PRACTICAL RESEARCH REVIEWER

NATURE OF INQUIRY AND RESEARCH

Research is a systematic process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting information to increase

understanding of a phenomenon.

It is a systematic and objective creation of knowledge (Creswell, 2013).

• Ask a Question
• Collect Data
• Present Answer

Types of Research

Qualitative (Descriptive)

• Data: words, images, transcripts

• Small samples (in-depth)
• Not generalizable to whole population

Quantitative (Numerical)

• Data: numbers, statistics

• Large samples
• Generalizable to population and faster, objective, can be replicated

TYPES OF QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH

Non-Experimental Research

(no manipulation of variables, only observation)

• Descriptive Research (Survey)

-Describes nature, characteristics, or components of a population.
-Focus: “What” not “Why.”
-Has only 1 variable.
• Correlational Research
-Compares 2 or more variables to see if a relationship exists.
-Variables are studied in a natural setting.
-Data collected by observation.
• Causal-Comparative Research (Ex post facto)
-Looks for cause and explanation of existing differences.
-Conclusion from observation (no true manipulation).

Experimental Research

(manipulates variables to test cause-and-effect)

• True Experimental Research
-Uses scientific method.
-Independent variable (cause) is manipulated. Dependent variable (effect) is measured.
-Respondents are randomly selected.
• Quasi-Experimental Research
-Also studies cause-and-effect, but with less validity.
-No random selection, and independent variable may not be manipulated.
-Often uses pre-test and post-test.

VARIABLE

Variable is a measurable and changeable characteristic that can take different values (numbers,
categories, or qualities).

Qualitative (Categorical Variables): Describe categories, characteristics, or qualities

( eye color, religion, gender)

Quantitative (Numerical Variables): Expressed in numbers

(age, height, weight)

Subtypes:

• Discrete: Countable, whole numbers only (e.g., number of students, siblings).

• Continuous: Infinite values within a range (e.g., height, time, temperature).

Types of Variables

• Nominal Scale: Only names, labels, categorial ( eye color, language, religion)
• Ordinal Scale: Ordered or ranked, but differences are not equal
• Interval Scale: Ordered with equal intervals, but no true zero ( temperature (°C), IQ scores)
• Ratio Scale: Like interval, but has a true zero (weight, age, height, income)

Causal Relationship

• Independent Variable (Cause): The factor that influences or causes change

• Dependent Variable (Effect): The outcome or result that changes
• Intervening/Mediating Variable: Acts as a link/bridge between independent and dependent
• Extraneous Variable: Extra factor that may affect the relationship, should be controlled
• Confounding Variable: Researcher fails to control it, affecting validity
DESIGNING RESEARCH TOPIC

Choose Research Topic – Pick an interesting, significant, and relevant topic.

Do Preliminary Research – Read sources to understand existing knowledge and gaps

• Review of Literature - Read books, journals, articles Helps identify gaps (what’s missing or less
studied)
• Consult Field Experts Ask professors, mentors, or professionals that can help refine and validate
your topic
• Brainstorming - List down possible ideas and Explore different angles which Helps in narrowing
down a broad topic

Define the Problem – Identify a specific issue or focus.

Refine Questions – Make research questions clear, specific, and doable.

RESEARCH TITLE

Basic Guidelines in Making a Research Title

Must Contain:

• Subject Matter
• Respondents/Participants
• Setting/Locale
• Time/Period

Clarity & Length:

• Broad enough, but concise.

• Avoid long, detailed titles.
• Not more than 15 substantive words.

Wording:

• Avoid “Analysis of,” “Study of,” or “Investigation of.”

• Use accurate, specific terms (not too general).
• Avoid unnecessary words like “Assessment” or “Evaluation” if already implied.
• No abbreviations (except common ones like DNA, ICT).
• Include independent & dependent variables.

Format:

• If long, use inverted pyramid style.

• All caps on the title page.
• Capitalize nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, first & last words.
• Write in declarative form and Italicize scientific names, use common names instead of formulas.
Others:

• Year of study only if it’s historical.

• Use current, formal terminology.
• Follow school/institution word limit (5–15 words).

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Explains the context of the research and Shows why the study is important and necessary. That Helps
readers understand the main focus of the study.

Guide Questions (Creswell, 2009)

Why is it necessary to conduct this study?

What problem influences the need for this study?

What is the context/background of the problem?

Guidelines in Writing

✅ Presentation of the Problem – Explain the issue clearly as observed/experienced.

✅ Existence of Unsatisfactory Condition – Show the problem that needs a solution.

✅ Rationale – Justify why the study must be conducted.

✅ Historical Background – Give past events or situations related to the problem.

TIOC Format (Trend, Issue, Objective, Contribution)

• Trend – Relate your study to previous research or current situation.

• Issue – Explain why the research is necessary (theoretical/practical reasons).
• Objective – State what the study aims to analyze or solve.
• Contribution – Highlight uniqueness and value of your study compared to others

RESEARCH PROBLEM AND QUESTIONS

Research Problem - situation that needs improvement or solutions. Considered as the “Why” (Hooser,
2022)

Research Question- Helps identify and specify the research problem, Considered as the sub-problem.
Which Tells what data to collect and how to analyze it.

Characteristics of a Good Research Problem

• Empirically verifiable (can be tested scientifically).

• Well-defined and clearly stated (not vague).
• Has clear boundaries and limitations.
• Supported by review of related literature.
• Arouses curiosity and leads to discoveries.
• Includes dependent and independent variables.
• Uses “How” instead of yes/no questions.
• Must be SMART: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-Bound.

Statement of the Problem - Lists the problems to be solved in the study.

• Descriptive – describes situation/variables.

• Inferential – relationship between variables (cause & effect). Independent → Dependent Variable.
• Analytical/statistical tests.

SCOPE LIMITATION AND DELIMITATION

Scope - Defines the coverage of the study.

• Specific variables
• Respondents/participants
• Locale/setting
• Time frame
• Purpose of the study

Delimitation - intentional boundaries set by the researcher, Focuses only on what the study
includes/excludes.

Limitation - Weaknesses or constraints beyond the researcher’s control. Factors that may affect
accuracy or results.

Components of Scope & Delimitation

• Topic of the Study

• Locale of the Study
• Objectives
• Characteristics of Respondents
• Time Frame
• Research Instruments/Methods

RESEARCH FRAMEWORK

A blueprint or schedule of the research plan. Helps the researcher formulate questions and organize
variables.

Theoretical Framework - Based on a specific theory used to support the study.

• Focus: A single or set of theories.

• Range: Broader; can be applied in different studies.
• Time: Established before the study.
Conceptual Framework - Synthesizes ideas, concepts, and findings from different sources.

• Focus: Directly related to the study.

• Range: Narrower; only for the current research.
• Time: Developed during the study.

Conceptual Framework Models

Independent–Dependent Variable (IV–DV) - Shows how one variable affects another

Example:
• IV (Cause): Hours of Study
• DV (Effect): Exam Score

Input–Process–Output (IPO)- Common in action research that Represents flow of study:

• Input: Independent variable(s)

• Process: Methods, interventions, instruments used
• Output: Findings or results

DEFINITION OF TERMS & HYPOTHESIS

Definition of Terms - Clarifies the purpose and direction of the study. Also called Operational Definition
of Variables (ODV).

Conceptual Definition - Based on dictionary or encyclopedia (universal meaning).

Operational Definition - Based on how the researcher uses it in the study.

• Experimental Definition Describes how the variable is manipulated.

• Measured Operational Describes how the variable is measured in the study.

Hypothesis

• entative statement answer to the research problem.

• educated guess about the relationship between variables.
• Must be specific, testable, and measurable.
• Provides direction and framework for the study.

Types of Hypothesis

• Null Hypothesis (H₀) States there is no relationship between variables.

• Alternative Hypothesis (H₁) Opposes null hypothesis; researcher’s expectation.
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

A written summary of published studies related to the main research topic that Includes both local and
foreign literature and studies.

Characteristics (Neuman, 2009)

• Explains the body of knowledge in the research area.

• Increases reader confidence in the researcher’s ability.
• Sketches the direction of the study and provides context.
• Produces integration and synthesis of different findings.
• Identifies unstudied areas and proposes new hypotheses.

Sources of Information

• Primary Sources – First-hand (research articles, theses, experiments).

• Secondary Sources – Indirect, not from original researcher (journals, documentaries, reports).
• Tertiary Sources – General references (encyclopedia, dictionaries, handbooks).

Types of Citation

• In-text citation – Inside the paragraph.

• References/Bibliography – Full list at the end of the research.