TOPIC 1: THE NATURE OF RESEARCH
Meaning of Research
- according to Calmorin may be defined as a scientific investigation
of phenomena which includes collecting, presentation, analysis,
and interpretation of facts that links man's speculation with reality.
According to Calderon and Gonzales as cited by the following:
- Good defines research as a "careful, critical, disciplined inquiry,
varying in techniques and method according to the nature and
conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification
of the resolution (or both) or a problem."
- Aquino said, Research is simply the systematic search for pertinent
informing on a specific topic or problem.
- Manuel and Medel said that research is the process of gathering
data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a
scientific manner.
PURPOSES OF RESEARCH (Aims, Objectives, Goals)
1. To discover new facts about known phenomena. Ex. Alcohol later on
may turn it into a kind of fuel equal to gasoline through research.
2. To find answers to problems which are only partially solved by
existing methods and information. Ex. Cancer is partially solved but later
on it might be cured because of continuous search for solution.
3. Improve existing techniques and develop new instruments or
products. Ex. Washing machines, computers.
4. To discover previously unrecognized substances and elements.
E.g. previously we had 92 elements only but due to research we have now
100 plus elements.
5. Discover pathways of action of known substances and elements.
E.g. because of research we already knew the dangers from abusive use of
drugs and some poisonous substances.
6. To order related, valid generalizations into systematized science.
E.g. because of research science subjects were developed and became
parts of the subjects taught in schools.
7. To provide a basis for decision making in business, industry,
education, government, and in other undertakings.
8. To satisfy curiosity. Ex. Edison was curious how a hen hatches an egg
and made a research on that and he invented an incubator.
9. To find answers to problems by means of scientific methods.
10. To acquire a better and deeper understanding about one
phenomenon that can be known and understood better.
11. To expand and/or verify existing knowledge. This usually happens
when the research is replicated.
CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH
1. Empirical - Research is based on direct experience or observation
by the researcher.
2. Logical - Research is based on valid procedures and principles.
Logical examinations on the procedures in conducting research were used
in order for the researcher to draw valid conclusions. 3. Cyclical - research
is a cyclical process, which means that it started with a problem and
ends with a problem.
4. Analytical - research utilizes proven analytical procedures in
gathering data. Ex. In Historical research-data gathered focus on the past.
While in descriptive research-data gathered focus on the present situation
Experimental research-focus on the future data
5. Replicability - the research design and procedures are replicated to
enable the researchers to arrive at a valid and conclusive result.
Similarities and differences of replicated research are compared.
6. Critical - research exhibits careful and precise judgment. This
measures the level of significance of the study at 1.0 percent to 5.0
percent or whether the hypothesis is accepted or rejected.
KINDS AND CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH
KINDS OF RESEARCH
1. Pure Research - is also known as the "basic research" or
"fundamental research". It aims to discover the basic truths or
principles.
Ex. Archimedes principle. Aristotle Archimedes discovered the "Law of
Bouyancy", which indicates that an object in a liquid will experience a
buoyant force just equal to the weight of the liquid displaced.
2. Applied Research - This research involves seeking new applications
of scientific knowledge to the solution of a problem. Ex. Development
of new procedures or systems, new devices, new methods to solve the
problem.
3. Action Research - This is decision oriented research involving the
applications of scientific methods in response to an immediate need
to improve existing practices.
CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH
1. Library Research - a research done in the library. Ex. Historical
research
2. Field Research - this conducted in the natural setting. This is
applicable to both descriptive and experimental research.
3. Laboratory Research - The research is conducted in artificial and
controlled conditions by isolating the study in a rigorously specified and
operationalized area.
RESEARCH PROCESS
1. Problem/Objectives
2. Theoretical/Conceptual Framework
3. Assumptions
4. Hypothesis
5. Review of Related Literature
6. Research Design
7. Data Collection
8. Data Processing & Statistical Treatment
9. Analysis and Interpretation
10. Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations
A research process starts with a research problem which the researcher
has identified as researchable and has implications to government thrusts.
Based on his identified major problem, he formulates the specific
problems/objectives of the study. He constructs a theoretical framework as
the basis for describing properly the relationships of variables to be used in
the study. He then states the assumptions clearly to provide the foundation
of the study. Using the specific problems as basis, he tests the hypotheses,
either Null (Ho) or alternative (H1), to have a scientific conclusion of the
study. The next step is to review literature and studies related to the
present study to determine the similarities and differences of the findings of
the past studies and to gain insights into the aspects of the problem that
are critical and controversial. Then he uses the most appropriate design in
his study. From his research design, he can decide the definite research
instrument for collecting data and these data are processed manually or by
machine, whichever is more economical and accurate, using the correct
statistical tools in order that a reasonable precise analysis and
interpretation of results can be attained. After the analysis and
interpretation of results, he finally summarizes the whole study, draws
conclusions based on the findings and hypotheses tested and makes
recommendations for further research. Such recommendations should go
hand in hand with the conclusion.
Theoretical Framework - it is a symbolic construction which uses
abstract concepts, facts or laws, variables and their relations that
explains and predicts how an observed phenomenon exists and
operates.
The theoretical framework should be limited in scope by
● Focusing on specific variables
● Stipulating the specific frame of mind or viewpoint that you need
to study
● Explaining and interpreting the data that will be gathered
● Understanding concepts & variables according to the given
definition
● Building knowledge by verifying and validating the theory
Conceptual Framework - refers to the discussions about the model or
paradigm used in the study.
Assumptions - are presumed to be true statements of facts related to
the research problem 13
Hypotheses - is a tentative conclusion or answer to a specific
question raised in the beginning of the investigation. It is a wise guess
that is formulated and temporarily adopted to explain the observed facts
covered by the study.
Two Types of Hypothesis
1. Null Hypothesis is a denial of an existence of an attribute relationship
or difference of an effect
Example: There is no significant difference on the mean rank levels of
the problems met by Science and Mathematics Professors at the State
Colleges and Universities Region 6.
2. Alternative/Operational Hypothesis is the opposite of null since it is an
affirmation of the existence of an observed phenomenon.
Example: There is a significant difference on the mean rank levels of the
problems met by Science and Mathematics Professors at the State
Colleges and Universities Region 6
VARIABLES
Variable - is defined as a quantity or a characteristic that has two or
more mutually exclusive values of properties. There is a saying that
"not two individuals are exactly alike and even identical twins are different.
Though twins have the same sex, their personality, character, attitudes,
values, skills, abilities and many other aspects are different. This sterns
from the fact that people are different. Since people are different, they have
different views and perceptions to certain things.
TYPES OF VARIABLES
1. Independent variable - this is a stimulus variable which is chosen by
the researcher to determine its relationship to an observed
phenomenon. This can be manipulated. Example: An investigator wants
to determine the Effect of NCEE percentile rank (independent variable) on
achievement (dependent variable).
2. Dependent variable - this is the response variable which is observed
and measured to determine the effect of the independent variable.
These changes due to varying independent variable.
3. Moderate variable - this is a secondary or special type of
independent variable chosen by the researcher to ascertain if it alters or
modifies the relationships between the independent and dependent
variable.
4. Control variable - a variable controlled by the researcher in which
the effects can be neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.
5. Intervening Variables - a variables which interferes with the
independent and dependent variable but its effect can site Strengthen as
weaken the independent or dependent variable