MODULE 1 TOPIC 1: DEFINITION AND CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

A. Definition of Research
 Research is a systematic and purposive scientific process of generating knowledge needed for
discovering, understanding, and communicating truth, systems, products, programs, and
processes for the improvement of the quality of human life, social order, and the environment
(Sampa, 2012)
 Research is a scientific investigation of a phenomena which includes collection presentation,
analysis and interpretation of facts that links an individual’s speculation of reality (Calmorin &
Calmorin, 2010)
 Kerlinger (as cited in Sevilla, Ochave, Punsalan, Regala, & Uriate,1992) defined scientific
research as a systematic, controlled, empirical, and critical investigation of hypothetical
propositions about the presumed relations among natural phenomena
B. Importance/Relevance of Research
1. Addresses gaps in knowledge and expands the same.
2. Validates theories in the different fields of specialization
3. Provides new ideas and insights to help improve practice and identify alternative courses
of action
4. Feeds information as basis for policy debates and formulation
5. Enhances organizational, analytical, writing and presentation skills of students
 Practically speaking research means:
a. a careerism for students;
b. promotion for professionals;
c. outlet for new ideas and insights for philosophers and thinkers;
d. development of new styles and creative work for literary men and women; and
e. generalizations of new theories for analysts and intellectuals.
C. Purposes/Aims of Research
1. Exploration. Very little may be known about some phenomena such as new types of
settings, practices, or groups. Here, the research question focuses on identifying salient
characteristics or features that merit further and more concerted examination in additional
studies.
2. Description. Often, research is initiated to carefully describe a phenomenon or problem
in terms of its structure, form, key ingredients, magnitude, and/or changes over time.
3. Prediction. Some questions seek to predict the occurrence of specific phenomena or
states on the basis of one or more other characteristics.
4. Explanation. It is possible to be able to predict the occurrence of a certain phenomenon
but not to know exactly why this relationship exists. In explanatory research, the aim is to
not only predict the out-come or state of interest but also understand the mechanisms
and processes that result in one variable causing another.
5. Evaluation. Questions of this nature focus on evaluating or judging the worth of
something, typically an intervention or program.
6. Replication. Some questions revolve around whether a demonstrated relationship
between two variables can be again found in different populations or different types of
settings.
7. Synthesis. Taking stock of what is known and what is not known is a major function of
research. "Summing-up" a body of prior research can take quantitative (e.g., meta-
analysis) and qualitative (narrative summaries) forms.
D. Characteristics and Qualities of a Good Research
1. Empirical- based on direct observation of reality; it rests on facts or data.
2. Systematic- based on valid procedures and principles; undertaken through series of
steps/stages
 3. Rigorous - exhibits accuracy and preciseness of the methodologies in the organization of
data.
4. Objective - observance of impartiality and disinterestedness of the researcher(s)
5. Verifiable- subject to reexamination for its validity and quality of its result.
6. Logical- uses the principles of logic in its conclusions and inferences.
7. Relevant- directed towards the solution of a problem.
E. Characteristics/Qualities of a Good Researcher

1. Honest/Responsible- never fabricate the data; accept weakness and limitations

2. Skeptic- adoption of questioning mind about the validity of the methods used and the
truthfulness of the results.
3. Open to Criticism- willing to accept suggestions for the improvement of method,
findings, and analysis.
4. Creative and Resourceful- ability to utilize and explore most appropriate combination of
approaches and methodologies for gathering data.
5. Logical- apply sound reasoning in the whole research process.
6. Objective- eliminates personal biases
7. Patient/Persistent- ability to deal with the difficulties;
unhurried activity