Parts of a Research Paper

Research Title
Abstract
List of Tables
List of Figures
List of Appendices

Chapter I – The Problem and Its Background

Background of the Study
Rationale
Conceptual Framework
Theoretical Framework
Statement of the Problem
Statement of Hypotheses (if applicable)
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
Scope and Limitations
Review of the Related Literature

Chapter II – Research Methodology

Research Design
Procedure
Statistical Treatment of Data

Chapter III – Presentation, Discussion, and Analysis of Data

Findings and Discussion

Chapter IV – Summary of Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations

Summary of Findings
Conclusions
Recommendations

References
Appendix
The Background of the Study

After identifying your research topic, you must situate your research in a particular academic field.
This is when you establish the background of your study. The background of the study introduces important
facets that establish the general context where the study revolves. This part may include the description of
the subjects of the study or the history involving the research.

Let us use an example showing how to establish the background of the study. You may want to
conduct a study on the effects of traffic on your city. To establish the background of your study you need to
discuss several aspects describing your topic. For instance, you may first provide a brief overview of the
changes in the traffic situation in your city through the years. Then, you may discuss and determine the
effects of heavy traffic in your city. Possible factors include the increase in the number of vehicles on the road
and problems in the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.

Another important component of the background of the study is the establishment of the research
gap. A research gap is an issue that has not been fully addressed by previous studies. Doing this helps you
show where your research stands in the academic field. Here are the four components to consider in
establishing the research gap of your paper.
1. The current state of the field
Explain that the general field in which your current study is situated remains to be a significant area of
research up to the present. Point out that it continues to interest many researchers and practitioners.
2. The current and conventional practices in addressing the issue
Discuss the current practices being used by researchers, practitioners, or authorities within the field of
study you are investigating. Make sure to explain the merits of these practices and their contribution to
your field of study.
3. The research gap
Explain that there are other aspects under the topic which may not have been addressed by current
practices and conventions in your field of study. It may also be possible that these established practices
have failed to provide conclusive findings in investigating your chosen topic. Additionally, you may state
that there are very few studies that have explored the area of your current research.
4. The contribution of the present study in addressing the research gap
Discuss how your own study will help fill in the research gap you have identified. Filling the gap may be in
the form of a new methodology or approach, or the development of a new perspective or theory.

Here is an example of a short background of the study. Let us try to identify the four components in
establishing the research gap.

Many forms of instruction, both traditional and alternative, have been introduced to develop
students’ mathematical-logical skills. One approach that continues to be widely used in Asia is
Singapore Math. Though many studies have attempted to substantiate its effectiveness (Jaciw,
Hegseth & Toby, 2015; Powell, 2014), there remains a dearth of empirical studies that have
investigated the effectiveness of Singapore Math in the Philippines. As Corpuz (2015) argued, there
is a need to conduct more studies on approaches that will help Filipino students become equipped
with the necessary mathematical skills which are on a par with their ASEAN counterparts. Following
that suggestion, this study investigated the effects of Singapore Math on developing the
mathematical-logical skills of Filipino students in selected public high schools in the Philippines.
The current state of the field: Many forms of instruction, both traditional and alternative, have been
introduced to develop students’ mathematical-logical skills.

The current and conventional practices in the field: One approach that continues to be widely used in
Asia is Singapore Math.

The research gap: Though many studies have attempted to substantiate its effectiveness (Jaciw, Hegseth &
Toby, 2015; Powell, 2014), there remains a dearth of empirical studies that have investigated the effectiveness
of Singapore Math in the Philippines. As Corpuz (2015) argued, there is a need to conduct more studies on
approaches that will help Filipino students become equipped with the necessary mathematical skills which
are on a par with their ASEAN counterparts.

The contribution of the present study in addressing the research gap: Following that suggestion, this
study investigated the effects of Singapore Math on developing the mathematical-logical skills of Filipino
students in selected public high schools in the Philippines.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The current state of the field: Many forms of instruction, both traditional and alternative, have been
introduced to develop students’ mathematical-logical skills.

The current and conventional practices in the field: One approach that continues to be widely used in
Asia is Singapore Math.

The research gap: Though many studies have attempted to substantiate its effectiveness (Jaciw, Hegseth &
Toby, 2015; Powell, 2014), there remains a dearth of empirical studies that have investigated the effectiveness
of Singapore Math in the Philippines. As Corpuz (2015) argued, there is a need to conduct more studies on
approaches that will help Filipino students become equipped with the necessary mathematical skills which
are on a par with their ASEAN counterparts.

The contribution of the present study in addressing the research gap: Following that suggestion, this
study investigated the effects of Singapore Math on developing the mathematical-logical skills of Filipino
students in selected public high schools in the Philippines.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The current state of the field: Many forms of instruction, both traditional and alternative, have been
introduced to develop students’ mathematical-logical skills.

The current and conventional practices in the field: One approach that continues to be widely used in
Asia is Singapore Math.

The research gap: Though many studies have attempted to substantiate its effectiveness (Jaciw, Hegseth &
Toby, 2015; Powell, 2014), there remains a dearth of empirical studies that have investigated the effectiveness
of Singapore Math in the Philippines. As Corpuz (2015) argued, there is a need to conduct more studies on
approaches that will help Filipino students become equipped with the necessary mathematical skills which
are on a par with their ASEAN counterparts.

The contribution of the present study in addressing the research gap: Following that suggestion, this
study investigated the effects of Singapore Math on developing the mathematical-logical skills of Filipino
students in selected public high schools in the Philippines.