It can be a development of new system or procedure, new
device or new method in order to solve a problem
Sample Title: Burning material behaviour in hypoxic
environments: An experimental study examining fire dynamics of
composite materials in vitiated conditions

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3) Action Research
It aims to respond to an immediate need for the
improvement of existing practices.
Sample Title: Improving Mathematics performance Through
the Use of Differentiated Instruction of Grade Four in DMMMSU
Elementary Department

4) Social Research
Social Research is a method used by social scientists and
researchers to learn about people and societies so that they can
design products/services that cater to various needs of the
people.
Sample Title: The impact of Family Structure and Parental
Involvement in Low Socioeconomic Areas on Reading Development
of 2nd Grade Pupils

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LEARNING ACTIVITY

Identify what type of research are the given titles below.

HYPERLINK
"https://www.essays.se/essay/a15426abe8/"
Understanding the Digital Future: Applying the
Decomposed Theory of Planned Behaviour to the
Generation Y's Online Fashion Purchase Intention while
Creating and Using a Customised Avatar
HYPERLINK
"https://www.essays.se/essay/ae3d86c29f/" Scaling
Social Innovation towards Systemic Change - A
qualitative analysis of scaling strategies and the
application of systems leadership in the German food
industry
The Effects of Extra-Curricular Activities on
Student’s Perceived Academic Self-Efficacy
The Effects of Cooperative Learning on Student
Achievement
Maximizing Parents’ Involvement in Monitoring
Students’ Performance in School
The Impact of Communicative Language Teaching
Strategies in Solving Oral Communication Learning
Deficiency
The Effect of the Scaffolding Strategy on the
Performance of Grade 9 Students in Solving Word
Problems in Math
Attitudes Towards Mathematics and Achievement in
Problem-Solving among Grade 11 students
Antifungal Potential of Some Botanical Extracts to
Reduce Aflatoxin Producing Storage Fungi

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Lesson 3

Writing the Title of the Study and

Statement of the Problem

TITLE

The title is a brief descriptive label that subsumes the theme of the
study as a whole.
It names the major variables that are the subject of investigation,
thereby giving an instant grasp what the study is all about.
It answers the questions what, who and where ( not when)
Avoid the use of “ A Study of,” “ An Analysis of, “ “ An Evaluation of’”
etc are to be avoided. It should be eye-catching and thought-provoking.

The research title captures the attention of the readers. It is important

to create a title that will get the interest of the readers. There are three
elements of a good title, these are
● Organism (O) – it refers to the subject/specimen of your study eg.
Pupils, students, plants
● Parameter (P) – this is all about the things to be measures or
described like performance and strength
● Variable (V) – this is the manipulated features of your study, eg.

General Format for a Title

Title
1) The title must be written in upper case letters; boldface, follows
an inverted pyramid and a center alignment format, and shall
not exceed three typewritten (3) lines. However, the lines must

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follow proper division of phrases (i.e., no instances of hanging

prepositions or adjectives)
2)
3) Scientific names are italicized and enclosed in parentheses.

THE PROBLEM

State in general what the study intends to describe, find out, discover,
explain or evaluate.
The main problem is generally expressed in a declarative
statement that is more or less consistent with the title of the study. It is
followed by sub problems that are stated in question form.

In the choice of a good research problem, the following criteria

are to be considered:
1. It must be original;
2. It must be relevant to the society’s needs and to one’s field of
specialization or interest;
3. It must reflect a noteworthy contribution to the country’s
national development and progress;
4. It must express a relationship between two or more variables;
and
5. It must imply possibilities of testing

General Format for the Statement of the Problem

This part is composed of two (2) sections: the general

problem/objective and the specific problems/objectives.

The general problem is cascaded from the title and stated in

declarative form.The specific problem/objective section breaks down
the general problem/objective into manageable units.
The specific problems are stated in interrogative form and
concretize the construct stated in the general problem.
The specific problems must be arranged logically from the first
step to the last step of the research process to be undertaken. This is to
say that when all the specific problems are answered, the general
problem will have been answered as well.
For Technical Research, the specific objectives are stated in
declarative form (i.e., using the to + verb form).

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LEARNING ACTIVITY
Improve the following titles using the three elements.

Play-Based Word Translation Activities: an Intervention

to Improve Reading Comprehension
The Use of Extended Activities to Improve the English
Performance of Grade 8 Students
The Effects of Flipped Classroom Learning Model on the
Performance of Grade 8 students in Solving Non-routine
Mathematical Problems
The Effect of school building design on Student
Achievement
Examining Teachers’ Technological Pedagogical
Knowledge (TpK): Basis for Conduct of Technology-Driven
Instruction Enhancement Program
Make at least three research titles that interest you using the
three elements mentioned. These will be subjected to the
title defense. Chosen title will be used in your research
proposal.
In the three research titles, organize the statement of the
problem.

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Lesson 4

Background, Framework
and Significance of the
Study

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Identify the problem situation and describe its pervasiveness in terms of

the global, national, regional and local situation.
Provide a situational analysis that portrays the problem in the global,
national, regional and local context.
Present justification of what generated interest and motivation on the
part of the researcher to focus his study on the problem situation.
(Cite and describe the reasons why you are conducting the study)
a. Start with a brief but provocative quotation that is applicable to
the theme of the study;
b. Commence with striking facts or statistics that objectively portray
the existing problem situation;
c. Begin by presenting a very brief background or resume of events
that truly depict the present state of the issue abroad, in the
country, and in the locality
d. Begin with the researcher’s firm stand on the need to bridge the
gap between bodies of knowledge and prevailing problem
situation;
e. Start with the researcher’s rationale concerning the need to
replicate a completed study

FRAMEWORK OF THE STUDY

General Format for the Framework of the Study

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The framework is a presentation of major theories and/or concepts from

which the study was derived and anchored. It is drawn from the review of
literature and studies which shapes the research problem.
The Framework of the Studypresents specific and well-defined
constructs, assumptions, expectations, and beliefs that support the study. It
uses theories, abstract concepts, facts, laws, variables, and their relations that
explain and predict how an observed phenomenon exists and operates. It
should link the study to theories/concepts that are useful for interpreting,
criticizing, and unifying established scientific laws or facts that serve as guide
in discovering new generalizations. In the paper, be explicit as to whether the
theory will be verified or developed

In writing this part, first enumerate the theories/concepts. Prefatory or

preview statement before detailed discussion prepares and guides readers of
the long discussion that follows. Preferably, present the theories in a diagram
form showing their interrelationship and their relation to the current study.
The diagram serves as a “framework at a glance” which provides the readers a
bird’s eye view or general perspective of all the theories and concepts
presented. Presenting the theories in a diagram also shows your ability to
isolate and analyze a multitude of information, extracting only those which are
relevant to your study. At the same time, your discussion of the framework
should show your ability to synthesize all these theories and assemble them in
a manner that will make your readers see clearly the foundation of your study.

The end part of the discussion of the Framework of the Study should
lead to the research paradigm (take note that this is not written as a
heading). The discussion of theories/concepts should naturally lead to the
paradigm of the study. It is an offshoot of the theoretical/conceptual
framework discussed and must comprehensively show the interrelationship of
the variables under study and the direction of the research.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

Significance of the study is written so that the reader know the

importance of study. It is the proof that the study is really beneficial and worth
it for the effort and time. It can be based on the statement of the problem
wherein you can get ideas on how to write a significance of the study section
on your thesis or research. It illustrate the contribution of the study on the
society. It provides information on how the research contributed to the present
generation and how to expand its related literature.

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LEARNING ACTIVITY

In the title presented, write the following:

Background of the Study
Framework of the Study
Describe how these theories and concepts
are related to the study
Identify the variables involved.
Present the variables in the form of a
paradigm or model which becomes the road map in
navigating through the different aspects of the
research process.
Significance of the Study.
Cite and discuss theories and concepts
that:
account for the problem under
study,
support the major contention of
the study, and
support the methodology of the

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Lesson 5

DEFINITION OF TERMS

DEFINITION OF TERMS

General Format for the Definition of Terms

This section contains terms that are relevant in understanding the study.
Definition may be conceptual (i.e. taken from books, dictionary, etc) and
presented verbatim if the term, as used in the study, has the same definition
as written in the cited source/s. However, when the term has a peculiar use in
the study or the term requires more specific definition, then an operational
definition (i.e., how a term is specifically used in the study) be used

The terms to be defined for this section must be extracted from the
title, paradigm of the study, and statement of problems. Technical terms
appearing in other sections of the manuscript are excluded from this section.
They are best defined in the section where they appear.

For presentation, the terms defined in this section are indented,

italicized, and listed in alphabetical order. The term and the definition must be
presented in sentence form, that is, no period or hyphen should be used to
separate them.

Example:

For a better understanding of this research report, the following

terms are operationally defined:

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Job application discourses refer to the various kinds of

communication, oral or written, that initiate job applicants to the social
function of doing application and hiring of employees.

Moves are cognitive or social units of productions occurring in

terms of typical “phases” or “sections” and in sequence to arrive at
general discourse structure (Cheong, 1998). They also refer to either
obligatory or optional sequences and exchanges in the application letters
and résumés that comprise the genres’ overall “map” identified through
the use of a coding instrument patterned from Bhatia (1993), Upton &
Connor (2001) and Henry & Roseberry (2001).

LEARNING ACTIVITY
Identify key terms to be used in your study and define
this operationally, i.e. the meaning of the terms as used in the
study.

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MODULE SUMMARY

In module 1, you have learned about Research. You have learned its
meaning, nature, characteristics and functions.

There are five (5) lessons in module 1. Lesson 1 focused on the meaning,
nature, characteristics, values, importance, and functions of research and
difficulties encountered in research.

Lesson 2 deals with stages in the research process, and types of

research. The different stages are identification of a problem/ objectives,
theoretical and conceptual framework, hypotheses, research design, data
collection, data processing and analysis, data interpretation and discussion and
conclusions, implications and recommendations

Lesson 3 is how to write the title of your study with the three elements
of a good title, organisms, parameter and variable. It also dealt on how to
state the statement of the problem of your study.

Lesson 4 is the background, framework and significance of the study and

lesson 5 is about how to define terms in your study.

Congratulations! You have just studied Module I. Now you are ready to
evaluate how much you have benefited from your reading by answering the
summative test. Good Luck!!!

PROPOSE AND DEFEND A TITLE OF RESEARCH

DEFENSE
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Present the following:

statement of the problem
Background of the Study
Framework of the Study
Significance of the Study
Definition of terms

Be guided with the following criteria for title defense.

Title Defense Criteria Percentage

Rationale of the Research 20 %
Research Questions 20 %
Impact / Relevance of the Research 20 %
Research Direction and Possible 20 %
Implementation
Action Research Work Plan and Timeline 20 %
TOTAL 100%

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MODULE 2
SOCIAL AND ACTION RESEARCH

Lesson 1 The Conduct of Social Research and It’s Parts

Lesson 2 The Conduct of Action Research and It’s Parts

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MODULE 2

SOCIAL AND ACTION RESEARCH

INTRODUCTION

This module presents how to conduct social and action

researches. You will also learn the differences of the parts of the social
and action research.

OBJECTIVES

After studying the module, you should be able to:

1. differentiate social and action research;

2. enumerate the parts of social and action research; and
3. conduct social and action research

DIRECTIONS/ MODULE ORGANIZER

There are two(2) lessons in the module. Read each lesson carefully then
answer the exercises/activities to find out how much you have benefited from

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it. Work on these exercises carefully and submit your output to your subject
teacher.

In case you encounter difficulty, discuss this with your subject teacher
during the face-to-face meeting. If not contact your subject teacher.

Good luck and happy reading!!!

Lesson 1

The Conduct of
Social Research and
It’s Parts

SOCIAL RESEARCH

Social Research is a method used by

social scientists and researchers to learn about people and societies so that
they can design products/services that cater to various needs of the people.
Different socio-economic groups belonging to different parts of a county think
differently. Various aspects of human behavior need to be addressed to
understand their thoughts and feedback about the social world, which can be
done using social research.

Social Research is conducted by following a systematic plan of action

which includes qualitative and quantitative observation methods.

Qualitative methods rely on direct communication with members of a

market, observation, text analysis. The results of this method are
focused more on being accurate rather than generalizing to the entire
population.

Quantitative methods use statistical analysis techniques to evaluate

data collected via surveys, polls or questionnaires.

PARTS OF A SOCIAL RESEARCH PAPER

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Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Situation Analysis
Framework of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Definition of Terms
Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Sources of Data
Instrumentation and Data Collection
Analysis of Data
Chapter 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Chapter 4 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations

LEARNING ACTIVITY
Given your approved title, organize the Chapter 1 of your
social research and continue working on chapter 2 as we
proceed to Module 2 lessons.

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Lesson 2

The Conduct of
Action Research and
It’s Parts

ACTION RESEARCH
Action research refers to a wide variety of evaluative, investigative, and
analytical research methods designed to diagnose problems or weaknesses—whether
organizational, academic, or instructional—and help educators develop practical
solutions to address them quickly and efficiently. Action research may also be applied
to programs or educational techniques that are not necessarily experiencing any
problems, but that educators simply want to learn more about and improve. The
general goal is to create a simple, practical, repeatable process of iterative learning,
evaluation, and improvement that leads to increasingly better results for schools,
teachers, or programs.
Action research may also be called a cycle of action or cycle of inquiry, since it
typically follows a predefined process that is repeated over time. A simple illustrative
example:
● Identify a problem to be studied

● Collect data on the problem

● Organize, analyze, and interpret the data

● Develop a plan to address the problem

● Implement the plan

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● Evaluate the results of the actions taken

● Identify a new problem

● Repeat the process

PARTS OF AN ACTION RESEARCH PAPER

Chapter 1 INTRODUCTION
Situation Analysis
Framework of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Hypotheses and Assumptions
Generation of Alternative Solutions
Plan of Action
Time Frame
Significance of The Study
Definition of Terms
Chapter 2 METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Sources of Data
Instrumentation and Data Collection
Analysis of Data
Chapter 3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS
Chapter 4 SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary
Conclusions
Recommendations

LEARNING ACTIVITY
Given your approved title, organize the chapter 1 of your
action research and continue working on chapter 2 as we
proceed to Module 2 lessons.

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MODULE SUMMARY

In module 2, you have learned the differences between Social and Action
Research.

There are two lessons in module 2. Lesson 1 is all about the social
research and its parts, and lesson 2 is the meaning of action research and its
parts.

Congratulations! You have just studied Module II. Now you are ready to
evaluate how much you have benefited from your reading by answering the
summative test. Good Luck!!!

WORK ON THIS!!!

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After completing and organizing the parts of Chapter 1 of your action or

social research, connect to your assigned adviser and submit your research
paper.

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