LESSON 1: The Importance of Research in Daily Life
What is Research?
1. Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection,
presentation, analysis and interpretation of facts that lines an individual ‘s speculation with reality.
2. Solutions to problems must be based on knowledge not on mere beliefs, guesses or theories.
3. In research a systematic and well-planned procedure is required to meet the need in order that
information is acquired and evaluate its accuracy and effectiveness.
4. It is a process of inquiring.
Nature of Inquiry. (Lichman,G.,2013)
1. Inquiry is defined as “a seeking for truth, information or knowledge”. It is a problem-solving
technique.
2. The information and data pursued through questioning begins with gathering by applying the
different human senses.
3. Individuals carry on the process of inquiry from birth till death.
4. Inquiry is synonymous with the word investigation.
Differentiate Inquiry from Research
Inquiry is a term that is synonymous with the word ‘investigation’. When you inquire or investigate, you
tend to ask questions to probe or examine something to request for truth, information, or knowledge.
Research is systematic and objective creation of knowledge systematic (with a system or method, the
scientific method), objective (no bias, all angles presented), knowledge creation (a creative process)
Importance of Research in Daily Life
1. Research directs us to inquire about the right information by conducting further investigation of
the actual condition. It leads us to be cautious in giving results and findings by proving lies and
supporting the truth.
2. Research empowers us with knowledge and discovers new things and issues in life. It helps us
solve problems in health, crimes, business, technology and environment.
3. Research facilitates learning as an opportunity to share valuable information to others as a way
of recognizing various concerns for public awareness.
LESSON 2: The Characteristics, Processes, and Ethics of Research
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.
3. Cyclical- Research is a cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
4. Analytical- Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, and experimental and case study.
5. Critical- Research exhibits careful and precise judgment.
6. Methodical- Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method and
procedures.
7. Replicability- The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the researcher
to arrive at valid and conclusive results.
The Seven Steps of the Research Process
Step 1. Define and develop your topic (Research Problem).
Factors to Consider in Selecting a Research Problem
1. Researcher‘s area of interest
2. Availability of funds
3. Investigator‘s ability and training
Step 2. Find background information about your chosen topic (Review of Related
Literature).
Step 3. Plan your research design including your sample (Methodology).
Step 4. Gather necessary data using open ended questions (for qualitative research) and closed-ended
questionnaire or paper pencil test questionnaire (for quantitative research) (Data Gathering Activities).
Step 5. Process and analyse data using thematic analysis (for qualitative research) and statistical tools (for
quantitative research).
Step 6. Formulate new insights gained (for qualitative research) conclusions (for quantitative research)
and recommendations.
Step 7. Define new problem.
Ethics in Research
1. Informed [Link] is required to secure in order protect the rights of the participants in your
study. Inform your participants about the criteria set for choosing them as informants and the schedule of
one-on-one interview at the convenient time they are available. Participation to the study will be
completely voluntary.
2. Honesty- It report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not fabricate,
falsify and misrepresent the data.
[Link]- Avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer review,
personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of research.
4. Integrity- Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of thought
and action.
5. Carefulness- Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your work and the
work of peers. Keep good records of research activities.
6. Openness-Share data, results, ideas, tools and resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
7. Respect for Intellectual Property- Honour patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade secrets and other
forms of intellectual property. Do not use published or unpublished data, methods, or results without
permission. Give credit where credit is due. Never plagiarize, fabricate and falsify.
8. Confidentiality- Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for
publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
9. Non-discrimination- Avoid discrimination against colleagues or students on the basis of sex, race,
ethnicity, or other factors that are not related to their scientific competence and integrity.
10. Legality- Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and government policies.
Rights of Research Participants
1. Human Rights- They are moral principles or norms that describe certain standards of human behaviour
and are regularly protected as natural and legal rights. They constitute a set of rights and duties
necessary for the protection of human dignity, inherent to all human beings.
2. Intellectual Property- It protects creations of the mind, which have both a moral and a commercial
value.
3. Copyright Infringement- It is the use or production of copyright-protected material without permission
of the copyright holder. Copyright infringement means that the rights accorded to the copyright
holder, such as the exclusive use of a work for a set period of time, are breached by a third party.
4. Voluntary Participation- People must not be coerced into participating in research process. Essentially,
this means that prospective research participants must be informed about the procedures and risks
involved in research and must give their consent to participate.
5. Anonymity- It is the protection of people’s identity through not disclosing their name or not exposing
their identity. It is a situation in data gathering activities in which informant’s name is not given nor
known.