Elements/Parts of a Thesis:

Usually a thesis or dissertation consists of two main parts. The first part is the
preliminaries, and the other is the body of the thesis.

The preliminaries of a research paper are (1) Title page, (2) Approval Sheet, (3)
Acknowledgement, (4) Table of Contents, (5) List of Tables, (6) List of Figures, and (7)
Abstract.

Title page. The title page is the first page of a research paper, thesis and dissertation,
but page number is not indicated. The title page presents the title; kind of research work,
research paper, thesis or dissertation; the faculty to be submitted; name of the school; the
submission statement; the degree is to be granted. The title should be brief, descriptive,
and comprehensive and it appears in the title page is typewritten in all capital letters in an
inverted pyramid style.

Approval sheet. The approval sheet immediately follows the title page. It generally
contains a statement of acceptance of the research report. The approval sheet should
contain the signatures of the following; the research adviser, members of the panel, and
dean of the college.

Acknowledgement. This is another preliminary section of a research paper in which

the researcher express his gratitude to the different persons who assisted, facilitated,
orientated, and guided him to make his research work a reality. The researcher should
recognize and appreciate the assistance, guidance, and selfless effort and wise counsel of
his adviser and reader.

Table of Contents. The table of contents lists the preliminary parts, the chapter title
along with the subdivisions of the body of the report, and the supplementary materials in
the appendix. The preliminary parts are listed first, after these are the chapters

List of Tables. The list of table should follow the table of contents. Table should be
listed separately from the chapter and section headings. All captions should appear exactly
the same in the listing.

List of Figures. Titles of pictures, graphs, charts and other illustrative materials are
all included in the List of Figures appearing in the appendix should be included in the List
of Figures.

Abstract. The abstract is a brief summary of the research. Generally, it gives concise
summary of the problem, the research methodology used, the findings and conclusions.
The abstract allows readers to survey the contents of the research report quickly. The
abstract includes:
1. A brief description of the background and purpose of the study;
2. A statement of the theoretical and conceptual framework and hypothesis(es);
3. A specification of the subjects or samples (ethnic group, age, sex, number), the
research design, the instruments, and the data-gathering procedure;
4. The main results and conclusions. The abstract must be completed in one-
paragraph form, single-paced, and in 120 words or less.
The following writing guidelines should be used for abstracts:
1. Do not repeat the title of the thesis in first few lines of the abstract to statements
of what was done and the results found;
2. State whatever has to be said in a few words as possible; don’t be redundant.

Usually, the body of the thesis is composed of five chapters. Chapter 1 deals on the
problem and its background; chapter 2, review of related literature; chapter 3, methodology
of the study; chapter 4 presentation, analysis and interpretation of data; and chapter 5,
summary, conclusions, and recommendations.
Chapter 1: The Problem and Its Background

Introduction. The text ordinarily begins with an introduction. This is a brief

statement of the origin of the problem. It is an account describing the circumstances which
suggested the research. Systematic and orderly presentation of background information
related to the problem, unresolved issues and social concerns may be included.

Significance of the Study. This part should state the importance of the problem
investigated, its poll in current/contemporary development and the significance of the
results. It should include a statement on the potential contribution of the research to the
policy implications for other possible used. It should present an orderly identification or
probable used. It should present an orderly identification or probable uses of research and
should state specific ways on how the findings can be used.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework. In this part the researcher should formulate a

tentative scheme for the research problem. The theoretical framework outlines the research
theory to be verified in the study. And in the theoretical framework the researcher needs to
have a clear presentation of the theory which explains why the study exists. The conceptual
framework specifies the key variables of the study and shows their interrelationships. An
appropriate development of conceptual frame with reference to the problems of the study is
needed. This is usually represented in a diagram.

Statement of the Problem. Problems include major and specific concerns. In this part
the research concerns. In this part the research should have a clear identification of the
problem statement. Succinct, unambiguous statement of specific problems related to the
major problem. While working on this part, the researcher should note: the problem should
be stated precisely, accurately, and clearly; the major problem can be stated either
declarative or interrogative form; the specific problems are stated either in interrogative
form or in the form of objectiveness; the problem may be defined in terms of data that can
be obtained.

Hypothesis of the Study. Hypotheses are tentative statements about the given
population. They serve as tentative answers to one or more research problems, and are
subjected to statistical test. A clear-cut statement of hypotheses are stated in testable
form/the level of significance usually at p<.01 or p<.05 level is set before testing. Both the
research and null hypotheses (Ho) are stated. Qualitative research may not test hypotheses.

Definition of Terms. Clear definitions should be stated for all important variables,
especially if these are to be measured by means of specific instruments or a combination of
devices. Use of operational definitions of key variables. This section does not appear in
qualitative research.

Scope and Delimitation. This section would be sufficient delimitation of the problem
area in terms of content, time, place and subjects of the investigation. Limits of the study
need to be properly defined. The scope is expected to indicate a reasonable area of study
which is large enough to be significant but narrow to permit careful treatment. The scope of
the problem should be stated specifically.

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature and Studies.

The purpose of this chapter is to tell what research has or has not been done on the
problem on the problem, it explains or clarifies the theoretical rationale of the problem. It
provides general picture of the research topic. The literature and studies related to the
problem should be systematically presented. And there should be adequate presentations
with reference to problem, research design, and significant findings. The review clarifies the
interrelationship of the literature reviewed. Points out weaknesses and strengths of each
study. Only research literature which are related in purpose, method, or findings to current
study should be included in the review.

Chapter 3: Methodology of the Study.

 Method and Techniques. In this section the researcher has to present a concise
description of the research method and justification for its choice. Followed by that should
be a sufficient description of operational or field procedures followed in the collection of
data (when, where, and how data are to be obtained).

Population and Sample of the Study. This section describes the population and
sample profiles, sample size and sampling procedure. When working on this section, use
appropriate sampling design and sample size.

Instruments of the Study. This section should be appropriate choice and description
of the instruments. Detailed procedures on how the instrument was constructed should be
stated. A description of the data-gathering tools and their development: adoption,
construction, validation and administration of instruments is included. Instruments
include test, questionnaires, interview guidelines. Adequate information pertaining to
validity and reliability of the instrument is needed.

Data Processing and Statistical Treatment. The procedures followed in conducting

the study should be explained in complete detail. Techniques, devices, and procedures
followed are explained in this part. The researcher should give especial attention to the
appropriateness of statistical treatment and data processing.

Chapter 4: Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Data.

This chapter summarizes and presents the results of data analysis. The results are
presented in a straight-forward and unbiased way. The presentation are geared to the
research hypotheses, if any. In this chapter the researcher is required to (1) briefly
introduce the topic; (2) present the data; (3) analyze and interpret the results. Presentation
of the results should follow the order and sequence of the problems raised in chapter 1. The
researcher is required to scholarly analyze and interpret the results by providing scientific
and unbiased insights concerning the results of the study. It is also suggested to integrate
the contents of chapter 2 in the analysis & interpretation of the results.

Chapter 5: Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations.

This last chapter of the report contains an overview of the research. In theses and
dissertations, it gives a brief restatement of the problem, the procedures, and findings. It is
not supposed to contain any new information. Rather it briefly recapitulates the entire
content of the paper. The summary should also include the research design, the population
and sample and the statistical techniques used. The summary of findings or results of the
study is presented in the order of the problems raised in chapter 1. The conclusions are
based on the findings of the study. The recommendations are based on the derived
conclusions. The purpose of chapter 5 is to summarize the entire research project. It would
include discussions on what the research is all about, the problem and the hypothesis and
a brief summary. Broad generalizations not adequately supported by data are to be
avoided. Conclusions should be drawn only from the population and circumstances for
which the evidence has been collected. Opinionated statements and suggestions not
supported by evidence should be avoided. Practical implications that can be drawn from
the study are to be included.

Bibliography

When doing research and writing a report, it is always necessary to name the
source(S) of your information. This list of sources is called bibliography. A bibliography
should be listed alphabetically. The second line of an entry should be indented for five
spaces (one standard tab). Skip a line after each entry. The aim of writing a bibliography is
to show where you obtained information and acknowledge your sources and to allow your
readers to find this information if they need to. In writing a bibliography the following
information should be included: author (surname first, followed by first name of initials);
title of publication (usually, or using italics); publishing company; place of publication
(usually town or city); and year of publication. It is a bibliography of the book, these
information should be arranged in the following way:
Author’s last name, first name. Title of book. Place of publication: Publisher, copyright year.
For example:
Fogle, Bruce. Training Your Dog. New York: DK Publishing, 2001.

If your source of information is coming from an Internet, the information should be

arranged like: Author’s last name, first name. “Title of item.” <Online> Available
http://address/filename, date of document or download.

For example:
DiStefano, Vince. “Guidelines for Better Writing.” <Online> Available
http:www.usa.net/-vinced/hom/better-writing, html, Octiber 5, 2002.

Appendices
Curriculum Vitae
Research Process

The following are the steps of doing a research.

Step1: Analysis of Socio-Educational Issues/Problems, thus to identify and develop a

good topic.

Before starting s study, a basic assumption is needed to start a study. Then state
your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in the influence of teacher’s
behavior on students’ academic performance, you might pose the question, “Does teacher’s
behavior influences students’ academic performance?”. From the question you posed to
yourself, identify the main concepts or key words in your question. A good topic should
meet the following criteria: interest; workable; theoretical value (potential contribution of
the study to the state of the art); practical value (who are the individuals or organizations
that can take benefit from the research and how); and critical mass (how the topic be
interesting and important to other people).

Step 2: Identifying developing research questions, problems, hypothesis.

In this step the basic essential is research conceptualization and development, which
refers to “how” to develop the idea for the research project. This involves: Formulating good
research problem and formulating a good testable hypothesis. In step 1 a topic is already is
identified, then the next thing need to be done is to develop a research problem. Since
research is a time-consuming, detail-oriented process in which there are often tasks that
generally not emotionally fulfilling or intellectually stimulating but still need to be
performed, in developing a research needs to ask himself/herself the following questions: is
it interesting to you? Is it feasible? What’s the potentialities of the study in contribution to
add new knowledge? And what’s the practical use of the study? After the research has an
idea about what is his research problem, he/she needs to formulate a research title must
be qualitative and it is comprehensive interpretation of your basic assumption, which
should be formed before starting the research. And a good title should be long enough to be
descriptive, and short enough to be caught in, usually within 14 contents words. While
making a tile please keep in mind that you should make it more understandable, then the
major problem can be gotten easily. What after the research title are the developing of
major problem and specific problems. When formulating, at least one research problem is
needed. The researcher must be able to distinguish the major problem and specific
problems. The major problem is a broad sense, it is the main topic of your research, and it
can be stated in both statement form and question form. After the major problem is
identified, chop it into 3-4 specific problems, which can also be stated in statement and
question form.

Key points in formulating research problems are: specific; measurable (qualified and
permits measurement – all variables can be measured). To judge whether a research
problem is measurable, the research can ask a question as “Is there any questionnaire or
available test to quantify his/her research problem?”; And conjecture (it is a assumption;
correlation between the main variables). In the process of formulating research problems,
the researcher still need to know the difference between research still need to know the
difference between research problem and research questions. Research problem is the
problem meets all the three key point mentioned above. Research question sometimes
called developmental questions. It serves to a developmental purpose in a study. Specific
problems can be both research problem and research questions. Research question has
only one variable problems involves more than one variables and has to meet the foregoing
criteria. (example see the notebook)

Step 3: Reviewing related literature.

Importance of review literature are: it serves as a source of research problems which

can be deduced from existing studies; it ensures that important variables relevant to the
study are not overlooked; it establishes the need/significance.justification in conducting
the present study; it provides a historical background perspective about the study; it serves
as a basis for the development of the theoretical conceptual framework; it avoids the
necessary duplication of selecting a research which has been done before; it helps to give
more focus, direction and clarity to the study; and it helps too familiarized the reader with
previous studies done related to the present topic.

Step 4: Developing theoretical & conceptual framework

What is the theoretical framework? 1. The theoretical framework outlines the theory
that one wishes to espouse to verify in his/her study. If there is a theory that can be used,
then use it as your theoretical framework and verify whether it is true or not. If there is no
available theory, postulate one. In another word, make your own assumption. 2. The
theoretical framework must explain why your study exist, why you use it. 3. The theoretical
framework is the basic structure upon which concepts are built. 4. The Theoretical
Framework is the research study’s frame of reference that provides the very foundation for
which the study is being conducted. What is the conceptual framework? 1. A conceptual
framework is the set of terms and relationships within which the problem is formulated. 2.
The Conceptual Framework relates or translates the basic theory/postulate into more
specific concepts. 3. The Conceptual Framework is usually depicted by a diagram or
schematic framework called paradigm. The paradigm is the operational framework of the
research study which illustrates the interrelationships among variables. (for more
information, see question 2).

Step 5: Formulation of hypothesis.

A research hypothesis almost equals to a statement of prediction, and it is the

statement created by a researcher when he/she speculate upon the outcome of his/her
research, In the aforementioned part research problems and questions has been formulated
in a research. But they are too broad as statement and are not testable by any reasonable
scientific means. They are merely tentative question arising from literature reviews and
intuition, thus they are unscientific. The research hypothesis is a paring down of the
problem into something testable. In formulating hypothesis only make hypothesis for
research problem. Hypothesis must includes a research hypothesis which is the basic
premise. It is what the research bears in mind and it predicts the relationships between the
variables. Apart from that, a null hypothesis must be also included, it usually stated that
there is no difference, no relationship and no effect among the variables.

Step 6: Develop the research design

There are mainly two kinds of research design one is qualitative research, another is
quantitative research, In qualitative research your aim is to determine the relationship
between one thing (an independent variable variable) and another (a dependent variable) in
a population. Whereas, qualitative research is all about exploring issues, understanding
phenomena and answering question. During this stage the research has to decide a
research that suitable for his/her research. After that the population and sample of the
study also needed to be decided.

Step 7: Prepare/Validate the instrument and Data Collection

Instrument is a description of the data-gathering tools and their development. It

includes tests, questionnaires, interview, guidelines. In this step the research has to have a
good preparation of his/her instrument. Then have his/her instrument validated by at least
professors in the study area.

Data collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data
collection can impact the results of a study and ultimately lead to invalid results. After the
instrument is validated, the researcher can starts the data collection with the prepared
instrument,

Step 8: Analyze and interpret the data

Once you have collected data for your research, you need to sort it out and make
sense of what it means, and that is data analysis and interpretation. In analyzing and
interpreting data there are some points that the research should keep in mind: 1. During
this step the research should briefly introduce the topic, carefully present the data, then
thoroughly analyze and interpret the results; 2. Presentation of the results should follow
the order and sequence of the problems raise in chapter1; 3. The research should analyze
an interpret the results scholarly by providing scientific & unbiased insights concerning the
results of the study; 4. It is also advisable for the research to integrate the contents of
chapter 2 in the analysis & interpretation of the results.

Step 9: Write a research report

After all the aforementioned 8 steps are done, the research can start the last step,
that is writing research report, which, is a summary, conclusion and recommendation of
his/her research. While writing a research report, the research should aware that the
report should include the research design, the population and sample and the statistical
techniques used. The summary of findings or results of the study is presented in the order
of the problems raised of the study in chapter 1. The conclusions are based in the findings
of the study. The recommendations are based on the derived conclusions. And the purpose
of this step is to summarize the entire research project. It would include discussion on
what the research is all about, the problem and the hypothesis and a brief introduction of
data collection, interpretation process.
Explain the following key terms/concepts in the research process?

RESEARCH PROBLEM/RESEARCH QUESTION

Research problem is a question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty or difficulty

that is proposed for solution or discussion. It is the problem lacking of understanding in
the literature or the things we don’t know or that need further clarification. It can be stated
in both statement form and question form. A good research problem should be SPECIFIC.
The problem should be specifically stated; MEASURABLE. It is easy to measure by using
research instruments (i.e., questionnaire, test, etc.) in collecting data; and CONJECTURE.
It is assumption; correlation between the main variables. However research question is
stated as questions that might help to depict the solution to the research problem.
Generally many research questions will be answered to get a better insight into the solution
to the research problem

Difference between research problem and research question.

1. Research problem is the problem meets the above characteristics.

2. Research question sometimes called developmental question which serves to a
developmental purpose in the study.
3. Specific problems can be both research problem and research questions.
4. Research question has only one variable being talked about.

For example:

Major problem: The influence of the leadership behaviors of school administrators on

teachers’ performance. (This is a research problem)

Specific problems (chop major problem into 3-4 specific problem).

1. What is the profile of school administrators in terms of educational preparation,
training, age, etc.? (Research question)
2. How may the leadership behavior of school administrators be described in terms
of task and relationship dimensions? (Research question)
3. What is the level performance of the faculty in terms of teaching competency,
professional development activities, etc. (Research question)
4. Do the leadership behavior of school administrator exert significant influence on
the performance of the faculty. (Research problem).

Among the specific problems being presented above, number 1, 2, and 3 are research
questions. Because in each of them there is only one variable being talked about. And
they serve the purpose of question 4. However, specific problem no. 4 is the research
problem since there are two variables being mentioned and it meets the above
criterias.

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS/NULL HYPOTHESIS

A research hypothesis almost equals to a statement of prediction, and it is the

statement created by a researcher when he/she speculate