The Research Paper

According to Fox, the research report is written to inform an audience of the nature of the
problem studied, the specifics of how the project was implemented and its results. This purpose
shows that the written report transmits ideas and information from the researcher to the interested
readers who want to know more of the research problem to effect change in others.

Research is an orderly process of inquiry that involves purposeful and systematic collection,
analysis and interpretation of data to gain new knowledge.

Research has the ultimate goal of developing an organized body of scientific knowledge.

Characteristics of Research

 Begins with an unanswered problem or question

 Is guided by specific problem or question
 Divides the major problem into sub problems
 Requires a clear goal or specific objectives
 Follows a logical procedure and data collection
 Requires interpretation of data
 Is a cycle

Determining Research Topics

1. Select a topic
2. Narrow the topic
3. Formulate a title
4. Formulate the major problem
5. Determining the sub-problems
6. Survey related literature and studies

 Selecting the Topic

- How to choose a good topic that relates to a researchable topic
- Interest is the first source for choosing a topic
- You can survey the following literature about your topic:
a. Journals particular to your discipline
b. Published/unpublished research articles
c. Research abstracts particular to your discipline
d. Indeces
e. References cited in previous studies
Improving Research topic

 Poor topic rejected (a similar research was done before)

Improved acceptable topic (unless you intend to disprove or verify previous findings)

 Research area (development of new gas, thermal and bio-sensors)

Specific topic (Biogas)

Formulating the Title

The title embodies substantive words or keywords or phrases that describes one’s research
study. The title must also reflect the variables under study. Independent variables are factors or
stimuli that directly affect or cause changes to the dependent variables. Dependent variables are
factors affected or changed by the independent variables. To put it simply, independent is the
cause, while the dependent variable is the effect. A well – formulated title must state both
variables in a clear, concise and precise way.

Example:

Title: A Study on the Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Different Extracts of the Leaves of
Basella rubra Linn

Independent Variables: Different Extracts of the Leaves of Basella rubra Linn

Dependent Variables: Anti – Inflammatory Potential