RESEARCH practical research reviewer

DEFINITION OF RESEARCH

n Research follows a step-by-step process of investigation that uses a standardized

approach in answering questions or solving problems (Polit
& Beck, 2004).
n Systematic application of the scientific inquiry in order to find solutions to
problems and contribute to knowledge (Avilla, 2016).
n Research plays an important role in tertiary education. Its main purpose is to
answer a question or to solve an issue (Palispis, 2004).
n Research is a continuous undertaking of making known the unknown (Sanchez,
2002). It entails an investigation of new facts leading to the discovery of new
ideas, methods, or improvements.
n Research is an investigation following ordered steps leading to a discovery of new
information or concepts (Sanchez, 1999).
n Research is a very careful investigation of something that purports the
contribution of additional or new knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, as cited by
Coleman & Briggs, 2002).
n Research is a tested approach of thinking and employing validated instruments
and steps in order to obtain a more adequate solution to a problem that is
otherwise impossible to address under ordinary means (Crawford, as cited by
Alcantara & Espina, 1995).

CHARACTERISTICS OF RESEARCH

1) The research should be systematic. There is a system to follow in conducting

research as there is a system for formulating each of its parts. There is a big
system (macro) and under it are small systems (micro). The macrosystem is
composed of chapters that are organized in a logical and scientific manner. The
microsystem consists of the detailed contents of each chapter.
2) The research should be objective. Research involves the objective process of
analyzing phenomena of importance to any profession or to different fields or
disciplines (Nieswiadomy, 2005). A researcher should objectively look at the basis
on which the work is founded. He or she must never produce results out of
 nowhere; the results of the research should be validated. These results must
never be based from biases. It is very important for the researcher to clarify
indicators and boundaries within which the research is confined because these
factors could affect objectivity.
3) The research should be feasible. Any problem of extraordinary nature that
directly or indirectly affects any profession is a feasible problem to study.
4) The research should be empirical. There should be supporting pieces of
evidence and accompanying details for every variable used in the study.
References and citations of facts and information that the researcher has
gathered in his or her paper must be included. Plagiarism constitutes claiming
another person’s idea or intellectual property as one’s own. Through proper
attribution, the researcher states that the knowledge being shared through the
study was taken from the study of other experts.
5) The research should be clear. The choice of variables used in the study should
be explained by the researcher. This can be done by enriching the review of
literature or by discussing the different theories on which the selection of the
variable is based. Therefore, there must be sufficient indicators for each variable.
These variables can be gathered from different published and unpublished
materials.
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH
-employs qualitative (quality) methods. -uses quantitative procedures where the
-deals with the characteristics observed from respondents’ traits are translated
the respondents with minimal to no use of numerically.
statistical analysis. -focuses on the analysis and interpretation of
the raw numerical data gathered.
example:
male 1
female 2
hot 30°C
cold -30°C

QUALITATIVE
objective -understands underlying reasons
-gains insights in the prevailing
trends
-interpretative and contextualized
hypothesis -may emerge as the study
progresses (generating hypothesis)
QUANTITATIVE
-expresses data in terms of
numerical values
-draws out exact ideas from
samples
-specifically stated and tested
 sample -comes in small numbers -comes in large numbers
-respondents are referred to as -respondents are selected to
subjects represent a population
data collection -unstructured (free in form) -structured procedures
procedures
data analysis -inductive analysis of data -deductive analysis of data
-minimal to no use of statistical tools -requires the use of statistical use
outcome -findings are particularly in-depth -findings are generalized
about a certain phenomenon situations
methods -field research, case study and -census, survey, experiment, and
secondary analysis secondary analysis

Most reports and papers will include an informative Abstract. Abstracts should be informative
and concise, and above all provide a summarization of key results and discussion of those results
(what is the implication of your results). Note your aim, sum up approach briefly, and then
provide results and conclusions. An abstract is not a table of contents, a blow-by-blow account of
methods, or an introduction. It should be able to stand on its own and inform the reader of your
results and findings. Think of it as the longer report in miniature.

Parts of IMRaD

Introduction (& Background)

- Statement of the topic
- Problem
- Brief explanation (states the type of research that needs to be conducted)
Methodology
- interviews, focus groups, experiments
- very detailed about your process
Results
- show tables, charts, graphs, quotes
- building your reader towards drawn conclusions, but you are not yet providing
a full analysis.
Analysis
- observations but stick to what the research says
Discussion (Conclusion)
- conclude this paper by suggesting but still having limitations
- Important details must be highlighted (can put recommendations)