ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

(Mention here the people who you wanted to thank to)

(1 page only)

The Researchers
 ABSTRACT
(1 page only)
(Composed of 150-200 words)

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 Page
TITLE PAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
APPROVAL SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ii
ACCEPTANCE SHEET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iv
ABSTRACT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . v
LIST OF FIGURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
LIST OF TABLES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii

Chapter Page

I THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

INTRODUCTION
Rationale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Theoretical Background
..............................
Review of Related Literature
Conceptual Framework

THE PROBLEM
Statement of the Problem
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Research Design
Research Respondents
Research Environment
Research Instrument
Data Gathering Procedure

DEFINITION OF TERMS

II PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

III SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Summary
Findings
Conclusion
Recommendations
 CHAPTER I
chapter number in Roman Numeral Form
(3 single spaces)
THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE
(3 single spaces)
Rationale

(2 single spaces)

The rationale renders an exposition of the situation that has made the

study necessary. The first paragraph of the introduction is the most important

part of the paper. It provides a “narrative hook” to the reader (Creswell, 2007).

This causes the reader to pay attention and elicits an emotional or attitudinal

response from the reader.

The next paragraphs are readings to support the first paragraph.

The rationale main purpose is to present the justification of the study. The

researchers may cite the problematic situation, which prompted the researchers

to conduct the study from the macro to micro levels, that is, globally, regionally,

nationally, and locally, to zero-in on the local setting of the study. Discussions

claimed should be with legal basis relevant to the study. The researchers may

present pertinent statistical data that could support the claims. The presentations

should be emphatic and explosive. It should create an impact on the reader of

the research. It should prod the reader to go on and find out what good is there in

the research study.

The last paragraph of the rationale is the purpose statement. It states the

purpose of the researcher in order to address the gap or problem stated in the

situation and cite the reasons for conducting the study.

The rationale should be two to three pages only.

Literature Background

(2 single spaces)
(validity and acceptability of the studies/ theories: 5 years backward)
(10-12 pages)

Order: 2-3 anchored theories

5 related studies
Include Legal bases

This is a survey of scholarly sources on a specific topic. It provides an

overview of current knowledge, allowing you to identify relevant theories,

methods, and gaps in the existing research.

Writing a literature review involves finding relevant publications (such as

books and journal articles), critically analyzing them, and explaining what you

found.

Write a closing paragraph that would encapsulate all.

Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

The researchers are required to present a schematic diagram of the

theoretical framework or conceptual framework of which is the direction of the

study. This is a visual representation of some aspects of reality as investigated in

the study and there is minimal use of words. This will help express abstract ideas

in a concise and readily understandable form.

Include the indicators and measures of the variables.

(The schematic diagram should be in the second page of the Literature

Background)
Example:

Figure 1. Theoretical and Conceptual Framework

 THE PROBLEM

(3 single spaces)

Statement of the Problem

(state here the main statement of the problem and the specific questions)

(2 single spaces)
The Problem Statement renders a statement of the central problem of the

study. This is a general statement of the problem.

A recommended wording of the Problem Statement is presented below:

The (purpose, aim, intent, objective/s) of the study is to (experimental –

test, compare or evaluate; comparative – compare; correlational – examine or

assess; simple survey – determine; phenomenology – explore or describe;

ethnography - explore, describe, analyze or conduct an in-depth analysis;

grounded theory - understand, discover, develop, or generate) the (quantitative

–identify the variables of study and its possible relationship; grounded theory –

processes, social structures, social interaction; phenomenology – experience,

lived experience, lived-in experience, meaning or essence; ethnography –

culture, roles, lifeways or cultural behavior).

The researcher analyzes the central problem by presenting each segment

as subproblem in which broad dimensions are divided into factors. The

researcher should identify the specific subproblems in logical and sequential

order as they appear in the paradigm. The problems must jive with the paradigm,

conceptual framework, hypothesis, and methodology and research instrument.

This should be presented interrogatively. The final question should be an output

question.
 The subject of the study, what are to be measured, the time-frame and

location are also being identified.

(one page is more than enough for the SOP)

Example:

The purpose of this study is to analyze the culture-based health care

practices among well and ill Cebuanos. This study will be conducted in the

Province of Cebu for the year 2008.

Specifically, the study attempts to answer the following questions:

1. How are the lived experiences of Cebuanos in the use of culture-based

health care practiced in the;

1.1. urban area; and

1.2. rural area

2. How are the culture-based health care practices provided by the

Tambalans in the:

2.1. urban area; and

2.2. rural area

(3 single spaces)
Significance of the Study

(2 single spaces)
This segment renders a detailed exposition of the importance of the study

to various sectors such as the management, the workforce, the clients, suppliers,

and the general public. The researchers need to identify those who are to benefit

from the study: people, institutions, and agencies. The researchers need to cite

how they will be benefited from the findings of the research. The researchers
should not fail to include the other researchers as beneficiaries and what they are

expected to benefit.

(enumerate persons, clusters, sectors who will benefit the existence of the study)

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

(3 single spaces)
Provide an introductory statement of the chapter in this area.
(2 single spaces)
Research Design

(2 single spaces)
This section involves stating the design used in the study, whether

qualitative, quantitative, or others. More specifically, it is about how a researcher

systematically designs a study to ensure valid and reliable results that address

the research aims and objectives. It should be discussed or presented on how

the approach helps in data gathering.

(3 single spaces)
Research Environment

(2 single spaces)
(include a map of the locale)
This section refers to the locale where the study is conducted. This could

range from different sitios, barangays, municipalities, cities depending on the

scope of the study. Just ensure that the output is measurable and time-bounded

for the proponents.

(3 single spaces)

Research Participants

(2 single spaces)
This specifies whether the participants comprise the universe or samples.

Describe the respondents by presenting the eligibility criteria (including inclusion

and exclusion criteria). This includes the characteristics and profile of the

research participants (demographics, psychographics, geographics) and how the

researcher is going to identify them.

Please use the appropriate terminology, informants for qualitative

researchers, respondents for those who answer the questionnaire, and subjects

for those being acted upon by the study.

This presents a table of participants which depicts the population size,

sample size and percentage of samples in relation to the population.

Research Instrument

(2 single spaces)
The most common research instruments are tests, review of documents,

observation checklist or guide, participant observation field notes, interview

schedule or guide, self-made questionnaire, scales, narrative accounts, and

focus group discussion issues. The researchers need to decide on the type of

research instrument that will best gather the data and information needed in the

study.

Indicate also instructions for accomplishing, checking, scoring and

interpreting the instrument. Make sure the instructions are clear and explicit.

Erroneous instructions will affect the respondent’s responses and likewise the

data.

Justify its characteristics if it possesses a good research instrument. If the

questionnaire is borrowed, please acknowledge the author or from the where it is

adopted. There is also a need to mention the source or author of the scoring

pattern being adopted. Describe the scoring or point system for every variable.
The data quantification should help in the statistical analysis. Explain also how

the data will be interpreted.

Discuss validation of the instrument, its validity and reliability and/or the

need for revalidation. Discuss triangulation strategies. Research instruments,

which have been adopted from previous studies more often than not, do not need

to be revalidated. When changes or revisions have been made to suit the needs

of the study, there is a need for revalidation.

Instruments used from published studies that are not culture free needs

validation and item analysis. Instruments used in unpublished studies that are not

rigorously validated and item analyzed need validation and item analysis.

Quantitative researcher-made instruments need to be validated. Discuss

content validation (at least 3 experts) and face validation (pre-testing). There is

also a need to frame item analysis through three reliability tests. Cite the

justification why there is no need for validation.

(3 single spaces)

Data Gathering Procedure

(2 single spaces)

This narrates the step-by-step process, courses of action or sequence of

events that the proponents took in the course of gathering the data. This shall be

done in procedural- like manner to really see how the entire process took place.in

the administration of the instruments and the retrieval of accomplished

instruments.

(2 single spaces)
DEFINITION OF TERMS

(2 single spaces)
(Note: Words to be defined are those found in the research title and those in the

statement of the problem.)

(*should be in alphabetical order)

Includes the key terms in the statement of the problem. Terms have to be

defined operationally. Terms to be defined have to be arranged alphabetically.

These are the terms that are operationally used in the research and may not be

too familiar to the readers. There may be terms that are familiar but has a

different meaning in the context of the study. Hence, this is arranged

alphabetically.
 CHAPTER II

(3 single spaces)

PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA

(3 single spaces)

Present an introductory statement for this chapter. The chapter is organized and divided

into topics according to the sub-problems. The researchers should present only relevant

data.

In reporting quantitative data, summarize the results through tables or

chart presentation or graphs. In the presentation of results, include statistical

tests of significance, computed value of the test, degree of freedom, probability

level, and the direction of the effect. The analysis of data should be objective and

logical. Interpret the results in a narrative form after the table Textual

presentation should supplement or expand the contents of tables and charts,

rather than duplicate them. Present facts as much as possible. If opinions would

substantiate the findings then it should be supported with related literatures. In

interpreting data, point those that are consistent or inconsistent and based

interpretation using implications or synthesis.

Provide a side heading, then make a short introduction to present the

hypothesis and the table number. Then insert the Table and interpretation and

discussion of the table will follow. An example format is provided below:

 14

Example:

Table 3
The Communication Strategies of ESL Teachers

FACTORS IN COMMUNICATION
MEAN SD RANK
STRATEGIES

Social Affective Strategies 3.93 0.53 6

Fluency-Oriented Strategies 4.11 0.33 4

Negotiation for Meaning while Speaking 4.55 0.18 2

Accuracy-Oriented Strategies 4.01 0.20 3

Message Reduction and Alteration 3.74 0.63 7

Strategies

Nonverbal Strategies while Speaking 4.51 0.16 1

Message Abandonment Strategies 2.46 0.65 8

Attempt to think in English Strategies 3.24 0.41 5

Table 3 comprises the mean, standard deviation and the rank of the

different factors in communication strategies. With the given standard deviation,

the ranking order of the most used CSs is reflected above. It clearly shows that

the nonverbal strategies while speaking factor is the most commonly used

among the teachers with the mean of 4.51 and an SD of 0.16. This implies that

teachers tend to use more of the gestures or facial expressions to give clues to

the receiver of the message what one means especially if communication gaps

exist. This finding is in accordance with Dörnyei (1995) who stated that some

people can communicate effectively in a second language even with only 100
 15

words by using their hands; imitating sounds or moving things. Sukirlan (2014)

added that non-verbal strategies are still well-liked among its users for these

strategies are helpful to support in delivering messages to the listeners.

(when presenting the results also provide the theories/studies/concepts

mentioned in the literature background as if to give a support/against to the
findings of the study)
 CHAPTER III

(3 single spaces)

SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

(3 single spaces)

Present an introductory statement for this segment.

(2 single spaces)

Summary
(2 single spaces)

The summary is the recapitulation of the problems and the methodology.

Present briefly on how the research was conducted including the summary of the

problem in declarative form, type of research, methodology employed,

participants and place of study.

Findings
(2 single spaces)

Present in outline form the main findings without giving any interpretation. The

order should follow the sequences of the topics previously based on the sub-

problems.

(3 single spaces)

Conclusion
(2 single spaces)

Conclusion is the formulation of generalizations based on collected data.

This presents broad statements or generalizations based on the findings of the

study with the purpose of answering the main problems. Broad generalizations

not supported by data or findings should be avoided. The statements should be

based from the theory or concepts used.

(3 single spaces)
 17

Recommendations
(2 single spaces)
Recommendations are suggestions for the improvement of practices,

policies, and implementing strategies relative to the research. Recommendations

are divided into specific and general recommendations. Specific

recommendations are based on the findings and conclusions of the study itself.

The researchers are advised to suggest five related studies related to the

undertaken study. These would serve as research buds. It includes; (1)

replication study for triangulation purposes; (2) more advanced or sophisticated

methodology based from the evidence-based practice hierarchy; (3) studies that

would cover areas uncovered by the present research; and (4) improved

methodology based form the weakness of the present study.

(recommendations based on the findings) recommendations that are not part of

the study must be avoided)

 18

GENERAL GUIDELINES

1. Never use personal pronouns like: I, me, we, are, us and you.

Always use: the researcher(s)

2. Acknowledgement of all sources.

3. Observe confidentiality.

4. Table should be in one page. If impossible, break it into two tables.

5. Number 1-9 (whole word); 10-up in figures.

6. Paging before chapter 1, use the lowercase letters. (i, ii, iii, etc.)

7. Foreign words, dialects must be italics.

8. Never use abbreviations or symbols.

9. Do not transcribe the page numbers in every start of a chapter and on

pages where schematic diagram were transcribed.

10. Define major terms as presented in title and subproblems of the study.

11. Measurement:

 Borders should be measured one and one-half inches from left side

while measuring 1 inch from right side, top and bottom.

 Font Style: Arial, 12

12. Everything should be in double space except for direct paragraph/long

quotations which is presented in single-space, inset with half tab in both

sides.