Steps in Writing

a Research Paper
A research work involves the following related
writing stages:
1. Choosing a topic
2. Checking reference for your
topic in the library
3. Narrowing down the topic
4. Preparing a preliminary
bibliography for the paper
5. Reading diligently and taking
down notes
6. Formulating a thesis
statement
7. Writing an outline based on
the thesis statement
8. Writing the draft of the paper
9. Documenting the paper or
acknowledging sources of
data
Techniques in Writing
a Research Paper
To produce a qualitative research paper, Reid (1998)
suggests the following techniques:

1. Think of the objectives

2. Give your topic the “best” and the latest data or information
3. Prove the correctness of your data by revealing the exact identity of the
sources of your information
4. Avoid PLAGIARISM
5. Familiarize yourself with the following aspects of your school library
STEP 1: Choosing the
Subject Matter or Topic of
the Research Paper

1. Interest in the subject

2. Availability of materials
3. Limitations placed on the
subject
4. Timeliness and relevance of
the subject
AVOID
CONTROVERSIAL ▪ HIGHLY HARD TO
TOPICS TECHNICAL INVESTIGATE
SUBJECTS SUBJECTS
Topics that depend
greatly on the writer’s ▪ Advance studies, No available reading
opinion which may technical materials about it, and
tend to be biased or knowledge, great if these materials are
prejudicial. Topics experience is a not up-to-date
like these can not be very difficult task
supported by facts.
AVOID
TOO BROAD ▪ TOO NARROW VAGUE SUBJECTS
SUBJECTS SUBJECTS
Prevents clear focus
Prevents ▪ Limited, specific on your paper.
concentration or an thorough Minimizes the
in-depth analysis on searching or reader’s interest and
the subject matter reading for curiosity
information
about these is not
necessary
STEP 2: Checking
References for the Topic

1. Traditional Catalogue
2. Computerized or On-line
Catalogue (OPAC)
3. internet
4. CD-ROM
STEP 3: Limiting the
Subject

Breaking down a big topic into a

smaller one to give you more
time to discuss the subject
matter thoroughly

Failure to narrow the subject

will result in superficial
knowledge about the topic
 STEP 3: Limiting the Subject

Example:
GENERAL subject: reading

Narrowed: Developmental Reading

Factors affecting developmental reading

Intangible factors affecting developmental reading

Psychological factors affecting reading

The effect of sensory experience of developmental reading

 STEP 4: Preparing a
preliminary Bibliography

A list of reading materials that

you intend to read for the
substance of your paper.

It is called preliminary because it

can be changed-increased or
decreased- depending on the
availability or appropriateness of
the materials
Process of
Research
Bibliography
of a Research Paper

MLA (Modern
Language Association)
 The Humanities Style of
Documentation
p. 79 1.3 Friedrich Nietzche, Ecce
Homo, in “On the Genealogy of
Monals and Ecce Homa.” p. 258
 Often used in Literature, History,
and the Arts
 Provides bibliographic citation in
notes that correspond to
reference number in the body of
the paper called footnotes
 These footnotes are printed at the
foot of the page and notes or
endnotes (sometimes backnotes)
when they are printed at the back
of the book, end of a chapter, or
of an article or journal
  used by researchers in the field
of natural sciences and social
APA (American sciences
Psychological  Widely used for economic
Association) reasons
 The Author-Date of  Two parts:
Documentation  Text-Citation- enclosed in
parenthesis, found in the
body of the text
 (Moreno 2007)
 Reference List- located at
 (Moreno and Cruz 2009)
the end of the book
 (Cruz, Lim, and Ramos 2008)
 Gives only brief information in
the in text citation, but gives full
 Moreno, Robert. 2008. Metacognition biographical details in the
in language learning. Quezon City:
Reference list
U.P. Press.
 STEP 5: Reading and
Taking down Notes for the
Paper
Gather data from the library

Perform these two skills

diligently: functional and study
skills
Academic
Writing
What is Academic Writing

Discipline-specific
Evidence-based
Balanced
Truthful
Discipline-specific
▪ writing that

▪ • conforms to methods and conventions expected within an

academic field of study
▪ • demonstrates your knowledge of the demands of your academic
community
▪ • shows you are a member of a particular academic community
Evidence-based
▪ • assertions should be supported by verifiable facts,
figures and other knowledge
▪ • statements should be supported by relevant, real- world
examples
▪ • sources of information should be clearly documented
Balanced
▪ • writing should show a range of background reading on an
issue
▪ • statements and assertions should be based on logical
reasoning
▪ • discussions should present opposing views fairly
▪ • conclusions should be drawn from careful reflection of
the evidence
Truthful
▪ • statements should be based on accurate, current data and state of
knowledge
▪ • information should be from reliable sources
▪ citations should be given for the sources of information and ideas
▪ • conclusions should be drawn from analysis of the data presented
▪ • assignments must conform to standards of academic honesty and
integrity
Methodology of Research

1. Qualitative Research
(information)
▪ Qualitative research is a type of
scientific research. In general terms,
scientific research consists of an
investigation that:
▪ • seeks answers to a question
▪ • systematically uses a predefined set of
procedures to answer the question
▪ sensitive topics are being explored.
• collects evidence
▪ c. Focus groups are effective in eliciting data on
• produces findings that were not
determined in advance
▪ • produces findings that are applicable
beyond the immediate boundaries of the
▪ study
▪ Qualitative research is especially effective in
obtaining culturally specific information about
the values, opinions, behaviour, and social
contexts of particular populations
▪ What are some qualitative research
methods?
a. Participant observation is appropriate for
collecting data on naturally occurring behaviours
in their usual contexts.
b. In-depth interviews are optimal for collecting
data on individuals’ personal histories,
perspectives, and experiences, particularly when
the cultural norms of a group and in generating
broad overviews of issues of concern to the
cultural groups or subgroups represented.
“
Research Report and Layout

 Title Page
 Endorsement Page
 Approval Sheet
 Acknowledgement
 Abstract
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables
 List of Figures, Illustrations, Plates
 List of Appendices
Research Report and Layout

 Chapter II: REVIEW OF RELATED STUDIES AND LITERATURE

 Related Literature
 Theoretical / Conceptual Framework
 Research Paradigm
 Definition of Terms
Research Report and Layout

 Chapter III: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

 Research Design
 Locale and Population of the Study
 Description of the Respondents
 Statistical Treatment Used
 Instrumentation and Try-out Phase
Research Report and Layout
 Chapter IV : PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND
INTERPRETATION OF DATA
 Chapter V : SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS AND
RECOMMENDATIONS
 Summary of findings
 Conclusions
 Recommendations
 BIBLIOGRAPHY
 APPENDICES
 CURRICULUM VITAE