Practical Research Notes
1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Definition
The Background of the Study provides an overview of the research and explains why the
researchers are conducting it. It introduces important information that establishes the general
context in which the study revolves. It also identifies the research gap that has not been fully
addressed by previous studies.
Guidelines in Writing the Background of the Study
1. Define the problem that your research will address and the specific research gap that
has not been fully addressed by previous studies.
2. Introduce the key concepts and variables present in the study.
3. Present your solution and state how your study will fill in the research gap.
4. Declare the main objective of your research study.
5. Provide related literature and studies to support your points.
6. The background should be 1–2 pages long, with 3 to 6 paragraphs.
2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Definition
The Statement of the Problem (SOP) gives a brief overview of a particular issue and the
specific area of concern that the research will address. It not only identifies the problem but
also answers the question “Why is this problem worthy of investigation?”. It presents the
problems or subjects that need to be resolved or explored.
Components of the Statement of the Problem
1. Objective or Purpose (General Problem)
- A statement of the long-term target or main goal to be achieved by the study.
2. Research Questions (Specific Problems)
- Specific questions that the study aims to answer.
Qualities of Good Research Questions
o Focused
o Feasible
o Specific
o Complex
o Relevant
Criteria for Writing a Good SOP
o Clearly indicates what is to be investigated.
o May be written in declarative or question form.
o Must identify variables of interest and their specific relationships.
3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Definition of Theory
, A theory is a supposition or system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general
principles independent of the thing to be explained. It is a set of concepts, definitions, and
propositions that form a structured view of a phenomenon.
A theoretical framework is a collection of existing theories, models, and frameworks that
provide a foundation of knowledge for your research study.
Guidelines for Choosing a Theoretical Framework
1. Understand the variables included in your study and how they relate to one another.
2. Review existing literature related to your topic.
3. Identify possible theories that explain your expected results.
4. Select the most relevant theory that best supports your study.
Steps in Writing the Theoretical Framework
Step 1: Start by Clearly Introducing the Theory
State the theory or model you selected, its origin, and its main ideas.
Example:
“This study is guided by feminist theory, which highlights how gender inequality is embedded
within social, political, and institutional structures.”
Step 2: Clearly Define Core Concepts
Define key variables and terms to avoid ambiguity.
Example:
“In this research, ‘student motivation’ refers to the internal and external factors that drive
engagement, following Deci and Ryan’s (1985) Self-Determination Theory.”
Step 3: Articulate Theoretical Assumptions and Hypotheses
State how the theory guides your questions and methodology.
Example:
“This study assumes that increased interaction with instructors enhances motivation.”
Step 4: Explain Why Your Theory Fits Your Research
Justify why you chose this theory.
Example:
“Transformational leadership theory was chosen for its relevance in explaining motivation and
performance improvement.”
4. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Definition
1. BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Definition
The Background of the Study provides an overview of the research and explains why the
researchers are conducting it. It introduces important information that establishes the general
context in which the study revolves. It also identifies the research gap that has not been fully
addressed by previous studies.
Guidelines in Writing the Background of the Study
1. Define the problem that your research will address and the specific research gap that
has not been fully addressed by previous studies.
2. Introduce the key concepts and variables present in the study.
3. Present your solution and state how your study will fill in the research gap.
4. Declare the main objective of your research study.
5. Provide related literature and studies to support your points.
6. The background should be 1–2 pages long, with 3 to 6 paragraphs.
2. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
Definition
The Statement of the Problem (SOP) gives a brief overview of a particular issue and the
specific area of concern that the research will address. It not only identifies the problem but
also answers the question “Why is this problem worthy of investigation?”. It presents the
problems or subjects that need to be resolved or explored.
Components of the Statement of the Problem
1. Objective or Purpose (General Problem)
- A statement of the long-term target or main goal to be achieved by the study.
2. Research Questions (Specific Problems)
- Specific questions that the study aims to answer.
Qualities of Good Research Questions
o Focused
o Feasible
o Specific
o Complex
o Relevant
Criteria for Writing a Good SOP
o Clearly indicates what is to be investigated.
o May be written in declarative or question form.
o Must identify variables of interest and their specific relationships.
3. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
Definition of Theory
, A theory is a supposition or system of ideas intended to explain something, based on general
principles independent of the thing to be explained. It is a set of concepts, definitions, and
propositions that form a structured view of a phenomenon.
A theoretical framework is a collection of existing theories, models, and frameworks that
provide a foundation of knowledge for your research study.
Guidelines for Choosing a Theoretical Framework
1. Understand the variables included in your study and how they relate to one another.
2. Review existing literature related to your topic.
3. Identify possible theories that explain your expected results.
4. Select the most relevant theory that best supports your study.
Steps in Writing the Theoretical Framework
Step 1: Start by Clearly Introducing the Theory
State the theory or model you selected, its origin, and its main ideas.
Example:
“This study is guided by feminist theory, which highlights how gender inequality is embedded
within social, political, and institutional structures.”
Step 2: Clearly Define Core Concepts
Define key variables and terms to avoid ambiguity.
Example:
“In this research, ‘student motivation’ refers to the internal and external factors that drive
engagement, following Deci and Ryan’s (1985) Self-Determination Theory.”
Step 3: Articulate Theoretical Assumptions and Hypotheses
State how the theory guides your questions and methodology.
Example:
“This study assumes that increased interaction with instructors enhances motivation.”
Step 4: Explain Why Your Theory Fits Your Research
Justify why you chose this theory.
Example:
“Transformational leadership theory was chosen for its relevance in explaining motivation and
performance improvement.”
4. CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Definition
