NATURE OF

RESEARCH
Carla Villamor
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
 LEARNING OUTCOMES:
On the completion of this unit, you should be able to :
1. explain the meaning and importance of research;
2. describe the nature of research;
3. Distinguish scientific research and common sense;
4. state the purpose of research;
5. Identify and distinguish the different sources of knowledge;
and
6. Differentiate the three kinds of research: basic or
theoretical, applied and practical.
More definitions of RESEARCH
CHARACTERISTICS
OF RESEARCH
The major characteristics of any research are:

◦Objectivity
◦Precision
◦Design
◦Verifiability
Objectivity:

◦ BEYOND THE SUBJECTIVE BIAS OF THE RESEARCHER

◦ NOT to seek only such data that supports his/her hypothesis
◦ Emphasis: testing, rather than proving the hypothesis
◦ permit the data and logic to lead independently to a sound conclusion

Objectivity is achieved through standardization of

research instruments, choosing appropriate research design
and analytical tools and ensuring dependability of data.
Precision:

◦ achieved through the uses of statistical methods and

techniques
◦ research conclusions convey the exact meaning to the reader;
which explains or represents the truth

Precise language describes the study accurately so that

the study may be replicated or the results correctly used.
Design:

in general, undergo the following steps:

– defining of the problem,
– statement of the hypothesis,
– collection and analysis of data,
– testing and confirmation or rejection of hypothesis, and
– reporting of results.

Only if the research has been carried out by using a specified process, it can be
replicated for verification.
Verifiability:

Research methods and findings presented to

the professional community for other researchers
to analyze, confirm or reject them.
Research is a social enterprise and its
information is open for public scrutiny.
Verifiability:

Verifiability: related to the criteria of objectivity and

precision.

Only through further investigation or replication of studies can the

results of a single study be confirmed or revised.

Through this process, a body of new knowledge is developed and

new questions identified.
Verifiability:

Verifiability is achieved primarily through two

different approaches:
1.analyzing the same data on the same sample
through alternative analytical tools (statistical
methods)
2.replicating the study on a different sample
RESEARCH vs COMMON SENSE
◦Research is a process by which one acquires
dependable and useful information about a
phenomenon or a process. It may be broadly
defined “as a systematic inquiry towards
understanding a complex social phenomenon or a
process”.
Research involves scientific process.

It requires systematic procedure in investigating

observable phenomenon.

The researcher studies the data objectively and

examines critically the findings if his/her own
investigation against those conducted by others,
after which he/she identifies the weaknesses and
strengths of his/her own study.
Therefore, not simply based on common sense
WHY do we conduct research?
Purpose:

Research, as explained earlier, is systematic and

critical investigation of a phenomena. It identifies the
variables, collects and analyses data on such variables
to find answers to certain crucial questions. These
answers CONTRIBUTE FURTHER TO INCREASE
HUMAN KNOWLEDGE.
KNOWLEDGE FROM
DIFFERENT TYPES OF
SOURCES
(Seliger and Shohamy, 1989)
Type 1: Knowledge as belief:

What is Knowledge?
Knowledge can be defined as information or awareness gained through experience or
education.
Knowledge involves a collection of data.

What is Belief?
Belief is a firmly held opinion.
belief stems from the pure conviction of an individual
Belief has faith as the factor that governs
Type 1: Knowledge as belief:

Conclusions are not based on empirical

investigation, but on common sense; they
should be considered as bases for forming
hypotheses rather than established
knowledge about second language
acquisition and learning.
Type 2: Knowledge as authority:

Certain conclusions become acceptable since they

come a source whose views on a phenomenon in
his/her field of research are regarded as educated
judgment, thereby gaining popularity. Some methods
that were accepted and became popular on the basis
of authority were the Silent Way, Suggestopedia, and
Community Language Learning.
Type 3: A priori knowledge:

It resembles beliefs, but this type is usually based on

previous systematic investigation, as in the theory of
language acquisition that to make input
comprehensible to learners and to lead ultimately to
successful classroom acquisition’ modified
interaction is important (Doughty and Pica, 1986). In
second language research, theories begin with priori
knowledge.
Type 4: Empirical knowledge:

Knowledge is the result of empirical study which goes

through the process of observation and experiment.
The researcher interacts with the real world, observes
the phenomenon, before he draws conclusions.
Theories are tested carefully and proven by other
researchers who are actually involved in language
research by which they gather and validate data
collected.
KINDS OF RESEARCH
 Kinds of Research
Basic Research
Basic research also known as
“pure” research is directed
towards the development of a
scientific knowledge rather
than its practical application.
Applied Research
◦ Applied research
considered as an action
research is directed towards
the practical application of
the scientific knowledge. It
attempts to explain certain
problems brought about by
certain phenomenon; it may
modify, improve and
existing theory, or develop
a new theory.
Action/Practical Research
◦ Practical research
is directed towards
materials
development gained
from practical
knowledge or
experience.
 Kinds of Research
Basic Research Applied Research Action/Practical Research
◦ generating theories and
◦ applied findings ◦actual
models to explain
phenomena on language in language
acquisition and learning
teaching and practical
learning application
methods
of these
approaches, and
techniques theories
Pure research

◦Basic or pure research starts from scientist’s drive to

know the truth. And, major motives behind this
research is not commercial gains but to expand
knowledge. This kind of research is very challenging
for the researcher. The researcher tests hypothesis
and theories, this may take several years to get the
results.
Pure research

◦ The results of the basic research are sometimes not

applicable to the audience immediately. But, it helps in
conducting further applied research in that particular
field. It can take several years to yield results of this kind
of research. But, the results are aimed to improve human
knowledge about that particular field. Mostly, it is done in
laboratories or in large research centers.
Pure research

◦Scientists believe that a growth in pure research can

help in undertaking more of the applied research. As,
pure research helps in developing new techniques,
methodologies, instruments and underlying
knowledge for the applied research. Pure research
sometimes results in great discoveries.
Applied research

◦ Most of the research in pure sciences, social science, and

applied sciences is applied research. The purpose of an
applied research is to solve an immediate problem. In
other words, applied research is more related and
concerned with the current situation in a particular field.
The researcher aims to solve everyday problems with the
findings of applied research.
Applied research

Applied research is mostly commercial in nature. Educational

institutes, health institutes, government and non-government
organizations fund applied research. Applied research solves
current problem, and therefore, most scientists prefer to do it. They
look at an issue and propose a hypothesis to solve it. This
hypothesis needs a research methodology to test it. The results
show whether the hypothesis is true or false. The results and the
conclusions are mostly applicable immediately to solve the
problem.
Applied research

◦ Many scientists believe that applied research is the

solution to solve many of the current problems. Like,
global warming, over population, pollution, poverty,
unemployment, economical crisis, etc. There are many
types of applied research, like, qualitative, quantitative,
experimental, exploratory, explanatory, etc. Each of these
research have their own methodology, application, and
significance.
Action research

◦ This type of research solves problems very immediately. The actors

or the researchers are the people facing the problem. For example,
in a classroom setting the teacher encounters a problem. The
teacher takes action about the problem and solves it immediately.
For example, a teacher solves a problem in her class. She knows
the situation and the reason behind the problem. And thus, she
uses this knowledge to solve the problem. This is very helpful in
solving current issues and it does not take long time to solve a
problem.
Action research

◦Mostly it is done in educational institutions, health

institutions, communities, or in professional
organizations. Actions research is very helpful in
gaining immediate insight about the problem. The
actors or people involved gain more knowledge and
experience to solve any such problems in future.
Basic vs. Applied Research

◦If you plan to obtain data that can be used to

formulate, expand, or evaluate theory you will
be doing basic research. Discovery of knowledge
for the sake of knowledge.
◦Applied research solves practical problems.
Actual problems and the conditions in which
they are found in practice
Experimental

◦„Used to determine what may be

◦„Uses independent & dependent variables to
confirm or reject a hypothesis.
◦„Major purpose is to determine what may be
KEY POINTS
Research aims to
describe, identify, control
relationships among
phenomena to test existing
principles and develop a
theory.
Language research
brings us in contact with
different sources of
knowledge; belief, authority,
a priori theories, and
empirical evidence.
Research can be
categorized as basic or
theoretical. Although each
kind may be carried out
separately and
independently, their
relationship is not
unidirectional.
◦Choose a language research
for each of the types of
Team Activity
research discussed:
Discuss your
◦Pure/basic research chosen research
◦Applied research in relation to the
◦Action/Practical research types of research
discussed