RESEARCH CAPSTONE PREREQUISITE KNOWLEDGE

Research- is a careful, detailed, and systematic study of a specific problem, concern, or issue to
establish facts This is best accomplished by turning the issue into a question, with the intent of the
research to answer the question. When is research practical? Practical research means actual doing
or using of something rather than theories and ideas. It involves inquiry methods and immersion
activities to achieve the correct information.

The Scientific Method

1.Ask a question- state the problem
2.Research- collect sources
3.Hypothesis- an educated guess (If I will…it will…)
4.Experiment- design and perform to test hypothesis and variables
5.Data/Analysis- record observations, analyze the data, prepare a graph or table
6.Conclusion- accept or reject hypothesis, communicate results

Questions that Delimit Research

1.What is the meaning of life?
2.What is the origin of God?
3.Is the universe finite or infinite?
4.When did time begin?
5.Why is the future unknowable?
6.Why do we fear the unknowable?
7.Why are there exceptions to every rule?

Types of Research
1.Qualitative- used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons, opinions, and motivations. Used
in social science and natural sciences
2.Quantitative- deals in numbers, logic, and an objective stance. Quantitative research focuses on
numeric and unchanging data and detailed, convergent reasoning rather than divergent reasoning.
Used in psychology, marketing, and political science

Characteristics of Quantitative Research

1.Objective- impartial, unbiased, and neutral
2.Clearly defined questions (What, Which, how much)
3.Structured research instruments (surveys, questionnaires, software)
4.Numerical data and statistical treatment (unbiased results)
5.Large sample size (represents a population)
6.Replication (high reliability—stable and consistent)
7.Future outcomes (new concepts and further studies)
Kinds of Quantitative Research
1. Causal-comparative- research attempts to determine the cause or consequences of
differences that already exist between or among groups of individuals.
a. Female and male employees and their job satisfaction.
b. Gender causes on differences in abilities
 2. Correlational- research determines the extent of a relationship between two or more
variables using statistical data.
a. Relationship between intelligence and friendliness
b. Student’s hours of study and their stress level

3. Descriptive- research provides systematic information about a phenomenon.

a. The attitudes of scientists regarding global warming
b. Impacts of Qatari diplomatic crisis on OFWs

4. Evaluation- research provide a means to judge actions and activities in terms of values,
criteria and standards
a. Performance of newly hired SHS teachers in MMC for S.Y. 2017-2018
b. Water quality assessment of Boac River

5. Experimental- research uses the scientific method to establish the cause-effect relationship
among a group of variables
Examples :
a. Levels of heavy metal bioaccumulation of (Nypa fruticans) from Boac River
b. Solar purification for water potability in Masbate City

DOST-SIBOL Award for Outstanding High School Student Creative Research

First Prize Winner: Utilization of Tibig (Ficus nota) Fruit as Oil Spill Biosorbent for a
Sustainable Environment by John Ronan L. Reyes

Second Prize Winner: B-F3: Biodegradation Filtration and Foliar Fertilizer Producer
Device and Its Organic Matter’s Impact to the Physicochemical Soil Properties and
Biological Growth of Pechay (Brassica rapa) by Merylle Abejero, Cyrene Grejalvo,
Ma. Tonette Del Pilar, Harold Jay Del Rosario, and Chris Daniel Odiaman
Third Prize Winner: Utilizing Pineapple (Ananas comosus) Leaf Fiber (PALF) as an
Alternative Raw Material for Dishwashing Sponge by Mr. Paul Anjelo Milagrosa,
Ms. Erika Barrameda, and Dhanjane Obispo (DNHS) Mentor: Mercy O. Retuerma

6. A survey- is a brief interview or discussion with individuals about a specific topic

a. Acceptance of Daragueños to Daraga cityhood
b. Approval rate for Duterte Cabinet members
Strengths
1. Fast speed data collection (sampling methods)
2. Findings can be generalized (if sample is from a population)
3. Easy to analyze data (use of statistical data)
4. Consistent and reliable data (use of research manipulations —experiment, surveys etc)
5. Can be anonymous (for sensitive topic)
Weaknesses
1. Requires many respondents
2. Costly and expensive
3. Secondary data may be unavailable
4. Much info are difficult to answer (sensitive topic)
5. More structured research instruments

Importance of Quantitative Research Across Fields

1. Business- estimates consumer attitudes and behavior, market sizing, and marketing tactics
2. Political science- measures political behavior and attitudes of citizens and politicians
3. Psychology- measures human attributes/behavior and analyzes psychological processes
4. Medicine- measures clinical and methodologic standards in medicinal prescription and
composition and laboratory experimentations
5. Economics- evaluates economic behavior and designs economic policies and techniques
6. Demographics- discover patterns, associations, correlations, and other features of a
population
7. Education- discover solutions to issues in educational research, assessment, and program
evaluation and curriculum implementation

Quantitative Research Variables

Variables refer to factors or conditions that can change during the course of an experiment.
1. Discrete- variable that can only take on a certain number of values. In short, these are
variables that are countable where the range of specified values is complete.
a. Classroom attendance
b. Grade level of students
c. Number of cars in a parking lot
d. Baby’s age in months

2. Continuous- a variable that has an infinite number of possible values. In short, these are
variables that are obtained by measuring.
a. Person’s weight/age/height
b. Travel time from Boac to Gasan
c. Price of commodities
d. Family income
3. Independent variable is a variable in research that causes a change esp. on other variables.
It can be controlled to monitor such changes.
4. Dependent variables result from the independent variables. It the variable being tested
unmonitored.
A. The effect of temperature on plant pigmentation=
IV=Temperature DV= plant pigmentation or color
B. Effects of fertilizer on plant growth
IV= brand/amount of fertilizer DV= height/weight/no. of leaves of
plants
C. Brightness of light has any effect on a moth being attracted to the light
IV= brightness of light DV=reaction of moth
 D. Time spent studying and its effects the test scores of students
IV= time spent studying DV=test scores
E. Relationship between disposable income and location amongst young
adults
IV=location DV=disposable income
F. Salary and job satisfaction among Gasan residents
IV=salary DV=job satisfaction

Research Topic
An area of focus that falls within the perimeter of a niche area or research environment, which
directly relates to a particular discipline (field of study).

Example: Effects of climate change

Sample Scientific Research about Effects of Climate Change
*The influence of ZnO nanoparticles on horizontal transfer of resistance genes in lab and
soil conditions
* Exposure assessment for air pollution epidemiology: A scoping review of emerging
monitoring platforms and designs

Research Problem
A research problem is a definite or clear expression [statement] about:
 an area of concern
 a condition to be improved upon
 a difficulty to be eliminated, or
 a troubling question that exists in scholarly literature, in theory, or within existing practice that
points to a need for meaningful understanding and deliberate investigation.

Pertains to a particular problem within the research environment, which will form the primary focus
ofa research study (a real-life problem which can be mitigated and/or solved)
Example: How do the Philippines respond to the effects of Climate Change?

Remenyi, Williams, Money and Swartz (2009:46) intonate that the research problem should be a
clear, unambiguous statement (perception) that is relevant to the research title, research topic, the
identified niche area and respected discipline alike.

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH PROBLEM

 the variables in the problem must be clear
 it should be limited in scope and should be specific,
 It must have a goal
 it should be free from ethical constraints
 good research problem must be researchable

SOURCES OF RESEARCH PROBLEMS / TOPICS

 Contemporary issues
 theory deductions
 funding agencies
 past research and literature review
 casual observation
 related and relevant literature
 personal interest and experience
 replication of previous studies
 clarification of contradictory research results
 archive data
 interdisciplinary perspectives

Research Title
A specialized area of focus that falls both within the boundaries of a research (delineation) and the
perimeter of a niche area, which directly relates to a particular discipline. The title summarizes the
main idea or ideas of your study (USC, 2017).
Example: The Case of Climate Change in the Philippines: Responses and Measures to its Effects
According to Watkins (2008:23) a research title should have the following characteristics:
1. Short, descriptive and to the point
2. Identify the main variables of the research
3. Allude to the area of study
4. Attract the attention and interest of the reader
5. Make academic sense
Background of the Research
 It identifies and describes the history and nature of a well-defined research problem with
reference to the existing literature.
 It indicates the root of the problem being studied, appropriate context of the problem in relation
to theory, research, and/or practice, its scope, and the extent to which previous studies have
successfully investigated the problem, noting, in particular, where gaps exist that your study
attempts to address.
 It reveals the nature of the topic being explored, its suitable context in regard to theory,
research, and/or practice, its scope, and the extent to which prior studies have successfully
addressed the problem, highlighting any gaps that your study aims to fill.
Statement of the Problem
 reflected to the research title
 The problem must not be answerable by yes or no
 must be arranged in the flow of the study
 Introduces the reader to the importance of the topic being studied
 Places the topic into a particular context that defines the parameters of what is to be investigated
 Provides the framework for reporting the results
 Indicates what is probably necessary to conduct the study
 Explain how the findings will present the information.

Research Questions
Good research questions possess four essential characteristics as stated by Fraenkel and Wallen
(2007,p.29). They are as follows:
 The question is feasible (i.e., it can be investigated without an undue of time, energy, or
 money)
 The question is clear (i.e., most people would agree as to what the key words in the question
mean).
 The question is significant (i.e., it is worth investigating because it will contribute important
knowledge about the human condition).
 The question is ethical (i.e., it will not involve physical or psychological harm or damage to
human beings or to the natural or social environment of which they are part.
Significance of the Study
 The significance of the study will mainly focus on the question “Who will benefit from the
study?”
 These states the contribution of your study and the usefulness of your study in the society.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

Parameters that prevent researchers from pursuing further studies due to time and budgetary
constraints
A. Scope- the coverage, range and period of the study
B. Delimitations- weaknesses of the study beyond the control of the researcher

Definition of Terms
Terms used either operationally or technically in a research study
A.Operational- definition based on how a word/s are used in the research study
B.Technical- definition based on how a word/s are used in a particular field or specialization

WHAT IS CAPSTONE RESEARCH?

Capstone is a self-contained research study carried out by a student to identify the volume
and depth of theoretical knowledge gained during training and evaluate the ability to apply it to
practical problems. The paper deals with a specific scientific question that is new and relevant in
terms of the current state of research.
 Capstone is a self-contained research project conducted by a student to assess the volume
and depth of theoretical knowledge acquired during training and to evaluate the capacity to
apply it to practical challenges. The work addresses a particular scientific issue that is new
and significant given the present level of research.
WHAT IS A CAPSTONE PROJECT?

The project should be based on specific factual material collected, understood, and properly
designed by the student. The preparation and execution of a capstone project consisting of several
steps:
 choice of research direction;
 determining the topic of work;
 processing the actual material;
 analysis of scientific literature in the course of research;
 making a plan for writing the work;
 setting out the results of your study;
  design of the text of the project and obtaining feedback from the manager;
 fine-tuning the job after the review and preparing its final version.
While carrying out the project, the student should independently process scientific literature,
study the materials of scientific publications. Reflect on different points of view and approaches to
the problem under study, argue his position. Identify areas of the practical application of the results
obtained in the course of the project, which will enrich the theoretical knowledge and practical skills
of the student and expand his professional horizons.
With maximum independence of the research process, the student should actively cooperate
with the supervisor, namely: discuss the problem, study, report on the state of project
implementation. Report on the results obtained, take into account recommendations and
comments. Take them into account in a future project.

References:
Bicol’s Best and Brightest Scientific Minds Flourished in RICE, (Mendez, K.V., 04 Nov. 2021).
http://www.tapi.dost.gov.ph/news/122-dost-tapi-forging-partnership-for-technology-valuation

DOST-TAPI, (2021). Retrieved January 20, 2022,

http://www.tapi.dost.gov.ph/news/122-dost-tapi- forging-partnership-for-technology-valuation

Nikhil C. Modified Floor Cleaning Machine, April 2017, Retrieved January 26,
2020 http://www.ijeter.everscience.org/Manuscripts/Volume.5/Issue-4/Vol-5- issue-4-M-22.pdf

Studocu World Company, 2023. Retrieved February 27, 2023,

https://www.studocu.com/ph/document/university-of-the-
cordilleras/legal-research/practical-research-2-quantitative-research-compress/9268014
 RESEARCH /CAPSTONE ACTIVITY PARENT’S CONSENT FORM

INTRODUCTION
Capstone is a self-contained research study carried out by a student to identify the volume and depth of
theoretical knowledge gained during training and evaluate the ability to apply it to practical problems. In this
Research/Capstone study, the students are expected to

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE STUDY?

Your child will be asked to ___________________. We think this will take him/her ___________minutes.

Describe exactly what subjects can expect. Explain what will happen during the study and how the study will
work. Include everything that subjects will be asked to do. Describe all surveys and data collection instruments that
subjects will experience. Indicate how long each survey or procedure will take and state how long (e.g. minutes, hours,
days, months, until a certain event or endpoint) the subjects will be part of the study.

The investigators may stop the study or take your child out of the study at any time they judge it is in your child’s
best interest. They may also remove your child from the study for various other reasons. They can do this without your
consent.

If appropriate, list any additional reasons why subjects might be taken off the study.

Your child can stop participating at any time. If your child stops he/she will not lose any benefits.

RISKS
This study involves the following risks.
Very likely: __________________
Less likely but serious: ___________________
Rare: ____________________
Other risks of this study include ____________________________.
There may also be other risks that we cannot predict.
List the physical and non-physical risks of participating in the study above.
Non-physical risks may include social, psychological, or economic harm; risk of criminal or civil liability; or
reputation.

BENEFITS TO TAKING PART IN THE STUDY?

It is reasonable to expect the following benefits from this research: _______________________. However, we
can’t guarantee that your child will personally experience benefits from participating in this study. Others may benefit in
the future from the information we find in this study.

List all the benefits that might reasonably be expected from participating in the study. First describe benefits to
subjects, then describe benefits to others. If there are no benefits from participating in the research, state that fact.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Your child’s name will not be used when data from this study are published. Every effort will be made to keep
clinical records, research records, and other personal information confidential.

We will take the following steps to keep information confidential, and to protect it from unauthorized disclosure,
tampering, or damage: ___________

List all individuals and agencies who will have access to the data and records, and how data will be described if
published or shared with others.
 Describe confidentiality protections here. Explain how you are protecting the subject’s information. Give details
as appropriate: for example, are data files kept in locked cabinets, are the data kept on a computer, is a password required
for getting onto the system; who has access to the data, etc.

INCENTIVES
Indicate if subjects will receive anything for participating.

YOUR RIGHTS AS A RESEARCH PARTICIPANT?

Participation in this study is voluntary. Your child has the right not to participate at all or to leave the study at any
time. Deciding not to participate or choosing to leave the study will not result in any penalty or loss of benefits to which
your child is entitled, and it will not harm his/her relationship with _______________.
If your child decides to leave the study, the procedure is: _____________________.
Describe procedures for withdrawing and any follow-up that you will request for subjects who withdraw early.
Follow-up such as questionnaires that are part of the research cannot be forced upon subjects who wish to withdraw.

CONTACTS FOR QUESTIONS OR PROBLEMS?

Call ____________________ at ___________________ or email___________ at ___________if you have
questions about the study, any problems, if your child experiences any unexpected physical or psychological discomforts,
any injuries, or think that something unusual or unexpected is happening.
Provide the name of one or more researchers who can be reached for assistance.

Permission for a Child to Participate in Research

As parent or legal guardian, I authorize _________________________________ (child’s name) to become a
participant in the research study described in this form.

Child’s Date of Birth

Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature Date

___________________________________________________