Guidelines in defining terms:

(a) Definition of terms works just like aglossarybut have a different twist. It is placed on the beginning of the research paper (Chapter 1) to tell themeaning of theterms used in the said paper.

(b) Only terms, words, or phrases which have special or unique meanings in the study are defined.

(c) Actually, there are two types ofdefinition of termsto use on your research, viz.

conceptualmeaning and operational meaning on the one hand, conceptualterms/meanings are based on what a dictionary, an encyclopedia, a book, or an author tells on the other hand, operational terms/meanings are based on how the researcher used a term on his study. In other words, the researcher may develop his own definition from the conceptual characteristics of the term defined.

(d) The terms should be arrangedalphabeticallyand should be defined lexically and/or operationally.

(e) When definitions are taken from encyclopedias, books, magazines and newspaper articles, dictionaries, and other publications, the researcher must acknowledge his sources. Definitions taken from published materials are called conceptual (theoretical) definitions.

(f) Definitions should a\be brief, clear, and unequivocal as possible.

1. Your Significance of the Study is poorly formulated. What is your paper? What benefit can it give you and your readers?

Essentially, the section on significance of the study provides information to the reader on how the study will contribute. It must be specifically stated, however, what the study will contribute and who will benefit from it.

You can figure out several important contributions of your research paper if you let your mind flow.

Tips helpful in writing the significance of the study. (a) Your problem statement can guide you in identifying the specific contribution of your study. But your problem statement is not directed toward the thesis you wish to defend because you have not state your thesis (which corresponds to your title). You can do this by observing a one-to-one correspondence between the statement of the problem and the significance of the study. (b) Write the significance of the study by looking into the general contribution of your study, such as its importance to society as a whole, then proceed downwardstowards its contribution to individuals and that may include yourself as a researcher. You start off broadly then taper off gradually to a specific group or person. Coupled with reference to the problem statement, this effectively stimulates the mind to think in a deductive mode, i.e., from general to specific.These two techniques will prevent your mind from wandering wildly or aimlessly as you explore the significance of your study. Applying them will save time thus allow you to focus on the next section of your thesis.

2. You have no description of the Methodology you are to use in your research, viz., how you carry about your research, the structure you follow, or the research design.

3. Remember the Notes and lecture which I gave you on MFM 21, viz., formal writing of a thesis (Chicago Style, MLA Style), the art of reading (Adlers), and structure of a thesis (Martinich). Apply them.

4. Consult with your Thesis Adviser (priest-formator assigned to you) and Grammarian (an English teacher who shall help you with your English Grammar).