PARTS OF RESEARCH PAPER

A. COVER PAGE
B. Preliminaries
Approval Sheet
Dedication
Acknowledgments
Abstract
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures
C. Research Paper Proper

CHAPTER I:

INTRODUCTION. This part contains background information about the topic at hand
backed up by data and some references. The following should be given emphasis in this part.
Reasons of the researcher for choosing the topic.

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM. This part contains the general problem putting stress on
the title of the research with at least three specific sub-problems.

Strategies Identify Research Problems:

1. Read the literature
2. Attend prof. Lectures, symposia, conferences, seminars
3. Inquire from business practitioners
4. Inquire from other agencies
5. Visiting various libraries
6. Ask Technocrats
7. Ask recognized academecians
8. Interview business leaders
9. Surf the internet
10. Subscribing and building up journals in your field

Selection Of A Research Problem:

1. Novelty and Avoidance of Unnecessary duplication
2. Feasibility of the problem/Topic as to:
a. Availability of relevant data
b. Limits and constraint of time and resources
c. Access to necessary samples records
d. Manageability of research methodology and
e. Sufficiency of variables, adequacy of potential findings
3. Research Facilities
4. Relevance of the problem area to the researcher’s interest
a. Availability of research instruments or equipment and their condition
b. Availability of library materials or adequacy of interest
c. Place and atmosphere of work
5. Relevance of the problem area to the researcher’s Interest

Formulation of the research problem

 The research problem is written in question form
 The research problem identifies a specific area
 The topic is phrased in workable and manageable terms
 The scope is limited to realistic parameters that are not too narrow nor too broad
 The words used are unbiased, objective are not emotion-laden
 The relationship between variables to be studied are clearly cited
 The phrases and wordings are measurable and can be empirically proven
 The research problem identifies the data and techniques needed to answer the
questions
 The research problem stated clearly in grammatical terms
Examples:
The study on “Effectiveness of Brand Switching of Laundry Soap Users in Metro Manila seeks to answers
the following specific problems namely:

1. What are the factors that affect brand switching of laundry soap users in Metro Manila
1.1. What external factors (demographic, and psychographic) affect brand switching of laundry soap
users?
1.2. What external factors (intrinsic and extrinsic characteristics of the soap) affect brand switching of
laundry soap users in Metro Manila?
1.2.1. What are the intrinsic characteristics possessed by the soap (smell, provides the needed
cleanliness, color, subsability, chemical content of the soap, quantity of soap washed, etc.)
that may affect brand switching of laundry soap users in Metro Manila?
1.2.2. What are the extrinsic characteristics of the soap( price, packaging, advertising, accessibility
and affordability, sales promotions, previous brand ineffective, sizes available) that may
affect brand switching of laundry soap users in Metro Manila?

This study deals with the “Current Practices on Human Resource Accounting of Selected Accounting Firms in
Metro Manila. Specifically this study sought to answer the following problems:

1. What is the profile of the respondent accounting firms in Metro Manila as to:
1.1. Years of Operation
1.2. Number of employees
1.3. Number of branches in the Philippines
2. What are the techniques employed by the accounting firms to estimate cost of human resources for
purposes of billing clients.
3. What is the analysis of the most frequently used techniques of accounting for human resource costs
by the respondent accounting firm in Metro Manila as to:
3.1. Hiring
3.2. Staffing
3.3. Training
3.4. Replacing
4. What is the reason for employing such method?
5. What are the possible problems encountered in such method?
6. What are the advantages and disadvantages of using such method?

HYPOTHESIS/ASSUMPTIONS/OBJECTIVES. Hypothesis is a proposition or principle which

is assumed in order to draw out its logical consequences and is tested by facts. It is an educated
guess for the solution of the problem that serves as the basis for gathering data and statistical
analysis of facts. It has to be tested through experiments or surveys.
The function of hypothesis is to direct our search for the order of facts towards the
solution of the problem.
Statement of Hypothesis:
Null hypothesis: There is no significant difference between the performance of male
and female drivers..
Affirmative hypothesis: there is significant difference between the performance of male
and female drivers..

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK. This part contains a theory of previous. Authors,

philosopher, researchers used as springboard for the theory and now it is applied to the present
study.

CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK. Contains the flow of paradigm of the study involving

inputs, process and outputs illustrated in a model. It is the researcher’s idea of his own study.

Conceptual framework offers the rationale and fundamental basis of the entire research. As a
basis. It presents the interrelationships of theories, principles, and beliefs that are essential to
the investigation of the present problem.

SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY. This part spells out the benefits that different related sectors
could derived from the study.

Individual Level Organizational level others

 Researchers Firms Government
 Students Industry Communities
  Employees Associations Consumers
 Managers Schools Suppliers
 Entrepreneurs Funding Agencies Investors

The results of this research project will be of significant value to a number of sectors in society which are........

The result of this study would provide helpful information to the following sectors......

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY. Contains specific coverage of the study as far as topic
setting, respondents, time, resources and Instrument. Include justification for such limitation.

The statement of the research problem requires a detailed explanation of the study’s
parameters and limitations. The section on scope and limitation should indicate study coverage with concrete
reference. (variables, source of data, methods to be employed in data collection and analysis, timeline, and
constraints that might be encountered during in the conduct of the investigation.
Ex. Of constraints; non availability of data, uncooperativeness of respondents, inability of
respondents to recall accurate responses and confidentiality of some relevant information

DEFINITION OF TERMS.
A. Operational definition - is used when a word is defined according to how it operates in the
study or according to what the researcher refers with some indicators.
B. Logical Definition is used when the meaning of definition of a term is taken from the valid
source like; Thesaurus. Dictionary and others.

CHAPTER II. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES.

1. An inventory of the available literature on the subject should be made prior to the
formulation of the research topic and questions.
2. Include foreign and local literature and studies
3. Cite similarities and differences between your study and the previous studies

CHAPTER III. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Research Design – Define the design of the study and why such design is used.
a. Indicate the type of research design or methodology used whether the
study is a historical, descriptive. Experimental or ex post facto research.
b. The researcher will also explain why such method is employed (defined the
method used) and
c. Variables includes or considered in the study will also be discussed as to its
type and level. (e.g. dependents, independents)

Types of Descriptive Research

1. Case studies
2. Surveys
3. Developmental studies;
4. Follow-up studies
5. Documentary analysis
6. Trend analysis
7. Correlational studies
2. Research Locale – describe the area where the study shall be conducted. If possible draw a
sketch map to show the location.
The location and the description of the environment where the study was/will be
conducted will be presented
3. Research Respondents. Describe your respondents
Total Population
Sample Size
Sampling procedure (non-probability vs. Probability)
- Who are/ is the target population/s or sources (respondents) of the data or information
- The number of respondents/subjects or samples used:
- The sampling technique used, if sample is utilized rather than the whole population, sampling
procedure must be narrated in detailed manner to show that sample is truly representative of
the whole population.

(Sampling and Sampling technique)

a. Adequate sample size
b. Appropriate sampling technique
Minimum Sampling Size
 a. Slovin’s Formula
b. Gay’s Adequate Sample size
Sampling Techniques
1. Random Sampling – Probability Sampling
a. Simple Random sampling
 Equi-probability
 Drawing with replacement
 Drawing without replacement
 Fish-bowl techniques
 Table of random numbers
b. Systematic sampling
 Odd-Even scheme
 Interval Technique
c. Stratified Proportional Sampling
d. Cluster sampling
e. Non-random sampling
1. Deliberate of Purposive sampling
2. Quota sampling
3. Accidental or convenient sampling
4.Research Instruments
a. The data gathering instruments or tools used in gathering the data, whether
questionnaire/s, interview method (interview guide), observation technique, documentary
analysis or any combination of instruments is/ are used.
b. The parts of the instruments will be also discussed, as well as the responses,
response pattern or the rating scales, categories or ranges, continuum use will be described. The
method or steps in analyzing the data or responses of the respondents will also be presented
here.
Criteria of a good research Instrument:
 Reliability
 Validity
The Questionnaire is a set of questions, arranged in sequence and designed to be self
administered. The instrument in the questionnaire are directed to the respondents as a general rule, the
questionnaire is used if the respondents are literate, easily contacted and clearly motivated to reply.
TYPES OF QUESTIONNAIRE
1. Self developed/researcher-made questionnaire
2. Previously used validated questionnaire
3. Standardized questionnaire
STRUCTURE OF QUESTIONS
1. Closed-ended questions, the positive answers are anticipated. The respondents are spared the burden
of “thinking out” the answers. All they do is simply check the OPTION.
Rank system – respondents-are to priorities their multiple answers.

What are the problems in your workplace in correction with industrial safety? Please rank with 1 as the
most serious and 6 of the least serious.

_____The space between assembles of machines is very narrow.

_____ Fire alarms are not automatic.
_____ Fire drills are seldom constructed among the men.
_____ Reminders on safety regulations are issued regularly.
_____ Fire hazards around the plant are not being removed.
_____ maintenance men are not covered by accident insurance.

Scaling System. The respondents are asked to scale qualitatively the statement on the four or
five rating scale which is weighted. Defined and assigned with hypothetical mean range.

Ex. Please rate the following preventive maintenance practices of PhilCompak, INC as follows:
LEGEND: 5 – Very Effective
4 – Effective
3 – Less effective
2 – Ineffective
1 – Very Ineffective
Activities VE E LE I VI Interpretation
a. Daily plant and equipment inspection
b. Data recording of defects in individual
equipment & machinery
c. Spare parts acquisition
d. Maintenance schedule implementation
e. Routine equipment and machinery
adjustment
f. Equipment & machinery lubrication
g. Overhauling of machinery
h. Minor component replacement

WEIGHTED MEAN COMPUTATION AND INTERPRETATION

Example Five responses Category/Scale

(Frequency of good practices/application)

Response Category Equi. Points Weighted Mean Range Interpretation
Always 5 4.51 – 5.0 Excellent
Regularly 4 3.51 – 4.5 Very satisfactory
Sometimes 3 2.51 – 3.5 Satisfactory
Rarely 2 1.51 – 2.5 Fair
Never 1 1.0 – 1.5 Poor/Needs Improvement

Example Four responses Category/Scale

(Frequency of negative practices/application)

Response Category Equi. Points Weighted Mean Range Interpretation
Always 4 3.51 – 4.5 Very Undesirable
Regularly 3 2.51 – 3.5 Undesirable
Sometimes 2 1.51 – 2.5 Desirable
Rarely/Never 1 1.0 – 1.5 Very Desirable

Example Three responses Category/Scale

(Frequency of Seriousness problems/Constraints)

Response Category Equi. Points Weighted Mean Range Interpretation
Often 3 2.51 – 3.0 Very Serious
Sometimes 2 1.51 – 2.5 Serious
Rarely/Never 1 1.0 – 1.5 Less/not serious

Open-Ended questions, answer choices are not provided. This allows the respondents to say their views or “
think/create” their answer to the questions.

Ex. What student organization/s have you joined in the college?

Note: Open-ended types are common in qualitative researches, however, difficult to interpret.

5.Data Gathering Procedure. This section will present in detail:

a. The steps in the data gathering process, vividly discussed.
1. From the procedure of obtaining study permit
2. Pre-testing
3. Validation
4. Protocols undertaking
5. The way the test or instrument has been administered and
b. The description of the procedure in the distribution and the conduct of the questionnaire, interview or
observation will also be discussed.

6.Statistical Method. This section will discuss in detail the following.

a. Statistical designs and computations used in the data gathered
b. The rationale for the choice of the statistical measures also deserved to be mentioned in this part
c. Description in the steps in the treatment of data with details on the computation and formulas will also be
prevented.
Ex. % percentage
 Frequency
Chi-square
t-test/ f-test

CHAPTER IV – PRESENTATION ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA (Refer to Statement of the problem
for the order of presentation)
1. Present your data either in tabular form or graphical form
Introduce the table
Discuss the data given in the table
Analyze the data. Compare the most and the least. Cite difference
Interpret data according to the relevance to realities

CHAPTER V. SUMMARY AND FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Introduce the Chapter – ( This chapter )
Present: Summary of methods
Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations
APPENDICES
A. BIBLIOGRAPHY/REFERENCES
B. TRANSMITTAL LETTER
C. Questionnaire/Research instrument
D. Curriculum Vitae

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Sources of information
1. Interview 9. journals
2. Questionnaire 10. magazines
3. Lectures 11. documents
4. Radio/TV 12. Hand-outs
5. Letters 13. books
6. Memos 14. pamphlets
7. Newspaper 15. Internet websites
8. Brochures
Bibliographic entries can be classified into:
1. Primary and secondary sources
2. Forms of publication
Segregating the form of publication into group
1. Books
2. Periodicals
3. Unpublished works (theses/dissertation)
4. Articles and other sources (brochures, handouts, lectures)

HOW TO PREPARE BIBLIOGRAPHY:

1. Author’s name goes in the order: Surname, First name. Middle Initial
2. Title of the Book is underscored unbrokenly, and only the first letters of the important words are
capitalized
3. Periods separate the author’s name. Title of book, and facts of publication
4. Colon or comma between place of publication and publisher
5. If typed, leave two spaces after each PERIOD, leave five spaces indent the second and succeeding lines,
(reversed indention), BIBLIOGRAPHY entries must be in Single spaces.
6. Bibliography entries, must be presented in groups; as to books; periodicals; unpublished materials;
documents; and others;
7. Presentation will be in single-spaced and in reverse indention, (or the second and succeeding lines are
the one’s indented.
8. Correct punctuation must always be observed
Example:
Books:
Aquino, Gaudencio P. General Psychology with Values Development. Quezon City: National Book Store,
1994.
Gladding, Samuel T. Counseling: A Comprehensive Profession. 3rd ed. Ohio: Wake Forest University,
1997.
Ames, Carole C. And Russell, Ames R. Research on Motivation in Education, 2nd ed. New York: Academic
Press, 1994.
Bragstad, Bernice J. , et.al, . A Guide for Teaching Study Skills and Motivation, 2nd ed. Massachusetts:
Allyn and Bacon, 1998.

Articles from journal/periodicals

Journal:
Mojares, Resil B. “The Future of Cebuano Literature” Orientation, Vol X. 3 (August 1990), 10-11, 20.

Articles in a magazine:
Mojares, Resil B. “ Circle of Fire” Philippine Leader, July 12, 1990, pp 13-15, 19.

Newspaper:
Sticks and Stones, Cebu Bulletin, July 2, 1990. P. 4.
Cebu Bulletin. Sticks and Stones, July 2, 1990.

Thesis/Dissertation
Castillo, Elvira. “Career Choice Preferences Among Senior High School Students in Metro Manila:
Implication to Manpower.” Masteral Thesis, University of the Philippines, College of Social
Sciences and Philosophy, Quezon City, 1991.

Government documents:
DECS Regional Memorandum No. 137. 3rd SEAMEO Innotech International Conference, July 18, 1991.
DECS. Program For Decentralized Education. A Handbook

Others:
The World ALMANAC: The Book of Facts, 1997.

CITATION:

Single Author:
(Cruz, 2005: 10)
( Cruz and Fernandez, 2009: 68)
(Cruz, et. al., 2008: 120)

MECHANICS OF RESEARCH:

1. Spacing
Chapter number:
a. Two inches below the top edge of paper
b. Centered
c. All capital letters
d. Number in roman numeral
Chapter Title
a. Four spaces below the chapter
b. All capital letters
c. Centered
First Level Subheading
a. Three Spaces below the chapter title
b. Margin
c. Underlined
All other subsequent subheadings
a. Three spaces below the last line of the preceding paragraph
b. Indented
Line Spacing:
a. Double spaced
Table:
 a. Table Number is typed three spaces below the last line of the previous paragraph
b. Table title is typed two spaces below the table number
c. Contents of the table is typed two spaces below the table title
Paragraph Spacing:
a. Double space
b. Three spaces between paragraphs
2. Margins
a. Left margin is 1 ½ inches for thin books and two inches for thick books
b. Top margin is 1 ½ inches
c. Bottom margin is one inch
d. Right margin is one inch
3. Style of Writing
a. Use of third person
b. Use of future tense for thesis proposal especially in the presentation of methodology
c. Use of past tense for final book to suggest that research is completed
d. Use present tense when discussing the data found in the table
4. Research language
a. Choose the right word
b. Avoid dividing words at the end of the line
c. Spell out numbers at the beginning of the sentence and percent
d. Avoid abbreviation
e. Consult editor
5. Footnote:
a. Only the name of the author and the year of publication is placed at the end of the
quotation
6. References:
a. Surname, first name, M. In. title of the book (Edition if any), place of publication, publisher ,
(year of publication),.