Thesis and Dissertation Seminar Dr. Maria Eliza P.

Cruz

Lecture 1: Introduction to Research

Writing

Learning Outcomes:

1. Gain understanding on the basics of research writing.

2. Apply such understanding in conceptualizing a thesis/ dissertation

proposal.

SOME NOTES ON
RESEARCH

• Sources of knowledge: method of intuition, method of reason, method of

authority, method of science • Research employs the method of science (Hoy,

2010).
• Characteristics of research: empirical, systematic, valid, reliable and can take a
variety of forms.
• Research is a process, and it should be conducted in such a way that is systematic
(Wiersma and Jurs, 2009)
• Research is a systematic process of collecting and analyzing data for some
purpose (Macmillan and Schumacher, 1997)
• Kerlinger and Lee (2000) define scientific research as a “systematic, controlled,
empirical, amoral, public and critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by
theory and hypotheses about the presumed relations among such phenomena.
• Research, as it is associated with scientific inquiry, uses the scientific method
which consists of a series of sequential steps.
• Although called the scientific method, it should not be confused with a specific
research method such as experimentation.
• Feuer, Towne and Shavelson (2002) defined scientific culture as a set of norms
and practices and an ethos of honesty , openness, and continuous reflection,

including how research quality is judged. • Five steps that characterize the

systematic nature of research:

 • Regardless of the form research takes or the ends to which it is directed, we want

research to be valid. • To be more specific, validity involves two concepts

simultaneously: internal and external validity. • When discussing validity, it is

appropriate to consider a related concept – reliability of research • Reliability also

involves two concepts simultaneously: internal and external

reliability.
Drawing
Reviewing Collecting data Analyzing data information Identifying the problem
conclusions
Thesis and Dissertation Seminar Dr. Maria Eliza P. Cruz

• Research has a variety of paradigms: positivist, post- positivist, constructionist,

transformative. • Classification of educational research: basic and applied, e.g. an

action research is classified as applied research • Basic and Applied Researches

could be quantitative or qualitative. • Contrasting Characteristics of Qualitative

and Quantitative Research

Qualitative Quantitative

Inductive Inquiry Deductive Inquiry

Understanding social phenomena Relationships, effects, causes

Atheoretical or grounded theory Theory- based

Holistic inquiry Focused on individual variables

Context- specific Context- free (generalization)

Observer- Participant Detached role of researcher

Narrative description Statistical analysis

• General methods of research: non- experimental quantitative research,

experimental research, quasi – experimental research, historical research,
 ethnographic research • The role of theories in explaining phenomena (through

conducting research) is universally acknowledged. • Sequential Patterns of

General Activities in Conducting a Research Study and the Relationship of Such

Activities to Existing Knowledge (Wiersman, 2009)
Thesis and Dissertation Seminar Dr. Maria Eliza P. Cruz

REFERENC
ES

American Educational Research Association (2012) <http://www.aera.net.> Accessed

on June 10, 2012

Aust, R., Kelley, M. J. & Roby, W. (1993). The use of hypereference and
conventional dictionaries. Educational Technology Research& Development,
41(4), 63–71.

Borg, W. R., Gall, J. P., & Gall, M. D. (1993). Applying educational research(3rd ed.).
New York: Longman. Hoy A. (2010) Quantitative Research in Education. Boston:
Pearson Ltd.

Wiersma, Jurs (2009) Research Methods in Education, An Introduction. Boston:

Pearson Ltd.

Matthews, M.R. (1994) Science Teaching: The Role of History and Philosophy of
Science. New York

McNiff Jean (2003). Action Research, Principles and Practice. RoutledgeFalmer,

New York

Millar, Robin et.al (2000). Improving Science Education, The Contribution of

Research, Open University Press.
Thesis and Dissertation Seminar Dr. Maria Eliza P. Cruz

Task Sheet One:

1. Having known that a research is scientific, systematic and empirical,

what do you think could be good sources of ideas for your research
proposal? 2. What research track do you intend to take for your research
writing? Qualitative or quantitative? Experimental or non- experimental?
Why do you think this is best fitted for your research? 3. Considering
your field or work context, how do you intend to use your research as a
tool for improvement? 4. Record a video of yourself (within one to two
minutes only) answering the aforesaid three questions and send it in my
email.