9

Research I
Quarter 4 – Module 3:
Refining Research Proposal

DIVISION OF ANGELES CITY

Research I – Grade 9
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 4 – Module 3: Refining Research Proposal
First Edition, 2021

Republic Act 8293, section 176 states that: No copyright shall subsist in any work of
the Government of the Philippines. However, prior approval of the government agency or office
wherein the work is created shall be necessary for exploitation of such work for a profit. Such
agency or office may, among other things, impose as a condition the payment of royalties.

Borrowed materials (i.e., songs, stories, poems, pictures, photos, brand names,
trademarks, etc.) included in this module are owned by their respective copyright holders.
Every effort has been exerted to locate and seek permission to use these materials from their
respective copyright owners. The publisher and authors do not represent nor claim ownership
over them.

Published by the Department of Education

Regional Director : May B. Eclar PhD, CESO V
OIC Asst. Regional Director : Rhoda T. Razon EdD, CESO V

Development Team of the Module

Writer: Maricel G. Alamag
Editors: Cazarina L. David, Mary Ann Manlapaz, Jennielyn C. David
Reviewers: Gemima A. Estrabillo, Emily F. Sarmiento, Hermes P. Vargas,
Adrian P. Tamayo, Krislene Ida N. Mercado, Noel S. Reganit,
Wajavina Catacutan, Billy Ray B. Manuel, Marvin R. Leano,
Gemmarie G. Rivas
Illustrator: Norween T. Malonzo
Layout Artist: Norween T. Malonzo
Management Team: May B. Eclar PhD, CESO V
Librada M. Rubio PhD
Ma. Irelyn P. Tamayo PhD, CESE
Fernandina P. Otchengco Phd, CESE
Ma. Editha R. Caparas EdD
Rochella C. David
Emily F. Sarmiento PhD
Gemima A. Estrabillo EdD

Printed in the Philippines by ________________________

Department of Education – Region III – Schools Division of Angeles City

Office Address: Jesus St., Pulungbulu, Angeles City

Telephone: (045) 322-5722; 322-4702; 888-0582; 887-6099
E-mail Address: angeles.city@deped.gov.ph
 9

Research I
Quarter 4 – Module 3:
Refining Research Proposal
Introductory Message
This Self-Learning Module (SLM) is prepared so that you, our dear learners,
can continue your studies and learn while at home. Activities, questions, directions,
exercises, and discussions are carefully stated for you to understand each lesson.
Each SLM is composed of different parts. Each part shall guide you step-by-
step as you discover and understand the lesson prepared for you.
Pre-tests are provided to measure your prior knowledge on lessons in each
SLM. This will tell you if you need to proceed on completing this module or if you
need to ask your facilitator or your teacher’s assistance for better understanding of
the lesson. At the end of each module, you need to answer the post-test to self-check
your learning. Answer keys are provided for each activity and test. We trust that you
will be honest in using these.
In addition to the material in the main text, Notes to the Teacher are also
provided to our facilitators and parents for strategies and reminders on how they can
best help you on your home-based learning.
Please use this module with care. Do not put unnecessary marks on any part
of this SLM. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering the exercises and tests. And
read the instructions carefully before performing each task.
If you have any questions in using this SLM or any difficulty in answering the
tasks in this module, do not hesitate to consult your teacher or facilitator.
Thank you.
 What I Need to Know

This module was developed for the Science, Technology, and Engineering
(STE) students. It was written comprehensively to guide you as you revise your
research proposal after the oral presentation. This module covers the different
strategies and tips in Refining Research Proposal. The students’ level of
understanding was considered in choosing the language and style in presenting the
lesson and activities. The activities are arranged to follow the standard sequence of
the course. But the order in which you read them can be changed to correspond with
the textbook you are now using.

The module is summated into one lesson, namely:

• Lesson 1 – Refining Research Proposal

In this module, we will focus on the most essential learning competency for
weeks 7 to 8. This is to refine research proposals by incorporating the suggestions/
recommendations given by the experts.

At the end of this module, you are expected to:

1. enumerate the common mistakes to avoid when writing a research proposal;
2. apply the writing process and strategies in refining a research proposal; and
3. revise the research proposal based on the recommendations of the
panel/experts.

What I Know

Directions: Read each item carefully. Put a checkmark (ü) if you agree with that the
statement and cross (X) if you disagree.
1. I can still enhance my research proposal even after revising it several times
before the oral presentation.
2. Reading my paper aloud and listening to it to examine errors are better than
merely looking at the words.
3. One of my groupmates is the best in language and grammar in our class, so
assistance from others in revising our paper is no longer needed.
4. I will draft, revise, edit, and proofread my paper at the same time to enhance
my research proposal in the shortest time possible.
5. I will delimit the boundaries of my study such as when, where, and who will
be part of our investigation.

1
 Lesson

1 Refining Research Proposal

Congratulations! You have successfully presented your Research Proposal

to a panel of experts. You are now a step closer to the submission of your final
research proposal for Grade 9. How does it feel accomplishing and presenting your
proposal in your Junior High School? This is only the start of your journey in
learning more about Research.

What’s In

In your previous lessons, you have learned how to prepare a research

proposal. Try to recall the different parts of your paper.

Activity 1. The Proposal

Directions. Arrange the parts of a research proposal in proper order.

v List of Materials

v Name of the Researcher/s

v Bibliography

v Significance of the study

v Rationale / Introduction

v Title /Topic

v Research Question

v Hypothesis or Engineering Goals

v Methodology / Procedures

v Background of the study

2
 What’s New

The research proposal is a written document that includes the topic that you
want to investigate, to present its importance, and the detailed procedure on how
you will conduct the study. A well-structured research proposal serves as your guide
on the different activities that you need to perform under the supervision of your
research adviser and qualified scientist or experts in your chosen field of study.

Activity 1: Learn from the Experts

Directions: Using the acronym below, describe the ‘expert’ that you want to become
in the future.

I
A
M
E
eXtra ordinary
P
E
R
T

Directions: Answer the following questions:

1. Among the characteristics you listed above,
a. which of those traits do you already possess?
b. which of those traits do you want to develop?

2. How does preparing a research proposal help you develop your desirable
characteristics?

3
 What is It

As the old saying goes, “there is always room for improvement” because
learning is a continuous process. Even talented and successful personalities keep on
working hard to improve their craft. Young researchers like you always have room
for improvement as well. After the oral presentation of your research proposal, you
must start incorporating the suggestions and recommendations of the panel and
evaluators.

“Humility is the first step towards learning. You can’t

learn until you are humble enough to realize there is
something for you to learn.”
- Robert Kiyosaki (www.azquotes.com)

Photo was made in Avatoon App

In preparing a research proposal, you must keep in mind that: first, you need
to present it to the panel or approving body in such a way that they will also feel the
need to investigate to answer your research problem; and second, you must show
them a more practical way to conduct your study. Were you able to justify the
significance of your research topic?

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Now go over the research proposal you have presented and double- check if
you have missed any of the common mistakes that researchers like you should avoid.
You may highlight the part of your paper that you may revise later as you read the
following common errors according to USC Libraries
(https://libguides.usc.edu/writingguide).

1. Failure to be concise. You must focus on your research topic and avoid
unrelated issues.
2. Failure to cite the source of your literature review. You must recognize all the
sources of your literature and citations. Make sure they are all in the references
or bibliography.
3. Failure to delimit the boundaries of your study. In your proposal, you must
specify the time, location and people involved in your investigation.
4. Poor grammar. Follow the rules of good technical writing. You may also ask for
help from experts in language and grammar.
5. Too much detail on minor topics. Put an emphasis only on few related topics.
You may still mention minor issues in passing.

4
The Writing Process
After incorporating the comments and recommendations from the experts, you
may improve your research proposal by following this writing process of Alber (2016).

ì Brainstorm (Think About It)

Brainstorming is a creative technique of sharing ideas when working with a
group. Since you are working on the revision of your research proposal, you may
gather the ideas of all the members on how you may incorporate the comments
and suggestions of experts, then, choose the most appropriate idea to enhance
your research paper.

ì Draft (Getting It Down)

Write down or draft your plan and thoughts on how you will revise some parts of
your research proposal.

ì Revise (Making It Better)

Revising your research proposal may include reorganizing your ideas, rewording,
and paraphrasing your statements to enhance your paper. You may also add
supporting ideas and delete unnecessary arguments.

ì Edit (Making It Right)

This is the stage where you will read and check sentence by sentence to enhance
style, the transition of ideas, and consistency concepts. You may consider
reading your paper out loud because hearing it may help you determine the
phrases that need to be edited.

ì Proofread (Checking It)

Check your grammar, spelling, punctuation, and sentence construction. You
recheck your format as well, the font size, font style and spacing. You may ask
a friend or a classmate to read and look for the errors you missed because it is
more difficult to check your work.

“Research is a work of love – love for achievement and

discovery, love for creativity, love for innovation or originality, love
for one's chosen field of specialization, and above all love for
humanity.”
- J. Soriano
Photo was made in Avatoon App

5
Strategies in Refining Research Paper

The following strategies according to Alber (2016) may be useful in improving

your research proposal:

Strategy 1. Using Models

You have read and reviewed several research papers related to
your topic. You may treat these as your models or examples. You
analyze how they presented their topics, and you may adopt the style
appropriate to your paper.
Strategy 2. Adding Details
It is recommended to add details to your scientific writing such
as facts, statistics, and quotes. This will improve the argument of your
paper. It will also attract audience to continue reading your paper.
You may also refer to your models on how you can add details.
Strategy 3. Deleting the Unnecessary
Read your paper several times. Identify redundant or repetitive
words and phrases in your paper with the same idea. Duplicated
statements and irrelevant topics should be deleted.
Strategy 4. Rearranging for Clarity and Effect
The flow of ideas and the transitions must be smooth. You may
read each sentence aloud to determine if it is awkward, too short, or
too long. If the sentence does not sound right for you and your
groupmates, consider revising or rearranging its flow.
Now, you are more prepared to work on your second draft, revision, editing
and proofreading. If you need assistance, get in touch with your research teacher.
For your draft that will serve as your guide in revising your research proposal, use
the template for the corrections in the next part of this module (What’s More).

What’s More

Activity 1: Refining the Working Title and the Introduction

Directions: Complete the table by writing the revisions you made in your Working
Title and the Introduction part of your research proposal after the oral
presentation.
Part A. Working Title

Presented Working Title Suggestions/ Revised Working Title

Recommendations

6
Part B. Introduction
Page/ Part Remarks
Suggestion/
of the Action Taken (Incorporated /
Recommendations NA)
Proposal
Specify the group of people
Revised:
Example: who may benefit from the
results of the study. “Teenagers with acne Incorporated
Page 1/ “The results of this study problems may benefit
Significance may be beneficial to a lot from the results of
of people.” this study.”
1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
Note: You may add rows as needed.

Assessment 1: Evaluating the Working Title and Introduction

Directions: Using the 5-point Likert scale, rate the revised Introduction part of your
research proposal.

5 – excellent 4 – very good 3 – fair 2 – poor 1 – very poor

Criteria Score
1. Content
a. Informative and interesting working title
b. Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your
research problem
c. Explain why this research is important
d. Include at least 2 internal citations in APA format
e. There is a clear connection between the Research Question &
the rationale
f. If Experimental
>> Research Question is clearly stated & specific and logical
>>!Hypothesis clearly stated with Hypothesis explanation:
specific cause & effect identified
If Engineering
>>Goals are specific & clearly stated
2. Format
a.Follow the standard format – future tense, Times New Roman,
12 font size, and double space.
TOTAL
Source: https://www.commackschools.org/InfoforAll.aspx

7
Activity 2: Refining the Methodology /Procedures

Directions: Complete the table by writing the revisions you made in the methodology/
procedure part after the oral presentation of your research proposal.

Page/ Part Remarks

Suggestion/
of the Action Taken (Incorporated
Recommendations / NA)
Proposal

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
Note: You may add rows as needed.

Assessment 2: Evaluating the Methodology / Procedures

Directions: Using the 5-point Likert scale, rate the revised Methodology/ Procedures
part of your research proposal
5 – excellent 4 – very good 3 – fair 2 – poor 1 – very poor

Criteria Score
1. Content
a. Sequential & detailed
b. Includes risk & safety
c. If experimental
>> Tests hypothesis that is stated in the above section
>> Method for data collection clearly state
>>!Control & experimental group identified & designed correctly
>> Repeated Trials used
If engineering
>> Clear building plan (thought was given to materials)
>> Method of testing
2. Format
a. Follow the standard format – future tense, Times New Roman,
12 font size, and double space.
TOTAL
Source: https://www.commackschools.org/InfoforAll.aspx

8
Activity 3: Refining the Review of Related Literature and
Bibliography
Directions: Complete the table by writing the revisions you made in the review of
related the literature part after the oral presentation of your research
proposal.

Page/ Part of Suggestion/ Action Taken Remarks

the Proposal Recommendations (Incorporated/NA)
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Note: You may add rows as needed.

Assessment 3: Evaluating the Review of Related Literature and

Bibliography
Directions: Using the 5-point Likert scale, rate the revised Review of Related
Literature part of your research proposal.
5 – excellent 4 – very good 3 – fair 2 – poor 1 – very poor

Criteria Score
1. Content
a. Minimum of at least 5 science/engineering major journal
articles, must pertain to project topic in proper APA format
b. All citations and reviewed literature are in the bibliography
2. Format
a. Follow the specific standard format – Times New Roman, 12
font size, and double space
b. No spacing within citation, single space between citations
c. Followed APA format in the bibliography
TOTAL
Source: https://www.commackschools.org/InfoforAll.aspx

9
 What I Have Learned

Activity 1. SYL-LA-CROS-TIC
Directions: Supply the missing words to complete the paragraphs. The number of
syllables is written in the parenthesis. Form the words from the syl-la-
box.

SYL-LA-BOX
BRAIN CON TY TAILS VISE EX
DE ING READ PERTS RI MAR
MO PROOF DELS LI CISE CLA
RE MIT GRAM STORM DE

In refining a research proposal, the recommendations of the 1. (2) _______

during the oral presentation are very helpful. The common mistakes in writing may
be avoided by being 2. (2) _______ on the research topic, 3. (3) _______the boundaries
of the study and follow the rules in 4. (2) _______.
The research proposal may be refined following Alber’s Writing Process which
includes five steps. The first step is 5. (3) _______ where members of the group share
ideas. The second is to draft plans and thoughts. The third step is to 6. (2) _______
the paper by reorganizing ideas and paraphrasing statements. The fourth step is to
edit sentence by sentence. And lastly, to 7. (2) _______ the paper to recheck the
grammar and format.
There are also writing strategies that can be utilized to enhance the research
proposal. These includes using 8. (2) _______ , adding 9. (2) _______ , deleting the
unnecessary, and rearrange for 10. (3) _______ and effect.

Activity 2. Learn from My Experiences!

Directions: If the incoming Grade 9 STE students will ask you the following questions
on how they can perform well in their Research class, how would you
answer them?

1. How do you prefer to work on your research project, on your own (individual)
or with a group? Why?

2. How long did it take for you to revise your research proposal after the oral
presentation? What are the strategies and techniques in refining a research
proposal would you recommend to us?

3. What are the three pieces of advice/tips you can share with the incoming
Grade 9 STE students?

10
 What I Can Do

Directions: Submit a hardcopy of your revised research proposal together with your
answer sheet. Also, send a softcopy through e-mail or messenger with
the filename format (Group No. Section_Last name of members_Project
Title). If you worked with a group, submit only one copy for your group.
Your final output will be graded using the criteria below.

Example of Filename: Group3B_Capio,Galang&Quiambao_OrganicPesticide

Note for the student-researchers:

Be guided with the specific instructions of your research teacher.

Rubric for Research Plan

Tentative Title: _______________________________________________________________
Possible
CRITERIA
Points
A. Rationale for the Project
Ø Include a brief synopsis of the background that supports your
research problem (3) 8
Ø Explain why this research is important (3)
Ø Include at least 2 internal citations in APA format (2)
B. Research Question(s), Hypothesis(es), Expected Outcome,
Engineering Goals(s)
Ø Is there a clear connection between this section & the rationale above
(3)
If Experimental
Ø Research Question is clearly stated & specific and logical (3)
9
Ø Hypothesis clearly stated with Hypothesis explanation: specific cause
& effect identified (3)
If Engineering
Ø If an engineering project, goals are specific & clearly stated (6)
C. Methods and Procedures
Ø Sequential & detailed (2)
Ø Includes Risk & Safety (1)
/

If Experimental
Ø Tests hypothesis that is stated in the above section (2)
Ø Method for data collection clearly state (2)
Ø Control & experimental group identified & designed correctly (2)
Ø Repeated Trials used (2) 11
If Engineering
Ø Clear building plan (thought was given to materials) (4)
Ø Method of testing (4)
D. Bibliography
Ø Minimum of at least 5 science/engineering major journal articles,
must pertain to project topic in proper APA format (10) (minus 1
point for each error in references, max 5 points)
Ø No spacing within citation, single space between citations (2) 12
Ø 2-point bonus for 10 or more references (can only receive once)

11
 E. Format
Ø FUTURE tense (2)
Ø A,B,C,D Format (2)
10
Ø Times New Roman/Size 12 font, Double Spaced (2)
Ø Title – Bold-faced and centered (2)
Ø Research Plan is written above title (2)
Total Points Earned 50

Assessment

Directions: Read each question carefully. Choose the letter of the correct answer.
1. An expert is a person that is called in to give advice and recommendations in
your research paper. Which of the following statement best describes an
expert?
a. accepts feedback from others
b. engages in the marketing industry
c. has extensive knowledge of research
d. has served in the teaching profession for more than ten years
2. If you are working on a research proposal with a group, what is the best thing
to do before you revise your drafted research paper?
a. brainstorming
b. editing the paper
c. sharing it with others
d. writing corrections individually
3. Good researchers possess desirable characteristics, which of the following does
NOT belong to the group?
a. bias
b. curious
c. honest
d. systematic
4. There are several strategies to utilize in refining the research proposal, which
one can be used to remove or rewrite phrase with the same meaning?
a. adding details
b. deleting the unnecessary
c. providing models
d. rearranging for clarity and effect
5. One of the common mistakes found in research papers is the failure to cite all
the sources of the review of related literature. As a novice researcher, how can
you avoid this mistake?
a. focus on several topics only
b. identify when and where to investigate
c. make sure to recognize all references in the bibliography
d. follow the guidelines, style, and rules of good scientific writing

12
 Additional Activities

Directions: Write YES if the questions were addressed in your research proposal and
NO if they are not.

QUESTIONS YES / NO
1. Is your topic/title interesting?
2. Is there an underlying rationale for your research topic?
3. Did you state the background of your study?
4. Did you specify the significance of your planned investigation?
5. Did you review five or more related literature for your proposal?
6. For your investigation, did you utilize either the scientific
method or the creativity-based engineering design process?
7. Is your investigation feasible within the given period?
8. Did you acknowledge all your resources in the references?
9. Did you incorporate all the recommendations of experts in
revising your research paper?
10. Is your revised research proposal better than the version you
presented with the experts?
TOTAL NUMBER OF “YES” RESPONSES:

The following are the interpretation of your responses.

SCORE RANGE
INTERPRETATION
(YES Responses)
Most of the sections of the research proposal were improved,
9 – 10
and recommendations/comments were incorporated.
Many of the sections of the research proposal were improved,
7–8
and recommendations/comments were incorporated.
Several sections of the research proposal were improved, and
4–6 recommendations/comments were incorporated.
Only a few of the sections of the research proposal were
1-3 improved, and recommendations/comments were
incorporated.

Directions: Answer the following questions honestly:

1. How many ‘YES’ responses do you have? How would you interpret it?
2. How satisfied are you with the revisions you made to your research proposal?
3. If you will be given another chance to enhance your paper, which part are you
going to revisit, to revise, and to edit? Why?

13
 14
What Can I Do
Assessment
Submit the revised
Addit i onal Act ivit y 1. c research proposal
2. a (softcopy and/or
Answers vary. It depends on the hardcopy)
students output/ research 3. a
proposal. 4. b.
5. c
What I Have Lear ned What I Have Lear ned
Activity 2 Activity 1 What ’s More
1. Answers vary. 1. experts Acti vit ies and
2. Answers vary 2. concise
Assessment s
3. Example of answers: 3. delimit
>> Manage your time and 4. grammar
Answers are based
meet the deadlines 5. brainstorming
on the revisions made
>> Have a positive attitude 6. revise
after incorporating the
towards the subject 7. proofread
recommendations of the
>> Do not hesitate to ask for 8. models
experts.
help as needed 9. details
10. clarity
What ’s New What ’s In
Example of answers. 1. Title /Topic
Intelligent 2. Name of the Researcher/s What I Know
Admirable 3. Rationale / Introduction
Magnanimous 4. Background of the study 1. ü
Efficient 5. Significance of the study 2. ü
eXtra ordinary 6. Research Question 3. X
Problem solver 7. Hypothesis or Engineering 4. X
Exceptional Goals 5. ü
Reliable 8. List of Materials
Tactful 9. Methodology / Procedures
Questions: Answers may vary. 10. Bibliography
Answer Key
References
Alber, Rebecca. “4 Strategies for Teaching Students How to Revise”. February 22,
2016. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/4-strategies-teaching-kids-how-revise-
rebecca-alber4 Strategies for Teaching Students How to Revise

Ariola, Mariano M. “Research and Statistics with Thesis and Dissertation Writing”
https://www.coursehero.com/file/37705411/RESEARCH-AND-STATISTICS-
WITH-THESIS-AND-DISSERTATION-WRITINGdocx

McCombes, Shona. “How to Write a Research Proposal”. December 08, 2020

https://www.scribbr.com/dissertation/research-proposal/

Research Guides Retrieved February 01, 2021 https://libguides.usc.edu/

writingguide/researchproposal

15
For inquiries or feedback, please write or call:

Department of Education - Bureau of Learning Resources (DepEd-BLR)

Ground Floor, Bonifacio Bldg., DepEd Complex

Meralco Avenue, Pasig City, Philippines 1600

Telefax: (632) 8634-1072; 8634-1054; 8631-4985

Email Address: blr.lrqad@deped.gov.ph * blr.lrpd@deped.gov.ph