The Meaning and Nature of Research

Research is one of the more interesting and thought provoking activities conducted by men and women of
scientific minds basically designed to find solution to a problem. It is one of the most challenging tasks
performed by students who are enrolled in thesis or dissertation writing class purposely to satisfy the
requirements of the course. It gives the writer a wide opportunity to get involved in a meaningful task for a
worthwhile accomplishment and productive results.

Research could be classified into two major categories, namely: basic or pure research and applied research.
Research which is done to discover new knowledge, truth, principle or law is called the basic or pure
research. It can also be done to discover something with practical used called Applied research.

Research could be used in different field of studies, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sociology, Psychology,
Education, Industry, Anthropology, and other related areas. They are classified accordingly as Biological
Research, Chemical Research, Physical Research, Sociological Research, Psychological Research,
Educational Research, Industrial Research, Anthropological Research, among others.

Research literally means “to investigate again,” since, it comes from the word re: which means again and search,
which mean to find or investigate. Several authors have made an attempt to define the terms as follows:

Research is defined as the scientific investigation of phenomena which includes collection, presentation,
analysis and interpretation of facts that links an individual’s speculation with reality. In other words,
research is the systematic study of trend or event which involves careful collection, presentation, analysis,
and interpretation of quantitative data or facts that relates man’s thinking with reality. (Calmorin, 2007)

1) A scientific process of critical selection of data, investigation and analysis of such to gain new
knowledge or to complement an existing one. (Martinez, 1988)

2) Is a systematic, controlled, empirical and critical investigation of hypothetical propositions about the
presumed relations among natural phenomena. (Kerlinger, 1973)

3) Is a careful, critical, disciplined inquiry varying in technique and method according to the nature
and conditions of the problem identified, directed toward the clarification or resolution (or both) of a
problem (Good, 1972)

4) The systematic search for pertinent information on a specific topic or problem. After a careful,
systematic search for pertinent information or data on a specific topic or problem, and after the
research worker has analyzed and interpreted the data, he eventually faces another essential task
– that of preparing the research report (Aquino, 1974)

5) The process of gathering data or information to solve a particular or specific problem in a scientific
manner (Manuel and Medel, 1976)

6) A systematic study or investigation of something for the purpose of answering questions posed by
the researcher (Parel, 1980)

7) It is an investigation conducted to find new facts and gather information (Webster, 1986)

8) It is systematic investigation purposely to answer question (Treece, et al. 1977)

 9) It is the results of a careful investigation of some chosen topics. In science, it is the report of the
result of experiment (Hook, 1962).

10) It is an investigation undertaken to discover facts and reach conclusion through scientific inquiry
(Brown, 1993).

11) It is a diligent and systematic inquiry into a subject in order to discover facts (Stein,. 1966)

12) It is the systematic investigation in order to establish facts and reach new conclusion (Oxford,
1996)

Characteristics of Good Research (Calmorin, 2007)

1. Empirical - Research is based on direct experiences or observation by the researcher. The

collection of data relies on practical experience without giving consideration to scientific knowledge
or theory.

2. Logical - Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific study is done in an
orderly manner so that the investigator has confidence on the results. Systematic examination of
the procedures used in the research enable the investigator to draw valid conclusions. Thus, the
logic of valid research makes it important for decision making.

3. Cyclical - Research is cyclical process because it starts with a problem and ends with a problem.
For instance, an investigator who completed his study states his findings and draws up his
conclusions and recommendations. In his recommendations, several studies may be conducted,
hence is cyclical.

4. Analytical - Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data, whether historical,
descriptive, experimental and case study. In historical, the data gathered focus in the past; in
descriptive research, the study focuses on the present situation; experimental, future, and case
study, past, present, and future.

5. Critical - Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. A higher level of confidence must be
established. For instance, 1.0 percent or 5.0 percent level of confidence may be scientifically
utilized to test the research hypothesis. Based on these levels of confidence, the investigator is
confidently precise in his interpretations on whether the results are significant or insignificant, or
whether to reject or accept the null hypothesis.

6. Methodical - Research is conducted in a methodical manner without bias using systematic method
and procedures. For instance, if the researcher’s study is experimental research with two variable,
control and experimental groups or two experimental groups, hence, he uses two-group design,; if
three or more variable, parallel-group design.
7. Replicability - The research design and procedures are replicated or repeated to enable the
researcher to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of replicated
researches can be compared. The more replications of researches, the more valid and conclusive
results would be. Replicability of the study means using the same instrument, method and
procedure but different subjects and venue.

Crawford as cited by Aquino (2004) summarized the following characteristics of a good research.
 1. Research is systematic - It follows an orderly and sequential procedure that leads to the
discovery of truth, solution of a problem, or whatever is aimed to be discovered.

2. Research is controlled -All variables except those that are tested or being experimented upon
are kept constant (not allowed to change or vary) so that the changes made on the subjects of the
study can be attributed only to the experimental variable. This is especially true in an experimental
research.

3. Research is empirical - All the procedures employed and the data gathered are perceived in
the same manner by all observers. For instance, one says that there are five persons in the room,
all agree to the existence of the five persons. However, if one says that there are five ghosts in the
room, one or none at all may believe it because
all people believe in ghosts. Ghosts are examples of data that are not empirical.

4. Research is analytical - There is a critical analysis of all the data used so that there is no
error in their interpretation.

5. Research is objective, unbiased and logical - All the findings and conclusions are logically based
on empirical data no effort is made to alter the results of the research.

6. Research employs hypothesis - This is to guide the investigation process. In experimental

studies, hypotheses are expressly stated but in descriptive studies, the specific sub-problems or
specific question serve as the hypothesis and the hypotheses are tested and not proved.

7. Research employs quantitative or statistical methods. - Data are transformed into numerical
measures and are treated statistically to determine their significance or usefulness.

8. Research is original work - Except in historical research, data are gathered from primary sources
or first hand sources and not from secondary sources (usually printed materials such as books, or
theses, etc.0

9. Research is done by an expert - The researcher uses valid and carefully designed
procedures, valid data-gathering instruments, and valid data. He subjects his data to expert
scrutiny.

10. Research is accurate investigation, observation and description - In fact, every research
activity must be done accurately so t hat the findings will lead to the formulation of scientific
generalizations. All conclusions are based on actual evidence.
11. Research requires an effort making capacity - No research can be conducted without the exertion
of much effort. No one without any effort-making capacity can conduct a research because
research involves much work and time.

12. Research requires courage - Research requires courage because the researcher oftentimes
undergoes hazards, discomforts and the like. At times the researcher encounters public and social
disapproval. Also, disagreements with colleagues may arise.

Differences Between Research and Problem-Solving

 The researcher must be able to distinguish between research and problem-solving. His supposed
research problem may not only b good for problem-solving. The differences between the two are
summarized as follows (Treece and Treece, Jr., 1987)

Research Problem-Solving
1. There may not be a problem, only interest 1. There is always a problem to be solved.
in answering a question or a query.
2. A research problem is more rigorous and 2. A problem to be solved is less rigorous
broader in scope. and less broad.
3. The research problem is not necessarily 3. The problem to be solved has to be
defined specifically. defined specifically and identified
definitely.
4. All research is intended to solve one kind 4. Problem-solving doe not always involved
of problem, but this is not the primary aim. research.
5. Research is conducted not primarily to 5. Problem-solving is always intended to
solve a problem but to make a solve a problem.
contribution to general knowledge.
6. Research is concerned with broad 6. Problem-solving is concerned with a
problems, recurrent phenomena, and wide specific problem and once the problem is
application through generalization. It is solved that is the end of it.
concerned with defining and outlining the
properties of phenomena, with forecasting
future occurrences so that they may be
predicted and controlled, and with
describing the relationship or phoneme by
explaining how and why certain events
occurred or could have occurred. In this
process research also generates more
problems to explore.

Qualities of a Good Researcher

There are 10 qualities of a good researcher. These qualities are: (1) Research-oriented; (2)
Efficient; (3) Scientific; (4) Effective; (5) Active; (6) Resourceful; (7) Creative; (8) Honest; (9) Economical;
and (10) Religious. The 10 qualities of a good researcher have the acronym RESEARCHER.

Characteristics of the Researcher

1. Intellectual curiosity - A researcher undertakes deep thinking and inquiry of the things, problems, and
situations around him. He is keen to get information on these problems and situations often due to
unusualness and newness. He raises questions to answer, continues to read the related literature and
studies, makes use of his experiences, and exercises his creativeness and inventiveness. When the
problem he confronts becomes clear, he formulates and tests
 hypothesis on them. The hypothesis may be rejected or accepted, depending on his analysis of the
data and information he gathers.

2. Prudence - The researcher is careful to conduct his research study at the right time and at the right
place wisely, efficiently and economically. In other words, he does the right thing at the right time.
Likewise, he uses the 7 M’s (manpower, money, materials, method, machinery, moment of time and
marketing) in conducting research efficiently and economically.

3. Healthy criticism - The researcher is always doubtful as to the truthfulness of the results. Normally,
the investigator always doubts the authenticity or validity of his findings even if the data are gathered
honestly. For instance, the researcher administers the questionnaires to the subject of the study. He
doubts if the subjects answer correctly the items. By and large, there are subject who do not read the
items and anymore but they just encircle or check the items especially if the researcher is in hurry to
retrieve the questionnaires. Hence, the researcher is always doubtful as to the veracity 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. Honesty is the best policy of the researcher. The success or failure of his
research lies on his hand.

5. Intellectual creativity - A productive ad resourceful investigator always creates new researches. He

enjoys inventing unique, novel and original researches and considers research as his hobby. In other
words, a creative researcher is also innovative.

Values of Research to Man

1. Research improves quality of life.

2. Research improves instruction
3. Research improves student’s achievements
4. Research improves teacher’s competence
5. Research satisfies man’s needs. austerity measures of the country
6. Research reduces the burden of work
7. Research has deep-seated psychological aspects.
8. Research improves the exportation of food products.
9. Research response to the economic recovery and
10. Research trains graduates to become responsive to the economic development of the country and
compete globally.

Uses of Research

Research is undertaken to explore some possible solutions to existing problems either in any fields of
education, biology, or social sciences. It aims to seek new knowledge, truth, laws or principles. It provides
information in the form of verifiable data. Research contributes to the progress and development of
humanity. A nation, city, any organization or institution could become progressive because of research.
Hence, research plays an important role in every human endeavor and therefore must be a salient part of
organizational structure of any institution.

Kinds and Classification of Research

There are many kinds of research which are classified according to their distinctive features. Some of the
classifications are as follows:

1. According to Purpose

a Predictive or prognostic research - has the purpose of determining the future operation of the
variables under investigation with the aim of controlling or redirecting such for the better.
“Predictive research proposes to give he result from one specific educational practice or pattern
and seeks to establish a close statistical connection between characteristics of students and
prediction of educational outcome.”

b Directive research - determines what should be done based on the findings. This is to remedy
an unsatisfactory condition if there is any.

c Illuminative research - is concerned with the interaction of the components of the variable being
investigated, as for example, “interaction of the components of educational system and aims to
show the connections among

2. According to goal

a Basic or pure research - is done for the development of theories or principles. It is conducted
for the intellectual pleasure of learning. Much of this kind of research has been done in
psychology and sociology.

b Applied research - is the application of the results of pure research. This is testing the efficacy
of theories and principles. For instance, a principle says that praise reinforces learning. To
determine if this is true, one conducts an experiment in which there are two classes. In class, he
uses praises but in the other class there is no praise at all.

3. According to the levels of investigation

a In exploratory research, the researcher studies the variables pertinent to a specific situation.

b In descriptive research, the researcher studies the relationship of the variables.

c In experimental research, the experimenter studies the effects of the variables on each other.

4. According to the types of analysis

a In the analytic approach, the researcher attempts to identify and isolate the components of the
research situation.

b The holistic approach begins with the total situation, focusing attention on the system first and
then on its internal relationship.

5. According to scope - Under this category is action research. This type of research is done on a very
limited scope to solve a particular problem which is not so big. It is almost problem-solving.

6. According to choice of answers to problem

 a In evaluation research, all possible courses of action arte specified and identified and the
researcher tries to find the most advantageous.

b In developmental research, the focus is on finding or developing a more suitable instrument or

process than has been available.

7. According to statistical content

a Qualitative or statistical research is one in which inferential statistics are utilized to determine the
results of the study. Inferential statistics such as correlation, chi-square, analysis of variance,
etc. are used to test the hypothesis.

This type of research usually includes comparison studies, cause-and-effect relationships etc.

b Non-quantitative research. This is research in which the use of quantity or statistics is practically
nil. This is especially true in anthropological studies where description is usually used.
Descriptive data are gathered rather qualitative data.

8. According to time element

a Historical research describes what was.

b Descriptive research describes what is.
c Experimental research describes what will be.

Historical, descriptive and experimental are the three major research methods. All other methods, kinds and
types of research whatever the yare called fall under these three major methods.

Other types and kinds of research are named according to the area or field of activity. Hence, we have
sociological research, social research, psychological research, anthropological research, physical research,
chemical research, industrial research, economics research, health research, nursing research, curriculum
research, educational research and countless others.

Some Hindrances to Scientific Inquiry (Errors in Personal Judgment)

Babbie gives the following as some of the hindrances to scientific inquiry. They are mostly errors in
personal judgment. The explanations are made for local adaptation.

1. Tradition - This is accepting that customs, beliefs, practices and superstitions are true and parts of
the daily lives of men. No effort is exerted to find out whether they are true or not. For example, there
is traditional belief among some women that women who are conceiving should avoid eating dark or
black food such as black berries because their children will become dark also. This may be true or not,
but many women believe and practice it without verifying it truth. This belief is a hindrance to scientific
investigation.

2. Authority - This is accepting without question, an opinion about a certain subject which is given by
someone who is considered an authority on the subject. If an ordinary person says that kissing transmit
colds, he is not believed much, he may even be laughed at. On the other hand, when a doctor says
the same thing, he is believed without question. Suppose, a doctor commits a mistake and it is a fact
this some doctors commits mistakes sometimes. Worse, sometimes persons with big names in the
community make pronouncements about things outside their own expertise and they are believed
 because of their big names. They are believed without scientific inquiry about the truth of their
pronouncements.

3. Inaccurate observation - This is describing wrongly what is actually observed. For instance, in the
dead of a moonlit night, a man sees a shadow in the form of a person and the man concludes at once
without any investigation that he has seen a ghost.

4. Illogical reasoning - This is attributing something to another without any logical basis. For instance,
because of the extended good weather it may rain at the weekend. Or , because it is sunny it will not
that day. These are beliefs without any logical basis and no effort is exerted to verify them.

5. Ego-involvement in understanding - This is giving an explanation when one finds himself in an

unfavorable situation. For instance, when foreigners make a slur on Filipinos, t he latter counter t hat,
that is racial discrimination without investigating whether the slight is true or not. When a student gets a
low grade, he says that he got low grade because his teacher has a personal grudge against him and
he is a victim of vindictiveness. He does not make any effort to

his abilities, his habits of study, etc.

6. Mystification - This is attributing to supernatural power, the phenomena that cannot be understood.
This is accepting that t here are things which are beyond human intelligence to

understand and which are reserved only to a supernatural being. Thus, no effort is exerted to make
a scientific inquiry about this phenomenon.

7. To err is human - This is an attitude that admits the fallibility of man. When a man renders a wrong
decision or commits a mistakes, he merely leans on the saying “To err is human,” He does not make
any effort anymore to study why he committed the error, how he committed the error, the implications of
his error, how he can correct his error and how to make more sound decisions in the future.

8. Dogmatism - This is an addition. This is an unwritten policy of certain institutions and government
prohibiting the study of topics that are believed to run counter to the established doctrines of such
institutions or government. Thus in communistic states, it is unlikely that one studies and writes about
the beauty of democracy. The same is true in a democracy. There is a veiled prohibition to study and
write about the beauty and adoption of communism.

The Scientific Method of Research

One of the characteristics of good research is that, it is systematic. It follows the scientific method of
research which includes the following sequential steps:

1. Determining (recognizing) the problem

2. Forming a hypothesis
3. Doing the library search
4. Designing the study
5. Developing the instruments for collecting data
6. Collecting the data
7. Analyzing the data
8. Determining implications and conclusions from the findings, and
 9. Making the recommendations for further research
It should be borne in mind that the researcher goes through all the nine steps when he does his research and
when he writes his research report. If the standard format of thesis writing is followed, the first two steps will
be included in Chapter 1, “The Problems and Its Design”; the third step will be in Chapter 2, “Related
Literature and Studies”; the fourth, fifth and sixth steps will be discussed in Chapter 3. “Research Methods and
Procedures”; the seventh step will be presented in Chapter 4. “Presentation, Interpretation and Analysis of
Data”; and the last two steps placed in Chapter 5, “Summary, Conclusions and Recommendations.”

Principles of the scientific method. The principles of the scientific method are:

▪ Rigid control
▪ Objectivity
▪ Systematic organization, and
▪ Rigorous standards

Rigid control refers to the manipulation of the research variables. Variables are those things that vary
in quantity and quality which are to be manipulated by the researcher. Examples of variable are age, sex,
population, adequacy, efficiency, etc. There are variables which should bed controlled rigidly, that is, kept
constant or equal in a certain research work.

Objectivity means that there should be no bias or partiality in treating the results of the inquiry. The
results should not be tampered with, whatever they may be.

Systematic organization refers to proper and accurate tabuolatui9ons of data as well as presenting
them in statistical tables ready for interpretation.

The fourth principle refers to the setting up of standards or principles which serve as bases for
evaluating the findings of a study. Such standards should not be changed to suit the expectations of the
researcher. The principle also refers to the accurate statistical computations and interpretations of qualified
data.

It should be noted that the development of his book follows the sequential steps of the scientific method
of research.

Designing the Study

Designing the study must follow the scientific method of research. Aside from choosing the right problem,
forming the hypothesis, and library research, designing the study also includes deciding on the method of
research to be used, the study of population, the instrument for gathering data and its preparation, the
sampling design, statistical treatment of data, and analysis and presentation of data.

Following are discussion and explanations of each of these aspects of the research procedure. After carefully
studying these discussions and explanations, the researcher can already make a workable design of research
for his investigation.

There are three major research methods with their respective variations form which the researcher may
choose the method he wants to use depending upon the nature of his investigation. These are the historical,
descriptive, and experimental methods of research.
 9. Overgeneralization - This is establishing a pattern out of a few instances. For instance, when one
sees one or two Ilocano husbands who are hardworking, responsible and trustworthy then he
concludes that Ilocano husbands are hardworking, responsible and trustworthy.

10. Selective observation - This is persisting to believe an observed pattern from an overgeneralization and
ignoring other pertinent patterns. For example, one sees for the first time one or two prosperous
Chinese stores beside a poor, struggling Filipino store. He forms t he conclusion that the Chinese are
more shrewd and competitive than Filipinos. So whenever he sees Chinese and Filipino stores he
always has that idea that idea that Chinese are better businessmen than Filipinos ignoring the fact that
there are also poor Chinese businessmen and there are also very good and more competitive Filipino
businessmen.

11. Made-up information - This is making up information to explain away confusion. Suppose a buyer
buys from store goods worth P50.00 and gives to he storekeeper a P100.00 bill. The storekeeper
mistakenly gives a change of P40.00. The buyer goes away without counting the change but when he
gets home he finds that the change is short of P10.00. Instead of going back to the store to find out
why he was wrong change, he concludes that the storekeeper is a cheater and he members of his
family are also cheaters.

Another example of made-up information is wrongly interpreting the findings of research materials Discussed
and explained are the different methods of collecting data such as the interview, questionnaire, observation,
tests, and others as well as the preparation of their respective instruments.

Sampling designs such as pure random, systematic, stratified, cluster and other types are also well elaborated
on.

Other activities involved in conducting research inquiries and writing research reports are also given clear
explanations with illustrations for better understanding. How to write the research report or thesis has been
given very ample explanations and illustrations, modules by modules for better understanding of the whole
process of research reporting or thesis writing.

IV. Suggested Materials

1. Surf in the net and document the websites of the related topics found in this module
2. Create a personal file of these websites and reading text for future use.
3. Explore the hyperlinks for additional knowledge of the details of research,
4. Read other documents like books and periodicals to substantiate your learning from t his module
provided.

V. CHALLENGES FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION

1. How do you define research?

2. Why is research important to mankind?
3. What are the purposes and goals of research?
4. How do you characterize a good research?
5. How are research and problem-solving differentiated?
6. How is research classified according to the following
a. Purpose
b. Goal
c. Levels of investigation
d. Types of analysis
e. Scope
f. Choice of answers to problems
g. Statistical content
h. Time element

7. What are some hindrances to research? Why are they called hindrances?
8. Why should the scientific method of research be followed? What are the steps in the scientific
method? Explain.