REVIEWER IN PRACTICAL RESEARCH

Introduction to Research

 Definition: Research is a systematic and organized process of inquiry that aims to

increase our understanding of the world around us. It involves collecting,
analyzing, and interpreting data to answer questions and solve problems.

Key Concepts:

Types of Research:

 Quantitative Research: Uses numerical data and statistical analysis to test

hypotheses and draw conclusions.
 Qualitative Research: Focuses on understanding experiences, perspectives, and
meanings through non-numerical data like interviews and observations.

Research Process:

 Problem Identification: Defining a clear and researchable question.

 Literature Review: Gathering and analyzing existing research on the topic.
 Hypothesis Formulation: Developing testable predictions about the outcome of the
research.
 Data Collection: Gathering relevant information using appropriate methods (e.g.,
surveys, interviews, experiments).
 Data Analysis: Interpreting and summarizing data to draw conclusions.
 Interpretation and Reporting: Communicating findings in a clear and concise
manner.
 Ethical Considerations: Ensuring that research is conducted responsibly and
ethically, respecting participants’ rights and privacy.

The Research Problem and Hypothesis

 Definition: The research problem is the central question that the research aims to
answer. It provides direction and focus for the entire research project.

Key Concepts:

 Formulating a Research Problem: Identifying a problem that is significant,

researchable, and feasible.
 Developing a Research Question: Transforming the research problem into a
specific and answerable question.
 Formulating a Hypothesis: Developing a testable prediction about the relationship
between variables.

Types of Hypotheses:

 Null Hypothesis: States that there is no relationship between variables.

 Alternative Hypothesis: States that there is a relationship between variables.
Literature Review

 Definition: A literature review is a comprehensive survey of existing research on a

topic. It provides context, identifies gaps in knowledge, and guides research
design.

Key Concepts:

 Conducting a Literature Search: Using databases, search engines, and other

resources to locate relevant research articles.
 Evaluating and Synthesizing Literature: Critically analyzing the quality and
relevance of research findings.
 Writing a Literature Review: Organizing and presenting findings in a clear and
concise manner.

Research Design

 Definition: The research design is the overall plan for conducting a research study.
It determines how data will be collected and analyzed.

Key Concepts:

Types of Research Designs:

 Experimental Design: Manipulating variables to test cause-and-effect

relationships.
 Quasi-Experimental Design: Similar to experimental design but without random
assignment of participants.
 Non-Experimental Design: Observing and describing relationships between
variables without manipulating them.

Selecting a Research Design: Considering factors like the research question, variables,
and resources.

 Sampling Techniques: Methods for selecting participants for a study.

1. Random Sampling: Every member of the population has an equal chance of being
selected.

2. Stratified Sampling: Dividing the population into subgroups and then randomly
selecting from each subgroup.

3. Convenience Sampling: Selecting participants who are easily accessible.

4. Data Collection Methods: Techniques for gathering information from participants.

5. Surveys: Collecting data through questionnaires.

6. Interviews: Gathering data through structured or unstructured conversations.

7. Observations: Observing and recording behavior or events.

Data Analysis

 Definition: Data analysis involves interpreting and summarizing data to draw

meaningful conclusions.

Key Concepts:

 Quantitative Data Analysis: Uses statistical methods to analyze numerical data.

 Descriptive Statistics: Summarizing data using measures like mean, median, and
standard deviation.
 Inferential Statistics: Drawing conclusions about populations based on sample
data.
 Qualitative Data Analysis: Uses non-statistical methods to analyze textual and
visual data.
 Thematic Analysis: Identifying themes and patterns in data.
 Grounded Theory: Developing theories based on data.

Presenting Research Findings: Communicating research results through tables,

figures, and written reports.

PARTS OF EACH CHAPTER

Chapter 1 of a research paper, often titled “Introduction” sets the stage for your
entire study. It introduces the reader to the research topic, its significance, and the
specific problem you’re investigating. Here are the key parts of Chapter 1 and their
definitions:

1. Introduction
 Definition: This is the opening section that grabs the reader’s attention and
provides a brief overview of the research topic. It should pique the reader’s interest
and establish the relevance of the study.
 Purpose: To introduce the research topic and its importance, and to provide a
roadmap for the rest of the paper.
2. Background of the Study
 Definition: This section provides context for the research problem by discussing
relevant literature, previous studies, and historical events related to the topic. It
helps the reader understand the existing knowledge and identify gaps that your
research aims to address.
 Purpose: To establish the context and significance of the research problem.
3. Statement of the Problem
 Definition: This is the heart of Chapter 1, where you clearly and concisely state the
research problem. It should be a specific, focused question that your research aims
to answer.
 Purpose: To clearly define the research problem and its relevance to the field of
study.
4. Purpose of the Study
 Definition: This section explains the overall goal of your research. It outlines what
you hope to achieve through your investigation.
 Purpose: To state the specific objectives of the research and how they relate to the
research problem.
5. Research Questions
 Definition: These are specific questions that guide your research and help you
gather data to answer the research problem. They should be clear, focused, and
answerable.
 Purpose: To break down the research problem into specific, measurable questions
that can be investigated.
6. Significance of the Study
 Definition: This section explains the potential benefits of your research. It
discusses how your findings will contribute to the field of study, inform policy
decisions, or improve practices.
 Purpose: To justify the importance and relevance of the research.
7. Definition of Terms
 Definition: This section provides clear and concise definitions of key terms used in
the study. It ensures that the reader understands the specific meaning of terms as
they relate to your research.
 Purpose: To clarify the meaning of important terms and concepts used in the study.
8. Scope and Delimitations of the Study
 Definition: This section defines the boundaries of your research. It specifies the
population, time frame, and specific aspects of the topic that will be investigated.
It also outlines any limitations or constraints that may affect the research.
 Purpose: To define the scope of the research and to acknowledge any limitations.
9. Theoretical Framework
 Definition: This section presents the theoretical foundation for your research. It
discusses relevant theories and concepts that underpin your study and help to
explain the research problem.
 Purpose: To provide a theoretical basis for the research and to explain how it
relates to existing knowledge.
10. Conceptual Framework
 Definition: This section presents a visual representation of the relationships
between variables in your study. It often takes the form of a diagram or model that
illustrates the key concepts and their connections.
 Purpose: To provide a visual representation of the research problem and to clarify
the relationships between variables.
11. Hypothesis
 Definition: This is a testable prediction about the relationship between variables. It
is a statement that you will attempt to prove or disprove through your research.
 Purpose: To provide a specific prediction that can be tested through data analysis.
Chapter 2 of a research paper, the "Review of Related Literature," is where you
present a comprehensive overview of existing research relevant to your topic. This
section often includes a breakdown of studies based on their origin, with "Foreign Study"
and "Local Study" being common categories. Here's a breakdown of these parts and their
definitions:

1. Foreign Study

- Definition: This section presents research conducted outside of your country. It includes
studies published in international journals, books, or reports that are relevant to your
research topic.

- Purpose: To provide an international perspective on the research problem and to

identify trends or findings that may not be evident in your own country's literature.

2. Local Study

- Definition: This section presents research conducted within your country. It includes
studies published in local journals, books, or reports that are relevant to your research
topic.

- Purpose: To provide a national context for the research problem and to identify specific
challenges or opportunities that may be unique to your country.

3. Synthesis

- Definition: This section is where you bring together the findings from both foreign and
local studies, analyzing and comparing their results. You look for commonalities,
differences, and potential areas of convergence or divergence.

- Purpose: To provide a comprehensive overview of the existing knowledge base on your

research topic, taking into account both international and national perspectives. This
section is crucial for identifying gaps in the literature and for justifying the need for your
own research.

Chapter 3 of a research paper, often titled "Methodology" or "Research Methodology," is

where you outline the specific methods and procedures used to conduct your study. This
chapter is crucial for demonstrating the rigor and validity of your research. Here are the
key parts of Chapter 3 and their definitions:
1. Research Design

- Definition: This section describes the overall plan or strategy used to collect and
analyze data. It outlines the type of research design employed (e.g., experimental,
descriptive, correlational, qualitative) and justifies the choice of design based on the
research problem and objectives.

- Purpose: To provide a clear framework for the research and to explain how the data will
be collected and analyzed.

2. Participants/Respondents of the Study

- Definition: This section details the characteristics of the individuals or groups involved
in the study. It includes information about the population, sample size, sampling
technique used (e.g., random sampling, purposive sampling), and any relevant
demographic information (e.g., age, gender, education level).

- Purpose: To clearly define the target population and the sample used in the study,
ensuring the generalizability of the findings.

3. Research Instruments/Data Gathering Instruments

- Definition: This section describes the tools used to collect data. It includes information
about the type of instruments (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, observations, tests,
scales), their development or source, and their validity and reliability.

- Purpose: To explain how the data was collected and to demonstrate the quality of the
instruments used.

4. Data Gathering Procedure

- Definition: This section outlines the step-by-step process of collecting data. It includes
information about the procedures used to administer the instruments, the timeline for
data collection, and any ethical considerations involved.

- Purpose: To provide a detailed account of the data collection process and to ensure
replicability of the study.
5. Data Analysis Procedures

- Definition: This section explains how the collected data was analyzed. It includes
information about the statistical methods used (e.g., descriptive statistics, inferential
statistics, qualitative data analysis techniques), the software used for analysis (e.g.,
SPSS, NVivo), and the specific procedures followed.

- Purpose: To demonstrate the rigor and validity of the data analysis process and to
explain how the results were interpreted.

6. Ethical Considerations

- Definition: This section addresses any ethical issues related to the research, such as
informed consent, confidentiality, and potential risks to participants. It outlines the
measures taken to ensure ethical conduct throughout the study.

- Purpose: To demonstrate the researcher's commitment to ethical research practices and

to protect the well-being of participants.

Chapter 4 of a research paper, often titled "Results" or "Findings and Discussion,"

presents the analysis and interpretation of the data collected in your study. It's where
you reveal what you discovered and explain what those findings mean in the context of
your research question and existing knowledge. Here's a breakdown of the common
parts of Chapter 4 and their definitions:

1. Introduction

- Definition: This section serves as a bridge between the methodology (Chapter 3) and
the results. It briefly re-states the research question(s) or hypotheses and provides a
context for understanding the findings. You might also remind the reader of the research
design and data analysis methods used.

- Purpose: To set the stage for the presentation of the results and to guide the reader
through the interpretation of the findings.

2. Presentation of Findings
- Definition: This is the core of Chapter 4, where you present the results of your data
analysis in a clear, organized, and objective manner. The specific format depends on
your research design and the type of data collected.

- For Quantitative Research: You'll typically present numerical data in tables, figures
(graphs), and charts, accompanied by descriptive statistics (e.g., means, standard
deviations, frequencies) and inferential statistics (e.g., t-tests, ANOVA, correlation
coefficients).

- For Qualitative Research: You'll present themes, categories, patterns, and insights
derived from your analysis of qualitative data (e.g., interview transcripts, focus group
discussions, observations). You might use quotes from participants to illustrate key
findings.

- Purpose: To provide a clear and concise summary of the data analysis and to highlight
the key findings of the study.

3. Discussion of Findings

- Definition: This section goes beyond simply presenting the results; it's where you
interpret the meaning of your findings in light of your research question, the existing
literature, and the theoretical framework of your study.

- Key Elements:

- Relate findings to research question/hypotheses: Explain how the results support or

refute your initial predictions.

- Compare findings to previous research: Discuss how your findings align with or
contradict previous studies on the topic.

- Provide theoretical implications: Explain how your findings contribute to the

understanding of the broader theoretical framework.

- Identify limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study that might have affected
the results.

- Suggest future research directions: Propose areas for further investigation based on
your findings.

- Purpose: To provide a comprehensive and insightful interpretation of the results,

drawing connections to the larger body of knowledge and highlighting the significance of
your findings.

4. Summary of Key Findings

- Definition: This section provides a concise summary of the most important findings of
your study. It should be a clear and concise restatement of the key takeaways from the
results and discussion sections.

- Purpose: To provide a clear and concise overview of the study's findings for the reader.

Chapter 5 of a research paper, often titled "Discussion," "Conclusion," or "Summary,

Conclusion, and Recommendations," is where you synthesize and interpret your findings,
drawing conclusions about their significance and suggesting future directions for
research. It's the culmination of your research journey, where you tie together all the
previous chapters and present the broader implications of your work. Here's a breakdown
of the common parts of Chapter 5 and their definitions:

1. Summary of Findings

- Definition: This section provides a concise overview of the key findings from your
research. It should be a clear and concise restatement of the most important results,
presented in a way that is easy for the reader to understand.

- Purpose: To remind the reader of the main points of your research and to set the stage
for the discussion of their significance.

2. Discussion of Findings

- Definition: This is the heart of Chapter 5, where you interpret the meaning of your
findings in light of your research question, the existing literature, and the theoretical
framework of your study.

- Key Elements:

- Relate findings to research question/hypotheses: Explain how the results support or

refute your initial predictions.

- Compare findings to previous research: Discuss how your findings align with or
contradict previous studies on the topic.

- Provide theoretical implications: Explain how your findings contribute to the

understanding of the broader theoretical framework.

- Identify limitations: Acknowledge any limitations of your study that might have affected
the results.
- Suggest future research directions: Propose areas for further investigation based on
your findings.

- Purpose: To provide a comprehensive and insightful interpretation of the results,

drawing connections to the larger body of knowledge and highlighting the significance of
your findings.

3. Conclusions

- Definition: This section presents the overall conclusions of your research, based on the
interpretation of your findings. It should be a clear and concise statement of the main
takeaways from your study.

- Purpose: To provide a definitive answer to your research question(s) or to state the

main conclusions drawn from your analysis.

4. Recommendations

- Definition: This section offers suggestions for future actions based on your findings. It
might include recommendations for:

- Further research: Identifying areas that require further investigation.

- Policy changes: Suggesting changes to policies or practices based on your findings.

- Practical applications: Suggesting ways to apply your findings in real-world settings.

- Purpose: To provide practical guidance for addressing the issues or problems identified
in your research.