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PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter 1– Module 1:
 DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
 IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
 CHARACTERISTICS,PROCESSES
and ETHICS OF RESEARCH
Practical Research 1 Grade 11
Quarter 1– Module 1:
DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTICS, PROCESSES, AND ETHICS OF RESEARCH

First Edition, 2020

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PRACTICAL RESEARCH 1
Quarter 1– Module 1:
 DEFINITION OF RESEARCH
 IMPORTANCE OF RESEARCH
 CHARACTERISTICS,
PROCESSES and ETHICS OF
RESEARCH
Introductory Message
For the facilitator:
Welcome to the Practical Research 1 Self-Engaging Module (SEM) on the The
Definition of Research, Importance of Research, Characteristics, Processes, and
Ethics of Research.

This module was collaboratively designed, developed and reviewed by

educators both from public and private institutions to assist you, the teacher or
facilitator in helping the learners meet the standards set by the K to 12 Curriculum
while overcoming their personal, social, and economic constraints in schooling.

This learning resource hopes to engage the learners into guided and
independent learning activities at their own pace and time. Furthermore, this also
aims to help learners acquire the needed 21st century skills while taking into
consideration their needs and circumstances.

As a facilitator, you are expected to orient the learners on how to use this
module. You also need to keep track of the learners’ progress while allowing them
to manage their own learning. Furthermore, you are expected to encourage and
assist the learners as they do the tasks included in the module

For the learner:

Welcome to the Practical Research 1 Self-Engaging Module (SEM) Module on

Definition of Research, Importance of Research, Characteristics, Processes, and
Ethics of Research.

This module was designed to provide you with fun and meaningful
opportunities for guided and independent learning at your own pace and time. You
will be enabled to process the contents of the learning resource while being an
active learner.

This module has the following parts and corresponding icons:

Let Us Learn! In this portion, objective of the new

lesson will be introduced.

This will give you an idea of the skills

Let Us Try! or competencies you are expected to
learn in the module through pre-test
for the learners.

Let Us Study This is where new lesson is

introduced.
This comprises activities for
independent practice to solidify your
Let Us Practice understanding and skills of the topic.
You may check the answers to the
exercises using the Answer Key at the
end of the module.

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 This section provides an activity
Let Us Practice More which will help you transfer your new
knowledge or skill into real life
situations or concerns.

This includes questions or blank

Let Us Remember sentence/paragraph to be filled in to
process what you learned from the
lesson.

This is a task which aims to evaluate

Let Us Assess your level of mastery in achieving the
learning competency.

In this portion, another activity will be

Let Us Enhance given to you to enrich your knowledge
or skill of the lesson learned.

Closing note of the relevance,

Let Us Reflect meaning and application of the
concepts and skills developed in the
lesson to real life experiences.

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 Let Us Learn!

This module introduces the students to the world of research, its

importance in daily life, its characteristics, and processes. More
importantly, this module lays down the ethical principles in doing research. These
are the most basic concepts for students who are just new in the art and science of
research.

After going through this module, you are expected to:

1. define research based on one`s own knowledge and
experiences(CS_RS1III-1);
2. determine the importance of research in daily life(CS_RS11IIIa-2);
3. distinguish the various characteristics of research (CS_RS1IIIa-3);
4. illustrate the cyclical progression of a research process (CS_RS1IIIa-3);
5. analyze the do`s and don`ts of research (CS_RS1IIIa-3); and
6. evaluate research situations based on various ethical considerations
(CS_RS1IIIa-3).

Let Us Try!

Read each statement below. Write the letter of your answer on the space
provided.

_____1. It is a systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing information

(data) to gain new knowledge or to complement a new one.
A. Phenomenon
B. Scientific method
C. Research
D. Research Process

_____2. Which of the statement best explains research as cyclical?

A. It warrants accurate and precise data.
B. It starts with a question and ends with another question.
C. It avoids biases and prejudices.
D. It is simple, yet substantial.

_____3. In which steps of the research process does a researcher may choose to
utilize either statistical tools or conduct thematic analysis for the data being
gathered?
A. Defining a research problem
B. Developing a research plan
C. Collecting research data
D. Analyzing research data

_____4. Why are ethical issues important in research?

A. They will help the researcher pass the assignment.

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 B. They indicate what the researcher ought to do and how they should treat
people.
C. They help the researcher write up their research.
D. They indicate that all people are very sensitive.

_____5. At which stages of the research process should you think about ethics?

A. When designing the questions and planning the research

B. When collecting data
C. When analyzing data
D. When writing up
E. When disseminating the research
F. All of the above

Let Us Study

Share your understanding of the word “Research” using the bubble map
below. You can write one idea (phrase/word) for each circle

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 Origin and Nature of Research

Research comes from the Greek word ίστ opiα [pronounced as istɔ`ria] which
means inquiry- a process which is done using scientific methods. It is an
investigation of any world phenomenon of which the researcher`s ultimate purpose
is to find an answer to a research topic in question.

Research may be carried out in either formal or informal manner depending

on the nature and purpose of investigation. In school, for instance, learners do
research almost every day. They interview people to get opinions on a particular
issue or phenomenon. Others visit the library to gather and process such to form
meaningful information.

For those engaged in a highly scientific nature of works such as

professionals, conducting formal research may be more appropriate.
Following scientific methods, they conceptualize, present facts, and draw
conclusions either to generate or validate a theory. Ultimately, the research outputs
should be disseminated and utilized if necessary. This is one of the greatest
contributions of research in knowledge creation.

Here are some definitions of research:

Research derives new knowledge, generally involving studious inquiry and a

search for new theories in order to contribute to an existing academic wealth
of knowledge (Oldfield, 2015).

‘’Research includes any gathering of data, information, and facts for

advancement of knowledge (Shuttleworth, 2011).

Research is a systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing

information (data) to gain new knowledge or to complement an existing one
(Adanza, 2002).

Research is anchored on values; whether personal, institutional,

professional or corporate, these values determine the focus of a particular
inquiry, the methodology, as well as the conceptual framework used. These
values include our attitudes, principles, belief and partialities which we
should acknowledge as influencing aspects of the study (Atkins and Wallace,
2012).

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 The Importance of Research in Daily Life

RESEARCH IMPROVES MAN`S LIFE

At a macro- level, research brings sever benefits to man. Looking back to the
Stone Age, for instance, people struggled against not having enough of something.
They settled on various means to make a living such as rubbing stones to lit a fire,
leaves to cover
their body,
herbs RESEARCH PROVIDES ANSWER TO A QUESTION to heal
wounds,
and the like. Ultimately, people thought of finding ways and means to improve their
life. Using their logical thinking skills, they began to discover technologies, enhance
and introduce them to society.

Since time immemorial, people have always been left with myriad questions
about anything else in the environment. For example, a child may ask questions
such as why
the sun comes
up,
RESEARCH ASSISTS IN DECISION- MAKING how
birds lay eggs, why people eat, and a lot more. At a higher level one may inquire
about causes of climate change, nuclear energy for water desalting, impact of
online gaming to the youth, and others. This is where the science of inquiry comes
into play.

Depending on individual circumstances, research findings serve as an

excellent basis for making decisions. Suppose you asked to plan and implement a
school project as a student- leader. At first you might be doubtful about what
specific intervention to introduce to fellow students given the issue on obesity.
Probably, you might be left with several ideas in mind that you could hardly pin
one down. To help you out of this dilemma, a survey research may be conducted to
selected students to find their preferred student intervention project of the many
potential projects you have listed. Once this is settled you might want to know their
level of participation in the project. This is why research plays a significant role in
decision- making.

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 Over and above, scientific research can be further described in the following
ways: REMEMBER the term, LACCREM (LOGICAL, ANALYTICAL, CYCLICAL,
CRITICAL, REPLICABLE and VERIFIABLE, EMPIRICAL, and METHODICAL AND
CONTROLLED).

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 Research as a Process

Research is the scientific process of collecting empirical data that are

intended for drawing conclusion. The diagram below shows the cyclic progression
of the research process.

Key Points

1. Defining a research problem

Research problem is also called in layman`s term as research topic.

Defining a research problem is usually carried by a researcher at the
beginning of the entire research process. To explore possible research
topics, others may simply read any literature while traditional

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 researchers considered the SMART requirement of choosing a research
problem. This means that the topic should be specific, measurable,
attainable, realistic, and time- bound. Contemporary researchers;
however, added newness or novelty and international character in
defining a research problem.

2. Developing a research plan

Researchers must lay out a plan which will serve as their guide in
carrying out the research endeavor. This will include specific research
aim, background, and significance, related readings, and research design
and methods to use.

3. Collecting research data

It is one of the important steps in conducting a scientific inquiry.

Regardless of the field of study or preference for defining data
(quantitative, qualitative), accurate data collection is essential to
maintaining the integrity of research. Both the selection of appropriate
data collection instruments (existing, modified, or newly developed) and
clearly delineated instructions for their correct use reduce the likelihood
of errors occurring.

4. Analyzing research data

This step is carried out when all the necessary research data are
intact and ready for analysis. It is the process of systematically applying
statistical and/or logical techniques to describe and illustrate, condense
and recap, and evaluate data. In qualitative method of research, the
researcher carefully analyzes the textual data by determining significant
statements from the text and thereby formulating clustered themes.
While in quantitative research, the researcher processes data using
statistical techniques so that the researcher can draw conclusion based
form the hypotheses being tested as well as its research findings.
An essential component of ensuring data integrity is the accurate
and appropriate analysis of research findings. Improper statistical
analyses distort scientific findings, mislead casual readers (Shepard,
2002), and may negatively influence the public perception of research.
Integrity issues are just as relevant to analysis of non-statistical data as
well.

5. Presenting the research findings

Checking the accuracy and completeness of the research data is an

essential task before writing and revising the contents of the research

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 paper; otherwise the presentation of data would appear insufficient, and
questionable.

6. Disseminating and utilizing the findings

Regardless of stature in conducting research, one should strive to

disseminate the research results which may be considered an excellent
baseline information for another study. Gone are the days when
completed researches are lodged on shelves unread. Modern -day
research scientists present their research findings in research
conferences; others may publish them in reputable scientific journals
which should be made the ultimate purpose of knowledge creation.

Ethics of Research

The core of a research undertaking lie ethical considerations. Research

in general requires the researcher`s sense of accuracy and responsibility in
managing or handling data.

A. Writing and Publication of Research

1. Never misrepresent or falsify

research data.
Do not attempt to create, invent or produce data just to finish
your research on -time or to be appreciated for the results of your
study.

2. Respect the data found or discovered.

Never intentionally conceal actual facts or materials in research

results reported, or falsely represent actual facts discovered.

3. Observe the required process to complete the study.

Never file research reports and/or publish research findings

without having done the research process indicated.

4. Respect the real author.

Never claim to be the author of research which was performed by

others.

5. Respect lives of animals and human

beings.v
Protect the human subjects and or ensure the welfare of
laboratory animals.

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 6. Report objectively.

Present a concise and accurate research results.

7. Prepare a detailed and sufficient report.

Submit a manuscript which is scientifically done which can be

followed when other researchers want to verify or replicate it.

8. Give due credit to the references or sources of information.

Acknowledge the source of knowledge or research results which

give you ideas to complete your study. Cite the author and recognize
the publication that directly or indirectly gives you an idea.

9. Protect the integrity of authorship.

Only persons who have significantly contributed to the research

and manuscript preparation shall be listed as co- authors.

10. Avoid self- serving manuscript.

It is inappropriate for an author or co- author to write a

discussion of his/her own manuscript; except in the case of a rebuttal
or closure to criticism or discussion offered by others.

11. Avoid specifying brands or company names in the manuscript.

It is inappropriate to submit manuscripts with an obvious

commercial intent. The authors should reveal to the editor any
potential conflict of interest that might be affected by publication of
the results contained in a manuscript.

B. Actual Conduct of Research

1. Be transparent to possible risks.

Inform the researcher, parent or guardians, participants and

respondents the possible risks and potential consequences in the
conduct of the research.

2. Observe confidentiality.

Researchers are responsible for taking appropriate cautions to

protect the confidentiality of both participants and data to the full extent
provided by law.

3. Be honest.
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 Researchers, participants and the representatives of the
institution should be honest in dealing with one another.

4. Respect at all times.

Educational researchers should be sensitive to any locally

established institutional policies or guidelines for conducting
research.

5. Avoid exploitation.

Researchers should not use their powers, authorities or

influence for personal gain to compel subordinates, students and
respondents to participate in research.

6. Be sensitive.

Be careful to handle cultural, religious, gender, and other

significant differences within the research population in the planning,
conduct, and reporting of the research.

7. Protect the integrity of the participating institutions or individuals.

Researchers should ensure the integrity of the participating

school, agency, or company that might be at risk due to the conduct
of the study.

8. Have an open communication.

Researchers should inform the concerned research population,

institutional representatives and other stakeholders on the findings
and the practical significance of their research in clear,
straightforward, and appropriate language.

WHAT IS PLAGIARISM?

Plagiarism simply means copying the work of others such as text,

photo, video, and others and claim or use them as one`s own. Others refer to
such an act as academic theft.

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 HOW TO AVOID PLAGIARISM?

1. Always take note of the source information used and label

each borrowed material with the basic referencing details.

2. Prepare a data sourcing plan indicating the information

needed and the ways of handling them right.

3. Never ever copy and paste ready- to -use information.

4. Paraphrase original text and cite the source explicitly.

5. Properly quote sources and enclose borrowed statement

with quotation marks.

6. Keep a source trail.

7. Never copy the assignment output nor the answers of your

classmates and submit them under one`s own.

8. Always make a reference page of the cited works at the end

of the own work.

Let Us Practice
Match column A with column B.

_____1. Empirical A. It undergoes thorough scrutiny to

minimize doubt.
B. Is based on reason and not on notion
and opinion.

_____2. Critical C. It seems simple and attainable.

D. It follows a defined and confined
process.

_____3. Replicable E. It is done by using sensory observation

of the real life experience and not by
theory alone.

_____4. Cyclical F. can be verified by another similar study

G. It starts with a question and ends with a
question.

_____5. Methodical H. It is keenly studied for crucial decisions

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 as to appropriateness, justifiability, and
relevant processes.
_____6. Logical
I. It is the design of the application or
procedure in an experiment.
_____7. Analytical
J. The person or group of persons who are
the source of information in a study.

_____8. Research K. It is the process of coming up with an

interview.

L. It is a scientific investigation for a

purpose.
_____9. Treatment

_____10. Respondents

Let Us Practice More

Mark ( ) if the statement shows a good practice in observing research

ethics and (X) if otherwise.

_____1. Alex omitted the name of the third co- author in their group research
activity for them to gain more points for the study.

_____2. Lino sought permission from the team captain in order to interview the best
player in the basketball team.

_____3. The tribal elder did not give a go signal, but the students still insisted to
interview the tribal women.
_____4. You want to compare who between the Ilocano and the Ilongo tribesmen is
smarter.

_____5. Your questionnaire provided the name in the respondent`s profile in closed
parenthesis and as marked as optional.
_____6. Keep all your raw data or answered questionnaire safe.
_____7. Riza included the name of her cousin as author but did nothing for the
research paper except to encode.
_____8. You have to catch 30 live rice farm rats so that you can cut and experiment
on their tails.
_____9. Include the name of the grammar checker as author.

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_____10. John is required to cite the author of the scientific idea he lifted, so he
placed the family name of his friend and his date of birth as year published.

Let Us Remember

Complete the concept map below to summarize your

understanding of the module 1.

Note: The process of research should be illustrated as sequenced. You may use arrow within the
box to show the steps.

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 Let Us Assess

I. Identify whether the statement is TRUE or FALSE. Write the

letter of the correct answer on the space provided.

_____1. Research is a systematic process of collecting and logically analyzing

information (data) to gain new knowledge or to complement an existing one.
A. True
B. False

_____2. Research analysis is the last critical step in the research process.

A. True
B. False

_____ 3. Reporting research is about presenting the research journey through clear
and evidence-based arguments of design, process and outcomes, not just
describing it.

A. True
B. False

_____4. Contemporary researchers considered newness or novelty as one of the

criteria in choosing a research topic.

A. True
B. False

_____5. Plagiarism can be avoided by paraphrasing the author`s text in your own
words.

A. True
B. False

II: Read and understand the statements below and write the letter of the correct
answer on the space provided before the number.

_____1. As a researcher, you have provided informed consent to your participants.

Your research study involves placing subjects in a straitjacket and dunking them
in ice water to simulate prior mental health treatment, in order to study how
normal people would respond. Why would this study likely NOT be allowed?

A. because it breaches the principle of privacy and

confidentiality of records

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 B. because regardless of consent, there is potential harm to the
participant
C. because such practices were outlawed by the 2002 decision
of the American Psychological Association
D. because the goal of the study is completely unclear

_____2.  Adopting ethical principles in research means: 

A. Avoiding harm to participants

B. The researcher is anonymous
C. Deception is only used when necessary
D. Selected informants give their consent

_____3.  Which of the following should not be a criterion for a good research
project?

A. Demonstrates the abilities of the researcher

B. Is dependent on the completion of other projects
C. Demonstrates the integration of different fields of knowledge
D. Develops the skills of the researcher

_____4. Which of the following is not ethical practice in research with humans? 

A. Maintaining participants’ anonymity

B. Gaining informed consent
C. Informing participants that they are free to withdraw at any time
D. Requiring participants to continue until the study has been completed

_____5.  Which part of a research report contains details of how the research was
planned and conducted?

A. Results
B. Design 
C. Introduction
D. Background

Let Us Enhance

Justify your point to each statement below. Express your

answer in not more than five sentences.

1. When the class is sent to a library to look for the different meanings of the
new terms used among gays, is it a research, too? How does it differ from the
research definition we have learned? Support your answer by citing any
definition of research found in this module.

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2. The victim of a domestic violence agreed and signed a document that she
was willing to participate and answer all the questions of the researcher.
During the interview, he decided to back out because the researcher asked
an irritating question. What ethical considerations of research did the
researcher violate? What will happen to the research? What would the
researcher do to complete the study?

Let Us Reflect

State your reaction in the given line. Then, cite 1 significant research activity
highlighting the importance of research to justify the meaning of the quote.

“Research is a formalized curiosity. It is poking and prying with a

purpose.” Zora Neale Hurston

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Answer key to Activities

Let us Try Let us Study Let us Let us

Practice Practice More
1. C Answers may
2. B vary 1.E 7. H 1.X 7. X
3. D 2. A 8. L 2. / 8. X
4. B 3. F 9. I 3. X 9. X
5. F 4. G 10. J 4. X 10. X
5. D 5. /
6. B 6. /

Let us Assess
I. II.
1.A 1. B
2.B 2. A
3.A 3. B
4.A 4. D
5. A 5.

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 References

Amorado, Ronnie & Talili, Ismael. Qualitative Research- A Practical Approach.

Malabon City: Mutya Publishing House, Inc, 2017.

Accad Acaada . Qualitative Methods of Research. KL Lucena Realty Building:

Kampana Publishing House, Inc., 2016.

Knatterud Rockhold F.W., George, S.L., Barton, F.B., Davis, C.E., Fairweather, W.R.,
Honohan, T., Mowery, R, O’Neill, R. Guidelines for quality assurance in multicenter
trials: a position paper. Controlled Clinical Trials, 19. (1998): 1998477-493.

Whitney, C.W., Lind, B.K., Wahl, P.W. Quality assurance and quality control in
longitudinal studies. Epidemiologic Reviews, 20(1) (1998): 71-80.

Gray, D.E. Doing Research in the Real World. Fourth Edition. 2020. Retrieved from
https://study.sagepub.com/grayresearchworld4e/student-resources/multiple-
choice-quiz
Mukherji, P. & Albon D. Research Methods in Early Childhood. An Introductory
Guide. 2020. Retrieved from
https://study.sagepub.com/mukherjiandalbon3e/student-resources/chapter-6/multiple-
choice-quiz

Responsible Conduct in Data Management. Retrieved from

https://ori.hhs.gov/education/products/n_illinois_u/datamanagement/dctopic.ht
ml

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