Thesis Writing and Research

Thesis defined
a. The word thesis comes from the greek word tithenai, which means
position, and refers to an intellectual position.
b. It is a dissertation on a particular subject in which one has done original
research. It is a formal and lengthy research paper as one presented by a
candidate for a diploma or degree. It is a document submitted in support of
application for an academic degree or professional qualification presenting
the authors research and findings.
c. A typical thesis has a title page, an abstract, table of contents, a body,
comprising of various chapters, and a bibliography or a reference section.
They vary in their structure in line with the many different areas of study.
Research defined
a. The systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem.
b. Careful, critical, disciplined inquiry, varying in technique and method
according to the nature and conditions of the problem identified, directed
toward the clarification or resolution of a problem
c. In its broadest sense, research is an attempt to gain solutions to problems.
More precisely, it is the collection of data in rigorously controlled situation for
the purpose of prediction or explanation.
Characteristics of Research
a. Research is systematic. It follows an orderly and sequential procedure that leads
to the discovery of truth , solution of a problem, or whatever is aimed to be
discovered
b. Research is controlled. All variables except those that tested or being
experimented upon are kept constant so that the changed made on the subjects
of the study can be attributed only to the experimental variable. This is especially
true in an experimental research.
c. Research is analytical. There is critical analysis of all the data used so that there
is no error in their interpretation.

Prepared by: Analee S. Alverastine

d. Research is objective, unbiased and logical. All the findings and conclusions are
logically based on empirical data and no effort is made to alter the results of the
research.
e. Research is original work. Except in historical research, data are gathered from
primary sources or first-hand sources and not from secondary sources.
f. Research is accurate investigation, observation and description. In fact, every
research activity must be done accurately so that the findings will lead to the
formulation of scientific generalizations. All conclusions must be based on actual
evidence
Choosing a Research Topic
Choose a topic which interests and challenges you. Your attitude towards the topic may
well determine the amount of effort and enthusiasm you put into your research.
The process of developing a topic is ultimately one of establishing a gap in current
research that a thesis could aim to address. Your topic should allow you to provide
some creative and original legal research.
In searching for a thesis topic, it needs a great research skill, the ability to sift through
books and other materials to spot not only an interesting, but also a novel legal
question. Secondly, the topic must also address a legal issue. This will require analysis
of pertinent legal provisions and jurisprudence relevant in your chosen field of law.
Guidelines in the Selection of a Research Topic
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.

The research problem must be chosen by the researcher himself

It must be within the interest of the researcher
It must be within the specialization of the researcher
It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle.
It must be within the ability of researcher to finance, otherwise he must be able to

find funding for his research.

f. It is researchable and manageable
Data are available and accessible
Equipment and instruments for research are available and can give valid
and reliable results
g. It can be completed within a reasonable period of time unless it is a longitudinal
research which takes a long time for its completion

Prepared by: Analee S. Alverastine

h. It is significant, important and relevant to the present time and situation, timely,
and of current interest
i. The results are practical and implementable.
j. It must contribute to the national development goals for the improvement of the
quality of human life.
k. There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either physical, social or
legal.
Title
The title summarizes the main idea or ideas of your research. A good title contains the
fewest possible words needed to adequately describe the contents and/or purpose of
your research paper.
Guidelines in writing the title;
a. Generally, the title is formulated before the start of the research work. It may be
revised and refined later if there is a need
b. The title must contain the subject matter of the study, the locale of the study, the
population involved, and the period when the data were gathered or will be
gathered
c. It must be broad enough to include all aspects of the subject matter studied or to
be studied. Hence, the title indicates what is expected to be found inside the
thesis report
d. It must be brief and concise as possible
e. Avoid using the terms An Analysis of , A Study of, An Investigation of, and
the like. All these things are understood to have been done or to be done when
research is conducted.
f. If the title contains more than one line, it must be written like an inverted pyramid,
all words in capital letters
Examples of Juris Doctor Research Title:
Name
ABAD, ANTHONY
ET. AL.

Title
GATT DISPUTE RESOLUTION
FROM A DEVELOPING
COUNTRY'S PERSPECTIVE

Prepared by: Analee S. Alverastine

AY
19901991

Subject
INTERNATIONAL LAW/GATT

AGANON, CESAR,
ET. AL

A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF
INSIDER TRADING LAWS IN
SELECTED MAJOR CAPITAL
MARKETS

19901991

SECURITIES

AGOJO, MARIA
PAZ, ET. AL.

AWARD OF
BACKWAGES:CONFLICTING LAW
& JURISPRUDENCE

19901991

LABOR LAW

ALAJAR,
EDUARDO, ET. AL.

WELGA NG BAYAN

19901991

LABOR LAW

ALARCA, MARY
ROSALIND, ET.
AL.

THE RIGHTS, STATUS AND

OBLIGATIONS OF COMMON LAW
SPOUSES UNDER PHILIPPINE
LAWS: IS THERE A NEED FOR A
CHANGE?

19901991

PERSONS AND FAMILY

RELATIONS

WONG, MACIEL

STATE OF EMERGENCY: A
MISNOMER? AN EXAMINATION
AND EVALUATION OF THE
EMERGENCY POWERS OF THE
PRESIDENT

20062007

EXECUTIVE/CONSTITUTIONAL
LAW/POLITICAL LAW

YAP, RAFAEL
CHRISTOPHER

BOUNCING DOCTRINES: REEXAMINING THE SUPREME

COURT'S PRONOUNCEMENTS
OF B.P. BLG. 22 AS A CRIME OF
MORAL TURPITUDE

20062007

BP22/SPECIAL LAW/CRIMINAL
LAW/SUPREME
COURT/JUDICIAL REVIEW

YAP, RAYMOND

HIV/AIDS AFFLICTED FILIPINO

SEAFARERS: THEIR
COMPENSATION AND BENEFIT
CLAIMS OF HIV/AIDS UNDER
THE P.O.E.A. STANDARD
EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT
HEALING THE TIES THAT BIND: A
SECOND LOOK AT THE ANTIVAWC ACT OF 2004 AND
RESTORATIVE JUSTICE

20062007

AIDS/SEAFARERS/OVERSEAS
FILIPINO WORKERS/LABOR
LAW

20062007

WOMEN/CHILDREN/CRIMINAL
LAW/SPECIAL LAW

ZARAGOZA,
CHARMIAN
WYANET

Additional tips to keep in mind while writing a title:

1. Keep it simple, brief and attractive The primary function of a title is to provide a
precise summary of the papers content.
2. Use appropriate descriptive words A good research paper title should contain key
words used in the manuscript and should define the nature of the study.
3. Avoid abbreviations and jargon known abbreviations such as AIDS, NATO, and so
on can be used in the title. However, other lesser-known or specific abbreviations and
jargon that would not be immediately familiar to the readers should be left out.

Prepared by: Analee S. Alverastine

Prepared by: Analee S. Alverastine