1. Constructing Hypotheses
A hypothesis is a testable statement of a potential relationship between two or more variables or a potential difference between two or more groups.
Characteristics:
1. It should be reasonable.
2. It should be stated in definite terms: cause and effect, correlational or measure of difference.
3. It should be testable.
4. It should follow the findings of previous studies.

2. Research hypothesis – as established in the literature.
Null hypothesis – testable hypothesis.
Functions
A hypothesis introduces the researcher’s
thinking at the start of the study.
2. The hypothesis structures the next stages or procedures of the study.
3. The hypothesis helps the researcher provide the format for the presentation, analysis and interpretation of data in the thesis.

3. Significance of the Study
Established using four interrelated lines of argument
The study may advance knowledge in the
applicable field of study.
It may contribute to the solution of a practical
problem faced by educators.
3. It may demonstrate a novel use of a
procedure/technique.
4. It is part of a programmatic research effort.
Demonstrate that the study is more than clerical
or counting activity.

4. Justification/Rationale for the Study
Intended to answer the following questions
Why is the study being proposed in relation
to other work completed in the field?
2. Why are the particular variables or treatments
of interest in the study have been chosen over
competing alternatives?
Support the arguments presented with
reference to other research and/or authoritative
opinion that may be described in detail in the
review of literature.

5. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
justifies the rationale behind the investigation
gives the reason for searching for new data and
for analyzing, interpreting and synthesizing these
data.
cites the theory(ies) on which the study is
premised in order to establish the relationship
among the variables in the study.
Theoretical Framework
Explains how the study is related to a theory in the
field of business management, psychology and
other related fields

6. Theoretical Framework
generalization about a phenomenon based on
some amount of evidence and continued
verification
shapes the justification of the research problem
in order to identify the key concepts that are
used in the study for better understanding of the
role of theory in research
Conceptual Framework
detailed presentation of the variables to be
observed in the study

7. Conceptual Framework
constructs used are derived from the theoretical
framework and linked with the current study
followed by a paradigm that links the variables
Delimiting the Research Problem
What the researcher intends to do is stated in
the problem; what the researcher is not going
to do is stated in the delimitation or scope.

8. Scope or delimitation
narrowing down the topic
defines the parameters of the investigation
deals with such items as variables considered,
population/sample, treatment(s), setting, and
instrumentation
The limitations set forth reservations, qualifications, or weaknesses inherent in the design.

9. Assumptions
1. Assumptions are what the researcher takes for
granted or accepts for purposes of conducting
the study.
2. If the basic assumptions being made are not self-evident or made clear in some other part of the proposal, they should be stated in the assumptions section.
Some assumptions made in educational research
are value-laden and not subject to validation by
the research process

10. Use of an introductory sentence and a listing is
often appropriate or paragraph form may
improve readability.
Definition of Terms
a section of the report in which definitions are
given for words, acronyms, abbreviations,
names, labels, and the like that are central to
the study
1. conceptual or constitutive
given in dictionaries; academic or universal
meaning attributed to a word or group of words

11. 2. operational or functional
stated the way the concept is measured in the
investigation.
In designing the study, operational definitions of all relevant variables must be transformed into a specific methodology and a specific set of measuring devices or techniques.
1. Unless there is a standard, accepted meaning, define any technical term that is essential to reader
understanding of the problem statement hypotheses, and procedures and methods of analysis.

12. Do not define terms used in general academic
speech that retain their meaning in the study
3. Do not define terms found in general textbooks in the field.
4. Often both constitutive and operational definitions
will be needed.
5. Even though the key terms may be defined as they are introduced, it is expected that a "definitions" section with the key terms alphabetized and identified as paragraph side headings be included.