College of Arts & Sciences: Telephone No.: (+63 32) 254 6814 Local 140 Email: Cnucas@cnu - Edu.ph Website: WWW - Cnu.edu - PH

Republic of the Philippines
Cebu Normal University

Osmeña Blvd. Cebu City
, 6000 Philippines
College of Arts & Sciences

TelephoneNo.: (+63 32) 254 6814local140
Email:cnucas@cnu.edu.ph
Website: www.cnu.edu.ph
Self-Instructional Modules on Introduction to Political Analysis and Research

Rufina C. Rosaroso, PhD
Professor, Department of Public Governance
College of Arts and Sciences
Module Overview
Doing political analysis is not a simple task. You have to be familiar with methods, designs
and processes involved in the conduct of political science action research. A political science
action research is designed to elucidate change or innovation on a prevailing and essential
issue (Slavin, 2007). Further, Slavin (2007) stated that political science action research is
useful in identifying injustices that are being perpetrated against groups of people with little
power or ability to speak up for themselves. This can lead to policy innovations that are
intended to protect these individuals. Moreover, awareness on the existence, origin and limits
of issues in the scientific study of politics should be taken into consideration as you continue
unveiling your journey to empirical investigation.
Research is an empirical investigation where scientific processes such as induction and

deduction play significant roles. Ary (2002) defined induction as obtaining knowledge
through observation and analysis of specific facts or concepts and coming up with
conclusions while deduction starts with known facts to derive detailed and analytical
conclusion. With this scenario, you will be guided in the conduct of political science action
research following the other processes involved such as topic formulation or manageable
topic identification, problem statements, literature review, methodology/design of the study,
collect data, implement intervention, collect more data, data analysis, conclusion and
recommendations and determine an action plan. You will learn each process as we continue
unraveling your journey.
By the way, do not associate research with a negative connotation. Conducting research is
enjoyable. So, let’s explore and have fun!
To guide you in your learning, this module is divided into five parts; namely:
1. Learning Compass. This section introduces you with the unit’s learning outcomes.
2. Let’s Begin. Once learning outcomes are identified, tasks will be provided to guide
you in understanding the key concepts in the unit.
3. We’re on Our Way. Guide questions will be given in every activity leading you to the
key concepts included in the lesson. You need to analyze what you have done.
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Recertification due date: 24 January 2021
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4. Let’s Dig Deeper. Discussion of key concepts is presented here for you to think and
reflect on. At the end, there is a highlighted BIG Idea.
5. How Far Have We Gone. To test if the learning outcomes are attained, another task is
provided to assess your learning.
6. Walk the Extra Mile. Recommended activities are provided at the end of every unit.
This is learning enrichment and application of what you have learned.
To summarize, introduction to political analysis and research will develop your written
and oral communication skills. Further, methodological literacy, your passport in
exploring the world of empirical investigations will be enhanced. In this semester, you
will be working only on a research proposal as a major requirement of the course.
Welcome aboard and enjoy your journey!
Unit 1. Research Topic, Problem Statements/Questions Formulation and Background of

the Study
LEARNING COMPASS
At the end of the unit, the students will be able to:

1. Generate a research topic based from prior knowledge.
2. List down potential sources of research topics for political science research.
3. Conceptualize the criteria in evaluating a research topic.
4. Evaluate a given topic using the accepted or agreed criteria in class.
5. Distinguish between the types of topic statements used in quantitative and qualitative
research.
6. Differentiate the terms population from variables as used in quantitative research.
7. Formulate the criteria in writing the background of the study.
Let’s Begin!
Below are statements related to topic formulation, problem statements and

background of the study in research. Put a check / mark if the statement is a fact and X if it is
an opinion.
/ 1. Selecting and formulating a topic is one of the most important aspects in the conduct
of research in any field.

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/ 2. The researcher should be equipped with knowledge or experience in the area to ask
questions that research can answer.
/ 3. The topic should be of interest to the researcher.
/ 4. Observations are considered as sources of research topic formulation.
/ 5. Review of previous research helps formulate a research topic.
/ 6. Problem Statements should be stated precisely, clearly and accurately.
/ 7. Background of the Study consists of a brief origin of the topic.
/ 8. Statement of the Problem can either be in an interrogative and/or statement form.
/ 9. Justification on the choice of the study is included in the Background of the Study.
/ 10. Problem Statements should be the one which arose from unresolved difficulties.
We’re on our Way
What did you do to identify if the statement is a fact or opinion?
Based on what I have learned in my previous research classes, I identified

the statements to be fact or opinion. Additionally, the nature of opinion is
subjective and suggestive, which the statements above are not, thus the
statements proved to be factual.
All of the statements are facts. These are necessary in research topic formulation,
problem statements and background of the study. These are just introductory statements that
will guide you as you continue exploring what political science action research is.
Learning Task
Interview any member of your family and ask him/her the following question:

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1. What do you think are other sources of research topic aside from observations and review
of previous research?
- According to my older sister whom is a doctor in medicine, specialization can also be
a source of a research topic.
2. What suggestions can you provide in writing problem statements?

- “You should about and how to research your topic in order to provide a good
statement of the problem. A good problem statement clearly states the reasons as to
why it is relevant as a research.”
3. How can you guide me in drafting my background of the study?

- “I had the same experience with you when I was also in college making theses and
research. What is important in writing the background of the study is clarity,
information, and logical structure of ideas . Things in the background of the study
should always be well-defined.”
Let’s Dig Deeper
Oftentimes, a student asks himself, “How do I find a research topic?” Definitely, he should
look into the sources of a research topic. These sources include the following, namely;
experience, deductions from theory and related literature (Ary, 2002).
Experience. Your own experiences as students are good sources of a research topic. As
political science students, you can reflect on your past experiences and start formulating a
researchable topic. From these experiences, you can include your observations which
definitely will guide you in research topic formulation.
Deductions from Theory. The deductions that the researcher can make from various political
theories with which he/she is familiar with provide an excellent source of research topic.
Theories provide general principles whose applicability to specific political problems is only
hypothetical until research empirically confirms them. Only through research you can
determine whether the generalizations embedded in theories can be formulated to
recommendations for improving political practice (Ary, 2002).
Related Literature. Another important source of research problem/topic is the literature in

your own area of interest. In your case, your area of interest is political science. There are
several recent topics in politics that can be investigated. According to Ary (2002), there are

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several ways in which the review of previous research can help in formulating research
problem/topic. These are as follows:
1. Review of past research helps students formulate research questions.
2. Review of previous research may motivate a researcher to check if the procedures

utilized can be used in solving current empirical investigation.
3. Reviewing previous research may provide an avenue to replicate previous study. Such
replication or duplication should provide an in-depth analysis of previous findings.
4. Reviewing research studies previously undertaken may look into consideration its
relevance to other cultures. However, this does not necessarily mean that conclusions
from research done in a given culture do not have significance at all in other cultures.
5. Reviewing previous research may provide a room in identifying inconsistencies and

contradictions with the various research processes.
Attendance in Research Fora and Other Professional Activities
As millennials, you are fortunate to be invited as paper presenter or an audience in

any research forum and other professional activities. Attendance to these activities will
enhance your capability in formulating research problem/topic.
Criteria in Evaluating the Significance of a Research Topic (Ary, 2002)
1. The topic should be one whose solution will contribute to the body of organized
knowledge. The study should fill in the gaps in the present knowledge or help resolve
some of the inconsistencies in previous research.
2. The topic must be researchable. To be researchable, the topic should be empirically

investigated where the collected and analyzed data can answer the research questions.
Moreover, the researcher should further look into the conceptualization and
measurement of the variables involved in the question particularly quantitative
research.
3. The topic should be one that will lead to new problems and to be conducted for further
research. A good study that answers the research questions, usually generates a
number of other inquiries that solicit further investigation. This is called knowledge
generation.

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4. The topic must be suitable for the researcher. You as the researcher should be
interested with your chosen topic whose solution is personally important in
contributing to your own knowledge. Further, the topic should be in an area or
discipline in which you have both knowledge and experiences. In your case, your
discipline is Political Science.
5. The topic should be ethically appropriate. You should be investigating a topic without
violating ethical principles. The three issues which you need to consider include
consent, protection from harm and privacy.
Consent involves asking subject’s permission if they wish to participate or not in the
study.
Protection from Harm involves physical and/or psychological harm such as stress,
discomfort or embarrassment that could have effects on the subjects.
Privacy in research includes the use of pseudonyms or observing anonymity among

the subjects. Their personal information should not be disclosed publicly.
Formulating Problem Statements/Questions in Quantitative Research
Ary (2002) identified the criteria in formulating workable problem statements/questions in

the conduct of quantitative research. These are as follows:
1. The problem statement/question clarifies exactly what is to be investigated. Variables

should be specified and operationally defined. An operational definition defines a
concept in terms of the operation or processes that will be used to measure or to
manipulate the concept. Operational definition guides the researcher how he/she uses the
terms or concepts in the study.
2. The problem statement/question asks about a relationship between two or more

variables.
3. The problem should be stated in such a way that an answer is possible. That is, collected
and analyzed data are answers to the research questions.
Population, Samples and Variables
Population is the total number of subjects or respondents in the study. Samples are the exact
number of subjects or respondents taken from the population. A variable is a representation
of a construct that can take on more than one value (Slavin, 2007). Examples of variables

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include height, reading test score, aptitude and gender. Variables in quantitative research can
be classified as independent and dependent. In qualitative research, there are no variables.
Let’s read the following question and analyze.
Does the individual voter’s political awareness affect his participation in an electoral
process?
Analyzing the question, the individual voter’s political awareness is the independent
variable because it is the variable (such as treatment) hypothesized to cause one or more
outcomes (dependent variables) (Slavin, 2007). It is also called the cause of an effect which is
the dependent variable. The dependent variable is an outcome variable hypothesized to be
affected by one or more causes (Slavin, 2007). In the question, the dependent variable is
participation in an electoral process.
Formulating Problem Statements/Questions in Qualitative Research (Ary, 2002)
A qualitative problem statement/question indicates the general purpose of the study. It

begins with the identification of a general topic or an area you want to know more about.
This is the “focus of inquiry.” This initial focus provides the framework but allows for
changes as the study proceeds. As the researcher gathers data and discovers new meanings,
the general problem is narrowed down to more specific topics and new questions may arise.
The quantitative researcher always states the problem before collecting data, the qualitative
researcher may formulate problems after beginning data collection.
Sources of Qualitative Problems
1. Personal Experiences and Interests

2. Professional Literature
3. Current Social Issues
4. Real-world Concerns
Criteria In Formulating Qualitative Problem Statements/Questions (Ary, 2002)
1. The problem should be stated clearly.

2. Investigation of the problem should be feasible.
3. The problem should be one in which the researcher has a great deal of interest and
experience. The researcher should have the knowledge and skills necessary to collect
the data and to analyze and interpret the results.

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Background of the Study
1. It is a brief statement on the origin of the problem.

2. An account describing the circumstances which suggested the conduct of research
3. It includes your reasons why you conduct the study
Keep in Mind
Selecting and formulating a research topic is one of the most important aspects of
doing research in political science.
How Far Have We Gone
I. Directions: Answer the following questions briefly.
1. How did you find research topic formulation? 5 points

The research topic formulation is the first step of a research study. Thus, in
doing so, brainstorming with the group is needed to gather ideas and discuss
until we could come up with a decent research topic that is up to standard,
which should be SMART.
2. Why do you think that your research topic should be aligned with your discipline? 5
points
 Our research should be aligned with our discipline , which is Political Science,
because this will give us an edge with our study, since it will be easier for us to
write as it is within our interests, and we have background in it, like playing
home court. This is also beneficial when we establish our names in the future
since contribution to the field is important.
3. How will you conceptualize the background of the study? 10 points
 Use the deductive skills. Begin with a general overview of the topic,
introducing the ideas that you’ll use throughout the study. Next, provide the
specific details and information regarding the methodologies used in the
research. Plagiarism must be put in mind and avoided. Lastly, to introduce
your study, describe the choice of methodology with clarity and state the
reason as to why this methodology is chosen instead of the other
methodologies.

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II. Read and analyze the given abstract. Answer the questions that follows:
Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, Vol. 4, No. 2, May 2016

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
29 P-ISSN 2350-7756 | E-ISSN 2350-8442 | www.apjmr.com
Political Dynasty in Public Governance: A Close Encounter with the Cebuanos

Eron Anthony Guarde1 , Rufina C. Rosaroso2 , Fredrich
Rama3, Rolan Batac4 , Gerome Lasala5
1eronguarde@gmail.com, 2raffycoronel@cnu.edu.ph,
3frederickderf750@gmail.com, 4rolanbatac07@gmail.com,
5gwanggaeto12@gmail.com
Date Received: February 5, 2016; Date Revised: April 3, 2016
Abstract – This is a qualitative study which described the existence of political dynasties in Cebu,
Philippines. The prevailing issues on political equality and perennial rule of political families were
also investigated unfolding the Cebuanos’ perceptions of political dynasty and its impact on Cebuano
bureaucracy. The method of data analysis used in the study was narrative inquiry where storytelling
among the selected key informants served as data collection technique. Purposive sampling was used

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in the selection of key informant politicians while random sampling for key informant voters was
determined. The instruments used in data gathering were interviews and observations. The study
revealed the true meaning of political dynasty, its advantages and drawbacks to its constituents.
Varied rejoinders and call for democracy motivated the selected key informant politicians to continue
serving the citizenry. This study recommends that an anti-individualistic voting preferences campaign
be promoted by the government, education and youth sectors in transforming intelligent Filipino
voters.
Keywords – political dynasty, narrative inquiry, purposive sampling, random sampling,

anti-individualistic voting preferences campaign
1. Aside from the given title, what research topic can you formulate based from the
abstract? 5 points
The Cebuano culture of kinship and how it affects the formation of political dynasty in Cebu
city.
2. With the given abstract as your guide, formulate at least two quantitative research
problem statements/questions. 5 points
 Political Equality in Public Governance: The Oligopoly of Political Dynasties in
National and Local Politics
3. Formulate at least two qualitative research problem statements/questions based on the

given abstract. 5 points
 Does aid or assistance of political candidates to certain sectors affect their
voting preference in an electoral process?
 Does the age and educational background of a voter affect their political
preference
4. Draft the background of the study of the given research abstract. 15 points
 Political dynasty is a prevalent practice in the Philippines. The term "Political

Dynasty" is defined as members of the same family occupying elected
positions in the government. According to Supreme Court Associate Justice
Antonio Carpio (2011), it is a phenomenon that concentrates political power
and public resources within the family whose members alternately hold office.
Political dynasty has raised an issue on the inequality of political power
distribution. Additionally, alongside its negative connotation, this also
empowers only the political elite, deteriorating the spirit of political

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competition. In Cebu, the said phenomenon has unfolded the Cebuanos'

perceptions of political dynasty and its impact on Cebuano governance and
politics. Prominent families in Cebuano politics include the Osmenas, Ramas,
and Garcias. This study inquires the effects of political dynasties in political
competition and the inequality of the distribution of political power.
References
Ary, D., Jacobs, L. C. and Razavieh, A. (2002). Introduction to Research in Education.

USA: Wadsworth/Thomson Learning
McMillan, J and Schumacher, S. (2006). Research in Education. Evidence-based Inquiry.

Boston: Pearson
Slavin, R. E. Educational Research in an Age of Accountability: Boston: Pearson.
Rosaroso, et. al. (May 2016). Dynasty in Public Governance: A Close Encounter with the
Cebuanos. Asia Pacific Journal of Multidisciplinary Research 4(2)
(Professor’s Publication open access)
How to Select a Research Topic | University of Michigan-Flint. Retrieved from

www.umflint.edu>library>how-select-research-topic
Develop a Research Topic – Charles W. Chesnutt Library

library.uncfsu.edu › reference › develop-a-research-topic

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How can I choose a good topic for my research paper? – Ask a …
emory.libanswers.com › faq
Developing Strong Research Questions, Criteria and Examples www.scribbr.com

› ... › Starting the research process
Developing Your Research Question – Choosing & Using …
ohiostate.pressbooks.pub › choosingsources › chapter › d...
Developing a Research Question - Research: From selecting ...

libguides.gwu.edu › research › question
Developing a Research Question - YouTube

www.youtube.com › watch
Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question

onlinepapers.files.wordpress.com › 2015/03 › develop_...
Prepared and Submitted by:
RUFINA C. ROSAROSO, PhD

Professor, Department of Public Governance
August 23, 2020

, 6000 Philippines

SDF-CAS-302-40-00


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Republic of the Philippines

Cebu Normal University

College of Arts & Sciences

Self-Instructional Modules on Introduction to Political Analysis and Research

Research is an empirical investigation where scientific processes such as induction and

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

Welcome aboard and enjoy your journey!

Unit 1. Research Topic, Problem Statements/Questions Formulation and Background of

At the end of the unit, the students will be able to:

Below are statements related to topic formulation, problem statements and

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

/ 3. The topic should be of interest to the researcher.

/ 4. Observations are considered as sources of research topic formulation.

/ 5. Review of previous research helps formulate a research topic.

/ 6. Problem Statements should be stated precisely, clearly and accurately.

/ 7. Background of the Study consists of a brief origin of the topic.

/ 8. Statement of the Problem can either be in an interrogative and/or statement form.

We’re on our Way

What did you do to identify if the statement is a fact or opinion?

Based on what I have learned in my previous research classes, I identified

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

2. What suggestions can you provide in writing problem statements?

3. How can you guide me in drafting my background of the study?

Let’s Dig Deeper

Related Literature. Another important source of research problem/topic is the literature in

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

1. Review of past research helps students formulate research questions.

2. Review of previous research may motivate a researcher to check if the procedures

5. Reviewing previous research may provide a room in identifying inconsistencies and

Attendance in Research Fora and Other Professional Activities

As millennials, you are fortunate to be invited as paper presenter or an audience in

Criteria in Evaluating the Significance of a Research Topic (Ary, 2002)

2. The topic must be researchable. To be researchable, the topic should be empirically

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

Privacy in research includes the use of pseudonyms or observing anonymity among

Formulating Problem Statements/Questions in Quantitative Research

Ary (2002) identified the criteria in formulating workable problem statements/questions in

1. The problem statement/question clarifies exactly what is to be investigated. Variables

2. The problem statement/question asks about a relationship between two or more

Population, Samples and Variables

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

Let’s read the following question and analyze.

Formulating Problem Statements/Questions in Qualitative Research (Ary, 2002)

A qualitative problem statement/question indicates the general purpose of the study. It

Sources of Qualitative Problems

1. Personal Experiences and Interests

Criteria In Formulating Qualitative Problem Statements/Questions (Ary, 2002)

1. The problem should be stated clearly.

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences

1. It is a brief statement on the origin of the problem.

How Far Have We Gone

I. Directions: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. How did you find research topic formulation? 5 points

3. How will you conceptualize the background of the study? 10 points

Registration No. 52Q18778

College of Arts & Sciences