Research, Concepts, and Theories

• Research informs action, proves theories, and develops knowledge in a field.
• Research is a systematic and scientific procedure for data collection, compilation, analysis, interpretation, and implication related to a problem.
• Research involves collecting data and information to understand phenomena.
• Examples of research: action research, thesis, dissertation, and case studies.
• A concept abstractly describes and names an object, phenomenon, or idea.
• Examples of concepts: income ranges (₱5,000 – ₱8,000), age (18y/o-20y/o), education level, and number of siblings.
• A theory is an organized body of concepts and principles explaining a particular phenomenon.
• Examples of theories include the theory of relativity, atomic theory, theory of evolution, and quantum theory.
• The quantitative method focuses on numbers and objective data to prove hypotheses through statistical analysis.
• The quantitative method is a systematic process using numerical data to describe variables and examine relationships.
• The qualitative method uses words instead of numbers.
• The qualitative method focuses on feelings and utilizes interviews, archived written information, and observations.
• Variables are qualities of a person, group, event, condition, or situation that vary.
• Examples of variables: age, sex, income, country of birth, class grades, eye color, and vehicle type.
• A hypothesis is a logical supposition, reasonable guess, or educated conjecture.
• A hypothesis offers a tentative explanation of a phenomenon.
• Sampling selects participants representative of a larger population to gain understanding.
• SMART helps authors write successful research papers.
• Specific: Focus on the research subject and a specific question.
• Measurable: Contain proven research and cite sources.
• Attainable: Provide a thesis statement answering the research question.
• Realistic: Be objective and based on valid evidence.
• Time: Consider limits, timeframes, and the work's focus.
• A technical definition defines a word as used in a specific field like science, law, or engineering.
• Technical definitions are based on the field or area of study.
• An operational definition defines a term/object in terms of a process.
• Expanded definitions define technical terms with detailed explanations, examples, or visuals.

Expanding Definitions

• Expanding definitions involve giving an example, comparing and contrasting, and describing a process.

Guidelines for Writing Definitions

• Use clarity, brevity, and conciseness.
• Avoid complicated or highly technical terms.
• Avoid circularity by not using the defined word in the definition.
• Use simple grammatical structures.

Subject-Verb Agreement

• Every sentence needs a subject and a predicate.
• If the subject if singular the verbs must be singular
• If the subject is plural the verbs must be plural
• Simple Subject: The noun or pronoun that is the the focus of the sentence
• Simple Predicate: The verb that connects to the subject

General Rules for Present Tense

• Most subjects uses the standard form of a verb.
• Third-person singular subjects, add -s to the verb.
• Verbs ending in -x, -ss, -sh, -ch, -tch, or -zz, add -es for third-person singular.
• Verbs ending in a consonant + y, change y to -ies for third-person singular.
• Verbs ending in a vowel + y, just add -s for third-person singular.
• The verb 'Be' changes form based on both number and person of the subject.

Subject-Verb Agreement in Past and Future Tenses

• Unlike the present tense, verbs in simple past and simple future do not change based on the subject.
• Singular subjects use 'has'; plural subjects use 'have' in perfect tenses.

Subject-Verb Agreement Rules

• Only "do" changes for subject-verb agreement in negative sentences and questions with "Do".
• Use plural verbs for multiple subjects joined by "And".
• Singular subject joines by "Or" take a singular verb.
• Plural subjects joined by "or" take a plural verb.
• The verb agrees with the closest noun when mixing singular & plural subjects joined by "or".
• All verbs in the sentence must match the subject for compound predicates.
• Always use singular verbs for mass (uncountable) nouns.
• Collective nouns can be singular or plural based on whether they act together or individually.
• Subject-verb agreement applies to main verbs, not gerunds or infinitives when using alternative verb forms.
• Do not put commas between subject and verb.
• "Each" and "Every" are always singular, even if followed by multiple nouns.
• Singular indefinite pronouns like anybody, anyone, everybody, everyone, etc., always take singular verbs.
• Ignore extra phrases between the subject and verb when using interrupting phrases.
• The verb must match the subject in passive voice.
• The verb matches the noun that follows in "There is" vs. "There are" constructions.
• The verb agrees with the noun being described in percentages & portions.
• Use singular verbs when referring to distances, time, and money as a whole.
• Some plural-looking nouns are actually singular.
• Treat pair of as singular