RESEARCH NOTES: MIDTERM

 WHAT ARE THE CONTENTS OF CHAPTER 1 IN RESEARCH?

This chapter includes the introduction, theoretical framework, statement of the problem,
hypothesis, scope and limitation, conceptual framework, significance of the study and the definition of
terms used.
Chapter 1 introduces the research problem and the evidence supporting the existence of the
problem. It outlines an initial review of the literature on the study topic and articulates the purpose of
the study. The definitions of any technical terms necessary for the reader to understand are essential.
Chapter 1 also presents the research questions and theoretical foundation or conceptual framework and
provides an overview of the research methods (qualitative or quantitative) being used in the study.
 CHAPTER 2
Chapter 2 covers the literature review. It provides a detailed analysis of the theory/conceptual
framework used in the study. In addition, chapter 2 offers a thorough synthesis of the available,
current, scholarly literature on all aspects of the topic, including all points of view.
The purpose of Chapter 2 is to provide the reader with a comprehensive review of the literature
related to the problem under investigation. The review of related literature should greatly expand upon
the introduction and background information presented in Chapter 1.
 CHAPTER 3
In developing the chapter three of the research project, you state the purpose of research,
research method you wish to adopt, the instruments to be used, where you will collect your data, types
of data collection, and how you collected it.
Chapter 3 consists of three parts: (1) Purpose of the study and research design, (2) Methods,
and (3) Statistical Data analysis procedure. Part one, Purpose of the study and Research Design, relates
the purpose of the study and describe the research design and the variables used in this study. Part two,
Methods, describes the participants, the data gathering materials and the research procedure used in the
study. Part three, statistical data analysis procedures, reports the procedure for scoring and the
statistical analysis used to interpret the hypothesis.
 WHAT ARE THE 3 CHAPTERS OF RESEARCH?
A research proposal has three main parts: the introduction, the literature review, and the
methods section.
 CHAPTER 4
Chapter 4 is comprised of the following content: The results or findings on the data collected
and analysed. Results of descriptive analyses ❑ Results of inferential analyses (Quantitative).
Findings of text analyses (Qualitative)
This chapter comprises the analysis, presentation and interpretation of the findings resulting
from this study. The analysis and interpretation of data is carried out in two phases. The first part,
which is based on the results of the questionnaire, deals with a quantitative analysis of data. The
second, which is based on the results of the interview and focus group discussions, is a qualitative
interpretation.
 WHAT IS METHODOLOGY?
In research, methodology refers to the systematic plan or approach used to conduct a study. It
includes the principles, procedures, and techniques researchers employ to collect, analyze, and
interpret data. The methodology provides the framework for how the research is designed and
executed, ensuring that the process is rigorous, reproducible, and valid.

Key components of methodology:

Research design: Specifies how the study is structured, such as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed
methods.
Data collection methods: The tools and techniques used to gather data, like surveys, interviews,
experiments, or observations.
Data analysis: Techniques for making sense of the data, such as statistical analysis for quantitative
studies or thematic analysis for qualitative studies.
Sampling methods: The process of selecting individuals or groups for participation, which may involve
random, purposive, or convenience sampling.
 Ethical considerations: Procedures ensuring the protection of participants and the integrity of the
research process.
Limitations: Any constraints or potential biases in the methodology that may affect the outcomes or
interpretation.
The methodology explains not just what methods are used but why they are chosen, ensuring that the
research is well-founded and logically sound.
 2 PARTS OF RELATED LITERATURE (CHAPTER 2)
1. CONCEPTUAL LITERATURE - Conceptual literature refers to a type of literature that focuses on the
theoretical aspects and ideas related to a specific topic or concept. It involves the examination and
analysis of existing literature to develop a deeper understanding of the concept being studied.
Conceptual literature refers to scholarly works that explore and discuss the theories, concepts,
and ideas relevant to a specific topic or field of study. It focuses on the development and examination
of frameworks, models, or theoretical perspectives without necessarily relying on empirical data or
experimentation. Conceptual literature helps provide a foundation for understanding key ideas and
guiding further research by offering insights into how concepts are defined, related, or applied.
2. RELATED STUDIES - Related studies, on the other hand, are specific research studies that have been
conducted on a similar or related topic. These studies may have similar objectives, methodologies, or
findings that are relevant to the current study. Related studies are important in research as they
contribute to our understanding of the specific research area in a useful way. The importance of related
studies in research is to provide a foundation and context for the current study.
 6 PARTS OF METHODOLOGY (CHAPTER 3)
1. RESEARCH DESIGN- This outlines the overall strategy of the study, such as whether it is qualitative,
quantitative, or mixed methods.
2. SAMPLING DESIGN/PARTICIPANTS/RESPONDENTS OF THE STUDY: Details how participants
or data sources will be selected, including the size and type of the sample (random, purposive, etc.).
3. DATA COLLECTION/INSTRUMENT/DATA GATHERING MATERIALS: Describes the
techniques and tools used to gather data, such as surveys, interviews, or experiments.
4. STATISTICAL DATA ANALYSIS: Explains the methods used to process and interpret the collected
data, including statistical techniques or thematic analysis.
5. DATA GATHERING PROCEDURES - The data gathering procedure (DGP) is a seven-step process
that involves analyzing the scope and data sources, identifying necessary data, classifying the data,
checking data availability, analyzing a state cross-sectional table, exploring options for gathering
unavailable data, and estimating costs.
6. ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Addresses the ethical protocols followed to ensure the safety and
privacy of participants, including obtaining informed consent and ensuring confidentiality.

DESCRIPTIVE DATA ANALYSIS- Descriptive techniques often include constructing tables of

means and quantiles, measures of dispersion such as variance or standard deviation, and cross-
tabulations or "crosstabs" that can be used to examine many disparate hypotheses. Those hypotheses
are often about observed differences across subgroups. Specialized descriptive techniques are used to
measure segregation, discrimination, and inequality. Discrimination is often measured using audit
studies or decomposition methods. More segregation by type or inequality of outcomes need not be
wholly good or bad in itself, but it is often considered a marker of unfair social processes; accurate
measurement of the levels across time and space is a prerequisite to understanding those processes.

POPULATION- A population is the entire group that you want to draw conclusions about.

SAMPLE- A sample is the specific group that you will collect data from.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK - A conceptual framework is an analytical tool with several

variations and contexts. It can be applied in different categories of work where an overall picture is
needed. It is used to make conceptual distinctions and organize ideas.

THEORITICAL FRAMEWORK- A theoretical framework consists of concepts and, together with

their definitions and reference to relevant scholarly literature, existing theory that is used for your
particular study.

The theoretical framework basically differs from the conceptual framework in that it often inspires the
research question based on the theories' predictions about the phenomena under investigation. A
 conceptual framework, on the other hand, emerges from the research question, providing a structure
for investigating it.

SMART- Definition of SMART Objectives. SMART stands for specific, measurable, achievable,
relevant, and time-bound. Specific – Objective clearly states, so anyone reading it can understand,
what will be done. and who will do it. Measurable – Objective includes how the action will be
measured. Measuring your objectives helps you determine if you are making progress. It keeps you on
track and on schedule. Achievable – Objective is realistic given the realities faced in the community.
Setting reasonable objectives helps set the project up for success. Relevant – A relevant objective
makes sense, that is, it fits the purpose of the grant, it fits the culture and structure of the community,
and it addresses the vision of the project. Time-bound – Every objective has a specific timeline for
completion.

 WHEN WILL YOU SAY A TITLE IS A GOOD RESEARCH TITLE?

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest
possible words needed to adequately describe the content and/or purpose of your research paper.
In a nutshell, your research title should accurately capture what you have done, it should sound
interesting to the people who work on the same or a similar topic, and it should contain the important
title keywords that other researchers use when looking for literature in databases. A research paper title
should be concise and to the point. Ideally, it should be around 10 to 12 words or less. A shorter title is
more effective in grabbing readers' attention and conveying the main idea succinctly.
A research title is considered good when it clearly and concisely conveys the essence of the
study. It should be specific enough to reflect the core focus of the research, yet broad enough to
encompass the main variables or themes being investigated. A strong title uses precise language,
avoids unnecessary jargon, and provides insight into the methodology, population, or setting where
relevant. Ideally, it should also be engaging, sparking curiosity while being informative. Additionally,
it should be succinct, typically between 10 to 15 words, and aligned with the research questions or
objectives, giving readers a clear understanding of the study's purpose at a glance.
 NUMBERS IN ESSAY
According to APA Style, you should normally use numerals for the numbers 10 and above. You
should use words to express numbers below 10 (one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, and nine).
 WHAT IS BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY?
The background of the study provides context and foundation for the research by explaining the
problem or issue the study addresses. It outlines key information, including historical, theoretical, or
conceptual frameworks, that help readers understand why the research is important. The background
also highlights existing knowledge on the topic, identifies gaps or unresolved questions, and justifies
the need for the study. By situating the research within a broader context, it helps clarify the
significance and relevance of the investigation, guiding the reader toward the specific research
questions or objectives.

Research designs are structured plans or strategies that guide the process of collecting, analyzing, and
interpreting data in a research study. They serve as the blueprint for how the research will be
conducted and help ensure that the results are valid and reliable. Research designs are chosen based on
the type of research question, the nature of the variables being studied, and the overall goal of the
research.
The five main types of research design, each suited to different research questions and
objectives, are:
1. Descriptive Research Design:
o Focuses on describing characteristics, behaviors, or conditions without examining
relationships or causes.
o Commonly uses surveys, case studies, and observational methods to gather data.
o Example: Studying the demographic characteristics of a population.
2. Correlational Research Design:
o Examines the relationship between two or more variables without manipulating them.
o Determines whether an association exists but does not imply causality.
o Example: Exploring the relationship between study habits and academic performance.
3. Experimental Research Design:
 o Involves manipulating one or more independent variables to determine their effect on
dependent variables.
o Utilizes random assignment and control groups to establish cause-and-effect
relationships.
o Example: Testing the impact of a new drug on patient recovery rates.
4. Quasi-Experimental Research Design:
o Similar to experimental designs but lacks random assignment of participants to groups.
o Used when true experiments are not feasible due to ethical or practical constraints.
o Example: Evaluating the effectiveness of a training program in different schools.
5. Exploratory Research Design:
o Conducted when the research problem is not well-defined or is in its initial stages.
o Aims to gain insights and understanding to formulate more specific research questions.
o Example: Investigating customer attitudes toward a new product before launching.
These designs help guide researchers in selecting the appropriate approach to answer their
specific research questions.

QUALITATIVE RESEARCH - Qualitative research is a type of research that aims to gather and
analyse non-numerical data in order to gain an understanding of individuals' social reality, including
understanding their attitudes, beliefs, and motivation.
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH- Quantitative research is a research strategy that focuses on
quantifying the collection and analysis of data. It is formed from a deductive approach where emphasis
is placed on the testing of theory, shaped by empiricist and positivist philosophies.