Research

Quarter 1: Module 2

THE RESEARCH
PROCESS

Source: https://theeducationhub.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Research-image.jpg
 LEARNING GOALS

At the end of this module, you should be able to determine the appropriate steps
in planning and designing a research study.

Specifically, you should be able to:

1. identify the independent, dependent, and control variables;
2. distinguish control and experimental group; and
3. identify the parts of the research process in a given study.

WORDS TO PONDER

 Research Process – is a step by step process which involves identifying,

locating, assessing, and analyzing the research question then developing and
expressing your ideas in order to find answers and choosing the tasks and ways
in which they are carried out.
 Research Problem - is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to
be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists
which someone would like to research. It is the focus of a research
investigation.
 Hypothesis – is a tentative explanation based on theory to predict a causal
relationship between variables.
 Variables – is something that can be changed or altered during an experiment.
 Independent Variable – is the part of the experiment that is changed by the
scientist or person performing the experiment.
 Dependent Variable – is the part of the experiment that is affected by the
independent variable.
 Constant Variable - is any aspect of an experiment that a researcher
intentionally keeps unchanged throughout an experiment.
 Research Design – it refers to the overall plan for collecting data in order to
answer the research question. It also includes the specific data analysis
techniques or methods that the researcher intends to use.
 Control Group – is the group in an experiment that does not receive the
variable you are testing.
 Experimental Group – is the group that receives the variable being tested in
an experiment.

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 PRE-TEST

Directions: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer and
write it in your notebook.

1. A scientist hypothesizes that the temperature at which an alligator's egg

is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be a male or a female.
The independent variable is:
a. the incubator c. the temperature
b. the male alligators d. the gender of the alligator

2. A scientist who wants to study the effects of fertilizer on plants sets up

an experiment. Plant A gets no fertilizer, Plant B gets 5 mg of fertilizer
each day, and Plant C gets 10 mg of fertilizer each day. Which plant is the
control group?
a. Plant A c. Plant B
b. All of them d. Plant C

3. Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?
a. Searching sources of information to locate problem.
b. Survey of related literature.
c. Identification of a problem.
d. Searching for solutions to the problem

4. In research terminology, the extraneous variable can be described as

___________.
a. The cause responsible for bringing about changes in a situation.
b. The outcome or changes brought about by introduction of an
independent variable.
c. Linking the independent and dependent variables.
d. Several factors operating in a real-life situation which are not measured
in the study that may affect changes in the dependent variable.

5. The following are criteria in selecting a research problem, EXCEPT:

a. It must be within the capability of the researcher to finance.
b. It should be chosen by the research adviser or teacher.
c. The results should be practical and implementable.
d. It must be within the interest of the researcher.

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 BACKGROUND INFORMATION

THE RESEARCH PROCESS

The research process is a cyclic process. Most of the time, the conclusion that
is reached at the end of an investigation leads to other problems which other
researchers may undertake in the future. Opportunities for more inventions and
discoveries arise from the cyclic nature of research. In essence, it perpetuates the
dynamic nature of science and ensures its continuous growth.

Figure 1 shows the steps in a research process.

1
Identification of a
Research Problem
8
Formulation of 2
Conclusion
Formulation of a
Hypothesis

7
Analysis and 3
Interpretation of Review of Related
Processed Data Literature

6 4
Data collection, Preparation of a
Organization and Research Design
Processing
5
Actual
Experimentation

Figure 1. The Research Process

The research process, like any other processes, is made up of several steps.
Each step leads logically to the next one. The time it takes for each of these steps
depends on the kind of problem being investigated, the experience of the researchers,
and the availability of resources needed for the study.

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 The steps in the research process are essentially the same as those in the
scientific method. The scientific method is a sequence of problem-solving skills that
scientists use to answer questions or problems. Some of these skills include identifying
a problem, formulating a hypothesis, doing library research, observing, performing
experiments, analyzing data, drawing conclusions, and communicating results.

Figure 2 shows the steps involved in a scientific method.

Start

Identifying a problem

Formulating a hypothesis

Performing experiments and/or making

observations

Analyzing the data

Is the hypothesis supported by

observations and experiments? NO
NO
The experiment The experiment
is faulty. is not faulty.
YES

Drawing conclusions

Communicating results

Figure 2. The Scientific Method

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STEPS IN THE RESEARCH PROCESS

A. PLANNING

1. Identification of a Research Problem

A research problem shows that someone would like to research on or

perhaps, that which a person finds unsatisfactory or unsettling; a difficulty of
some sort, or a state of affairs that needs to be changed.

A problem identified by the researcher keeps him focused throughout

the entire research process. It is the basis of all subsequent research activities
that he is going to undertake. It guides him to the hypothesis, work plan,
interpretation of findings, and finally, to the conclusion.

GUIDELINES IN THE SELECTION OF A RESEARCH PROBLEM

It is always useful to refer to some criteria when one has to decide on what
research to pursue. The following are the things that you have to consider in choosing
a research problem.

1. The research problem or topic must be chosen by the researcher. This is to

avoid blaming others or offering excuses for any obstacle encountered.
2. It must be within the interest of the researcher. This is to make sure that the
researcher will focus his attention to the research work.
3. It must be within the specialization of the researcher. This will in some way
make the work easier for him because he is working on familiar grounds.
Besides, this may improve his specialization, skill and competence in his
profession.
4. It must be within the competence of the researcher to tackle. He must have
a workable understanding of the study.
5. It must be within the ability of the researcher to finance.
6. It is researchable and manageable. That is:
a. data are available and accessible;
b. the data must meet the standards of accuracy, objectivity, and
verifiability. The data gathered must be accurate, objective and not
biased and can be verified if there is a need, otherwise, the results of
the study will not be valid and the generalizations formulated will be
faulty;
c. answers to specific questions can be found;
d. the hypotheses formulated are testable, that is, they can be accepted
or rejected; and
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 e. equipment and instruments for research are available and can give
valid and reliable results. The construction and validation are fully
discussed in methodology.
7. It can be completed within a reasonable period of time.
8. It is significant, important and relevant to the present time and situation,
timely and of current interest. This means that research projects must be
able to make substantial impact upon situations and people.
9. The results are practical and implementable.
10. It must not undermine the moral and spiritual values of people. It must not
advocate the promotion of anti-social values such as drug addiction, cruelty,
hatred, divisiveness, etc.
11. It must not advocate any change in the present order of things by means of
violence but by peaceful means.
12. There must be a return of some kind to the researcher like monetary (either
increase in salary or publication of results); advancement of position;
improved specialization, competence and skill in professional work;
enhanced prestige and reputation; and, satisfaction of intellectual curiosity.
13. There must be a consideration of the hazards involved, either physically,
socially, or legally.

Table 1 shows a checklist of guidelines to assist you in selecting a topic for

research.

Table 1. Checklist of Guidelines in Selecting a Research Topic

CRITERIA YES/NO
1. Is the problem interesting?
2. Will the research contribute to the solution of socio-
economically important problems?
3. Will the research generate new information?
4. Is the research original?
5. Do I have the skills or knowledge necessary to conduct the
research or can I learn them within the time I have?
6. Is the research feasible in terms of:
a. time required to finish the research?
b. expense involved in conducting the research?
c. availability of materials for experimentation?
d. accessibility of materials for experimentation?
e. risks and hazards involved in conducting the
experimentation?
7. Is the research reproducible?

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 Statement of the Problem

In the identification of a research problem, several things must be

considered. The statement of the problem must be clear. It must be organized
and specified. It must define the scope and set limits to the problem to help
determine the feasibility of doing the actual investigation.

The statement of the problem identifies or specifies the variables to be

measured and observed. Some of these variables are manipulated by the
investigator, some are response variables, and the others are held constant or
controlled. The investigator must be sensitive enough to recognize all other
variables that may influence the result of the investigation.

The statement of the problem sets the objectives or goals of the study.
it also states the sub-problems.

Example of a Statement of a Problem:

Title: “Effects of Varying Temperatures and Concentrations on the
Index Refraction of Sugar Solution”

The main objective of the study is to find the effects of temperature and
concentration on the index of refraction of sugar solution.
Specifically, this seeks to find effects of (a) varying temperatures on the
index of refraction of sugar solution, and (b) varying concentrations on the index
of refraction of sugar solution.

The statement of the problem above is clear, organized, concise, and

specific. Its scope and limits are defined. It also provides the basis for the
formulation of a hypothesis.

2. Formulation of a Hypothesis

A hypothesis is a tentative answer to a specific question posed at the

beginning of the investigation. It serves as a guide to the research work plan or
design. It may be based on factual knowledge, experiences and observations.
A hypothesis must be testable. To test whether a hypothesis is correct or not,
scientists make observations and do experiments to see whether the results of
these observations or experiments support it.

Hypotheses may either be in the alternative or in the null form.

Alternative or otherwise called operational hypothesis (Ha) is in the affirmative,
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 that is, without using no or not. The null hypothesis (Ho) is stated in the
negative, that is, with the use of no or not.

To demonstrate how the forms are stated, let us consider again the
research problem that we identified earlier: “The Effects of Varying
Temperatures and Concentrations on the Index Refraction of Sugar Solution.”

In this problem, the question being investigated is “What factors affect

the index of refraction of sugar solution?” There are two suggested factors:
temperature and concentration. Hence, two hypotheses are to be formulated.
We can state them in any of the two forms.

Null Hypothesis Alternative Hypothesis

1. Varying temperatures 1. Varying temperatures
have no significant have a significant effect
effect on the index of on the index of refraction
refraction of a sugar of a sugar solution.
solution.
2. Varying concentrations 2. Varying concentrations
have no significant have a significant effect
effect on the index of on the index of refraction
refraction of a sugar of a sugar solution.
solution.

3. Identification of Variables

A variable is something whose value or name or property or

characteristic, which is yet to be known is sought for by the researcher. It is
anything that may change or may be changed from one condition to another,
either qualitatively or quantitatively.

Types of Variables

A. QUALITATIVE VS QUANTITATIVE VARIABLES

 Qualitative variable – when what is looked for in a variable is an

attribute such as type, name, brand, gender, or educational
attainment which classifies respondents, responses or objects.
 Quantitative variable – when what is to be found out in a variable is
a value such as 5%, 1/2, or kg. which indicates how much or how
many given property.

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B. INDEPENDENT VS DEPENDENT VARIABLES

 Independent variable – it is defined as anything, condition, or

process which is controlled and manipulated by the experimenter and
applied on another thing, condition or process (dependent variable)
intended to have or produce a change in or reaction from the latter
(dependent variable).
 Dependent variable – it is defined as anything, a condition, or a
process exposed to or upon which treatments or actions from the
independent variable are applied. The response of or change in the
dependent variable is measured and some statistical methods are
applied to determine the effects of the independent or experimental
variable. The value of the dependent variable depends on the
response of the subjects toward the changes or manipulation done
by the experimenter on the independent variables.

Example:
In the “Effect of Light and Temperature on the Growth of
Tomatoes,” light and temperature are the independent variables. The
researcher might assign the subjects (which in this case are tomatoes) to
three intensity levels of light (low, medium and high) and to two specific
temperatures, 20°C and 35°C. The three intensity levels of light and the two
temperature levels would constitute the experimental treatments to which
the subjects must be exposed. In the course of the experiment, while the
subjects are exposed to these treatments, changes in their behavior or
characteristics are being observed and recorded. In the case of the
tomatoes in our example, changes in the length of the stem and the number
of leaves per plant (dependent variables) may be observed as a result of
the manipulation of the level of light intensity and level of temperature. This
variable can be of two types: quantitative and qualitative. A quantitative
variable can take values corresponding to the points on a real line scale
(ex: length of the stem, number of leaves) otherwise, the variable is
qualitative (ex: color of the tomatoes).

C. EXTRANEOUS VARIABLES

When we do an experimental research, there may be variables

which may affect the behavior or characteristics of the experimental
subjects that we are investigating even though we are not concerned with
these variables in the present study. These variables are called extraneous
variables. Extraneous variables have to be controlled in order to eliminate
their effect on the subjects’ behavior or characteristics. In our example, the
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 amount of water used to water the tomato plants must be controlled. All the
treatments must receive the same amount of water at the same time they
are watered to eliminate chance differences in the behavior or
characteristics among the tomatoes across different treatments. These
variables that are kept the same or constant throughout the experiment are
called control variables.

4. Types of Research Designs

A research design is a complete sequence of steps or procedures that

need to be followed when obtaining the needed data during an investigation. It
serves as a guide during the actual experimentation. It minimizes the cost of
experimentation while maximizing the gathered information relevant to the
problem. It is synonymous with the term methods of research. The most popular
classifications of research design are the following:

A. Descriptive Research
This type of research endeavors to describe systematically, factually,
accurately and objectively a situation, problem or phenomenon. It seeks
to describe “what is.” It can be classified as qualitative or quantitative
research. Qualitative research is used to examine questions that can
be answered by verbally describing how participants in a study perceive
and interpret various aspects of their environment. Quantitative
research is used to examine questions that can be best answered by
collecting and statistically analyzing data that are in numerical form.

B. Correlational/Associational Research
In this type of research, the investigator tries to probe the significance of
relationship between two or more factors or characteristics.

C. Ex-Post Facto/Causal-Comparative Research

In this type of research, an investigator delves on analyzing the possible
effect of a factor which cannot be manipulated or controlled. Example, a
biology student who is interested in determining the incidence of lung
cancer among heavy smokers.

D. Explanatory Research
In this type of inquiry, the researcher seeks to clarify how and why a
relationship exists between two or more aspects of a situation or
phenomenon. Examples include questions like why job stress
contributes to burnout or why low morale can lead to low productivity
among employees.
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 E. Experimental Research
In this type of research, the researcher probes into the cause of an effect
by exposing one or more experimental groups to one or more treatments
or conditions. For example, when a mathematics professor is after
determining the effectiveness of a learning module in raising the
performance of his students.

F. Exploratory Research
This kind of study is undertaken when the investigator is after probing or
exploring areas where little is known about the research problem.
Feasibility and pilot studies fall under this type of research design.

G. Ethnographic Research
This type of research is done when the researcher is concerned with
explaining or describing a phenomenon holistically with the use of
multiple data collection techniques.

H. Historical Research
The researcher attempts to reconstruct the past objectively and
accurately or to explain an incident that happened in the past with the
use of data taken from the past.

5. Planning of the Research Design and Procedure

Planning, also called forethought, is the process of thinking about and

organizing the activities required to achieve a desired goal. Planning a research
design consists of selecting the research method to be used, determining the
locale, population, sample and sampling procedure, describing the respondents
of the study, preparing the procedures for gathering data, designing the
research instrument, and determining the statistical formulas to be used in
treating the data gathered. A researcher has to plan the entire process of study
in terms of research plan and design suited to the study in order to accomplish
the purpose of the study.

B. EXPERIMENTAL METHODS

1. Characteristics

A. Variables
Manipulation of one variable followed by an observation of the effects of
this manipulation on a second variable. The variable to be manipulated
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 – the independent/experimental variable. The variable that is measured
to determine the effect of the experimental treatment – the dependent
variable. Extraneous variables, on the other hand, are other factors
affecting the experiment that may also contribute to the change.

B. Experimental Setting
The setting is where the experiment is carried out. Many experiments
are carried out in the laboratory, where control can be exerted on the
extraneous variables, thereby eliminating them. Other experiments are
carried out in a less controllable setting. The choice of setting used in
research depends on the nature of the experiment being carried out.

C. Internal and External Validity

The test or experiment must be able to produce valid results both
internally and externally. Internal validity means that no other plausible
cause of the observed results should exist except those tested. External
validity means that the conclusions can be projected to the real world
problems.

2. Set-ups (Control and Experimental)

In an experiment, one group of subjects that is exposed to a certain

treatment is called the experimental group. Another group that is exposed to the
absence of the treatment is called the control group. The same conditions hold
for the two groups. The recorded behavior or changes in the characteristics of each
of the two groups in response to the treatment they received during
experimentation are compared to evaluate the effect of the independent variable.
The number of experimental and control groups depends on the nature and design
of the experiment.

A simple example of a controlled experiment may be used to determine

whether or not plants need to be watered to live. The control group would be plants
that are not watered. The experimental group would consist of plants that receive
water.

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 EXERCISE 1

IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

Directions: Read and analyze each study. Identify the independent, dependent
and constant variables in the following statements. Write your answers in your
notebook.

1. Susan wants to know how different colors of light affect the growth of
plants. She believes that plants can survive the best in white light. She
buys 5 ferns of the same species, which are all approximately the same
age and height. She places one in white light, one in blue light, one in
green light, one in red light and one in the closet. All of the ferns are
planted in Miracle-Grow fertilizer and given 20 mL of water once a day for
2 weeks. After two weeks, Susan observes the plants and measurements.
a. Independent Variable _______________________________________
b. Dependent Variable ________________________________________
c. Control Variables (at least 3) __________________________________

2. The makers of brand A Mouthwash want to prove that their mouthwash

kills more bacteria than the other 4 leading brands of mouthwash. They
organize 60 test subjects into 6 groups of 10 test subjects. The data for
the experiment is shown below.

a. Independent Variable _______________________________________

b. Dependent Variable ________________________________________
c. Control Variables (at least 3) __________________________________

3. A shopping mall wanted to determine whether the more expensive

“Tough Stuff” floor wax was better than the cheaper “Steel Seal” floor
wax at protecting its floor tiles against scratches. One liter of each brand
of floor wax was applied to test sections of the main hall of the mall. The
test sections were all the same size and were covered with the same kind

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 of tiles. After 3 weeks, the number of scratches in each of the test sections
was counted to observe the wax’s effectiveness.
a. Independent Variable _______________________________________
b. Dependent Variable ________________________________________
c. Control Variables (at least 3) __________________________________

EXERCISE 2

EXPERIMENTAL AND CONTROL GROUPS

Directions: Carefully read each scenario. Identify the experimental group and
the control group in each study. Write your answers in your notebook.

1. Mr. Perez wanted to see if the color of light shined on a plant had an effect
on the number of leaves it had. He gathered 2 groups of the same species
of plants, gave them the same amount of water, and did the test for the
same amount of time. On one group of plants he used white light. On the
second group he changed the light color to red.
a. Experimental Group ________________________________________
b. Control Group _____________________________________________

2. You are managing a large feed lot of cattle. A pharmaceutical company

wants you to try a new antibiotic to treat shipping fever in newly arrived
cattle. You are currently not using any antibiotic to treat shipping fever in
your cattle. The company claims that it is more effective and will save you
money using this antibiotic. You will use the same feed, water and
conditions of the cattle. You will measure the temperature of the cattle’s
fevers to see whether or not the new antibiotic works on treating shipping
fever.
a. Experimental Group ________________________________________
b. Control Group _____________________________________________

3. Carlo notices that his shower is covered in a strange green slime. His
friend Marco tells him that coconut juice will get rid of the green slime.
Carlo decides to check this out by spraying half of the shower with
coconut juice. He sprays the other half of the shower with water. After 3
days of "treatment" there is no change in the appearance of the green
slime on either side of the shower.
a. Experimental Group ________________________________________
b. Control Group _____________________________________________
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 EXERCISE 3

REDI’S EXPERIMENT

Directions: Read the selection and answer the questions below. Write your
answers in your notebook.

Long ago, many people believed that living things could come from nonliving
things. They thought that worms came from wood and that maggots came from
decaying meat. This idea was called spontaneous generation. In 1668, an Italian
biologist, Francesco Redi, did experiments to prove that maggots did not come from
meat. One of his experiments is shown below:

Source: https://www.nps.gov/flfo/learn/education/upload/Unit1Lesson2.pdf

Redi placed pieces of meat in several jars. He divided the jars into two groups.
He covered the first group of jars with fine cloth. He left the second group of jars
uncovered. Redi observed the jars for several days. He saw flies on the cloth of the
covered jars, and he saw flies laying eggs on the meat in the uncovered jars. Maggots
appeared only on the meat in the group of jars left uncovered.
GUIDE QUESTIONS:

1. What was the problem in Redi’s experiment?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

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 2. What do you think was his hypothesis?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

3. How did he test his hypothesis?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

4. What were the variables in Redi’s experiment?

a. Independent Variable _______________________________________
b. Dependent Variable ________________________________________
c. Control Variables (at least 3) __________________________________

5. What do you think was Redi’s conclusion?

______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

SUMMARY

Here is a summary of the things that you have to remember about this module:

 The research process is a cyclic process that is composed of eight (8) steps.
These steps are: 1) Identification of the Problem; 2) Formulation of a
Hypothesis; 3) Review of Related Literature; 4) Preparation of a Research
Design; 5) Actual Experimentation; 6) Data Collection, Organization, and
Processing; 7) Analysis and Interpretation of Processed Data; and 8)
Formulation of Conclusion.
 A research problem is a statement about an area of concern, a condition to be
improved, a difficulty to be eliminated, or a troubling question that exists which
someone would like to research. It serves as the focus of the entire research
investigation.
 There are several things to consider when choosing a research problem.
Primarily, it should be chosen by the researcher himself. This should be within
his interest or specialization. The expenses in conducting the study should be
within the capacity of the researcher to finance. The data should also be
available and accessible to the researcher. The study should also be completed
within a reasonable period of time. The results of the study should also be

16
 practical, implementable, and relevant to the present time and situation. There
must also be consideration to the hazards involved in conducting the study.
 The statement of the problem sets the objectives of the study. It also states the
sub-problems identified by the researcher.
 A hypothesis is a tentative answer to the question posed at the start of the
investigation. The two kinds of hypothesis are null and alternative. The null
hypothesis is stated in the negative form, while the alternative hypothesis is
stated in the affirmative form.
 A variable is something whose value which is yet to be known is sought by the
researcher. Qualitative variable refers to attributes such as gender, brand, etc.
while quantitative variable refers to values such as length, mass, etc.
Independent variable is the one that is manipulated by the experimenter while
the dependent variable is the one that is affected with the change made in the
independent variable. Extraneous variables are those that may affect the
experimental subject even though it is not tested in the study. Control variables
are the variables that are kept constant or the same throughout the study.
 The research design refers to the overall plan for collecting data in order to
answer the research question. It is classified into: 1) Descriptive Research; 2)
Correlational/Associational Research; 3) Ex-Post Facto/Causal-Comparative
Research; 4) Explanatory Research; 5) Experimental Research; 6) Exploratory
Research; 7) Ethnographic Research; and 8) Historical Research.
 In planning the research design, all the important aspects of the study should
be taken into consideration. Some of these aspects include the locale,
respondents, research instrument, and statistical formulas that will be used in
the study.
 Experimental methods are characterized by its variables, setting and validity.
The variables include the independent, dependent, extraneous, and control
variables. The setting is usually in a laboratory or in a place where the
extraneous variables can be controlled. Validity can be internal and external.
Internal validity means that the observed results are only caused by the variable
that is being tested while external validity means that the results can be
projected in the real world.
 In an experimental research, there is always an experimental and control group.
The experimental group is the group of subjects that is exposed to a particular
treatment while the control group is the group that is not exposed to that specific
treatment.

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 POST TEST

Directions: Read each item carefully. Choose the letter of the best answer and
write it in your notebook.

1. A scientist hypothesizes that the temperature at which an alligator's egg

is incubated will determine whether the alligator will be a male or a female.
The independent variable is:
c. the incubator c. the temperature
d. the male alligators d. the gender of the alligator

2. A scientist who wants to study the effects of fertilizer on plants sets up

an experiment. Plant A gets no fertilizer, Plant B gets 5 mg of fertilizer
each day, and Plant C gets 10 mg of fertilizer each day. Which plant is the
control group?
c. Plant A c. Plant B
d. All of them d. Plant C

3. Which of the following is the first step in starting the research process?
a. Searching sources of information to locate problem.
b. Survey of related literature.
c. Identification of a problem.
d. Searching for solutions to the problem

4. In research terminology, the extraneous variable can be described as

___________.
a. The cause responsible for bringing about changes in a situation.
b. The outcome or changes brought about by introduction of an
independent variable.
c. Linking the independent and dependent variables.
d. Several factors operating in a real-life situation which are not measured
in the study that may affect changes in the dependent variable.

5. The following are criteria in selecting a research problem, EXCEPT:

a. It must be within the capability of the researcher to finance.
b. It should be chosen by the research adviser or teacher.
c. The results should be practical and implementable.
d. It must be within the interest of the researcher.

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6. Hypothesis is a tentative answer to a specific question posed at the
beginning of the investigation. What are the two forms of hypothesis?
a. control and experimental c. independent and dependent
b. null and alternative d. qualitative and quantitative

7. It is defined as a complete sequence of steps or procedures that need to

be followed when obtaining the needed data during an investigation.
a. hypothesis c. experimentation
b. variables d. research design

8. The research process is composed of eight (8) steps. Which of the

following steps are arranged in the correct sequence?
a. identification of a problem, formulation of hypothesis, review of related
literature, preparation of a research design, actual experimentation
b. identification of a problem, formulation of hypothesis, preparation of a
research design, review of related literature, actual experimentation
c. identification of a problem, review of related literature, formulation of
hypothesis, preparation of a research design, actual experimentation
d. identification of a problem, review of related literature, preparation of a
research design, formulation of hypothesis, actual experimentation

9. A research problem must be feasible. This means that:

a. The problem should be interesting.
b. The research problem should be original.
c. The data needed should be accessible and available.
d. The results of the study should contribute to the solution of
socioeconomic problems.

10. After the completion of a research study, there must be some kind of
return to the researcher. This may come in the following forms, EXCEPT:
a. monetary c. enhanced prestige
b. improved skill d. demotion

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 ASSIGNMENT

Directions: Read the scenario and complete the table below. Write your answers
in your notebook.

Scenario: Tim wants to know if sugar particles dissolve faster in warm water or cold
water. What should he do to answer his problem?

RESEARCH PROCESS ANSWERS

Identification of a Problem
1. What is Tim’s problem?
Formulation of Hypotheses
2. What is his null hypothesis?
3. What is his alternative
hypothesis?
Preparation of a Research Design
4. Illustrate and explain the setup for
5. Tim’s experiment.
Identification of Variables
6. What is the independent variable
in his experiment?
7. What is the dependent variable in
his experiment?
8. What are the control variables in
his experiment? Name at least
three (3).
Experimental Setups
9. What is the control group in Tim’s
experiment?
10. What is the experimental group in
his experiment?

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 REFERENCES

Caintic, Helen E. and Cruz, Juanita M. Scientific Research Manual. C & E Publishing,
Inc.: Quezon City. 2008.

Bermudo, Pedrito Jose V. Research Writing Made Simple (A Modular Approach for
Collegiate and Graduate Students). Mindshapers Co., Inc.: Intramuros, Manila. 2010.

“Chapter 4: Research Plan and Procedure.”

https://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/76571/10/10_chapter%204.pdf

Formplus Blog. “Experimental Research Designs: Types, Examples & Methods”.

2020. https://www.formpl.us/blog/experimental-research.

“7 Stations New Answer Key.”

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact
=8&ved=2ahUKEwjW6K2Ag9nrAhUQEqYKHflODFEQFjACegQIBRAB&url=https%3
A%2F%2Fwww.coursehero.com%2Ffile%2F34787618%2F7-STATIONS-NEW-
ANSWER-KEY-docx%2F&usg=AOvVaw2jLaMv1OnzS9ZoKZvMtmOo

“Independent Variables, Dependent Variables and Constants Worksheet.”

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact
=8&ved=2ahUKEwiHmLutg9nrAhWPy4sBHY80AKsQFjAAegQICBAB&url=https%3A
%2F%2Fcleveland.rrps.net%2Fcommon%2Fpages%2FDisplayFile.aspx%253FitemI
d%253D456967&usg=AOvVaw1_3V_y8LG76VyPxVDezt79

mrscienceut.net/SciMethWkshts.docx.

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 ANSWER KEY

PRE-TEST
1. C
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. B

EXERCISE 1: IDENTIFYING VARIABLES

1. Independent Variable Color of light
Dependent Variable Height/Growth of the plants
Control Variables (at least 3) type of plant (same initial height and age), type of
fertilizer used (Miracle-Grow), amount of water (20 mL).
2. Independent Variable Brand of Mouthwash
Dependent Variable number of bacteria in mouth
Control Variables (at least 3) Each person should use the same amount of
mouthwash; each person should use the mouthwash for the same amount of
time; and each person should use the mouthwash at the same time of day.
3. Independent Variable Tough Stuff floor wax/The brand of floor wax used
Dependent Variable The number of scratches in each test section
Control Variables (at least 3) same size are applied, same area of main hall,
same amount of wax

EXERCISE 2: EXPERIMENTAL AND CONTROL GROUPS

1. Experimental Group Group with red light
Control Group Group with white light
2. Experimental Group Cattle with antibiotic
Control Group Cattle without antibiotic
3. Experimental Group The part of the shower that is sprayed with coconut juice.
Control Group The part of the shower that is sprayed with water.

EXERCISE 3: REDI’S EXPERIMENT

(Possible Answers. Student’s answers will vary.)
1. What was the problem in Redi’s experiment?
Where do maggots come from?

2. What do you think was his hypothesis?

Flies produced maggots.

22
 3. How did he test his hypothesis?
Redi placed pieces of meat in several jars. He divided the jars into two groups.
He covered the first group of jars with fine cloth. He left the second group of
jars uncovered.

4. What were the variables in Redi’s experiment?

a. Independent Variable The fine cloth that kept the flies away from the
meat.
b. Dependent Variable The appearance of maggots on the meat in the jars.
c. Control Variables (at least 3) type of jar, type of meat, location,
temperature, and time.

5. What do you think was Redi’s conclusion?

Maggots do not come from meat. Maggots come from flies. Living things come
from other living things.

POST TEST
1. C
2. A
3. C
4. D
5. B
6. B
7. D
8. A
9. C
10. D

ASSIGNMENT
(Possible Answers. Student’s answers will vary.)

RESEARCH PROCESS ANSWERS

Identification of a Problem
1. What is Tim’s problem?
Formulation of Hypotheses
2. What is his null hypothesis?
3. What is his alternative
hypothesis?
Preparation of a Research Design
4. Illustrate and explain the
setup for
5. Tim’s experiment.
1. Does temperature affect the rate at
which sugar particles dissolve?
2. Temperature does not affect the rate at
which sugar particles dissolve.
3. Temperature affects the rate at which
sugar particles dissolve.
4. Please see the illustration below.
5. Tim will prepare three (3) clear glasses
with the same amount of water. One
glass has cold water, one has room

23

Identification of Variables
6. What is the independent
variable in his experiment?
7. What is the dependent
variable in his experiment?
8. What are the control variables
in his experiment? Name at
least three (3).
Experimental Setups
9. What is the control group in
Tim’s experiment?
10. What is the experimental
group in his experiment?
4. Setup for Tim’s Experiment
WATER AT ROOM
COLD WATER
TEMPERATURE
Source: https://image.shutterstock.com/image-photo/spoon-260nw-310518752.jpg
temperature water and the other one
has hot water. He will then put sugar of
the same amount in each glass, at the
same time. He may need help in putting
the sugar inside the glass. This is to
make sure that they are poured
simultaneously. Tim will set a specific
time before he observes the sugar
particles in each glass. The glass
which will have no or less sugar
particles visible dissolves sugar
particles faster than the other two
setups.
6. The independent variable is the
temperature of water in each glass.
7. The dependent variable is the rate at
which the sugar particles dissolve.
8. The control variables are the glasses
used, amount of sugar, kind of sugar,
amount of water, and spoon used.
These are the things that are kept
constant or the same in the
experiment.
9. The control group is the setup with
water at room temperature.
10. The experimental groups are the
setups with cold and hot water.
HOT WATER
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