Philippine College of Science and Technology: Writing Research Proposal

PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418

Tel. No. (075)522-8032/Fax No. (075)523-0894/Website: www.philcst.edu.ph
ISO 9001:2015 CERTIFIED, Member: Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities (PACU),
Philippine Association of Maritime Institutions (PAMI)
Module 9
Writing Research Proposal
What is proposal
• A plan or suggestion, especially a formal or written one, put forward for consideration by others.
• A Research proposal “is a document that outline how you purpose to undertake your research
studies”
What is research proposal

 Research proposal is a document written by a researcher that provides a detailed description of
the proposed program,
 It is like an outline of the entire research process that gives a reader a summary of the
information discussed in a project.
Research proposal should reflect:

1. What you are going to research
2. Why you are going to research this particular area
3. What is the significance of researching this area
4. How you are going to conduct the research
 A key step in carrying out such planning is the preparation of a research proposal
 The development of the proposal can help to reduce wasted effort and provide a more efficient,
problem-free study by encouraging the researcher to clarify the exact nature of the
investigation
 The investigator should specify the procedures which researcher expects to follow
 The researcher will be better prepared to carry out all of the necessary, relevant steps
Importance of research proposal

 Help examine what the researcher intends to do
 Research proposal can serve as a document of contract for the project
 Research proposal can be effective starting places to discuss projects with your professors, too
Research proposals can be effective starting places to give an overview of the research project
so that other people understand the scope of the research, as well as your proposed
methodology and chosen research
Advantages of research proposal

 Fund to support your research
 Allow you to review and critically evaluate your current research
 Convince yourself and others that your research is worth supporting
 Keep you focused on your research program
Organization and Contents of a Proposal

 The format of a research proposal will vary somewhat according to the purpose of the proposal
and the institutions involved.

 The major components are generally the same.
 The following sequence or order in which they usually occur;
Title Page
Abstract
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION
Background and Need of the Study
The Problem
Hypotheses/Assumption
Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
Paradigm of the Study
Scope and Delimitation
Definition of Terms
Chapter 2: RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Research Design and Method
Population and Locale of the Study
Data Gathering Tool
Data Gathering Procedure
Treatment of the Data
Chapter 3: REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Foreign Literature
Local Literature
Foreign Studies
Local Studies
Clinching Paragraph
Bibliography
Curriculum Vitae
Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION
Background and Need of the Study

This refers to the overview of the research discussing a situational analysis that portrays the
problem in the global, national, regional, and the local context. This may also include: a) the justification
of what generated interest and motivation for the researcher that led to the conceptualization of the
problem; b) the logical continuity between relevant previous work with the present work; c) the
theoretical or practical importance of the study; and d) in general, this section must give the reader a firm
sense of what was done and why.
The Problem
The researcher problem is one or more questions to be answered empirically. The main problem
is usually stated in a declarative form and covers the broad area. It states the intent of the investigation in
clear grammatical sequence, shows congruence with the title and the theoretical framework, and provides
linkage with the methodology to be employed.
The specific research problems are in the form of interrogative statements. These specific
problems or sub-problems are interrelated parts of the main problem into smaller subparts.
The general problem must be typed after an Arabic numeral (i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc.) while the sub-
problems must be numbered as per decimal (e.g. 1.1, 2.1, etc.)
Hypotheses
Hypotheses are tentative, intelligent guesses set forth as possible explanations for an occurrence.
They are posted for the purpose of assisting the researcher in directing the investigation of a problem.
The hypotheses should provide the researcher’s expected answers to the sub-problems. They
should be stated briefly, clearly and directly in a declarative form. Use the null hypotheses except for
literary or qualitative researches.
Since the hypotheses are one-on-one with the problems, the numbering of the hypotheses must be
congruent with the problems.
Theoretical/conceptual Framework
This includes: a) all the different theories and models that provide the
conceptual underpinnings of the study or the legitimate bases for defining its parameters; b) general
reviews or surveys about the topics that can be referred to that are available; c) an emphasis of pertinent
findings, relevant methodological issues, and major conclusions.
This section is important because the theories shall help in the interpretation of the research
findings.
It is advisable to use free standing headings and paragraph headings whenever necessary to assist
in organizing the concepts being presented. For Example:
Free standing heading

Xxxxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xxxx xxxx xxx xxx xx xxx x xxxxxx xxxx xxx xxx.
Paragraph heading. Xxxx xxx xxx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxx xxxxxxx xxx xxxxxx
xxxx.
Paradigm of the Study

The paradigm of the study is a diagrammatic representation of a conceptual framework. It depicts
in a more vivid way what the conceptual framework wants to convey. The paradigm also requires a clear
discussion of the elements of variables and their relationship. The researcher should know the value
controlling a particular independent variable in order that interference of other variables in the prediction
will be avoided or minimized.
Usually, the paradigm of the study consists of three parts: First is the INPUT which reflects the
variables to be measured, particularly those mentioned in the research title, major problem and sub-
problems. Second is the PROCESS which reflects the research design and method and research
instrument and tool used. It also reflects the role of collection, tabulation, statistical treatment, analysis
and interpretation of data, as well as the findings and conclusions. And, third is the OUTPUT which
reflects the intended research outcome or result of the study.
Therefore, the final portion in this sub-topic is allotted for the discussion of the paradigm. The
discussion must be provided before the presentation of the diagram.
Scope and Delimitation

The scope of the study defines the inclusive frame of references and the procedural limits. The
delimitation of the problem sets the precise boundaries of the problem area, the variables and the sample,
and what the researcher will include or exclude. The setting of the problem should be stated in terms of
geography, period covered, subjects, and area of limitations. Constraints in resources, data sources, and
administrative permission should also be included. It should also describe the restraints imposed by the
sampling method and the restrictions imposed by the study designed on the interpretation of findings.
Definition of Terms
Important terms or phrases, especially those that were reflected in the thesis title and major
problem and sub-problems, must be defined operationally, conceptually and/or lexically for a clearer and
better understanding of the study.
The researcher must always cite the lexical source or sources of the meaning/ meanings used in
defining a particular term or phrase in order to avoid legal problem in the future. If possible, sources or
reading materials to be cited must be those not more than ten years from the last publication or edition.
Every term or phrase must be indented, either normal-italicized or normal-underlined, and in

lower-upper case followed by a period, then two spaces, then the actual meaning which is to be in a
sentence form.
Chapter 2
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODOLOGY
Make a brief introductory sentence/paragraph of this chapter.
Research Design and Method

Clearly mention and discuss the research design (e.g., historical, applied, experimental, case
study, etc.), and research method (e.g., qualitative and quantitative) used and the reason for choosing it.
Population and Locale of the Study

Present a narrative description of the population. Start with the universe (entire population) then
to the sample. Explain the sampling technique used, if any. When needed, a tabular presentation of the
respondents’ characteristics may be done after its textual explanation. For example:
Table 1
Table Caption/Title
N=
Variables Frequency Percentage Rank
Age x x x
Gender x x x
Educ. Attain. x x x
Data Gathering Tool

Describe briefly the instruments or materials used and their functions in the study. If the data
gathering is through a structured paper-and-pencil tool, discussion of the psychometric characteristics, if
any, should be presented.
Data Gathering Procedure

It should discuss what the researcher did and how the research was done. Summarize each step in
the execution of the research, including the institutions given to the participants. Describe the
randomization, counterbalancing, and other control feature of the design.
Treatment of the Data

This is the basis for the evaluation of the appropriateness of the procedure for the analysis of the
data. For quantitative research, all statistical tools have to be presented, including how these were used
and their formulae. Alongside the statistical tools will be a presentation of their corresponding null
hypothesis, if these were the basis in the analysis of the findings.
Chapter 3
REVIEW RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
Make here a brief and clear sentence/paragraph introducing the related literature and studies
reviewed for the study.
Foreign Literature
Foreign literatures are those comments, opinions, articles, speeches, reports, manuscripts,
statements, etc. of popular or famous persons (e.g., actors, authors, educators, government leaders,
philosophers, statesmen, writers, scientists, tycoons) centered on certain topics or issues which are
related to the research work and printed or published in foreign countries.
Local Literature
Local literature are those comments, opinions, articles, speeches, reports, manuscripts,
statements, etc. of popular or famous persons (e.g., actors, authors, educators, government leaders,
philosophers, statesmen, writers, scientists, tycoons) centered on certain topics or issues which are
related to the research work and printed or published in the Philippines.
Foreign Studies
Foreign studies are those research investigations, undertakings, works, etc. of certain authors or
writers (e.g., businessmen, educators, lecturers, professors, political leaders, scientists), using specific
research design, method, instrument, procedure and statistical treatment of data gathered to solve
identified problems or prevent them from occurring again, which are related to the present study and
printed or published in foreign countries.
Local Studies
Local studies are those research investigations, undertakings, works, etc. of certain authors or
writers (e.g., businessmen, educators, lecturers, professors, political leaders, scientists), using specific
research design, method, instrument, procedure and statistical treatment of data gathered to solve
identified problems or prevent them from occurring again, which are related to the present study and
printed or published in the Philippines.
The researcher must cite at all times after the end of each literature or study the complete
source or reference (i.e., title of work, author and year), where he got the same to avoid plagiarism. In
the next paragraph, the researcher(s) must always make a short statement of relationship or
significance of each cited literature or study (both foreign and local) with the research
investigation/work or how each literature or study has helped him/them in conducting the investigation.
Clinching Paragraph
A clinching paragraph must be made to briefly discuss the relevance, comparison or contrast of
all literatures and studies mentioned in the last paragraphs to the present research work.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A. Books
Surname, initials. (year). Title. Location: Publisher.
Surname, Initials. (year). Title (edition).
Location: Publisher.
B. Journals/Magazines/Newspapers
Surname, Initials. (year, Month day). Title of article. Name of newspaper. Page number.
Surname, Initials. (year, Month day). Title of article. Magazine title. Vol, page numbers.
C. Unpublished Materials
Surname, Initials. (year). Title of dissertation. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, name of
Academic Institutions, Location.
D. Electronic Sources
Surname, Initials. (year). Title of article [Online]. Available http: entire web page address [year,
month day article was viewed].
E. Others
Surname, Initials. (job position), & Surname, Initials. (job position). (year). Title of Film [Film].
(Available from Name of film production, complete address).
APPENDICES
This part includes the different appendices actually used in undertaking and
accomplishing the research work, to wit:
1. Letter to the Executive Vice President
2. Letter to the Vice President for Academic Affairs
3. Letter to the Director for Research and Extension
4. Letter to the College Dean
5. Letter to the Barangay Captain (or manager of a private firm)
6. Letter to the Respondent
7. Sample of Survey Questionnaire
8. Sample of Interview Questions/Guide
9. Long Definitions of Terms
10. Long Documentary or Statistical Reports
11. Maps, drawings and other figures
12. Related laws, social legislations or ordinances
CURRICULUM VITAE
This is the final section of the manuscript that contains the profile of the researcher(s).
Such profile includes the researcher’s personal circumstances; educational attainment; awards,
honors, distinctions, recognitions or scholarships received; and seminars and training attended,
with attached passport-sized colored picture of the researcher.

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PHILIPPINE COLLEGE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Old Nalsian Road, Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan, Philippines 2418

What is research proposal

Research proposal should reflect:

Importance of research proposal

Advantages of research proposal

Organization and Contents of a Proposal

and the institutions involved.

Background and Need of the Study

Free standing heading

Paradigm of the Study

Scope and Delimitation

Every term or phrase must be indented, either normal-italicized or normal-underlined, and in

Make a brief introductory sentence/paragraph of this chapter.

Research Design and Method

Population and Locale of the Study

Data Gathering Tool

Data Gathering Procedure

Treatment of the Data

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