Research Methodology Notes
INTEGRATED BASIC EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
Upholding 500 Years of Filipino Catholic Faith and Education
SAN BEDA UNIVERSITY, located in Manila (established in 1901)
PRACTICAL RESEARCH 2 (PR2)
Academic Year: 2024-2025
UNIT 2: IDENTIFYING THE INQUIRY AND STATING THE PROBLEM
Focus on the foundational aspects of undertaking research.
LESSON 5: CHAPTER 1: THE BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Summary of its significance in a research context.
LEARNING TARGETS
Ability to discuss essential elements of the background of the study.
Skill to formulate the background of the study.
CHAPTER 1: THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND
Purpose:
Introduce the research problem.
Clarify important variables.
Discuss its delimitations.
Specify its significance to the field of study.
Essential elements of Chapter 1 include:
Introduction
Theoretical Framework & Conceptual Framework
Objective of the Study
Hypothesis
Statement of the Problem
Scope and Delimitation
Significance of the Study
Definition of Terms
EXPLANATION OF ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS IN CHAPTER 1
Example context: Research on Aloe vera leaf gel's effects on diabetic mice.
Introduction: Overview and background of the study, significance, definition of terms, and problem statement included.
THE INTRODUCTION
Importance: Establishes the cognitive framework for the research.
Key functions include:
Discussing the necessity of studying the problem.
Clarifying important terminologies.
Establishing the seriousness of the problem.
Guiding questions for formulating the introduction:
Rationale of the problem?
Setting of the problem?
Basic literature foundations?
Degree of seriousness of the problem?
General objective of the study?
Overall purpose?
RATIONALE OF THE PROBLEM
Shared through researchers' reasons for seeking solutions to the problem.
Sources of rationale can be personal stories, articles, news scenes, or theories needing clarification.
SETTING OF THE PROBLEM
Defines geographic boundaries of the study and demographic implications.
Focuses on the unique aspects such as vision-mission, demographics of a school, and transport methods.
BASIC LITERATURE FOUNDATIONS
Clarifies and defines terms or variables used in the study, ensuring researchers and readers share an understanding.
SERIOUSNESS OF THE CHOSEN RESEARCH PROBLEM
Importance of identifying the intensity and magnitude of the issues at hand.
GENERAL OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
Derived from general problem statement and informs specific problem statements.
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE PROBLEM
Researchers must clearly understand the study's central purpose.
INTRODUCTION LENGTH
Must be short and concise; typically, 2-3 pages.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Overall importance in informing the research approach.
THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK DEFINITION
Theory: A set of ideas explaining phenomena based on general principles.
Framework: A basic structure designed to support something.
PURPOSE OF THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Introduces theory explaining the existence of the research problem.
STEPS IN FORMULATING THE THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Identify the Key Concepts
Evaluate & Explain Relevant Theories
Show how your research fits in
EXAMPLE OF THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK USE
Research on social media effects on teenagers’ self-esteem might use Social Comparison Theory to frame questions and data analysis.
STRUCTURING A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Tips include clarity, logical structure, and inclusion of:
Title of theory, author, theoretical principles, and relevance to the study.
PROMPTS FOR FRAMEWORK WRITING
Examples include:
This study is anchored on…
Supported by the theory of…
Founded on the theory of…
EXAMPLES OF THEORIES
Learning Theories:
Behaviorism (Pavlov)
Constructivism (Jerome Bruner)
Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget)
Schema Theory (Roger Schank)
Motivation Theories (Maslow, Vroom)
Other theories include Customer Satisfaction models and Emotional Quotient research.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Tentative explanations for phenomena and foundational hypotheses.
Involves the investigator’s perspective based on diverse theoretical influences.
POINTERS IN WRITING A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Understand the objective.
Align framework with research objectives.
Ensure comprehensive relationships are articulated.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK VS. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Conceptual framework outlines key concepts and their interrelationships.
Theoretical frameworks are based on established theories guiding the study.
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
Includes a long-term objective expected from the study.
Example phrase: “The main objective of this study is to…"
HYPOTHESIS
Defined as an expectation or prediction tested through research.
Example: Null Hypothesis (H0) vs. Alternative Hypothesis (H1).
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Refers to research questions presented.
SCOPE AND DELIMITATION
Briefly answers the following:
What: the topic and included variables.
Where: research setting and geographic boundaries.
When: timeframe of study completion.
Who: participants/population details.
Why: general purpose of the study.
How: methodology overview (design, methods, instruments).
SAMPLE SCOPE AND DELIMITATION EXAMPLE
Study focused on student knowledge of genetically modified foods among 120 Grade 12 students.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
Defines beneficiaries of the research findings:
Experts in the field.
Administrators for program implementation.
Direct subjects of research.
Future researchers.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Terms unique to the study should be defined operationally and conceptually, in alphabetical order.
EXAMPLES OF TERM DEFINITIONS
Detainee:
Dictionary definition: a person held in custody.
In-study definition: subjects convicted in the studied jail institution.
Adaptability:
Dictionary definition: ability to respond to change.
In-study definition: a factor of emotional intelligence measured by tests administered to respondents.
QUIZ
Coverage of Lesson 4 and Lesson 5 provided.
CLOSING PRAYER
Engage in collective reflection and gratitude for the educational experience.