Practical Research Reviewer
1. Research
Research is a systematic investigation of a problem or question to discover new
information, verify existing knowledge, or solve problems using scientific and logical
procedures.
Purpose of Research:
To generate new knowledge
To solve real-life problems
To improve existing practices or systems
To support decision-making
2. Types of Research
A. According to Purpose
Basic (Pure) Research – aims to expand knowledge without immediate
application
Applied Research – aims to solve practical problems
B. According to Approach
Qualitative Research – focuses on meanings, experiences, and descriptions
Quantitative Research – focuses on numerical data and statistical analysis
Mixed Method Research – combines qualitative and quantitative approaches
3. Nature of Research
Research is:
Systematic – follows an organized process
Empirical – based on observation or experience
Logical – uses reasoning and critical thinking
Replicable – can be repeated by other researchers
Objective – free from personal bias
4. The Research Process
The research process involves the following steps:
1. Identifying the research problem
2. Reviewing related literature
3. Formulating research questions or hypotheses
4. Choosing research design and methodology
5. Collecting data
6. Analyzing and interpreting data
7. Drawing conclusions and recommendations
8. Writing and presenting the research report
5. Principles in Research Ethics
Research ethics ensure the protection of participants and the integrity of the study.
Key Ethical Principles:
Informed Consent – participants must voluntarily agree
Confidentiality – personal data must be protected
Anonymity – identities of participants are hidden
Non-maleficence – avoid harm to participants
Honesty and Integrity – no fabrication or falsification of data
Proper Citation – avoid plagiarism
6. Characteristics of Research
Good research is:
Objective
Systematic
Controlled
Critical
Empirical
Replicable
7. Qualitative and Quantitative Researches
A. Qualitative Research
Focuses on understanding meanings and experiences
Uses non-numerical data (words, images)
Answers "how" and "why" questions
Methods:
Interviews
Focus Group Discussions (FGD)
Observations
B. Quantitative Research
Focuses on numerical data and measurement
Uses statistics and mathematical analysis
Answers "how many" and "how much" questions
Methods:
Surveys
Experiments
Tests and questionnaires
8. Mixed Method Research
Mixed Method Research combines qualitative and quantitative approaches in a
single study.
Purpose:
To gain a more complete understanding of a problem
To validate findings using different data sources
Example: Using surveys (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative) in one study
9. Relevance of Qualitative Research
Qualitative research is important because it:
Explores human behavior and experiences deeply
Gives voice to participants
Helps understand social, cultural, and educational issues
Provides context and meaning behind numerical data
Is useful in policy-making and program development
10. Types of Qualitative Research
A. Phenomenological Research
Studies lived experiences of individuals
B. Ethnographic Research
Studies culture and social interactions of a group
C. Case Study
In-depth study of a specific individual, group, or situation
D. Grounded Theory
Develops theory based on collected data
E. Narrative Research
Focuses on personal stories and life experiences