Lecture Research
Lecture Research
Lecture Research
APPROACHES TO RESEARCH
QUANTITATIVE
QUALITATIVE
MIXED-METHODS
RESEARCH DESIGN
Survey
Longitudinal Studies
Cohort study- different samples from the same population
Panel study- the same sample throughout
Trend study- different samples from different population
The fast rising and changing global trends and requirements in the production, dissemination and
utilization of research outputs challenged the University of the Assumption to shift from its usual
research report format to publishable form. Called “I-M-R(F)-a-D” [Introduction-Method-Results (or
Findings)-and-Discussion], this format is adopted to make research outputs of both faculty and
students in all curricular levels readily publishable.
The revised format as contained herein is not absolute, which means that the researcher is allowed
to modify the format of a given section or deviate from the guidelines presented herein for the
purpose of producing a more scholarly research output.
INTRODUCTION
In this section, the study is introduced through a systematic description of its context/
background, beginning from the global to the most specific circumstances where the topic or problem
under study exists or is situated. Related literature from credible sources is incorporated (no need for a
separate section/ storage for it) in the narrative where appropriate, observing existing standards in
citing references, and the basic principles of academic and scientific writing: unity, coherence, emphasis,
conciseness and preciseness. Also found in the Introduction are the objectives of the study stated in
declarative form and the concise description of the significance, scope and limitations of the research
undertaking. Important terms (if any) are defined conceptually and operationally at the close of the
introduction. (This is “Chapter 1” when compared to the old format—presented in a coherent narrative
form).
METHOD
This section, as the title suggests, depicts the selected research methodology, design, and
approaches through which pertinent data were gathered, organized, analyzed and interpreted.
Presented in the same concise narrative form, the essay clearly describes the type of research used,
respondents/ participants included, instrument/s used, other sources of data (if any), data gathering
procedure and tools (statistical tools) used in analyzing data. (This is the equivalent of “Chapter 2” in
the old format).
RESULTS/ FINDINGS
In the old format, this is “Chapter 3”. “Results” presents quantitative data gathered. Data, usually
introduced first in narrative form, then followed by representations through the use of tables, diagrams
or figures, organized based on the sequence of the stated objectives of the study. Interpretation of data
is also expected in this section but not to the extent of discussing beyond the data. On the other hand,
“Findings” contains qualitative data gathered (direct quotations, transcripts, etc.) presented in
narrative form following the sequence of the stated objectives.
DISCUSSION
This is where the in-depth meaning and significance of the data/ findings are presented.
Discussion is substantiated with related literature and findings in other studies, observing existing
standards in citing references. The narrative writing should adhere to the basic principles of academic
and scientific writing: unity, coherence, emphasis, conciseness and preciseness. The limitations of the
study are also highlighted to invite further inquiry. New insights/ conclusions and recommendations are
presented toward the close of the narrative. For qualitative research, this section closes with the
presentation of the emerging framework.
5. End Matters: References, Appendices, and the Researcher’s Latest Curriculum Vitae
The following is an excerpt from the UA Manual of Standards for Research (2006) pp. 40-41
References
All sources included in the Reference section must be cited in the body of the research paper.
The Reference section begins on a new page
The heading REFERENCES is typed centered on the first line below the manuscript page header.
The entries (references), with hanging indentation, begin on the line following the References
heading. Entries are organized alphabetically by surnames of first authors. Most reference entries
have three components:
1. Authors: Authors are listed in the same order as specified in the source, using surnames and
initials. Commas separate all authors. When there are seven or more authors, list the first six
and then use "et al." for remaining authors. If no author is identified, the title of the document
begins the reference.
2. Year of Publication: In parentheses following authors, with a period following the closing
parenthesis. If no publication date is identified, use "n.d." in parentheses following the authors.
3. Source Reference: Includes title, journal, volume, pages (for journal article) or title, city of
publication, publisher (for book). Italicize titles of books, titles of periodicals, and periodical
volume numbers.
Appendices
A common use of appendices is to present unpublished tests or to describe complex equipment or
stimulus materials.
STANDARD CITATION
Example of citation
Paraphrased example
2 Authors
Peterson and David (2008)---same page next citation is Peterson and David further…….
3 or 5 authors
Peterson, David and Collins (2009) consider……. Next citations Peterson et.al (2009)
6 or more
Peterson et. Al (2008) defines
Citations of Sources
-citation in texts
-list of references (end of report)
*References- list includes only those cited in texts
*Bibliography- list includes all sources reviewed whether or not cited in text
SECONDARY SOURCE: