Technical Terms Used

in Research
Learning Objectives:

1. Get familiar with technical terms used in

research.
RESEARCH
- Can be defined as “a systematic and scientific
procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis,
interpretation, and implication pertaining to any
problem.” It involves the quest for answers to
unsolved problems. Moreover, research methods
may be defined as “a systematic and scientific
procedure of data collection, compilation, analysis,
interpretation, and implication pertaining to any
problem (Bajpai, 2011, p.4).”
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
- main purpose of research is to inform
action, to prove a theory, and
contribute to developing knowledge in
a field or study. Research is required not
just for students and academics, but for all
professionals and nonprofessionals alike.
Terms Used in Research
Research is collecting data and information, learning
and finding new things. It is also an advanced
knowledge which follows a systematic process of
collecting and analyzing information in order to
understand more the phenomena under study.
Action research, thesis, dissertation, and case study
are examples of research.
Terms Used in Research
Concept is a term that abstractly describes and names an object, a phenomenon,
or an idea.
Examples of concepts include common demographic measures:
- Income – P5,000 – P8,000
- Age – 18 y/o – 20 y/o
- Education Level – High School Graduate, College Graduate, Post Graduate
- Number of Siblings – 3 siblings in the family, 4 or more siblings in the family

Theory is an organized body of concepts and principles intended to explain a

particular phenomenon.
Examples include the theory of relativity, atomic theory, theory of
evolution, and quantum theory
Terms Used in Research
Quantitative Method is a method that focuses on numbers, objective hard data. It
proves hypotheses by statistical analysis and scientific method. It is called a formal,
objective, systematic process in which numerical data is used to obtain information
about the world. It is used to describe variables. It examines relationships among
variables.

Qualitative Method uses words instead of numbers to display data. It focuses on

feelings not numerical data. Small amount of participants involved in a qualitative
research study. This kind of research method utilizes interviews, archived written
information, and observations to measure the significance of a relationship
between variables
Terms Used in Research
Variables are any quality of a person, group subject, event, condition or situation
that varies or takes on different values. Examples are age, sex, business income and
expenses, country of birth, capital expenditure, class grades, eye color and vehicle
type.

Hypothesis is a logical supposition, a reasonable guess, and educated conjecture. It

provides a tentative explanation of a phenomenon under investigation. For
example, a researcher might be interested in the relationship between study habits
and test anxiety. The researcher would propose a hypothesis about how these two
variables are related, such as "Test anxiety decreases as a result of effective study
habits."
Terms Used in Research

Sampling it is the process of selecting participants who are representatives of a

larger population – gain an understanding of a larger population. For example, a
random sample may include choosing the names of 25 employees out of a hat in a
company of 250 employees. The population is all 250 employees, and the sample is
random because each employee has an equal chance of being chosen.
• Writing a successful research paper is not easy work.

• There are no shortcuts to be taken as one sits down to choose a topic, conduct
research, determine methodology, organize (and outline) thoughts, form
arguments or interpretations, cite sources, write the first draft, and, finally,
apply the necessary revisions.

• A successful research paper fulfills the objective of increasing readers‘

knowledge of a given subject. It also accurately, concisely, and comprehensively
relays unbiased information on that subject: information that, of course, must
include valid evidence to support the premise.
SMART
• Specific: A research paper should be specific. It should maintain its focus on the
given subject of research - answering a specific research question - and not be
inconsistent or aimless as to convey information or make claims on other,
unrelated topics or subjects.

• Measurable: A research paper must contain specific, proven research, and cites
all research sources and related literature.

• Attainable: A research paper must provide a thesis statement, one that answers
the research question and contributes to the knowledge of the given subject. It
can't propose to answer a question that doesn't relate to real life or isn't based
on an existing body of knowledge.
SMART
• Realistic: A research paper is objective and realistic. Should it be made to
present interpretations, arguments, or evaluations, then it should do so based
on valid evidence from reliable sources.

• Time: A research paper cannot be written without the researcher knowing the
limits, timeframes, and focus of the required work. Without the writer /
researcher stating the scope and limitations of the research paper, it is likely
that the thesis statement will be hampered by an inability to answer the given
research question or focus on the given research subject.
Common ways you can narrow down a
research topic:
• By demographic characteristics
Narrow it down by age group, occupation, ethnic group, gender, etc. e.g.
challenges faced by international college graduates entering the workforce

• By relevant issues
Try to identify key issues related to your topic, especially ones that you have an
opinion on. You can turn your opinion into your thesis statement or research
question. e.g. challenges faced by college graduates who are unable to find
meaningful or relevant work
Common ways you can narrow down a
research topic:
• By location
Focus on a specific country, province, city, or type of environment (rural vs.
urban). e.g. challenges faced by college graduates entering the workforce in
rural Ontario

• By timeframe
Decide whether you want to study recent events or a historical time period. This
will also help you decide how current the information you use must be. e.g.
challenges faced by college graduates entering the workforce during the COVID-
19 pandemic
Common ways you can narrow down a
research topic:
• By causes
You can take the perspective of looking for causes of an issue you are
researching. e.g. Why do employers hire fewer college graduates?
1. What does SMART stand for in research writing?
2. Why is it important for a research paper to be specific?
3. How can you ensure your research is measurable?
4. What makes a research paper’s thesis statement attainable?
5. Why should a research paper be realistic and objective?
6. How does time management affect the quality of research?
7. What are some effective ways to narrow down a broad research topic?
8. Why is it important to consider location in research?
9. How does choosing a specific timeframe help in research?
[Link] are some common relevant issues that can be turned into research
questions?
Different Parts of a
Research Paper
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
(Background of the Study) Purpose of the Study
Review of the Related Literature and Studies Research Questions
Theoretical Framework Theoretical Lens
Conceptual Framework Significance of the Study
Statement of the Problem Definition of Terms
Hypothesis Scope and Delimitation

CHAPTER 2: METHODOLOGY CHAPTER 2: REVIEW OF RELATED

Research Design LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Research Locale
Research Respondents CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
Research Instrument Research Design
Data Gathering Procedure Role of the Researcher
Statistical Tools Research Participants
Ethical Consideration Data Collection
Data Analysis
CHAPTER 3: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Trustworthiness of the Study
Ethical Consideration
Quantitative Research Qualitative Research
CHAPTER 4: CONCLUSION AND CHAPTER 4: RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
RECOMMENDATION
Summary of Findings CHAPTER 5: SUMMARY AND CONCLUDING
Conclusion REMARKS
Recommendation
REFERENCE (APA Format)
REFERENCE (APA Format)
INTRODUCTION

• It is the first paragraph of a written research paper, or the first thing

you say in an oral presentation, or the first thing people see, hear, or
experience about your study.
• It gives the readers the beginning of the piece of thread so they can
follow it.
• It presents information from global, national, and local settings.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

• It is a statement of "why" the study is being conducted, or the goal of

the study. The goal of a study might be to identify or describe a
concept or to explain or predict a situation or solution to a situation
that indicates the type of study to be conducted (Beckingham, 1974).
• It identifies the variables, population and setting for a study. Every
study has an explicit or implicit purpose statement. The research
purpose should be stated objectively or in a way that does not reflect
biases or values of the researcher.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK/ LENS

• It is the structure that can hold or support a theory of a research study.

• It introduces and describes the concept which explains why the
research problem under study exists.
• It refers to the theories or studies of varied authors as proven and
tested.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

• It refers to visual templates, illustrations, and examples to determine

theories and methodologies for the research.
• It is a visual plan on how to conduct the research.
• It is the structure or chart that shows the dependent and the
independent variables.
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM/ RESEARCH QUESTIONS

• It states the questions that are ought to be answered by the

researcher/s.
• It refers to an answerable inquiry into a specific concern or issue.
• It is the initial step in a research project. The 'initial step' means after
you have an idea of what you want to study, the research question is
the first active step in the research project.
HYPOTHESIS

• It is an educated prediction that can be tested.

• It is a specific, clear, and testable proposition or predictive statement
about the possible outcome of a scientific research study based on a
particular property of a population, such as presumed differences
between groups on a variable or relationships between variables.
DEFINITION OF TERMS

• Defining important terms is essential to ensure a common

understanding of key concepts and terminology is shared between the
author and the readers or audience, particularly if the term is unusual
or not widely known.
• These are general words and phrases defined within the context of
how they apply to the research study.
• It refers to the conceptually defined (taken from dictionary) and
operationally defined (as used in the study by the researcher/s) terms
or words in the research study.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

• It mainly focuses on the question “Who will benefit from the study?”
• It describes what contribution the study will make and the usefulness
of the study in the society.
• It tells what you hope will benefit others and/or how readers will
benefit or learn from your research study.
• It is a statement which intentionally addresses to a specific individual
or groups.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

• It is to whom will the study be focusing (delimited).

• It contains the explanation of what information or subject is being
analyzed.
• It deals with the extent of the study to be made.
• It defines where and when the study is conducted and who the
subjects are/.
METHODOLOGY

• It discusses the process or method the research study was done or

completed.
• It tells the main instrument used in gathering of data (survey form,
researcher-made questionnaire, interview, etc.)
RESEARCH DESIGN

• It refers to the overall strategy that you choose to integrate the

different components of the study in a coherent and logical way,
thereby, ensuring you will effectively address the research problem.
• It constitutes the blueprint for the collection, measurement, and
analysis of data.
A research design may also include:
 Type of research
 Measurement and scaling
 Construct and pre-test questionnaire
 Sampling process and sample size
 Data analysis plan
 Budget and scheduling
RESEARCH LOCALE

• It refers to the place where the research study was conducted.

RESEARCH RESPONDENTS/ RESEARCH PARTICIPANTS

• It tells who the group of individuals are used in the research study.
RESEARCH INSTRUMENTS

• These are measurement tools (for example, questionnaires or scales)

designed to obtain data on a topic of interest from research subjects.
• It tells the main instrument used in gathering of data (survey form,
researcher-made questionnaire, interview, etc.)
DATA GATHERING PROCEDURE/ DATA COLLECTION

• It gives the procedure/ process of conducting the research (permission

to conduct the study, administration and retrieval of the
questionnaires, tabulation of data gathered, etc.)..

DATA ANALYSIS/ RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

• It discusses the answers based on the listed statement of the problem.

• It is also where explanations and tables be found.
STATISTICAL TOOLS/ TREATMENT

• These are methods involved in carrying out a study which include

planning, designing, collecting data, drawing meaningful interpretation,
and reporting of the findings.
• It indicates the statistical method used or utilized in the study.
Example: Mean, T-test, Standard Deviation, Pearson, Regression, One-
way Anova, etc.)
TRUSTWORTHINESS OF THE STUDY/ ETHICAL
CONSIDERATION
There are several reasons why it is important to adhere to ethical norms in research.
• First, norms promote the aims of research, such as knowledge, truth, and avoidance of error. For
example, prohibitions against fabricating, falsifying, or misrepresenting research data promote the
truth and minimize error.
• Second, since research often involves a great deal of cooperation and coordination among many
different people in different disciplines and institutions, ethical standards promote the values that
are essential tocollaborative work, such as trust, accountability, mutual respect, and fairness. For
example, many ethical norms in research, such as guidelines for authorship, copyright and
patenting policies, data sharing policies, and confidentiality rules in peer review, are designed to
protect intellectual property interests while encouraging collaboration. Most researchers want to
receive credit for their contributions and do not want to have their ideas stolen or disclosed
prematurely.
CONCLUSIONS

• These are statements drawn or formulated based on the findings of the

study.
• It is the last paragraph or the last part in the research paper.
• It is in some ways like the introduction. You restate your thesis
statement and summarize your main points of evidence.
RECOMMENDATIONS

• These are stated based on the findings/ results and the conclusions of
the research.
• These are suggestions, proposals that could be given to those who will
benefit the study (refer to the significance of the study) that would
somehow help them in one way or the other.
SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

• It states the answers in summary form/ already the gist of the study.
• It is the textual generalization, that is, a summary of the important data
consisting of text and numbers.
APA (American Psychological Association)

• It is the style of documentation of sources used by the American

Psychological Association. This form of writing research papers is used
mainly in the social sciences (like psychology, anthropology, sociology,
as well as education and other fields).
Thank You!