FORMAT

Font Style: Arial

Font Size: 12
Margin: Top, Bottom, Right (1”)
Left (1.5”)
Spacing: Double Space for the entire text
Single Space for Chapter Number and Title, Table Number
and Title, and Figure Number and Title
Chapter Number BOLD, Title Case, Center
Ex: Chapter I
Chapter Title BOLD, ALL CAPS, Center
Ex: THE PROBLEM
Subtopics Bold, Title Case, Left Align
Ex: Background of the Problem
Tables Open Table format
Table Number 1st number – Chapter
2nd number – Statement of the Problem number
3rd number – Table number
Table 4.1.2
Frequency Distribution of the Respondents in terms of their Sex
Sex Frequency Percentage
Male 41 68
Female 19 32
Total 60 100

Figure Number Continuous (1, 2, …..)

* Table Number and Title must be above the table, while Figure Number and Title
must be below the figure. First line must be the number, then second line is the
title. Both must be centered.

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 1

Bibliography APA Documentation System

Pagination

 Front pages, paginate with Roman Numerals (i ii iii iv …)

o Need to hide the pagination for the first page of each structure
o Page number at center, bottom
 Starting Chapter 1, paginate with Arabic (1 2 3 4 ….)
o Need to hide the pagination for the chapter title
o Page number at top right

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 2

 RESEARCH STRUCTURE

Title Page
Table of Contents
List of Tables
List of Figures

CHAPTER

I THE PROBLEM
Introduction
Background of the Study
Statement of the Problem
Theoretical Framework
Conceptual Framework
Research Hypothesis
Significance of the Study
Scope and Limitations of the Study
Definition of Terms

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature
Synthesis
Research Literature
Synthesis

III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design
Respondents of the Study
Sampling Design
Data Gathering Instrument
Research Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data

BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
CURRICULUM VITAE

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 3

Title Page

TITLE (center, all caps, bold, inverted triangle)

- Title includes the topic and locale of the study

A Research Proposal
Presented to the Faculty of
College of Accountancy, Business and Economics
Batangas State University Lipa City
Marawoy, Lipa City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Course

Marketing Research

By:
(Name of Researchers – surname first, alphabetical)

(Month Year of Defense)

* Seek approval of the locale of the study. Be sure that the issue address in the
study prevails to them.

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 4

 Sample:

THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS

OF NESTLE PHILIPPINES IN BAGONGPOOK, LIPA CITY AS
PERCEIVED BY THEIR EMPLOYEES

A Thesis
Presented to the Faculty of
College of Accountancy, Business and Economics
Batangas State University
Lipa City

In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration
Major in Human Resource Development Management

By:
Dela Peña, Erika Jane D.
Ofrin, Bensie R.
Silva, Ronessa May A.

March 2012

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 5

Table of Contents
 List the contents of the report and give page numbers
 Page numbers must be right align

Sample:

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Title Page

TITLE PAGE…………………………………………………………………………………………………………. i
APPROVAL SHEET ………………………………………………………………………………………………... ii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT……………………………………………………………………………………………. iii
TABLE OF CONTENTS…………………………………………………………………………………………….. v
LIST OF TABLES……………………………………………………………………………………………………. vii
LIST OF FIGURES…………………………………………………………………………………………………... ix
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………….................................................................... x

CHAPTER

I THE PROBLEM
Introduction………………………………………………..…………………………………………. 1
Background of the Study…………………………….…………………………………………….. 2
Statement of the Problem…………………………………………………………………………. 3
Theoretical Framework…………………………………………………………………………….. 4
Conceptual Framework…………………………………………………………………………….. 6
Research Hypothesis………………………………………………………………………………. 7
Significance of the Study…………………………………………………………………………... 8
Scope and Limitations of the Study…………………………………………….………………... 10
Definition of Terms………………………….……………………………………………………… 11

II REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

Conceptual Literature………………………………………………………………………………. 14
Synthesis…………………………………………………………………………………………….. 27
Research Literature………………………………………………………………………………… 28
Synthesis……………………………………………………………………………………………. 32

III RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Research Design…………………………………………………………………………………… 35
Respondents of the Study…..……………………….……………………………………………. 35
Sampling Design…………………………………………………………………………………... 36
Data Gathering Instrument……..……………………………………………………………… 36
Research Procedure………………………………………………………………………………. 37
Statistical Treatment of Data……………………………………………………….……………. 38

IV PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF DATA……….………………... 40

V SUMMARY, FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND

RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary………………………………………………………………………………………….…. 60
Findings…………………………………………………………………....................................... 60
Conclusions………………………………………………………………..……………………….. 62
Recommendations………………………………………………………..……………………...... 62

BIBLIOGRAPHY
APPENDICES
CURRICULUM VITAE

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 6

 LIST OF TABLES

Table No Title Page

4.1.1 Frequency of Distribution of Respondents according

to their Age……………………………………………………….. 40

4.1.2 Frequency of Distribution of Respondents according

to their Gender……………………………….………………….. 41

4.1.3 Frequency of Distribution of Respondents according

to their Educational Attainment………….….………………….. 42

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No Title Page

1 Research Paradigm ………………………………………………………… 6

* Table and figure title must be indent on second line. After each table title,
double spacing but single spacing if for second line

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 7

 Chapter I
THE PROBLEM

 Brief introduction on what is covered in this study

Introduction

 Brief introduction of the study, indicate what your study is all about
 Discussion should be from general to specific (presentation of the
problem – existence of an unsatisfactory condition, a felt problem
that needs a solution – desire to have a deeper and clearer
understanding of a situation – reason for conducting the study)
 Provide excitement/mystery why you have chosen the topic
 Always include sources for the whole paper. One source is enough.
Do not make it review of literature.
 1 and half page (recommended)
Background of the Problem

 This is a discussion of the research problem focusing on a more

specific area of concern (i.e., brief background of the company,
current issues and concerns etc.)
 Justify the excitement/mystery you created
 Last paragraph is the rationale of your study
 1 and half page (recommended)
Statement of the Problem

 Research problem is stated in interrogative or question form

 Starts with the major problem stating the main purpose or thrust of
the study
 Specific problems or subproblems are specific aspects the
researcher intends to investigate within the main framework of the
study
Guidelines in writing:

 The major problem should be stated in declarative sentence

 The subproblems should be numerically listed and these should be
worded clearly and unambiguously
 Suggested phrasing of specific questions start with ‘How’, ‘Is there
any significant’, ‘To what extent’. Each question should be
measurable, that is, the data gathered to answer the question can
be subjected to statistical analysis
 The number of specific questions should be enough to cover the
development of the entire study.

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 8

Theoretical Framework

 Review theories and choose the theory that can best explain the
relationships between the key variables in your study.
 Discuss the assumptions or propositions of this theory and point
out their relevance to your research.
 Include the figure of the theory.
Some tips

The theoretical framework is not a stand – alone copy and paste operation
where you Google the theory and voila you copy and paste what wikipedia
churns out. A theory is selected on the basis of how best it can explain the
relationships among the variables. There should be a connection between
the theoretical framework, conceptual framework, operationalization, and
instrument.

Conceptual Framework

 Offers rationale and fundamental basis of the entire research

 Researchers own preposition on a problem after his exposure to
various theories that have bearing on the problem
 Summarize the major variables using a diagram
 Conceptualized relationships between variables
Research Hypothesis

 Formulate a denial of an existence of an attribute, a relationship, or

a difference of an effect stated in negative form. Usually the
statement of the problem concerning significant difference or
relationship.
Significance of the Study

 Present the important contributions in deductive (locale of the

study, respondents, other industry, university, department,
researchers, and future researchers) perspective
Scope and Limitation

 Includes the coverage if the study area, the subjects, the research
instruments, the research issues and concerns, the duration of the
study and constraints that have direct bearing on the results of the
study.
 Discuss first the scope then limitation
 Need to address the following:

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 9

 a. WHAT – briefly state the concerns and issues covered in study
including the chosen variables
b. WHO – indicate the chosen variables for the study and the
segmentation variables used
c. WHEN – state the period covered in the study
d. WHERE – the location where the study was conducted
e. HOW – briefly describe the methodology used
f. WHY – indicate justifications for the different issues and
concerns

Definition of Terms

 Brief introduction on what is covered in this aspect

 Identify all important terminologies used in the study

 Alphabetical order
 Include conceptual definition (include the source) and
operational definition (how it is used in the study)

 Conceptual definition – based on concepts or hypothetic ones

which are usually taken from the books, other studies
o Use relevant books as source of definition (marketing
books, HRM books, etc.,
o Avoid using internet (i.e., Wikipedia, etc.,) as source of
definition
o Always start with ‘This refers to…’

 Operational definition – based on observable characteristics and

how it is used in the study
o Always start with ‘In this study…’

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 10

 Chapter II
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

 Brief introduction on what is covered in this study

Conceptual Literature

 Brief introduction on what is covered in this aspect

 Literature – written works collectively especially those of enduring

importance, exhibiting creative imagination and artistic skill which
are written in a particular period, language and subject
 Any written books, journal, magazine, novel, poetry, yearbook and
encyclopedia
 In presenting the researcher has to arrange related readings
chronologically either from the past reading to the most reading or
vice versa, topic order, alphabetical arrangement
 Include 5 citations for each topic
Research Literature

 Published and unpublished research studies that are related

somehow to your current study are sources of materials
 The research studies which have direct bearing to the present
study are segregated into foreign and local studies
 Chronological order
 Present the background / context, purpose/ principal activity,
methodology, and major findings and recommendations
 Minimum of 10 research studies.
Synthesis

 Summarize the concepts, theories, and readings presented and

discuss how these are used in the conceptualization and
development of the research study
 Discuss the similarities and differences of the current research with
the reviewed research literature

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 11

Unity and Coherence in your Essay

1. Unity
Discuss one idea in each paragraph. Do not include any information that
does not support the topic sentence.

2. Coherence
The movement from one sentence to another and one paragraph to the
next must be logical and smooth.

There are four ways to do this:

1. Using transition signals

2. Arranging sentences according to pattern of organization
3. Repeating key nouns
4. Using pronouns consistently

Transitions
Here are some example transitions and connective phrases.

Conjunctions: and, but, or, for, nor, neither, so, yet

To compare: by comparison, here again, in the same way, in a similar manner,

likewise, similar to, similarity, so too, as, also, equally, balanced against

To add information and reasons: add to this, again, also, another, equally,
further, furthermore, in addition, moreover, once more, then too, too, yet again,
yet another

To show concession: admittedly, after all, all the same, granted, however, in
any case, in spite of, it is true that, nevertheless, obviously, of course, still

To summarize or conclude: in brief, briefly, in other words, in summary, in

conclusion, on the whole, therefore, hence, thus, that is, consequently, as a
result, finally

To contrast: conversely, however, instead, a different view is, differing from, on

the contrary, in contrast, on the other hand, unlike, whereas, otherwise, rather
that, despite, still, yet, but

To show various conditions: in this event, in these circumstances, under such

circumstances, this (that) being so, provided that, in spite of, none/nevertheless,
at the same time, even if, if, unless, otherwise, although, even though, though,
despite

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 12

To show chronological order: later, subsequently, concurrently, in the
meantime, now, simultaneously, at this time, when / while / was, first, second,
formerly, earlier, previously, before, then, already, at length, by that time, finally,
followed by

To explain, give reasons: admittedly, because, certainly, for example, since,

that is

To show cause and effect: accordingly, as a consequence, as a result,

consequently, for this reason, hence, it follows that, so / so that, then, therefore,
thus

To show conviction: after all, at least, at the same time, apparently, even so,
evidently, conceivably, conclusively, doubtless, no doubt, perhaps, possibly,
presumably, probably, undoubtedly

To list or show logical order: for example, for instance, in particular, to

illustrate, the one…the other, this…that, these…those, here…there, either…or,
neither…nor, whether…or, though…yet, wherever…there, since…then, the
more…the more, not only…but also

To introduce a topic: as for, concerning, with regard to, with respect to

To show purpose: in order that, in order to, so that

To give an example: for example, for instance, to illustrate, to demonstrate, in

this case, take the case of

Steps in Writing a Literature Review

1. Identify your research topic and a tentative research question

2. Locate appropriate information

- BatStateU Library
- E-sources and databases
- Google Scholar
3. Read and critically evaluate the literature
4. Take notes
5. Write the Review

Quotation, Summary, Paraphrase

1. Quotation – writer’s words should be used if exact words need to be

commented on

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 13

 When to quote:

 When the author’s words convey a powerful meaning

 When you want to use the author as an authoritative voice
 To introduce an author’s position you may wish to discuss
 To support claims in, or provide evidence for your writing

How to quote:

 Single quotation marks for short direct quotes (not double)

 Give page numbers for direct quotes
 For longer quotes (3+ lines) – left indent, single line space, no
quotation marks.
 Do not use quotation marks for emphasis in text
2. Summarizing – useful if an overview is required. The main idea is given, but
details, examples are left out.

When to summarize:

 To outline the main points of someone else’s work in your own

words without details or examples
 To include an author’s ideas using fewer words than the original
text
 To briefly give examples of several differing points of view on a
topic
 To support claims in, or provide evidence for your writing.
3. Paraphrasing – expressing someone else’s ideas in your own words. It
changes the words or phrasing of a text but retains the original meaning

When to paraphrase:

 As an alternative to a direct quotation

 To rewrite someone else’s ideas without changing the meaning
 To express someone else’s ideas in your own words
 To support claims in, or provide evidence for your writing
How to paraphrase

 Use synonyms
 Use varied sentence patterns
 Change or reverse the order of ideas
 Break long sentences into short sentences
 Combine two short sentences and simplify their structure
 Make abstract ideas more concrete (simplify)
 Change the voice (active / passive

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 14

 Chapter III
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 Brief introduction on what is covered in this study

Research Design

 The investigator has to choose the most appropriate research

design which is applicable to the study
 Indicate a brief introduction of the research design to be used,
descriptive method
 Explain why you uses research design

Respondents of the Study

 Define who are your respondents — they will answer the

questionnaires
 Justify the respondents
 If the population is large (greater than 300), the investigator has to
determine the sample size by using Rao Soft
(www.raosoft.com/samplesize.html)

Sampling Design

 Define the method of getting representative portion of a population

 Indicate a brief introduction of the sampling to be used
 Explain why you uses specific sampling
Data Gathering Instrument

 Describe the instrument used, how it is presented, what things were

addressed
 Discussion of the data gathering instrument should be in detail.
Discuss each part, what are the contents, how many items,
validation process, how to answer, and how to interpret.
 Content, Validation, Administration, and Scoring must be seen.
Research Procedures

 A long discussion from the formulation of the topic, method used in

gathering data, seeking approval, how you approach the
respondents, how long it takes you to survey them, and how you
come up with the tabulation of survey instruments, results and
conclusions

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 15

Statistical Treatment of Data

 This part presents the different statistical treatment / tools used to

answer the problem statement. It is important to discuss how these
methodologies assist the researcher in arriving at the end results.

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 16

 BIBLIOGRAPHY

 Avoid plagiarism
 Alphabetical
 Acknowledge authors using APA format
 Have at least 15 references (books, journals, internet)

APPENDICES

1. Survey Questionnaire
2. Communication Letter
3. Other supporting documents necessary to validate the content of the
research

CURRICULUM VITAE
(refer to CABE format)

Module in Research Writing: Edison C. Mayo Jr. Page 17