OUTLINE AND CONTENT OF A RESEARCH STUDY

RD 100

This chapter situates and contextualizes the study within known and established knowledge. It also provides the conceptual underpinnings of the study. The conceptual framework of the study should be rooted firmly in this chapter. This chapter sets the tone of the whole study, tells what the whole study is all about, and gives the reader what to expect of the study.

Chapter 1
Introduction Conceptual Framework / Theoretical Framework Statement of the Problem Hypotheses
Objectives (local format)

Definition of Terms Assumptions Scope, Delimitations, Limitations Significance of the Study Review of Related Literature

Introduction
The writer introduces the study, what it is all about, and how the study came to be. It provides the rationale of the study, citing circumstances, weaknesses and problems in ones area of expertise or interest, that need to be addressed or solved. There should be a strong and significant reason for conducting the study.

Conceptual Framework/Theoretical Framework

This is the heart of the study. In theoretical framework, the researcher attempts to advance his/her hypothesis, but in doing so invokes a theory or cites the literature, or findings of other studies, as basis for his/her hypothesis. Because of these bases, and through induction and deduction, (coupled with the literature search) the researcher is able to deduce and explain, and even predict what the behavior of the variables will be.

Conceptual Framework/Theoretical Framework

In cases where there is lack of a specific theory on which to base ones hypothesis, or if the study is very exploratory in nature such that not much has been established about that specific area yet, then the researcher may write a conceptual framework. While it may not be as strong or tight as a theoretical framework, the researcher should strive to put it in such a way that the framework is not subject to many questions as to its validity. Relationships among variables may be established by the researcher (by way of logical thinking, deduction, induction) using as bases, the readings and the literature.

Statement of the Problem

This part of the chapter contains the specific research questions to be answered. Start with the general objective. The general objective is usually culled out of the title and it cannot be readily answered. The specific questions narrow down the concerns of the general objective, and these are the questions which can be immediately and directly answered by the researcher using the data gathered.

Hypotheses
The researchers hypotheses or the best or educated guess as to the outcomes or answers to the research questions. Use the theoretical or conceptual framework as basis for coming up with the hypothesis/hypotheses. The hypotheses (null) for statistical testing may also be included here. It must be noted though that not all types of research will require an explicit statement of this hypothesis.

Definition of Terms
The key variables and other important concepts are defined herein. Operational definitions of the terms are encouraged (i.e., how such terms are used specifically in the study. Terms are defined through the measures used in the study, or the treatment if the study is experimental in nature)

Assumptions
These are statements which have been established and accepted to be true. These are stated in so general terms and there is no need to gather proof as to their truth. There is no need to test them. Without theses established truths one cannot proceed to do the study. For some, statement of assumptions may not be required.

Scope, Delimitations, Limitations

Defines the parameters of the study before setting out to do research. Examples would be on the samples, methodology etc. What constraints and problems have been encountered in the study in a way that imposed limitations.

Significance of the Study

This part contains the significant contributions that the study will make to entities like schools, hospitals, specific groups, individuals and to education in general. There should be evidence that such contributions are significant and will make a difference in the current or existing situation.

Review of Related Literature

(Chapter 2 in Local Format)
This chapter presents the review of the studies and the literature done by the researcher along the topic being studied. Two kinds of literature are normally presented: materials on studies taken from theses, dissertations, journals and similar materials; and literature, materials which are not studies per se but statements from authorities on the subject matter.

Review of Related Literature

Two kinds of literature are normally presented
Related Literature Related Studies

materials which are not studies per se but statements from authorities on the subject matter.

materials on studies taken from theses, dissertations, journals and similar materials

Local and Foreign

Review of Related Literature

(Chapter 2 in local format) It is presumed that the researcher reads related topics from authorities on the subject matter. It is presumed that the researcher reads related topics several sources and puts these together. It is important that the literature materials are presented in a holistic manner, not choppy.

Chapter lll: Research Method

Research Method Sample and Sampling Technique Research Locale Data-Gathering Tools/Instrumentation Data-Gathering Procedures Statistical Analysis

Research Method
A short description of the general or dominant method used in the study. The researcher should know the different types of research according to design or methods, their requirements and assumptions. It also presents, how the data will be analyzed, i.e., quantitatively or qualitatively.

Sample and Sampling Technique

Include herein is a description of the sample/participants/respondents of the study. Describe also the procedures, methods or processes by which they were samples or selected for the study.

Research Locale
This part describes the setting of the study. It includes a description of the location where the study is done and its background.

Instrumentation
Describe all the instruments and the tools used to gather data, their features, and what variables or characteristics they are supposed to measure, and to whom they will be administered, and what particular data the tools gather. They can either be existing or researcher-developed. If it is the latter, describe the processes used in developing the tools. Describe also the ways which the validity and reliability of the instruments were established, whether the instruments are existing or researcher developed.

Data-Gathering Procedures
Describe herein the different steps used in gathering the data, (when and how) using the data-gathering tools you use. Experimental Plan
*pre-experimental *experimental proper *post-experimental

Statistical Analysis
Describe each of the statistical tools used for particular sets of data. Mention also the corresponding statistical tools for particular data sets.

Chapter II. Presentation of Results and Discussion (Chapter lll in Other local
studies)

results should be presented in a tabular form (following APA styles) and discuss findings or the answers to each of the research questions. Answers to each question should be discussed.

Chapter II. Presentation of Results and Discussion Cont

There are three levels in analyzing the data per research question. First, describe the data as it is. Second, cite the related literature if such confirms or contradicts your findings. Third, discuss and weave in you insights about your findings, that is going beyond what you see in the data.

Chapter IV. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

A summary of the whole study is written. The conclusions should be derived from each of the findings. Recommendations for further research, and improvement of the methods can be made. Recommendations could also evolve out of the weaknesses or limitations of the study.