ECO RES: Thesis Study Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION TO
RESEARCH
WHAT IS A RESEARCH?
Research comes from the root word “to search again”. It is
a systematic, organized, and scientific process of
collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to answer a
question or solve a problem.
Research is done not just to collect facts but to create new
knowledge, gain deeper understanding, or find better
solutions. It may involve observation, experimentation, and
logical reasoning.
WHAT IS A RESEARCH?
“If we knew what we were doing, it wouldn’t be called
research.” – Albert Einstein
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
RESEARCH
1. Controlled
• Research tries to control factors that are not related to
the study so results are reliable.
2. Rigorous
• Follows strict procedures to ensure quality and
accuracy.
• Each step is done carefully and properly.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
RESEARCH
3. Systematic
• Research is conducted in a logical order — from
identifying the problem to reporting results.
4. Valid and Verifiable
• Findings must be based on truth and can be checked
by others.
• Someone else doing the same process should find
similar results.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
RESEARCH
5. Reliable
• When repeated, the research should give consistent
results.
6. Empirical
• Based on real evidence like observations, experiments,
or data.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD
RESEARCH
7. Critical
• Research involves analyzing all possible factors and
reviewing everything carefully.
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
Research has many purposes. It may aim to:
1. Discover new knowledge or facts
2. Understand and analyze a phenomenon or problem
3. Find relationships between variables
4. Build or test theories
5. Predict future outcomes
OBJECTIVES OF RESEARCH
6. Solve real-world issues
7. Evaluate programs or systems
8. Improve methods, systems, or practices
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
A. Based on Application
1. Pure (Basic) Research
• Aims to expand general knowledge or develop theories.
• No immediate practical use is expected.
• Example: Studying how memory works in the brain.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
A. Based on Application
2. Applied Research
• Done to solve a specific, real-world problem.
• Results are directly useful for decision-making or
practice.
• Example: Researching how to improve internet speed
in rural areas.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
B. Based on Objectives
1. Descriptive Research
• Aims to describe a situation, event, or population
systematically.
• Answers questions like: What is happening? Who is
involved? What are the characteristics?
• Example: Employee attitudes toward management
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
B. Based on Objectives
2. Correlational Research
• Seeks to find whether there is a relationship or
association between two or more variables.
• It does not prove cause and effect but shows
connections.
• Example: Is there a link between time spent on social
media and academic performance?
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
B. Based on Objectives
3. Explanatory Research
• Goes deeper by explaining why or how things happen.
• Focuses on understanding cause-and-effect
relationships.
• Example: How does home environment influence
academic achievement?
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
B. Based on Objectives
4. Exploratory Research
• Conducted when there is little or no prior study on a
topic.
• Useful for identifying new problems or gaining a basic
understanding.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
B. Based on Objectives
4. Exploratory Research
• Often used to develop research questions for further
study.
• Example: Exploring the effects of a newly introduced
policy with no available data yet.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
C. Based on Inquiry Mode
1. Quantitative Research (Structured Approach)
• Focuses on measuring and quantifying data.
• Uses numbers, statistics, and structured instruments like
surveys.
• Best when the researcher wants to know: How many? How
much? What percentage?
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
C. Based on Inquiry Mode
1. Quantitative Research (Structured Approach)
• Features:
üPre-planned methods (objectives, sampling, tools)
üUses measurable variables (e.g., age, income, score)
üAllows comparison and generalization
• Example: What percentage of students prefer face-to-face
classes?
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
C. Based on Inquiry Mode
2. Qualitative Research (Unstructured Approach)
• Focuses on understanding meanings, emotions, and
experiences.
• Involves interviews, observations, and open-ended
questions.
• Best when the researcher wants to explore: Why? How?
CLASSIFICATIONS OF
RESEARCH
C. Based on Inquiry Mode
2. Qualitative Research (Unstructured Approach)
• Features:
üFlexible and open-ended
üDeals with subjective data (opinions, beliefs)
üFocuses on depth, not numbers
• Example: How do single mothers cope with raising children
alone?
BUSINESS RESEARCH VS.
THESIS STUDY
ASPECT BUSINESS RESEARCH THESIS STUDY
Purpose To solve business problems and help To study a research problem and
in decision-making. contribute new knowledge.
Focus Practical application in businesses Academic investigation of concepts,
and organizations. theories, and relationships.
Main “How can a business improve or solve “What factors affect a certain
Question a problem?” phenomenon?”
Scope Usually focused on a specific Usually broader and supported by
business, market, or industry. existing studies and theories.
BUSINESS RESEARCH VS.
THESIS STUDY
ASPECT BUSINESS RESEARCH THESIS STUDY
Methods Surveys, interviews, market analysis, Surveys, experiments, statistical
case studies, business data analysis. analysis, and other formal research
methods.
Output Business recommendations, Research paper with findings,
strategies, or solutions. conclusions, and recommendations.
Audience Business owners, managers, and Researchers, academicians, and
practitioners. students.
Example “Market Analysis of a New Food “The Relationship Between Financial
Topic Business in Tarlac City” Management Practices and Business
Performance of Micro Retailers”