UNDERSTANDING

RESEARCH JHECELLE L. AGUILAR

INSTRUCTOR

PROPOSALS
 RESEARCH PROPOSAL
A research proposal is a
comprehensive document that serves
as a roadmap for a research project. It
outlines the research's objectives,
methods, and significance, providing a
clear and structured plan for
conducting the study. Essentially, it's a
written plan that details what, why,
and how a research project will be
conducted.
SCIENTIFIC METHOD BY
FRANCIS BACON
1.Identify the problem
2.Gather the data
3.Formulate an hypothesis
4.Test the hypothesis
5.Collect and analyze the data
6.Conclusion
7.Share or report the findings
 PURPOSE OF A
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
1.Outline Research Objectives: It
defines the specific research questions or
hypotheses that the study aims to
address. This clarity helps researchers
stay focused on their goals.

2. Detail Research Methods: It describes

the methods and approaches that will be
used to collect and analyze data. This
includes information on data sources,
sampling techniques, and data analysis
tools.
3. Highlight Significance: It explains why the
research is important and how it contributes to
existing knowledge or addresses a specific
problem. This section often includes a literature
review to demonstrate the gap in current
knowledge.

4. Provide a Timeline: It offers a schedule or

timeline for the research, indicating when different
phases of the project will be completed.

5. Address Ethical Considerations: It outlines

any ethical considerations, such as informed
consent, confidentiality, or potential risks to
participants, ensuring that the research is
conducted ethically.
 RESEARCH PROPOSALS HOLD
SIGNIFICANT IMPORTANCE IN BOTH
ACADEMIA AND REAL-WORLD
APPLICATIONS FOR SEVERAL REASONS

1.Funding: In academia, research

proposals are often required to secure
funding for research projects. Granting
agencies and institutions use these
proposals to evaluate the feasibility and
value of the research.
2.Clarity and Focus: Research proposals
help researchers clarify their objectives
and methods, ensuring that the study is
well-structured and focused.
1. Independent Variable (IV): This is the variable that
the researcher intentionally changes or manipulates in an
experiment to observe its effect on another variable. It is
the presumed cause or factor that you are testing.
2. Dependent Variable (DV): This is the variable that is
measured or observed to see how it responds to changes
in the independent variable. It's the outcome or result
you're interested in studying.
3. Controlled Variables (CVs) or Constants: These are
variables that are kept constant or consistent throughout
the experiment to ensure that they do not influence the
dependent variable. Controlled variables help isolate the
impact of the independent variable on the dependent
variable.

In a nutshell, the independent variable is what you

change, the dependent variable is what you measure to see
how it responds to that change, and controlled variables are
the factors you keep constant to ensure a fair and accurate
experiment.
3. Peer Review: In academic settings,
proposals undergo peer review by experts in
the field. This process ensures the quality and
rigor of the proposed research.

4. Ethical Guidelines: Research proposals

address ethical considerations, ensuring that
research is conducted in an ethical and
responsible manner, which is crucial for the
well-being of participants.

5. Planning and Organization: Proposals

serve as a roadmap for researchers, guiding
them through the various stages of the
research project.
6. Communication: In real-world applications,
research proposals are used to communicate
project goals, methods, and expected outcomes to
stakeholders, clients, or collaborators.
7. Accountability: Proposals create accountability
by establishing clear objectives and timelines,
helping researchers and organizations track
progress.

In summary, a research proposal is a vital

document that not only outlines the plan for a
research project but also serves as a tool for
securing funding, ensuring ethical conduct,
maintaining focus, and communicating the
significance of the research to a broader audience,
whether in academia or real-world settings.
KEY COMPONENTS OF A
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
1.Title
2.Introduction
3.Research Questions/
Hypotheses
4.Literature Review
5.Methodology
KEY COMPONENTS OF A
RESEARCH PROPOSAL
6. Data Collection
7. Data Analysis
8. Expected Results
9. Significance and
Implications
10. References
 SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC

1. The Process: Picking a research topic is like

choosing a movie to watch. You want it to be
interesting, right? Here's how you do it:

a. Brainstorm: Think about what interests you. It

could be a hobby, a problem you want to solve,
or a question you're curious about.
b. Narrow Down: Once you have a broad idea,
make it more specific. Instead of "sports," think
about "the impact of sports on mental health."
 SELECTING A RESEARCH TOPIC

c. Check Resources: Make sure

there are books, articles, or
information about your topic. It's like
checking if the movie you want to
watch is available.
d. Ask for Advice: Talk to your
teacher, peers, or experts. They can
give you good ideas and feedback.
 IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL
INTEREST
Think of your research topic like a pet.
You'll be spending a lot of time with it, so it's
best if you like it!
1. Motivation: When you're interested, you'll
be more motivated to do the research and
enjoy the process.
2. Creativity: Your passion can lead to creative
ideas and solutions.
3. Relevance Matters: Imagine you're at a
party. You want to talk about something that
interests everyone. Similarly, your research
topic should matter to others, not just you.
 IMPORTANCE OF PERSONAL
INTEREST
4. Real-World Impact: It's like discussing
important news. Your research can contribute to
solving real problems.
5. Audience Engagement: People are more likely
to be interested if your research topic is relevant to
their lives.

In Summary: Choosing a research topic is like

picking a movie you love to watch. It should be
interesting to you and important to others. Your
passion and the topic's relevance can make your
research journey enjoyable and impactful.
 LITERATURE REVIEW

A literature review is like

creating a map of all the existing
knowledge on your research topic.
It's a thorough examination of
books, articles, research studies,
and other sources relevant to your
subject.
1. Start Your Search:
• Begin by defining clear search terms related to your
research topic.
• Use academic databases, libraries, and online resources
to find scholarly sources.
• Don't forget to note the sources you find for later
reference.

2.Evaluate Your Sources:

• Examine the credibility of each source.
• Check the author's qualifications and expertise.
• Review the publication date; newer sources are often
more relevant.
• Look for peer-reviewed or reputable journals and
publishers.
3. Summarize Your Findings:

• Read and extract key information from each source.

• Create summaries or annotated notes for each
source, highlighting important findings, methods, and
arguments.
• Organize your summaries by themes or topics.

4. Identify Trends and Gaps:

• Analyze the collected information to identify trends,

patterns, or recurring themes in the literature.
• Identify areas where there's a lack of research or
unanswered questions (gaps).
 FORMULATING RESEARCH
QUESTIONS/HYPOTHESES
1. Research Questions: Think of research questions as
the "what" and "why" of your study. They are open-
ended inquiries that guide your research. They don't
assume an answer; instead, they explore a topic.

Example:
Research Question: "What is the impact of exercise on
mental health in adults?“
Here, the question explores the relationship between
exercise and mental health without making any specific
predictions.
2. Hypotheses: They are specific
statements that suggest an expected
outcome or relationship between
variables. Hypotheses are testable and
guide your research to prove or
disprove them.

• Null Hypothesis (H0) –

• Alternative Hypothesis (Ha) –
1. Null Hypothesis (H0): This is like the
default assumption. It states that there is
no significant effect or relationship;
everything is as it usually is. It represents
the status quo or the idea that there's no
change or difference.

Example: If you're testing a new drug,

the null hypothesis might be that the drug
has no effect, and patients who take it are
no different from those who don't.
2. Alternative Hypothesis (Ha): This is
what you're trying to prove. It suggests
that there is a significant effect, a
difference, or a relationship between
variables. It contradicts the null
hypothesis.

Example: In the drug test, the

alternative hypothesis might be that the
new drug does have a positive effect, and
patients who take it experience
improvement compared to those who
don't.
 In a statistical test, you gather
data to determine if there's enough
evidence to reject the null hypothesis
in favor of the alternative hypothesis.
If the evidence is strong, you may
conclude that there is indeed a
significant effect or relationship. If
not, you fail to reject the null
hypothesis, which means there isn't
enough evidence to support the
alternative hypothesis.
1. Independent Variable (IV): This is the variable that
the researcher intentionally changes or manipulates in an
experiment to observe its effect on another variable. It is
the presumed cause or factor that you are testing.
2. Dependent Variable (DV): This is the variable that is
measured or observed to see how it responds to changes
in the independent variable. It's the outcome or result
you're interested in studying.
3. Controlled Variables (CVs) or Constants: These are
variables that are kept constant or consistent throughout
the experiment to ensure that they do not influence the
dependent variable. Controlled variables help isolate the
impact of the independent variable on the dependent
variable.

In a nutshell, the independent variable is what you

change, the dependent variable is what you measure to see
how it responds to that change, and controlled variables are
the factors you keep constant to ensure a fair and accurate
experiment.
In Summary:
• Research questions are exploratory and
help you understand a topic.
• Hypotheses are specific and testable
statements that make predictions about
the outcome of your research.
Why Both Matter:
• Research questions guide your initial
exploration, and hypotheses provide a
focused direction for testing specific ideas
during your study. Together, they form
the foundation of your research.
 UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
1.Types of Research Methodologies:
Research methodology is like choosing
the right tools for the job. There are
three main types:
a. Qualitative: Think of this as painting a
picture with words. It's about exploring
feelings, experiences, and meanings
through methods like interviews and
observations.
 UNDERSTANDING RESEARCH
METHODOLOGY
b. Quantitative: This is like counting
and measuring things. It uses numbers
and statistics to analyze data. Surveys
and experiments are common
quantitative methods.
c. Mixed-Methods: Imagine using both
words and numbers to understand
something fully. Mixed-methods combine
qualitative and quantitative approaches
for a comprehensive view.
2. Choosing the Right Methodology:
It's like picking the right vehicle for your
journey. To select the best methodology:

a.Consider Your Research Question:

Think about what you want to find
out. If it's about experiences and
opinions, qualitative might be best. For
numbers and measurements, go
quantitative.
b. Think About Resources:
Consider your time, budget, and
available tools. Some methods are
more resource-intensive than others.

c. Match the Method to Your

Goal: Ensure the methodology aligns
with your research objectives and the
type of data you need.
 COLLECTING AND
ANALYZING DATA
1. Data Collection:
Data collection is like gathering puzzle pieces.
Different methods and tools are used to collect data,
such as surveys, interviews, observations, or
experiments.
2. Data Analysis:
Data analysis is like solving the puzzle. Once you
have your data, you need to make sense of it. Here's
how:

a. Qualitative Data: This involves examining words,

themes, and patterns in your data. It's about finding the
story in the words.
b. Quantitative Data: This includes statistical
analysis to find patterns and relationships in the
numbers.
c. Software and Techniques: Various software
tools and techniques are available to help with
data analysis, depending on your methodology.

In Summary:
Research methodology determines how you
collect and analyze data. Choose the right one
based on your research question, available
resources, and research goals. Data collection
and analysis are the nuts and bolts of your study,
helping you make sense of the information
you've gathered.
 PREDICTING AND PRESENTING
EXPECTED RESULTS
1.Predicting Expected Results:
Predicting results is like making an educated guess.
Before you start your research, think about what you expect
to find based on your research question and hypothesis.
Example (Quantitative): If you're studying the impact of a
new teaching method on test scores, you might predict
higher scores in the group using the new method.

Example (Qualitative): If you're exploring the experiences of

cancer patients, you might predict themes like resilience
and support from interviews.
 PREDICTING AND PRESENTING
EXPECTED RESULTS

2. Using Hypothetical Data or Charts:

To illustrate expected results, create
hypothetical data or charts. For instance, if you
predict improved test scores, show a chart with
before-and-after scores to visualize the change.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF RESEARCH
FINDINGS
1. Discussing Significance:
Talk about why your research matters. How does it
contribute to the bigger picture? What's its
importance?
2. Impact on the Field or Society:
Explain how your research can make a difference:
In the Field: Does it advance knowledge, solve a
problem, or challenge existing ideas?
In Society: How might your findings benefit people,
communities, or organizations?
 STRUCTURING AND FORMATTING
YOUR PROPOSAL
1.Structuring Your Proposal: Think of it as
building a house; you need a strong structure.
Title Page: Start with a clear and concise title.
Introduction: Explain what your research is
about and why it's important.
Research Questions or Hypotheses: Clearly state
what you're investigating.
Literature Review: Show what's already known
about your topic.
 STRUCTURING AND FORMATTING
YOUR PROPOSAL
Methodology: Explain how you'll do your
research.
Data Collection and Analysis: Describe
how you'll gather and make sense of data.
Expected Results: Share your predictions.
Significance and Implications: Explain why
your research matters.
References: Cite all the sources you've
used.
 PROPER CITATIONS AND
REFERENCING
2. Proper Citations and Referencing: It's like
giving credit in a school project. Make sure you cite
and reference all the sources you've used correctly.
This is essential for academic integrity.
In Summary: Predicting expected results helps
set the stage for your research. Show your
predictions with hypothetical data or charts. Discuss
the significance of your research findings, explaining
how they can impact the field or society. Structure
and format your proposal well, and don't forget to
cite your sources properly.
 THE IMPORTANCE OF
PRESENTATIONS
Why Present Proposals: Explain that
presenting proposals is like telling a story. It
helps others understand your research and its
importance.
Practice Presentation Skills: Encourage
students to practice presenting their proposals.
This not only helps them communicate their
ideas clearly but also builds valuable
presentation skills for the future.
 ASSESSMENT AND
EXPECTATIONS
How Proposals Are Assessed: Explain the
criteria used to evaluate proposals. This might
include factors like clarity, research methods,
and the significance of the research.

Expectations for Quality and Presentation:

Mention what you expect in terms of the
quality of their work and how they present
their proposals. Clear and professional
presentations are important.
 RESEARCH TITLE
Creating an effective title for your
research is important because it serves as
the first impression of your study.

1. Be Clear and Specific: Your title should

clearly convey the topic and scope of
your research. Avoid vague or overly
broad titles.
2. Use Keywords: Include keywords
that are relevant to your research to
make it easier for others to find your
work in databases and search
engines.
3. Keep it Concise: A good title is
usually concise and to the point. Aim
for a title that's no longer than 12-15
words.
4. Avoid Jargon: Make sure your
title is understandable to a broad
audience. Avoid using technical
jargon or abbreviations that may be
unfamiliar to most readers.
5. Reflect the Main Idea: Your title
should reflect the main focus or
findings of your research. It should
give readers a sense of what to
expect.
6. Consider the Tone: The tone of
your title (e.g., descriptive,
declarative, interrogative) should
match the style and purpose of your
research.
7. Seek Feedback: It can be helpful
to get feedback from colleagues,
mentors, or advisors on potential
titles to ensure they are effective
and engaging.
8. Title Format: In academic
writing, titles are often formatted
in a specific way. For example, in
APA style, titles are usually in
sentence case (only the first word
and proper nouns capitalized). In
contrast, in Chicago style, titles are
often in title case (major words
capitalized).
9. Revise and Refine: Don't be afraid
to revise your title as your research
progresses. Sometimes, a better title
may emerge as you gain more clarity
about your study.
Remember that a well-crafted
research title can attract readers and
convey the significance of your work,
so take the time to choose one that
represents your research effectively.
Research Title:
"Effects of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems: A
Case Study of the Chesapeake Bay Region"

In this example, the research title provides a clear indication

of the study's topic (climate change and coastal ecosystems)
and its focus (the Chesapeake Bay Region).

Research Proposal Title:

"Proposed Study: Assessing the Impact of Climate
Change on Coastal Ecosystems in the Chesapeake Bay
Region"

In this case, the research proposal title is more detailed and

explanatory. It not only mentions the study's topic but also
explicitly states that it's a proposed study. It provides a clearer
indication that this is a document outlining the research plan
and objectives rather than the completed research itself.
The research proposal title often includes
words like "proposed," "study," "assessing," or
"investigating" to emphasize that it is a plan
for research to be conducted in the future.
This helps distinguish it from the research
title, which represents the final outcome of the
study.
 Research Title:
1. “The Impact of Digital Reading
Devices on Comprehension and
Engagement in Young Readers”
Research Proposal Title:
1. “Proposed Study: Investigating
the Effects of Digital Reading
Devices on Reading Comprehension
and Engagement in Elementary
School Children”
 Research Title:
2. "Reading Habits and Academic
Achievement: A Longitudinal Study
of Elementary School Students"

Research Proposal Title:

2. "Research Proposal: Assessing the
Relationship Between Reading
Habits and Academic Success
Among Primary School Students"
 Research Title:
3. "Literary Analysis of Symbolism in
Classic Novels: Exploring Hidden
Meanings in Literature"

Research Proposal Title:

3. "A Proposal for the Literary
Analysis of Symbolism in Classic
Novels: Uncovering Deeper Layers of
Meaning in Literature"
 Research Proposal Title:
3. Enhancing Reading Comprehension
Skills Among High School Students in a
Rural Setting: A Language Educational
Research at Gerona Western National
High School
3. Elevating Reading Comprehension
Competence of High School Students in
Rural Educational Setting: A Language
Education Research at Gerona Western
National High School
 In these examples, the research
titles provide a concise
representation of the completed
research related to reading, while
the research proposal titles introduce
and outline the proposed studies,
making it clear that they are plans
for research projects.