NAME: ______________________________________________
SECTION: ______________________
In this Module
Lesson 1: Basic Technicalities of Research
COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE
INTRODUCTION
Hi, student. Welcome to Module 1. In this
module, you will familiarize yourself with the
basic technicalities of research. This will
contain the concepts you needed to know
before you can start a research study. In
addition, through this module, I will be
expecting that you will be able to identify
problems within our school community, as one
of the requirements in starting a research study.
At the completion of Module 1, you should
be able to:
 discuss the basic technicalities of
research;
 identify the significant difference
between language research and other
generic researches;
 discuss the specific purposes of the
different types of researches; and
 identify problem situations in the
school, workplace, or community
where topics of research may be based;
ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 2
 Lesson BASIC TECHNICALITIES
1 OF RESEARCH
Objectives
 discuss the basic technicalities of research; and

 identify problem situations in the school, workplace,

or community where topics of research may be based

Introduction
Hi, student! Welcome to Module 1 - Lesson 1: Basic Technicalities of
Research. Working on a research project will obviously be a challenging and
rewarding experience, provided you put the best of your expertise and skill in
it. It is an opportunity that helps you to pursue an in-depth or deep original
study about any topic which interests you. The main aim of the goals is to
provide the best of the solution to some of the world problems and also to
enhance our knowledge. Moreover, the main purpose of research is to inform
action, to prove a theory, and contribute to developing knowledge in a field or
study.
Activity

Finding Problems

Look at the image below and briefly answer the questions that follow.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 3

 Finding Problems

Look at the image above and briefly answer the questions that follow. Limit
your answer in 3-5 sentences.

1. What is the problem in the image?

_______________________________________
2. Do we need to address this problem? If no, why? If yes, how?
___________________________________________________
3. What does research have to do with the problem you find in this
illustration?
___________________________________________________

Analysis

1. Is the problem of sentence structure worth studying for in

a language research?
_________________________________________
2. Guided by the problem illustrated above, what kind of
research method is suitable for the study?
______________________________________________
3. Is there a difference between the nature of a language
research and that of a research in other fields?
______________________________________________
4. What are the specific aims of a language research?
____________________________________________
5. What are the common types of a language research?
_____________________________________________
6. Identify whether the title of the language research below
is a qualitative, quantitative, or mixed method.
a. The Impact of Text Messaging: How Technology
Has Created a Linguistic Subculture

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 4

 b. Perceptions of First Year College Students Regarding
Technology and College Readiness
____________________________
c. EFL Teachers’ Internet Use in Language Instruction
__________________________

Abstraction

Jones and Bartlett define research as a systematic process based on the

scientific method that facilitates the identification of relationships and determination
of differences in order to answer question.
The Department of Education and Training of Western Sydney University also
defines research as the creation of new knowledge and the use of existing knowledge
in a new and creative way in order to generate new concepts, methodologies and
understandings. This could include synthesis and analysis of previous research to the
extent that it leads to new and creative outcomes.
Generally, research is a process of collecting, analyzing and interpreting
information to answer questions. But to qualify as research, the process must have
certain characteristics and these are systematic, controlled, rigorous, valid and
verifiable, empirical and critical.
This is true to language research except that it specifically covers both the
theoretical and practical aspects of linguistics and language education. Its purposes
are to present language in its entirety, including traditional modular compartments,
like phonetics, phonology, morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics and to
describe various research methodologies in language studies. It can also elaborate a
multidimensional perspective which exposes varied but relevant aspects of language,
like the cognitive, the psychological, the institutional aspects, as well as the social
shaping of linguistic convention and creativity.
Various kinds of language research have specific aims. Some of these are the
following:
● To describe systematically the facts and characteristics of a given population or
area of interest, factually and accurately;

● To investigate patterns and sequences of growth and / or change as a function of

time;

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 5

 ● To study intensively the background, current status, and environmental
interactions of a given social unit: an individual, group, institution, or
community;
● To investigate the extent to which variations in one factor correspond with
variations in one or more other factors based on correlation coefficients;
● To investigate possible cause-and-effect relationships by observing some
existing consequence and searching back through the data for plausible causal
factors;
● To investigate possible cause-and-effect relationships by exposing one or more
experimental groups to one or more treatment conditions and comparing the
results to one or more control groups not receiving the treatment;
● To approximate the conditions of the true experiment in a setting which does not
allow the low the control and / or manipulation of all relevant variables. The res
The researcher must clearly understand what compromises exist in the internal
and external and external validity of his design and proceed within these
limitations; and
● To develop new skills or new approaches and to solve problems with direct
application to the classroom or working world setting.
Nature of Research
 Research involves original work instead of a mere exercise of personal
opinion;
 it evolves from a genuine desire to know rather than a desire to prove
something;
 a systematic search for pertinent information or data on a specific topic and
problem; and
 it draws original conclusions based on relevant information.
Values of Research
1. Learning to do research teaches you how to recognise a problem and how to
go about solving it.
2. You learn more about your topic by writing a research paper than by learning
from a teacher.
3. You learn best by doing. Research requires active learning, not passive
listening.
4. Preparing a quality research paper teaches skills of observation, analysis,
synthesis, and judgement.

5. Writing a research paper will help you to develop character, especially

perseverance.
6. Writing a research paper will help you to cultivate good writing skills.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 6

Below are the common types of a language research:
Quantitative Qualitative Mixed Method
● This is a type of ● This is a type of ● This is a procedure for
educational educational collecting, analyzing,
research in which research in which and mixing both
the researcher the researcher quantitative and
decides who to relies on the views qualitative research and
study; asks of participants; methods in a single
specific, narrow asks broad, study to understand a
questions, general questions; research problem. To
collects collects data utilize this approach, a
quantifiable data consisting largely researcher must
from participants; of words (or text) understand both
(a large number from participants; quantitative and
of participants); describes and qualitative approaches
analyzes these analyzes these to research.
numbers using words for themes;
statistics; and and conducts the
conducts the inquiry in a
inquiry in an subjective, biased Examples
unbiased, manner.
objective manner. ● It generally - Interviews and
● It generally involves listening Questionnaires
attempts to to the participants’ - Performance Tests and
quantify variables voice and Observation
- Questionnaires and

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 7

 of interest and subjecting the data Follow up Focus
questions must be to analytic Groups
measurable. induction. - Document analysis,
● It generally ● It is more Performance Tests
involves explanatory in
collecting nature.
numerical data
that can be
subjected to Examples:
statistical - Historical
analysis. - Descriptive
- Cause and Field
Examples: - Case and Field

- Correlational
- Causal-
comparative or
“ex post facto”
- True
Experimental
- Quasi
Experimental
- Action

Illustrations are shown below to clearly visualize the difference.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 8

Essential Factors of Effective Research
1. Men- a researcher needs personnel to help him or her in the conduct of his or
her research.
2. Money- used in the expenses incurred in the conduct of the study.
3. Materials- used in the production of the research.
Characteristics of a Good Research
1. It is based on the work of others.
2. It can be replicated and doable .
3. It is generalisable to other settings.
4. It is based on some logical rationale and tied to theory. In a way that it has the
potential to suggest directions for future research.
5. It generates new questions or is cyclical in nature.
6. It is incremental.
7. It addresses directly or indirectly some real problem in the world.
8. It clearly states the variables or constructs to be examined.
9. Valid and verifiable such that whatever you conclude on the basis of your
findings is correct and can be verified by you and others.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 9

 10. The researcher is sincerely interested and/or invested in this research.
Difficulties Encountered in Research
1. Lack of scientific training in the methodology of research
2. Copying of data (Plagiarism)
3. Manipulation of data.
4. Lack of availability or access to literature needed.
5. The outlook of the researcher/research student
6. Lack of confidence to take up a new study especially explorative study.
7. Unavailability of permission to do research in specific centers
8. Research: a mere formality to fulfill course requirement
9. Publishing may be expensive
10. Lack of availability of sponsors
Qualifications of a Good Researcher
1. He should be a votary of truth, truth should be his goal.
2. He should be able to dispel prejudice. He should not conceive any pre-
conceived notion; rather he should maintain objectivity while gathering
information.
3. The researcher should be capable of gathering accurate and in-depth
information from the respondents.
4. The researcher should be a keen observer of the phenomena and should not be
complacent with approximates.
5. He should always maintain precision and must try to avoid unnecessary
details.
6. He must analyze and interpret the collected information with a positive spirit
and in the proper sense, notwithstanding his personal requirement or benefit.
7. As a scientific genius, the research investigator must be adequately sensitive to
difficulties “Where less gifted people pass by untroubled by doubt.”
8. He should be in possession of sufficient moral courage to face the difficult
situation and should not be discouraged due to non-cooperation of the
respondents or nature of the research problem under investigation.
9. The researcher should be able to utilize his time properly in a balanced
manner.
10. While making generalizations, the researcher must cautiously bear in mind
that there is no short cut to truth. Therefore he must wait to obtain complete
data and always eschew hasty statement. As a scientific man, says Karl
Pearson, he should strive at self-elimination in his judgment to provide an
argument which is true for each individual mind as for his own.
11. A good researcher is always apathetic to the approval or disapproval of
society. Rather, he should be bold enough to present his findings of research to
the society, notwithstanding its disapproval.

12. The researcher should be conceptually clear. He should use the terms
uniformly and appropriately. Otherwise, his whole exercise will be defective.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 10

 13. The researcher should not only be careful in selecting the research tools but
also properly trained so as to use these tools to procure reliable and valid data.
14. The researcher should also develop proper communicative skill and the ability
to establish rapport with the respondents so as to elicit proper response.

15. Knowledge in the language of the respondents will be of immense help for the
researcher. This will enable him not only to communicate the questions
properly but also to cognize the responses properly.

16. Awareness of the possible drawbacks and shortcomings of research is very

essential on the part of a good researcher. By knowing it before, the researcher
may try to minimize such problems, although it is well high impossible to
claim complete perfection of a research work.

17. A good researcher will always be well behaved and well clad. These qualities
will attract the respondents towards him; sufficiently motivate them to produce
necessary information required for the purpose of research.

Application

Instructions: Now that you have recognized and understood the basic
technicalities of research, you are tasked to identify 3 problem
situations in school particularly in the field of language. Explain
briefly why it has become a problem. (5 points per item)

PROBLEM SITUATION EXPLANATION

1.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 11

 2.

2.

Closure

Congratulations! You have successfully completed the first lesson of the

Module 1. Always remember that through detailed research, you will develop critical
thinking expertise, as well as effective analytical, research, and communication skills
that are globally sought-after and incredibly beneficial. Ultimately, research is
essential to economic and social development of our globalized society, forming the
foundations governmental policies around the world, making an impact in the field of
education.
Hats-off! You have just finished the Module 1. You are now ready
for Module 2. Good luck!

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 12

 Module Summary

MODULE 1 LEARNING KEY POINTS

 Research is a process of systematic inquiry that entails collection of data;

documentation of critical information; and analysis and interpretation of that
data/information, in accordance with suitable methodologies set by specific
professional fields and academic disciplines.

 Language research covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of linguistics
and language education. Its purposes are to present language in its entirety,
including traditional modular compartments, like phonetics, phonology,
morphology, syntax, semantics, and pragmatics and to describe various research
methodologies in language studies.

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 13

 Module Assessment
Instructions: In 5-10 sentences, answer the questions substantially. You will be graded
through a rubric.
1. Explain the importance of research in the field of education and in the 21st
century.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

2. As a student-researcher, how will you face the challenges at your hand while
doing the research?
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

3. What are the impacts of doing a language research in the community? Explain.
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 14

 _______________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________

[Type a quote from the document

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 15

 References

Fischler, A. (2020). Mixed methods. NOVA Southeastern University. Retrieved from

https://bit.ly/313nXMy.
Guide2Research (2014). Top 10 Qualities of Good Academic Research. Retrieved
from http://www.guide2research.com/tutorials/top-10-qualities-of-good-
academic-research
Hampshire College (2020). What is Research? Retrieved from
https://www.hampshire.edu/dof/what-is-research
Jones, S. (2017). The mixed method in research design. Retrieved from
https://bit.ly/30i6jFH.
Jones & Bartlett Learning (2012). Overview of the research process. Retrieved from
http://samples.jbpub.com/9781449627843/Chapter1.pdf.
Language Research Method (2007). Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2ZZI1Qz.
Muhartoyo, M. (2007) Introduction to research methodologies in language studies.
Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2X0LtIJ.
Nielsen, M. (2004). Principles of Effective Research. Retrieved from
http://michaelnielsen.org/blog/principles-of-effective-research/
Qualitative and Quantitative Research: Definition, Types, Methods and Examples.
(n.d.) Retrieved from https://bit.ly/2XgpGga
University of Skovde (2016). The importance of research and its impact on education.
Retrieved from https://www.studyinternational.com/news/the-importance-
of-research-and-its-impact-on-education/
Upadhyay, N. (2007). Engaging with educational research. Retrieved from
https://www.imperial.ac.uk/education-research/resources/educational-
research-methods/nature-research/
Western Sydney University (2020). Definition of Research. Retrieved from
https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/research/researchers/preparing_a_grant_ap
plication/dest_definition_of_research

COMPOSTELA VALLEY STATE COLLEGE ELE 29- LANGUAGE RESEARCH 1 16