Republic of the Philippines

CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY

Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET 1

(Individual Activity)

Topic Discussed: Basic Concepts and Relevance of the Educational Research

Name BOSE, JUDY ANN D.

Email/ contact number bose.judyann@gmail.com

Course MST CHEMISTRY

Date Submitted October 13, 2022

Directions: Answer the following questions with an in-depth analysis of the materials. It is
required that students personally do the assignments. All submissions, including
examination, will be subjected to a similarity/ plagiarism test using the Turnitin application.
Take note that all outputs should contain a proper citation of materials used.

Reflection and critique papers and topic reports should have a minimum of eight (8) pages
and a maximum of 15 pages, including references and annexes/ appendices. All reference
materials should be documented properly in footnotes, endnotes, bibliographies, or
literature cited. Written outputs should be in MS Word document, 12-point type font, and
single-spaced. They must be in understandable English or Filipino with correct grammar
and concord.

Students written outputs should be guided by the ABC in writing, which stands for
Accuracy, Brevity, and Clarity. Papers should be submitted on time, on or before the
deadline. The student may be given up to 10 points when a paper is submitted on time. No
outputs will be accepted after the date of the final examination.

Questions/Tasks:
1. In what way is research regarded as an inquiry and a search for knowledge?
Explain.

2. Read the article “Biomimicry: Design by Analogy to Biology?” Write a

paper synthesis highlighting the functions, assumptions, and nature of
science. (Article 1)

3. Citing the case of Haruko Obukata’s Summary Report on STAP Cell

Research Paper Investigation II, what functions, assumptions and nature of
sciences have been violated? How do we ensure integrity and ethics in
conducting research? (article 2)

4. Digest the article “Relevance of Educational Research: An Ontological

Conceptualization” by Sanne et al. Synthesize the paper highlighting the
current issues of educational research. (Article 3)
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

5. Reflect on the article “Scientific societies build better nations” by Leo Tan
Wee Hin & R. Subramaniam. Chart the emerging problems, issues, and
opportunities for research productivity in the Philippine educational system.
How can educational research build better nations? (Article 4)

Research as an Inquiry and a Search for Knowledge

Humans are innately curious and have been observing matters

concerning the universe which changed their way of living over time. The
process of searching for more scientific knowledge has paved the way for
scientific concepts and disciplines. Throughout our history, we have started
acquiring and refining knowledge in many ways.

Knowledge is access to human powers. It can refer to both theoretical

and practical understanding of a subject, which includes facts, descriptions,
information, and skills acquired through experience or learned through books
and other means. We also learn things through perception and sensation
which often take the form of beliefs and judgment. The most practical way of
acquiring knowledge is through the method of science or the scientific
method. This method is done by framing questions and systematically finding
answers. All the information we acquire becomes knowledge when it is
conceived and understood.

One of the main objectives of scientific research is to find out facts and
establish reliable theories and laws based on them, which can be used to
explain and predict phenomena or events. The formal definition's usage of the
phrase "systematic investigation" describes how research is often carried out:
a hypothesis is developed, suitable research procedures are developed, data
are collected and processed, and research findings are summarized into one
or more research conclusions. In most scientific fields, the study is employed
as a tool to comprehend and address issues that will benefit individuals
(Thomas, 2015).

Research is viewed as an inquiry because it is understood that

research is an iterative process that involves asking more complex or novel
questions, which in turn leads to the development of new topics or lines of
investigation in any discipline (ACRL, 2016). Inquiry is the process of looking
for answers to questions and may entail many techniques, depending on the
discipline (Hasa, 2021). On the other hand, the systematic and formal
investigation and study of materials and sources to establish facts and draw
novel conclusions are known as research. Both research and inquiry entail
methodical investigations with the goal of advancing knowledge.

Research is a search for knowledge. It is an endeavor that increases

the comprehension of our existence and contributes to our knowledge by
establishing facts. Research begins when we want to know something, and it
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

provides us with the information and knowledge needed for problem-solving

and making decisions. It is important to our daily life because it propels
humanity forward. It is fueled by curiosity to discover everything there is to
know. Learning is thriving. Without curiosity and inquiry, development would
stall, and life, as we know it now, would be entirely different.

Biomimicry: Design by Analogy to Biology?

Researchers and scientists are innately curious, and throughout the

years, they have shaped the world around us and created many incredible
things. We continuously deepen our understanding of space, time and our
place in nature and look to nature for inspiration. The interconnected
understanding on the principles of nature to create products, processes and
systems which help solve environmental problems and other challenges has
given rise to biomimicry.

To produce inventions that are commercially feasible, biomimicry relies

on the expertise of technical and business specialists. Biomimicry is focused
on re-connecting with and developing a new appreciation for Nature,
inspiration, ideation, and education, with the overall goal of sustainability. A
chance to put things right is provided by biomimicry, which encourages us to
adopt a systemic perspective of our environment and start living within its
bounds. Biomimicry acknowledges that there are countless organisms and
ecosystems around us that can teach us how to live and thrive on Earth
(DeLuca, 2014).

Biomimicry is one of our keys to survival. According to (Chaurasia &

Srivastava, 2020), “the intersection of Biology and Technology would be the
most enticing and successful invention for this 21st century. A modern
definition of the fittest survival”.   Innovating painless injections with easy
penetration in surgery, responsive pressure sensors for tsunami detection
before reaching shore, artificial skin made of spider silk, substance inspired by
the lotus that self-cleans, increasing powerful wind power, creating
sustainable development, reducing energy usage, increasing high grain
yields, improving soil and water quality for future generations, enhanced
cameras and multifocal contact lenses inspired by the gecko lizard (Gekkota),
with multifocal optical system, 350 times more sensitive than humans,
responsive pressure sensors for tsunami detection before reaching shore,
artificial skin made of spider silk, lotus-inspired self-cleaning substance, and
innovative pain-free injections with easy penetration in surgery, artificial
cochlear radio chip that makes it possible for mobile devices to operate
internet and radiotelephone services, SONAR (Sound Navigation and
Ranging) system developed by Bat to create navigation sticks for blind
persons that can locate obstacles, Robotic arms like the elephant trunk help
the disabled people since it has 40,000 muscles and Cicada (Cicadidae)
wings contain antibacterial properties, light antireflection, a superhydrophobic
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

surface, and a special Si wet-process nanostructure that demonstrates

antibacterial property to E. Coli (Zhang, Wang, & Lavanen, 2013).

By using the examples of the creatures that have existed for billions of
years before us, biomimicry enables us to adapt to our world. (Saluja, 2022)
claims that biomimicry can be divided into three levels: shape, organism
behavior, and ecology. On the most fundamental level, nature paints a
complete picture of rich and diverse forms that can endure the environment
and its wide range of conditions. In the second level of biomimicry, the
behavior of the organism is imitated rather than the organism itself. Numerous
species attempt to address their issues while working within the constraints of
energy and material availability while overcoming the obstacles posed by the
external environment.

Biomimicry is a process drawing on natural organisms and their

processes that spark innovation. These biological solutions can address many
challenges encountered by living organisms such as lack of energy and other
capabilities. These adaptations make it easier for living organisms to survive
making biomimicry has become an important practice today.

Haruko Obukata’s Summary Report on STAP Cell Research Paper

Investigation II

There was research misconduct on two grounds, according to a

summary report on STAP Cell Research Paper Investigation II on Obokata's
work. The fact that all the STAP stem cells, FI stem cells, chimera mice, and
teratomas were produced in ES cell-contaminated conditions is even more
significant because it contradicts all the primary assertions made in the two
studies. The figures in the papers have very little actual data that they have
been able to corroborate, and Obokata, who developed the figures, is
principally to blame for this. The fact that the co-authors and collaborators
missed this point, however, is a severe issue. Particularly, Sasai, who was
instrumental in producing the final draft of the STAP cell publications, and
Wakayama, who oversaw the facility where Obokata worked, share much of
the blame (Ishii, et al., 2014).

The spectacular fall of a Japanese scientist who claimed to have

activated stem cell abilities in regular body cells is a result of a lack of integrity
and humility as a scientific researcher. Research ethics and integrity practices
ensure that research is carried out in accordance with the highest standards
of practice and with the least possibility of negative or harmful outcomes or
consequences. The research community and the public will have more faith in
the results of your research, and the quality of your research output will
improve (Rasco & Power, 2015).
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

Every culture values the search and sharing of knowledge, and the
public anticipates receiving significant benefits from the inventive and creative
contributions of scientists. Scientists are held more responsible for the greater
society of which they are a part as science grows more and more entangled
with important social, philosophical, economic, and political issues. The ideals
and professional standards that guide scientists' research as well as their
efforts to carry out their work with integrity must therefore be periodically
reviewed. Thus, making it as crucial now more than ever. For science to
remain excellent and for the public to continue to have faith in it, research
must be conducted with integrity. The idea of research integrity, however,
cannot be summed up in a single sentence. Integrity, in the eyes of a
scientist, is primarily a dedication to intellectual honesty and personal
accountability. It relates to one's moral makeup and life experiences. By
upholding norms of excellence, reliability, and legality, an institution commits
to fostering an environment that encourages responsible behavior. Then, it
evaluates whether researchers and administrators agree that this environment
has been produced with a high level of integrity (National Research Council
(US) and Institute of Medicine (US) Committee, 2002).

Relevance of Educational Research: An Ontological Conceptualization

The subject on the significance of educational research comes up

frequently. The results and effects of research are the primary focus of current
interpretations of relevance. Ontological conception of relevance
is contending that there are more issues at stake than just results and effects.
Ontology of education and learning are defined as people's meaningful
movements in a constantly changing world and suggest that the relevance of
educational research lies in what we term "ontological synchronization"—
constant sensitivity to what is happening, what matters are at hand, and what
future is being generated, including what values and judgments researchers
themselves perpetuate in society. Therefore, synchronization depends on a
disciplinary and ethical commitment to actuality and generativity norms
(Akkerman, Bakker, & Penuel, 2021).

An ontology is a multidimensional representation of a learning domain.

It outlines the fundamental ideas and principles, as well as the cognitive
demands they entail, that are necessary for competence in any given domain,
whether that domain establishes a unit, a course, or school standards. The
supplemental knowledge and abilities that we are expected to acquire as
we advance toward proficiency are drilled down from these key principles.
Thus, an ontology reflects a multi-dimensional description of what learning is,
how it develops knowledge and abilities, and offers an organizational
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

framework for integrating expectations, charting progress, and organizing

learning resources and supports (Baker, 2012).

Why does one's perception of social reality and knowledge connect to

educational research? One perspective holds that the research a person
conducts, and their aims, goals, and philosophical presuppositions are closely
intertwined. Understanding the philosophical foundations that guide one's
choice of research topics, methodology, methodologies, and goals is
necessary for those who want to perform clear, precise research and evaluate
another people's research. Therefore, how one approaches learning about the
connections between events and social behavior and how they assess their
own and other people's research depends on how they perceive the concepts
of social reality and knowledge (Mack, 2010).

The research topic's actuality is determined by how critical it is to

resolve the issues at a specific time and place. Any scientific research should
be socially meaningful, contain new scientific knowledge, generalize the best
experience, solve new theoretical issues, and expose methods of applying
theory conditions of activity in the current environment of scientific thought
development. That is, every scientific research should be pertinent to the
social context in which it is conducted or should result in new information that
pushes the frontiers of understanding in a field of study (Akkerman, Bakker, &
Penuel, 2021).

The principle of generativity means responsivity to what future is in the

making, in the sense of care about what is given life and put into the world
with potential to develop further, though in unpredictable ways. Generativity
entails both the motive and the behavior to support and guide younger people
and to benefit "future generations." There has been emphasis on the
importance of generativity in other contexts, such as social discourse,
psychosocial development, and social transformation. In the context of
educational research, this means being responsive to the possibilities and
impossibilities that are formed by and for people in terms of positions, aims,
and emerging potential, as well as the kinds of conditions that scientific
activity co-produces along the way. Thus, from an ontological perspective,
generativity transcends the analysis of the results of specific learning
processes. It includes consideration for the importance that learning will have
as it develops for people's subsequent lives. Generativity is a term that refers
to an increased concern for the significance of possibly long-lasting structures
for both the present and future generations when it comes to researching
educational and learning environments (Akkerman, Bakker, & Penuel, 2021).
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

Scientific societies build better nations

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) has provided rules and

directives that are mostly focused towards improving research productivity
considering the lack of studies in Philippine higher education institutions
(HEIs). The country's HEIs have reacted in various ways to the call for
universities to have a larger focus on conducting research. Universities in
industrialized nations have a long history of conducting research. Faculty
members at higher education institutions (HEIs) have constantly
demonstrated research productivity along with other characteristics that
support the process since they view it as a crucial component of their duties.
On the other hand, colleges in underdeveloped nations have continued to
prioritize teaching above research (Clemeña & Acosta, 2007).

In Scopus journals, Philippine education research was placed fifth

among Southeast Asian neighbors. This demonstrates how well the
Philippines does in education research published in Scopus journals. With this
information, it is hoped that our scholars will be inspired to work harder in their
studies of the Philippines' current situation and will be inspired by other
countries' admirable efforts. Schools that offer education programs should
integrate teacher education into multiple systematic career interest segments,
such as adding additional research exposures to the curriculum in addition to
the usual research or thesis writing, to fill in this gap. Institutions should make
substantial efforts to measure research activities to support the development
of the nation's research capacity across cultural and regional boundaries. This
could also refer to research projects that use a multidisciplinary approach and
involve scholars from many universities working together to share resources
for research and development. Because of educational institutions' mandates
that faculty and students publish research for promotion and degree-granting
in ISI/Scopus journals as well as in journals certified by CHED, a culture of the
necessity for research has developed in the Philippines (Guido & Orleans,
2020).

Scientists and Engineers are obviously needed right away in

developing nations to design public works projects, manage various
development initiatives, and help the numerous manufacturing businesses in
the nation get off the ground. Engineers are typically needed, at least initially,
to man, operate, and maintain technical equipment that may have been
created elsewhere since in the early stages, a large portion of the highly
technical equipment needed will be designed and manufactured in one of the
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

more developed countries (Taylor, 2015). Many aspects of social and

economic development, from pest-resistant crops to less wasteful food
processing, from prenatal care and child health to the prevention and
treatment of diseases, from the reduction of environmental contaminants to
water filtration, and from more dependable electricity to more effective and
affordable communication and transportation systems, can be improved
through the better application of technologies of broad international interest
(National Research Council, 2006).

For development and advancement, a nation must be built. The

advancement of education is what nation-building means. Research is the
cornerstone of nation formation. Knowledge drives the development of
research. Knowledge is the capacity of the human intellect to think creatively.
An individual who has such original thoughts is crucial to the field of research.
Research is the expansion of knowledge stock where we can learn more
details about anything and use the application of this additional knowledge in
the creation of a nation. The primary goal of research is information
acquisition so that we may effectively develop our country. To build society,
polity, and economy for the reduction of poverty, unemployment, inequality,
etc., we need to combine research with national development. The nation's
principal objective is to encourage R&D to create more employment, improve
economic efficiency, and improve growth. When we construct a nation, we
require a substantial financial investment, and only research can ensure the
success of this investment. We need a lot of applications of science and
technology since, as we can see, our society is changing daily, and our basic
requirements are also changing. Without research, there will be no national
progress. If we want our country to grow and become brighter every day, we
must focus on our creative ideas to build a secure and stable country. With
research, we shall advance the success of our country to a new high. We may
be able to solve problems with the use of study, which can assist with national
issues (Sharma, 2020). There is no requirement for institutional infrastructure,
government approval, or significant financing for the establishment of
scientific societies. All that is necessary is for a core group of scientists
committed to realizing a goal to get together (Hin & Subramaniam, 1999).
 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

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 Republic of the Philippines
CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School, Andrews Campus, Caritan, Tuguegarao City
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH AND STATISTICS

https://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/feb/18/haruko-obokata-stap-cells-
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