Guide In Writing Research Proposal

GUIDE IN WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

METHODS OF RESEARCH Res. 1E

GUIDE IN WRITING RESEARCH AnaPROPOSAL L. Vargas Assistant Professor 2 Prof. Ana L. Vargas

WRITING RESEARCH PROPOSAL

What is a research proposal? 

a plan showing the step-by-step description of how a proposed research will be undertaken.

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reflects the researcher’s understanding of the problem and ability to conduct research

Format of Research Proposal  Title Page  Chapter 1 – The Problem and Its Setting  Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature and Studies

 Chapter 3 - Methology  Ethical Considerations

 References

Title Page

Chapter 1 - The Problem and It’s Setting  Include:  Background of the Study  Objectives of the Study  General  Specific  Assumption (if applicable)  Hypothesis (if applicable)  Scope and Delimitation of the Study  Significance of the Study  Definition of Terms

Background of the study 

Context of the study 

State why you chose your topic

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What prompted your interest in the topic/area 

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more statements about the general aspects of the problem already investigated by other researchers.

reasons/justification “why there is need to conduct the study or why is it worth doing?”

Example According to the USI university mission statement, the university seeks to provide students with a safe, healthy learning environment. Dormitories are one important aspect of that learning environment, since 55% of XY students live in campus dorms and most of these students spend a significant amount of time working in their dorm rooms. Students living in dorms A B C, and D currently do not have air conditioning units, and during the hot seasons, it is common for room temperatures to exceed 80 degrees F. Many students report that they are unable to do homework in their dorm rooms. Others report problems sleeping because of the humidity and temperature. The rooms are not only unhealthy, but they inhibit student

In response to this problem, the study proposes to investigate several options for making the dorms more hospitable. The study plans to carry out an all inclusive participatory investigation into options for purchasing air conditioners (university-funded; student-subsidized) and different types of air conditioning systems. The research will also consider less expensive ways to mitigate some or all of the problems noted above (such as creating climate-controlled dorm lounges and equipping them with better study areas and computing space).

Example 2 In order to accomplish their missions public universities need motivated workforces. There are however frequent and severe disciplinary actions, absenteeism as well as various forms of unrests in public universities which affect the accomplishment of the set missions. Our preliminary investigation reveals to both nonmanagement and management staff are not adequately motivated.

Without effective motivational packages and procedures the said vices are likely to continue and retard the achievement of the universities missions. Need arises to examine the public universities motivation systems and procedures hence this proposed research.

Objective of the study 

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general statement or objective of the study specific objectives of the study that will lead to the attainment of the general objective

Scope and Delimitations 

Scope 

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Delimitations 

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the objective(s)/statement of the problem

what is not covered in the study which are supposed to be included in the design and development of the study Potential weaknesses of the study

use past tense

Significance of the Study  

identify the right beneficiary explore all the benefits that can be received by these beneficiaries/stakeholders  

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Why is your research important What are the implications of the result per beneficiary

How does it link to other knowledge (or research)?

use past tense

Definition of Terms 

Only important terms taken from the title, statement of the problem, assumptions, hypothesis, and the research paradigm are to be defined.

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The terms should be arranged alphabetically and should be defined conceptually and/or operationally.

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Proper citation for conceptually defined terms

Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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Guide in Writing Chapter 1 

Line spacing: double space

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Spacing before: 0 pt

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Paragraph indention: 1.50 cm

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Alignment: justified.

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Spacing After: 0 pt

Line spacing between the first level heading and the body: 1-double space; 0 pt before and after

Guide in Writing Chapter 1 (cont’d.) 

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Line spacing in the body: double space; 0 pt before and after No extra space will be given after the last sentence and another paragraph Two spaces between period and another sentence Observe PAST TENSE (since it was done already – specifically for the results of the study ----though facts can be presented in PRESENT TENSE)

Chapter 2 - Review of Related Literature and Studies

 include:  Introductory paragraph  Related Literature  Related Studies  Synthesis of-the-Art  Gap Bridge by the Study  Conceptual Framework

Tips in Writing Related Literature 

Must have an INTRODUCTORY paragraph relating to the chapter

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Must be organized by themes, concepts or software requirements (these are just some suggestions – it depends on your reviewed lit/study)

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Sub-headings must be: 

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Review of Related Literatures (no need to label “local and foreign”) Review of Related System (no need to label “local and foreign”)

Tips in Writing Related Literature(cont’d.) 

The format of reference for non-verbatim statements is as follows:

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Example: 

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According to Pura (year) … As stated by Pura (year)… The study of Pura (year) OR

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It has been said that…… (author, year).

Time frame of at least 5 years

Tips in Writing Related Literature(cont’d.) 

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Do not copy in toto the information from your

source. No more than 10% of the entire paper is allowed for direct quotation. Give due credit to the real source of your data. Cite the authors at the end of the sentence. How?

Paraphrase using your own words and style the data gathered.

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Summarize important points from your sources and relate them to your topic.

Synthesis of-the-Art (SoTA) 

need to group/organize authors, you can do it by presenting it in terms of themes,  topics,  trend  use of research methodology, etc. 

Why the need for the Synthesis-of-the-Art?

SoTA is a step to demonstrate the novelty of your research results

Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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Function of SoTA 

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It proves that your research problem has relevance

It shows different approaches to a problem. It shows what you can reuse from what others have done Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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Writing SoTA 

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integrate insights gained from the reviewed literature need to group/organize authors, you can do it by presenting it in terms of   

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characteristics/focus of study methods used in the study statistical tools used in the study, etc.

Provide appropriate transitions both within and between paragraphs 

statistics (number of reviewed literature/study) be cited

SoTA Example There is often a tendency to approach the literature review as a collection of summaries of papers (Webster and Watson 2002). An effective literature review is much more. According to Hart (1998), a literature review is the use of ideas in the literature to justify the particular approach to a topic, the selection of research methods, and demonstration that the proposed research will contribute something new. Bolderston (2008) similarly describes a literature review as an informative, critical, and useful synthesis of a particular topic that helps: identify what is known (and unknown) in the subject area; identify areas of controversy, knowledge gaps or debate; and formulate questions that need further research. Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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Gap-Bridged 

state the unique feature of your study in comparison with the reviewed literature/study

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it could be on the method requirements, components (scope), materials used in the study

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could be based from the synthesis-of- the- art

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Lead to the feasibility (doable) study Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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Conceptual Paradigm 

Identify and discuss the variables related to the problem.

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Present a schematic diagram of the paradigm of the research and discuss the relationship of the elements/variables therein Prof. Ana L. Vargas, MS EnE

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CONCEPTUAL PARADIGM INPUTS

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Learning needs of the students Limited instructional materials Academic performance Drive and motivation to learn

PROCESS

FEEDBACKS

Needs assessment of the students. Design of Computer Aided Instruction for Chemistry Experimentation Behavioral changes and learning skills evaluation

Comments and suggestions from the panel of evaluators, colleagues and students

OUTPUT Instructional Material for Stoichiometry and Gas Laws in PowerPoint presentation

Teacher’s Manual or User’s Guide for Computer Aided Instruction

ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE LEARNER

Behaviorism Theory

Researcher’s Theory:

Brain Based Learning Theory

“Learning is any change in behavior.”

PowerPoint Learning Theory

“The brain has a virtually inexhaustible capacity to learn.”

Learning Environment Information Processing Theory “The brain process and stores information .”

The efficiency of teaching-learning process can be upgraded if used with PowerPoint Presentations.

Learning Environment Bruner’s Learning Theory “Learning theory involves three simultaneous processes: acquisition, transformation and evaluation.

Guide in writing chapter 3 

Line spacing: 

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First heading

double space

Spacing before & after: Auto

Body

double space

Spacing before & after : 0 pt

Next heading

double space

Spacing before and after:

Body

double space

Spacing before 7 after: 0 pt

30 pt

For the body:    

Only the first sentence of the paragraph is indented by 1.50 cm. The alignment is justified. Two spaces between period and another sentence. No extra space will be given after the last sentence and another paragraph

Chapter 3 - Methodology  include:  Introductory Paragraph

 Research Design  Data Gathering Procedure  Data Gathering Instruments  Statistical Tools