Chapter 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

When defining the problem and scope of a study, it is essential to include key

elements that provide a clear understanding of the research focus. This includes stating

the general purpose of the study to establish its main objective, identifying the population

or sample under study to define the target audience, specifying the duration of the study

to set temporal boundaries, outlining the topics or theories to be discussed for focus, and

indicating the geographical location to contextualize the research within a specific

setting. By incorporating these elements, researchers can effectively delineate the scope

of their study, establish clear parameters, and ensure that the research remains relevant

and feasible in addressing the identified problem.

Rationale

The rationale of your research is the reason for conducting the study. The

rationale should answer the need for conducting the said research. It is a very important

part of your publication as it justifies the significance and novelty of the study. That is

why it is also referred to as the justification of the study. Ideally, your research should be

structured as observation, rationale, hypothesis, objectives, methods, results and

conclusions.

To write your rationale, you should first write a background on what all research

has been done on your study topic. Follow this with ‘what is missing’ or ‘what are the

open questions of the study’. Identify the gaps in the literature and emphasize why it is
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important to address those gaps. This will form the rationale of your study. The rationale

should be followed by a hypothesis and objectives.

Theoretical Framework

A theoretical framework consists of concepts, together with their definitions, and

existing theory/theories that are used for your particular study. The theoretical framework

must demonstrate an understanding of theories and concepts that are relevant to the topic

of your research paper and that will relate it to the broader fields of knowledge in the

class you are taking.

Conceptual Framework of the Study

A conceptual framework sets forth the standards to define a research question and

find appropriate, meaningful answers for the same. It connects the theories, assumptions,

beliefs, and concepts behind your research and presents them in a pictorial, graphical, or

narrative format. The schematic diagram showing the flow of the study is shown on the

next page.
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Figure 1. Schematic Diagram Showing the Conceptual Framework of the Study

Statement of the Problem

A research problem statement is a clear, concise, and specific statement that

describes the issue or problem that the research project addresses. It should be written in

a way that is easily understandable to both experts and non-experts in the field.

To write a research problem statement effectively, you should first identify the

general area of interest that intrigues you. Next, narrow down this broad area to a specific

problem or issue that you aim to address. It is crucial to explain the significance of this
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problem by providing context on why studying it is important and how it contributes to

filling a gap in current knowledge or understanding. Craft a clear and concise statement

that is easily comprehensible to your target audience. Maintain a scientific and objective

tone throughout, steering clear of subjective language and personal biases to ensure the

statement's credibility and professionalism.

Null Hypotheses

In research, the null hypothesis is a fundamental concept used to test the validity

of experimental data. It is a hypothesis that posits no relationship or effect between

variables in the population being studied. The null hypothesis is denoted as H0 and is

typically the opposite of the alternative hypothesis, which suggests a relationship between

variables. Researchers use statistical analysis to determine the likelihood that the results

supporting the null hypothesis are not due to chance. Rejecting or failing to reject the null

hypothesis is crucial in hypothesis testing, as it helps researchers make conclusions based

on the sample data and infer whether there is a significant relationship in the population

being studied.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

Scope and limitations of a study are crucial aspects that define the boundaries and

constraints of research. The scope of a study refers to the parameters within which the

research will operate, defining what will be studied and what factors are included. On the

other hand, limitations are factors that are beyond the researcher's control, restricting the

extent to which a study can go and influencing the results and conclusions that can be

drawn.
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In essence, the scope outlines the breadth of the study, while limitations are the

constraints that impact the study's validity and reliability. It is essential to clearly define

the scope to focus the research on specific aspects and to ensure that the study can be

completed within available resources. Acknowledging and addressing limitations is

crucial in research as it allows for suggestions for further research and demonstrates a

thorough understanding of the study's context and methodology.

Significance of the Study

The significance of a study refers to the importance and relevance of the research

to the academic community and society at large. It is a crucial component of a research

paper, highlighting why the study is necessary and how it contributes to advancing

scientific knowledge and impacting various populations. When writing the significance

of the study, it is essential to explain the research problem, justify its significance,

provide evidence of its importance, and emphasize its potential impact on future research,

policy, or practice. This section should be written in clear, jargon-free language to ensure

that readers from any field can understand the value of the research. Additionally, the

significance statement should be concise, typically around 100 words, and placed before

or after the abstract in a research paper.

Definition of Terms

The term "Definition of Terms" in research refers to the section of a research

paper where acronyms or specialized vocabulary used in the study are explained to

ensure clarity and understanding for readers. This section is essential for defining key

concepts, variables, and terminology specific to the research topic, helping to establish a

common understanding among readers and preventing confusion or misinterpretation of

terms used in the study. In essence, the "Definition of Terms" serves as a guide for

readers to grasp the precise meanings of technical terms and jargon employed in the

research context.
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Chapter 2

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES

A review of related literature and studies in research is a critical component that

involves systematically identifying, locating, and analyzing documents containing

information relevant to the research problem. This review serves several important

purposes, such as determining what has already been done in relation to the research

topic, identifying gaps in existing literature, and providing a rationale for the study's

significance and research design. Additionally, the review helps researchers avoid

duplicating previous research efforts, discover effective research strategies, and

demonstrate familiarity with the topic to readers and reviewers. Overall, a well-conducted

review of related literature and studies is essential for grounding research in existing

knowledge, identifying research gaps, and ensuring the validity and significance of the

study.

Related Literature

Related literature refers to existing scholarly sources, such as books, journal

articles, and theses, that are directly relevant to the topic of a research study. It

encompasses discussions of facts, principles, theories, and findings that are connected to

the subject of the current research, providing a foundation for the study by situating it

within the context of existing knowledge and research efforts. In essence, related

literature serves as a basis for understanding the background, theories, concepts, and

findings that inform and support the research being conducted, helping researchers

identify gaps, build on existing knowledge, and contribute to the academic discourse in

their field.
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Related Studies

Related studies in research refer to the review or study of existing works

conducted within the project or research field. These studies are crucial for Ph.D. and

Master's level students as they pave the way for the entire research process by providing

insights into the problem in the selected domain, methods developed or adopted, and

techniques that exhibit excellent outcomes. Related studies can be sourced from various

outlets such as journals, magazines, websites, government reports, and other sources,

helping researchers understand the feasibility of their research and the methodology

needed for project completion. Additionally, including related studies in the final

dissertation or thesis is essential to justify the novelty of the research work and highlight

the research gap in the selected field.

Chapter 3

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter contains the procedures followed throughout the study. It introduces

a complete description of the research design, the population, the sample, the

instrumentation, and the statistical treatment of the data.

Research Design

Research design in research methodology refers to the overall strategy and

structure that guides a research project, from its inception to the final data analysis. It

serves as a blueprint for collecting and analyzing data, ensuring consistency, reliability,

and validity throughout the study. A well-planned research design is crucial as it aligns

methods with research aims, ensures high-quality data collection, and facilitates the

appropriate analysis to answer research questions effectively. Research designs can be

classified into quantitative and qualitative categories, with quantitative designs focusing

on correlational, descriptive, experimental, and quasi-experimental approaches, while

qualitative designs include case study, ethnography, and grounded theory designs. Key

components of a research design include research questions, overall approach, type of

design, sampling methods, data collection methods, data analysis procedures, and

operationalization of abstract concepts into measurable observations. The choice of

research design is driven by the research aims, objectives, questions, and available

resources, and it plays a fundamental role in ensuring the validity and reliability of

research outcomes.
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Research Setting

Based on the provided sources, the research setting in a study refers to the

location or environment where the research is conducted. It can include physical

locations like laboratories, educational institutions, or specific communities where data

collection and analysis take place. The research setting is a crucial aspect of research

methodology as it influences the study's outcomes, the type of data collected, and the

generalizability of the findings. Understanding and clearly defining the research setting is

essential for ensuring the validity and reliability of the research results, as it provides

context for interpreting the data and understanding how the study was conducted.
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(Googlemap.com)

Figure 2. Map of the specific setting of the study

Participants of the Study

The participants of the study described in the provided sources were individuals

who voluntarily took part in research activities, either directly or indirectly through

representatives, after giving their informed consent. These participants were involved in

various types of studies, ranging from scientific research involving human subjects to

qualitative reports and case studies. The study participants were selected based on

specific criteria, and their characteristics, such as gender, age, background, and any

relevant attributes, were reported in the research papers to provide clarity on the study

sample and its generalizability. Additionally, the participants were expected to receive

certain rights, including beneficence, research justice, respect for persons, privacy,

information, and protection from undue danger. The study participants were crucial for

the research process, and their involvement was essential for the generation of valuable

insights and data.

Sampling Procedure

Sampling procedures in research involve selecting a sub-group from a population

to participate in a study. There are two major types of sampling procedures: probability

and non-probability sampling. Probability sampling ensures that everyone in the

population has an equal chance of being selected and includes methods like simple

random sampling, systematic sampling, stratified sampling, and cluster sampling. On the

other hand, non-probability sampling is used when the population is not well defined and

includes techniques like purposive, convenience, and quota sampling. Each sampling
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method has its advantages and disadvantages, impacting the representativeness and

precision of the sample selected for a study.

Research Instrument

A research instrument is a crucial tool used by scientists to collect, measure, and

analyze data from research subjects. These instruments can include tests, surveys, scales,

questionnaires, checklists, and more. The choice of research instrument depends on the

type of study being conducted, whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed-method. It is

essential to describe the instruments used in the Methods section of a research paper,

ensuring clarity for others to replicate the study. Validity, reliability, conceptual

framework, cultural relevance, and appropriateness are key considerations when selecting

research instruments. Using established instruments with proven efficacy is

recommended, but researchers can also create their own instruments if needed. Overall,

research instruments play a vital role in helping researchers gather data to answer

research questions and test hypotheses effectively.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure is a crucial step in research and analysis, involving

the collection, measurement, and analysis of information from various sources to find

answers, trends, and probabilities. Data can be qualitative or quantitative, with qualitative

data being descriptive and less structured, while quantitative data is structured and can be

analyzed statistically. There are different types of data collection methods, including

primary (first-party), secondary (second-party), and third-party data collection

techniques. Primary data is collected directly from research participants, secondary data

is data collected by others in the past, and third-party data is compiled from various

sources by companies. The process of data gathering involves defining research goals,

selecting data collection methods, planning procedures, gathering information, examining

and applying findings. Various techniques like surveys, interviews, user polls, and

ethnographic methods are used for primary data collection, while secondary data

collection involves using existing sources like financial statements, reports, and online

surveys. It is essential to follow best practices like defining objectives, choosing

appropriate data collection methods, and ensuring data accuracy throughout the process.

Statistical Tools Used

The statistical tools commonly used in research include the mean, standard

deviation, regression analysis, hypothesis testing, and sample size determination. These

tools play a crucial role in analyzing data, interpreting results, and drawing meaningful

conclusions in various fields such as biology, commerce, medicine, education, physics,

chemistry, psychology, and more. Researchers often rely on software packages like

SPSS, SAS, R, MATLAB, Microsoft Excel, GraphPad Prism, and Minitab to perform

statistical analysis efficiently and accurately.