THE COMPONENTS
OF RESEARCH
PROPOSAL

I. THE INITIAL PROCESS
OF RESEARCH

 This process of developing the specific
research inquiry is referred to as
conceptualization. A gradual
clarification of concepts occurs,
influenced by changes which have
resulted from socio-cultural trends.

After the research problem is identified by
the student, it becomes timely to consult a
research adviser to set the parameters of the
projected inquiry. Such a consultation will
resolve the following issues:
1. Type of research work, whether it shall
be exploratory, descriptive or explanatory.
2. The sources suggested by an
experienced adviser .

3. The timeframe for the research
project.
4. Other general matters can be
discussed with the adviser
preparatory to framing the research
proposal.

 Such a consultation can help tie
together random ideas about a planned
project, conducive to the framing of a
suitable research proposal.

II. First Chapter of the
Research Proposal

Elements of Research Proposal
 Introduction
 Background of the Study
 Setting of the Study
 Theoretical / Conceptual Framework
 Statement of the Problem
 Hypotheses of the Study
 The Significance of the Study
 Scope and Delimitations of the Study
 Definition of Key Terms

INTRODUCTION
The introduction serves to orient the
reader about the research project.
It may also include the rationale, legal
basis, and historical setting.
In effect, the introduction is a preview
of the whole study.

BACKGROUND THE STUDY
This presents the context of the
study, stating the external factors
which gave rise to the research
proposal.

In identifying the factors that contribute to
the Background of the Study, the following
questions may be asked:
What trends re occurring in the field?
What development are most promising?
What problems have surfaced or may
surface?

What is the impact of socio- cultural
factors?
If this paper is read 25 years after
its publication, how would the reader
benefit from the study?
What is the general state of
knowledge about the problem?

SETTING OF THE STUDY
Identifying the setting is important
as this will demonstrate that the
study is based on a true-to-life
setting about which accurate
observations and measurement
procedures can be made.

SETTING OF THE STUDY
Once the researcher works within a
paradigm, two benefits are achieved:
a) A more accurate understanding of
what could otherwise be simply od
actions and views
b) An avenue for new ways of thinking
and explaining things

SETTING OF THE STUDY
 A different point of view from
another research may eventually
come to light, but the difference
may be in framework for
observation and understanding

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
 The theoretical framework outlines
the theory that the researcher wants
to espouse or to verify in his study.

Theoretical/Conceptual
Framework
This consists of elements called
COMPONENTS of the system and their
interrelationships.
The components interact with each other
and the interaction are either shown in a
diagram or mathematical form.

Statement of the Problem
 A research proposal is prompted by questions
of observed phenomena which call for an
explanation.
 In a research proposal the problem needs to
be stated correctly by the way of a precise
question which demands a specific answer. The
formulation of this question has a bearing a
several on several factors:

Statement of the Problem
1. Source of the problem such as from
the researcher’s interest from
suggestion by an adviser or peers , from
the course of the study, or from new
ideas inherent in previous researchers.
2. Factors in problem selection such as
focus, point of view and time frame.
3. Prospect of a good problem proposal
such as its relevance , novelty,
practicality.

After determining the problem, the researcher
may then take steps to develop a clear and
functional problem statement. This entails:
a)Establishing the research topic within the
general area of study
b)Developing a more narrowly defined
problem that represents an aspect of the
research topics
c)Formulating the defined issue, the problem
statement.

Hypothesis of the Study
The hypothesis is stated by way of a
declarative sentence, relating either in
general or in specific terms, the relationship
of these factors or variables with clear
implication that this relationship can be
empirically or statistically measured.
Without this characteristic of being
potentially measurable, the hypothesis is
not valid or is at least a poor assumption

Hypothesis of the Study
The importance of the hypothesis s a tool in
scientific research has long been established
because
a)They direct the research inquiry, saying in
effect what has to be done;
b)They enable the researcher, by the way of
their general relational statements, to make
deductions on specific manifestations
implied by the inquiry problem.

Hypothesis of the Study
A more radical way of stating
its importance is to say that a
research problem cannot be
scientifically solved unless it is
reduced into hypothesis form.

Significance of the Study
The presentation should prove the importance
of the study in terms of::
Solving a problem
Narrowing or bridging a knowledge gap
Improving socio- economic or politico-
cultural conditions
Validating research instruments and
methods
Supporting development thrusts

Scope and Delimitation of the Study
The scope tells the extent to which
the results of an inquiry may find an
application.
The delimitation gives information
on the shortcomings of the
investigation, and where results may
fail to apply

Scope and Delimitation of the Study
One difficulty in research concerns
the issue of generality or specificity.
If a research problem is too general,
it can become to vague, thus not
measurable. General terms such as
democracy, innovation, self-
transformation do not carry
immediate empirical value.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study
On the other hand, there is the
other extreme of too much
specificity. While every scientific
research needs to be narrowed
down, there is the danger of
making the inquiry too thin and
trivial.

Definition of Terms
Universally accepted terms are not
defined in the research study. Terms
whose meanings may be different in
the context of the inquiry need to be
defined in this section. Operational
definition of terms are preferred
over dictionary definition of terms.

III. REVIEW OF
LITERATURE
AND STUDIES

This chapter is divided into four sub-
sections:
FOREIGN LITERATURE – These are
materials published in books, professional
journals, magazines, newspapers and other
publications in other countries
 LOCAL LITERATURE – These are
materials found in books, professional
journals, magazines, newspaper and other
publications in the country.

 FOREIGN STUDIES – These are
unpublished materials, such as
manuscripts, thesis and dissertations
produced in foreign countries
LOCAL STUDIES – These are
unpublished materials, such as
manuscripts, theses and dissertations
produced in the disagreement in the
field of study.

Literature and studies are said to
relate to the present research due
to their resemblance by way of:
1. CONTENT
2. METHODOLOGY AND
SAMPLING PLAN
3. USE OF THE SAME SET OF
FACTORS OR VARIABLES IN THE
PRESENT STUDY

 To establish the baseline information
about the research problem;
 To pinpoint strengths and weaknesses
of the literature material or studies;
 To lead the researcher to the correct
procedure for obtaining valid results;
and
 To highlight the importance of the
inquiry.

The chapter may be organized in several ways,
the most common of which are:
THEMATIC ORGAIZATION. The discussion of
the researcher is based on the similarities of ideas or
themes.
CHRONOLOGICAL ORGANIZATION. The study
is organized according to episodes or periods.
SITE ORGANIZATION. The studies are grouped
into “Foreign” or “Local”. The review of Foreign and
Local Studies gives a balanced presentation of an
inquiry by way of determining geographical settings.

SOME POINTS TO CONSIDER IN WRITING
THE CHAPTER ARE:
1.Materials reviewed must relate in
purpose, method, and findings with
the current study.
2.Interrelationship of the materials
should be clarified, whie strengths
and weaknesses of each material are
pointed out.

3. The transition from the past study to
the present must be shown, possibly
showing the evolvement of one work to
another.
4. In the text, only the last names of the
authors are given. However, initials are to
be included in case the works cited are
written by persons with the same
surnames.

A good review or related literature and
studies is characterized by the following:
1.Most recent materials are used.
2.Review is objective and unbiased.
3.The materials reviewed are relevant
4.The basis of the review conforms to
genuinely original materials; the facts
and data are validly true and reliable.

5. Materials are sufficient enough to
provide insight to research problem.
6. While the length of this section is
not prescribed, it is best to limit it to
the most recent and the most related
materials in order to effect a holistic
and organized review.

IV. Methods and Procedures
Methods of research used
-This refers to over all plan and scheme in
conducting te study.
Respondents of the study
-this provide specific information about those who
will participate in the research, either the subjects
in quantitative research or the participants in
qualitative researches.

Sampling tehniques used
-this refers to the design for getting respondents that
resulting observations will be representative o the entire
popuaion
1.Probability sampling-uses the”chance process” in
selecting the sample of the research.
2.Non-probability-comprises”convenience sampling”
which utilizes what are available or “purposive sampling”
which includes as samples those that have unique
characteristics

Instruments used in the study
Observation w/c determines what is occuring or what
individuals are doing
Interview or the direct method which is an oral type of
questionnaire to determine the perceptions of individuals or
group
The questionnaire or the indirect method w/c use carefuly
planned and printed items given to repondents in order to elicit
answers to question of the research
 surveys w/c are administered to assess opinons,perceptions
and attitudes
Documents w/c entil analysis o records such as registry of
birth,death ,marriages

Validation of the instruments used
Validity-refers to the extent w/ the
instrument measures what it intends to
measure
Reliability-extent of the consistency of the
instrument
readability –refers to the level of clarity of
the instrument possibly conducting second
run of validation, to make sure the
instrument posseses the mentioned criteria

Statistical
Treatment of
Data

Based on the instrument
questions, the appropriate
statistical tools are used, such as
frequency counts, percentage
scoring, mean and standard
deviation procedure, use of the
5-point likert scale, the t-test etc.

Chapter 4. presentation,
analysis and interpretation
Chapter 5. summary
conclusion and
recommendation o

Presentation, Analysis and
Interpretation
Presentation contains data organized into logical
sequential and meaningful categories and
classified in order to make the data useful for
study and interpretation
Textual
Tabular
Graphical

Analysis of Data
This process requires
summarizing the trend patterns
observed in the data presented in
order to arrived at concrete and
acceptable findings

Interpretation of Data
This involves inferences relevant
to the problem. Supported by
data or documents, conclusion
may be drawn about the
problems

Summary, Conclusion and
Recommendation
Summary – it is best to organized the summary
statement according to the stated problem
Conclusions are inferences, deduction and or
generalizations base on findings
Recommendations are addressed to those
concerned to help solve the problem guided by
the research findings.