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Practical Research 2
Quarter 2 – Module 4

Definition of Terms
Practical Research 2 Grade 12
Quarter 2 – Module 4: Definition of Terms
First Edition, 2020

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Practical Research 2
Quarter 2 – Module 4

Definition of Terms

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Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

Welcome to the Practical Research 2 Self-Engaging Module

(SEM) on the Definition of Terms.
This module was collaboratively designed, developed and
reviewed by educators both from public and private institutions to
assist you, the teacher or facilitator in helping the learners meet the
standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum while overcoming their
personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided

and independent learning activities at their own pace and time.
Furthermore, this also aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st
century skills while taking into consideration their needs and
circumstances.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how

to use this module. You also need to keep track of the learners’
progress while allowing them to manage their own learning.
Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and assist the learners as
they do the tasks included in the module

For the learner:

Welcome to the Practical Research 2 Self-Engaging Module

(SEM) Module on the Definition of Terms.
This module was designed to provide you with fun and
meaningful opportunities for guided and independent learning at your
own pace and time. You will be enabled to process the contents of the
learning resource while being an active learner.

This module has the following parts and

corresponding icons:

Let Us Learn! In this portion, objectives of the new

lesson will be introduced.

Let Us Try! This will give you an idea of the skills

or competencies you are expected to
learn in the module.

Let Us Study This is where the new lesson is

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 introduced.

Let Us Practice This comprises of activities for

Independent practice to solidify your
understanding and skills of the
topic. You may check answers to the
exercises using the answer key at
the end of the module.

Let Us Practice More This section provides an activity

which will help you transfer your
new knowledge into real life
situations or concerns.

Let Us Remember This includes questions or blank

sentences paragraphs to be filled in
to process what you have learned
from the lesson.

Let Us Assess This is a task which aims to evaluate

your level of mastery in achieving
the learning competency.

Let Us Enhance In this portion, another activity will

be given to you to enrich your
knowledge or skill of the lesson
learned.

Let Us Reflect Closing note of the relevance,

meaning an application of the
concepts and skills developed in
the lesson to real life
experiences.

At the end of this module you will also find:

References This is a list of all sources used in

developing this module.

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 The following are some reminders in using this module:

1. Use the module with care. Do not put unnecessary mark/s on

any part of the module. Use a separate sheet of paper in
answering the exercises.

2. Do not forget to answer Let us Try before moving on to the other

activities included in the module.

3. Read the instructions carefully before doing each task.

4. Observe honesty and integrity in doing the tasks and checking

your answers.

5. Finish the task at hand before proceeding to the next.

6. Return this module to your teacher/facilitator once you through

with it.

If you encounter any difficulty in answering the tasks in this

module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator. Always
bear in mind that you are not alone.

We hope that through this material, you will experience

meaningful learning and gain deep understanding of the relevant
competencies. You can do it!

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 Let Us Learn!

This module focuses on how to define terms used in a study.

You will be taught the basic concepts in defining terms, as well as to
simplify some of the technical terms which are vital in the
understanding of the research project.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

a. define terms used in study; and
b. differentiate between conceptual and operational definition.
Competency:
1. defines terms used in the study (CS_RS12-If-j-7)

Let Us Try!

Directions: Draw a line that connects the two ideas in column A to

column B
A B
1. Theoretical a. Investigation
2. Empirical b. opinionated
3. Probabilistic c. uncertain
4. Quantitative d. observable
5. Qualitative e. concepts
f. numerical

Let Us Study
Usually, in writing a research paper, the definition of terms is
included. It helps in simplifying some of the technical terms which are
vital in the understanding of the research project. Although this part
of the paper is optional, it is advantageous for the reader to include
this to prevent the ambiguous meaning of terms that might otherwise
be interpreted in different ways, causing confusion. It can also
enhance comprehension of important key terms.

Definition of Terms is also called as Operational Definition of

Variables (ODV). The word operational refers to “how the word/term
was used in the study. At the same time, the variables are the
elements essential to the study. There are two ways in defining the
terms, the conceptual and operational definition. The conceptual
definition is the meaning of the term that is based on how it is defined

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in the dictionary or encyclopedia. Operational definition on the other
hand is the meaning of the term based on how it was used in the
study.

Generally, there are two cases in which important terms need to

be defined. First, if the term is not common or widely known and
second, if the term has a specific or unique meaning in the context of
the study.

Benefits of Having Definition of Terms

1. It is a useful place to include technical terms in the topic of the

research questions.

2. It can clarify the definition of term, especially if it has a different

meaning. Define the term according to how it was used in the
study.

3. It makes it easier to revisit or check the meaning of a term

instead of trying to locate it through the paper.

4. Helps to ensure that the reader can understand the technical

terminologies and jargons while reading the paper.

Guidelines on How to Write the Definition of Terms

1. Write a brief introductory statement. It shortly describes the

content of the definition of terms.

2. List/write the words/terms (which are technical) that would be

included (make sure that the variables and key terms found in
the title are included).

3. The terms should be arranged alphabetically.

4. Indention should be applied to each term.

5. The term should be followed with a period.

6. It can be underlined or not.

7. It can be bold and italic or not.

8. It does not have to be lengthy (direct to the point).

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 9. Acronym/initials should be defined clearly. Complete name
should be written first, followed by the acronym/initials in
open-close parenthesis, then the definition/meaning.

10.Do not overflow with technical terms (only those relevant and
significant to the study).

11. Keep the definition brief and basic. You will elaborate on it
more in the body of your paper.

Note: Refer also to your institutional format (some institutions

have different formats).

Examples of Writing the Definition of Terms

1. Conceptual definition

Face to face. It is when the people involved are being close

together and looking directly at each other.

Module. Is any in a series of standardized units used together,

such as an educational unit that covers a single subject or topic.

Online. Is controlled by or connected to another computer or

network.

2. Operational definition

Face to face. This refers to one of the modalities used in learning

delivery in which the teacher and students should be in the same
place or setting, such as the classroom.

Module. Teaching modules are guides of the topics and lessons of

a specific subject given to students under the modular method. It
is also an alternative distance learning delivery in which students
are required to read and answer the activities specified in the
module.

Online. It refers to another form of distance learning wherein the

teacher and students will have their lessons using internet
connectivity.

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 Let Us Practice

Write OD if the sentence defines the term operationally,

and TD if it is defines theoretically or conceptually.

_____1. A bug is a fault or an error in a computer.

_____2. A bug is an error in a computer program that is
characterized by high-speed telegraph key.
_____3. Bullying refers physical action of a person such as
hitting, pushing, fighting, yelling at someone, and
making rude gestures.
_____4. Bullying is repeated aggressive behavior that can be
physical, verbal, or relational, in-person or online.
_____5. Stress refers to its effects to the body that includes
physical, emotional and behavioral.

Let Us Practice More

Convert the theoretical definitions written below to its

operational definitions.

1. Social media is any digital tool that allows users to quickly

create and share content with the public.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. Satisfaction is the act of fulfilling a need, desire, or appetite,
or the feeling gained from such fulfillment.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. Classroom management refers to the wide variety of skills
and techniques that teachers use to keep students
organized, orderly, focused, attentive, on task, and
academically productive during a class.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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 Let Us Remember

The Important Thing

Two important ideas/things from the lesson today are

_________________________________________________________, and
_______________________________, but the most important thing I
learned today is ______________________________________ because
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________.

Let Us Assess

Define at least five (5) key terms in your research study

according to a conceptual definition. Write your answers to the
space provided or on a separate paper.

1. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Using the terms in your conceptual definition, define them

according to an operational definition. Write your answers to the
space provided or on a separate paper.

1. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

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2. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

Let Us Enhance

Read the selection. Determine the important terms and define

each term conceptually and operationally.

Topic: The Effects of Extracurricular Activities on the

Academic Performance of Junior High Student
By: Kimiko Fujita

Abstract

Research indicates that participation in extracurricular

activities affects students’ academic performance. More
specifically, studies have been conducted assessing the effects
of specific extracurricular activities on academic performance.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the
activities in which junior high school students choose to
participate have an effect on their academic performance. The
study’s survey instrument which was distributed to students
enrolled in grades 6 through 8 at Walnut Creek Christian
Academy during the 2004-2005 school year requested
demographic information in addition to the five Likert-type
scale questions. The data revealed that, according to the
students surveyed, playing sports, watching television, and
participating in community service improves academic
performance, while playing a musical instrument does not
improve academic performance. Therefore, it was concluded
that extracurricular activities affect academic performance
and that the effect depends on the specific activities in which
the student is involved.

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 Let Us Reflect

Arrange the following words/terms according to how it should be

ordered. Note the number of sequence on the space provided at the
left side of the terms.

Order Defined Terms

Response rate. In survey research, the actual percentage of
questionnaires completed and returned.
Accuracy. A term used in survey research to refer to the match
between the target population and the sample.
Precision. In survey research, the tightness of the confidence
limits.
Control group. A group in an experiment that receives not
treatment to compare the treated group against a norm.
Data. Recorded observations, usually in numeric or textual form
Hypothesis. A tentative explanation based on theory to predict a
causal relationship between variables.
Reliability. The extent to which a measure, procedure or
instrument yields the same result on repeated trials.
Random sampling. The process used in research to draw a
sample of a population strictly by chance, yielding no discernible
pattern beyond chance.
Parameter. A coefficient or value for the population that
corresponds to a particular statistic from a sample and is often
inferred from the sample.
Synchronic reliability. The similarity of observations within the
same time frame; it is not about the similarity of things observed.

Answer key to Activities

5. OD
5. b
4. TD
4. f
3. OD
3. c
2. TD
2. d
1. OD
1. e
Let us Practice
Let us Try

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 References

Books

Almeida, A., Gaerlan, A., Manly, N. (2016). Research Fundamentals

From Concepts to Output. Aguide for Researchers & Thesis
Writers. Adriana Publishing Co., Inc. Quezon City

Baraceros, E. (2019). Practical Research 2. Rex Book Store. Manila

Philippines

Unpublished research

Allado, Jaeden Angel Zobelle C.,Al Yasser S. Bandrang, Joshua

Hamel C. Juan, Beatrcie Zoe B. Lacsado, Jan Zidnie C.
Tabanao. “Living Struggles of Mid-career Teachers in Tagum
City National High School in Remodeled Teaching Styles: An
In-depth Analysis”. Unpublished, March 2020.

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 For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education – Division of Tagum City

Energy Park, Brgy. Apokon, Tagum City

Telefax:

Email Address:

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