RESEARCH NOTES SUMMARIZED FOR MIDTERMS

1. Characteristics of Research

Research is the scientific investigation of phenomena

Characteristics of Research

1. Empirical – Based on direct observation or experience of researcher

2. Logical – Based on legal principles and procedures in gathering of data
3. Cyclical – Starts with a problem and ends with a problem due to recommendations
4. Analytical – Utilizes proven analytical procedures in collecting data
5. Methodical – Research is conducted in an orderly manner without bias using
systematic procedures and techniques
6. Critical – Exhibits careful and exact judgment
7. Replicable – Research designs and procedures are replicated using different materials

The 7M’s

1. Manpower
2. Money – ROI (Return on Investment)
3. Materials
4. Methods
5. Machinery
6. Moment (Time)
7. Marketing

2. Problem Statement

A research problem is a question or concern that the research aims to address.

Factors to Consider if a Topic is Researchable

1. Existing in the locality but no known solution to the problem

2. Solution to the problem can be answered using statistical methods
3. Probable solutions but not yet tested
4. Phenomena requires scientific investigation
5. Serious need/problem

A Good Research Topic is SMART

1. Specific
2. Measurable
3. Achievable
4. Realistic
5. Time-bound

Sources of Research Problem

1. Specialization – do a topic you’re good at

2. Existing and past researches – replication of researches
3. Theses, dissertations, research journals – from recommendations
4. Problems met – real life applications
5. Creative ideas of researcher – interesting new ideas

Criteria of a Good Research Problem

1. Interesting – attracts attention

2. Relevant to government’s thrust – not illegal
3. Relevant to needs and problems of people – beneficial for everyone
 4. Innovative – new to attract attention and can be patented
5. Cost-effective – can augment people’s income
6. Inventive – new and unique, corresponding to socioeconomic needs
7. Return on investment – can gain money from research
8. Original – first of its kind in the world
9. Measurable – appropriate instrument and statistical treatment
10. Time-bound – can be completed within allotted time frame

3. Research Variables, Hypotheses

A variable is the quantity susceptible to fluctuation of value under different conditions

3 Main Types of Variables:

1. Independent (intervention) – the stimulus aka cause

2. Dependent (outcome) – the response or effect
3. Extraneous (other factors) – others that may affect the effect but are not the cause

Other Variables:

4. Moderator – special kind of independent variable to determine if it changes or modifies

relationship between dependent and independent variables
5. Control – effects can be neutralized by eliminating or removing this variable
6. Intervening – just like an extraneous variable, but it is intrinsic. If extraneous comes
from surrounding environment, intervening comes from inside the subject (composition,
thoughts, etc) if it may have an impact on the dependent variable

A hypothesis is a wise guess that is adopted to explain the observed facts covered by the study. It
guides the researcher in the procedure that is followed.

2 Types of Hypotheses:

1. Null Hypothesis – denial of existence of a trait. Variables are equal, hence there is no
difference ( H 0)
2. Alternative Hypothesis – affirmation of existence of observed phenomena in positive
form ( H 1)

4. Choosing Research Design

A research design is a framework of methods chosen by a researcher to combine various

components of research to efficiently handle the research problem. It provides insights on how to
conduct a research using a particular methodology.

A research design has...

1. Variables
2. Design Elements
3. Experimental vs Non-experimental

3 Main Design Elements

1. Manipulation - ability to influence or direct independent variable. Observational studies

do not have manipulation.
2. Control - ability to direct or influence extraneous variables and study measurements.
Retrospective studies do not have control.
3. Randomization - unbiased random subject assignment to each group (groups can be
experimental or control, aka researcher doesn’t choose the bad subjects for control and
good ones for experimental just to make good results). Quasi-experimental design does
not have randomization.
 Types of Research Design can be classified into…

1. Experimental - allows the researcher to identify cause and effect relationships between
variables and to distinguish natural effects from treatment effects.
2. Non-experimental - observes the phenomena as they occur naturally and no external
variables are introduced. Variables and setting are not manipulated or controlled. No
treatment.

Experimental Designs

1. True Experimental Design

2. Quasi-Experimental Design

TRUE QUASI
Have all three elements Have one or two elements
High scientific validity Moderate scientific validity
Controls for both time-related and group-related
Research can collect more data
threats
Based on Experiment, Variables Based on Theories
Absence of random assignment of subjects
Has randomization
to different conditions (lacks randomization)

Non-Experimental Designs

1. Survey – For quantitative description of trends, attitudes or opinion.

2. Correlational – Not cause effect, but how two relate naturally. Three types:
 Bivariate – Compare two variables and get a correlation coefficient
 Prediction – Shows how predictor variable predicts criterion variable
 Multiple Regression Prediction – All variables can contribute to the over-all
prediction in an equation that adds together the predictive power of each identified
variable.
3. Ex-Post Facto – Causal relationships; cause and effect
4. Comparative – Comparing and contrasting two or more samples of study subjects on
one or more variables, at a single point of time
5. Evaluative – Assessing to provide information and elicit useful feedback for decision
making or policy formulation
6. Methodological – Implementation of a variety of methodologies

Research Methods According to the Book

1. Historical – searching the past for solutions to contemporary problems

2. Descriptive – focuses on the present situation
3. Experimental – study of the future where the variables are carefully manipulated
4. Case study – problem-solving technique that studies past, present, future. It is an
extensive investigation of a particular unit (group, institution, community, etc)

5. Writing Research Titles

The research title or topic summarizes all the main points to be used in the study. It should present all
the variables in the study.

Examples:

1. Descriptive: PROBLEMS MET BY TEACHERS FOR LOW ACHIEVEMENT OF STUDENTS IN

NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT TEST (NAT) IN THE DIVISION OF MANDAUE
 2. Experimental: UTILIZATION AND COMMERCIALIZATION OF PINEAPPLE (ANANAS
COMOSUS) LEAVES WITH AND WITHOUT BANANA (MUSA SAPIENTIUM) PEELINGS
INTO PAPER BAGS
3. hehe good luck idk na

6. Criteria of a Good Literature/Source

A literature review is not an annotated bibliography. It develops an argument by summarizing (present

key information) and synthesis (reorganization of information). It is the justification of your research.

Types of Literature Review

1. Related Legal Basis – determines relevance of study to government’s thrusts.

Example: Orders, memoranda
2. Related Literature – written works collectively; any published written material.
Example: Magazines, novels, books with ISBN, poetry with ISSN
3. Related Studies – can be either foreign or local studies.
Example: Academic journals

Evaluating Literature

CRAAP Test

1. Currency – Timeliness of information

2. Relevance – Importance of information for your needs
3. Authority – Source of information
4. Accuracy – Reliability and truthfulness of the content
5. Purpose – The reason the research exists

Characteristics of the Review

1. The text of the review should be brief and to the point.

2. Have a plan on how you are to present the review.
3. Emphasize relatedness
4. Review the literature, don’t reproduce it.

Common Approaches to Organizing Lit Review

1. Chronological - present the development of a key trend and/or progressions and

changes in practices. Arrange by time.
2. Thematic - around particular topics/issues/theories. Arrange by topic.
3. Methodological - methodological or paradigmatic approaches to your material. Arrange
by methods.

7. Ethical Considerations

1. Institutional Research Council (IRC) - screen and evaluate researches that involve
human & animal subjects. Deals with minors, data privacy, etc. Found in schools.
2. Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) - must review and approve
the research procedures to be employed if animals are used in research. Found in
hospitals.
3. Institutional Review Board (IRB) - IRC of hospitals

Extras

A framework is gives a transparent explanation about the relationship of variables

CONCEPTUAL THEORETICAL
Constructs Abstract Concepts
Specific / Narrower Broad
 Proposal (Researcher makes) Designed & Accepted (Already exists)
Based on Experiment, Variables Based on Theories
Develop a theory Test theories
Sometimes developed from Theoretical Source