IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH

1. Research expands your knowledge base. The most obvious reason to do research is that you’ll
learn more. The process of research opens up new opportunities for learning and growth.

2. Research gives you the latest information. Research encourages you to find the most recent
information available. In certain fields, especially scientific ones, there’s always new information and
discoveries being made. With the latest info, you’ll be better equipped to talk about a subject and
build on ideas.

3. Research helps you know what you’re up against. In business, you’ll have competition.
Researching your competitors and what they’re up to helps you formulate your plans and strategies.
You can figure out what sets you apart.

4. Research builds your credibility. People will take what you have to say more seriously when they
can tell you’re informed. Doing research gives you a solid foundation on which you can build your
ideas and opinions. When your research is good, people are more likely to pay attention.

5. Research helps you narrow your scope. When you’re circling a topic for the first time, you might
not be exactly sure where to start. Most of the time, the amount of work ahead of you is
overwhelming. Whether you’re writing a paper or formulating a business plan, it’s important to
narrow the scope at some point. Research helps you identify the most unique and/or important
themes. You can choose the themes that fit best with the project and its goals.

6. Research teaches you better discernment. Doing a lot of research helps you sift through low-
quality and high-quality information. The more research you do on a topic, the better you’ll get at
discerning what’s accurate and what’s not. You’ll also get better at discerning the gray areas where
information may be technically correct but used to draw questionable conclusions.

7. Research introduces you to new ideas. You may already have opinions and ideas about a topic
when you start researching. The more you research, the more viewpoints you’ll come across. This
encourages you to entertain new ideas and perhaps take a closer look at yours. You might change
your mind about something or, at least, figure out how to position your ideas as the best ones.

8. Research helps with problem-solving. Whether it’s a personal or professional problem, it helps to
look outside yourself for help. Depending on what the issue is, your research can focus on what
others have done before. You might just need more information, so you can make an informed plan
of attack and an informed decision. When you know you’ve collected good information, you’ll feel
much more confident in your solution.

9. Research helps you reach people. Research is used to help raise awareness of issues like climate
change, racial discrimination, gender inequality, and more. Without hard facts, it’s very difficult to
prove that climate change is getting worse or that gender inequality isn’t progressing as quickly as it
should. The public needs to know what the facts are, so they have a clear idea of what “getting
worse” or “not progressing” actually means. Research also entails going beyond the raw data and
sharing real-life stories that have a more personal impact on people.

10. Research encourages curiosity. Having curiosity and a love of learning take you far in life.
Research opens you up to different opinions and new ideas. It also builds discerning and analytical
skills. The research process rewards curiosity. When you’re committed to learning, you’re always in a
place of growth. Curiosity is also good for your health.
 TECHNICAL TERMS USED IN RESEARCH

Research is an organized and systematic process of gathering data to answer a question, prove a
point, establish a fact, or reach a new conclusion.

1. Title Page contains the paper's title, the author's name, address, phone number, e-mail, and the
day's date.
2. Abstract is a brief summary of the important aspects of a research project, such as the problem,
methods used, relevance, findings, and conclusions of the study.
3. Introduction and Statement of the Problem presents basic background information about the
study such as the nature of the problem being solved, aim of the study, relevance, and focus of
the research paper.
4. Limitations are restrictions in the study that indicate what the researcher intends to do and not
to do.
5. Methodology explains how the research was conducted, including the methods, techniques, and
instruments used to study a problem.
6. Literature Review provides a review of what others have written or researched concerning the
topic.
7. Main Body of the Paper/Argument contains most of the citations and analysis and focuses on
the rational development of the thesis with clear reasoning and solid argumentation at all points.
8. Conclusion is a brief summary of how the results of the study support or contradict a
hypothesis.
9. Bibliography is a list of cited sources or references used in the research.
10. Abstract is a section at the end of a research paper that includes additional information that
supports the main argument. Appendices can include tables, charts, pictures, and other
supplementary material.
11. Data are information collected through surveys, interviews, or observations.
12. Data Analysis is a process by which data are organized to better understand patterns of
behavior within the target population.
13. Hypothesis is a statement that predicts the relationship between the independent (causal) and
dependent (outcome) variables. These are educated guesses on the possible outcomes of the
research.
14. Qualitative Research focuses on understanding human experiences through words and
meanings.
15. Quantitative Research is a method that focuses on numbers, objective hard data. It proves
hypotheses by statistical analysis, and scientific method.
16. Questionnaire is a survey document with questions that are used to gather information from
individuals to be used in research.
17. Respondent is a person who responds to a survey questionnaire and provides information for
analysis.
18. Research Question is a clear statement in the form of a question of the specific issue that a
researcher wishes to answer using data from one or more sources.
19. Sample is a group that is selected from a larger group (the population).
20. Sample Size is the number of subjects included in a study.
21. Subjects are those who participate in research and from whom data are collected.
22. Thesis Statement comes after a brief introduction of your topic, states your point of view on the
topic directly and often in one sentence.
 TECHNICAL AND OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

TECHNICAL DEFINITION OPERATIONAL DEFINITION

 A very detailed description of a term,  states and explains the meaning of a
process, or phenomenon. word or a phrase based on the specific
context
 The meaning of the word is associated
with the field or area of of study, like  describes or explains how the term is
Science, Law, or Engineering. used, observed, recognized, applied, and
measured in a study.
 The terms and definitions of the words
are found in dictionaries, journals,  a description of a word/process in
research papers, encyclopedias, etc. terms of how we perceive or observe
them through our own simple terms.
Example: A computer is a device used in
performing, assessing, evaluation, and Example:
following commands set by users.
o The fastest ball is the one that crosses
the finish line before all the other balls.
THREE WAYS TO WRITE TECHNICAL o Lemon juice, vinegar, and certain other
DEFINITIONS substances are acids. To find out
whether a substance is an acid, place a
1. Parenthetical Definitions – often you can drop of the substance on blue litmus
define a term by using a more familiar paper.
synonym in parenthesis.
Operational definition: Substances that
Example: cause the litmus paper to turn pink are
acids.
o As the horse came around the corner, it
started to trot (jog). o To measure a person’s pulse, place your
index and middle fingers lightly on the
o The viscosity (thickness) of the syrup inside of the person’s wrist and find the
made it difficult to pour. beating artery.
2. Sentence Definitions – more complex terms Operational definition: The pulse is the
may need a sentence definition (which may be number of beats counted in 1 minute.
more than one sentence). Sentence
definitions follow a set pattern: o A computer is something used in doing
homework or browsing the internet.
Name – Class – Defining Characteristic
Example: Technical Operational
Mercury – Metal – liquid at room temperature True to all Observationeexplain
(Universality) ed through a
As a sentence this becomes: common language
o Mercury is a metal that becomes liquid Types: Sentence Open and simple
at room temperature. and parenthetical definition based on
definitions one’s understanding
o An algorithm is a finite description of a
finite number of steps required to Technicality: Cutting Ontology (values) –
accomplish some well-defined task. -edge/ typically is defined
scientific/uncommo through the use of
3. Extended Definitions – long, paragraph n “ when” or “how”
definitions that consider all of the various
sources of information (e.g. description,
process narration, causal discussion, and
classification) that can help define the term
adequately; preferably used in academic and
scientific paper.
Example:
Measles is an acute, highly infectious disease
caused by a virus. The illness is characterized
by a cough, fever, and maculopapular (raised
red) rash. It has worldwide endemicity - that is,
people throughout the world are vulnerable to
the disease.
 GUIDELINES IN WRITING DEFINITION OF TERMS

Formal Sentence Definition Patterns  Relative Pronouns are nouns that

connects the nouns or pronouns to a
Pattern 1: Term + Class + Defining dependent clause. It helps in the
Characteristic transition of the independent clause
(term and class) to the dependent
Ex: Conclusion is a brief summary that tells clause/defining characteristics.
how the result of an experiment support or  A dependent clause gives essential
contradict a hypothesis. information about someone or
something to understand what or who is
Pattern 2: Class + Term + Defining being referred to.
Characteristic
Ex: A brief summary that tells how the result of When to use THAT and WHICH?
an experiment support or contradict a
hypothesis is called a conclusion. THAT - used as a relative pronoun to introduce
a clause that gives information essential to the
meaning of the sentence. The dependent
clause cannot be removed nor eliminated
Guidelines in Writing Definition of Terms because it completes the definition.
1. The verb must agree in number with the Ex:
subject (term being defined)
Singular subject - Singular verb
Plural subject - Plural verb
Examples:
WHICH - used as a relative pronoun to
 Fact refers to the information that has introduce a clause that can be eliminated
been objectively verified. because it does not limit the meaning of the
 Literature pertains to a collection of sentence, it only adds interesting details. When
written works that express ideas, removed, the meaning only loses additional
emotions, and experiences through details, but the meaning would not change.
various forms.
 Philippines is an archipelago in Ex:
Southeast Asia comprised of over 7,000
islands.

2. Use simple present tense of the verb after

the term.
Example: An abstract is a brief statement of
essential information contained within a
document or presentation.

3. The class or category and the term being

defined must agree in number.
Example: Data are characteristics or
information that are collected through
observations, interviews, or surveys.

4. The distinguishing characteristics may be

introduced using relative pronouns: that and
which.
 TECHNIQUES IN GIVING EXPANDED DEFINITIONS

1. Etymology - a pattern that shares the origin of the word.

Ex: The word "laptop" comes from the words "lap" and "top", and is modeled after the term "desktop, meaning a
portable computer that can fit on a user's lap.

2. Exemplification - pattern that provides a concrete example of a term to make it easier to understand.
Ex: A laptop is a device designed for personal use and can perform various functions, such as browsing the internet,
creating documents, playing games, etc.

3. Comparison and Contrast - a pattern that describes the similarities and differences of the two ideas or concepts.
Ex: Although desktops and laptops are both computers, desktops are large and stay in one place, while are smaller,
lightweight, and portable.

4. Classification - a pattern that explains a complex concept by dividing it into different categories, types, or groups
based on specific characteristics.
Ex: Laptops can be classified into different types, such as ultrabooks, gaming laptops, business laptops, and 2-in-1
convertibles.

5. Process - a pattern that explains the actions, methods, and steps involved with the term.
Ex: Using a laptop involves turning it on, logging in, opening applications, and performing tasks like typing, browsing,
or video editing.

6. Negation - a pattern that describes what is not or limitations about the concept.
Ex: It is not just a simple electronic device like a tablet or smartphone because it has a full keyboard, a larger screen,
and the ability to run complex programs.

7. Description - a pattern that describes or explains the characteristics of the term such as the color, size, and
shape.
Ex: A laptop includes several parts, such as a screen, keyboard, touchpad, battery, and internal components like a
processor, memory, and storage.

8. Enumeration - a pattern that defines a term with many characteristics by listing or enumerating every
characteristic in detail.
Ex: There are many different models with varying screen sizes, storage capacities, and processing power.

9. Cause and Effect - a pattern that analyzes why something happened.

Ex: Laptops became popular because they provide mobility and convenience, allowing people to work, study, and
communicate from anywhere.
 COMPONENTS OF A RESEARCH REPORT

Research Report is an expanded paper that presents interpretations and analyses of a phenomenon based on
experiments and previous information to help readers better understand it.

What is the aim of a research report?

To write about a research topic clearly and concisely to help readers easily understand the purpose and results of
your research.

Stages of the Research Process

Research Proposal - Research Project - Research Report

IMRaD Format - format often used for social sciences and STEM fields.
Introduction
Methods
Results
and
Discussion

Sample Outline of a Research Report

Title of Research Report

Abstract
I. Introduction
II. Methodology
III. Results
IV. Discussion

1. Title summarizes the main idea of the study. A good title contains a few words that adequately describe the
contents and/or purpose of your research paper.

Characteristics of a Good Research Title

A good research title...
1. predicts the content of the research
2. should be interesting to the reader
3. reflect the tone of writing
4. contains important keywords

Example: Factors Affecting Grade 10 Students' Choice in Selecting Senior High School Strand

2. Abstract is a summary or overview of the entire research study.

3. Introduction addresses identified research gaps in the topic. It should:

- attempt to answer they key question of the research
- review any literature that is relevant
- provide a rationale why the research is important
- present a hypothesis that attempts to answer the key question

Statement of the Problem is used in research work as a claim that outlines the problem addressed by a study. It
transforms a generalized problem into a targeted, well-defined problem that can be resolved through research.
Characteristics of a Statement of the Problem
SOP should...
1. address a gap in knowledge
2. be significant enough to contribute to the existing body of research
3. lead to further research
4. have the problem render itself to investigation through collection of data.
5. be of interest to the researcher and suit his/her skills, time, and resources
6. apply ethical approach towards solving the problem

4. Methodology describes how the experiments or tests in the research were conducted. It presents the context,
participants, instruments, data gathering procedure, and data analysis.

Sources are documents or works that provide information. It has two types:
● Primary Sources are records of events or direct evidence as they are first described or have occurred
without any interpretation or commentary. It is anything that gives you direct evidence about the people,
events, or phenomena being researched. These are original or raw documents.

Ex: photographs, letters, memos, diaries, personal narratives, interviews, autobiographies, poems, artworks,
speeches

● Secondary Sources describe, interpret, evaluate, and analyze information from primary sources.

Ex: textbooks, edited works, books or articles that review research works, histories, biographies, literary
criticism, dictionaries, encyclopedias

● Tertiary Sources are publications that summarize and digest the information in primary and secondary
sources to provide background on a topic, idea, or event.

Ex: encyclopedias, bibliographies, dictionaries, factbooks

5. Results factually describe the data gathered and the tables and graphs that summarize the collected data,
including their interpretations. Each research question or objective must be presented with corresponding results.

6. Discussion provides an explanation of all the results in relation to the previous studies presented in the literature
review. The conclusion or restatement of major findings can also be found here.

It must explain/include:
- whether the study supports/contradicts the previous findings and explain the reasons for this
- new findings uncovered should also be stated
- the flow of discussion should follow the arrangement of research problems or objectives.