Seminars in writing Thesis among professional for their development

Lecture on wrting thesis and it's parts

1. RESEARCH
REYNALD L. ECIJA, RN, RM, MMHA, MAN

2. Table of
contents
Introduction
IRB Protocols in the
Philippines
Research Process
2

3. 3
Introduction

4. Introduction
“
”
The purpose of research is to discover and develop an
organized body of knowledge. Research knowledge will
help professionals to be effective, efficient and excellent
MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF A SCIENCTIFIC
RESEARCH
*Orderly and Systematic
*Empirical
*Controlled
*Generalization
4

5. Major Characteristics
FOLLOW STEP BY STEP
PROCEDURE/PROCESS
ORDERLY &
SYSTEMATIC
1. PROPER OBJECTIVE
2. TO COLLECT DATA,
FACTS OR EVIDENCE TO
SUPPORT HYPOTHESIS
3. MUST BE READILY
OBSERVABLE (OBJECTIVE):
PRECISE, VERIFIABLE,
REPLICABLE,
TRANSMISSIBLETO ASSESS
THEIR VALIDITY AND
RELIABILITY
EMPIRICAL
1. Identifies &
eliminates specific
constraints or
limitations and to
ensure precision &
validity of results
2. Must have an
appropriate system,
strategy, method and
scheme & design.
CONTROLLED
A holistic statement
formulated after due
analysis of an
adequate number of
cases & instances that
have common traits,
characteristics or
trends.
GENERALIZATION
5

6. ETHICS IN RESEARCH
“
”
(Based on Nuremberg Code (Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany, 1947): a set of
research ethic principles for human experimentation as a result of the
Nuremberg trials at the end of WW2; research should be voluntary, good for
society, avoid physical & mental suffering; it should be carried out by qualified
persons; subject can back out any time & consent is absolutely essential.)
(Also based on Helsinki Declaration (Helsinki, Finland; June 1964) – a set of
ethical principles regarding human experimentation developed by medical
community by the World Medical Association; allows for proxy consent such as
legal guardian)
6

7. PRINCIPLES AND GUIDELINES
“
INFORMED CONSENT
7
“
BENEFICIENCE AND NON-
MALEFICENCE
“
RESPECT FOR HUMAN
DIGNITY
“
JUSTICE AND FAIRNESS
“
HONESTY AND
ACCURACY OF DATA

8. POSITIVIST VS CONSTRUCTIVIST
8
Positivist research assumes a single observable reality;
knowledge is produced by measurement, hypothesis
testing, and statistical generalization. Methods:
surveys, experiments, standardized instruments.
Outputs: measured effects, generalizable
recommendations.
POSITIVIST
Constructivist research assumes multiple, locally
situated realities constructed through social
interaction. Knowledge is produced by interpreting
meaning, context, and participants’ voices. Methods:
interviews, ethnography, narrative analysis. Outputs:
rich contextualized understanding, theory grounded
in participants’ perspectives.
CONSTRUCTIVIST

9. WHY THE SHIFT MATTERS?
“
”
The Philippines is culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse
(Luzon/Visayas/Mindanao; many ethnolinguistic groups). Social phenomena
(education outcomes, health behaviors, community resilience) are tightly
bound to culture, language, and history — factors that quantitative measures
alone may miss. Constructivist and mixed approaches reveal how local
meanings, power relations, and institutional contexts shape outcomes (e.g.,
how students interpret “academic support,” or how rural patients experience
health services).
Practically, funders and national policy agendas increasingly favor research
that is context-aware and co-produced with communities because such work
produces usable recommendations for local programs and the Philippine
Development Plan / national R&D agendas.
9

10. 10
Research
Process

11. 11
Overview
Determining the
Purpose or
Objective of the
Study
Review of
Related of
Literature
Develop a
Theoretical and
Conceptual
Framework
Identify the
problem
*Identify the
Assumptions of the
Study
*Acknowledging the
Limitations of the
Study
* Formulation of
Hypothesis
* Define Study
variables
Selecting
Appropriate
Research Design
Selecting your
population and
sample
Conducting your
pilot study
Conducting,
Analysis &
Interpretation of
dataCommunicating
conclusion &
recommendation

12. 12
RESEARCH PROCESS
Sources of Study Problems
• Fields of specialization
• Instructional Program
• Reading Program – literature sources and
previous research studies
• Organization structure, policies and
interpersonal relationships
• New technologies
• Conflicting ideas & ideals
• Journals, books, theses, dissertations, mass
media
• Theories & principles affecting certain
phenomenon
• Problem areas in nursing
IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM
Criteria for Choosing a Problem
vExternal:
• Novelty – “newness”
• Availability of subjects
• Institutional & Administrative support
• Ethical Considerations
• Facilities & Equipment
vInternal
• Motivation, interest, intellectual
curiosity & perceptiveness of the
researcher
• Experience, training & professional
qualifications
• Time Management
• Costs & returns
• Hazards, penalties & handicaps

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RESEARCH PROCESS
•Researcher will state the reason or reasons for undertaking the study to leave no
doubt in the readers’ mind regarding the true intention of the study; The investigator
combines “what” is being done and “why” it is being done.
•Must be SMART – specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-bound.
•Consists of general (broad statements) & specific (pinpoints main concern or intent
of inquiry in well-defined, measurable & logical concepts).
•The purpose is usually expressed as a declarative statement.
•The statements of the purpose usually contain an active verb preceded by the
preposition “to”. Thus it is common that purpose begin with “to assess”, “to provide”,
“to gain” etc.
DETERMINING THE PURPOSE OF OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

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RESEARCH PROCESS
Consists of a collection of pertinent readings, published or unpublished; it provides discussions of facts,
principles, trends, and practices which the present study is related
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
TYPES:
A. NON RELATED RESEARCH OR
CONCEPTUAL LITERATURE
Sources: encyclopedia, books,
journals, commentaries and
other publications
B. RESEARCH
Sources: research, thesis,
dissertation
PURPOSES:
ü Is useful in developing the researcher’s
understanding and background and is particularly
essential when the researcher is not completely
familiar with studies previously done within the
problem area.
ü It links past researches to existing knowledge to
form foundation for future direction.
ü To determine what knowledge already exist on
the topic to be studied.
ü To develop a conceptual and theoretical
framework for the study.
ü To help the researcher plan the study methods (ex.
instrument and tools).
SOURCES:
A. PRIMARY - taken
directly form original
author
B. SECONDARY - taken
from the cited remarks
in a certain research
paper

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RESEARCH PROCESS
THEORY -Set of statements that describes or
explains phenomena in a systematic way,
pointing out why one event relates to another
or what cause an event to occur.
Theoretical Framework
•Broad, general explanation of the
relationships between concepts of interest in
a research study;
•A symbolic construction which uses abstract,
facts or laws, variables and their relations
that explains and predicts how an observed
phenomenon exists and operates;
DEVELOPING A CONCEPTUAL/THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK
CONCEPT - The building block of theory;
a word picture or mental idea of
phenomenon that symbolizes reality;
Conceptual Framework
•Presents specific, well-defined models
which are called constructs which help
clarify the overall underpinnings of the
research variables in terms of how
these concepts are defined and
operationalized.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
UNIVERSAL ASSUMPTIONS
- Beliefs assumed to be true by
a large percentage of society &
need no testing & verification
Example:
Fast food makes you fat
Breastmilk is the best food for
infants
IDENTIFY THE ASSUMPTIONS OF THE STUDY
THEORY OR RESEARCH-BASED
ASSUMPTIONS
- Using another research finding
assumptions as the basis of one’s
study; needs further confirmation
or validation
Example:
Rewards and recognition greatly
affect the performance of workers.
•Statements or assertions related to the problem usually drawn from the theoretical framework;
•Statements describing a fact or condition that is accepted to be true on the basis of logic and
reason hence they do not need verification or testing (Tomey, 1994).
STUDY ASSUMPTIONS
- These are assertions needed
in pursuit of the study which
are so stated that they serve as
starting points from the study
proceeds.
- They also confirm the validity
of the explanatory variables as
well as serve as basis for
formulating the hypotheses of
the study.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
CONCEPTUAL DEFINITION
- a universal definition of a term understood
by people; sources are from the dictionary,
related literature and authoritative sources
Ex. Toxic- waste products; Motivation –
something that cause a person to act; Problem
– a source of perplexity or vexation.
DEFINE TERM TO BE USED
IMPORTANCE
- To make the meaning of terminologies and variables clearer to the researcher and the reader.
- To guide and direct the researcher in quantifying and qualifying the variables.
OPERATIONAL DEFINITION
- Researcher’s own definition of terms as used in
the study; this also refers to the objective or
practical/functional meaning of the word.
Ex. Toxic - very busy day for nurses; Motivation –
the ability of the nurse on duty to accomplish
her tasks on time; Problem – Inability of the
patient to meet his dietary requirements.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
PURPOSE
•State certain constraints in the
study over which the researcher
has no control; Uncontrolled
variables may affect study
results hence, expected findings
should not go beyond what the
study can achieve;
•Delimitations sets the
parameters of the study by
accepting what should be
included and rejecting what
should be excluded.
ACKNOWLEDGE THE SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
ASPECTS
•Issues – past & current
•Scope or coverage of areas
concern
•Respondents
•Time Frame
•Type of data such as
qualitative, quantitative or
combined
CONSTRAINTS SHOULD BE
STATED:
ØScope of Coverage
- WHO, WHAT, WHEN,
WHERE, HOW & WHY is
clarified
ØLimitations of the Study
- these are the anticipated
shortfalls such as foreseen
weakness in methodology and
design

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RESEARCH PROCESS
FORMULATE A HYPOTHESIS
vIs an intelligent guess or inference that is formulated and provisionally adopted to explain
observed facts or conditions and to guide further investigation.
vStatement of the researcher’s expectations regarding the relationships between and among the
variables being studied.
vSpeculations on how variables in the study will work out and provide predicted answers to
research questions.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
DEFINE STUDY VARIABLES
VARIABLES - qualities, properties, or characteristics of people, things, events or situations under
study that vary from one person to another. These variables are assessed and measured
quantitatively and qualitatively.
TYPES OF VARIABLES:
1. EXPLANATORY - refers to the phenomenon under study that varies or assumes different values
2. EXTRANEOUS - these are not the direct focus of the study but they tend to affect results to a
certain event
3. ABSTRACT OR CONTINUOUS - factors that have different values which are quantitatively
measured and statistically tested through hypotheses.
4. DICHOTOMOUS - factors with only two values.
5. ACTIVE - factors which the researcher creates and or manipulates
6. ATTRIBUTE - pre-existing characteristics of the subjects the researcher simply observes and
measures.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
SELECT RESEARCH DESIGN
The researcher’s roadmap or blueprint of the study; a part of the research which involves choice of
overall methods by which respondents will be selected controlled and categorized into various
groups.
BASIC RESEARCH
EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
1. True Experiment
2. Quasi-Experiment
NON-EXPERIMENTAL RESEARCH
1. Basic
2. Applied
ØHistorical
ØDescriptive
ACCORDING TO DATA TYPE OF RESEARCH
Types:
1. QUANTITATIVE
2. QUALITATIVE
3. LONGITUDINAL
4. CROSS-SECTIONAL

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE
TYPES:
1. Descriptive
2. Correlational
3. Quasi-Experimental
4. Experimental
Is concerned with OBJECTIVITY, tight controls over the research situation, and the ability to
generalized findings; also known as scientific research & hard science.
Quantitative- data collected is based on objective reasoning, numerical interpretation (Ex.
Temperature, BP result, weight, distance, height, reading observable using sense)

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - DESCRIPTIVE
ØExploration and description of phenomenon in real-life situations;
ØIt provides an accurate account of characteristics of particular individuals,
situations, or groups.
ØIts purpose is to observe, describe, and document aspects of a situation.
ØIt discovers new meaning, describe what exists, determine the frequency
with which something occurs, and categorize information.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - CORRELATIONAL
ØLooks at the relationship/association between two or more
variables
ØDetermines the strength and type of relationship
ØExplains what is seen
ØCan be detected through statistical analysis
ØNo cause and effect
“Correlation does not prove causation”

25. 25
RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - QUASI- EXPERIMENTAL
ØAlso called as “trials without randomization” in the medical
literature
ØExamines causal relationships or determines the effect of one
variable on another (cause-and-effect)
ØLess control by researcher than true experimental designs
ØSamples are not randomly selected
ØAll variables in the study cannot be controlled by the
researcher.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - EXPERIMENTAL
ØControlled manipulation of at least one independent variable
ØUses experimental and control groups
ØRandom assignment of the sample to the experimental and
control groups
ØProperties:
1. Manipulation - control the situation
2. Control - impose certain conditions
3. Randomization - random assignments of respondents
4. Validity - controlling extraneous variables

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUALITATIVE
TYPES:
1. Phenomenological
2. Ethnographic
3. Grounded Theories
4. Historical
5. Case Studies
6. Field Studies
7. Biographies
Is concerned with the SUBJECTIVE meaning of an experience to the individual.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - PHENOMENOLOGICAL
Ø “Lived experience”
Ø Examines human experiences through descriptions provided by the people
involved
Ø Involves the following steps:
1. Bracketing: The researcher releases expectations and biases prior to doing
the research.
2. Intuiting: The researcher is open to meanings attributed to the
phenomenon under study.
3. Analyzing: Dissecting significant meanings of statements and events
4. Describing: Defining & interpreting the meaning of the phenomenon under
study.
Ø End purpose: To determine themes and patterns of behavior, etc.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - ETHNOGRAPHIC
Ø Collection and analysis of data about cultural groups.
Ø End purpose: To develop cultural theories.
Ø Method: Participant observation and interviews with “key informants”

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - GROUNDED THEORY
Ø Data are collected and analyzed and then a theory is developed that is
grounded on the data.
ØData include in-depth interview and observation of the study participants to
generate comprehensive explanations of phenomena grounded in reality.
Ex. The experience of caring for a woman with high-risk pregnancy , during which
the theory of Newman is developed with a nurse and the client as partners in
relationship of care, characterized by negotiation, reciprocity and empowerment.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - HISTORICAL
Ø Studies involve identification, location, critical evaluation and synthesis of past
events in order to shed light on present behavior, trends and practices.
Ø End purpose: To relate the past to the present and the future.
Ex. Florence Nightingale’s political power in the 19th century which effected
change in Nursing Practice.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - CASE STUDIES
Øo In-depth examination of people or groups of people in relation to nursing issues
or problems that are important to the client and the researcher.
Ex. Case study of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
QUANTITATIVE - FIELD STUDIES
Øconsist of natural investigations done in the community such as in nursing homes,
housing projects, & clinical wards.
QUANTITATIVE - BIOGRAPHIES
Ølife documentations;
Ex. The life and ideals of Jose Rizal; Benigno Aquino, a portrait of a true Filipino.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
IDENTIFY THE POPULATION OR SAMPLE
üEntails the selection of appropriate subjects or respondents of the study that will generate data
specific to the purpose or objective of the inquiry.
üTo ensure validity and reliability of research findings, the researcher must come up with subject
representative of the target population.
UNIVERSE
- Totality of elementsto
which research findings
may apply; also refers to
the target population – the
group of people or objects
from which the researcher
intends to collect data and
generalize the findings of
the study.
POPULATION
-refers to the accessible
group of individuals from
which the sample will be
drawn by the researcher or
the total possible
participation of the group in
the study; this also refers to
that portion of the universe
accessible to the researcher
SAMPLE
- a subgroup of population from which
data will be solicited for purposes of the
research; constitutes the subjects or
respondents of the study.
SAMPLING
- process of selecting a representative
portion of the population to represent the
entire population.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
MAJOR TYPES OF SAMPLING
PROBABILITY
1. Simple Random
2. Stratified Random
3. Cluster Random
4. Systematic Random
NON-PROBABILITY
1. Convenience
2. Snowball
3. Quota Sampling
4. Purposive Sampling

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RESEARCH PROCESS
CONDUCT A PILOT STUDY
üMiniature, trial version of the planned study. Can prevent a researcher from conducting a
large-scale study that might be an expensive disaster.
Objectives:
üTo examine issues related to the design, sample size, data collection procedures and data
analysis approaches.
üCan be used to test an instrument, evaluate the study phenomenon.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
DATA COLLECTION
DATA - pieces of information or facts that are collected in scientific investigations.
üWhat data will be collected? Who will collect the data? Where will the data be collected? When
will the data be collected? How will the data be collected? (Why, is answered by the purpose of
the study or the research design, and is not part of this).
üThe choice of data collection method is determined by the study hypothesis or research question
of the study.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
DATA ANALYSIS
Stage wherein the researcher is performing a body of knowledge out of data collected to affirm or
deny hypothesis
ØTabulation and evaluation
ØPlans for organizing the data should be made prior to data collection.
ØDetermine if questionnaires have been completed correctly; what to do with missing data; audio
tapes should be transcribed.

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RESEARCH PROCESS
DATA INTERPRETATION
A subjective section of a research report which allows the researcher to discuss findings in the
light of the theoretical framework factual observations, interview results, and within the context of
the literature review.
It also explains results that are consistent with previous researches and those that are not in
agreement, as well as problems that occurred during the study which may have influenced the
results.
vConclusions – focus on the answers to the major problem, particularly on results of the test on
the null hypothesis with each corresponding implications and analysis of findings.
vRecommendations – considering the conclusions, the researches suggests solutions to problems
to prevent the occurrences of these or minimize their impact or effect. They are addressed to the
sectors concerned or the intended beneficiaries of the research study (ex. Deans of colleges,
nurse practitioners, clinical instructors, student nurses, the health care clientele, the general
public, interest groups, government and non-governmental agencies.

40. 40
THREATS TO VALIDITY OF
RESULTS
Hawthorne
Effect -
awareness of the
study
Sunflower Effect
- Rating
everything high
HALO EFFECT -
Responds
positive because
the research is
good
HORN’S EFFECT -
inversely proportional
to Halo effect
REACTIVE
EFFECTS -
Sensitized to
pre-test and
affects post-test

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IRB
PROTOCOLS

42. 42
OVERVIEW
IRB
An Institutional Review Board (IRB), also called a Research Ethics Committee (REC) in the
Philippines, is a body formally designated to review, approve, and monitor research involving human
participants. Its mandate is to ensure the rights, safety, dignity, and well-being of participants are
protected throughout the research process.
The Philippine Health Research Ethics Board (PHREB) accredits IRBs and sets national standards
for ethical review. Only PHREB-accredited IRBs/RECs can issue clearances valid for publication,
funding, or collaboration.

43. 43
Overview
•PHREB & Research Ethics Committees (RECs): Health and health-related research in the Philippines
requires review/clearance by an REC accredited/registered with the Philippine Health Research Ethics
Board (PHREB). PHREB issues policies/requirements for REC composition, SOPs, and accreditation
levels.
CORE ETHICAL FOUNDATIONS
•National Ethical Guidelines: The 2017 guidelines (and the 2022 National Ethical Guidelines / NEGRIHP
updates) provide standards for conducting human research (informed consent, risk minimization,
vulnerable groups). Include references in health proposals and follow the templates of the institution.
•Data Privacy Act (RA 10173): Researchers processing personal data must comply with the Data Privacy
Act (collect minimal data, secure storage, lawful basis for processing, data subject rights, breach
reporting). IRB submission must include a data protection plan (who accesses data, where stored,
retention, anonymization/de-identification).
•Indigenous Peoples / FPIC (RA 8371): If research involves indigenous peoples (IPs) or ancestral domains,
the researcher must comply with IPRA and secure Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) and follow
community protocols; include documentation of consultations in your ethics submission.

44. 44
IRB PROTOCOL SUBMISSION COMPONENTS
Study Identification
üTitle, investigators,
institution/department
üFunding source or sponsor
üCOI (Conflict of Interest)
declaration
Study Rationale &
Objectives
üProblem statement
üLiterature review &
significance
üObjectives and
hypotheses
Study Methodology
Ethical
Safeguards
Community
Engagement
Logistics &
Management
üResearch timeline and
milestones
üBudget breakdown
üDissemination plan

45. 45
REFERENCES
Belmont Report. (1979). Ethical principles and guidelines for the protection of human subjects of research.
The National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavioral Research.
Commission on Higher Education. (2017). CHED Harmonized National Research and Development Agenda
2017–2022. Commission on Higher Education.
Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences. (2016). International ethical guidelines for health-
related research involving humans. CIOMS.
Department of Health, Philippine Council for Health Research and Development, & Philippine Health Research
Ethics Board. (2017). National Ethical Guidelines for Health and Health-Related Research (2017 edition). Philippine
Health Research Ethics Board.
Lincoln, Y. S., & Guba, E. G. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Sage Publications.
National Economic and Development Authority. (2023). Philippine Development Plan 2023–2028. National
Economic and Development Authority.
National Privacy Commission. (2012). Republic Act No. 10173: Data Privacy Act of 2012. Official Gazette of the
Republic of the Philippines.
Philippine Health Research Ethics Board. (2022). National Ethical Guidelines for Research Involving Human
Participants (NEGRIHP 2022). Philippine Council for Health Research and Development.
Republic of the Philippines. (1997). Republic Act No. 8371: Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997. Official
Gazette of the Republic of the Philippines.
World Medical Association. (2013). Declaration of Helsinki: Ethical principles for medical research involving
human subjects. JAMA, 310(20), 2191–2194. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2013.281053

46. THANK YOU