HCEC

RESEARCH
MANUAL
FOR SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Crisanto Salonga
 CHAPTER 1

I. INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY (1 page only)

Introduction contains an introductory paragraph. First paragraph is about the

status of our society as far as the topic is concerned. It states the

involvement/importance of the topic to our daily life. Researchers may be allowed to give

personal statement

Second paragraph is about the importance of the topic. The advantages of

computing in different sectors of society. Discuss the current state observed in real life.

It should be the concern of your study. It tackles a specific field in relation to the topic.

It is composed of discussions of facts, principles, algorithms, and theories with which the

present study is associated. It involves the systematic identification, location and

analysis of documents containing information related to the research problem.

Third paragraph, specifies how the topic is related to your research. Discuss the

current trends related to your topic by citing real life examples and applications. Start

introducing your principal concept about the topic. The third paragraph also states the

current situation of the target locality, people and period.

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK (1 page only. Diagram is optional. TF is

optional but not required to Qualitative Research)

A theoretical framework refers to the ideas constructed based on abstract

concepts, facts, laws or generally accepted principles. Researchers must state that their

study is anchored to the abstract concepts (theories) used including the pioneer author
of that theory. Diagrams or illustrations of the abstract concepts can be presented if the

author has published one.

Example:

This study aims to investigate the (objective of the study) between (independent

variable) and the (dependent variable). It was anchored to Abraham Maslow’s

Hierarchy of Needs Theory which explains that people are motivated to fulfill the basic

needs before moving on to other more advanced needs.

Fig. 1: Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

The theory will be used as a model in this study in understanding the

motivations for human behavior which includes physiological needs, safety, love and

belongingness self-esteem and self-actualization.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK (Must not exceed 1 page)

This refers to the researcher’s ideas and concepts about the study and

operationalizes the theory or theories which will be used in the study. The researchers

may anchor the study to the theoretical framework presented. Conceptual framework

presents well-defined concepts called constructs. Researchers must describe the flow of

relationship of the variables.

RESEARCH PARADIGM (1 page with diagram)

The research paradigm is the diagrammatic or schematic illustration of the

conceptual framework. The paradigm is also the illustration of the problem statement

showing the variables involved in the study. A short paragraph describing the diagram is

written below the diagram.

Researchers must identify whether the variables presented would be

independent and dependent variable / input-process-output (IPO) / Venn

Diagram/Researcher-customed diagram).

Note: Do not suggest IPO to SHS Students since it requires an output or intervention.

IPO generally requires an after-research activities when the study has been presented.

INDEPENDENT DEPENDENT
VARIABLE VARIABLE

Descriptor 1 Descriptor 1

Descriptor 2 Descriptor 2

Descriptor 3 Descriptor 3
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (1 to 2 pages)

First paragraph is the presentation of the problem (the research title must be

mentioned in the presentation of the problem). State that the study will seek specific

answer to the following:

Example:

This study, aims to discover the “Impact of Using Social Media to the Student

Learning Capabilities” and will attempt to find out specific answer to the following:

1) How may (independent variable) be described in terms of:

a) Descriptor 1;

b) Descriptor 2; and

c) Descriptor 3?

2) How may (dependent variable) be described in terms of:

a) Descriptor 1;

b) Descriptor 2; and

c) Descriptor 3?

3) Is there a significant (research objective ex. relationship, difference, impact,

etc.) between (independent variable) to the (dependent variable)?

4) Based on the findings of the study, what (actions/interventions) can be

derived?

Note: DO NOT include the respondents’/participants’ profile if it is not used as an

independent variable.
HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY

States the null and alternative hypothesis. A hypothesis is derived from the

variables of the study based on the objectives to meet. The easiest way to construct a

hypothesis is by referencing to question #3 of the SOP. Thus, the hypothesis can be

constructed like this:

Ho. There is no significant (objective) research objective ex. relationship,

difference, impact, etc.) between (independent variable) to the (dependent variable).

Ha. There is significant (objective) research objective ex. relationship,

difference, impact, etc.) between (independent variable) to the (dependent variable).

Note: The alternative hypothesis (Ha) is the component which will be tested by

the methodology to be used in the study.

In some instances, researchers may not need to write down the Operational

Hypothesis/Null Hypothesis but the level of significance shall be declared at least.

Example:

At a 0.15 level of significance, the given research hypothesis shall be tested:

Ha. There is significant (objective) research objective ex. relationship,

difference, impact, etc.) between (independent variable) to the (dependent variable).

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

(First Paragraph) State what is the contribution of the research to existing

knowledge in this area. Indicate if the problem to be studied is current and timely. State
if the problem affects important populations of special interest (ex., mother and children,

elderly, youth, students etc.)

(Second Paragraph) Enumerate who are the stakeholders of the study.

Stakeholders are people or group of individuals who are directly and indirectly affected

by the study.

a. Stakeholder 1 – State how the study will contribute to stakeholder 1

b. Stakeholder 2 – State how the study will contribute to stakeholder 2

c. Stakeholder 3 - State how the study will contribute to stakeholder

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY (SCOPE AND DELIMITATIONS

can be used interchangeably if researchers will go beyond the limitations

and scope).

The scope (boundaries of the study) and limitations (limits of the study) provides

a context by which the study should be seen. Researchers can write down specific reasons

to some limitation. Limitations may include, target population, locale, methodology,

period of study, etc. This part is not enumerated but written as paragraphs.

Examples.

a. The study will be conducted to senior high school students (scope) but limited

to grade 11 students only (limitation).

b. The research shall be administered to Headwaters College Students (scope).

However, it will only be conducted to Elizabeth Campus. LTA Campus is

excluded in this study (limitation).

 c. The study will cover gathering of data for the School Year 2024-2025

(boundary) but data to be analyzed shall cover the first semester only.

Second semester is not included (limitation).

d. The study to be conducted shall gather data from the core and applied

subjects (boundary) whereas specialized subjects are truncated from this

study (limitations).

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

(Paragraph 1 - General Objectives) What does the study aim to achieve with

regards to the problem? Start with the general objective which is very parallel to the

research title. This is the statement that will be used to evaluate the completeness of the

research. Hence, what you intend to do or prove must be clearly written here. It reflects

the overall purpose of the project and states what is expected to be achieved by the study

in general terms.

(Paragraph 2 - Specific Objectives) Explode the general objectives into at least 3

specific objectives that will help realize the proposed study. Describe in concrete

statements each major components of the study. These are statements regarding the

specific questions expected to be answered in the study. These break up the general

objective into smaller, logically connected parts and systematically address the various

aspects of the problem as defined in the problem statement.

NOTE:

1. Objectives are phrased in such a way they focus on what the study is

attempting to solve, and cover the different parts of the problem in a logical

way.
 2. Objectives must follow the SMART Rule (Specific, Measurable, Attainable,

Realistic and Time-Bound)

3. Objectives must use VERBS which are SPECIFIC to be measured. Avoid

using NON-SPECIFIC Verbs.

Specific Verbs – Determine, Compare, Compute, Describe, Develop

Non-Specific Verbs – Appreciate, Understand, Explore, Dramatize

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Definition of terms must cover the following term only:

a. Conceptual/Technical Terms – Academic or technical meaning of a term

which is given to a word or phrases. It is NOT the same as common terms.

b. Operational/Functional Terms – Terms that are specifically used in the study

only. It is NOT the same as its universal definition.

c. Acronyms – Are terms conventionally used in the study to shorted a long

terminology.

d. Important Terms – Are term emphasized in the main study typically part of

the variables. It can also be an Operational or Technical Term.

Note: DO NOT include common terms in this section. The term must be in bold face

followed by a period before the definition. Terms are arranged alphabetically.

Example

Behavior. It is the way in which one acts or conducts oneself, especially toward

others.

Comprehension. Is the action or capability in understanding something

 LASER. It is an acronym for Light amplification by stimulated emission of

radiation referring to an optical device that produces an intense monochromatic

beam of coherent light.

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

Important Notes in RRLS:

1. Introductory paragraph about the contents of RRLS. Describes the content

(what is the chapter/ section all about?), structure how is the chapter

organized?) and scope (What are the boundaries?) of the RRL

2. All references must be 5 years old from the publication year (IMRAD Rule).

3. Citations must be in APA Style (6th or 7th). It must be placed after each

sentence(s) or at the end of the paragraph.

4. It shall be arranged from Global to Local sources.

5. Separate Literature section to Studies section.

6. All Variables and Descriptors must be discussed from supporting Literature

and Studies.

7. Under Related Studies, Summary and highlights of most important points

from various sub sections and relate/connect findings to current research

being proposed.

8. At least 15 Related Literature and 5 Related Studies.