HOW TO WRITE YOUR FULL-BLOWN RESEARCH PROPOSAL by Dr. Ronald M. Henson Research Consultant

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Introduction (2-3 pages) - a prelude to research problem in macro approach - short but substantive write-up with highlight of relevant literature to present the scope of the study and its problem - use statistics and literature that can present state of the problem to rationalize the research, but no diagram and tables - link with the purpose of study

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Background of the Study (1-2 pages) - state clear reasons in pursuing the topic - present the context in which topic is viewed on micro-approach and area of investigation - cite briefly the setting of the study with historical description, participants/respondents

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Theoretical Framework (2-3 pages) - describe and explain the theory/theories on which to anchor the problem drawn from related literature and studies - clarify relationship between and among the major concepts of the theory/theories and its proponent - if any, original model is presented as is; otherwise draw the diagram of theory

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Conceptual Framework (2-3 pages) - discuss the elements of the cited theory/theories as applied in the study - replace concepts of the theory/theories with study variables - explain the relationships of the variables founded on the theory/theories - draw the conceptual diagram showing study variables

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Statement of the Problem (2-3 pages) - present the research problem in interrogatory form - start research problem with a short introductory paragraph on the intent of the study - close with the main research question

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Sub-Problems/Research Objectives (1 page) - clear, definite and measurable statement or sub-problems/objectives (intentions) - sub-problems (also in question form) as breakdown of main problem and objectives to show intentions of research (infinitive to + research action word), do not repeat the main problem in the sub-problems - number and sequence (grade) the statements of sub-problems/objectives - serve as point of reference in reporting findings

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Assumptions and/or Hypotheses (1/2 page) - state assumptions that identify relevant statements that were taken for granted and not verified by the study, no variable testing - state hypothesis if variables relationship will be tested (bi-variates/multi-variates)

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Significance of the Study (1-2 pages) - present the contributions of research to various sectors (to the field, society, government/organizations) - address theoretical and practical significance - explain in paragraph form addressing each sector in relating importance of the study findings

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Scope and Limitations of the Study (1-2 pages) - state limits of the locus (location and sampling) - state the extent of mode of investigation (modus) - state limits of subject matter covered (focus) - weaknesses of the study beyond control of the researcher - state inability/restrictions of the study in generalizing the findings

Chapter 1 – The Research Problem and Its Background Operational Definitions (1-2 pages) - not dictionary definitions but define based on literature cited with relevance to study - limit to important terms/concepts/variables used in the study - arrange terms alphabetically - define theoretical terms with proper attribution of source (using APA) - operationalize definition with reference to variables of the study

Chapter II – Review of Related Literature and Studies Related Literature (10-15 pages) - comprehensive, up-to-date and relevant - follow research trails – human trail (interviews and primary sources), paper trail (secondary materials by foreign and local authors, printed documents) and electronic trail (cyber, CDs, AV) - synthesize collated information, and integrate ideas (do not cut and paste) relevant to your study - document sources and avoid plagiarism - present the review thematically with appropriate sub- headings anchored on variables of the study (outlining helps)

Chapter II – Review of Related Literature and Studies Related Studies (2-5 pages) - cite documented studies from local and foreign researches - use theses/dissertations/research journals in locating studies related to your own topic - summarize findings of study in citation of related studies

Chapter III – Research Methodology Research Design (1 -2 pages) - discuss plan of study generally classified as descriptive, exploratory or experimental - establish if research is quali or quanti - explain purpose of the study - identify method used whether survey, content analysis, case study etc. - describe the details in variables and interventions to be made by researcher

Chapter III – Research Methodology Sample and Sampling Technique (1-2 pages) - describe the sample or units of analysis (sampling locale, sampling size, sampling technique whether probability – random, stratified or cluster, or non-probability – purposive, snowball, quota, census) - describe characteristics of samples - state eligibility requirements for participation of respondents/participants - mention method of determining sample size like use of Slovin’s Formula and compute how size was derived

Chapter III – Research Methodology Instrumentation (2-3 pages) - describe the instrument used (e.g. questionnaire, interview guide, coding sheet etc.) - present the major parts of the instrument based on method used - include the range of scores and give interpretation like Likert scale etc. - describe the construction of instrument, tell if adapted from another instrument but with permission - describe the pilot testing (pre-test) of instrument

Chapter III – Research Methodology Data Collection Procedures (1 page) - describe data collection in clear, step by step manner - describe the distribution of instrument and instructions given including locale and time - discuss precautions on ethics and human rights and procedures to avoid intrusion - discuss types of data collected, whether primary or secondary and source of such information

Chapter III – Research Methodology Statistical Treatment of Data and Formula (1 page) - state analytic procedures employed and provide computational formula and state level of significance to specific data - describe the general statistics to show sample demographics like %, ranking, means etc. - inferential statistics such as chi-square, ANOVA, t-test etc. will be used to show hypothesis testing