Research Paper Format/ Guidelines

 Title Page
 Approval Page
 Abstract
The abstract gives the reader an overview of the study, based on information from the
succeeding sections of the report. The information given in the abstract is usually the basis of
many readers as to whether they will read the entire report or not.
The typical information elements included in an abstract are as follows:
1. Some background or general information on the study
2. The main topic ( or purpose ) of the study and its scope
3. Some information on how the study was conducted (methodology)
4. The most important findings of the study
5. A statement of conclusion ( justified based on the data presented)
 Acknowledgement
 Table of Contents
 List of Tables
 List of Figures
 Chapter 1 – Introduction
The introduction gives an overview of the thesis/ practicum or research report, giving
the reader the background or basis of the problem to be reported. It can be divided into six
parts, as follows:
1. The setting or context or frame of reference. This part gives general statement(s)
about a field of research to provide the reader with a preview of the problem to be reported.
2. The review of previous research. This part continues the contextual setting or frame
of reference given in part 1 by including more statements about the general aspects of the
problem already investigated by other researchers.
3. The gap or missing information. This part refers to the statement(s) that indicate the
need for the study or need for more investigation.
4. The statement of purpose. This part gives very specific statement(s) pertaining to the
objective(s) of the study.
5. The statement of value. This part refers to statement(s) that give the significance of
carrying out the study.
6. The scope and limitation. This part indicates what the study covers and what it does
not or fails to cover. Note: The introduction is written continuously paragraph by paragraph, i.e.,
without any heading.
Introduction
1. This is a discussion of the circumstances or conditions, etc. that led to the
conceptualization of the proposed research. This states the reasons why the particular research
problem is selected for investigation.
2. Present topics from general to particular
3. Cite first the general scenario regarding the proposed study
 4. Make use of relevant literatures i.e. laws, policies, rules, and regulations as bases in
conducting the proposed study
5. Discuss the timeliness of the study
6. Justify the purpose of the study
7. Limit the discussion to three pages
Statement of the Research Problem
This is a discussion of the research problem/s to be addressed, answered or solved by
the proposed research. This study will evaluate, assess, determine, construct, etc. (main
problem, stating the concept of the study)
Specifically, it will seek answers to the following sub-problems:
1. (state the construct of the concepts or variables)
a. (state the indicators of the constructs given)
b.
c.
d.
2. (another related construct)
a.
b.
3. (Usually the last problem speaks of the thesis of the researcher – contribution of the
researcher to address the main problem of the study vital to the body of knowledge.
Contribution may be in a form of a strategy, measure, action plan,
suggestion/recommendation, policy, program, projects, etc.)
Scope and Limitations
1. Discuss in two paragraphs
2. Discuss in the first paragraph the scope of the study. The scope of the study should
include the variables of the study, indicators or measures, population and respondents of the
study, processes to be considered in gathering the data of the study, venue, period wherein the
study will take place
3. Discuss the second paragraph the limitation of the study
4. Provide justifications on the choice of the scope. Discuss the variables and indicators that
will not be considered in the conduct of the study and justify its limitation
5. Limit discussions to one page
6. Provide a vicinity map of the venue of the study on a separate page by labeling it with the
Locale of the Study
Significance of the Study
(Explain, in terms intelligible to the lay reader, the importance, contribution or expected utility
of this research to contemporary concerns and to the scientific/artistic domain of the field of
study. The following criteria may be used by the proponent to determine the significance of the
proposed research:
a. Contribution to the development of theory, knowledge or practice
b. Contribution to the advancement of methodology
c. Originality of the research
 d. Importance to a wide or critical/influential population
e. Timeliness or focus on current issues
f. Evaluation of a specific practice
g. Contribution to existing knowledge)
 Chapter 2 – Review of literature
(This discusses the literature related to the proposed research. It may include formal
literature in local and international publications, relevant personal communications, unpublished
materials (e.g. theses and dissertations), and other similarly verifiable sources. The review should
discuss the following:
Status of the problem/topic under study
Relation to the general and specific objectives and pertinence to the stated hypotheses
Illustrate theoretical approaches to the problem/s and points out inconsistencies in
results, data gaps, and methodological inadequacies( Relation to other researches in the field)

The review of literature is basically an evaluated, organized, and synthesized collection

of citations to other studies (NOT a MERE listing of previous studies), which are related or
somewhat related to your own specific research problem. It serves three important functions:
1. It continues the process started in the introduction of giving the readers background
information needed to understand your study.
2. It assures the readers that you are knowledgeable about the significant research
that has been done in your area of investigation.
3. It establishes your study as one link in a chain of research that is developing and
enlarging knowledge in your field of research interest.
The role of literature review is as follows:
1. It will increase your confidence in your topic as a result of the time, effort, and resources
you invested in studying your research problem.
2. It can you new ideas and approaches that may not have occurred to you.
3. It can inform you about other researches doing work in your area of study individuals whom
you may choose to contact for advice or feedback.
4. It can show you how others have tackled methodological and design issues in studies similar
to your own.
5. It can lead to sources of data that you may not known existed.
6. It can orient you to measurement tools that other researchers have developed and used
effectively.
7. It can reveal methods dealing with problem situations that may be similar to difficulties you
are having.
8. It can help you get meaning out of your data or make sense of your findings and eventually
help you tie your results to the work of previous researchers.

1. Discussion should be in topical arrangement

2. Arrange resources from general to particular according to topics
3. Highlight significant points in establishing arguments
 4. Use the findings of related studies to strengthen the arguments and so with the literatures
that are found to have bearing with the present study being conducted
a. Related means that studies previously conducted have bearing with the present study
in terms of concept, subjects, methodology, instrumentation, etc.
b. There may be at least a minimum of 10 literatures (written within the last 10 years)
and 10 studies (if any) conducted from 2000 onwards
5. Limit discussion to 25 pages
Synthesis of the Art
1. Summarize the review
2. Highlight the similarities and differences of the studies conducted and how these findings
support the present study
3. Limit discussion to one to two pages
Gaps to be Bridged
1. Discuss the inconsistencies and vagueness of the findings of the studies previously conducted
2. Present the difference of the present study being conducted in terms of the respondents,
areas being studied or the variables of the study, methodology used, scope and limitations of
the studies
3. Limit discussion to one to one and a half pages
Conceptual Framework and Theoretical Framework
(This evaluates and interprets obtained information. The predicted relationships
between/among variables must be illustrated mathematically, graphically or textually. Research
variables to be investigated include independent, intervening and dependent variables (artistic
expressions/materials should be presented as variables). Operational definitions i.e. The operational
definition assigns meaning to a variable or concept by specifying the activities or “operations” necessary
to measure it, and indicators should be consistent with those cited in the review of literature and must
be consensually acceptable measures of the specific variables of the study.)
1. Discuss the theory where the concept of the study is anchored
2. Provide discussions on the contribution of the theory to the field of specialization being
undertaken
3. Discuss also the use or its operationalization relative to the proposed study
4. Focus on the discussion of the theory itself
5. Discuss the concept of the study based on the statement of the problem
6. Discuss the variables of the study, extent of the study, purpose of the study, etc.
7. Discuss the relationships of the variables
8. Discuss the indicators and indices of the variables
9. Discuss the process on how the data on the different indicators of the variables will be
collected and how this will lead to the formulation of the strategies, intervention, model
formulation, suggestions, or recommendations of the study
10. Provide a model illustration or variable scheme labeled: Fig.2. Conceptual Framework
Model), one page.
Definition of Terms (separate sheet)
1. Provide two types of definition of terms (if possible): conceptual and operational (how the terms
were used in the study)
2. Provide operational definition if the terms to be used will not be limited to its conceptual
definition.
3. Provide a note if a particular definition was taken from a book or other documentary sources.
4. Arrange the terms as they appear in the statement of the research problem.
 Chapter 3 – Methodology
This section describes the procedural steps used in conducting this major aspect of your
study and the materials or any equipment used at each step. It includes all mathematical
treatment of data as well as equations or models used. It is useful to readers who want to know
how the methodology of the study may have influenced your results. The procedure should be
stated in as much detail as possible so that readers who are interested in replicating or
extending your study could follow the steps as they read your work. Schematic diagram
(properly labeled and numbered) must accompany the text whenever possible.
Population and Sample
1. Discuss the respondents of the study with emphasis on the manner of selecting the
respondents i.e. parametric or non-parametric
2. Use respondents of the study; in case of pure qualitative method citing the key
informants or key interviewees will be used
3. Limit discussion to one page
Research Instrument
1. Discuss the types of instrument that will be used in the study
2. Discuss each part and how they will be answered by the respondents and how it will be
scored
3. Discuss also on how the instruments will be administered, how long will it be
administered, and who will administer the instruments
4. Limit discussions to one to two pages
Validation of the Research Instrument
1. Discuss the process on how the validation of the instrument was conducted
2. Mention the author if the instrument was adopted from another research
3. Discuss the dry-run process if there is any
4. Mention the suggestions of experts if the instrument was subjected to validation and
relate items that were suggested
5. Limit discussions to one page
Data Gathering Process
1. Discuss the process on how the research will be undertaken.
2. Begin the discussion from asking permission to conduct the study from the venue to data
processing, analysis, and interpretations
3. Limit discussions to one to two pages
Statistical Tools (if applicable)
1. Discuss the statistical treatments that will be used in the conduct of the study
 2. Justify the use and purpose of each tool (e.g. weighted mean, frequency, ranking,
etc.)
3. Limit discussion to one-half page

N.B. It is necessary to append the research instruments of the study during the proposal defense.
(Research Design describes the systematic plan to obtain the needed information. It
includes the following: Sampling Method which includes a justification for the choice of the
sampling method, sampling size, and subjects/respondents; Data Collection Procedures show
how the procedures will help satisfy the research objectives which includes an enumeration of
the expected data outputs; append data collection materials to be used, e.g., questionnaires,
observations forms, etc.; Description of the Respondents; Description of the Major/Main Data to
be Collected; Planned Analysis which illustrates the various ways by which the data gathered
would be analyzed and interpreted in relation to the research objectives; specify the planned
measures & statistical tools and confidence levels, if applicable; necessary permits/consent
should be obtained in cases where research would involve human/animal experimentation, etc.,
identify the people or institutions from whom/where the necessary permits/consent will be
obtained.)
 Chapter 4 - Results and discussion
This section presents the data collected from the study on this major aspect of your
research problem, followed by extensive comments on or interpretation of the findings of study.
 Chapter 5 – Conclusion and Recommendations
This chapter gives the overall conclusion of the study, which addresses the objective(s)
of your research problem. Here you step back and take a broad look at your findings and your
study as a whole.
Recommendation (for further studies) This chapter indicates statements that suggest
the need for further studies – what else can be done relevant to your research problem and
what other related problems should be addressed?
 References
All references must be stated in the review of literature; no report will be accepted
without the proper acknowledgement to the authors referred to in the literature review. The
format of reference for nonverbatim statements is as follows:
a. Author stated in the year that biosorption of cationic…
b. Author stated that biosorption of catipnic…. (year )
c. It has been said that biosorption of cationic… (Author, year).
Acceptable references include
a. Technical journals and periodicals
b. Books and monographs
c. Unpublished research, and
d. Dissertation and master’s thesis
Note: Internet references should NOT be included.
 Appendices
 Each appendix includes all data that you feel must be included for further details, but
these data interfere with smooth discussion of results. Naming of each appendix is with the
characters of the alphabet, and each should have a title.

The general thesis format considerations for the undergraduate academic research requirement will
be as follows:
Left Margin 1.5 inches
Right Margin 1 inch
Top 1 inch
Bottom 1 inch
Pagination Upper right side corner
(No pagination on chapter pages)
Space Double
Text Alignment Justified
Style Normal
Font Size 12 (body of the text)
Font Type Times New Roman, Arial, Courier New
Titles and Sub-headings Bold
Verb Tense Future Tense (Proposal Paper)
Past tense is usually appropriate for the literature review, experimental
design, and procedure; Present Tense to describe and discuss results or
findings i.e. tables, illustrations (Final Paper)
Pronouns Third Person
(First Person may be used if it is Phenomenological or Ethnographic or
as long as there is reasonable justification for its usage)
Page Content No hanging pages
No one sentence paragraph writing
Provide three to five introductory lines in Chapters II, III, IV, and V