Format of Research Samuel T. Ramos, Jr. MCM Faculty of Arts and Letters Department of Communication and Media Studies University of Santo Tomas

MANUSCRIPT FORMAT FOR research WRITING Preliminary Pages   Title Page Approval Sheet Biographical Sketch Acknowledgment Dedication Abstract Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures

CHAPTER I - THE RESEARCH PROBLEM Introduction – Identify and describe briefly the research problem Introduce key concepts or terms in the study Timeliness of the problem chosen Purpose in doing research on the topic, proofs that the topic is an issue of relevance to the researcher/s, community and society – specify and state briefly Brief citation of the setting of the study and its participants  

Statement of the Problem – Clear, definite and logical statement of the major research problem and minor problems, or general and specific objectives Be sure that the problems or objectives cited here are enough to cover the research problem Enumerate the specific objectives

Significance of the Study – State in what way your study is important to the researcher, co-students, other people in the community, industry, etc. If applicable, include the study’s national or global significance. You may also include how the study will contribute to the development of the communication discipline or profession. (Explain in paragraph form how may each of them benefit from your study)

Scope and Limitations of the Study – Tells us what the study will and will not be able to do Scope: the boundaries in terms of time, samples, location, etc. Limitations: the weaknesses of the study which are beyond the control of the researcher

CHAPTER II - REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE Present the review in topical form, irrespective of whether they are literature or studies, local or foreign; and not necessarily in chronological order Related Literature – Opinions/ideas of authors of books; writers in magazines, newspapers, Internet materials, etc., Concentrate only on highlights, Observe APA style. Related Studies – State only the researcher’s objectives; methodology, his findings and notable conclusion and recommendations. Studies include theses and dissertations, both published and unpublished, printed or cited from the Web. Use APA style. With a synthesis at the end to summarize (similarities and differences) and emphasize their relevance to the current study.

CHAPTER III - THE RESEARCH FRAMEWORK This framework should be drawn from review of related literature and studies Theoretical Framework - Theories related to your research problem and explain briefly the essence of these theories.   Conceptual Framework - Clarifies the relationships between and among the major variables/concepts of the study Give your diagram or paradigm how you conceive your study in the light of above-mentioned theories. Provide a corresponding explanation thereof. Definition of Terms – Define terms as used or operationalized in the study; arrange them alphabetically.

CHAPTER IV - METHODOLOGY Research Design – identify and describe briefly the research design and method to be used. Justify why it is the best design and method for the study Explain the purpose for the use of quantitative and/or qualitative research approach Research Locale – Describe briefly the place where the participants or respondents are to be obtained

Research Participants – Describe briefly the population (age, sex, socio-economic status, etc.) Identify the sampling size and how it was determined Identify the specific technique used in selecting the samples and explain how it was conducted   Research Instruments - Cite the instrument used and explain why it is going to be used. The instrument used should jibe with the research method chosen Describe the main parts of your instrument/s Explain how you came up with such (e.g., cite your basis and the way you improved it – consulted an expert on research; referred to a standardized questionnaire, etc.) Explain how you validated or dry-ran your questionnaire to some people (specific) to detect which parts need improvements

Data Gathering Procedure – Explain the data collection procedure Include the time frame involved in the data collection/generation Identify person/s involved in data collection/generation Jibe your discussion here with the manner your participants/respondents were chosen Statistical Tools – State the statistical formulas used on the research data and how and why they are to be applied. These formulas should be in consonance with the objectives/hypotheses of the study

CHAPTER V - RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Present results according to the objectives of the study, preferably topical presentation Plain reading and explanation of figures in tables and graphs Present in the text important figures about the results of the study. Do not repeat everything that is already presented in the table In the case of qualitative data, present the quotes verbatim from interviews and focus group discussion Explain and analyze why you think it yielded such results Interpret the results based on general observations, interviews, study framework and review of related literature and studies Interpret the data in a unified or holistic manner

CHAPTER VI - SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, AND RECOMMENDATIONS Summary of Findings – Synopsis of the research objectives, hypotheses or assumptions, research methodology and findings. Summary of findings must address the objectives of the study.  Conclusions – Findings must be interrelated to be able to draw conclusion (generalizations inferred from the results) Include the theoretical and practical implications of the findings discussed (reject or accept the hypotheses on the basis of the findings)   Recommendations – detailed description of the suggestions for future action (policy options, action agenda, etc.) based on the significance of the findings. Include recommendation for future research.

REFERENCES CITED Ramos Jr., S.T. (2013) Analysis of Philippine Daily Inquirerʻs Political Cartoons on PNOY, AIJC, Philippines

APPENDICES Sample Research Instrument Others