3. Determine The Focus Of The Study.

Focus of the study is the most important part in a scholarly work. It may emerge from an extensive literature review, be suggested by colleagues, researchers, advisors, or practical experiences. A good research begins with straightforward, uncomplicated thoughts, easily read and understood.

4. Draft a Research Title.

Some suggest that the title be saved at the end after the research is proceeded. However, writing  a working draft title at the beginning  is important to position the central concept before the project starts. Undoubtedly, this working title will be modified as one proceeds the project. Some guidelines  for a good title, as suggested by Wilkinson (1991), are as follows:

1. Be brief

2. Avoid wasting words

3. Eliminate unnecessary words such as:

“ An Approach to ….”,

“ A Study of ….”.

“ An Ethnography: Understanding a Child’s Perception of War”, “An Analysis on …” etc.

4. Eliminate most articles

5. Make sure it includes the focus or topic of the study

6. Use not more than 12 words.

5. Make Sure If The Topic Is Researchable

Use the following considerations:

1. Is the topic researchable, given time, resources, and availability of data?

2. Is there a personal interest in the topic in order to sustain attention?

3. Will the results from the study be of interest to others ( e.g. , in the state, region, nation, university)?

4. Is the topic likely to be published in a scholarly journal? (attractive to an academic community?)

5. Does the study (a) fill a void, (b) replicate, (c) extend, or (d) develop new ideas in the schloarly literature?

6. Will the project contribute to career goals?

Having considered those factors, a researcher needs to ask others for their reactions and  comments to the topic. Seek reactions from:

a. colleagues,

b. noted authorities in the field,

c. academic advisors, and

d. faculty committee and colleagues. 

6. Formulate the Background of the Study

7. Formulate the Research Question(s)

The topic or focus of research is still large, so it must be narrowed down into a specific research problem/question.

8. Formulating Theoretical Perspectives: Qualitative vs Quantitative Research

Kerlinger (1979: 64) defines theory as “a set of interrelated constructs (variables), definitions, and propositions that presents a systematic view of phenomena by specifying relations among variables, with the purpose of explaining phenomena”.

The functions of theory in Quantitative and Qualitative Research are different due to the nature of the paradigms. In Quantitative Research, where researchers use accepted and precise meanings, a theory is  used deductively and placed  at the beginning of the plan of the research. One thus begins the study advancing a theory, collects data to test it, and reflects on whether the theory is confirmed or disconfirmed by the results of the study.

According to Creswell (1994:  88), a theory becomes a framework for the entire study. It can be placed in the introduction section, in the review of related literature, immediately after hypotheses, or research questions, or in a separate section of the study.

Therefore, it is often called a theory base, a theoretical rationale, or a theoretical perspective.

Theories vary in terms of their scope. Merriam (in Creswell, 1994: 83) groups theories into three types:

(1) Grand Theories (attempt to explain large categories of phenomena and are most common in natural sciences, example,  Darwin’s theory of evolution),

(2) Middle-Range Theories (fall between minor working hypotheses of everyday life and the all-inclusive grand theories, example, life span development theories),

(3) Substantive Theories (restricted to a particular setting, group, time, population, or problem).

The form of theories might be a series of hypotheses, “if ….then” logic statements, such as “The higher her rank, the greater her influence”.

A theory can be stated as a series of “If ….then statements”, such as “If the frequency of interaction between two or more persons increases, the more they will know each other – both their respect and sentiments”.

In Qualitative Research a theory is treated differently as than in Quantitative approach. In Qualitative Approach, one does not begin with a theory to test or verify. Instead, a theory may emerge during the data collection and analysis phase of the research, or even be used relatively late in the research process as a basis for comparison with other theories.

Using an inductive model of thinking, one will build a new theory by gathering detailed information, forming categories or themes until a theory or pattern emerges. 

1. Formulate the Intent, Purpose or the Objective of the Study

2. Significance of the Study

3. Delimitation and the Limitation of the Study

4. Definitions of the Terms

5. Data Analysis. ( There are several types and procedures of data analysis in Qualitative Approach. ………….Creswell. 156)