`

Q
3

SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

Learning Module 1
in
RESEARCH /
CAPSTONE PROJECT
The Scientific
Problem

The Scientific Hypothesis

Literature

Methodology

Data Collection and Conclusions and

Analysis Recommendations

Name Grade & Section

 About this Module
In this course, students under the guidance of a research
adviser, will identify a scientific, technological, or
mathematical problem, design and apply an appropriate
methodology, formulate hypothesis, and draw conclusions
based on their investigation. At the end of the semester
students will prepare a scientific report/paper to be
presented/defended in a forum.
This module is one of the seven parts that covers the
desired learning competencies required in one semester
course. These modules are given in the third quarter in order
to prepare students for the conceptualization of their research
study. The fourth quarter is intended for the data gathering,
revision, finalization of research report/paper, and oral
defense. Schedule of activities is shown below for the guidance
of the students. Students are expected to comply all given
activities and tasks after each module.

Noel S. Rodel

Schedule of Activities
Week 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

Task to do Persons
Involve

Title Defense

Introduction
section

Methods section

Proposal Defense

Revision of Intro
and Meth

Gathering of
Materials

Product/Project
Making

Experimentation/
Data Gathering

Results/

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Findings

Discussion/

Conclusion

Final Defense/

Exhibit

Revision of the
whole paper

Submission of the
final copy

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 Table of Contents
Part Page
Review 4
Pre-assessment 5
Introduction 6
Content 6
Meaning of Research Problem 6
Purpose of Research Problem 6
Sources of Research Problem 6
Applied and Basic Research 7
Self-check Activity 8
Key Concepts 9
Enrichment Activity 1.1 9
Criteria in Selecting Research Problem 10
Enrichment Activity 1.2 11
Research Paper Format 12
Bibliography 14

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Name:_______________________________________ Grade Level:
_____

(Week No.1)
LESSON 1
The Scientific Problem
Learning competencies:

1. Identify a scientific problem or question

2. Differentiate applied and basic research problem

Objectives
This lesson aims to:
Define scientific problem;
Identify sources of scientific problem; and
Distinguish applied and basic research.

● Review
Research Title Review
Directions: Fill-in the blanks with the correct answer.

Research Title
A research title is a ______ and ________ phrase that prefaces the
study by providing a __________ of the main idea, according to Cristobal &
de la Cruz-Cristobal (2017).
Choices: Concise, Summary, Short
Characteristics of Research Title
Cristobal & de la Cruz-Cristobal (2017) point out five
characteristics, namely:
1. Summarizes the _________ of the paper
2. Concise statement of the __________
3. Includes _______________ of the study
4. Self-___________
5. Implies ____________ of the study
Choices:
Participants, Major variables, Explanatory, Main topic, Main idea
Guidelines in Choosing Research Title

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 Baraceros (2017) in her book suggested guidelines in choosing
research title:
1. Interest in the ______________
2. Availability of ____________
3. Timeliness and _________ of the topic
4. Limitations of the ____________
5. Personal __________
Choices: Subject, Resources, Information, Relevance, Subject Matter

● Pre-assessment
Write T if the statement is true and F if the statement is false.
_____ 1. Research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a
condition to be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a
troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or
in practice.
_____ 2 Research problem cannot be found in relevant literatures.
_____ 3. A research title is a complete sentence that prefaces the study by
providing a summary of the main idea.
_____ 4. Applied research is theoretical and explanatory in nature while
basic research is practical and descriptive in nature.
_____ 5. Relevant literature is also found in the introduction of IMRAD
report format

● Motivation
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE
Directions:
Finding a scientific problem is like spotting the difference. Encircle
things found in the right picture that are not found in the left
picture.

● Introduction
STEM student like you are required to do scientific research aside

Courtesy of ____.com

from your two Practical Research subjects. This is the highlight of your
senior high school study as STEM student. Here you are going to apply

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your learnings in solving certain problem in line with your interest
related to the course they are planning to pursue in higher education.

● Content

Meaning of Research Problem

According to Sacred Heart University Library Website, research
problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be
improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists
in scholarly literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for
meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation. A research
problem is typically posed in the form of a question.

The purpose of a problem statement is to:

1. Introduce the reader to the importance of the topic being studied.

The reader is oriented to the significance of the study and the
research questions or hypotheses to follow.
2. Places the problem into a particular context that defines the
parameters of what is to be investigated.
3. Provides the framework for reporting the results and indicates
what is probably necessary to conduct the study and explain how
the findings will present this information.

Sources of Problems for Investigation

This topic was already discussed in Practical Research I and II,
some items will be recalled here. Identifying a problem to study can be
challenging, not because there is a lack of issues that could be
investigated, but due to pursuing a goal of formulating a socially relevant
and researchable problem statement that is unique and does not simply
duplicate the work of others. To facilitate how you might select a problem
from which to build a research study, consider these sources of
inspiration:
1. Deduction from the Theory
Theories learned in the classroom are good starting point for
scientific problem. The discrepancy of theory and actual practice calls
for a scientific investigation. Lack of application of the theory is
another avenue for invention.

2. Recommendation from previous researches

If students find difficulty in finding a scientific problem, read the
recommendation of other studies. Researchers who conducted a study
on his/her field of interest had something to recommend for further
studies. Authors frequently conclude their studies by noting
implications for further research; this can also be a valuable source of
problems to investigate.

3. Relevant related literature

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 Reading related literature pertaining to your field of interest can
give a student insights regarding the gaps and gray areas among
published researches. Research may be conducted to: 1) fill such gaps
in knowledge; 2) evaluate if the methodologies employed in prior
studies can be adapted to solve other problems; or, 3) determine if a
similar study could be conducted in a different subject area or applied
to different study sample like different groups of people.

4. Interviewing Practitioners
The identification of research problems about particular topics can
arise from formal or informal discussions with practitioners who
provide insight into new directions for future research and how to
make research findings increasingly relevant to practice. Discussions
with experts in the field, such as, teachers, inventors, health care
providers, scientists, etc., offers the chance to identify practical, “real
world” problems that may be understudied or ignored within academic
circles. This approach also provides some practical knowledge which
may help in the process of designing and conducting your study.

5. Personal Experiences
Your everyday experiences can give rise to worthwhile problems for
investigation. Think critically about your own experiences and/or
frustrations with an issue facing society, your community, or in your
neighborhood. This can be derived, for example, from deliberate
observations of certain relationships for which there is no clear
explanation or witnessing an event that appears harmful to a person or
group or that is out of the ordinary.

Applied and Basic Research

Researches related to Science and Mathematics can be categorized
as applied or basic research. When the knowledge obtained in research is
applied, we call it a technology. Technology can be tangible like
inventions or intangible such as a method or a system. Transforming
knowledge into technology, we call it engineering.

Difference between Applied and Basic research

Applied Research Basic Research

Solve particular life problem Expand current knowledge
Practical and descriptive in nature Theoretical and explanatory in
nature
More specific scope Wider scope
Associated with the advancement of Less associated with technology
technology
Creates solutions or preventions for Predicts future phenomena
future problem
Client-driven Curiosity-driven

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 Has direct commercial objectives Does not have direct commercial
objectives
Highly connected with economical Less connected with economy
products
More often appears in academic Less often appears in academic
publication publication
Occurs in real world settings Takes place in sterile environment

Other sources categorized applied and basic research in simple

way. Applied research deals with practical and for the betterment of
humans while basic is theoretical and knowledge expansion.

● Self-Check Activity
Part I. Multiple choice. Encircle the letter of the correct answer.

1. Which of the following is not associated to research problem?

a. A statement about an area of indifference
b. A statement about condition to be improved
c. A statement about difficulty to be eliminated or
d. A statement about troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or in practice
2. Which of the following is not in the purpose of research problem?
a. To provide basis for reporting results
b. To define criteria of what is to be investigated
c. To identify the methods used to arrive at the answer
d. To give significance to the topic being studied
3. Which of the following sources of research problem when one is
interested on the “gap” in knowledge?
a. Interview with practitioners
b. Review of relevant literatures
c. Deduction from the theories
d. Personal experiences
4. Which of the following is not characteristic of applied research?
a. Solve practical problem in life
b. Occurs in controlled settings
c. Client-driven
d. Associated with the advancement of technology
5. Which of the following is not a characteristic of basic research
a. More often appears in academic publication
b. Theoretical and explanatory in nature
c. Curiosity-driven
d. Expand current knowledge

Part II Write A before the number if the study is applied research and B
for basic research.
_____ 1. In Vitro Regeneration of Sambong (Blumea balsamifera Linn.)

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_____ 2. Floral Biology and Pollination of Ampalaya (Momordica charantia
L.)
_____ 3. Development and Release in the Philippines of Sweetpotato
Variety ‘NSIC Sp-31’
_____ 4. Identification of Hybrid Sterility Gene Loci in Two Cytoplasmic
Male Sterile Lines in Rice Isolate Beneficial Microorganisms and
Indigenous Raw Materials
_____ 5. Exploring the Relationship between Video Games and Academic
Achievement via Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analyses
Key Concepts
Research/scientific problem is a statement about an
area of concern, a condition to be improved, a difficulty to be
eliminated, or a troubling question that exists in scholarly
literature, in theory, or in practice that points to the need for
meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.
Research/scientific problem can be derived from
deduction from the theory, recommendations from previous
● Evaluation
researches, relevant related literature, interview of practitioners,
and personal experiences
Include here Applied research
activities is a client-driven
for evaluation research
of students’ which is This
learning.
specific, practical and descriptive in nature used to solve
part should addresslife
practical your learning objectives.
problem
Basic research is a curiosity-driven research which is
wider, theoretical and explanatory in nature used to expand
current knowledge

● Enrichment Activities

Activity 1.1
Writing Research Title

Instruction:
Think of a problem or issue that you want to tackle in your
Research/Capstone Project subject. From this problem or issue you are
going to make your research title. Here are the guide questions that will
help you formulate your research title. Think it over and decide, the title
you are going to present is final.
Copy the questions and answer them based on your proposed
research study. Write your answers in long bond paper(s).
Questions (with sample answer):
1. Now that you are going to make a research, what is your research all
about?
(My research will be about knowing the phytochemicals present in selected aromatic weed extracts. These extracts will be
diluted to different concentrations and to be tested to flagellated microorganism, such as Euglena, a common microorganism
found in pond or canal water. I knew that flagellate is used by microorganism for its motility, stoppage in motion implies the
destruction of its flagellum. Flagellum and the membrane that covers the organism are made of protein hence, if found effective
it eventually kills the microorganism.)

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2. What method/design are you going to use? (You may skip this
question if you have not yet decided on the method/design.)
(In this research I will be experimental, to be conducted at home. First I will extract juice from the grounded aromatic weeds
and subject them to phytochemical screening. I will prepare different concentrations of extracts of selected aromatic weeds.
)
3. Who will be the subject/respondent of your research?
(The different concentrations of extracts will be tested euglena, a common flagellated microorganism found in pond water.
)
4. What are the key words in your answer to question 1?
(Phytochemicals, aromatic weed extracts, different concentration, flagellated microorganism, pond and canal water, Euglena,
motility, flagellum, membrane, protein )
5. State your tentative research title using all the key words in question
4?
(Phytochemical screening and its effect on the motility through the destruction of protein in flagellum and membrane covering of
flagellated microorganism such as Euglena that is found in pond and canal water subjected to different concentrations of
selected aromatic weed extracts )
6. What is your final title by eliminating unnecessary words in question 5
(Less than 15 words)?
(Phytochemical Screening and Effect of Aromatic Weed Extracts on the Motility of Flagellated Microorganism.
)

Criteria in Selecting Problem for Your Research

Here are some criteria in selecting what scientific problem to decide
on. This can help you decide. Your research teacher cannot impose, he/she
can only give insights. You may take it or ignore it. Your decision is the
bottom line. Rate your research problem using this suggested criteria
adopted from a website.

Personal Inclination. The chief motivation in the way of selecting research

problem is the personal inclination of the researcher. This refers to
your personal interest on the topic.
Resources Availability. In your decision making stage, you are going to
evaluate the available resources. These includes money, time,
accommodation and transport, and expertise.
Relative Importance. The importance is one vital criterion in the selection of
research problem. This refers to the impact of your research on the
recipients.
Researcher Knowledge. Your knowledge on the topic/problem is the most
vital in the selection of the research problem. This refers to how well
you are familiar to the topic or problem.
Practicality: Practicality means that your research outcome can be
practiced/applied to provide an effective solution to the problem.

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Time-lines of the Problem. This is crucial in selecting research topic or
problem. You are given one semester (your last semester) to finish
your research. There is no extension or else you will graduate in
October.
Data Availability. This refers to your skill and availability of equipment. If you
will use others expertise and equipment in gathering data, most
likely it will drag you down and lengthen your time-line.
Urgency. This refers to the necessity of doing your research. You give priority
to your research topic/problem because your results can benefit the
recipients.
Feasibility. Your research is feasible if you possess knowledge, skill, and
equipment needed for your research. You can do your research with
minimal supervision and within your one semester time line.
Area Culture. As researcher always consider area culture. Remember we are
in a pandemic. We have rules to follow. Respect also corporate
culture if you do your research in other institution/agency.

Activity 1.2
Research Problem Selection Criteria

Instruction:
Evaluate your final research title that you have able to come up using
the criteria below. Check the number corresponding to your answer
for each criterion. Calculate the mean or average and determine the
likelihood of success of your research from the adjectival description.
Copy the table and rate your proposed study mentioned in Activity 1.1.
(The check marks are just sample for your guidance.) Write your
answer in long bond paper.
Criteria and its Rating 5 4 3 2 1
Very High Undecide Low Very low
high d

1. Personal inclination ✔

2. Resources availability ✔

3. Relative importance ✔

4. Researcher knowledge ✔

5. Practicality ✔

6. Time-lines of the ✔

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 problem

7. Data availability ✔

8. Urgency ✔

9. Feasibility ✔

10. Area culture ✔

COLUMN TOTAL 10 28 3

TOTAL 41 MEAN 4.1 DESCRIPTION: HIGH

Rating Interval: Adjectival Description:

4.20 – 5.00 Very High
3.40 – 4.10 High
2.60 – 3.39 Undecided
1.80 – 2.59 Low
1.0 – 1.79 Very Low

Research/Capstone Project in IMRAD Format

You are already familiar using five-chapter format in writing
research paper during your Practical Research I and II. What report
format are you going to follow in Research/Capstone Project? Your
teacher opted you to follow a format that is commonly used in journal
publication, the IMRAD. IMRAD stands for Introduction, Materials and
Methods, Results, And Discussion. The elements of scientific research
paper are:
⮚ Title
⮚ Abstract
⮚ Introduction
⮚ Methods
⮚ Results
⮚ Discussion
⮚ Works Cited/References
⮚ Appendices
The purpose and content of IMRAD format was adopted from Saint
Mary’s University IMRAD Lab Report Format.

Section Purpose Content and Characteristics

Title ● Describes the content of ● Clear, specific and accurate
the report ● Loaded with keywords drawn from
● Allows readers to locate the body of the report
research of interest
when searching the

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 databases

Abstract ● Summarizes the report ● One paragraph (200 – 250 words)

● Helps the reader to ● 2 – 3 sentences for each section
decide whether to read summarizing key data and ideas
the entire paper ● A complete synopsis, not a teaser
(highlights of results and
discussion may be included)

Introduction ● Gives background ● Reviews relevant literature,

information needed to including properly formatted
understand the current citations
research, tracing the ● Explains why the study was
development of existing conducted, and what question it
knowledge was designed to answer
● Places the new ● Briefly describes the approach to
experiment in the the problem
context of the field ● Outlines hypothesis(es) to be
● Identifies the gap in tested, predicted results
existing knowledge and ● Written in a mixture of present
shows how the present tense (for generally accepted truth)
research will fill them and past tense (when referencing
● States the specific specific research)
objectives of the work
(Your research
problem/questions)

Materials ● Explains how ● Written in paragraph format

and experiment was ● Materials are mentioned while
Methods conducted describing methods, never listed
● Provides enough detail separately
that other research ● Describes the purpose of each
could repeat the procedure as well as necessary
experiment steps
● Gives readers the ● Omit details that are common
information they need to knowledge or would not impact the
evaluate the validity of results
results and condition ● Written in past tense (recounts
what was done, rather than giving
instruction)

Results ● Describe the outcome of ● Straightforward reporting of

the experiments observations and calculations
● Draws attention to key ● Does not include commentary and
findings and interpretation
relationships ● Detailed data is presented in tables
● Allows reader to form and figures, which are referenced
their own conclusions in the text

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 based on the data ● Written portion should summarize
and emphasize, not repeat details
shown in the visuals
● Written in past tense

Discussion ● Interpret the results and ● References key data, describing its
explains their implications
significance ● Identifies any errors made during
● Places the new data in the experiment and their impacts
the context of the field ● Discusses any shortcomings of the
● Identifies limitations of protocol or experimental designs
the study and suggests ● Draw conclusions
next steps ● Identifies questions that could not
be answered
● Cites relevant literature
● Written in past, present, and
future tense, as appropriate

References ● Provides full ● Includes only literature that is

bibliographic cited in the text
information, directing ● Follow a consistent scientific
the reader to relevant citation style, such as APA
literature

● Bibliography

Books

Almeida, A.B.,Gaerlan, A.A., Manly, N.E. (2016). Research

Fundamentals: From Concept to Output. Quezon City: Adriana Publishing
Co., Inc.

Baraceras, E.L. (2016). Practical Research 1. Manila: Rex Bookstore, Inc.

Cristobal, A.P. Jr., Dela Cruz-Cristobal, M.C. (2017). Practical Research 1

for Senior High School. Quezon City: C & E Publishing, Inc.

Faltado, R.E., Bombita, M.B.,Boholano,H.B., Pogoy, A.M. (2016).

Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing,
Inc.

Prieto, N.G., Naval, V.C., Carey, T.G. (2017) Practical Research for Senior
High School. Quezon City: Lorimar Publishing, Inc.

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 Writing in Disciplines: A Free Supplement (3rd ed.). (1995). Florida:
Harcourt Brace College Publishers
Bachman, R., Schutt, R.K. (2008). Fundamentals of Research in
Criminology and Criminal Justice. California: Sage Publishing, Inc.

Patten, M.L. (2009). Understanding Research Methods: An Overview of

the Essentials (7th ed.). California: Pyrczak Publishing

Mertens, D.M. (1998). Research Methods in Education and Psychology:

Integrating Diversity with Quantitative and Qualitative Approaches.
California: Sage Publishing, Inc.

Calderon, J.F., Gonzales, E.C. (1993). Methods of Research and Thesis

Writing. Mandaluyong City: National Book Store

Website

Sacred Heart University Library. (n.d.). Organizing Academic Research

Paper: Research Problem/Question. https://library.sacredheart.edu

Saint Mary’s University: The Writing Center. (n.d.). Lab Reports –

IMRAD. https://smu.ca/webfiles/LabReportsIMRAD.pdf

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