2. Format of the paper
It is better if you compose your paper on a computer
because it will be easier to correct for the submission of the
second draft.
Always choose a standard, easily readable typeface. On
computer "Arial" (font size 11) or "Times New Roman" (font
size 12) are usually used.
Use letter size paper, and print on only one side of the
paper.
A research paper must be double-spaced throughout,
including quotations, notes, and the list of works cited.
Paragraphs in the text must be indented. Direct quotations
that are longer than three lines must be blocked and have a
further indentation.
Each entry of the works cited in the reference list should
have an inverted indentation. This means that the first line
3. Parts of the paper
TITLE
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
FEASIBILITY OF THE STUDY
SURVEY OF RELATED STUDIES
RESEARCH DESIGN
METHODS OF GATHERING DATA
TREATMENT OF THE DATA
PROPOSED OUTLINE OF THE STUDY
TIMETABLE
BIBLIOGRAPHY
4. INTRODUCTORY paragraph
The introduction is very important because here you tell your
reader WHAT the paper is about and HOW it has been
organized. Thus, in the introduction you should include three
important pieces of information.
Social conditions: This is the introduction proper. You should
include a description of some general social conditions of the
situation or issue you are going to tackle. Thus, you state the
general background to the problem so that you reader gets an
introductory view.
General statement of purpose: Here you should write a
sentence summarizing what the whole paper is going to be about.
Phrases like "This paper will discuss . . .", "This paper will analyse
. . .", or "This paper will examine . . ." may be useful for you.
Details of organization: You should detail each of the sections
dealing with the topic you have mentioned in the previous
sentence. The structure will be something like the following: "I will
begin by . . ." or "First, I will . . .". "Then, I will turn to . . ." or
"Second, I will . . .". "Finally, I will . . ."
5. TITLE
The title of a research paper must be
straightforward.
You just state what the paper is about.
In general, starting with a phrase like ”An Analysis of
. . .”, “An Approach to . . .”, or “An Introduction to . . .”
shows that yours is not a definite and thorough
approach to the issue at hand.
Just as with the paper itself, beware of stating a too
general topic.
6. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Write out in simple language just what you proposed
to investigate. It may be in the form of:
A question or questions or a single question followed by
several questions
A declarative statement or a series of complete
statements; and
A statement followed by a series of questions
Specific and clearly stated. Its scope should permit depth or
comprehensiveness in treatment
7. Significance of the study
State the value or contribution which your study is
expected to add to your discipline in the particular
field of knowledge in general.
Timely
Relevant
Contribute fruitfully to national development
Economic
Cultural
Social
intellectual
8. FEASIBILITY OF THE STUDY
Workability
Availability of data
Must answer the following:
Has the researcher access to the data/sources/references
he needed?
Does his study merit financial assistance? If yes, is the
assistance available?
Will this study elicit the cooperation and support of
agencies?
9. SURVEY OF RELATED STUDIES
Give a brief summary of the related studies which
have already been done or are being done; the
relationship to the present proposed research
problem; whether evidence already available are
enough to explain it, or whether there is need for
further investigation
10. RESEARCH DESIGN
Consider the following:
Methods of gathering data.
How and where you expect to find the data upon which a
solution can be made
Include printed materials, documents, interviews,
questionnaires, surveys or experimental means that promise
useful information
Treatment of the data.
How you propose to arrange or interpret your data so that
conclusions may be drawn from them
Proposed outline of the study
11. RESEARCH DESIGN
Consider the following:
Proposed outline of the study
Before writing the outline of your study consult your department
chairman or the dean of the college for specific instructions on
this matter
12. EXAMPLE OF AN OUTLINE
Chapter I – Introduction – show the needs
1. Statement of the problem
2. Definition of terms
3. Delimitation- define the boundaries of your study
4. Significance- in the proposal stage, this is very important
because you are trying to show what its contribution may
be.
5. Assumptions (if any)
13. EXAMPLE OF AN OUTLINE
Chapter II – Review of Related Literature
1. Review the theories and studies relevant to your research
undertaking
2. Conceptual Framework
a. Draw upon the theory available to you and come up
with your own
b. Related literature should be based on foundation
areas: Sociology, Psychology, Philosophy, Public
Administration, etc.
3. Research Hypothesis
4. Definition of Variables
14. EXAMPLE OF AN OUTLINE
Chapter III – Methodology
1. Research Method Used
a. Population and Sample/ Sampling
Procedures- Subjects/Respondents
2. Instruments
a. Development/Selection
b. Validation
3. Quantification of Variables
4. Data Gathering Procedures
5. Statistical Treatment
a. Processing of Data
b. Statistical Analysis
15. EXAMPLE OF AN OUTLINE
Chapter IV – Presentation and Analysis of Data
The data should be presented according to:
1. Statement of the Problem
2. Hypothesis
Chapter V – Summary, Conclusions and
Recommendations
16. TIMETABLE
Indicate how much time you need for each section of
your study or how long your investigation will require.
Your work schedule will justify the number of months
you will indicate in the duration.
17. PROJECT A
(EX. OF A NINE-MONTH DURATION PROJECT)
Activity 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Sampling and Interview
work
Analysis &
Interpretation of data
Writing of the project
report
18. PROJECT B
PHASES DESCRIPTION DURATION
(WEEKS)
1 Sampling, presentation of questionnaires,
pre-testing and reproduction
4
2 Collection of field data 8
3 Editing, compiling and collating of records 12
4 Data analysis 8
5 Report writing and presentation 4
19. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Present a list of published materials you will use or
intend to look up in the course of your investigation
