Practical Research: Inquiry and Investigation
Lesson 1: Nature of Inquiry and Research
Inquiry and Research Defined
Inquiry: The act of asking questions.
Research: The systematic investigation of questions to discover facts and gain understanding. It is a
continuous process that begins at birth.
Types of Research
Basic Research: Aims to generate new information and expand knowledge.
Applied Research: Aims to apply existing knowledge to solve real-world problems.
Aims of Research (C-I-V-U)
1. Create new knowledge: To discover new facts, theories, or principles.
2. Improve researcher: To enhance the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking abilities of the researcher.
3. Validate knowledge: To confirm or refute existing knowledge and theories.
4. Utilize knowledge: To apply research findings to practical situations and solve problems.
Characteristics of Research
Objectivity: Research should be free from bias and personal opinions.
Reliability: Consistent results when repeated under the same conditions.
Validity: Measures what it intends to measure; alignment with the target.
Replicability: The study can be repeated by other researchers with different samples/subjects.
Large Sample Size: Often uses a large number of participants for generalizability.
Concise: Clear and to the point.
Faster and Generalized Data Analysis: Due to quantitative nature.
Fast and Easy Data Gathering: Depending on the research design.
Reliable Data: Data collected should be accurate and trustworthy.
High Replicability: The study can be reproduced by others.
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Quantitative Research Designs
Experimental Research: Involves manipulation of variables to determine cause-and-effect
relationships.
True Experimental:
Most effective for cause-and-effect.
Involves random assignment of participants.
Minimizes bias.
Quasi-Experimental:
Prone to bias.
Uses purposive selection of participants.
Cannot definitively determine cause-and-effect relationships.
Non-Experimental Research: Does not involve manipulation or control of variables.
Descriptive: Simplest form; describes observed phenomena without a hypothesis.
Comparative: Compares different groups of variables.
Correlational: Examines the degree of relationship between variables, not causation.
Survey: Describes behaviors, opinions, views, and preferences.
Ex Post Facto: Investigates possible causes of an existing phenomenon by looking at past
events and present conditions.
Importance of Research in Different Fields
Social Science: Understanding human behavior, society, and social issues.
Natural and Physical Sciences: Developing new products, treatments, and energy sources.
Agriculture and Fisheries: Improving crop yields, protecting livestock, and enhancing food
production.
Sports: Enhancing athletic performance.
Business: Developing marketability and marketing strategies.
Arts and Design: Exploring color, architectural space, and multimedia applications.
Environmental Science: Understanding the causes and effects of environmental changes like climate
change.
Types of Variables
Variable: A measurable and observable trait of people, communities, or populations. It is the
foundation of data collection and analysis.
Independent Variable (IV): The presumed cause; the input; the variable that is manipulated.
Dependent Variable (DV): The presumed effect; the output; the variable that changes in response to
the IV.
Extraneous Variable: An external factor that may disturb the results of the dependent variable.
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Placebo Effect: A response to a treatment that is not biologically active, due to the belief in the
treatment.
Levels of Statistical Data
1. Nominal: Data that can only be categorized (e.g., gender, color).
2. Ordinal: Data that can be categorized and ordered (e.g., ranking, satisfaction levels).
3. Interval: Data that can be ordered and has equal intervals between values, but no true zero (e.g.,
temperature in Celsius/Fahrenheit).
4. Ratio: Data that has order, equal intervals, and a true zero point (e.g., height, weight, age).
Crafting Clear, Focused, and Impactful Research Titles
Characteristics of a Good Research Title
1. Descriptive and Specific: Clearly conveys the study's focus and main findings without being vague.
Example: "The Impact of Social Media Use on Academic Performance of Senior High School
Students."
2. Concise: Avoids unnecessary words; keeps the title clear and to the point.
Example: "Effect of Study Habits on Student Achievement."
3. Informative: Includes relevant information about the topic, research method, or population studied.
Example: "A Descriptive Study on the Reading Comprehension Skills of Grade 10 Students in
Public Schools."
4. Attention-Grabbing: Uses engaging language to make the title stand out.
Example: "Breaking the Cycle: Exploring Resilience Factors Among At-Risk Youth."
5. Keyword-Rich: Uses relevant terms to improve searchability and visibility.
Types of Research Titles
Descriptive Title: States the topic and variables without a specific finding.
Example: "Social Media Use and Anxiety Among College Students."
Declarative Title: States the main result or conclusion of the study.
Example: "Increased Social Media Use Correlates with Higher Anxiety Levels in College
Students."
Interrogative Title: Poses a question to attract interest and suggest the research's purpose.
Example: "Does Social Media Use Contribute to Anxiety in College Students?"
Compound Title: Uses a main title and subtitle to clarify the study's focus.
Example: "Social Media and Mental Health: Exploring the Link Between Usage and Anxiety
Among College Students."
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Tips in Writing an Effective Research Title
1. Specify the Problem: Clearly identify the core issue being addressed.
2. Formulate a Hypothesis: State a testable prediction.
3. Determine Independent and Dependent Variables: Identify the presumed cause and effect.
4. Select the Subject: Define the population or sample being studied.
5. Decide on the Specific Type of Research: Choose the appropriate design (e.g., experimental,
correlational).
6. Conduct the Experiment/Gather Data: Implement the research plan.
7. Collect, Analyze, and Interpret Results: Draw conclusions from the data.
8. Use Accurate Description: Avoid general terms; be specific about the subject and scope.
9. Include Main Variables: Clearly state the independent and dependent variables.
Example: "Effect of Study Habits (IV) on Academic Performance (DV) Among Grade 11 Students."
10. Do Not Use Abbreviations (Except Common Ones): Use full terms instead (e.g., "Social Media Use"
instead of "SMU").
11. Avoid Phrases Like "The Study Of": These lengthen the title unnecessarily.
12. Do Not Indicate the Year of Study: Unless it's a historical study.
13. Proper Grammar and Punctuation: Ensure accuracy in spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
14. Concise Length: Aim for 12-15 words, depending on institutional guidelines.
15. Write Scientific Names Properly: Use correct binomial nomenclature (e.g., Mangifera indica).
16. Reflect the Tone: The title should be academic, not casual or humorous.
ISEF Forms and Research Logbook
International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) Forms
ISEF requires specific forms to be completed before and after experimentation to ensure integrity, inquiry,
innovation, and impact.
Before Experimentation
Form 1 (Checklist for Adult Sponsor): For the adult sponsor to review required information.
Form 1A (Student Checklist & Research Plan): Details project plan, experimental start/end dates,
and requires an attached research plan.
Form 1B (Approval Form): Attests to the approval and consent of relevant parties (student,
parent/guardian, and potentially others).
Form 1C (Regulated Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form): Completed if research is
done in such a setting.
Form 2A (Student Support Disclosure): If applicable, details support provided to the student.
Form 2B (Qualified Scientist Form): Completed by a Qualified Scientist who will oversee the project.
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Form 3 (Risk Assessment Form): Required for projects using hazardous chemicals, biological agents,
or involving decomposition.
Form 4 (Human Participants Form): Details how the safety, well-being, and confidentiality of human
subjects will be ensured.
Form 5A (Vertebrate Animals Form): For experiments involving vertebrate animals at a non-
regulated site.
Form 5B (Vertebrate Animals Form): For experiments involving vertebrate animals at a regulated
research institution.
Form 6A (Potentially Hazardous Biological Agents Form): For research involving microorganisms,
rDNA, tissues, blood, etc.
Form 6B (Human and Vertebrate Tissue Form): Explains the source and handling of tissue samples.
After Experimentation
Form 1C (Regulated Research Institution - Final): Completed after the project is finished if done in
a research institution.
Form 5B (if applicable): May be required depending on the nature of the animal research.
Form 7 (Continuation Progress Report): For projects that are continuations of previous research,
explaining how the current project differs.
Abstract Form: A summary of the study.
Research Paper: Includes Introduction, Methodology, Results, Discussion, Conclusion,
Recommendations, and References.
Research Poster/Display Board: Visual presentation of the study.
Data Logbook (Project Data Logbook)
The logbook is a detailed and permanent record of every phase of the research project.
Logbook Components
Front Cover: Student's name, address, contact number, school, and teacher's name.
Table of Contents: On the first blank page.
Numbered Pages: All remaining pages should be numbered.
Labels: To separate sections.
Data Logbook Sections
Deadline Schedule: To keep track of due dates.
Background Research: Notes from literature review, with proper citations.
Problem Statement: Research questions written in statement form.
Hypothesis: An educated guess to the research question.
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Experimental Set-up: Detailed description of how the experiment was arranged.
Materials: A specific and detailed list of all materials needed.
Procedures: A numbered, step-by-step list of all actions taken in the experiment.
Variables: Identification of Independent (IV), Dependent (DV), and control variables.
Data Collection: Detailed observations made throughout the experiment.
Results: A summary of organized data, including charts and graphs.
Analysis/Conclusion: Discussion of the experiment's outcomes.
Reflections: Suggestions for improvement or future research directions.
Additional Tips for Data Logbook
Use permanent ink.
Number all pages.
Include the date and time for each entry.
Record raw data; do not summarize results.
Document all trials, even failed ones.
Attach supporting documents (photos, etc.).
Cross out mistakes with a single line so the original entry remains legible.
Research Framework, Statement of the Problem, and Hypothesis
Research Framework
A research framework illustrates the structure or blueprint of the research plan, helping to formulate
relevant research questions.
Types of Research Frameworks
Conceptual Framework: A graphical representation of concepts, ideas, and their relationships within
a study. It is specific to the study and developed during the planning phase.
Input-Process-Output (IPO) Model: Shows the inputs (independent variables), the process
(methods, instruments), and the output (findings).
Independent Variable - Dependent Variable (IV-DV) Model: Directly illustrates the presumed
cause-and-effect relationship.
Theoretical Framework: Anchors the study on existing, time-tested theories that relate the research
findings to established knowledge. It is broader and can be used in multiple studies.
Components of a Conceptual Framework
Independent Variable (IV): The presumed cause.
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Dependent Variable (DV): The presumed effect.
Mediating Variable: Influences the strength or direction of the connection between IV and DV.
Moderating Variable: Affects the relationship between IV and DV.
Control Variable: Influences the DV but is held constant to examine the effect of the IV.
Statement of the Problem
The core of the research study, composed of specific, clear, and logically arranged questions about the
research problem.
Components of the Statement of the Problem
General Research Problem: A broad statement of the issue.
Specific Research Questions: Detailed questions derived from the general problem that guide the
study. These should be feasible, clear, significant, and ethical.
Example: "This study aimed to determine the effect of different organic fertilizers on the growth of mung
bean plants. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions:
1. What is the average plant height of mung bean treated with: 1.1.1 compost fertilizer; 2.1.2 banana
peel fertilizer; and 3.1.3 vermicompost?
2. What is the average number of leaves produced by mung bean plants under each fertilizer treatment?
3. Is there a significant difference in the growth of mung bean plants when treated with different organic
fertilizers?
4. Which fertilizer treatment produces the greatest plant growth?"
Scope and Delimitations of the Study
Scope: Defines the specific variables, boundaries, and focus of the study (where, when, who, how, and
the purpose).
Delimitations: Explains why specific choices were made and what was excluded from the study.
Components of Scope and Delimitation
Topic: The subject of the research.
Objectives: The goals of the study.
Time Frame: The period during which the study is conducted.
Locale: The location of the study.
Respondents: The characteristics of the participants.
Methods: The research instruments and procedures used.
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Hypothesis
Hypotheses are predictions about the expected relationships among variables. They are tentative, testable
explanations or "educated guesses" for a research question, supported by existing theories and knowledge.
Types of Hypotheses
Null Hypothesis (H0 ): States that there is no relationship or difference between or among the
variables of the study.
Example: "There is no significant difference in the academic achievement between Senior High
School learners of Laguna Science Integrated High School who had online learning and those
who had modular learning."
Alternative Hypothesis (Ha or H1 ): States that a relationship or difference exists between or among
the variables of a study.
Example: "There is a significant difference in the academic achievement between Senior High
School learners of Laguna Science Integrated High School who had online learning and those
who had modular learning."
Guidelines in Formulating a Hypothesis
1. Research Thoroughly: Base hypotheses on extensive research and previous studies.
2. Include Variables: Both independent and dependent variables must be present.
3. Reflect Relationship: Clearly indicate how the independent variable is expected to affect the
dependent variable.
4. Simple and Specific: Avoid vagueness and complexity for clarity.
5. Concise and Clear Language: Use straightforward language to prevent misunderstandings.
6. Testable: Must be investigable and measurable through scientific methods.
7. Falsifiable: Can be proven wrong through experiments or empirical data.
Definition of Terms
Types of Definitions
Theoretical Definition: The generally agreed-upon definition within the academic community, often
found in books and journals.
Conceptual Definition: Relates to the specific ideas and concepts within the study.
Operational Definition: Defines how a term is specifically measured, observed, or used within the
context of this particular study.
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Guidelines in Writing the Definition of Terms
1. Define Special Terms: Only define terms with unique or special meanings in the study.
2. Operationalize Terms: Define terms based on how they are used and measured in the study.
3. Develop Own Definitions: Create definitions based on the characteristics of the term as observed in
the study.
4. Acknowledge Sources: If definitions are taken from external sources (books, journals, websites),
properly cite them.
5. Brief, Clear, Indisputable: Definitions should be concise and unambiguous.
6. Spell Out Acronyms: Fully explain acronyms, especially if not commonly known or used for the first
time.
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