INTRODUCTION

METHODS OF RESEARCH

LESSON 2:

KINDS AND CLASSIFICATION OF RESEARCH

There are many kinds of research which are classified according to their distinctive features. Some
of the classifications are as follows:
1. According to purpose. Trow identifies three (3) broadly different kinds of research, namely,
predictive, directive, and illuminative. (Treece and Treece Jr., p.5)

a. Predictive or prognostic research has the purpose of determining the future operation of the
variables under investigation with the aim of controlling or redirecting such for the better.
b. Directive research determines what should be done based on the findings. This is to remedy
an unsatisfactory condition if there is any.
c. Illuminative research is concerned with the interaction of the components of the variable being
investigated.
2. According to goal. According to goal, research may be classified as basic or pure research and
applied research.

a. Basic or pure research is done for the development of theories or principles. This is conducted
for the intellectual pleasure of learning. Much of this kind of research has been done in
psychology and sociology. (Manuel and Medel, p.18)
b. Applied research is the application of the results of pure research. This is testing the efficiency
of theories and principles.
3. According to the levels of investigation. French categorizes research according to the levels of
investigation into exploratory research, descriptive research, and experimental research.

a. In exploratory research, the researcher studies the variables pertinent to a specific situation.
b. In descriptive research, the researchers study the relationships of the variables.
c. In experimental research, the experimenter studies the effects of the variables on each other.
(Treece and Treece Jr., p.6)
4. According to the type of analysis. According to the type of analysis, Weiss classifies research into
analytic and holistic research.

a. In the analytic approach, the researcher’s attempts to identify and isolate the components of
the research situation.
 b. The holistic approach begins with the total situation, focusing attention on the system first and
then on its internal relationships. (Treece and Treece Jr., p.6)
5. According to scope. Under this category is action research. This type of research is done on a
very limited scope to solve a particular problem which is not so big. It is almost problem-solving.

6. According to choice of answers to problems. Ackoff divides research that is concerned with
finding answers to problems into evaluation and developmental research.

a. In evaluation research, all possible courses of action are specified and identified and the
researcher tries to find the most advantageous.
b. In developmental research, the focus is on finding or developing a more suitable instrument
or process than has been available. (Treece and Treece Jr., p.6)
7. According to statistical content. Quantitative and non-quantitative research may be mentioned
under this type.

a. Quantitative or statistical research is one in which inferential statistics are utilized to determine
the results of the study. Inferential statistics such as correlation, chi-square, analysis of
variance, etc. are used to test the hypothesis. This type of research usually includes
comparison studies, cause-and-effect relationships, etc.
b. Non-quantitative research is one in which the use of quantity or statistics is practically nil. This
is especially true in anthropological studies where description is usually used. Descriptive data
are gathered rather than quantitative data.
8. According to time element. This best classifies research as historical, descriptive, and
experimental.

a. Historical research describes what was.

b. Descriptive research describes what is.
c. Experimental research describes what will be. (Treece and Treece Jr., p.6)

THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD OF RESEARCH

One of the characteristics of good research is that, it is systematic. It follows the scientific method
of research which includes the following sequential steps: (Treece and Treece Jr., p.47)

1. Determining (recognizing) the problem;

2. Forming a hypothesis;
3. Doing the library research;
4. Designing the study;
5. Developing the instruments for collecting data;
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 6. Collecting the data;

7. Analyzing the data;

8. Determining implications and conclusions from the findings; and
9. Making recommendations for further research.
It should be borne in mind that the researcher goes through all the nine steps when he does his
research reports. If the standard format of thesis writing is followed, the first two steps will be included in
Chapter 1, “The Problem and Its Setting”; the third step will be in Chapter 2, “Related Literature and
Studies”; the fourth, fifth and sixth steps will be discussed in Chapter 3, “Methods of Research and
Procedures”, the seventh step will be presented in Chapter 4, “Analysis, Presentation, and Interpretation
of Data”; and the last two steps placed in Chapter 5, “Summary, Conclusions, and Recommendations”.

PRINCIPLES OF THE SCIENTIFIC METHOD (Ibid, p.50)

The principles of the scientific method are:

1. Rigid Control – this refers to the manipulation of the research variables. Variables are
those things that vary in quantity and quality which are to be manipulated by the
researcher.
2. Objectivity – means that there should be no bias or partiality in treating the results of the
inquiry. The results should not be tampered with, whatever they may be.
3. Systematic organization – reefers to the proper and accurate tabulation of data as well
as presenting them in statistical tables ready for interpretation.
4. Rigorous standards – refers to the setting up of standards or principles which serve as
basis for evaluating the findings of a study. Such standards should not be changed to suit
the expectations of the researcher. This also refer to the accurate statistical computation
and interpretation of quantified data.

DESIGNING THE STUDY

Designing the study must follow the scientific method of research. Aside from choosing the right
problem, forming the hypothesis, and library research, designing the study also includes deciding on the
method of research to be used, the study population, the instrument for gathering data and its preparation,
the sampling design, statistical treatment of data, and analysis and presentation of data.

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 There are three (3) major research methods with their respective variations from which the
researcher may choose the method he wants to use depending upon the nature of his investigation.
These are the historical, descriptive, and experimental methods of research.

Discussed and explained also are the different methods of collecting data such as the interview,
questionnaire, observation, tests, and others as well as the preparation of their respective instruments.

Sampling designs such as pure, systematic, stratified, cluster and other types are also well
elaborated on.

Other activities involved in conducting research inquiries and writing research reports are also
given clear explanations with illustrations for better understanding.

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