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Guidelines in Defining Terms

This document provides guidelines for defining terms in a research paper. It explains that a definition of terms section is placed at the beginning of the paper to define any words or phrases that have special meanings in the study. Only terms directly relevant to the study should be defined. Definitions can be conceptual, based on dictionary or reference work meanings, or operational, based on how the researcher is using the term. Terms should be defined alphabetically and lexically or operationally. Sources for definitions should be cited. The definitions should be brief, clear and unambiguous.

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Harris Acoba
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8K views

Guidelines in Defining Terms

This document provides guidelines for defining terms in a research paper. It explains that a definition of terms section is placed at the beginning of the paper to define any words or phrases that have special meanings in the study. Only terms directly relevant to the study should be defined. Definitions can be conceptual, based on dictionary or reference work meanings, or operational, based on how the researcher is using the term. Terms should be defined alphabetically and lexically or operationally. Sources for definitions should be cited. The definitions should be brief, clear and unambiguous.

Uploaded by

Harris Acoba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Guidelines in defining terms:

(a)
Definition of terms works just like a glossary but have a
different twist. It is placed on the beginning of the research
paper (Chapter 1) to tell the meaning of the terms used in
the said paper.

(b)
Only terms, words, or phrases which have special or
unique meanings in the study are defined.

(c)

Actually, there are two types of definition of terms to


use on your research, viz.
conceptual meaning and operational meaning
on the one hand, conceptual terms/meanings are based on
what a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a book, or an author tells

on the other hand, operational terms/meanings are based on


how the researcher used a term on his study. In other words,
the researcher may develop his own definition from the
conceptual characteristics of the term defined.

(d)
The terms should be arranged alphabetically and
should be defined lexically and/or operationally.

(e)
When definitions are taken from encyclopedias, books,
magazines and newspaper articles, dictionaries, and other
publications, the researcher must acknowledge his sources.

Definitions taken from published


conceptual (theoretical) definitions.

materials

are

called

(f) Definitions should a\be brief, clear, and unequivocal as


possible.

1. Your Significance of the Study is poorly formulated. What is


your paper? What benefit can it give you and your readers?

Essentially, the section on significance of the study provides


information to the reader on how the study will contribute. It
must be specifically stated, however, what the study will
contribute and who will benefit from it.

You can figure out several important contributions of your


research paper if you let your mind flow.

Tips helpful in writing the significance of the study. (a) Your


problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific
contribution of your study. But your problem statement is not
directed toward the thesis you wish to defend because you
have not state your thesis (which corresponds to your title).
You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence
between the statement of the problem and the significance
of the study. (b) Write the significance of the study by
looking into the general contribution of your study, such as
its importance to society as a whole, then proceed
downwardstowards its contribution to individuals and that
may include yourself as a researcher. You start off broadly

then taper off gradually to a specific group or person.


Coupled with reference to the problem statement, this
effectively stimulates the mind to think in a deductive mode,
i.e., from general to specific. These two techniques will
prevent your mind from wandering wildly or aimlessly as you
explore the significance of your study. Applying them will
save time thus allow you to focus on the next section of your
thesis.

2. You have no description of the Methodology you are to use


in your research, viz., how you carry about your research,
the structure you follow, or the research design.

3. Remember the Notes and lecture which I gave you on MFM


21, viz., formal writing of a thesis (Chicago Style, MLA Style),
the art of reading (Adlers), and structure of a thesis
(Martinich). Apply them.

4. Consult with your Thesis Adviser (priest-formator assigned to


you) and Grammarian (an English teacher who shall help you
with your English Grammar).

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