Research Writing in Science Statement that accepts or rejects the hypothesis
If results of the experiment do not support the
The Scientific Method hypothesis, formulate another hypothesis based on the
a systematic and organized way of solving problems. information obtained from the experiment. Repeat
Here are the steps: steps of the scientific method.
1. Identifying the problem If results support or answer the hypothesis, re-state the
2. Gathering the problem hypothesis in a manner as to answer the problem
3. Formulating a hypothesis
4. Conducting the experiment Step 7. Verifying the Conclusion
5. Collecting and interpreting of data To make sure findings are conclusive, repeat the
6. Drawing the conclusion experiment using the same procedures and conditions
7. Verifying the conclusion May be done by the same person or by another
experimenter
Step 1. Identifying the Problem Recommend for further study or improvements
It begins with a question based on an observation. It Communicate or present to others
may begin with what, when, who, which, why, where,
or how RESEARCH EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE
The problem must be something which is measurable What is Research?
and observable. Research is a systematic investigation for information.
It may be an open-ended question that can be It is a process of inquiring.
answered through an experiment.
Inquiry
Step 2. Gathering of Preliminary Data “a seeking for truth, information or knowledge”
Gather information to avoid repeating mistakes from information is sought through questioning
the past. begins with gathering information and data through
applying the various human senses.
Step 3. Formulating a Hypothesis
A hypothesis is a possible answer or tentative Different factors in different kinds of inquiries
explanation to the question. Selection of appropriate questions
Example: Formulation of appropriate questions
“If (I do this), then (this) will happen.” Identification of key issues
Search for valid and relevant evidence
Step 4. Conducting the Experiment Interpretation and assessment of evidence
Testing the hypothesis by experimentation. Application of evidence to identified issues
1. LIst materials, instruments, apparatus and supplies Presentation of coherent, conclusion, final or tentative
needed. Reflection on and assessment of the learning process.
2. Lay-out procedures.
3. Use diagrams and tables. Research
Variables are factors affecting experimental results comes from the middle French word recherché, which
Independent Variable - variable that is changed means “the act of searching closely”.
Dependent Variables - variables that respond to a combination of the prefix re-, which means “again”
the change; measured in the experiment and the word search, which means “to look for”
Controlled or Constant variables - all other factors Scientific research is universally a systematic and
that are kept unchanged during the experiment. objective search for reliable knowledge.
General Rule: Vary only one variable at a time to clearly
see its effect while keeping the other variable Importance of Research
unchanged. To gather necessary information
Control Set-up - used as a reference or standard in To make changes
comparing the results of the experimental set-up To improve the standard of living
Experimental Set-up- the set-up which has For a safer life
independent variable. To know the Truth
To explore our history
Step 5. Collecting and Interpreting the Data To understand arts
Present data or pieces of information gathered in charts
or tables. For easy interpretation - compare result, see Goals of Research
trends and show relationships clearly. When you follow the scientific method in conducting
Data maybe a written description of drawings, research, you offer an explanation or clarification to a
diagrams, or list of numbers. phenomenon in a question with greater reliability and
Repeat experiment several times (trials) to confirm validity. Every field of study relies so much on the
results. process to introduce advancement, novelty, and
Step 6. Drawing a Conclusion progress.
Statement that answers the problem
Research, therefore, serves as the pillar of global This type is conducted in an artificial or controlled
information. condition by doing the study in a thoroughly
specified and equipped area.
Goals of Research
1. Description. This refers to the way in which the Qualitative Research
phenomenon being studied is defined, classified, and Studying the meaning of people’s lives, under real-
categorized. The goal of describing is to provide world conditions; people will not limited by the confines
essential information. of a laboratory.
2. Prediction. It entails stating the possible Representing the views and perspective of the people
consequences of present events based on existing or participants of the study in the results of the
knowledge of something else. The purpose of research mirror the values and meanings of the people
prediction is to control one’s action and behavior who live them, not by the researcher.
through careful planning derived from a given set of Covering the contextual condition within which people
information. live the social institutions and environmental conditions
3. Understanding/Explanation. This is the process of within which live. They may influence all human events.
analyzing information to find out the causes behind Contributing insights into existing or emerging concepts
phenomenon. To understand and explain data, a may help or explain human social behaviour. Research
relationship between events must already be can be instances for developing new concepts.
established: one should cause the effect to the other; Striving to use multiple sources of evidence is better
and other explanations of causality between them must than relying on a single source alone.
be ruled.
Quantitative Research
Characteristics of Research Quantitative research is more often associated with
Empirical hard data.
Research is based on observation and experimentation This research is used to quantify- that is to put
of theories. It takes into account the direct experiences numerical equivalents to findings.
that fuse the researcher’s speculation with reality. Most This type of research is not limited to mathematics.
researches are based on real-life situations. Quantitative research is used to quantify the problem
Systematic by way of generating mathematical data or data that
Research follows orderly and sequential procedures, can be transformed into usable statistics.
based on valid procedures and principles. Researchers It quantifies altitudes, opinions, behaviours and other
are advised to refer to the research guidelines provided defined variables and generalizes results from a large
or prescribed by the school. sample of populations.
Controlled
In research, all variables, except those that are Further Types and Examples of Research
tested/experimented on, are kept constant. Applied Research is designed to solve practical
Employs Hypothesis problems of the modern world, rather than to acquire
The hypothesis guides the investigation process. knowledge for knowledge's sake; its goal is to improve
Research refers to a search for facts, answers to human condition
questions and solutions to problems. It is used to find solutions to everyday problems,
Analytical current illnesses and develop technologies.
There is a critical analysis of all data used so that there Basic Research, also referred to as fundamental or pure
is no error in the researcher’s interpretations. research, is driven by a scientist's curiosity or interest in
Objective a scientific question.
The term also refers to the research as unbiased and The main motivation is to extend man's
logical. All findings are logically based on empirical data, knowledge, not to create or invent things.
which as earlier mentioned, are based on real-life Correlational Research refers to the systematic
situations. investigation or statistical study of relationships among
Original Work two or more variables, without necessarily determining
Requires effort to get at the researcher’s own cause and effect.
investigation and produce the data needed to complete It seeks to establish a relation or association
the study. Go to the library to check on the originality of between two or more variables that do not readily
your work. lend themselves to experimental manipulation.
Types of Research Descriptive Research refers to research that provides
Library Research an accurate portrayal of a class or a particular individual
This type of research is done primarily in the situation or group.
library where answer to specific question or It is also known as statistical research.
problems are available.
Field Research
The research is done in the natural setting such as Ethnographic Research refers to the investigation of a
barangay, school or factory. culture through an in-depth study of the members of
Laboratory Research the culture
it involves the systematic collection, description,
and analysis of data for development of theories
of cultural behavior.
It studies people-ethnic groups in their settings.
Experimental Research is an objective, systematic,
controlled investigation, for the purpose of predicting
and controlling phenomena and examining probability
and causality among selected variables. It best
establishes cause-effect relationship. This type of
research studies the effects of the variables on each
other.
Exploratory Research is a type conducted for a problem
that has not been clearly defined. It helps determine
the best research design, data collection method and
selection of subjects. It can be informal, relying on
secondary research such as review, available literature
and/or data. It is not typically generalizable to the
population at large.
Historical Research is one involving analysis of events
that occurred in the remote or recent past. It can show
patterns that occurred in the past and over time which
can help to see where we came from and what kind of
solutions we have used in the past. Understanding this
can add perspective on how we examine current events
and educational practices.
Phenomenological Research is an inductive descriptive
research developed from phenomenological
philosophy. Its aim is to describe an experience as it is
actually lived by the person. It is concerned with the
study of experience from the perspective of the
individual.
Action Research involves the application of the steps of
the scientific method in the classroom problems.
This type of research is done on a very limited
scope.
