You are on page 1of 8

LESSON 1

THE RESEARCH
Lesson Objectives:
1. Define research;
2. Identify the types of research; and
3. Determine the research classification.

1.1 Meaning of Research


Research may be defined as a scientific investigation of
phenomena which includes collection, presentation, analysis, and
interpretation of facts that links man’s speculation with reality.
From this definition, it stressed that the ultimate goal of research is to attain or to
establish facts about phenomenon being investigated. The means by which these facts
will be attained are also explicit systematic, objective and comprehensive investigation;
accurate gathering, recording and critical analyses of data and interpretation of facts.
Guesswork, haphazard procedure and subjective disposition have no place in the
research process.
Kerlinger (1986) defined research as “systematic, controlled, empirical and
critical investigation of natural phenomena guided by theory and hypotheses about the
presumed relations among such phenomena.
Best and Khan (1989) viewed research as “systematic and objective analysis,
recording of controlled observations that may lead to the development of
generalizations, principles or theories resulting in prediction and possibly ultimate
control of events.”
Additionally, the following definitions of Research has been discussed by
Adanza, et. al in their book on Methods of Research for the Health Professions in 2003.
Research is a process of gathering data or information by a scientific or logical
procedure in order to solve a particular problem. It is not only a search about an
important problem, but also the formation of the proof or a theory or basis of a theory
that is worthwhile to society in general or nay of tis sectors in particular.
The word research is a combination of two words “re” and “search”. It includes
previous works and scientific analyses of a subject matter. Research is conducted to
confirm or deny previous findings; to add or revise such findings; or to add new and
related findings.
Martinez (1988) wrote that “Research is a scientific process of critical selection of
data, investigation, and analysis of such, in order to gain new knowledge or complement
existing one.” Research must give new information for what is already known and which
may no longer be relevant.
To this end, Research is a logical and systematic fact-finding procedure which
involves comprehensive data gathering procedures and method which may result to an
accurate, valid and reliable interpretation and critical analysis of the data gathered.

1.2 Characteristics of Research


There are 6 characteristics of research, namely, (1) empirical, (2) logical, (3),
cyclical, (4) analytical, (5) replicability, and (6) critical.
1. Empirical. Research is based on direct experience or observation by the
researcher. The collection of data relies on practical experience without benefit of
the scientific knowledge or theory.
2. Logical. Research is based on valid procedures and principles. Scientific
investigation is done in an orderly manner so that the researcher has confidence
on the results. Logical examination of the procedures used in the research
enables the researcher to draw valid conclusions. Thus, the logic of valid
research makes it important for decision making.
3. Cyclical. Research is a cyclical process. It starts with a problem and ends with a
problem. For instance, a researcher who completes his study states his findings
and draws up his conclusions and recommendations. In his recommendations,
many problems may crop up as other subject for study hence, the cycle is
repeated.
4. Analytical. Research utilizes proven analytical procedures in gathering the data,
whether historical, descriptive, experimental or case study. In historical research,
the study focuses on the past; in descriptive research, the study focuses on the
present situation; experimental, future; an incase study, past present, and future.
5. Replicability. The research designs and procedures are replicated to enable the
research to arrive at valid and conclusive results. Similarities and differences of
replicated researches, the more valid and conclusive the results would be.
6. Critical. Research exhibits careful and precise judgment. A higher level of
confidence must be established, i.e., at 1.0 percent or 5.0 percent level of
confidence. Based on these levels of confidence, the researcher is confidently
precise in his interpretation on whether the results are significant or insignificant,
or whether to reject or accept the hypothesis.
1.3 Types of Research
There are 3 types of research, namely: (1) pure research, (2) applied research,
and (3) action research.
1. Pure Research. This is also called “basic research” or “fundamental research.” It
aims to discover basic truths or principles. It is intended to add to the body of
scientific knowledge by exploring the unknown to extend the boundaries of
knowledge as well as to discover new facts, and learn more accurately the
characteristics of known without any particular thought as to immediate practical
utility (Shubin, 1971). The examples of pure researchers are as follows:
a. Archimedes’ principle. Although accidental, Aristotle Archimedes
discovered what is known as the Archimedes’ Law of Buoyancy. He
extended his principle further as follows: “An object is a liquid will
experience a buoyant force just equal to the weight of the liquid displaced”
(Manlulu & Garcia, 1985). He extended his principle further as follows: “An
object will float if the buoyant force of the liquid is greater that its weight or
the gravitational pull of the earth for the object.
b. Newtons’ Law. As a result of his experience, Isaac Newton conducted
pure research known as Newton’s Law of Motion which states that “A
body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion will continue to move
unless acted upon by an external force” (Rebollos, et al., 1986).
c. Hooke’s Law. Pure research conducted by Robert Hooke resulted in
Hooke’s Law which states that “Within the limit of perfect elasticity, strain
is directly proportional to stress” (Manlulu, 1985).
d. Boyle’s Law. Robert Boyle’s law states that “If the temperature remains
constant, the volume of a confined gas is inversely proportional to the
pressure” (Rebollos, 1986)
e. Charles’ Law. Jacques Charles’ Law states that “The volume of a dry gas
is directly proportional to the Kelvin temperature, provided the pressure
remains constant” (William, 1980).
2. Applied Research. This type of research involves seeking new applications of
scientific knowledge to the solution of a problem, such as the development of a
new system or procedure, new device, or new method in order to solve the
problem. In this type of research, the problem is identified and a new system or
method is applied in order to solve the problem. For instance, to solve the
problem of rice shortage, research on using new varieties of rice has been
conducted for the purpose of producing more rice. Another problem, research on
the effectiveness of the different contraceptives for family planning has been
conducted to alleviate the number of children per family.
3. Action Research. This is a decision-oriented research involving the application
of the steps of the scientific method in response to an immediate need to improve
existing practices. This process involves practitioners who study a certain
problem in vivo and from such experience draw their decisions and actions as
well as evaluation. For instance, the culture of seaweed, particularly Eucheuma
using the broadcasting method has existed in the locality and can be improved
by using staking and bamboo rafts methods.

1.4 Classification of Research


Research is classified as: (1) library research, (2) field research, and (3)
laboratory research.
1. Library Research. This is done in the library where answers to specific
questions or problems of the study are available. The historical method lends
itself to library research because the study is focused on the past, and much of
the primary and secondary sources are found in the library. Some historical
evidence may, of course, be from archaeological findings.
Field and laboratory researches also make use of the library researches
but the answers to certain problems are not available in the library. The data are
gathered through survey or experimentation.
2. Field Research. Research is conducted in a natural setting. No changes are
made in the environment. Field research is both applicable to descriptive survey
and experimental methods.
An example of field research using the experimental method is “The
Cultivation of Green Mussel Using Bamboo Raft and Staking Methods in
Bulobadyang island, Estancia, Iloilo.” In this study, the green mussel is cultured
in the natural environment. All things are made equal except the methods used in
cultivation.
3. Laboratory Research. The research is conducted in artificial or controlled
conditions by isolating the study in a rigorously specified and operationalized
area. The purposes are (1) to test hypotheses derived from theory, (2) to control
variance under research conditions, and (3) to discover the relations between the
dependent and independent variables.
Laboratory research is applicable to both experimental, descriptive, and
case study methods. An example of laboratory research using the experimental
method is “Cultivation of Milkfish at the Fishpond Using Fish Meal and Bread
Meal as Supplemental Feeds.”
The researcher uses two compartments, namely, the control and an
experimental pond. All things are held constant, except the supplemental feeds
used.
An example of laboratory research using the descriptive method is “The
Effectiveness of Traditional and Modern Methods of Teaching Physics.” The
researcher who should be a Physics teacher should choose his subjects of the
study (the students) with almost the same mental ability in both traditional and
modern methods. Test is the instrument used to gather data in this study. All
things are made equal except the method used.
ACTIVITY 1
Research in Daily Life 2

Group Name:
Group Members:
Class Schedule:

1. Write the importance of research in your own field. Minimum of 200 words.

No matter what industry you work in or how high up you are, there is always
more to learn. For instance, let's say that a man wanted to enroll in a business
course in order to become wealthy like his father. The subjects covered in that
course are only basic education, so even after receiving a degree in business, he
has no idea how the stock market operates or how to interact with others. This is
because he relied solely on his academics rather than conducting his own
research. Although the skills he learned from his general business have been
useful in his professional life, but relying on them won't produce better results
over the long term. Research is a method of discovering more because schools
are solely for basic learning; those who only stick to what they are expected to
learn in school will always stay in the same spot.

The goal of research is not only to give bases that there is an existing evidence
of what you're trying to learn but research gives you an advantage over people
who lack it since it broadens your perspective and helps you break free from the
same mindset, it determines what has been written and gives the researcher an
Initial understanding of a general idea, but some do not do so and base their
decisions from the information they hear from someone else's mouth or opinions
with no reliable sources, with that mindset, Many students change their courses
or regret their decisions because they encountered things for which they were
unprepared for.

For example, a student who wanted to major in law did little to no research at all
was unaware that the field needs a lot of reading and memorization. The student
merely liked the concept of law since it was argumentative and involved a lot of
debates but was oblivious of many other things and now faced regret. With that
lesson, People who don't conduct thorough research are also not eager to learn.

2. Choose 2 Characteristics of Research and give each an example of a conducted


research. Explain how that research follows such characteristics.

There are 6 characteristics of research, and I chose Logical and Empirical, I first
want to give an example of a conducted research of Logical research. As stated,
Logical research is based on valid procedures and principles, For example, The
research is to observe and collect data of all students temperature, The purpose
of checking student's temperature is to track their illness as it gives an insight into
hormonal health. People with COVID-19 have a variety of symptoms, with fever
being the most common symptom. Kong Hua School is monitoring students who
exhibit covid symptoms and checking to see if their temperature is above 100.4°F
(38°C). The school observes and check their temperature every day and their
temperature are even required even if they are at home. The goal is to examine
students since fever is a reaction to an infection, disease, or even the
coronavirus. Because students are constantly exposed to the conditions outside,
this method prevent students from spreading the virus to others, it is crucial that
we monitor our body temperatures because they can give us an early warnings
of someone’s health.

The point of that example is that logical research adheres the rules of logic It is
crucial to support your claims and provide logical justifications and to explain
things from a logical point of view, Why does the school need to track their
temperature? Do all students need to be observed? The questions are all
addressed; therefore, it is Logical research. Next is Empirical research,
Empirical can be classified into a qualitative, quantitative methods or mixed.
Empirical data is factual information that has been gathered through
experimentation and observation.

Example, The researcher looks for warning signs in the person, such as how
they behave, obsessive or compulsive tendencies, or remaining in violent
relationships, A psychology analysis and to publish findings to understand why
someone with traumatic experience reacts to dangers. Observing their thinking
patterns, spiritual beliefs, and social interactions. The researcher employs
observation to acquire data, this characteristic of research is evidence-based and
can be proven, making it an empirical study.

You might also like