FORMULATING

THE RESEARCH
TITLE
Jemaima F. Milan-Robles
AGENDA

Understand the components that make

01 up a SMART research title

Formulate a research title based on

02 the approved topics and their research
design, setting, subjects, and purpose.

Propose and defend a research title in

03 a mock defense
FORMULATING
THE RESEARCH
TITLE
Formulating the research title requires several
components that would clearly present the
focus, purpose, setting, and subjects of the
research. Here is how we gather these
components and formulate a research title out
of them:
FORMULATING
THE TITLE
To formulate a title, there should be a chosen topic
narrowed down to meet a goal that is Specific,
Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound
(SMART). Once that topic has been set, the following
steps lead to title formulation:
Identify the Variables of the Study Determine the Research Design
Identifying the variables of your research can help determine Determining the appropriate research design sets the
the questions you need to ask and the data you need to techniques needed to achieve the desired results. This
gather to answer these questions. They are the relevant will also set the procedures and treatment that the
results your research needs to deliver. research needs to follow and employ in order to
produce valid, measurable, and reliable results.

Specify the Subjects and the Setting Formulate the Research Title
Specifying the subjects and setting of the study narrows Formulating the research title into a synthesis of all the
down the scope, sets the limitations of the study, and makes components mentioned previously makes the study SMART.
the goals and the study specific, attainable, and time-bound.
IDENTIFYING THE
VARIABLES OF THE
STUDY
Constructs are mental abstractions derived from the combination of
concepts, or your mental representation of the world around you. In the
context of research, variables are constructs that can be understood
differently because of their differences in values.
Kinds of Variables
Independent Continuous
Dependent Discrete
Confounding or Extraneous Quantitative
Categorical Qualitative
Scales of Measurement of Variables
Variables must be measured based on the way they are defined operationally. Levels
of measurement are the association of the values that are linked to a variable. They
help you identify the appropriate statistical tool to analyze your data.
Nominal Scale
Ordinal Scale
Interval Scale
Ratio Scale
DETERMINING THE
RESEARCH DESIGN
Quantitative research designs are techniques used to gather quantitative
data that can be sorted, classified, and measured. It could be descriptive
or experimental. The design provides directions on how you will gather
data and analyze them and how you interpret the results of the analyses.

Descriptive Research Design

It answers who, what, when, where, and how in relation to the
research problem. Used when you want to obtain information or
identify characteristics or current status of an observed
phenomenon. Used to investigate correlations between two or
more variables. It is also known as the exploratory research.

Experimental Research Design

Used to establish the cause-and-effect relationship between two
defined sets of variables due to its high causal validity or internal
validity, emphasizing the accuracy of statements. It identifies what
variable causes variation to the other variable, making it
appropriate for explanatory and evaluation research.
RESEARCH
DESIGNS IN A
NUTSHELL
Here is a simple chart that can briefly discuss the different
research designs you may consider for your study. Choose the
most appropriate one depending on how you want it conducted
and what results you intend to produce.
 RESEARCH DESIGNS
Descriptive Experimental
Research Research

DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH
Observation Studies
Applicable to quantitative and
qualitative research
Emphasizes a specific quantifiable
factor of behavior
Strategies include the use of a rating
scale, defining the behavior, use of
raters, clustering observation periods,
and training of raters.
Correlational Research
Focuses on the association between two
or more quantifiable variables
Data correlation pertains to one variable’s
increase or decrease accordingly with the
other
Presented in a scatterplot
No cause-and-effect relationship
Survey Research
Also known as descriptive or
normative survey
Selects samples from a large
population
Gathers data via interviews and
questionnaires
Types of Survey to Use:
Cross-sectional Survey - Identifies
or compares opinions of a group or
groups of people about a particular
issue at a given time.
Longitudinal Survey - Compares
changes in opinion over time; could
be Cohort Studies or Panel Studies
 RESEARCH DESIGNS
Descriptive Experimental
Research Research

EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
Supports or rejects a hypothesis Explanatory and Evaluation Research
High causal validity or internal validity
Two defined sets of variables Conducted in a controlled environment Controls baseline differences by random
assignment or statistical techniques
Pre-experimental True Experimental Quasi-experimental
Used in educational research studies Also known as the randomized design Similar to the true experimental design but
Two types: Relies on statistical analysis to reject or lacks random assignment of subjects in
1. One-group pretest-posttest design support a hypothesis treatment or control groups
pretest With or without pretest This can be applied to fields where random
apply treatment Factors that make a true experimental assignment that produces equivalent groups is
posttest research: irrelevant
2. Static Group Comparison 1. Should have a control group
no pretest 2. Should have a variable that can be
baseline similarities are assumed manipulated
no random assignments of 3. Subjects should be randomly assigned to
subjects the treatment group or the control group
SPECIFYING THE
RESEARCH SETTING &
SUBJECTS
The research subjects and setting in the title will make it more specific in
order for future researchers to determine whether the research can be
replicated in a different setting or with a different subject.

The Research Setting

Include the time and place, business, institution, industry, or field that
you specifically chose for data gathering.

The Subjects of the Study

Include the specific group or groups of respondents that will
serve as the subjects of the study.
FORMULATING
THE RESEARCH
TITLE
Synthesize all the components determined in the previous steps
into a title that describes the focus, purpose, setting, and subjects
of the research.
TITLE
FORMULATION
Work with your group, and start
formulating your research title!
PRESENTING YOUR
RESEARCH TITLE
Here are some tips in presenting your research title during a title
defense:
Know the reasons behind the keywords.
The title summarizes the purpose, design, approach,
setting, subjects, and variables of the study. Know why
you chose them in the first place.

Explain based on your readings.

The keywords in your title are best explained by the
readings that justify your decisions made while formulating
the title. Prepare sufficient readings that can speak on
your behalf during defense. Let the experts defend your
chosen study.

Prepare your presentation and cue cards.

Nothing beats preparation. Know every nook and cranny of
your research title and confidently discuss your plans.
HOMEWORK Here’s what to prepare for Chapter 1:

Nature and Statement of the Research

Background of the Problem Questions
Study

Assumptions of Purpose of the Significance of

the Study Study the Study

Scope and Definition of Terms

Limitations