PR2 CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

  • Author: Jeffrey Alba

  • Course: Practical Research 2

  • Year: 2024

Research Expectations

  • State research questions.

  • Indicate scope and delimitation of study.

  • Present a written statement of the problem.

  • Illustrate and explain the research paradigm.

  • Define terms used in the study.

  • Present a written review of related literature and conceptual framework.

  • Objective of the research is outlined.

1.1. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE & STUDIES

  • Purpose: To provide an overview of sources explored while researching a topic.

  • Sources include:

    • Journals

    • Theses

    • Conference Proceedings

    • Books

    • Textbooks

Importance of Literature Review in Research

  • Offers Interpretation: Helps interpret existing literature.

  • Brings Out Dialects: Highlights contradictions between various thoughts.

  • Indicates Current Research Position: Positions the current research in the field.

  • Calculating Impact: Assesses the impact of the latest information.

  • Research Gaps: Initial scrutiny explores further gaps in existing studies.

  • Information for Relevancy: Ensures the study remains relevant and coherent.

TIPS IN WRITING REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

  • Gather related studies preferably from the last 5 years.

  • Preference for published studies over unpublished manuscripts.

Highlighting Key Concepts

  • Describe key concepts and their relevance to your research paper (similar variables, methodologies).

  • Provide synthesis towards the end after presenting studies chronologically.

Inclusion and Presentation of Studies

  • No specific number of studies is required.

  • Avoid unnecessary discussions that add thickness to the manuscript.

  • Relevant studies should support the claim in the presentation of results.

APA Citation Guidelines

  • Parenthetical citation:

    • 1 author: (Smart, 2016, p. 12)

    • 2 authors: (Smart & Mills, 2002, pp. 41-42)

    • 3+ authors: (Smart et al., 2010, pp. 16, 22)

  • Narrative citation:

    • Include the author's name in a sentence followed by the year in parentheses.

    • Example: Smith (2010) discusses...

  • Reference citation format:

    • Author last name, First initial. (Year, Month Day). Title. URL

  • Example: Solumn, J. (2020, September 10). Explorations of genes. The New Yorker.

1.2 Background of the Study

  • An introduction showing why the research topic merits attention.

Characteristics of a Good Background of the Study

  • Orients readers on why the study is conducted (significance).

  • Starts from a global perspective narrowing down to specific relevance.

  • Engages readers’ emotions to inspire interest.

  • Maintains simplicity, clarity, and relation to the topic.

Parts of the Background of the Study

  • Discussion of the Topic

  • Basic Literature Foundation

  • Seriousness of the Problem

  • Research Gap

  • Purpose/Objectives of the study

1.3. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

  • Addresses what problem the research will tackle clearly.

Writing General Statement of the Problem

  • Must use single sentences, not compound.

  • Clearly expresses the purpose; includes the central phenomenon.

  • Uses qualitative terms like explore, discover, and explain.

  • Identifies the participants and states the research site.

Sample Pattern of General Statement of Purpose (SOP)

  • Template includes:

    • Purpose/Nature of Study: Type of research (narrative, phenomenological, etc.).

    • Objective: What central phenomenon will be explored?

    • Participants: Who is included?

    • Setting: Where will the research take place?

    • Definition of Central Phenomenon: General definition of the concept being studied.

Examples of General SOP

  • Example 1: Intrapersonal and interpersonal competencies of school principals and school effectiveness.

  • Example 2: Differentiating customs and traditions of Aetas.

  • Example 3: Study habits of top 10 high school students.

1.4. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION

  • Scope: Identifies the topic intended for evaluation.

  • Delimitations: Boundaries based on inclusion/exclusion decisions.

Guidelines on How to Write a Scope & Delimitation

  • WHY: The research's general aims and objectives.

  • WHAT: Subject and included variables.

  • WHERE: Location or setting of the study.

  • WHEN: Time frame for data collection.

  • WHO: Subject matter and population.

  • HOW: Description of research design, methodology, and techniques.

Example Studies: Counseling Skills and Emotional Intelligence of Christian Ministers

  • Overview of how data is collected and the limitations of the study.

1.5. SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

  • Outlines contributions to knowledge, gaps filled, or new understandings.

Types of Research Significance

  • Practical Significance: Direct applicability of findings to real-world contexts.

  • Theoretical Significance: Contribution to existing theories, confirming or proposing new ones.

  • Future Research Significance: Opens new areas of investigation and suggests further research methodologies.

Findings on Financial Technology in Managing Personal Finances

  • Practical implications for college students, financial institutions, and educational institutions.

  • Insights into student behaviors and the importance of financial education in colleges.

1.6. DEFINITION OF TERMS

  • Ensures clarity in understanding study components.

Types of Definition

  • Conceptual Definition: Based on dictionary definitions.

  • Operational Definition: Definition based on the study's use of terms.

Counseling Skills and Emotional Intelligence Definitions

  • Christian Ministers: Roles and responsibilities in the faith community.

  • Counseling Ministry: Providing emotional and spiritual support.

  • Emotional Intelligence: Recognizing and managing emotions.

  • Mental Health: Overview of psychological well-being.

  • Pastoral Counseling: Integrating faith in counseling practices.