1

STYLE SHEET FOR SUBMISSION OF METHODS OF RESEARCH

CAPSULE PROPOSALS IN TUA GRADUATE SCHOOL: TITLE
ALL CAPS, INVERTED PYRAMID, TIMES NEW ROMAN
SIZE 12, DOUBLE SPACED NO MORE THAN 4 LINES

A Research Proposal

Presented to the Faculty of the Graduate School

NAME OF UNIVERSITY

In Partial Fulfilment

of the Requirements for the Course

METHODS OF RESEARCH

By:

Firstname MI. Lastname

June 2024
 2

Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction

Submissions should be double-spaced, prepared in 12- point size, Times

New Roman. Left and top margins should be 2 inches while right and bottom

margins should be 1 inch. This will allow the inclusion of the letter head and

space for book binding purposes. Adjusts spacing between words to make all lines

the same length. Indent the first line of every paragraph at 0.5". All pages of the

chapters should be numbered at the upper right. Unless otherwise instructed, use

APA style formatting. Major sections of the paper should be centered and bold

faced while the subsections should be flush-left and bold-faced. Major section

headings and sub-section headings should have a one-line space before and after.

Your introduction should provide pertinent data or information on what

the research is all about. Discuss any unsatisfactory conditions, felt need or gaps

in the body of knowledge of the phenomena you are exploring. Provide the

readers with a general orientation to the problem area or phenomenon you are

investigating. Link the introduction to the background and statement of the

problem. As needed, provide proper citations using the APA format for any

claims made at this introduction and all other parts of the paper.
 3

Background of the study

There should be a seamless transition between the introduction and the

background of the study. This can be tested when even if we deliberately remove

the sub section header Background of the study, the line of thought would still

be complete between the two. The background should provide a comprehensive

historical foundation of the problem or phenomena under investigation. A

deductive approach in terms of reasoning and settings is commonly used.

The different approaches utilized to address the problem should also be

discussed thoroughly to exhibit the author’s working knowledge not only of the

problems but also the solutions explored and presented by other scientific

literature. The background of the study allows, to some degree, the insights of the

author on why, personally the study is worth undertaking. Once this is

established, justification on the intended locale of the study is presented.

Theoretical Framework

The predominant theory that could best address the problem of the study is

stated in this section. Describe the variables and the measures of these variables.

If there is no theoretical framework applicable, a frame of reference or

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK that can be used as basis for explaining the

phenomena being researched should be well stated. The link between the theories,

to the hypothesis formulated for the study must be well established. As much as
 4

possible cite confirmatory studies available that utilized the theory mentioned. If

practicable, tables and figures may be utilized to describe the theory, but refrain

from “textbook” discussions. Finally, situate the application of the theory on the

problem setting, population and sample, and locale of the study.

More on CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORKS, conceptual frameworks

consists of concepts arranged in a logical and sequential design. It is a diagram

showing the relationship of the variable being studied and the factors affecting it.

It provides a bridge which links the available body of knowledge with the

proposed research. It primarily is based on specific concepts and propositions

based on empirical information and intuition. It shows the lineage (i.e. origin) of

the research problem from the background of the existing knowledge, previous

investigations, or contemporary practice (in the case of applied research). Needed

only for studies which have cause and effect objectives (e.g. studies on

association, comparison and effectiveness).

Both conceptual and theoretical frameworks can be represented in either

schematic or a mathematical model. One a final note it convey the researchers’

position on the problem under study.

 5

Literature Review.

Put a theme

The review of literature shows a “global” perspective of the phenomena

being investigated. It includes information sourced from books, periodicals,

conference proceedings, reports, films, videos, performances and personal

interviews.

Local literatures are sourced to provide a “local” perspective on how the

phenomena were investigated in the Philippine setting. This is used to ensure that

a “Filipino” voice in the scientific literature is contributed and disseminated. The

sources for local literature are the same as mentioned in the foreign literature

section.

Foreign studies comprise works done by scholars and researchers sourced

from journal articles, research reports, thesis, and dissertations (published and

unpublished) using gathered empirical data on the phenomena.

Local studies comprise works done by scholars and researchers sourced

from Philippine journal articles, research reports, thesis, and dissertations

(published and unpublished) using gathered empirical data on the phenomena.

 6

The success or failure of the research is based on the calibre of the review

of related literature. The review is not merely a “patchwork” of annotated

bibliography but a synthesis of a majority of the seminal work of others who

investigated the phenomena.

Generally a researcher would start a review by making a general scan of

the literature that is available on the topic. This helps in delimiting research topic

being proposed. The second step would require a more focused review that will

help in the development and documentation of the rationale of the thesis and the

last stage would require a comprehensive appraisal of all available sources that

has a bearing on the research problem being proposed.

A related literature in general refers to both published and unpublished

materials. The first consideration is that materials sourced should be “relatively’

close to the topic being discussed by the researcher. The review shall include

empirical evidences discovered in the past relating to the variables included in the

study. The review should provide insights on how historically the phenomena

being investigated were addressed by other researchers.

The review of related literature in general should present gaps in the fund

of knowledge and help in delimiting the research problem. The review must be

characterized by a balanced presentation of the previous investigations done on

 7

the subject in various settings including literatures that are contrary to the general

assumptions and claims in other studies cited.

The review must provide sufficient evidence that the current study is not

merely a duplication of the previous studies. It should include clear discussions on

the different methodologies employed. The review shall ensure proper citation of

sources and protection of intellectual property of other authors cited. The review

shall consistently use gender sensitive language and avoid bias in language

towards disabilities, race, and ethnicity.

It is advisable that reviewing literature “on the variables” by providing an

inventory of related literature discussing the specific variables of the study. This

will ensure that when the results of the current study are being discussed,

sufficient scientific literature will be available to either affirm or contradict the

findings.

Using secondary sources are acceptable but as much as possible use

primary sources. Avoid providing a descriptive listing of the source materials and

their assertions. Show a conscious effort to organize, relate and analyze your

sources by avoiding the stringing together of paraphrased passages by other

authors. Exercise selectivity in including materials in your review. It is not a race

to provide the most number of pages in your paper but should showcase the

richness of the scientific literature about the topic.

 8

Relevance to the Present Study

Proper justification on the difference between the past studies and the

present study must be discussed in this section. An analysis of the weaknesses of

the designs and methods used in the past studies is encouraged. The major

findings and conclusions related to the present study should be summarized and

synthesized.

Research Paradigm/Theoretical Framework

The research paradigm is a diagrammatic representation of the variables as

applied to the study. It also describes the method to be used in the study as

represented in the paradigm. For relational studies, independent and dependent

variables are identified while intervention studies (e.g. experimental, quasi

experimental, action studies) follows an IPO (input, process, output) format. The

research paradigm essentially provides a roadmap on how the variables are

interconnected and how they will be treated and interpreted. It should be

indicative of the flow of the specific statement of the problem.

Initial Conceptual Framework

 9

Statement of the Problem

This paragraph after the section header states the main objective of the

study and is reflective of the title. It is stated to encapsulate the main thesis

statement adopted by the study. The specific statement of the problem, when

answered, should be contributory to prove or disprove the hypothesis being

explored by the researcher. The specific statement of the problem should be

measurable, observable and verifiable

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

1. Questions in the form of “What” to start the descriptive section of the

data gathering procedure usually on the profile of respondents, if and

only if the profile is to be included in either determining relationships,

cause and effect or comparison between groupings, if not, the profile is

described in chapter 3 and no longer included the statement of the

problem;

1.1 profile variable a;

1.2 profile variable b;

1.3 profile viable c; and

1.5 profile variable d?

 10

2. Questions again in the form of “What” to describe data to measure

items identified in the research paradigm;

2.1 independent variable a;

2.2 independent variable b; and

2.3 dependent variable a?

3. Questions on testing “significance” of relationships, differences, factors,

as reflected in the research paradigm?

4. As a result of the study, what inputs or outputs can be provided to

translate the study from being a basic research to an applied research?

Hypotheses

1. The hypothesis is stated in the null form and its alternative form is

indicative of the direction taken by the study.

2. They are formulated using the specific problems as basis.

Significance of the Study

The significance of the study provides adequate justifications for the study

in terms of its possible direct contributions to the fund of knowledge fill important

gaps in scientific literature, or test or expand previous researches by using

different settings, subjects, or population focus.

 11

Significance of the study in terms of contributions to policy and policy

making at varying levels of applicability whether local, regional national or

international. Significance of the study in terms of potential contributions to

practice, either improvement or resolution of issues in practice for the discipline

of the researcher.

Significance of the study in terms of improving current social conditions,

in some researches, by providing a better perspective of the social phenomena and

formulation of measures to address them.

Scope and Limitation

The scope and limitation is focused on identifying boundaries or coverage

of the study in terms of the following: subjects, locale, research instrument, time

frame. Most writers has a tendency to “parrot” elements of chapter 3 thereby

losing out on the essence of the scope and limitation as a means to establish

validity and reliability of the sample and design and the overall “generalizibility”

of the results of the study.

 12

Definition of Terms

To facilitate clearer and better understanding of the study, important terms

in the study are defined operationally in this section. It is worth to note of the

following;

 Acronyms – are spelled out in the title but not included in this section. If

there are many that can be found in the study they are best listed as part of

the appendices.

 Alphabetize –alphabetize the terms used.

 Common terms – need not be defined here unless such term has a

specific meaning to the discipline to the research that is being conducted.

 Conceptual framework terms – are best defined in this section.

 Dictionary definitions – need not be cited in this section.

 Research paradigm terms - are best defined in this section. .

 Some terms – are best defined operationally in the scope and limitations

section but should be reflected here also.

 Statistical terms – are to be excluded here and are best described in

chapter 3.

 Title - important terms in the title are to be included.

 13

Chapter 2

METHODOLOGY

This chapter discusses the methodology employed in the conduct of the

study. Specifically, it encapsulates the research design, population referenced and

the sample selected, procedures in the gathering of data, applicable research

instrument and its properties, and the statistical techniques used to process

analyze and interpret the data gathered from the study.

Research Design
 14

The discussion in this section revolves around the primary research design

or research methodology employed by the researcher to address the problems

raised. Make a quick reference to the title and connect it to the research method

employed. Provide a brief but concise description of the method and if it has

subtypes, mention the subtype you used.

Provide justification for the method used by citing previous studies using

the same method. Be straightforward in mentioning the predominant threats to

validity and how you intend to control them thru the method selected. For

Experimental or quasi experimental, use the conventional diagrams attributed to

the design and discuss thoroughly the elements.

Population, Sample and Sampling Technique

The intended population being referenced for the study shall be described

in this section. The sampling frame and the method of selection are described

next. Again include in the discussion the available related literature for justifying

the sampling procedure used. Possible threats to validity and how they are

controlled should be mentioned.

Research Instrument
 15

The research instrument is the primary tool in gathering data. Research

instruments include standardized tests, survey questionnaires, interview

schedules, observation checklist, slides, flashcards or anything that would elicit a

response from the subjects or respondents or a means to record these responses.

Every type of instrument used requires a complete description of the

instrument, its components, its properties, validity, reliability, how it is coded,

how it is interpreted (norms), for how long it will be administered, its frequency

of administration and under what conditions should it be administered.

There are cases when researchers employ readymade research instruments

from other research studies. It is imperative that explicit permissions have been

granted by the owners before its use. For research instruments widely available

and does not require prior permission for its use, a complete attribution is

required. “Researcher” made instruments however requires an additional pilot

testing and expert evaluation before its administration.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure shall be reflective of the research design

considering all the requisite activities to be employed. This section will provide

other researchers and the readers of the step by step procedure instituted to allow
 16

them to either replicate the study in other settings or to obtain a clearer

understanding of the processes involved.

The data gathering procedure is discussed in stages. Stage 1 is the

Permission Phase wherein the preliminary activities of obtaining permissions

from the participating institution, organization, group or individuals is solicited

and documented. Once this is obtained Stage 2 follows next. Stage 2 is called the

Pre administration Phase. In this stage, if required, awareness letters are

circulated to the concerned parties explaining the objectives of the study and

soliciting voluntary participation of the target respondents. In most cases, either a

group meeting or one on one orientation is conducted in explaining the whole

process to which the participants will undergo. Assurances of confidentiality and

no harm to participants shall be well established at this stage.

Stage 3 is the Administration Phase; this phase is where the main data

gathering is conducted. If it’s a simple survey administration, the conditions at

which it was administered must be well described. For intervention studies, the

settings of the data gathering must also be described to establish which conditions

or variables were controlled and to what extent they were controlled. Some

studies require site diagrams and maps. Data processing usually follows.

The last stage is the Post Administration Phase. This not observed in

most cases but for some studies this phase is required especially if a follow up or
 17

clarificatory interviews is necessary to add information on the processed data.

Some cases require a validation of the results obtained, these are classified as

confirmatory activities.

Statistical Treatment of Data

In this section, the statistical treatment of data is explained. To discuss it,

refer to the specific statement of the problem. For example; if statement of the

problem 1 (SOP1) requires weighted mean and percentage, state it as the first

statistical treatment. Also include the associated table of scales to interpret the

mean.

For statement of the problems that require relationships, state the most

applicable measure of relationship or measure of association. Show its formula

and provide justifications why it was used. Include the table of interpretation

(strength of relationship) for the various values of r.

If the significance of the relationship is to be tested, show the formula and

discuss the level of significance (α) employed. Note that, for α≤ .01, there is very

strong evidence against the null hypothesis, for .01< α ≤ .05, moderate evidence

against the null hypothesis, for .05< α ≤ .10, only suggestive evidence against the

null hypothesis, α> .10, there is little or no real evidence against the null

hypothesis.
 18

Continue chronologically for all the other parametric and non parametric

measures as reflected by the statement of the problem. For research instruments

that requires norms or has norms for interpretation, discuss it thoroughly in this

section.

Ethical Considerations