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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Topic 4: DESIGNING YOUR OWN RESEARCH

Learning Competencies: 1. Designs a research used in daily life.
2. Writes a research title
Time Frame: Quarter 1, Week 4

LEARNING
OUTCOMES

In this module, you are expected to follow through a guided process to be able to
learn the concepts for this topic.

After studying this module, you are expected to:

1. choose a research topic useful in daily life.

2. write the research title of the chosen research topic.

INTRODUCTION

Module 4 will guide you on how to choose a topic of your interest for a research study
and how to design your research title. By using this module, you will be guided through
each step on how to start your own research. You will then have a clear focus as to the
specific subject you like to have for a research study. Enjoy each step of discovery and
look forward to writing your own research title at the end of the module.

KEY POINTS

➢ Each topic will begin with a brief Introduction. It is designated as “Why?”

Section.
➢ Each Topic will have Models for you to follow until you reach the whole concept.
➢ There are questions posted under each Model for you to answer.
➢ Every correct answer in the question is equivalent to 1 point score.
➢ For other written task, a RUBRIC will be provided for you to observe.
➢ The topic ends with a Conclusion part which also requires you to answer a
question or sets of questions.
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Why?

When starting with a research study, you should be able to choose what specific topic you
want to tackle and what problem you want to address. By looking into these you will be able to
formulate your own research title that would best fit to the problem you would like to investigate.

The title of the study is the first thing that readers will look. So it is important that you
are able to pick a good and interesting title for your investigation.

Subtopic 1: Choosing a Topic

Model 1 – How to Choose a Topic

A topic is the main organizing principle guiding the analysis of your research paper.
Topics offer us an occasion for writing and a focus that governs what we want to say. Topics
represent the core subject matter of scholarly communication, and the means by which we
arrive at other topics of conversations and discover new knowledge.
*Source: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185905

Step 1: Brainstorm for ideas

https://clipartix.com/brain-clip-art-image-10115/

Choose a topic that interests you. Use the following questions to help generate topic ideas.
• Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy
• Did you read or see a news story recently that has piqued your interest or made you
angry or anxious?
• Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about?
• Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
• Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in learning more about?

Write down any key words or concepts that may be of interest to you. Could these terms
help be used to form a more focused research topic?

Be aware of overused ideas when deciding a topic. You may wish to avoid topics such as,
abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, or suicide unless you feel you have a unique approach to
the topic. Ask the instructor for ideas if you feel you are stuck or need additional guidance.

*Source: https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Step 2: Read General Background Information

http://clipart-library.com/clipart/ziXe8LoXT.htm

• Read a general encyclopedia article on the top two or three topics you are considering.
Reading a broad summary enables you to get an overview of the topic and see how
your idea relates to broader, narrower, and related issues. It also provides a great
source for finding words commonly used to describe the topic. These keywords may be
very useful to your later research. If you can’t find an article on your topic, try using
broader terms and ask for help from a librarian.

• Use periodical indexes to scan current magazine, journal or newspaper articles on your
topic. Ask a librarian if they can help you to browse articles on your topics of interest.

• Use Web search engines. Google and Bing are currently considered to be two of the
best search engines to find web sites on the topic.

Step 3: Focus on Your Topic

http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=clipart%20magnifying%20glass#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=clipart%20magnifying%20glass&gsc.page=1

Keep it manageable. A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad or

narrow. One way to narrow a broad topic such as "the environment" is to limit your topic.
Some common ways to limit a topic are:

• by geographical area
Example: What environmental issues are most important in Mindanao?

• by culture
Example: How does the Subanen tribe practice their wedding ceremony?

• by time frame:
Example: What are the most prominent environmental issues of the last 10
years?

• by discipline
Example: How does environmental awareness effect business practices today?

• by population group
Example: What are the effects of air pollution on senior citizens?

*Source: https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Step 4: Make a List of Useful Keywords

http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=clipart%20list#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=clipart%20list&gsc.page=1

Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic.

• Look for words that best describe your topic.

• Look for them in when reading encyclopedia articles and background and general
information.
• Find broader and narrower terms, synonyms, key concepts for key words to
widen your search capabilities.
• Make note of these words and use them later when searching databases and
catalogs.

Step 5: Be Flexible
http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=clipart%20flexible#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=clipart%20flexible&gsc.page=1

It is common to modify your topic during the research process. You can never be sure of
what you may find. You may find too much and need to narrow your focus, or too little and
need to broaden your focus. This is a normal part of the research process. When researching,
you may not wish to change your topic, but you may decide that some other aspect of the topic
is more interesting or manageable.
Keep in mind the assigned length of the research paper, project, bibliography or other
research assignment. Be aware of the depth of coverage needed and the due date. These
important factors may help you decide how much and when you will modify your topic.

Step 6: Define Your Topic as a Focused Research Question

http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=question%20mark%20clipart#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=question%20mark%20clipart&gsc.page=1

You will often begin with a word, develop a more focused interest in an aspect of
something relating to that word, then begin to have questions about the topic.

The following are some examples for you according to strand.

Examples: (Variables used are based from Module 3.)

STEM Strand:

Ideas = Five Stages of Ethanol Production

Research Question = How is ethanol produced through its five stages production?
Focused Research Question = Can marang peel be used to produced ethanol through the
five stages production?

HUMSS Strand:
Ideas = Effects of Online Games to Students’ Study Habits and Attitudes
Research Question = What are the effects of online games to study habits of students?
Focused Research Question = Which of the effects of online games are applicable to study
habits or attitudes toward study of students?

*Source: https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

ABM Strand:
Ideas = Different Styles of Entrepeneurship
Research Question = What are the styles of entreprenuership?
Focused Research Question = How has these styles influenced entrepreneurship today in
generating income?

HE Strand:
Ideas = Distinct Qualities of Well-Baked Cupcakes
Research Question = What are the charateristics of a good baked cupcake?
Focused Research Question = Can bitter gourd be used as main ingredient for baking
tasty Cupcakes?

AFA Strand:
Ideas = Different Types and Methods of Herbal Tea
Production Research Question = How is Herbal Tea produced?
Focused Research Question = What is the best method to use in producing
Bulmea balsamifera (sambong) Tea?

EIM Specialization:
Ideas = Methods of Improvised Solar Panel from Glass
Research Question = What types of glasses are applicable to be used for improvised
solar panel?
Focused Research Question = How can the common glass at home be used effectively
as material for improvised solar panel to generate light?

SMAW Specialization:
Ideas = Cladding Methods and Uses
Research Question = How is cladding done using different types of metals?
Focused Research Question = How can cladding be used to increase the efficiency of the
welded material?

ICT Strand:
Ideas = Principles of Kinematics in Animation
Research Question = How is Kinematics used in animation?
Focused Research Question = How does a specific Kinematic principle apply in producing
good simulation?

*Source: https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Step 7: Research and Read More About Your Topic

http://clipart-library.com/clipart/BcgE5edLi.htm

Use the key words you have gathered to research in the catalog, article databases, and
Internet search engines. Find more information to help you answer your research question.

You will need to do some research and reading before you select your final topic. Can
you find enough information to answer your research question? Remember, selecting a topic is
an important and complex part of the research process.

Step 8: Formulate a Thesis Statement

http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=formulate%20clipart#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=formulate%20clipart&gsc.page=1

Write your topic as a thesis statement. This may be the answer to your research
question and/or a way to clearly state the purpose of your research. Your thesis statement will
usually be one or two sentences that states precisely what is to be answered, proven, or what
you will inform your audience about your topic.

The development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the thesis
statement.

The title of your paper may not be exactly the same as your research question or your
thesis statement, but the title should clearly convey the focus, purpose and meaning of your
research.

You are going to learn more on how to write the title on the succeeding pages. For now,
you have to practice on choosing a topic.
*Source: https://www.umflint.edu/library/how-select-research-topic

Instruction: After reading the information above, you have to start doing a lot of reading on the
fields you like to cover for a topic. After doing intensive reading, answer the questions that follow.

Question 1: What is the focus of your topic? (Remember, you have to choose a topic that appeals
to your interest and narrow it down according to discipline or geographical area.)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

Question 2: Write down the following based on your chosen topic focus:
Ideas = _________________________________________________________
Research Question = _______________________________________________
Focused Research Question = ________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

Subtopic 2: Formulating the Research Title

Model 2 – How to Write the Research Title

The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your study. A good title contains the fewest
possible words that adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of your research paper.

The title is without doubt the part of a paper that is read the most, and it is usually read
first. If the title is too long it usually contains too many unnecessary words, e.g., "A Study to
Investigate the...." On the other hand, a title which is too short often uses words which are too
general. For example, "African Politics" could be the title of a book, but it does not provide any
information on the focus of a research paper.

The following parameters can be used to help you formulate a suitable research paper
title:

1. The purpose of the research

2. The narrative tone of the paper [typically defined by the type of the research]
3. The methods used

The initial aim of a title is to capture the reader’s attention and to draw his or her
attention to the research problem being investigated.

Create a Working Title

http://clipart-library.com/search2/?q=write%20clipart#gsc.tab=1&gsc.q=write%20clipart&gsc.page=1

The working title should be developed early in the research process because it can
help anchor the focus of the study in much the same way the research problem does. Referring
back to the working title can help you reorient yourself back to the main purpose of the study if
you feel yourself drifting off on a tangent while writing.

Effective titles in academic research papers have several characteristics.

• Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.
• Avoid using abbreviations.
• Use words that create a positive impression and stimulate reader interest.
• Use current nomenclature from the field of study.
• Identify key variables, both dependent and independent.
• May reveal how the paper will be organized.
• Suggest a relationship between variables which supports the major hypothesis.
• Is limited to 10 to 15 substantive words.
• Do not include "study of," "analysis of" or similar constructions.
• Titles are usually in the form of a phrase, but can also be in the form of a question.

*Source: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185911
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Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS

• Use correct grammar and capitalization with all first words and last words capitalized,
including the first word of a subtitle. All nouns, pronouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs
that appear between the first and last words of the title are also capitalized. In
academic papers, rarely is a title followed by an exclamation mark. However, a title or
subtitle can be in the form of a question.

*Source: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803&p=185911

Question 3: Write your working title based on the topic you chose for your research study.
________________________________________________________________

Conclusion

Instruction: Answer the following questions.

Question 4: How did you effectively choose a topic for your research study? Explain your answer.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Question 5: How were you able to write your research title?

__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Question 6: How is your research topic useful in the community or society? Explain your answer.
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________

Question 7: What attitude does a student researcher need to develop to be able to

effectively start with a research topic and research title? Explain your answer.
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________

Practical Research 2, POGIL MODULE by Deborah M. Agustin, SST-II, AYALA NHS Senior HS
RUBRIC for Written Answer:
Sources: file:///C:/Users/AS&AJ/Downloads/Documents/criteria.pdf
file:///C:/Users/AS&AJ/Downloads/Documents/High%20School%20Rubrics.pdf
Criteria Inadequate
(1)
Organization Writing lacks logical
organization. It shows
some coherence but
ideas lack unity.
Serious errors.
Level of Content Shows some thinking
and reasoning but most
ideas are
underdeveloped and
unoriginal.
Development Main points lack
detailed development.
Ideas are vague with
little evidence of critical
thinking
Mechanics and Spelling, punctuation,
Grammar and grammatical errors
create distraction,
making reading
difficult; fragments,
comma splices, run-ons
evident. Errors are
frequent.
Support Provides little or no
support for the main
point
10
Adequate Above Average (3) Exemplary
(2) (4)
Writing is coherent Writing is coherent Writing shows high
and logically and logically degree of attention
organized. Some organized with to logic and
points remain transitions used reasoning of points.
misplaced and stray between ideas and Unity clearly leads
from the topic. paragraphs to create the reader to the
Transitions evident coherence. Overall conclusion and stirs
but not used unity of ideas is thought regarding
throughout essay. present. the topic.
Content indicates Content indicates Content indicates
thinking and original thinking and synthesis of ideas,
reasoning applied develops ideas with indepth analysis and
with original thought sufficient and firm evidences original
on a few ideas. evidence. thought and support
for the topic.
Main points are Main points well Main points well
present with limited developed with developed with high
detail and quality supporting quality and quantity
development. Some details and quantity. support. Reveals
critical thinking is Critical thinking is high degree of
present. weaved into points critical thinking.
Most spelling, Essay has few Essay is free of
punctuation, and spelling, punctuation, distracting spelling,
grammar correct and grammatical punctuation, and
allowing reader to errors allowing grammatical errors;
progress though reader to follow absent of fragments,
essay. Some errors ideas clearly. Very comma splices, and
remain. few fragments or run-ons.
run-ons. Style
Supports main point Supports main point Persuasively supports
with some with developed main point with well
underdeveloped reasons and/or developed reasons
reasons and/or examples and/or examples
examples