Republic of the Philippines

PALAWAN STATE UNIVERSITY

College of Teacher Education
Puerto Princesa City

Coaching and Online LET Refresher Course for LET Takers:

Responding to the Challenges of the Normal

Area: English
Topic 13: Parts of a Research Paper: Chapters 1-5

A dissertation has more pages and is more comprehensive compared to a thesis.

Primary Objective of a Thesis and Dissertation

The primary objective of a thesis and dissertation is to demonstrate the researcher’s knowledge in a
particular field of investigation.

Points to Remember in Writing a Research

1. It should be clear and concise.
2. The most profound ideas should be explained in simple and short coherent language.
3. Slang and flippant phrases should be avoided.
4. Only the last names of cited authorities are used. Titles such as professor, Dr., or Dean are omitted.
5. The past tense should be used in describing completed thesis and dissertation.
6. Abbreviations should be used only after their referent has been spelled out, with the abbreviations
following in parenthesis. Well-known abbreviations are exemptions such as I.Q., UNESCO, U.P. etc.

CHAPTER I: The Problem and Its Background

A. The Introduction
The statement in the introduction introduces the study and signifies its importance to create an
interest and intense desire on the reader to know more about the investigation. This is the preliminary
part of the problem, leading to its main part and objectives. It may include legal or other bases related to
or for conducting the study.

Suggested Guidelines in Writing the *Introduction

1. The first paragraph is intended to provide the readers a mental readiness, thus giving them the
information as to what the problem of the research is all about. It introduces the study and its
justification.
2. The second paragraph carries the greater part of this introduction and the problem that is used as
frame of reference. It tells the readers the scope, circumstances and the coverage of the study.
3. The third paragraph revolves around the various conditions that accompany and determine the
purpose of the study.
4. The last paragraph is a sort of closing portion that arouses the curiosity and interest of the readers to
know the results of the study.
*The introduction may be composed of three or four paragraphs.

B. Statement of the Problem

This is the focus of the study and all questions should be categorically stated, and answered.

Suggested Tips in Writing the Statement of the Problem

1. The problem should be stated both in general and in specific terms. The general statement of the
problem is a reiteration of the title of the study.
2. The problem is stated in an interrogatory form. It must ask a question and sub-problems must follow
the main problem which are the key issues for investigations in the research
3. The problem should be stated in the infinitive to (action words in research). Ex. Examine, analyze,
determine, assess, evaluate, find out etc.
4. Specific questions should be stated using the following guide question words: How, Will, What, Is
there?

Example:
The study was conducted to all aspects of Teaching of English in the High Schools of the Province of
Bataan during the School Year 2005-2006 as Perceived by English Teachers.

Specifically, the study attempted to answer the following questions:

1. How do the respondent’s profile be described in terms of:
1.1 educational qualifications;

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 1.2 area of specialization;
1.3 status of employment
2. How effective ….?
3. What problems …?
4. What suggestions are offered by…?

C. Theoretical Framework
The research should identify the important concepts that are utilized in the research work for
better understanding and insight of the theories, models, and paradigms related to problem and
hypothesis. It can also be modified or reconstructed into general framework containing the variables
and relationships for the purpose of the research to be undertaken. It is necessary to mention the
theory that will be utilized by giving the assumptions, defining key terms and concepts, identifying
variables, and stating the relationship of the hypothesized variables.

D. Conceptual Framework
This is a mental image or perception anchored on the theoretical framework. It is the detailed
presentation of the variables to be observed in the on-going study; the concepts defined in a way the
investigator wants, the way the variables are operationalized and the method of measuring the
variables.

The conceptual framework is drawn from the review of related literature and studies. It should
clarify the relationship between and among major variables of the study. It should be illustrated
further by drawing a conceptual paradigm.
Paradigm
- a pattern, example, or model
- is the mental window through which the researcher views the problem
- a research perspective or view that holds about what research goals and methods should be
- a perspective or frame of reference for viewing the problem, consisting of concepts and assumptions

E. Assumptions
These are statements related to the problem. They are presumed to be true on the basis of
observation or experience. They are used to provide general direction to the study and do not
require confirmation or discussion in the thesis or dissertation nor statistical computation.

F. Hypothesis
It is a guess at the solution to a problem or the status of the situation. It is a proposition about the
solution to a problem or the relationship of two or more variables. It is a tentative formulation or
explanations about the expected outcomes of the study. It is presented in the null form.

Hypothesis is understood as:

A statement of what one expects to find; a statement to be proven;
An initial answer to the research questions;
An expected relationship between variables;
An explanation of the phenomenon;
A common sense statement;
A statement of patterns of behavior

Examples:
Children from low income families are more likely to drop out than those from high income families.
IQ is negatively related to dropping out in school.

Types or Forms of Hypothesis

1. Null Hypothesis – sometimes described as the hypothesis of no difference or no relationship;
the independent variable does not affect the dependent variable
2. Alternative Hypothesis – this says “there is a difference”; the independent variable affects the
dependent variables

G. Significance of the Study

This part shows that the investigator expresses the value of the problem to be undertaken. It is
where the significant contributions may be viewed from the point of the target beneficiaries like the
researcher himself, service provider, administrators, parents, teachers, students, planners, decision-
makers, legislators, politicians, implementers, practitioners, the family, the government, the
community and the educational and political institutions.

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 What should be included in the Importance or Significance of the Study?
1. The rationale, timelines and relevance of the study to existing conditions/situations covered by
investigations
2. What motivated the researchers to conduct the study?
3. The possible solutions to existing problems or improvement to unsatisfactory conditions
4. Show the individuals, groups, or communities who may be placed in a more advantageous on
account of the study
5. The possible contribution to the fount of knowledge
6. It should consider and discuss the implications, including the possible causes of the problems,
the positive effects of the problems, and the remedial measures to solve the identified problems.

H. Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This part identifies the boundaries in terms of time, location and samples, subjects and the
limitations which are beyond the control of the researcher.

I. Definition of Terms
This part contains the definition of the terms as used in the study. The key terms should be
substantially and clearly defined according to how they are utilized in the study in order to facilitate
understanding of the problem. The definitions of terms/variables maybe either lexical/conceptual or
operational or both. The terms defined should be arranged in alphabetical order. Acronyms should
be spelled out fully, especially if they are not commonly known or if used for the first time.

Operational definition expresses the meaning of the terms/variables as used in a particular field of
study.
Lexical or conceptual definition is usually take from the dictionary and carries a universal meaning
easily understood by the readers.

CHAPTER II: Review of Related Literature and Studies

In review of literature, the researcher can find out how other researchers have formulated fruitful
lines inquiry within a particular field of interest. The review of related literature and studies should be
presented in topical form, irrespective of whether it is local or foreign, and not necessarily in
chronological order.
The Difference between Related Literature and Related Studies
Related Literature
These are the printed materials that the researcher has consulted for the thesis or dissertation.
These include both printed (books, magazines, newspapers etc.) and electronic copies.

Related Studies
These are published books, periodicals, technical reports, professional journals and variety of
academic theses and dissertations in print. The sources of related studies usually are laws,
department orders, memoranda and circulars established and promulgated by duly constituted
authority for observance and compliance which are directly related to the present study. These are
written and positive rules prescribed under the authority of the state.

Purposes of a Review of Literature

1. It delimits the research problem.
2. It selects new lines of investigation.
3. It avoids fruitless approaches.
4. It gains methodological insights.

Steps in a Literature Review

1. Search preliminary sources. Ex. Books, articles, professional journals and other publications that are
relevant to the problem.
2. Use secondary sources. Ex. Other researches with written reviews of literature that may be relevant
to your study.
3. Read primary sources. Ex. A document that can be found in Master’s thesis, dissertation or journal.
4. Synthesis of the literature.

Guidelines on Effective Writing of the Literature and Review

1. Research papers must be written in a formal style, which is in the third person, not the first person.
2. Avoid highly descriptive writing style, not appropriate for a scholarly research.
3. Use the active voice for direct impact and easy understanding.
4. Avoid the use of jargon; use familiar terms in place of terminologies.
5. Language should be neutral gender, no sexy language like his.
6. Make the conclusions and contradictions found in the literature clear in the report.

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 7. Use short sentences; avoid elongated and run-on expressions.
8. Use proper grammar and proofread the work.
9. Never plagiarize; give credit to the original author of ideas.
10. Pay attention to the structure and form of published articles.
Ex. Jose (2007) claims that job-related stress can…

CHAPTER III: Methods of Study and Sources of Data

This chapter of the research process contains a comprehensive description of the research designs,
research locales, samples and the sampling techniques, the subjects, research instruments, validation
of the instruments, data gathering procedures, data processing methods, and the statistical tools and
treatments.

Research Designs
Research designs form the structure and the researcher’s method of answering his questions and
conducting studies. This is categorized according to the procedure the researcher collects and analyzes
data and his research purpose. The two basic research designs based on the way information is
collected, synthesized and analyzed are quantitative and qualitative research.

Quantitative Research
This is characterized by the use of statistical analysis. The most common quantitative descriptive
research measures research use are the mean (a measure of central tendency) and the standard
deviation (a measure of the variability of the data around the mean).

Qualitative Research
This is a term used for a range of research strategies that has roots in the research of the social
sciences such as anthropology and sociology. It involves collecting data within natural settings, and the
key data collecting instruments are the researcher themselves. In a qualitative research, data are verbal
and not numerical.

The Participants of the Study

The researcher has to explain how the participants/respondents are selected and the place where
they are taken. If the population is too large, then the sampling may be employed.

The Research Instruments

These include psychological tests and inventories, questionnaires, opinionnaires, checklists, rating
scales, interviews, and document analysis. Some researchers use only one of the research devices,
while others employ a number of them in combination.

Data Collection
The data for quantitative and qualitative research are collected from direct observation, tests, and
survey questionnaires and interviews. Researchers refer to these data collection devices and
procedures as instruments.

 Questionnaires
This requires the respondent either to write answers to questions about the topic or to
answer orally.
 Interview
This is when the respondent answers orally and the researcher records the answers.

CHAPTER IV: Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation of Data

This chapter presents, analyzes and interprets the data gathered out of the instruments used in the
study presented according to specific problem. This is the reiteration of the research problems by way
straight presentation of results vis-à-vis research hypothesis and research questions. The presentation
of findings should be based on each of the problem.

Data Presentation
This is the process of organizing data into logical, sequential, and meaningful categories and
classification to make them amenable to the study and interpretation.

Tables
Tables are a systematic method of presenting statistical data in vertical columns and horizontal rows
according to the items and classifications of subject matter. Tables are numbered consecutively in
Arabic numerals throughout the thesis and or dissertation.

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 The statistical table should have the following parts which are briefly described below.
1. Table heading. It consists of the table number (in Arabic and placed at the center, above the title
numbered consecutively throughout the research) and the title. Written below is the table number
describing the subject matter or content or the data presented in the table. The title is presented in
V-shape or inverted pyramid form.
2. Boxhead. It is found at the top of the column. It identifies what are contained in the column. Included
in the boxhead are the subhead, the master caption and the column captions.
3. Stubs. It is the classification or categories found at the left side of the body of the table.
4. Body. It is the main part of the table. It contains the substance or the figures of one’s data.

Tables should not be divided. It should not exceed the page or size of the manuscript. Large tables
should be reduced to the page-size of the manuscript by photocopy or some other process of
reproduction. A smaller font to reduce the print is recommended.

Tables are numbered consecutively throughout the entire thesis and dissertation. The caption of the
table should be brief and clearly indicating the nature of the data presented.

Figures
Figures in thesis and dissertation are illustrative devices that present statistical data in graphic form.
A figure is a symbol applied to a wide variety of graphs, charts, maps, diagrams, sketches and drawings.
Figures are referred to by number, never as “the figure below/above.”

Graphic Presentation
It is a graphic of a chart, representing the quantitative variations or changes of a variable in
comparisons with those of another variable in pictorial or diagrammatical form.

Bar graph is a diagram consisting of line showing the variations, relationships of data in different ways.
Horizontal bar graphs are used to compare components of a particular time. Vertical bars are used to
make comparison at different times.

Line graph
The line graph consists of lines representing the relationship between two or more sets of quantities.
It is useful in showing change in data relationships over a period of time.

Pie chart
The pie chart is used in presenting frequency distribution where in the entire circle represents the
total population.

Pagination
Every page of the thesis/dissertation should have a page number except the title page though a
number is assigned for it in the series. Page numbers are placed in the upper-hand corner one inch
below the top of the page and aligned with the right margin. Pages are numbered consecutively for the
title page up to the curriculum vitae.

Data Analysis and Interpretations

Analysis should be done first before the interpretations. An analysis is useless without interpretation
while interpretations are impossible without analysis. Statistical techniques are used to give meaning to
the data gathered from the subjects.

Analyzing and interpreting the raw data should go hand in hand in order to give meaningful results.
Interpretation is important to have a clearer meaning of the research findings.

Data analysis may be defined as an explanation of data or facts in terms of quantity, quality,
attributes, traits, patterns, trends, relationships among others so as to answer research questions which
involve statistical techniques and procedures.

CHAPTER V: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations

The whole research study is summarized – the synopsis of the research objectives, hypothesis,
research methodology, sampling designs, consideration in determining sample, the subjects, research
instruments, measurement and data collection and processes, and statistical treatment.

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 Guidelines in Writing the Summary of Findings
1. A brief statement about the main purpose of the study should be stated.
2. The findings may be lumped up all together but clarify demands specific questions under the
statement of problem must be written first to be followed by the findings that would answer it. The
specific questions should follow the order they are given under the statement of the problem
3. Every statement of fact should consist of words, numbers or statistical measures woven into a
meaningful statement. No deductions on the interpretation should be made.
4. The findings should be concisely stated.

Conclusions
The final part of the study are joined together harmoniously with the findings. The results should be
arranged in a logical order based on the statement of the problem. The hypothesis which is the
antecedent of a conditional proposition is either accepted or rejected.

Guidelines in Writing the Conclusions

1. Conclusions should not contain numerals.
2. It should appropriately answer the specific questions raised at the beginning of the investigation.
3. It should be drawn from the direct effects of the findings.
4. It should be explicit and definite, leaving nothing merely implied giving the researcher a bit of doubt.
The use of qualifiers such as, probably, perhaps, maybe should be avoided.
5. It should not be repetitions of any statements anywhere in the research, thesis or dissertation.

Tips in Drawing Conclusions

1. Know the area/locale in which the research has been conducted.
2. What is the research literature?
3. Focus on the meaning/essence of the results.
4. If theory is involved, either existing or a new theory is reproduced, show the similarity between the
results and the theory.
5. If possible, suggest future investigation that might lead to address unsolved problems and provide
an extension of knowledge.

Recommendations
These are based on the conclusion of the study. Give a detailed description of the suggestions for
future action based on the significance of the findings. It includes implications for future use of findings
and recommendation for future research. Appeals to people or agencies concerned to help solve the
problems should be stated categorically.

Guidelines in Writing the Recommendations

1. It should have the aim and effort to solve problems in the study.
2. It should ensure a continuous benefit being accorded to the universe – mankind involved.
3. It should recommend a further study or investigation in a wider perspective and application

Bibliography
This is the list of readings on a particular subject that are used or consulted in the preparation of the
thesis/dissertation or that are referred to in the text are alphabetically arranged. This is placed after the
recommendations. It provides the reader and other researchers the scope of the research study.

Appendices
These are placed after the bibliography. These are the supplementary materials used in the
preparation of the thesis/dissertation; these include questionnaire, letter to authority to conduct the study
and its approval, letter to respondents/participants of the investigation, supporting documents, e.g.
Constitution, laws department circulars memoranda as legal bases, illustrative materials like the map or
facility. An appendix is listed by a capital letter with the corresponding caption.

Source:
Zulueta, Francisco M., and Jose R. Perez. Methods of Research: Thesis Writing and Applied Statistics.
Mandaluyong City: National Book Store. 2012.

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