3.

0 GUIDELINES FOR RESEARCH PROPOSALS (Moro,2019)

A. PAGE DESIGN AND THE PRELIMINARIES

1. The manuscript, either proposal or final, should be written in typeface MS

Reference Sans Serif, font 12 and should be justified or aligned in both
left and right margin.
2. Chapter titles and headings should be in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS,
centered and in font size 14, MS Reference Sans Serif. The following shall
be the titles and headings of a thesis or dissertation:
2.1. Chapter 1 – The Problem and its Setting
2.2. Chapter 2 – Review of Related Literature
2.3. Chapter 3 – Research Methodology
2.4. Chapter 4 – Presentation, Analysis, and Interpretation of Results
2.5. Chapter 5 – Summary of Findings, Conclusion, and
Recommendation
2.6. References
2.7. Appendices
3. For page set up, please observe the following margin:
3.1. Left Margin: 3. 81 cm (1.5 in) Right Margin: 2.54
cm (1 in)
3.2. Top Margin: 2.54 cm (1 in) Bottom Margin: 2.54
cm (1 in)
4. Use double space throughout the entire manuscript.
5. The first line of a paragraph should be indented five spaces from the left.
6. The page number should be placed on the upper right corner of the
paper.
7. The preliminaries of a thesis or dissertation should be comprised of:
7.1. Title Page
7.2. Approval Sheet
7.3. Abstract
7.4. Acknowledgements
7.5. Dedication
7.6. Table of Contents
7.7. List of Tables/Figures
8. The preliminaries should be counted also. It should be paged using small
Roman numerals and placed on the upper right corner of the paper.
9. The abstract, in not more than three pages, should cover the following:
9.1. Research topic and the rationale for the study
9.2. Research questions or statement of the problem
9.3. Abridged version of the method employed to answer the
research questions.
9.4. Findings of the study
9.5. Conclusion

B. WRITING THE MANUSCRIPT

I. TITLE
 1. It must reflect the problem the study is investigating or evaluating.
2. The title should be in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS.
3. Keep the title short. It should not be longer than 16 words, inclusive of
small words like articles, etc.
4. It should not start with a present participle like investigating,
evaluating, etc. A thesis, by nature, investigates or evaluates a
phenomenon. Thus, it is unnecessary to include in the title phrases
such as “An investigation of,” or “An evaluation of”.
5. If the title is more than one line long, it must be laid out in inverted
pyramid style.

II. THE PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

1. Introduction

a. Introduce the general topic on the first paragraph and the importance
of the topic in the field. This part should adequately answer the
question – what problem is being studied and why the topic is
important to study.
b. To justify the importance of the study, the proponent should provide
evidence on the prevalence of the problem. Start with global and/or
national scope. If possible, use statistics to show extent of the
problem. For example, if the topic is about science achievement of
students, the proponent could first discuss that on a global or a
national context, replete with statistics on the science achievement
of Filipino students as emphasis on the extent of the problem. A 3-
year trend showing the seriousness of the present situation would be
preferable.

2. Background of the Study

a. The proponent should provide a local perspective on the existence of

the problem. The researcher should present personal motivation or
rationale for the keen interest in pursuing the study. This may be
done with the researcher’s personal experience on the topic arising
from working in the chosen research locale.
b. The proponent should provide statements about the current state of
knowledge on the chosen topic. Synthesize what other researchers
have said about the topic that justifies the need to study the topic
further. The proponent may choose any of the following options:
i. Counterclaim – introduce an opposing viewpoint or perspective
that weakens the prevailing argument.
ii. Indicate a gap – the research problem is from the gap or
understudied area of the literature.
iii. Raise questions – similar to (ii) identifying a gap but presents
questions about the consequences of gaps in the literature that
will be addressed in the present study.
iv. Continue a tradition – extend prior research to expand upon or
clarify a research problem. That is, the proposed study is a
replication of a previous study and is conducted as an external
validity. The proponent may write “Evidence suggests an
interesting correlation between poverty and athletic
 performance, therefore, it is interesting to study different set
of participants…”. The “therefore” serves as a logical
connecting terminology. Other words that can serve as such
are “hence,” “consequently,” “thus” or language that indicates
a need.
c. After justifying the study, the proponent may then proceed by
announcing the purpose of the study -what it aims to accomplish.
d. The proponent presents a brief, general summary of key findings,
such as, “The findings indicate a need for…”.
e. The proponent ends the section by announcing to the reader the
general structure of the paper.
f. Observe proper in-text citations.
g. For sub-parts 1 and 2, limit the discussion to a maximum of three
pages (for undergraduate). For graduate works, discussion may be a
minimum of three pages.

4. Statement of the Problem

a. Using declarative sentence, start with the main problem of the

study. Usually, the general statement of the problem is a repetition
of the title of the study.
b. The sub-problems may be stated in a declarative or interrogative
sentence.
c. Sub-problems, as stated, should not be answerable by either yes,
no, when and where.
d. Sub-problems should include all the variables identified in the
conceptual framework.

5. Significance of the Study

a. Enumerate the stakeholders that will benefit from the study. List
down the stakeholders in ascending order of importance, starting
with the group that will benefit the least from the study.
b. Explain briefly how these groups will benefit from the study. The
proponent should try to be specific, whenever possible, in stating
the benefits of the study to each stakeholder.
c. There is no need to include “future researchers” as an interested
party in this section.

6. Scope and Delimitations

a. Discuss in at least two paragraphs.

b. The first paragraph will cover the scope of the study – respondents
of the study, research locale, time period or SY covered, and the
variables of the study.
c. The second paragraph discusses the reason for the limitation of the
study. This section should be able to answer “what is the
incapability of the study”.

7. Definition of Terms
 a. Include other key terms that have special meaning in the study
other than dictionary definition. Terms related to the theory from
which the study will be anchored should have been discussed or
defined in the Research Framework section.
b. Provide note if definition provided is extracted from a book or other
documentary sources.
c. Arrange the terms in alphabetical order.

III. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

a. Present related literature reviewed in a thematic manner. The related

literature is written to situate the present study within the context of
existing knowledge on the topic.
b. Highlight the significant points of a related literature and identify the
gaps and issues of the related literature. Present at least five other
studies. The literature should present both sides, the for and against
arguments of the topic.
c. Proponent should opt for primary sources. Secondary or indirect
sources, if possible, should be kept to minimum.
d. Use only studies that will strengthen the argument or the position of
the present study.

2. Theoretical and/or Conceptual Framework

e. This part serves as the backbone of the study. Situate the proposal
within a specific theoretical framework or sets of theories.
f. The authors of the theories and principles that will be used in the
proposed study should be cited.
g. End with a synthesis. The synthesis should discuss how the present
study is similar and different from previous studies. The synthesis
should clearly indicate that the present study is building on a theory;
adding to existing knowledge by doing a new one with a different
methodology; addressing gaps previous studies failed to explore.
h. Limit discussion to 25 pages.

3. Research Framework

a. The research framework, together with the theoretical framework is

the proponent’s translation of the chosen theory from which the
study will be framed. The variables, as will be used in the study, are
identified, their relationships are thoroughly discussed.
b. A schematic diagram of the interplay of the variables covered in the
study will be helpful.
c. Studies geared towards development of materials or a test may use
the “Methodological Framework” as sub-heading title.

IV. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

1. Research Design

a. Discuss the research design of the study, i.e., descriptive, true

experimental or quasi-experimental, case study, historical
research, ethnographic, etc.
 b. Justify the use of the design.

2. Research Locale

a. Discuss the place or setting of the study. The discussion should

adequately justify the choice of the research locale, that it is a
good representative of the target population.
b. For dissertation, the proposed study should have a research
locale that is regional in geographical scope, say Metro Manila.
Whereas a proposed thesis may be acceptable if the setting is in
a selected institution.

3. Participants of the Study

a. Describe the target population and the sample frame.

b. Discuss how the target population will be selected. If the study
is qualitative, cite the key informants and the basis for selection.
c. Discuss how the sample size will be determined. Select
confidence level, effect size and power to determine sample
size.
d. If the sample will be divided into subgroups, the smallest
subgroup should not be lower than 40. That is, a study that
aims to compare three groups, no group should not be lower
than 40.

4. Research Instrument

a. Discuss the type(s) of instrument that will be used in the study.

b. Each part of the instrument should be explained and how it relates
to the research questions of the study.
c. The process by which the instrument will be administered should
also be discussed. The discussion should be able to answer how it
will be administered, how long and who will administer.
d. If the study is using a standardized instrument developed by a local
researcher, the instrument needs no validation. The researcher
simply cites the validity and reliability of the instrument.
e. For researcher-developed instruments, discuss the validation
process the instrument will be subjected to. Only experts should
validate the instrument. This section should qualify the experts that
validated the instrument. Mention the changes in the instrument
that were inputs from the experts.
f. Discuss the pilot test and the results of such test – validity,
reliability score, etc.

5. Data Analysis

a. Simply enumerate the statistical tools the study used in treating

the data collected. There is no need to present the formula nor
to explain the reason for the use of the tool.
b. For qualitative study, discuss the qualitative data analysis
technique the study will use.

C. GRAMMAR AND STYLE

The researcher, in writing the manuscript, should be reminded that a thesis
or dissertation, whether undergraduate or graduate level, is for a specific type
of reader. The reader of a thesis or dissertation is an informed one and seeking
only additional information to firm up knowledge on a specific topic. Thus, the
researcher must assume that the reader is familiar with some terminologies
related to the topic and knows basic statistical terms.

1. Writing Style
1.1. A thesis or dissertation is an academic work and thus require a
formal style of writing. Abbreviations like ‘bldg’, contractions like
‘can’t’, and informal words like ‘wanna’ and expressions like ‘be blue’
should be avoided.
1.2. Expressions such as “the researcher” or “the author” should be
avoided. The focus should be on the study and not on the
researcher/s.

Instead of: The researcher’s exposure to learners with special

needs led him to do a study on career choices of LSEN.

Write: The study on career choices of LSEN was chosen

1.3. Use proper transition words for a smooth flow of ideas. Below
are transition words the researcher can use for a specific purpose.

Transition words Purpose

accordingly, in addition, both … and, To add
equally important, further, furthermore,
moreover, not only … but also
although, but, in contrast, conversely, To show contrast
despite, meanwhile, on the other hand,
notwithstanding, otherwise, rather,
whereas, yet
in the same way, likewise, similarly To show similarity
despite, however, in spite of, To show
nevertheless, still, yet exception
that is, in fact, to illustrate, in other words To show that you
are elaborating on
a point
because, as a sequence, consequently, To show a result
hence, for this (these) reason(s), as a
result, therefore, thus
after, afterward, at this point, before, To show the
concurrently, earlier, finally, following, passage of time
formerly, immediately, meanwhile, next, or sequence
previously, prior to, simultaneously,
subsequently, then, thereafter, thus while,
since
to demonstrate, for example, for instance, To give an
in another case, to illustrate, in particular, example
in this case, in this situation, specifically,
such as
 actually, certainly, extremely, To emphasize
emphatically, in fact, indeed, most
importantly, unquestionably, without a
doubt, without reservation
as I have shown, in brief, to conclude, in To summarize or
conclusion, hence, on the whole conclude
Source: (Beins, 2014). APA Style Simplified: Writing in Psychology,
Education,
Nursing, and Sociology.
2. Heading
2.1. Level 1 headings (chapters and chapter titles) should be
centered and in BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS. The first line should be the
chapter and underneath it is the chapter title.
2.2. Level 2 headings (subsections) should be left-aligned, boldface,
and in uppercase and lowercase
2.3. Level 3 headings (headings that fall under a subsection) should
be indented, boldface, lowercase heading with a period.
3. Word Choice
3.1. Use participants or respondents to refer to the human subjects
who were involved in the study.
3.2. Use words like “the evidence suggests” or “the study indicates”
to refer to the findings of the study rather than “the study proves”. A
single cross-sectional study does not prove a theory.
3.3. Avoid bias in language concerning ethnicity, disability and
sexuality. Instead of disabled person, use “person with disability”.
Instead of “normal”, use nondisabled or “persons without disability”.
The general rule is to put people first and not their disability. Please
refer to APA guidelines for language to use concerning disability,
sexuality, and ethnicity.
4. Tense and Mood
4.1. Use past tense (“Cohen asserted”) or present perfect tense
(“Liwag has reported”) when citing a work.
4.2. Use present tense when discussing results or when mentioning
knowledge that is already well-established (“atom has three
subatomic particles”).
4.3. Use past tense to write the following subsections in the Method
section: data analysis, instrument, procedure, participants. But use
the present tense when describing the research design and research
locale.
4.4. Use the subjunctive mood in the Recommendations.
5. Voice
5.1. Whenever possible, use active voice.
5.2. Passive voice should be used sparingly. The passive voice can
help the researcher in rephrasing expressions with “the researcher” or
“the author”.
6. Capitalization, Acronyms, and Use of Foreign Word and Expressions
6.1. Observe rules on capitalization. Capitalize only names and other
proper nouns, first letter of the first word in a sentence, the first letter
 of the first word of a quote when it is a complete sentence, time
periods (Middle Ages, Industrial Revolution, etc.). The word that
follows a colon is not capitalized except when the word is a proper
noun.
6.2. Acronyms, unless it is of general knowledge like LED, RADAR,
and ANOVA, should be spelled out the first time it is used in the
manuscript followed by its acronym enclosed in parenthesis.
6.3. Foreign words and expressions including Filipino words should be
italicized.
7. Pronouns
7.1. By convention, the thesis as a form of technical report uses the
third person as subjects of the sentence. First person may be
allowable in qualitative research especially when the researcher was
both observer and participant in the study.
7.2. The pronoun must agree in number with the noun it replaces (its
antecedent).
7.3. The antecedent of the pronoun must be clear to the reader. If
the pronoun is potentially ambiguous like this, the referent word may
be used along with the pronoun. For example, instead of simply “this”,
it would be clearer to write “this study”.
7.4. Rephrase a sentence to avoid the use of gendered pronouns like
he, she, his or hers.
8. Numbers
8.1. Single-digit numbers should be spelled out. Numbers 10 and
above should be in numeral form.
8.2. If possible, avoid starting a sentence with a number. If not
possible, the number should be in word form. Try to rewrite a
sentence to avoid starting it with a number.