THESIS WRITING GUIDE

Social Science Format

INTRODUCTION
Background of the Study
Objectives of the Study
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study

REVIEW OF LITERATURE
Literature and Studies
Conceptual Framework

METHODOLOGY
Locale of the Study Research
Design
Operational Definition of Terms
Population and Sample Research
Instruments
Data Gathering Procedures Data
Analysis and Interpretation
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

In this section, it provides the overview of the study. When writing this section, you can start with

the context or situation of the problem (preferably as an “inverted pyramid”, from the international down

to the local level). At this portion, sources can be cited to support important ideas. Next, discuss the

justification, motivation, or reasons of selecting the topic for research. Lastly, include the significance

(theoretical or practical) of the study by enumerating possible contributions to existing knowledge.

Objectives of the Study

The objectives must be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Result-oriented, and Time

bound). Provided the example below;

This study generally aims to determine the milk and milk product consumption preference of

clients of the Dairy Store Ilocos of the Philippine Carabao Centre. Specifically, it aims to:

1. characterize the socio-demographic profile of clients;

2. determine the consumption motivation, purchasing preference, influencing factors and

role of family and peer groups;

3. identify xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

4. determine xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

Significance of the Study

This section is composed of a set of statements on the possible contributions of the study. It

indicates the generalizability of the research findings and how the research would contribute to theory or

knowledge. It also describes the specific application of knowledge obtained and the potential importance

of these applications.
 Scope and Limitations of the Study

This section identifies the boundaries of the research. In other words, it discusses the weaknesses

of the study in terms of methodology and generalizability of the results. For example, the research could

have been limited by the size of the sample, locale, and other factors. These should be clearly

indicated/pointed out so that the results could be interpreted accordingly.

REVIEW OF LITERATURE

Literature and Studies

This part serves the following functions: a) expands the introductory chapter of the thesis, i.e., it

presents a clearer background of the study; b) helps to further define the research problem;

c) provides the theoretical basis for the research proposal; d) helps the researcher in the interpretation of

the results or findings; and e) helps the researcher outline the implications of his/her study.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

This section presents the basic arrangement of the study by showing the inter-

relationships among the important topics or the variables. The next part can then be the

enumeration (in paragraph form) of the a) independent variables (or their equivalent), b) the

dependent variables (or their equivalent), c) intervening or moderating variables, if any, and d)

other components of the research. A figure (possibly the "Paradigm of Variables") showing the

inter-relationships of these topics can then be shown. After the figure showing the paradigm of

variables. the independent variables are discussed in relation to existing literature. This is

followed by a discussion of the dependent variables. If relationships between the independent and

dependent variables are being studied, then the last portion of the Conceptual Framework

should consider literature about these

topics are still to be discussed in relation to existing literature.

Locale of the Study

This section briefly describes the place or site where the study will be (was) conducted. Site

description includes only those that are relevant to the study, i.e., the descriptors which are likely to affect

the results and provide significant implications to the research findings. Consider the following in

describing the study site/location: a) exact location which could be supported by a map showing the place

in relation to the community and its neighboring towns; b) rationale behind the choice of the locale; and

d) attributes of the place which are closely related to the subject/area(s) of the study.

Research Design

The research design describes the overall scheme in conducting the research. It indicates the

research mode, i..e, experiment, quasi-experiment (e.g., time series, one-group posttest, etc.), correlational,

descriptive, ex-post facto, ethnographic research, and historical, among others. It also explains the

rationale behind choosing the specific research design for the study.

Operational Definition of Terms

An operational definition of term (ODT) assigns meaning to a variable by specifying the activity

or operation to measure it. Alternatively, it is a specification of the activities of the researcher in

measuring a variable or in manipulating it. Describe how the variables of the study are specifically used

and treated in the study. According to Kerlinger (1964), the terms which need to be defined operationally

are those used in the research title, specific problems/objectives, and hypotheses of the study. In preparing

the ODT, follow the steps enumerated as follows: a) list all important terms to be included in the section,

b) arrange the terms according to importance c)

tools, and measures to be employed in the study.

Population and Sample

Describe the population and samples in the section. Likewise, specify the sampling technique

(e.g., probability sampling or non-probability sampling such as accidental, quota, etc.) and/or justified.

Describe also how the sample size will be (was) determined to include reliability and probable error.

Additionally, describe the sampling population by indicating the sampling frame, where applicable.

Research Instruments

Present the data gathering instruments like interview schedule or self-administered

questionnaires. Identify or describe the different parts of the research instrument(s). Moreover, explain the

procedure in pre-testing the research instrument and how the pretest results will be (were) used in

finalizing the instrument.

Data Gathering Procedures

These consist of the step-by-step procedure used in collecting all the needed data in the study.

Explain the actual procedure in the administration of the research instruments used in the study.

Moreover, specify the duration of the study or the specific dates when the study will be (was) conducted.

Data Analysis

Present, enumerate, and justify the choice of the statistical measures and tests and other analysis

(e.g., economic analysis) that are used in the study. Moreover, include the formula of
statistical tools and the legend of symbols in the formula. Likewise, describe the manner in which the data

will be (were) presented (e.g., tables, charts, and graphs) and interpreted (e.g., use of illustrations,

schematic diagrams, and maps among others).