CHAPTER 1: MEANING AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

Qualitative research is one which provides insights and understanding of the

problem setting. It is an unstructured, exploratory research method that
studies highly complex phenomena that are impossible to elucidate with the
quantitative research. Although, it generates ideas or hypothesis for later
quantitative research.

Qualitative research is used to gain an in-depth understanding of human

behaviour, experience, attitudes, intentions, and motivations, on the basis of
observation and interpretation, to find out the way people think and feel. It is
a form of research in which the researcher gives more weight to the views of
the participants. Case study, grounded theory, ethnography, historical and
phenomenology are the types of qualitative research.

Key Differences Between Qualitative And Quantitative Research

The differences between qualitative and quantitative research are provided

can be drawn clearly on the following grounds:

1. Qualitative research is a method of inquiry that develops understanding

on human and social sciences, to find the way people think and feel. A
scientific and empirical research method that is used to generate
numerical data, by employing statistical, logical and mathematical
technique is called quantitative research.
2. Qualitative research is holistic in nature while quantitative research is
particularistic.
3. The qualitative research follows a subjective approach as the researcher
is intimately involved, whereas the approach of quantitative research is
objective, as the researcher is uninvolved and attempts to precise the
observations and analysis on the topic to answer the inquiry.
4. Qualitative research is exploratory. As opposed to quantitative research
which is conclusive.
5. The reasoning used to synthesise data in qualitative research is
inductive whereas in the case of quantitative research the reasoning is
deductive.
6. Qualitative research is based on purposive sampling, where a small
sample size is selected with a view to get a thorough understanding of
the target concept. On the other hand, quantitative research relies on
 random sampling; wherein a large representative sample is chosen in
order to extrapolate the results to the whole population.
7. Verbal data are collected in qualitative research. Conversely, in
quantitative research measurable data is gathered.
8. Inquiry in qualitative research is a process-oriented, which is not in the
case of quantitative research.
9. Elements used in the analysis of qualitative research are words, pictures,
and objects while that of quantitative research is numerical data.
10.Qualitative Research is conducted with the aim of exploring and
discovering ideas used in the ongoing processes. As opposed to
quantitative research the purpose is to examine cause and effect
relationship between variables.
11. Lastly, the methods used in qualitative research are in-depth interviews,
focus groups, etc. In contrast, the methods of conducting quantitative
research are structured interviews and observations.
12.Qualitative Research develops the initial understanding whereas
quantitative research recommends a final course of action.

  Meaning of Research
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.
  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, 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.
  Qualities of a Good Researcher
1.      Research-oriented
2.      Efficient
3.      Scientific
4.      Effective
5.      Active
6.      Resourceful
7.      Creative
8.      Honest
9.      Economical
10.  Religious
  Characteristics of the Researcher
1.      Intellectual Curiosity. A researcher undertakes a deep thinking and inquiry of the
things, and situations around him.
2.      Prudence. The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right time
and at the right place wisely, efficiently, and economically.
3.      Healthy Criticism. The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the
results.
4.      Intellectual Honesty. An intelligent researcher is honest to collect or gather data or
facts in order to arrive at honest results.
5.      Intellectual Creativity – A productive and resourceful investigator always creates new
researches.
  Values of Research to Man
1.      Research improves the quality of life.
2.      Research improves instruction.
3.      Research improves students’ achievement.
4.      Research improves teacher’s competence.
5.      Research satisfies man’s needs.
6.      Research reduces the burden of work.
7.      Research has deep-seated psychological aspects.
8.      Research improves the exportation of food products.
9.      Research responds to the economic recovery and austerity measure of the country.
10.  Research trains graduates to become responsive to the economic development of the
country and to compete globally.
  Types of Research
1.      Basic Research. This is also called as “fundamental research” or “pure research”. It
seeks to discover basic truths or principles.
Examples:
         Boyle’s Law
         Charles’ Law
         Archimedes’ Principle
         Hooke’s Law
         Newton’s Law
2.      Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of
scientific knowledge to the solution of a problem, such as a development of a new
system or procedure, new device, or new method in order to solve the problem.
3.      Developmental Research. This is a decision-oriented research involving the
application of the steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to
improve existing practices.
  Classification of Research
1.      Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific questions or
problems of the study are available.
2.      Field Research. Here, research is conducted in a natural setting.
3.      Laboratory Research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled conditions
by isolating the study in a thoroughly specified and equipped area. The purposes are:
(1) to test hypotheses derived from theory, (2) to control variance under research
conditions, and (3) to discover the relations between the dependent and the
independent.
THE VARIABLE
  Meaning of Variable
A variable is defined as a quantity susceptible of fluctuation or change in value or
magnitude under different conditions.
  Types of Variable
1.      Independent Variable. This is the stimulus variable which is chosen by the researcher
to determine the relationship to an observed phenomenon.
2.      Dependent Variable. This is the response variable which is observed and measured to
determine the effect of the independent variable.
3.      Moderator Variable. This is a secondary or special type of independent variable
chosen by the researcher to determine if it changes or modifies the relationship
between the independent and dependent variables.
4.      Control Variable. This is the variable that is controlled by the investigator in which
the effects can be neutralized by eliminating or removing the variable.
5.      Intervening Variable. This is a variable which interferes with the independent and
dependent variables, but its effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent
and dependent variables.
  Components of the research process
1.      Problem/ Objectives
2.      Hypotheses
3.      Theoretical/ Conceptual Framework
4.      Assumptions
5.      Review of Related Literature
6.      Research Design
7.      Data Collection
8.      Data Processing and Statistical Treatment
9.      Analysis and Interpretation
10.  Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations

Research ethics provides guidelines for the responsible conduct of research. In

addition, it educates and monitors scientists conducting research to ensure a high
ethical standard. The following is a general summary of some ethical principles:
Honesty:
Honestly report data, results, methods and procedures, and publication status. Do not
fabricate, falsify, or misrepresent data.
Objectivity:
Strive to avoid bias in experimental design, data analysis, data interpretation, peer
review, personnel decisions, grant writing, expert testimony, and other aspects of
research.
Integrity:
Keep your promises and agreements; act with sincerity; strive for consistency of
thought and action.
Carefulness:
Avoid careless errors and negligence; carefully and critically examine your own work
and the work of your peers. Keep good records of research activities.
Openness:
Share data, results, ideas, tools, resources. Be open to criticism and new ideas.
Respect for Intellectual Property:
Honor patents, copyrights, and other forms of intellectual property. Do not use
unpublished data, methods, or results without permission. Give credit where credit is
due. Never plagiarize.
Confidentiality:
Protect confidential communications, such as papers or grants submitted for
publication, personnel records, trade or military secrets, and patient records.
Responsible Publication:
Publish in order to advance research and scholarship, not to advance just your own
career. Avoid wasteful and duplicative publication.
Responsible Mentoring:
Help to educate, mentor, and advise students. Promote their welfare and allow them to
make their own decisions.
Respect for Colleagues:
Respect your colleagues and treat them fairly.
Social Responsibility:
Strive to promote social good and prevent or mitigate social harms through research,
public education, and advocacy.
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.
Competence:
Maintain and improve your own professional competence and expertise through lifelong
education and learning; take steps to promote competence in science as a whole.
Legality:
Know and obey relevant laws and institutional and governmental policies.
Animal Care:
Show proper respect and care for animals when using them in research. Do not conduct
unnecessary or poorly designed animal experiments.
Human Subjects Protection:
When conducting research on human subjects, minimize harms and risks and maximize
benefits; respect human dignity, privacy, and autonomy.

What are research misconducts?

(a) Fabrication - making up data or results and recording or reporting them.

(b) Falsification - manipulating research materials, or changing or omitting data or
results such that the research is not accurately represented in the research record.
(c) Plagiarism - the appropriation of another person's ideas, processes, results, or
words without giving appropriate credit.
(d) Research misconduct does not include honest error or differences of opinion.