 TITLE PAGE

 CERTIFICATION
 APPROVAL SHEET
 -ABSTRACT
 DEDICATION
 ACKNOWLEDGMENT
 LIST OF TABLES
 LIST OF FIGURES

Chapter 1 - THE PROBLEM AND ITS SCOPE

(Guidelines in Writing)

Introduction/Rationale of the Research:

It includes three discussion segments to facilitate readers in summarily comprehending the entirety of the
research content.

1. The opening paragraph is intended to mentally prepare readers by introducing both the research
study and the issue under investigation. It provides a macro-level discussion about the nature of
the domain in which the study is conducted and common problems encountered.
2. The primary content of the introduction is in the second paragraph, primarily driven by the
problem statement as the key reference. This paragraph informs the reader about the research
study's scope, coverage, and objectives, as well as the rationale behind the researcher's choice of
this field of study as their research focus. It also delves into the discussion of research gaps.
3. The third and final paragraph serves as the concluding section, designed to captivate and spark
the reader's interest in the research finding of the study. It acts as a bridge between the problem
description and the introduction.
4. This part is a 2-3 pages discussion.

Theoretical/Conceptual Framework:

Theoretical Framework and Conceptual Framework are both essential components of research studies but
they serve different purposes and focus on different aspects of a study:

Theoretical Framework:

Purpose: The theoretical framework provides a theoretical foundation for your research. It outlines
existing theories, models, or established principles that are relevant to your research topic. It helps
explain why certain variables are related or how they are expected to interact.

Theoretical Basis: It is rooted in established theories and concepts that have been developed and tested
over time. These theories often have broader applicability beyond your specific research study.

Role: Theoretical frameworks are used to guide the formulation of research questions, hypotheses, and
the overall research design. They help researchers understand the existing knowledge in the field and
build on it.

Example: “This study is premised on “The Automation of Works Theory” by Michaes A. Caines (2002)
which stated that ……”

Conceptual Framework:

The theoretical framework forms the foundation for the conceptual framework. Consistency and
relationship between the conceptual and theoretical framework are required.

Purpose: The conceptual framework, on the other hand, defines the key concepts and constructs in your
study and explains how they are related. It provides a structure for organizing and categorizing the
variables you are examining.

Conceptual Basis: It is more specific to your particular study and is developed based on the research
question and the variables you are investigating. It often includes a visual representation, such as a
diagram or flowchart, to illustrate the relationships between variables.
Role: The conceptual framework helps in designing the research methodology, including data collection
and analysis. It aids in clarifying how variables will be measured and how they are expected to interact.

There must be a distinction between the theoretical and conceptual frameworks. This section presents
the current research investigation in depth. Regarding the research topic, it focuses on the exact and
operational definitions of ideas.

Example: “This study is anchored on the E.T.C. or Electronic Time Clock Systems of the Quest Industry
whose system allows …..”

Note: Drawings or charts provide as better examples of how to describe or illustrate the theoretical and
conceptual frameworks.

In summary, the theoretical framework is broader and draws on existing theories to explain the general
principles or relationships underlying your research area, while the conceptual framework is more specific
to your study, defining the key concepts and how they relate to each other in the context of your
research. Both frameworks are crucial for guiding research and providing a solid foundation for analysis
and interpretation of results.

The Schema of the Study:

The term "Schema of the Study" typically refers to the overall structure or framework that outlines the
organization and components of a research study or project. It serves as a guide for researchers and
readers to understand how the study is structured and what each section or component contains. It is the
graphical presentation of the overview of the research study. The schema of the study provides a clear
roadmap for both researchers and readers, ensuring that the study is organized logically and that the key
components necessary for a comprehensive research project are included. The specific structure and
content of the schema can vary depending on the type of research and the academic or publication
guidelines.

The schema of the study is introduced and explored within the context of a research paradigm. This
paradigm was developed in alignment with the research methodology employed in the study. Commonly
utilized research frameworks include the Causal Paradigm, the Input-Process-Output Model, and the
Operational Paradigm.

Statement of the Problem

1. The problem/objective should be stated in both general and specific terms. The general
statement of the problem typically reiterates the title of the study.
2. The problem is always presented in an interrogative form, posing a question, while sub-
problems must align with the main problem, serving as key points for investigation in the
research study.
3. Specific questions should be formulated using the following question words: 'How,' 'Where,'
'What,' 'Who,' and 'When.
Example:

This study aimed to develop automated and online library system software for daily library transaction
and library management system in Jose Rizal Memorial State College, Main Campus, Dapitan City during the
School Year 2009-2010.

Specifically, this study sought to answer the following questions:

Guide for formulating the specific problem or question.

1. Investigate the existing profile, circumstances, protocols, and methodologies employed within
the current system to assess the necessity for innovation.
2. Illustrate and describe how the proposed system design works.
3. Discuss the new ideas, methods, or concepts that developed in the study as contributions to the
fund of knowledge in computer science.
4. Discuss which collected features can be integrated into a new system (optional).
5. Evaluate the System

Significance of the Study:

In this section, the researcher must emphasize the value and importance of the research study,
enumerating its significant contributions. This section also outlines the beneficiaries of the research and
how they stand to gain. It discusses the value of the study to various stakeholders, including the
researcher, clients, society, administrators, planners, groups, the community, educational institutions,
legislatures, practitioners, and more. It should highlight the positive aspects of a system that should be
sustained or enhanced.

The use of the following phrases could help express the importance of the study:

Results could help benefit. . .

It will also serve as basis in the study of. . .
The findings may also serve as a guide to. . .
The results of this study will provide some insights and information on how they. . .
The study will provide. . .

When writing the significance or importance of your study, certain aspects require clarification and
elaboration. These encompass any or all of the following:

 Potential remedies for existing issues or enhancements to unsatisfactory situations: This

component is possibly the central purpose of this section. Naturally, your study aims to
contribute positively to a specific situation or entity.
 The recipients of benefits and the manner in which they will derive value from your research:
This section describes individuals, groups, or communities that stand to gain from the study. It
may also encompass the researcher themselves and future researchers embarking on related
investigations.
 Potential enrichment of the body of knowledge: If your study identifies something as more
effective and superior, it can be regarded as a valuable addition to the existing knowledge base.
 Possible implications: Within this context, you address implications encompassing the potential
origins of identified issues, the potential repercussions of these issues, and the resolutions to
these challenges.

Scope and Delimitations of the Study

The Scope and Limitations identify the boundaries or coverage of the study in terms of subject, objectives,
facilities, area, time frame, and the issues to which the research study is focused. This section of your
research defines the boundaries of your study and provides clarity to both you and your readers about
what your research will and will not cover. It's an essential aspect of research planning, and being
transparent about the limitations of your study enhances the credibility of your work.

The use of the following phrases could help express the Scope:

The study will focus on. . .

The coverage of this study. . .
The study covers the. . .
The study focuses on. . .
It includes. . .
It also involves the. . .
The study consists of. . .
 The Limitations could be expressed using the following phrases:

This study is limited to. . .

This study does not cover the. . .
The investigator limited this research to. . .
It does not seek to include. . .

Writing the scope and delimitations of a study is essential to define the boundaries and limitations of your
research. Here are some tips and guidance on how to effectively write this section:

 Define the Scope: Begin by clearly stating what your study intends to cover. Describe the specific
aspects, variables, or elements that are within the scope of your research. Be precise and concise
when defining the scope to avoid ambiguity. This helps readers understand the boundaries of
your study.
 Highlight the Inclusions: Specify what is included in your study. This could involve the population
or sample, geographic locations, time frame, and any relevant criteria.
 Identify the Exclusions: Equally important is defining what falls outside the scope of your
research. Identify the limitations and aspects that you will not be addressing. This can include
specific groups or variables that are intentionally excluded, as well as constraints like time,
budget, or data availability.
 Be Realistic: Ensure that your scope and delimitations are realistic and feasible given the
resources and time available for your study. Avoid overambitious goals that may lead to
incomplete or rushed research.
 Justify Your Choices: Provide a rationale for why you made certain decisions regarding scope and
delimitations. Explain why certain variables were included while others were excluded. This helps
readers understand the reasoning behind your choices.
 Consider Implications: Reflect on the implications of your scope and delimitations. Discuss how
they may affect the generalizability of your findings and the applicability of your research to real-
world situations.

Operational Definitions of Terms:

Writing operational definitions of terms in a research study is essential for ensuring that key
concepts and variables are clearly defined and measurable. These definitions help both the
researcher and the readers understand precisely what is meant by specific terms or concepts
used in the study. Here's how to write operational definitions effectively:

 Identify Key Terms: Begin by identifying the key terms or concepts that are central to your
research. These could include variables, constructs, or terms that are critical for understanding
your study.
 Provide Clear Definitions: For each identified term, provide a clear and concise definition that
explains what the term means in the context of your study. Avoid using vague or ambiguous
language.
 Use language that is simple and straightforward so that the reader can easily grasp the meaning.
 Define terms that, although common, may have specific meanings or different usage in your
context.
 Define any specialized terminology or jargon used within your discipline. This also applies to
terms borrowed from one discipline and adapted in another.
 Define only what is absolutely necessary, and do so precisely by referencing authoritative
sources.
 If authoritative definitions are unavailable, locate one or two reliable definitions, cite them, and
then create your own research-specific definitions.
 Complex and lengthy definitions, such as those in mathematics or science, should be placed in an
appendix.