Preparing, Conceptualizing and Focusing a In its simplest definition, a research plan is a

Research Plan document that includes preliminary and basic

information about the research work that you would
Research is just any other task that we do. It is like
like to do. It may contain details about the topic that
a celebration or a party that in order to be
you intend to do, its importance or significance, the
meaningful and successful, serious planning and
steps that you have already done, and the next
careful execution are necessary. It needs time and
actions that you are going to do in order to meet
proper organization of things and ideas.
your targets or until you have answered your
Preparedness is the key!
research questions. Technically, this is not a
Moore (2009), a contributor to Ezine articles offers research proposal yet but more likely a concept
five (5) things worth considering when doing a paper.
research work.
Although there is no institutionalized formatting of
1. Never choose a topic that is out of personal a research plan just yet, the following are its basics:
interest. The success rate of your research work is
I. Basic Information
equal to the level of your interest and drive to do
such a research. It is always easier to do something This part of the research plan contains your basic
that you really like to do and be engaged with. Do information. For a Senior High School Learner like
not let yourself in the situation of losing that high you, it would be beneficial to include the following
level of enthusiasm towards your own research. information:
2. Never use needless words. Less is more. A. Complete Name
Sometimes, you would think that having so much
B. Learner Reference Number (LRN)
to say when it comes to research is an advantage.
However, we have to realize that the longer or the C. School and Address
wordy our sentences become, the more they appear
less relevant and needless to be listened to or read. D. Track or Strand

3. Keep thoughts intact. Establishing that sense of E. Complete Home Address

focus on your research paper is one of the most II. Background
important characteristics that you should always
observe. Clattering ideas will not make your paper Short presentation of basic concepts and
enticing. information about the research topic shall be
presented in this section. Include few relevant
4. Don't let failure distract you. Failure is normal. readings and literature which serve as major
It is okay to fail at times in order for us to realize background of your paper. Cite also your
what we have to do. Failure is an opportunity to motivation for the topic and the reasons and
recreate and refine our research work at its best. Do importance of your study.
not be afraid to fail!
IV. Working Framework
5. Always consult the opinion of other people.
Feedback from others especially of a more Through an illustrative illustrations or diagrams,
knowledgeable others is always good to hear. It show the variables or concepts that are involved in
widens our understanding and opens higher your paper. Show the connections and relationship
chances of making the research better! and role of these important constructs in achieving
Collaboration and teamwork do not only make the the results of the study. The Input-Process-Output
task lighter, but rather more successful! Model is commonly used. However, feel free to
execute your creativity and ideas in crafting the
The Research Plan framework for your paper.
V. Assumptions In this case, if many or several authors have a
comparable opinion about the same topic or issue,
This part contains the expected outcome of the
it is appropriate to use this approach. This manner
study. What results do you anticipate? It is better
of organizing the review highlights the
that you construct positive results regarding the
interrelationship of concepts which support the
research that you plan to undertake. This can be in
development of the current study. This approach is
numbered form, bulleted, or in a paragraph or two.
applicable in all methods of research.
VI. Timetable
It is found out that the use of music in teaching
You may have heard about Gantt Chart of activities. mathematics has a significant effect in the
This section contains the same concept but in motivation of learners which contributed to their
simplified and detailed format in order for you to increased numeracy skills (Gonzales, 2016;
plan things out even more systematically and Fernandez, 2013; Dionisio, 2012) .
productively. A timetable guides you to be able to
3. By Author/Writer
work on important activities necessary for you to
complete your research. To build credibility with the claims that the
research would like to stand on, presenting different
VII. List of References
authors even though they have similar ideas is
Present here the references that you used in the highly advisable. Each point of view of every
formulation of the research plan. Use the format of author is explained and expound to backup the main
the American Psychological Association (APA) 6th idea being presented in the review. Each author is
or 7th edition style/format in constructing the cited in the footnote.
entries. Ensure that the entries are alphabetically
Example:
sequenced. Please revisit the styling book, so you
will be guided in making the citations. Clemente, Julaton, and Orleans (2016) stress that
research suggests an action that denotes to look for
Organization of the Review of Related
something again. It is taken from the composition
Literature
of the word “re” and “search.” Calderon and
As in all forms of writing, it always pays to have a Gonzales (2014) reiterate that research is a
catchy opening or introduction, a wider discussion purposive, systematic and scientific process of
of the perspectives about the topic in the body discovering truth. Thus, it entails systematic
paragraphs, and a sound closing paragraph or gathering of data to formulate findings and
statement. In writing a review of related literature, judgment.
there are three major approaches in ordering or
Always remember that only major findings and
sequencing the topics and concepts that you are to
conclusions, concepts, hypotheses, and formulated
include.
theories should be included in the review of related
1. Chronological literature. Also, these are never directly lifted or
copied, but summarized and synthesized.
This approach in organizing the review puts
emphasis on the timeline of development or the Formulating Clear Statement of Research
year the materials were written. In this case, the Problem
intention is to show how changes about the topic
A research problem is a statement of a concern in
occurred from its emergence. This also presents the
any area, a problem that needs immediate solution,
evolving mindset and thinking of the authors.
a recurring difficulty that is necessary to be taken
Mostly, this approach is used in qualitative
out of the situation, or a practical question from a
researches.
scholarly inquiry in different disciplines. As an
2. By Topic/Concept intelligent recall, Clemente, Julaton, & Orleans
(2016) noted some criteria for evaluating whether 3. The specific question should bear only one
or not a research problem or statement is good. May clear meaning.
it be qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method
4. Every question should not be dependent
research, research problem should bear the
apart from other questions — that is
S.M.A.R.T. characteristics.
requiring answers afar from other questions.
Specific
5. It must be based on facts and phenomena.
This refers to the quality of being exact or
6. The answers to each specific question
particular. Research problem statement should be
should be contributory to the development
able to communicate the specific inquiry or
of the general problem statement.
question that needs to be answered.
Types of Research Questions
Measurable.
The following are the four types of research
This is never an issue in a quantitative method of
questions in terms of their purpose according to
research. However, in terms of qualitative research
Clemente, Julaton, & Orleans (2016).
method, the measurability of a research statement
refers to its epistemological aspect or the state of 1. Factor-isolating questions. The major concern
being objectively observable. More than that, of these questions is to categorize, label, or name
instruments of data-gathering should be present. factors and situations that exist or those that are
present in the perimeter of the research work.
Attainable
Examples:
The research questions should be easily answered
or achieved when the appropriate procedures are - What are the difficulties encountered by Senior
performed. High School learners in the New Normal set-up of
educational system in the country?
Realistic
-What are the possible contributions that parents
The possibility of being carried out should always
and the community can extend to schools to
be observed in formulating the research problem
overcome the difficulties encountered by Senior
especially when there is a need for
High School learners in the New Normal
experimentations and observations.
educational system?
Time-Bound
2. Factor-relating questions.
Time is an important element in the research work.
Establishing relationships between and among
The research questions should be narrowed
factors that have been identified is the purpose of
enough to be attained within the set time frame.
these questions.
Meanwhile, Calderon and Gonzales (2014)
Examples:
specified general guidelines in formulating the
general problem and the specific sub-problems or What relationship exists between the socio-
specific questions. economic status of family to the learning ability of
students?
1. The general statement and specific sub-
questions should be formulated before Is there a significant relationship between the
carrying out actions in the conduct of the choice of words of learners in essay writing and the
research work. speaking skills of learners?
2. State the specific sub-problems in
interrogative form.
3. Situation-relating questions. publishers about the coverage or scope of
circulation and distribution of the original work.
These questions emphasize the observable changes
that happen to variable/s involved in the study as a The making of list of references or bibliography
result of experimentation. follows specific standards and format. The
commonly used formats are:
Examples:
- American Psychological Association or
What is the effect of the modular distance learning
APA Style;
to the learning style and behavior of learners?
- Modern Language Association or MLA
What are the impacts of flexible learning options
Style; and
and modalities in the educational system in the
Philippines? - Chicago Manual of Style.
4. Situation-producing questions. These American Psychological Association or APA
questions open the opportunity to create a definite Style
course of action, policies or conditions in order to
The APA Style is the most commonly used format
accomplish or to achieve a certain goal.
in citing references. This provides the author’s
Examples: surname and year of publication in the citation
with a complete details in the bibliography of the
What project could be designed to empower parents
research. The page number is not included in the
and the community to be involved in the
in-text citation.
educational system?
In-Text Citation
What action plan could be proposed to strengthen
the coordination between the family, the 1. A work by two authors Education 4.0
community and the school in achieving relevant refers to… (Santos & Portillo, 2017)
education? Santos and Portillo (2017) noted …
Ethical Ways of Citing Literature 2. A work by three to five authors Garcia,
Santos, Hilario, Cruz and Aduan (2019)
1. Plagiarism
reiterated… Complementary tool
Republic Act No. 8293 otherwise known as the is…(Garcia, Santos, Hilario, Cruz &
Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines Aduan, 2019)
“protects and secures the exclusive rights of
In other format, the citation may include only the
scientists, inventors, artists and other gifted citizens
surname of the first author with the word “et al.”
to their intellectual property and creations,
as an extension plus the publication year enclosed
particularly when beneficial to the people.” In
in parentheses. This additional part means ‘and
simple words, claiming and copying a portion of
others.’ Garcia et al. (2019) emphasized that …
someone’s written work. This act is never tolerated
even in schools and universities and violators are 3. Six or more authors Santos et al. (2017)
subject to failure in the subject or the worse are pointed out ...
expelled. 4. Government and private agencies,
organizations etc. as an author According
2. Copyright.
to -Department of Education (2020)
This is also covered in Republic Act No. 8293 or -Based on the press release of the
the "Intellectual Property Code of the Philippines." Department of Health (2020)… Only
It differs from plagiarism as it may pertain to the abbreviation of the agencies will appear on
breach of contract between the authors and the the succeeding in-text citations in the paper
 5. Citing indirect sources in another source - Santos stated that “photovoice” helps
Portillo positioned that … (as cited in learners expound their ideas in writing
Santos, 2019 p. 25) essays (21).
6. Electronic sources Tamayo (2020)
- “Photovoice” helps learners expound their
discussed that…
ideas in writing essays (Santos 21).
7. Citing websites (without an author, title
and the date are cited; for sources with no - Santos found out that “photovoice” helps
date “n.d.” is placed) Smith, n.d. argued learners expound their ideas in writing
that... essays (21).
a. In-text citation for website with no
author Rizal Province is now establishing Chicago Manual of Style
coordinated operations to defeat rapid This style contains two basic referencing system,
increase of COVID-19 cases (Rizal such as notes and bibliography and author-date.
Provincial Government, 2020).
b. Reference entry for website with no Notes and Bibliography System One author end
author Rizal Provincial Government. note: Eugene Ray F. Santos,
(2020). Retrieved from Overcoming Writing
http://www.rizalprovince.ph/news/monitor Apprehension through
-aug122020.html Photovoice (Rizal: Morong
c. In-text citation for section of website National High School, 2017),
without an author 21.
-DepEd Cavite’s Project Compassion: in-text citation: Santos, Overcoming Writing
Suporta sa mga Katropa reached 180 Apprehension, 21.
beneficiaries since its launching in April
(DEPED CALA BARZON, 2020). bibliographic entry: Santos, Eugene Ray F.
d. Reference entry for section of a website Overcoming Writing
with no author DepEd CALABARZON. Apprehension through
(2020). Retrieved from Photovoice. Rizal:
https://depedcalabarzon.ph/2020/06/cavites Morong National High
-project-compassionraises-more-than- School, 2017.
p650k-for-deped-cavite-frontliners- Two or more authors
backliners/
end note: Eugene Ray F. Santos and Ellen C.
Modern Language Association or MLA Style Dollente. Implications of the
MLA Style is commonly used in liberal arts and Implementation of MTB-MLE
humanities research work. This style involves in Southeast Asia
putting relevant source information in parentheses (Manila:PNU, 2019), 25.
after the quote or paraphrase. The source of in-text citation: Santos and Dollente,
information required in a citation in parentheses Implications, 25.
depends on the source medium and its source in
the Bibliography. bibliographic entry: Santos, Eugene Ray F.
and Ellen C. Dollente.
In-Text Citation Implications of the
Author-Page Style Implementation of
MTB-MLE in Southeast Asia.
Manila: PNU, 2019.
Four or more authors In this lesson, you will gain better understanding
and skills in describing and carrying out a research
First end note: Freddie R. Garcia et al.,
design applicable and appropriate for your research.
Complementary Classroom
In addition, you will gain technical orientation in
Observation Tool
preparing and developing data gathering
Succeeding note: Garcia et al., instrument, choosing sample and respondents,
Complementary collecting and analyzing data procedures.
Classroom...
Gathering data and information is a serious
Author-Date System procedure that requires organized and systematic
structuring and strategies. Just like how doctors
One author prepare for a major operation, including exact
in-text citation: (Santos 2017, 21) bibliographic information about the disease, the processes that
entry: Santos, Eugene Ray F. needs to be performed, and the treatment that
2017. Overcoming should be given to patients, a researcher should also
Writing Apprehension plan things out before the actual conduct of the
through Photovoice. research. He should be aware of the specific details
about the entire execution of the research, such as
Rizal: Morong National the participants, the instruments, and how the data
High School. will be gathered and treated.
Two or more authors Research Methods
in-text citation: (Santos and Dollente In choosing the research method that best fits your
2019, 25) research, you will have to know the nature of your
bibliographic entry: Santos, Eugene Ray research question or problem. You would need to
F. and Ellen C. Dollente. know the collection and analysis tool as well that
2019. Implications of the data would need.
the Implementation of As you have learned from your Practical Research
MTB-MLE in Southeast 1 and 2, quantitative research deals with numbers
Asia. Manila: PNU. this type of data would require statistical treatment.
Four or more authors (List all authors in the Meanwhile, qualitative research entails data in the
reference list) form of words and extracting meanings which will
in-text citation: (Garcia et al.,2019) Websites demand a framework of data analysis. If your
(website content can be restricted in in-text research problem would deal with both kinds of
citation) data, then your research may be needing mixed
methods and processes of research.
In April, DepEd Cavite’s Project Compassion:
Suporta sa mga Katro pa reached 180 beneficiaries
Describing Research Design, Methodology and The table shows the various elements that
Preparing the Instrument quantitative and qualitative research. This will help

To ensure that the research being undertaken will

be successful, there are various elements that need
to be designed and planned systematically to attain
the objectives of the study.
you decide which method are you into based on measure differences between or from among a
your initial research topic. diverse set of participants, subjects, or phenomena.
5. Descriptive Design - This design answers the
questions who, what, when, where, and how of a
research problem. However, it is could not provide
reasons or exact answers to the question “why”. It
only intends to describe "what exists" in a situation
and its related variables.
6. Experimental Design - This design involves an
experimental group and a control group wherein the
independent variable is applied to the experimental
Research Design group while maintaining the control group. Later,
both groups are measured on the same target
Research design is the process of structuring dependent variable. It may require the use of more
techniques and strategies that help researchers groups and measurements over periods of time to
solve their problems or answer their questions validate the results. This is typically done in the
(Clemente, Julaton & Orleans, 2016). Here are field of medicine and science.
some research designs from the University of
Southern California (2020) to ensure that the 7. Exploratory Design - Primarily, exploratory
elements in the research work are coherent and design is fitted to a research problem that is not yet
logical in order to achieve the answers to the saturated or with only a few or totally no
research problems. investigations or investigations have been
conducted for. This is often administered to
1. Action Research Design - is a collaborative and understand the processes in order to proceed in
adaptive research design that focuses on socially deeper studying of an issue. This may also deal with
and solution-driven outcomes. It has the potential discovering the best methodology to use in
to increase learning from experience. Action gathering information.
research mostly is applicable in the teaching-
learning process. 8. Historical Design - Collecting, verifying, and
synthesizing evidences from the significant past are
2. Case Study Design - This design is widely used the aim of historical research design. This is bound
by social scientists since it aims to examine towards establish factual bases to defend, challenge
contemporary situations that are happening in real or nullify a certain existing knowledge. It mainly
life. This design can provide the bases for the involves data from secondary sources and primary
application of concepts and theories as well as documents and artifacts, such as but not limited to
detailed descriptions of unusual cases. records, materials, archives and visual artifacts like
3. Causal Design - This design is commonly used maps, images, and footages or recordings.
to measure the impact of a particular change on 9. Mixed-Method Design - This design is a
existing situation or norm. Typically, causal combination of quantitative and qualitative
explanations are sought to reflect on hypotheses methods. It is advantageous in the sense that the
testing. Causal effect happens when difference in a strengths of one method can be used to fulfill the
phenomenon leads to significant results. weaknesses of another. Mixed-method design can
provide sufficient evidences to support a
4. Cross-Sectional Design - Cross-sectional
conclusion or set of recommendations since it deals
researches are capable of using data from a large
with statistical data and insights from patterns and
number of subjects as it primarily uses survey
techniques to gather data. This design can only relationships of the involved variables.
These are only a few of the existing research Sample refers to members of a certain population. A
designs which you may opt to utilize in the conduct sample is a representation of the entire population
of your research. The only thing that should be carrying the same characteristics. Taking the enrolled
ensured is the appropriateness of the design to the learners in a particular school as population, two
research problems, so that the results or outcome sections or classes in that school may serve as sample.
The process of selecting the samples is called sampling
will be definitely valid and reliable.
Sampling Technique pertains to the specific manner or
Describing Research Design, Methodology and
ways of selecting the sample which are discussed in
Preparing the Instrument
your previous classes in Research and Mathematics. In
quantitative research, sampling may require statistical
operations, to ensure that the number of participants is
sufficient to collect the data needed; while in qualitative
research, selecting the specific number of samples has
no definite rules. However, the consideration should be
ensured in terms of saturation of the data about the topic
and the variation that is needed within the target
population.
The final task that you will have to do is to plan the data
collection and develop the research instrument that you
will use. Here are important information about preparing
and administering the research instrument.
Classification of Data According to Source
Since research is mostly concerned about data
Here is an excerpt from a research design in the research management, it is worthy to know the classification of
proposal of Ms. Julieta G. Habagat entitled “Status, data. Data are classified according to source.
Issues and Concerns in the Implementation of Gender
and Development (GAD) Programs in Public Primary Data.
Elementary Schools in District I-C, Division of These data come from primary sources (see page. 19).
Antipolo City.” Study how the details and information The data may come directly from the natural world,
are presented. individuals, physical materials, groups or organizations,
legitimate practices and belief system, laws and policies
and personal records
With the research method and design that you have
chosen, it is best to know the sources of the data that you Secondary Data.
would need to answer the research questions. It could be Information from books, newspapers, publications,
a set of available corpus or inputs from individuals. transcripts are forms of secondary data.
These matters may have been discussed during your
Statistics and Probability class, especially probability The Research Instruments/Tools
and non-probability sampling. Let us do a simple recall.
There are several ways of collecting data. The choice of
Population, Sample and Sampling research instruments is one of the major decisions that
the researcher will have to do. This is crucial since the
Population is the entire group of people, organisms or instrument will be the channel through which the
things that share similar features and characteristics researcher will be able to gather the data that are needed
which are of high relevance to the research being in forming answers to the research problems.
conducted. In an action research being conducted in a
particular school, all students can be considered the Mechanical Devices
population.
These include almost all tools available in different
laboratories for various disciplines and areas. Cameras,
recorders, tapes and films are only a few devices that The content of the instrument should be arranged
may be used in collecting data for a historical or social systematically from an increasing difficulty or
science research. Meanwhile, microscopes, telescopes, complexity of information being asked. Easy and
flasks, tubes, thermometers and other apparatuses are less sensitive questions should be placed first before
some instruments for a scientific and experimental the complex and confidential ones.
research. Each discipline has its own designed devices
4. Valid and Reliable
for its operation research work.
In order to attain these characteristics, the developed
Clerical Tools
instrument should undergo tests of validity and
In the study if perceptions, emotions, feelings, attitude reliability through processes like pilot testing and
and judgments, clerical tools like questionnaire, the like
interview, testing and other materials are applicable.
5. Researcher and Sample-friendly
Most clerical tools are researcher-made which are
checked and validated by experts and acceptable The data shat will be collected from the material
validation procedures. The following are the common should be easy to be provided by the sample and
methods involved in clerical tools: easy to handle in the part of the researcher. The
1. The questionnaire method tabulation, analysis and interpretation of the data
should not complicate the tasks of the researcher.
2. The interview method
Common Data Collection Instruments
3. The testing method
Given the data collection methods in the previous
4. The experimental method topic, here are the common data collection
instruments (Clemente, Julaton and Orleans, 2016;
5. The library method
Calderon and Gonzales, 2014).
Describing Research Design, Methodology and
1. Documentary Review
Preparing the Instrument
This is the process of obtaining information from
Characteristics of Good Data Collection
relevant documents. It is practical and efficient
Instrument
since the data can be manageable enough which can
The heart of the research is its data. That is why the come from public records, personal documents and
instrument that will be used to gather the needed physical evidences.
data should bear the following characteristics
2. Interview
(Clemente, Julaton and Orleans, 2016).
It its basic definition, interview is the process of
1. Brief and Effective
asking questions to key informants or respondents
The data collection instrument should not be too about the topics of the research. The researcher
long to be completed or accomplished by both the should have enough training and background in
researcher and the respondents. However, it should administering this kind of data-gathering. This can
contain rich prompts and fields to gather rich be done through face-to-face, over the telephone or
information as well. Time is always important, so computer-assisted.
making it short without compromising the target
• Structured Interview
data is ideal.
The researcher would have to construct and
2. Efficient
organize questions which the respondents will
The instrument should be able to collect information answer. The researcher does not ask other questions
afar from what is available and accessible to the aside from what has been prepared prior to the
researcher. interview.

3. Systematically sequential • Unstructured Interview

 In this type of interview, the researcher holds only This is the usual way of getting answer/response from
an outline of topics. The questions will be the respondents basically by giving a question and
spontaneously asked to form a conversation with the options to choose from.
interviewee. Probing skills in questioning is highly
Example: How do you reach your school?
necessary.
a. walking
• Semi-Structured Interview
b. public transportation (commuting)
This is a blend of the two previous types of interview. It
is where the researcher prepares questions and still ask c. private vehicle
follow up questions to the interviewee for a sort of
elaboration in order to form a in-depth probing. • Open-ended Questions

3. Observation The respondents would have top continue an incomplete

statement. Example: I prefer to study online because-
Tracking physical, behavioral and other aspects from the _________
target sample over a period of time is the major concern
of the researcher in this method. • Coding/Ranking

• Naturalistic Observation In this type, the respondents are asked to rank or give
numerical rating for the information required of them.
The researcher observes the subjects in their actual This may come in a form of a checklist with a scale.
setting or natural environment without the intrusion or
involvement of the researcher. • Short-responses Questions

• Participative Observation These are subjective questions that require short

answers. This gives the respondents the freedom to
This interview requires the researcher to be involved in express their ideas and opinions.
the activities of the subjects. In this way, the researcher
would directly know and feel what the subject Example: What is your opinion about Education 4.0?
experiences. • Combination
• Non-naturalistic Observation This refers to the combination of the different form of
In this interview, the subjects are taken away from their questions in a single questionnaire.
usual situation and will experience the ideal conditions 5. Focus Group Discussion (FGD)
set by the researcher.
It is composed of totally diverse set of individuals to
4. Questionnaire-Checklist express their personal views about the topic. They can
This is one of the commonly used data collection agree or disagree with each other about the issues. FGD
instruments among other. Questionnaire-checklists are is a way to understand the perspectives which cannot be
easy to administer and efficient in gathering large explained by statistical data. The researcher should be
volume of data. Basically, the respondents would skilled in moderating and documenting the conduct to
provide answers to the prepared set of questions like the gather the needed data.
following:

• Tag Questions.
These questions are answerable by yes or no.
Example: Do you have food allergies? ______Yes
_______No

• Multiple Choice