Lesson

The Scope and Limitation and the

4 Significance of the Study

This Individualized Learning Material (ILM) was designed and written

with you in mind. It is here to help you demonstrate understanding of the
mechanics in writing a research report following the IMRAD format in
presenting and communicating the results of scientific research project. The
scope of this ILM permits it to be used in many different learning situations
and its long term objective is to encourage/motivate you to choose a career in
science or any science-related field. The language used recognizes the diverse
vocabulary level. The lessons are arranged to follow the standard sequence of
the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to
correspond with the textbook you are now using in order to make you feel
sufficiently “at home with research”.

This ILM will help you write and present a research paper following a
standard IMRAD format in writing scientific paper and present a research
project through an exhibit and a science congress

Objectives

Learning Competency:

Follow the IMRAD format in writing scientific paper

Instructional Objectives:
1. To specify the different variables, sub-variables, and indicators of the
study ;
2. To cite the potential benefits of the study.
 Explore

Scope and limitation comprise one important section of a

research report. The scope of the study defines the coverage or
boundary of the study in terms of the (1) area or locality (2)
population or sample (3)duration or period (4) subjects issues or
concerns which are explicitly stated in specific objectives of the
study.
Limitations are statements which alert the reader of the
research report to certain conditions which are beyond the control
of the researcher. Such limiting conditions or constraints have
direct bearing on the result of the study and their application to
other situations. Stating the study limitations not only provides
extra credence to the study but provides the reader caution not to
expect beyond what the study can and promise to deliver, not
withstanding certain constraints.
Significance of the Study highlights the possible contributions
of the research findings to the country or to the various sectors of
society. It describes (a) the relevance of the research to felt needs,
(b) how the research output may be directly useful to people or (c)
how the research contributed to the advancement of science.
The following are examples excerpts from a research
investigation entitled “Trichoderma viride as Biofungicide for the
Control of Postharvest Banana Anthracnose”
Scope and Limitation of the Study ...The study was conducted from
November 1998 to January 1999 under
ambient room conditions. The efficacy
of the biocontrol was applicable to the isolate
used and conditions under which the
experiment was conducted.
Significance of the Study... It is, therefore very important to search for
alternative nonchemical means of controlling
anthracnose. Biological control using
Trichoderma viride Pers. As biofungicide can
be a promising strategy to control the disease
with less or no harm to the environment and
consumers.

Activity 4.0: Scope and Limitation and the

Significance of the Study
Given a research title “False Daisy (Eclipta alba Linn. Hassk) Leaf
Extract as Blood Procoagulant and Antibacterial Agent”

a. Formulate scope and limitation and the significance of the study

The Scope and Limitation

Learn

The scope of the study is determined by the major variables while the limitation
is identified by the sub-variables and their characteristics, and attributes or
the indicators. It is also beneficial to mention the locale or setting of the
research and when the data will be gathered.
A variable is any factor or property that a researcher measures, controls,
and/or manipulates. It may be a concept or a construct. A concept can be
defined by a dictionary and is commonly used by an educator. Examples are
age, civil status, weight, height, etc. A researcher may come up with a new
variable by combining two concepts. However, he/she must expertly defend or
rationalize the combination, after which a construct may be formulated. A
construct usually combines two concepts. Its definition is usually not found in
dictionaries. Examples are level of performance, nature of environment, rate of
recovery, educational attainment, etc.
Kinds of Variables
 1. Variables according to the number of categories
a. Categorical variables-represent unordered categories, groups, or
classes.
Examples:
Multiple intelligences, learning styles, civil status
b. Dichotomous variables-represent only two categories.
Examples:
Sex (M/F), side (L and R), diabetes (types 1 and 2)
c. Polychotomous variables-have more than two categories.
Examples:
Educational attainment, economic status
d. Continuous variables-take on any of a range of value.
Examples:
Weight, height, speed, blood glucose level

2. Variables used in an experiment

a. Independent variables-are the cause variables, the reasons of
changes in the dependent variables.
b. Dependent variables-refer to those that are affected by the cause
variables.

3. Variables according to their nature

a. Concrete variables-are variables that can be perceived through the
senses.
Example:
Height, skin color, taste
b. Abstract variables-are variables of quality.
Examples:
Knowledge level, perception level, recovery rate

4. Variables according to the number being studied

a. Univariate study-one variable is being studied
b. Bivariate study-two variables are being studied
c. Polyvariate study-more than two variables are being studied

SCOPE AND LIMITATION Example

This study focused on testing the effectiveness of human placental
tissue as a radioprotector based on histopathological analysis. Placenta
 was obtained from Capitol medical Center and the amnion was separated
and freeze-dried. Irradiated amnion was provided by the Philippine
Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI).
Sixteen male International Cancer Research (ICR) strain mice were
subjected to several treatments. Observations were limited to cells in the
duodenum jejunum, ileum, and colon. Individual cell number was not
taken into account. Only the villi length and number of villi per 50 emd
were noted after exposure to radiation.
Observations were done in immediacy – almost immediately after
irradiation. However, late effects have been found to be manifested in the
small intestine of the mouse after a clinically relevant multifractionated
radiation treatment.
Radioprotection is a complex process since it can be influenced by
sex and strain of experimental mouse, radiation dose, and the type and
amount of the protective substances used (Fry, 1983). In fact, radiation-
induced mitotic delay depends on the duration, dose and cell position in
the crypts of the small intestine in the mouse (Chwalinski, et al, 1986).
In line with this, only male and ICR (International Cancer Research)
strain mice were used.

Significance of the Study

Research is a very noble undertaking if it promises to make significant
contributions to the welfare of a person or a group of persons, the community,
or to the academic field or discipline where the research is involved. The
significance of the study must also discuss the importance of the study to the
society, the country, the government, the community or to the institution, the
agency concerned, the environment, and the economy and to other
researchers. This section describes the contribution of the study to the existing
body of knowledge. This could be in a form of new knowledge in the field, a
check on the major findings of other studies, a check on the validity of findings
in a different population, a check on trends over time, and a check on other
findings using different methodologies. The researcher has to identify his/her
direct beneficiaries, or the person, group of persons, or organization that will
benefit from the results of the study. In the identification of beneficiaries, the
researcher is advised to be specific in mentioning them. The specific benefits
must also be enumerated and explained if there is a need to do so. It is also
important that the beneficiaries of the results of the study be arranged based
on the degree of significance.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY Example

 The Philippines is dependent on importation of essential oils from
Europe and the United States, despite the fact that it is one of the
tropical countries rich in essential oil- bearing plants (Anzaldo, 1982).
Our country practically imports more than 90% of our requirements and
ranks 8th among the essential oil importing countries (Dar, 1997).
The traditional method of essential oil extraction is by steam
distillation. However, the process involves these of much energy and it
yields small quality of oil apart from losing some of its components.
This study was conducted to develop a new technology in
extracting essential oils from locally available lemongrass that will
account for maximum yield, better quality and stability; thus, alleviating
the supply of essences and coping with the increasing demand. This
project can be considered as an initial phase to scale up the production
of essential oils using the pectic enzymes previously established by the
BIOTECH. It can also be the basis for other pectinase applications.
The use of pectinase has several advantages in contributing to a
more economical process. As it is economically feasible, a large scale
production for commercial purposes will soon be possible in the country.
This is also in support to the long standing concerns of economic
stagnation in the rural areas of many developing countries by the United
Nations. The program for the development of the essential oil industry
was perceived to answer these concerns. As stressed by UNIDO, it is an
“agro-based industry that can utilize rural sector participation in the
cultivation and harvesting of raw materials and to some extent, even in
the field of distillation activities.”
The improvement of the agro-techniques and the development of
energy-efficient and affordable technology in the extraction process can
add value to the product and increase its market potential. It can also be
a strategy in solving the importation problems of foreign made essential
oils.

Apply

Accomplish the activity below. Apply what you have learned a while ago.

Activity 4.1: SCOPE AND LIMITATION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

DIRECTIONS: Answer the following questions briefly.

1. What are the major variables, sub-variables, and indicators of your

study? List them under their corresponding columns.

Major Variables Sub-Variables Indicators

2. Where and when are data to be gathered?

________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

3. Who are the beneficiaries of your study and what benefits will they
receive from the results of your study? Cite at least three benefits for
each beneficiary.

Beneficiaries Benefits from the Results of the Study

 Assess

Given the following titles, identify the:

a. Major variables

b. Sub-variables

c. Benefits of the study

1. Biodegradation of Diesel Oil Using Bacillus Isolates

2. Preliminary Study on the Extraction of Gum From Taro (Colocassia

esculenta) Petioles

3. Feasibility of Mango (Mangifera indica) Peeling Extract as Fabric Dye

Reflect

1. What important concepts have you gained in the lesson?

2. What are the difficulties have you encountered in the process of
learning?
3. How will you apply the lesson learned in the real -life situation?

References

Ardales, V.B. (2008). Basic Concepts and Methods in Research. Manila:

Educational Publishing House.

Cristobal Jr., A. P & Cristobal C.D. (2013). Research Made Easier: A Step-
by-Step Process. Quezon City: C & E Publication.
 RESEARCH II. A Guide to Investigatory Projects. Science
Education Institute, Department of Science and Technology, Engineering
and Science Education Project (ESEP). Bicutan, Taguig, MM: 2001.

Answer Key

Answers Key

EXPLORE
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APPLY
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ASSESS
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