STE

8
Research
Quarter 1 - Module 4:
Planning and Designing a
Research Study

CO_Q1_Science8_Module1 (Sample Only)

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
Research - Grade 8
Quarter 1 – Module 4: Planning and Designing a Research Study
First Edition, 2021

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Published by the Department of Education-Region 10

Regional Director: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Schools Division Superintendent: Dr. Rowena H. Para-on, CESO VI

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Page Ann A. Legario

Editors: Krista Mari M. Llenas
Reviewers: Dr. Rhea F. Confessor, Content Expert
Illustrator: John Rimmon I. Taquiso
Layout Artist: John Rimmon I. Taquiso
Management Team
Chairperson: Dr. Arturo B. Bayocot, CESO III
Regional Director
Co-Chairpersons: Dr. Victor G. De Gracia Jr., CESO V
Asst. Regional Director
Mala Epra B. Magnaong
CES, CLMD
Members: Dr. Marie Emerald A. Cabigas
Regional EPS, LRMDS
Dr. Nick Pañares
Regional EPS, Science
Jimbo Russel C. Agbayani
Division EPS, Science

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Email Address: deped-valencia.org
 8
Research
Quarter 1 - Module 4:
Planning and Designing a
Research Study
Introductory Message

Welcome to Research 8!

The Self-Learning Module is a product of the collaborative efforts of the

Department of Education Regional Office X- Northern Mindanao. This is developed to
guide the learning facilitators (teachers, parents, and responsible adults) in helping the
learners meet the standards set by the K-12 Basic Education Curriculum- Special
Science Program (SSP).
The Self-Learning Module is self-directed instructional materials aimed to guide
the learners in accomplishing activities at their own pace and time using the
contextualized resources in the community. This will also assist the learners in
acquiring lifelong learning skills, knowledge and attitudes for productivity and
employment.
• For the Learner:
This module is developed to help you continue learning even if you are
not in school. This learning material provides you with meaningful and
engaging activities for independent learning. Being an active learner,
carefully read and understand the instructions then perform the activities
and answer the assessment questions. This will be returned to your
facilitator on the agreed schedule.

• For the Facilitator:

This module will help you facilitate the teaching-learning activities
specified in each Most Essential Learning Competency (MELC) with
minimal or no face-to-face encounter between you and the learner. This will
be made available to the learners with the references/links to ease the
independent learning.
 Lesson
Designing and Planning a
1 Research Study

What I Need to Know

In your previous lesson, you have identified research problem categories such as Life
science, Physical science, and Robotics & Innovation. To be able to start writing a research
study, a student-researcher must be able to find out the appropriate steps in planning and
designing a research study. Planning and designing a research study, like any other
processes, is made up of several steps.

In this lesson, you will find out the appropriate steps in planning and designing a
research study. At the end of this self-learning module, you should be able to:
1. Identify the appropriate steps in planning and designing a research study; and
2. Describe each step in the process of designing and planning a research study.
(SSP_RS8-RPM-Id-e-7)

Now, are you ready? Answer the different exercises below and make sure to follow the
instructions given. These will help you understand our lesson deeper.

Time Duration: 4 Days

How to Learn from this Module
To achieve the objectives cited above, you are to do the following:

1. Take your time reading the lessons carefully.

2. Take the pretest to determine how much you know about the content of this module.
3. Follow the directions and/or instructions in the activities and exercises diligently.
4. Be very honest in taking the test so you know how much knowledge you already have
about the topic.
5. Perform all the activities, as these will help you have a better understanding of the
topic.
6. Take the self-test at the end of each lesson.
7. Finally, take the post-test at the end of the module.

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 What I Know (Pre-Test)

A. Directions: Read and answer the questions below. Write the letter of the correct answer.

1. A complete Research Plan/Project is required for all projects, which of the following is
NOT included in a research plan?
A. Research Questions C. Related Studies
B. Research Hypothesis D. Conclusion

2. Which of the following subject-specific guidelines must be included in a research plan

using human participants?
A. Results and findings C. Recommendations
B. Protection of Privacy D. Conclusions

3. Which of the following research processes refers as the basis of all subsequent
research activities undertaken by a researcher?
A. Formulation of the research hypothesis C. Identification of a problem
B. Analysis and interpretation of data D. Actual experimentation

4. Which of the following committees is responsible in approving all vertebrate animal

studies at a Regulated Research Institution?
A. Institutional Animal care and Use Committee
B. Institutional Biosafety Committee
C. Scientific Research Committee
D. Institutional Review Board

5. After identifying the problem of the study, what should the researcher do?
A. Gather data and results of the study
B. Conduct the experiment in the laboratory
C. Formulate a hypothesis relevant to the study
D. Select appropriate methods in solving the problem

For numbers 6-10, refer to the choices below:

A. Identification of a Research Problem C. Research Hypothesis

B. Writing of Related Literature D. Planning of Research Design

6. What is the first step in planning and designing a research study?

7. Which of the following provides a tentative solution to a research question or problem?
8. Which of the following should be done prior to the actual experimentation?
9. What is the process of gathering information by reading previous works related to the
problem and study?
10. Which of the following is an education guess and defined as a possible answer to a
problem?

B. Directions. Write true if the following statement is correct and write false if not.
11. A timetable is necessary before you can start the actual experimentation
12. A researcher can perform the necessary experiments even if he or she does not know
how to handle the required equipment or laboratory materials to be used in the study.

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 13. Identification of the subject, variables, control, experimental and control groups is the
framework in the formulation of an experimental design.
14. A project data logbook serves as evidence which makes our research more systematic
and reliable.
15. If the study requires very difficult techniques or involves health hazards beyond your
ability to handle, you can still pursue and conduct the research study.

What’s In

Activity 1- Simple Recall

Direction: Identify the following research topics to the research categories they belong: Life
Science, Physical Science, and Robotics & Innovation.
________________1. Conducting science research that aims to find alternative medicines for
treating common human disease
________________2. Innovating a device that will help save electrical consumptions
________________3. Utilizing the use of indigenous plants to produce clothing products
________________4. Design and Development of Thermal Heat Insulation Using Tabun-ak
(Rottboellia cochinchinensis) Stalk as Roof Insulator
________________5. The effects of Different Musical Genre on the Growth and Yield Performance
of Tomato (Lycopersicum esculentum) Plant

What’s New

Activity 2- Let’s Analyze

Objective: After doing this activity, you should be able to identify and determine the appropriate
steps in planning and designing a research study.

Direction: Read the paragraph below and answer the questions below based on your
understanding.

In looking for a topic for investigation, a grade 8 student-researcher first conducted a survey
of the existing problems in a farming community. He conducted online interviews to community
officials and observed his community. From the interviews and observations, the researcher
identified the following problems:

1. Absence of an irrigation system;

2. Lack of farm-to-market roads;
3. Abundance of farm pests like locusts and rats; and
4. High cost of farm inputs particularly fertilizer.

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
Guide Questions:

1. What did the student-researcher do to identify the research study he or she wants to
conduct?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

2. Based on the identified problems of the student-researcher, identify which problems

refers to each question:

a. Which problem/s covers a very wide scope that involves the simultaneous
conduct of many other researchers and requires expertise beyond the ability of
the student-researcher?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
b. Which problem/s are expensive to undertake?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
c. Which identified problem/s is the most practical research study for the student-
researcher to work on?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

What is It

Planning and designing a research study, like any other processes, is made up of
several steps. Each step leads logically to the next one. The time it takes for each of these
steps depends on the kind of problem being investigated, the experience of the researcher,
and the availability of resources needed for the study.

What is the first step in planning and designing a research study? If you noticed in
activity 1, the first step is to identify a researchable problem. How do you identify a research
problem? First, you must identify the subject area for investigation (Life Science, Physical &
Applied Science, and Robotics & Innovation). What are the possible sources of ideas when
you scout for a problem? You can tap several sources within your immediate environment.
You need not to look very far. Usually, these sources are within your reach.

You can be helped in identifying a problem by:

1. Consulting, Interviewing, and observing people
2. Visiting facilities and places
3. Reading materials (Books, Internet, World Wide Web)
4. Observing things

After you have identified the area of investigation that you are interested in studying,
the next thing that you must consider is the guidelines in the selection of a topic (to be
discussed in Module 5).

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 A problem identified by a researcher is the basis of all subsequent research activities
that will help the research formulate a research hypothesis. Formulation of a research
hypothesis provides a tentative solution to a research question or problem and serves as a
guide to the research work plan or design prior to the actual experimentation. It may be based
on factual knowledge, experiences, and observations. A hypothesis can be defined as a
possible answer to a problem based on gathered information by reading previous works
related to the problem and study, which then proceeds to the writing of the Review of related
Literature.
The writing of the review of related literature is an integral part of the research
process. Where in some cases, a research problem is not immediately recognized or
identified. It requires preliminary readings of related studies from various publications and
surfing the internet. Another way is to ensure that the study to be conducted will not duplicate
other people’s research studies.
The next step is planning a research design. There are two phases in planning your
research design. First is the conceptualization of an experimental design (theoretical phase)
and second when you do the actual experiment (actual experimental phase). Identification of
the subject, variables, control, experimental and control groups is the framework in the
formulation of an experimental design.
Before researchers conduct experiments, you must receive training and file certain
papers (documentation) with Scientific Review Committee (SRC) and local Internal Review
Board (IRB) if it involves human participants. If you are planning to do research with vertebrate
animals, you must receive training and then file documentation with an Institutional Animal
Care and Use Committee (IACUC) to be sure that animals will be treated humanely. The main
concern about student-researchers (such as yourself) is to ensure that you have thoroughly
thought through your experimental procedures, understand the safety and ethical issues, can
justify your methods, and can ensure the humane treatment of the entities being studied.
Prior to conducting the study, make a timetable to guide you in the conduct of the
research. A timetable is necessary before you can start the actual experimentation. It should
be detailed enough indicating the time needed to finish all the activities you plan to do. A Gantt
Chart (Figure 2) is used to represent a project schedule that includes duration of individual
tasks or phases.
A Gantt chart allows the
researcher to assess the
duration of a study, identify
the resources needed, and
lay out the order in which
tasks needed to be
performed during the
actual experimentation.
A Gantt chart is usually
found inside a Project Data
Logbook or scanned data
logbook, and it includes the
Figure 2. Gantt Chart (Sample) detailed account of every
phase of your project or
research study, from the initial brainstorming to the final research report or output in the
process of data collection, organization, and processing. The logbook is a proof that

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
certain activities occurred at specific times. It also makes the research more systematic and
reliable.
After the collection, organization and processing of data, Data analysis and
interpretation of the results are then organized and presented in a simple manner to discuss
the statistical tests and methods used in the data gathered. In this way, the interpretation of
the findings is interpreted, and the significant features shown in the table, figures or graphs
are pointed out.
The last step in planning and designing a research study is the formulation of
conclusion which provides the solution to the proposed problem based on the findings of the
investigation. It describes the degree to which the data support or do not support the
hypothesis. This involves relating the investigation to the entire scientific process. Stating the
conclusion depends on the type of activity being undertaken.
How important is it to find out the appropriate steps in planning and designing a
research study? Steps in planning and designing your research provides a great impact in the
results of the research project. This will help you understand more the true potential of your
research and its contribution to the development of science and technology

What’s More

Activity 3- Read and Understand

Direction: Read the situation given below and answer the guide questions.

Situation: Jamie and her group mates were walking in a grass field. When they reached their
destination, they noticed that some of them who were wearing bright-colored shirts had more
insect bites on their arms than those wearing dull-colored shirts. Jamie became curious if this
has something to do with the color of the clothes they were wearing.

Guide Questions:
1. How did Jamie come up with an idea for a possible research problem for a research
study? (ex. Interview, reading materials, observations, visiting places)
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
2. What possible research problem can Jamie formulate based on what she and her
group mates noticed in the grass field?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
3. What appropriate steps must Jamie do in planning and to plan and design a research
study based on her observations?
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 What I Have Learned

Activity 4- Fill in the blank

Direction: Read each statement in the paragraph carefully and fill in the blank(s) with the
correct answer

The first step in planning and designing a research study is to identify a

(1)___________________ . There are many ways to identify a problem and topic, these
includes (2)_____________________, (3)__________________, reading materials, and
observing things. If you have identified many problems simultaneously, prioritize those
requiring immediate attention or solution.
A problem identified by a researcher is the basis of all subsequent research activities
that will help the research formulate a (4)_____________________. Which is a tentative
solution to a research question or problem which serves as a guide to the research design.
This can be done prior to the actual experimentation where it is facilitated by reading
(5)______________________.
There are two phases in planning a research design. First is the conceptualization of
an experimental design and second when you do the actual experimentation. Before
conducting the study, a researcher should prepare a timetable in the form of a
(6)___________________ to guide the researcher in the conduct of the research. A
(7)_________________ is a detailed account of every phase of your project or research study,
from the initial brainstorming to the final research report or output.
If a researcher plans to conduct a research with vertebrate animals, they must receive
training and file documentation with a/an (8)_____________________, this is to make sure
that animals will be treated humanely using the appropriate experimental procedures,
methods, safety, and ethical practices that will be done to the entities being studied.

What I Can Do

Activity 5- Project Lay-out

Directions: Think about your life at home, school, and community. What are some problems
that you would like to solve? Using the format below, plan and design an experiment that
would help you solve your problem at home, school, and community.
Research Problem:
(What do you want to find out?)
Research Hypothesis:
(What is your research hypothesis?)
Review of Related Literature
(What keywords will you use to search
for resources on your problem?)
Research Plan and Design:
(How are you going to carry out the
problem/experiment?)

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 Assessment (Posttest)

A. Directions: Read and answer the questions below. Write the letter of the correct
answer.

1. How would you define the research process?

A. A method of collecting research data
B. The stages or steps the research follows in carrying out a research study.
C. The researcher’s plan of action to be followed when carrying out a research
study
D. The account of a study the researcher will write at the end of the study ready
for publication

2. Which of the following is not a good feature in formulating a research problem?

A. It must be clear
B. It must be organized and specific
C. It does not specify the variable to be measured
D. It prioritizes those requiring immediate attention or solution

3. Which of the following provides a tentative solution to a research question or problem

and serves as a guide to the research work plan or design prior to the actual
experimentation?
A. Formulation of the Research Hypothesis
B. Analysis and Interpretation of the Data
C. Identification of a Research Problem
D. Experimentation

4. When developing the preliminary research experimental design, what is the main
purpose for creating a hypothesis?
A. To determine the appropriate research methodology.
B. To identify the baseline data that needs to be collected.
C. To evaluate the outcomes for the various design options.
D. To establish a link between the research design and expected results.

5. Which of the following statements best describes a data logbook?

A. It makes our experiment real
B. It organizes our data gathering procedure
C. It serves as a guide during experimentation
D. It makes our research more systematic and reliable

6. Which of the following is not an experimental procedure?

A. Specification of the variable to be measured
B. Selection of the appropriate material for the test
C. Formulating of research hypothesis of the study
D. Selection of the procedure to be used in the measurement of the variable

7. Which of the following is not a quality of a good research project?

A. Develops the skills of the researcher
B. Demonstrates the abilities of the researcher
C. Dependent on the completion of other students’ projects
D. Demonstrates integration of different fields of knowledge
8

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 8. Which of the following statements is true concerning the Institutional Review Board
(IRB)?
A. Obtaining IRB approval protects the researcher from legal liability
B. A researcher is not required to submit a proposal to an IRB in most institutions
C. IRB approval represents only a suggestion on how to treat participants and is
not binding on the researcher.
D. Researchers can ignore the IRB because merely submitting a proposal
protects the researcher from legal liability.

For numbers 9-10, refer the situation below:

Based on the readings of Mairah, she found out that using chili peppers and water can be
used to keep away red ants infesting their food shelf at home. She was able to find a step-by-
step process on how to make an ant repellant on a video she watched on social media.
9. Which of the following is not applicable on how Mairah came up with an idea for a
possible research problem for a research study?
A. She thought about a possible solution to their household problem.
B. She came up with an idea based on what she saw on their television that piqued
her interest.
C. She looked for videos on how to make an ant repellant using organic materials
found at home.
D. She searched for an idea on the internet for additional information on the effect
of using chili peppers on ants.

10. After Mairah had identified the problem of her chosen research study, what is the next
step she should do next?
A. Conduct the experiment as soon as possible
B. Gather relevant review of related literature
C. Formulate a hypothesis relevant to the study
D. Select appropriate methods in solving the problem.

B. Directions: Write true if the following statement if correct and if not, change the
underlined word or phrase and write the correct answer on the space provided

______________11. Tables, graphs, and figures are used to present the data analysis
and interpretation of the results of the research study.
______________12. A Gantt chart allows the researcher to assess the duration of a study,
identify the resources needed, and lay out the order in which tasks
need to be performed.
______________13. A timetable is a detailed account of every phase of your project or
research study, from the initial brainstorming to the final research
report or output which serves as a proof that certain activities
occurred at specific times.
______________14. In some cases, where a research problem is not immediately
identified, a preliminary reading and surfing of the internet is done
through the process called Writing of the Research Hypothesis.
______________15. Planning and designing a research study, like any other processes,
is made up of several steps that starts with an actual
experimentation.

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
 Additional Activities

Directions: Create a graphic organizer and discuss each of the appropriate steps in planning
and designing a research study.
Sample Graphic Organizers

8 1

7 2

6 3

5 4

_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________
_________________________________________________________________________

10

CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
11
Pre-Test:
Multiple Choice
1.D 2. B 3. C 4. A 5. C 6. A 7. C 8. D 9. B 10. C
True or False
11.True 12. False 13. True 14. True 15. False
Activity 1: Simple Recall
1.Life Science 3. Physical Science 3. Life Science
2. Robotics and Innovation 4. Physical Science
Activity 2: Let’s Analyze
1.The student-researcher conducted interviews, consultations, and observations on his
community.
2.
a. abundance of farm pets like locusts and rats
b. absence of irrigation system and lack of farm-to-market roads
c. high cost of farm inputs particularly fertilizer
Activity 3: Read and Understand
1.Through observation of things and people and visiting places
2.Answer may vary
3.Answer may vary
Activity 4: Fill in the blank
1.Research Problem 5.Related Studies/Literature
2.Consulting, Interviewing and Observing People 6.Gantt Chart
3.Reading Materials 7.Scanned Data Logbook
4.Research Hypothesis 8.Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee (IACUC)
Activity 5: Project Lay-out Students’ answer may vary
Assessment: Posttest
A. Multiple Choice
1.C 2. C 3. A 4. D 5. D 6. C 7. C 8. A 9. B 10. C
B. Modified True or False
11.True
12.True
13.Project Data Logbook
14.Review of Related Literature
15.Research Problem
Answer Key
References
Caintic, H. E. (2008). Scientific research manual.

Harland, D. J. (2011). STEM Student Research Handbook. NSTA Press.

How to Make a Simple Gantt Chart. (2019, December 21). The Research Whisperer.
Retrieved August 18, 2021, from https://researchwhisperer.org/2011/09/13/gantt-
chart/

ISEF Forms. (2021, June 8). Society for Science | Inform. Educate. Inspire.
Retrieved August 18, 2021, from https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/forms/

Project Log Book. (n.d.). SMART Competition – Global STEM and Career and Technology
Education (CTE) Education Program. Retrieved August 18, 2021,
from https://www.smartcompetition.org/compete/project-log-book/

Staddon, J. (2017). Scientific Method: How Science Works, Fails to Work, and Pretends to
Work. Routledge.

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CO_Q1_Research 8_Module 4
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