SHS

Practical Research 1
Quarter 1 – Module 4 – Quantitative and Qualitative Research

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter 1- Module 4
Quantitative and Qualitative Research
MODULE 4
Quantitative and Qualitative Research

Hello! In today’s lesson we are going to identify and understand the

differences between the Quantitative and Qualitative research
designs.

It is important for a student-researcher like you to know which of these

approaches is the most appropriate for your study by learning the
fundamental characteristics of each design.

Are you ready? Let’s start!

YOUR GUIDE
To come up with a good research, a good research design is needed. The type of research
would depend on the purpose of writing the research.
There are two broad categories of research methodology: qualitative and
quantitative research. The research method determines the approach the researcher takes
in identifying relevant data for the research and collecting and analyzing the information
gathered in the research. Choosing either a quantitative or qualitative approach will affect the
components of the research. For instance, a researcher may choose to undertake a scientific
research. If he or she takes a qualitative approach, the goal of the study will be to discuss
and analyze the underlying concepts and theories related to the research topic. If the
researcher chooses a quantitative approach, he or she will use statistical data to provide an
explanation of the phenomenon.Now, let us understand the two main categories of research
design. Polit and Beck (2004) define quantitative research as “the traditional positivist
scientific method which refers to a general set of orderly, disciplined procedures to acquire
information.” In their book, Nursing Research Principles and Methods, they explain that the
research method utilizes deductive reasoning to generate predictions that are tested in the
real world. It is systematic since the researcher progresses logically through a series of
steps, according to a pre specified plan of action.
What is QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH?
Quantitative research is “explaining phenomenon by collecting numerical data that are
analyzed using mathematically based methods (in particular statistics).” (Aliaga and
Gunderson, 2005; Skills YouNeed.com, 2017)
This design is used to quantify the problem by way of generating numerical data or data that
can be transformed into usable statistics. It is used to quantify attitudes, opinions, behaviors
and other defined variables – and generalize results from a larger sample population.
In addition, quantitative approach uses measurable data to formulate facts and uncover
patterns in research. The quantitative data collection methods are much more structured
than Qualitative data collection methods.
Quantitative data collection methods include various forms of surveys – online surveys,
paper surveys, mobile surveys and kiosk surveys, face-to-face interviews, telephone
interviews, longitudinal studies, website interceptors, online polls and systematic
observations. (Wyse, 2011)

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 However, this design has its disadvantages as well. Quantitative is considered to be limiting
when it comes to studying the complex and diverse minds of human beings. This is because
this approach can only explain a small fraction of the human experience (e.g., behavioral
impulses and varying personal preferences). In quantitative research, these human
complexities are usually controlled or removed entirely instead of being analyzed. The
inflexible and narrow vision of quantitative research tends to present the human experience
in a restricted manner.

What is QUALITATIVE RESEARCH?

Qualitative research is concerned with nonstatistical methods of inquiry and analysis of

social phenomena. It draws on an inductive process in which themes and categories emerge
through an analysis of data collected by such techniques as interviews,
observations, videotapes and case studies. Samples are usually small and are often
purposively selected.

This design seeks to answer questions about why and how people behave in the way that
they do. It provides in-depth information about human behavior (SkillsYouNeed.com, 2017).
It is primarily exploratory research. It is used to gain an understanding of underlying reasons,
opinions and motivations. It provides insights into the problem or helps to develop ideas or
hypotheses for potential quantitative research. It is also used to uncover trends in thought
and opinions, and dive deeper into the problem.
Qualitative data collection methods vary using unstructured or semi-structured techniques.
Some common methods include focus groups (group discussions), individual interviews and
participation/observations. The sample size is typically small and respondents are selected
to fulfill a given quota. (Wyse, 2011)
Qualitative research is an inductive, subjective process of inquiry done in a natural
setting in order to build a complex, holistic picture, described in words, including the detailed
views of the informants are reported in informal, personal language. (Tabinas, 2014)

Comparison Between Qualitative and Quantitative Research

Qualitative Quantitative
a systematic subjective
a formal, objective, systematic process
approach used to describe life for obtaining information about the world.
Definition experiences and give them A method used to describe, test
meaning. relationships and examine cause and
effect relationships.
To gain insight; explore the To test relationships, describe, examine
Goals depth, richness and complexity cause and effect relations.
inherent
Seeks in the phenomenon.
to explore, explain and
understand some phenomena
What? and Why? Seeks to confirm– a hypothesis about
some phenomena – What? and How
many?
Characteristics Soft Science Hard Science
Focus: complex and broad Focus: concise and narrow

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 Holistic Reductionist
Subjective Objective
Dialectic, inductive reasoning Logistic, deductive reasoning
Basis of knowing: meaning and Basis of knowing: cause and effect,
discovery relationships
Develops theory (Theory
Tests theory (Theory Testing)
Emergent)
Shared interpretation Control
Methods: less structured; Data Highly structured methods: Data
gathered through interviews, gathered through the use
observations, content analysis, of tools, equipment, questionnaires, etc.
etc.
Communication and observation Instruments
Asks open-ended questions in Asks closed-ended questions that give
an effort to explore quantifiable answers
Data provided as a narrative, Data is in the form of numbers and
pictures, or objects statistical results
Basic element of analysis:
Basic element of analysis: words
numbers
Individual interpretation Statistical analysis
Results may be presented
subjectively – may reveal Results are documented using objective
biases, values or experiences language
that impact how the results are
interpreted
Uniqueness Generalization

explain and give meaning to human behavior and experiences and how beings perceive the

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world. This design uses a small number of samples and highlights the uniqueness and
richness of data gathered from the population.

4. Researchers must be able to choose and use the appropriate approach in his/her study in
order to arrive at valid results. Quantitative and Qualitative research methods possess
specific characteristics suited to study a certain phenomenon, therefore, making the data
collection, interpretation and analysis more manageable and factual.

PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter -1Module 5
Kinds of Research Across Fields

YOUR GUIDE

Kinds of Research Across Fields

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 There are different kinds of research that are being used in different fields or
disciplines. If you decide to use the quantitative method, you also have options to choose
from: you can use the descriptive method, the correlational study, a combination of
descriptive and correlational, the experimental method, the historical research, market
research and many more. These kinds of research will be discussed in detail when you
reach your Practical Research 2.
However, here is a brief overview of what these research methods are.
The Descriptive Method
Descriptive research describes the phenomena being studied. It addresses the “what”
question. Data are gathered and descriptive statistics are then used to analyze such data.
Thus, descriptive research considers one variable at a time (i.e., univariate analysis), and is
typically the entry-level type of research in a new area of inquiry. It typically describes what
appears to be happening and what the important variables seem to be.
The Correlational Research
Correlational research determines the relations among two or more variables. Data are
gathered from multiple variables and correlational statistical techniques are then applied
to the data. Thus, correlational research is a bit more complicated than descriptive research;
after the important variable have been identified, the relations among those variables are
investigated. Correlational research investigates a range of factors, including the nature of
the relationship between two or more variables and the theoretical model that might be
developed and tested to explain these resulting correlations.
Correlation does not imply causation. Thus, correlational research can only enable the
researcher to make weak causal inferences at best. Correlational research can be bivariate,
meaning two variables in which one variable is known as an independent variable (or input
variable) and the second variable as a dependent variable (or outcome variable). Bivariate
correlations provide information about both the strength of the relationship, from no
correlation to perfectly correlated.
The regression analysis may be used in predicting a single dependent variable or outcome.
The relations among the variables or predictors are used to develop a prediction model. The
multivariate correlation determines the correlation between multiple independent variables
and a single dependent variable.
The Experimental Method
In experimental research, the researcher manipulates one or more independent or
grouping variables, (e.g., by comparing treatment conditions, such as an intervention group
vs. a control group) and then observes the impact of that manipulation on one or more
dependent or outcome variables (e.g., student achievement or motivation). The statistical
method of analysis is typically some form of the analysis of variance. Experimental research
includes (a) true experiments (in which individuals are randomly assigned to conditions or
groups, such as method of instruction or counseling) and (b) quasi-experiments (in which
individuals cannot be randomly assigned as they are already in a condition or group, such as
gender, socioeconomic status or classroom). The basic question to be posed in experimental
research concerns what extent a particular intervention causes a particular outcome. Thus,
experimental studies are those in which strong causal inferences are most likely to be drawn.
The Historical Research
The historical method is employed by researchers who are interested in reporting events
and/or conditions that occurred in the past. This is for the purpose of establishing facts in
order to arrive at conclusions concerning part events or predict future events.

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The Market Research
Market research is any organized effort to gather information about target markets or
customers. Market research provides important information to identify and analyze
customer satisfaction, the market need, market size and competition. Market research,
which includes social and opinion research, is the systematic gathering and interpretation
of information about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical methods and
techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision making.
Feasibility Study
A feasibility study is an analysis of the ability to complete a project successfully, taking
into account legal, economic, technical, scheduling, marketing, environmental and other
factors. Rather than just diving into a project and hoping for the best, a feasibility study
allows project managers to investigate the possible negative and positive outcomes of a
project before investing too much time and money.

Which Fields Use Quantitative Research?

Quantitative research is the type of research that is widely used in the natural, mathematical
and social sciences.
Natural science is concerned with the description, prediction and understanding of natural
phenomena, based on observational and empirical evidence. Under natural science, we find
life science (or biological science) and physical science. Under physical science, we have
physics, space science, chemistry and Earth science.
The mathematical sciences are areas of study that includes mathematics as the main field
or sub-field like statistics, some areas of physics, biometrics, Computer science,
computational science, population genetics, operations research, cryptology, econometrics,
theoretical physics, actuarial science and much more.
In social sciences, quantitative research is widely used in psychology, economics,
demography, sociology, marketing, community health, health and human development,
gender and political science.

Example of Fields/Discipline Using Quantitative Research

Example 1
In the business field, for example, quantitative research is used to populate statistics from a
high-volume sample size to gain statistically valid results in customer insight. Generally,
quantitative customer research incorporates a survey-based approach to gain feedback in
relation to a population’s ideas and opinions. Data from quantitative research – such as
market size, demographics and user preferences – provides important information for
business decisions. (Demetrius & McClain, 2012)
Example 2
In finance, quantitative research into the stock markets is used to develop models to price
complex trades and develop algorithms, to exploit investment hypotheses, as seen in
quantitative hedge funds and Trading Strategy Indices.
Example 3
In Medicine, an experiment in which group x was given two tablets of aspirin a day
and group y was given two tablets of a placebo a day where each participant is randomly
assigned to one ore other of the groups. The numerical factors such as two tablets, percent
of elements and the time of waiting make the situations and results quantitative.

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Example 4
In hospital service, a survey that concludes that the average patient has to wait two hours in
the waiting room of a certain doctor before being selected.
Example 5
For example, a researcher may want to determine the link between income and whether or
not families have health insurance. This is a question that asks “how many” and seeks to
confirm a hypothesis. The methods will be highly structured and consistent during data
collection, most likely using a questionnaire with closed-ended questions. The results will
provide numerical data that can be analyzed statistically as the researcher looks for a
correlation between income and health insurance. Quantitative methodology would best
apply to this research problem. A quantitative approach allows the researcher to examine the
relationship between the two variables of income and health insurance. The data can be
used to look for cause and effect relationships and therefore, can be used to make
predictions. (Grand Canyon University, Center for Innovation in Research and Teaching,
2017)

MODULE 6 Quality over Quantity? (Characteristics, Strengths

and Weaknesses, and Types of Qualitative Research)

Hi there! I am so happy to have you back in our class.

Today is another fun and exciting time to learn new concepts and
develop your skills in research.
In this module, you will know about qualitative research. So,
let’s get started!

Specifically, after working on this module, you should be able to

describe the characteristics, strengths, weaknesses, and kinds of qualitative research.

YOUR READINESS CHECK

Try to look back at your initial task. It mainly talks about researches, doesn’t it? As a
curious student, you want to know a lot of things around you. You’re still in your inquisitive
stage. Why not take this as an advantage and know more about qualitative research? Let’s
start with an introduction to qualitative research.

What is Qualitative Research?

When we talk about our world views, we usually can not measure this since it’s not in a
quantity. Besides that, it’s more of a view or a perspective and technically not the standard.
However, we may gather these views and calculate the people who have the same
perspective. Obtaining world knowledge in this manner directs us to do a research called
Qualitative Research. This is a research type that puts high value on the views, perception,
and opinions of people.

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A qualitative research can also be subjective, especially if you are trying to prove a point as a
researcher. In a qualitative research the reality is conditioned by society and people’s
intentions are involved for cause-effect relationships. Let’s have a dose on the
characteristics of this type of research. Take a look at the infographics on the next page. Do
these characteristics draw you more into qualitative research? Well, every type has its own
advantages and disadvantages. Though it’s practical, it has pros and cons. Let’s take a look
at them.
Advantages/Strengths of Qualitative Research
1. It adopts a naturalistic approach to its subject matter. The subjects of the research
will base it to what they think is meaningful.
2. It promotes an understanding of human behavior.
3. It is instrumental for positive societal change.
4. It revives the value of respecting people’s individuality.
5. It is a way to interpret social interactions.
6. It increases the researcher’s interest since it involves his attachment to the subject.
7. It offers multiple ways or methods to conduct a study.

Disadvantages/Weaknesses of Qualitative Research

1. It involves the researcher’s subjectivity.
2. It is hard to know the validity or reliability of the data.
3. Its open-ended questions yield “data overload” that requires long-term analysis.
4. It is time-consuming.
5. It involves several processes, which results greatly depend on the researcher’s
interpretation.

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 Did you already grasp the different strengths and weaknesses of qualitative research?
Keep in mind that most things have their own pros and cons. It doesn’t mean that they are
ineffective.
It was mentioned that one of the characteristics of a qualitative research is that you can
go on with multiple methods and procedures to do it. Let’s have a look at the types of
qualitative research.
Now that you have an idea on the different types of qualitative research, let’s have more
activities to gather information on what you learned.

MODULE 7
It’s Literally Everywhere!
(Importance of Qualitative Research across Fields)

Hi there! I am so happy to have you back in our class.

Today is another fun and exciting time to learn new concepts and
to develop your skills in research.
In this module, you will learn the importance of qualitative research
across fields. So, let’s get started!

Specifically, after working on this module, you should be able to:

1. Illustrate the importance of qualitative research in the different fields of

discipline;
2. Identify the three basic research approaches.

Research studies take place in different fields of discipline like Anthropology,

Business, Communication, Education, Engineering, Law, and Nursing. These areas
of knowledge include huge number of research studies which mirror varied interests
of people. People working under these fields use one of the three basic research
approaches in conducting their studies: positive or scientific, naturalistic, and
triangulation or mixed method.
1. Positive or Scientific Approach
- focuses on measurable and observable facts rather than personal views,
feelings, or attitudes;
- is done through collecting data in a form of questionnaires or structured
interviews; these types of data are recorded in numerical or statistical forms
and are known as the quantitative data.
- can be used in researches under the hard sciences or STEM (Science,
Technology, Engineering, Medicine) and natural sciences (Biology, Physics,
Chemistry).

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2. Naturalistic Approach
- data collected reflect personal views, attitudes, thoughts, emotions, and
other subjective traits of people in natural setting;
- pays attention to the discovery of the real concept or meaning behind
people’s lifestyles and social relations.
- uses verbal language (words) in presenting and analyzing things;
- is after qualitative data and is done through the use of unstructured
interviews and participant observations;
- can be used under the soft sciences like Anthropology, Business, Education,
Economics, Law, Politics, and all subjects aligned with Business and all those
focused on helping professions such as Nursing, Counselling, Physical Therapy, and
the like (Babbie 2013).
3. Triangulation/ Mixed Method
- a combination of the quantitative and qualitative research
- allows the mixture of research designs, data collection and data analysis
techniques used in the first two methods.
Three Main Methods of Data Collection:
1. Interactive Interviewing- people share and describe their experiences through
words (speaking)
2. Written descriptions by participant- people are asked to write description of
their experiences of phenomenon
3. Observation- descriptive observations of verbal and non-verbal behaviors

The table below shows the differences between quantitative research and
qualitative research and the areas of knowledge under them.

QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH QUALITATIVE RESEARCH

HARD SCIENCES SOFT SCIENCES
Studies natural data driven phenomenon Studies human behaviour in a scientific
manner
Objective Subjective
Tests Theory Develops Theory
Numbers Words
Cause and Effect Relationship Knowing meaning and discovery
Statistical Analysis and Generalizations Researcher’s interpretation

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 Examples: Examples:
➢ Biology ➢ Sociology
➢ Chemistry ➢ Psychology
➢ Physics ➢ Political Science
➢ Astronomy ➢ Economics
➢ Earth Science ➢ Anthropology
➢ History

➢ In Humanities, man’s social life is also subjected to research studies but

instead of focusing on man’s social life itself, it highlights the study of
meanings, significance, and visualization of human experiences in the fields of
Fine Arts, Literature, Music, Drama, Dance, and other art-related subjects.

HUMANISTIC CATEGORIES:
1. Literature And Art Criticism – with the use of well-chosen language
and appropriate organizational pattern, depends greatly on their interpretative
and reflective thinking in evaluating the object of their study critically.
2. Philosophical Research – the focus of inquiry is on knowledge and
principles of being and on the manner human beings conduct themselves on
earth.
3. Historical Research – focuses on events and ideas that took place in
man’s life at a particular period.
MODULE 8
Designing a Research Project Related to
Daily Life

Hello there budding researchers!

To continue with our next research journey, we need to have a

working research title. Thus, you begin your research work with a
problem, that is, having a problem or topic to work on.

In this module, you will learn how to design your own research project which in turn will lead
you to the many stages of the research process that may be beneficial to your daily life and
will eventually bring positive societal improvement.

Specifically, at the end of this module, the learner is able to:

1. Narrow down a general topic into a smaller
one;
2. Identify possible research problems; and 3. Design
a research project useful to daily life.

UNLOCKING OF
DIFFICULTY The following are important
terminologies for you to take note:

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 A subject or issue that a researcher is
Research Topic
interested in when conducting research

A slice of the general topic needed to

Narrowed Topic
explore and focus on the issue in detail

The strategy for a study and the plan or

Research Design method by which the strategy is to be
carried out

YOUR GUIDE
When finding the right research paper topic, let’s consider this:
1. To write your title, you must start with a topic. There is actually no such thing as a
single best topic. It is easier to jot down three topics of your choice, or even five,
instead of selecting one single topic. Soon you will realize there is wisdom to this
practice.

2. Identify problem situations. At home, there are problems that you dwell on.
Examples are relationships, money matters, unemployment, infidelity and more. In school,
you would hear students complain about failing grades, teachers’ teaching strategies, limited
allowances, school facilities and equipment and a lot more. You can move to the larger
community and look into problems on politics, prices of commodities, and other concerns.
For sure, if given the opportunity, you would help in a way you can to ease people
out of these problems. These are already your sources of a topic or topics of
research.
3. Consider your passion or interest. Your interest in a topic may be caused by your
rich background knowledge about it and by its unfamiliarity to you. Your real interest
in a subject pushes you to research, investigate, or inquire about it with full
enthusiasm, motivation, and energy.

4. Make sure you have enough resources for your topic. This means finding a topic
that is discussed not just on website or blogs, but more so on books, articles or even
encyclopedia references. Find a topic that is both interesting and has plenty of
published materials. Check magazine articles as well.

5. Pick a topic that is timely and relevant. The topic is relevant if it yields results that
are instrumental in societal improvement. It is timely if it is related to the present.

6. Check references from the library. Visit your library to check the availability of
reading materials on your chosen topic. Do not hesitate to ask your librarian for
assistance.

7. Be ready with your personal resources. Assess your research abilities in terms of
your financial standing, health condition, mental capacity, needed facilities, and time
allotment to enable you to complete your research.

8. Master the skill of finding the right research topic. Unfortunately, not all topics
you are interested in may be that easy to write about. It becomes even more difficult if
there is not enough research material about the topic you’ve chosen. When

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 confronted on what research paper topics to do, find a broad subject first, then
narrow it down.

The following are research topics to be avoided:

1. Controversial Topics These are topics that depend greatly on the writer’s opinion.
Facts cannot support topics like these.

Example: The Extent of Filipinos’ Faith in God

2. Highly Technical Topics

For a beginner, researching on topics that require an advanced study, technical
knowledge, and vast experience is a difficult task.

Example: Spaceship Building

3. Hard-to-Investigate Topics
A subject is hard to investigate if there are no available reading materials about it and
if such materials are not up-to-date.
Example: Labor Unions before the Coming of Christ
4. Broad Topics
Topics that are too broad will prevent you from giving an in-depth analysis of the
subject matter of the paper. The solution to this is to narrow or limit the topic to a
smaller one.
Example: Lack of Self-Confidence (Broad)
Better Topic: Lack of Self-Confidence in Adolescents: Root Causes, Manifestations
and Intervention (Narrowed)
5. Too Narrow Topics
These subjects are too limited or specific that an extensive or thorough searching or
reading for information about these is necessary.

Example: The Definition of Research

6. Vague Topics
Choosing topics like these will prevent you from having a clear focus on your paper.
Titles beginning with indefinite adjectives such as several, many, some, etc., are
vague enough to decrease the readers’ interests and curiosity.

Example: Some Excessively Priced Imported Vehicles

DISCOVERING CONCEPTS

HOW TO DESIGN A RESEARCH THAT IS USEFUL IN DAILY LIFE

The design stage constitutes the step where the methodological procedure is planned and
prepared. Following are the steps in research design:
Step 1: The very first step is to choose a topic. The following are topics from which you can
design a research that should be useful in daily life.
Business Research Paper Topics:
1. Business Ethics 1. Animal Rights
2. Convenience Stores 2. Bullying
3. 3. Drinking Age, Legal
4. Cybersecurity 4. Drug Legalization
5. Electronic Business 5. Police Brutality
6. Franchising Drugs and Drug Abuse Research Paper
Crime and Law Research Paper Topics: Topics:

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 1. Alcohol 1. Cheating in Exam
2. Cigarette Smoking 2. Distance Education
3. Drug Rehabilitation 3. K-12 Curriculum
4. Drug Testing 4. Learning Styles
5. Drunk Driving 5. Plagiarism
Education Research Paper Topics:
Environmental Research Paper Topics: 4. International Relations
1. Deforestation 5. Taxes Psychology
2. Endangered Species Research Paper Topics:
3. Population Control 1. Dreams
4. Recycling 2. Learning Disabilities
5. Wildlife Conservation 3. Lying
Family Issues Research Topics: 4. Memory
1. Child Abuse 5. Physical Attraction
2. Domestic Abuse Business Related Research Paper Topics:
3. Family Values 1. Discrimination in the Workplace
4. OFW Parents 2. Equal Opportunity
5. Teen marriage 3. Gambling, Online Gaming
Health Research Paper Topics: 4. Hiring Issues
1. Attention Deficit Disorder 5. Retirement Age
2. Birth Control Women and Gender Research Paper
3. Depression Topics:
4. Exercise and Fitness 1. Cultural Expectations and
5. Plastic Surgery Practices
Political issues Research Paper Topics: 2. Discrimination
1. Budget Deficit 3. Education
2. Election 4. Equality in the Workplace
3. Impeachment 5. Pregnancy
Step 2: Include the goals/objectives of the study. The objective should be very clear in the
mind of the researcher as this will lead to the clarity of the design and proper response from
the respondents.
Step 3: Describe a specific setting/location. It describes in brief the place where the study is
conducted.
Step 4: Consider the data sources. The various sources of data or the information should be
very clearly stated by the researcher. Primary data sources include information collected and
processes directly by the researcher such as interviews, surveys, and observations.
Secondary data sources include information retrieved through preexisting sources such as
research articles and internet or library searches.
Step 5: Use techniques of data collection. For the collection of required information, it is
necessary to use some special techniques such as interviews, questionnaires and surveys,
observations, documents and records, etc.

MODULE 9
Writing the Research Title

Moving on with your chosen research topic is the final writing of the research title. Choosing
a research title does not happen in a snap of a finger, and presto! You have a title!

In this stage, you will learn how to brainstorm with yourself by first coming up with broad
ideas then, further arriving at a research title into a specific one, that is a researchable one.

So, let our next journey begin!

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 UNLOCKING OF DIFFICULTY
The following are important
terminologies for you to take note:

Is the first thing that is read on a research

paper that outlines the purpose of the
Research Title
research, the methods used and the
overall tone of the paper.

Contains few possible words that could

Working Research Title not adequately describe the contents of
your research paper

YOUR GUIDE

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD RESEARCH TITLE

The Research Title:
• summarizes the main idea/s of your study
• it is the part of the paper that is read the most and is usually read first
• captures reader’s attention and draws his attention at the research problem being
investigated
• differentiates the paper from other papers of the same subject area
• Predicts content
• Contains keywords that will make it easy to access by a computer search

Here are basic reminders to keep in mind while writing a research title:
1. Keep it simple, brief, and attractive. The primary function of a title is to provide a
precise summary of the paper’s content. So, keep the title brief and clear. Moreover,
a good tile for a research is typically around 10-15 substantive words long. A lengthy
title may seem unfocused and take the reader’s attention away from an important
point.

Avoid: Drug X has an effect of muscular contraction for an hour in snails

Better: Drug X induces muscular contraction in snails

2. Use appropriate descriptive words. A good research title should contain key words
used in the manuscript and should define the nature of the study. Think about terms
people would use to search for the study and include them in the title.
Avoid: Effects of Drug A on schizophrenia patients
Better: Psychosocial effects of Drug A on schizophrenia patients

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 3. Avoid abbreviations and jargon. Known abbreviations such as AIDS, HIV, and so
on can be used in the title. However, lesser-known or specific abbreviations and
jargon that would not be immediately familiar to the readers should be left out.
Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early
osteoarthritic synovial fluid
Better: Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish
between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial fluid

4. It is a good idea to create a ‘working’ research title first. This title helps focus the
research and writing but can be changed if needed. The final title should be a phrase
or a question that indicates the subject and scope of the research while generating
the reader’s interest and enthusiasm for the topic.
Avoid: MMP expression profiles cannot distinguish between normal and early
osteoarthritic synovial fluid
Better: Matrix metalloproteinase protein expression profiles cannot distinguish
between normal and early osteoarthritic synovial fluid

DISCOVERING CONCEPTS

HOW TO WRITE A RESEARCH TITLE

Follow these steps:
Step One
Ask yourself these questions and make note of the answers:
1. What is my paper about?
2. What techniques/designs will be used?
3. Who/What will be studied?
4. Where is the setting of the study?
5. When is the period or duration of the study?
Step Two
Use your answers to list key words.
Step Three
Create a sentence that indicates the key words you listed.
Step Four
Delete all unnecessary/repetitive words and link the remaining.
Step Five
Delete non-essential information and reword the title.

Let us take this sample title:

A Phenomenological Study on the Behavior of Senior High School
Students with Absentee Parents of Tabaco National High School
in the School Year 2017-2018

From this title, you can find out a lot about the research before reading the actual proposal or
actual research report.
1. What are we looking at? The behavior of Senior High School students with
absentee parents
2. Who are the subjects? Senior High School students with absentee parents
3. Where is the setting/place of the study? Tabaco National High School

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 4. What type of study is it going to be? It is going to be a qualitative study, and
phenomenology will be used.
5. What is the period covered of the study? School Year 2017-2018
6. What size is the sample? We will just be using a small sample
7. What data-collection methods will be used? Information from the participants will
be obtained through interviews, observation, open-ended questionnaires, etc.

The table below shows sample research titles for the different Senior High School strands
which might be helpful for you as you decide to have your own research title/topic.

Track/Strand Research Titles/Topics

Health Hazards of Direct and Indirect Smoking:
STEM
Prevention and Care
The Perception of the Stakeholders on the
HUMSS
Implementation of Senior High School
The Effect of Word of Mouth Advertisement on
ABM
the Stability of Julia’s Bakery
Factors Influencing Secondary Students’
GAS Perception and Preferences in Choosing a
Strand in Senior High School
TVL Employability of Computer Programmers:
(Computer Programming) Job Market Analysis
Perception of the Trainers of the
TVL Effectiveness of Bread and Pastry Production
(Bread and Pastry)
Training Program
TVL The Effect of Tourist Attractions to the
(Tour Guiding Servicing) Development of Economy
Awareness on the Responsibilities:
TVL Contributions and Significance of Automotive
(Automotive Servicing)
Technicians

PRACTICE TASKS

TASK 1 TITLE AND SUMMARY OF CHAPTER 1 OF YOUR RESEARCH

I. RESEARCH TITLE:
_______________________________________________________________
Reason/s why I chose this topic:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

II. STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (SOP) 1:

_______________________________________________________________

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 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (SOP) 2:
______________________________________________________________________
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM (SOP) 3:
______________________________________________________________________

III. OBJECTIVES 1:
_______________________________________________________________

OBJECTIVES 2:
______________________________________________________________________

OBJECTIVES 3:
______________________________________________________________________

IV. SCOPE AND DELIMITATION:

________________________________________________________________________
___________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________
________________________________________________________________________
____________

V. DEFINITION OF TERMS:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

Group Name/ Partners Names/ Name:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

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