METHODS OF

AGRICULTURAL
RESEARCH
GA 312
Chapter I. Nature and Characteristic of
Research
• Meaning of Research
• Characteristic of the Researcher
• Qualities of a Good Researcher
• Man’s Major Problems Demand Research
• Values of Research to Man
• Characteristic of Research
• Types of Research
• Classification of Research
• Meaning of Variable
• Type of Variable
• Components of the Research Process
Chapter II. Research Methodologies

2.1. Qualitative / Descriptive and Action Research

2.1.1. Social Survey / Questionnaires
2.1.2. Interview
2.1.3. Discussion Groups
2.1.4. Observations
2.1.5. Visual Technique
2.2. Quantitative – Basic
Experimental Designs
2.2.1. Quantitative Survey
2.2.2. Secondary Data Collection and Analysis
2.2.3. Statistical Analysis
Chapter III. Writing the Introduction

3.1. Introduction or Background of the study

3.1.1. Primary Research
3.1.2. Secondary Research
3.2. Writing an objectives or Statement of the
Problem
3.2.1. Objective of the Research
3.2.2. Extension Literature Review
3.2.3. Development of Working Hypothesis
3.2.4. Time and Place of the Study
 WHAT IS
RESEARCH?
Research
§ refer to activities such as defining, redefining, and

solving problems; observing and interpreting facts;

formulating hypothesis and testing them through

experiments; revising existing theories and laws; and

practically applying information already generated.

§ Re + search= search again

 Qualities of the Researcher
1. Intellectual Curiosity- researcher undertaken deep thinking and
inquiry of the things, problems and situations around him
2. Prudence- researcher is careful conduct his study at the right time and
at the right place wisely, efficiently and economically
3. Healthy Criticism- the researcher is always doubtful as to the
truthness of the results.
4. Intellectual Honestly- researcher is honest to collect or gather the
data or facts in order to arrive at honest results.
5. Intellectual Creativity- a resourceful investigator always creates new
researches.
Characteristic of the Researcher
R- Research Oriented
E- Efficient
S-Scientific (based in principle of science)
E-Effective
A- Analytical Thinker (
R-Resourceful
C-Creative
H- Honest
E- Economical
R-Religious
 Man’s Major Problems Demand Research
It includes:
• how to reduce his burden of work
• how to relieve suffering
• how to increase satisfaction in fulfilling his needs,
cravings and aspirations
 Values of Research to Man
[Link] Improves Quality of Life- to search for ways for improving
processes and means which man love and find interesting.
2. Research improves instruction- modern teacher introduces innovations
and integrates the 3Rs (rational thinking, right conduct and research) in all
subject areas in his teaching
[Link] improves student’s achievement- the student's achievement
could be improved the modern teacher keeps himself updated on issues
and trends about the modern methods and strategies in teaching.
[Link] improves teacher’s competence-research oriented teacher
always conduct research to improve his competence and produce
graduates who respond to the socioeconomic development of the country
and can compete with other graduates of the world.
[Link] satisfies man’s need- modern facilities that satisfy man’s need
are all product of research
6. Research reduces the burden of work
7. Research has deep-seated psychological aspects- it challenges
man to get rid of the danger of stagnation. It is open door to a better
tomorrow and its guides him in his efforts to obtain good results which
contribute to his satisfaction and self-fulfillment.
8. Research improves the exportation of food products- some
international research agencies provide financial support for the
researches in the Philippines
9. Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity
measures of the country- research outputs are converted to income
generating projects to train students to earn while they learn.
10. Research trains graduates to become responsive to the
economic development of the country and compete globally
 Characteristic of Research
[Link]- research is based on direct experience or observation
by the researcher.
[Link]- research is based on valid procedures and principles
[Link]- research starts with a problem and ends with a problem
[Link]- research utilizes proven analytical procedures in
gathering data, weather, historical, descriptive, experimental and
case study.
[Link]- research exhibits careful and precise judgement
[Link]- research is conducted in a methodical manner
without bias using systematic method and procedures
[Link]- research design and procedures are repeated to
enable the researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
3AS-
B/A
Exploratory Research
• When a researcher wants to deal with a new issue or try to begin a new research.
• The objective of such research is to formulate very precise questions that can
answer in future research.

Why we conduct Exploratory Research?

• Diagnose a situation
• Screening of alternatives
• Discover ideas
CATEGORIES OF EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
[Link] SURVEYS- ask knowledgeable individuals, about particular
research problem
[Link] study Method- Intensely investigates one or a few situations similar to the
problem, investigate in depth, careful, may require cooperation
[Link] studies- projective techniques, focus group interview, depth interview
EXPLORATORY RESEARCH
(Qualitative Research Methods)
•Depth Interviews- disadvantages
-Skilled interviewers are few and costly
-Data often difficult to analyze and interpret
-high cost usually results in small numbers.
•Focus groups- disadvantages- “The 5 M’s)
- Misuse
-Misjudge
-Messy
-Misinterpretation
 Analytical or Explanatory Research
• the researcher goes beyond merely describing the
characteristics, to analyze and explain why and how
something is happening.
• aims to understand phenomenon by discovering and
measuring casual relationship among them.
• the researcher has to use facts or information already
available, and analyze these to make critical of the
material.
 Predictive Research
• it is further by forecasting the likelihood of similar
situation occurring elsewhere.
• aims to generalize from the analysis by predicting
certain phenomenon on the basis of hypothesized,
general relationships.
• provides ‘how’, ‘why’ and ‘where’ answers to current
events as well as to similar events in the future
 Classification based on Process

1. QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
• it is based on the measurement of quantity or amount.
applicable to the phenomenon that can be expressed in
terms of quantity.
• This research can be further sub-divided into inferential,
experimental and simulation approach.
• The purpose of the INFERENTIAL APPROACH to
research is to form a data base from which to infer is
usually means survey research where a sample of
population is studied to determine its characteristics.
• EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH is characterized by much
greater control over the research environment and in
this case some variables are manipulated to observe
their effect on other variables. e.g. field experiment
• SIMULATION APPROACH involves the construct of an
artificial environment within which the relevant
information and data can be gathered. e.g. Climate
modeling, engineering system.
2. QUALITATIVE RESEARCH
• aims at discovering the underlying motives and desires
is concerned with subjective assessment of attitudes, opinions and
behavior. Research in such a situation is a function of researcher’s
insights and impression.
• e.g. Farmer’s perspectives on the impact of climate change on their
yields.
 Classification based on Outcome

1. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH/ BASIC RESEARCH/ PURE RESEARCH

• conducted primarily to improve our understanding of
general issues, without any emphasis on its immediate
application.
• aim is to make a contribution to knowledge, usually for
general good, rather than to solve a specific problem for
one generation
2. APPLIED RESEARCH
• applied research adapt the theories, developed through
fundamental research, to the solution of problems.
• aims at finding a solution for an immediate problem
facing by a society/institution/ business organization etc.
• it is generally concerned with generalizations and with
the formulation of theory
• e.g. facing a concrete social or business problems
(solution)
3. ACTION RESEARCH
• this is the form of research where researcher ‘interferes’ with or
changes deliberately what is being researched.
• is focused on the immediate application, not on the development
of theory, nor upon general application. It has placed its emphasis
on a problem, here and now, in a local setting
• attempts to apply the spirit of scientific methods to the solution
of problems in a particular setting, without any assumptions
about the general application of findings without any
assumptions about the general application of findings beyond the
situation studied.
 VARIABLES IN RESARCH
VARIABLES
• elements or factors that can be manipulated controlled,
or measured in research.
• it can take on different values and play a critical role in
hypothesis testing and data analysis.
• help researchers understand patterns, relationships
and causes and effect.
 TYPES OF
VARIABLES
SCALE MEASUREMENT
SCALE
MEASUREMENT- IS
HOW VARIABLES ARE
DEFINED AND
CATEGORISED
 2. Ordinal Scale: These scales are
1. Nominal Scale: This type of classification is somehow more precise than nominal scales.
e.g., ranks, order or merit position within the
made according to similarities and group or class for some quality,
differences observed for some characteristics or property or performance.
properties. It gives only the Example: Ranking of teams in a cricket match
series
nominal or minimum information about the • Indian team -first
individuals or objects. • Australian team-second
For example: • New Zealand - third
• South Africa- fourth etc.
a) What is your gender? Students ranking in a class
• Male • Student A - First
• Female • Student B - Second
• Student C - Third
b) What is the color of your hair? • Student D - Fourth
• Black • Student E - Fifth etc.
• Grey *In the above examples along with nominal
information, it includes scores
• Brown that reflect more i.e. quality or characteristics
*So in these situations, we only count the number of based on which the individuals/
cases in each category and objects are ordered. Statistics like median,
percentile and rank-order correlation
obtain the frequencies. Statistical technique ‘Mode’ is coefficient can be easily computed through
used in such cases. such data.
.
3. Interval Scale: This scale not only 4. Ratio Scale:
involves the characteristics of both nominal This is the highest
and ordinal scales but also points out the relative
qualitative and quantitative type of scale in
differences. terms of
*This scale has equal units of measurements but measurement.
does not possess true zero
as we cannot conclude that individual has zero For example:
intelligence, attitude, or self • height of the plant,
concept. This scale is mostly used in social height of the child
sciences i.e. education, psychology,
sociological studies etc. Mostly parametric and • Length of road
non-parametric tests can be • Width of table
employed in data analysis where data is * Application of
collected with an interval scale.
statistical Analysis
THANK YOU!