Methods of

Research
ES 323
Christie Angel B. Alensub, MAEd- ELT
Course Description
The course aims to introduce the basic
ideas, concepts, principles of research
methodology, the problem, methods of
research, preparation of research
instruments design to arrive at exact
analysis and interpretation data.
 Course Outline:
After completion of the course, the student can:

-Show understanding on underlying concepts, principles

and basic methods of research.
-Demonstrate skills in utilizing research process.
-Apply research process in constructing thesis proposal.
-Conduct Group Participatory Action Research and Rapid
Rural Appraisal System.
-Defend Thesis Proposal to the Panel examiners.
 Course Requirement:s
1. Thesis Titles ( midterm ) and Thesis Proposals ( finals)
2. Grading System
Prelim/Midterm/Finals (exams, defense) 33.3%
Quizzes/written requirements 33.3 %
Group or individual paper presentation,
portfolio, recitation 33. 3 %
 Content/ Topics
Introduction of Research
The Research Problem and Objectives
Related Literature and Studies
Research Methods/Research Designs
Sampling Design
Collection of Data
Data Processing
Statistical Treatment
Data Analysis, Presentation and
Interpretation of Data
 Introduction of
Research

▸The word research can be split into two

words: re, a prefix which means “again,”
and search, which means “to look for
something.”
Thus, research means “ to look for
something again.”
 Research
Introduction of
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
RESEARCH comprises defining and redefining
problems, hypothesis or suggested solution;
collecting, organizing and evaluating data, making
deductions and reaching conclusions to determine
whether they fit the formulating hypothesis. The
manipulation of things, concepts or symbols for the
purpose of generalizing to extend, correct or verify
knowledge, whether that knowledge aids in
construction of theory or in the practice of an art.
 Research
Introduction of
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research in simple terms refers to search for
knowledge. It is a scientific and systematic search for
information on a particular topic or issue. It is also
known as the art of scientific investigation.
 Research
Introduction of
WHAT IS RESEARCH?
Research may be done inductively or deductively.
Research is done inductively if it starts with analyzing
a phenomenon and ends with identifying its
underlying principles, theories or processes.

On the other hand, the deductive approach begins

with specifying hypotheses and continue with
verifying these through evidence or data.
VALUES OF RESEARCH TO MAN?

Research
Introduction of
Research improves quality of life. Research has led
man in his search for ways to improve his life.
Research improves instruction and students’
achievements. Research has no beginning and no
end.
Research reduces the burden of work. Modern
technology gadgets, tools, appliances- are all products
of research and are available everywhere.
Research satisfies man’s needs. Due to products of
research, man’s conventional ways of living have
changed.
 Types of Research
Functions and
EXPLORATION DESCRIPTION EXPLANATION
The researcher
Why is research being conducted? must clearly
identify and state
Research is classified into different types according to FUNCTION. purpose or
objective of the
research.
EXPLORATION

Research
Functions of
When the purpose of a research is to provide a foundation
for future studies, it is called EXPLORATORY
RESEARCH. It seeks to find more information about a
topic and broader perspective or additional knowledge to
what is currently known. A research may explore a new
topic of interest or explore new angles of a theory.
Exploring new topics may lead to the discovery of
unexpected things, ideas, or phenomena.
DESCRIPTION

Research
Functions of
The aim of descriptive research is to give additional
information on newly discovered ideas which were results
of explorations. DESCRIPTIVE RESEARCH fills in the
details and the gaps regarding a particular idea to expand
understanding. Here, much more information is needed to
be supplied in order to answer the ‘what’ and ‘how’
questions instead of formulating unsure explanations.
EXPLANATION

Research
Functions of
Once the newly discovered idea was described in detail, it is
imperative that we understand ‘why’ it came into existence
and connect these ideas to know the cause and effect.
Explanatory research looks on how things are connected
together and how things interact. This type of research aims to
explain relationships existing between variables.
 Types of Research
Functions and
PURE/BASIC APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL
RESEARCH RESEARCH RESEARCH The researcher
must clearly
Based on application of research methods identify and state
purpose or
objective of the
research.
PURE/ BASIC RESEARCH

Research
Pure/Basic
Basic research is also called fundamental research or pure
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 facts without any
particular thought of immediate practical utility.

The result of basic research is theoretical knowledge.

 Research
Pure/Basic
01
Hooke’s Law
Robert Hooke’s Law states, “ Within the limit of perfect elasticity, strain is
directly proportional to stress. “ (Manlulu, 1985)

02
Newton’s Law
Isaac Newton conducted pure research known as Newton’s Law of Motion. It
states, “ A body at rest remains at rest and a body in motion will ocntinue to
move with the same velocity in a straight line unless acted upon by an
external force.” (Rebollos et al., 1985)

03
Boyle’s Law
Robert Boyle’s Law states, “ If the temperature remains constant, the volume
of confined gas is inversely proportional to the pressure.”
(Robollos et al. 1986
APPLIED RESEARCH

Research
Applied
Applied research is seeking new application of scientific
knowledge of developing a new system or procedure, a new
device, and a new method in order to solve a problem. Inn
this type of research the problem is identified and a new
system or a new method is applied in order to solve a
problem.

Applied research produces knowledge of practical use to

man.
 Research
Applied
Problem: in a pineapple cannery, pineapple peelings are a major
problem due to its foul odor pollutes the environment due to bulk
pineapple peelings accumulated.

Solution: new study must be conducted to reduce or eliminate the

problem utilize new method or a procedure must be developed.
Utilize the pineapple peelings for soap production
DEVELOPMENTAL RESEARCH

Research
Developmental
Developmental/Action Research is decision-oriented
research involving the application of scientific methods in
response to an immediate need to improve existing practices.
This process involves the study of certain problem (in vivo)
within the living (studies that are done with living organism.)
and drawing decisions for development and improvement of
the study.
 Research
Developmental
Test trial of a new medication or product on living mice or rabbits.

New medications are trialed to search for a potential new cure or

a way to limit suffering.

Cultured seaweed, particularly Eucheuma using the broadcasting

method has existed in the locality, it can be improved using
different methods like rafts methods.
 Research
Classification of
LIBRARY FIELD RESEARCH LABORATORY
RESEARCH RESEARCH The researcher
must clearly
identify and state
purpose or
objective of the
research.
LIBRARY RESEARCH

Research
Classification of
This is done in the library where specific questions or
problems of the study are available. Designs like historical
designs where primary and secondary sources are found.

FIELD RESEARCH

This is conducted in a natural setting. No changes are made

in the environment. Field research is both applicable to
descriptive and experimental methods.
LABORATORY RESEARCH

Research
Classification of
This is conducted in artificial and controlled conditions by
isolating or separating the study in a specified thoroughly
operationalized area.

The purposes are to:

a. Test the hypothesis derived from theory
b. Control variance under research conditions
c. Discover the relations between the dependent and
independent variables.
 Research
Methods of Inquiry
QUALITATIVE QUANTITATIVE
RESEARCH METHOD RESEARCH METHOD The researcher
must clearly
There are two general methods of inquiry employed in conducting identify and state
research paper- the QUALITATIVE METHOD and the QUANTITATIVE purpose or
METHOD. objective of the
research.
 Research
Methods of Inquiry
QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN

is an inductive, subjective process of inquiry done in a natural

setting in order to build a complex, holistic picture, described in
words, including the detailed views of the participants are
reported informal, personal language.
 Research
Methods of Inquiry
QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH DESIGN

is a deductive, objective process of inquiry where the variables

in the study are measured in numbers and analyzed using
statistical procedures in order to describe or make
generalizations and reported in formal, impersonal language.
QUANTI VS QUALI
 Activity: 3-4
Group
Identify an issue/problem (generic or specific) and
look for three possible research projects that might
Discuss your output in
remove or reduce the problem's impact, as well as
class next meeting
the sort of research/method you could employ.
 Activity: 3-4
Group
Identify the issue (general or particular) and search
for three potential research papers that might aid
Discuss your output in
in developing an intervention or solution. You
class next meeting
should also consider the type of study or
methodology that you could use.
 FORMAT:
Format:
(Times New Roman, 12 FONT SIZE, JUSTIFY, A4 SIZE)
THE PROBLEM:
PROPOSED PROJECTS/STUDIES:
JUSTIFICATION:
TYPES OF METHOD/RESEARCH USED:
REFERENCES: (APA FORMAT)
MEMBERS:
 The
Variable

A VARIABLE is defined as a quantity

susceptible or liable to fluctuation or
change in value, level, degree, scale,
or magnitude under different
conditions. These quantitates
represent numerical values, groups
classes
 Kinds of Variable
There are five kinds of variable. These are:
1. Independent Variable
2. Dependent Variable
3. Moderator Variable
4. Control Variable
5. Intervening Variable
 Independent Variable
1. Independent Variable
Independent Variable is the stimulus or cause variable chosen by
the researcher to determine the relationship of an observed
phenomenon.
1.

Independent Variable
Suppose the researcher wants to study the survival rate and weight of
catfish cultured in backyard fishpond using shrimp meal and bread meal
as supplemental feeds.

SURVIVAL RATE AND WEIGHT OF CATFISH CULTURED IN BACKYARD

FISHPOND USING SHRIMP MEAL AND BREAD MEAL AS SUPPLEMENTAL
FEEDS

What do you think is/are the independent variable/s in this study?

 Independent Variable
1.
Suppose the researcher wants to study the survival rate and weight of
catfish cultured in backyard fishpond using shrimp meal and bread meal
as supplemental feeds.

SURVIVAL RATE AND WEIGHT OF CATFISH CULTURED IN BACKYARD

FISHPOND USING SHRIMP MEAL AND BREAD MEAL AS
SUPPLEMENTAL FEEDS

They are stimuli variables that manipulated or operated.

 Independent Variable
1.
Suppose the researcher wishes to study the Socio economic status of
students and their academic achievement.

SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF STUDENTS AND THEIR ACADEMIC

ACHIEVEMENT.

What do you think is/are the independent variable/s in this study?

 Independent Variable
1.
Suppose the researcher wishes to study the Socio economic status of
students and their academic achievement.

SOCIO ECONOMIC STATUS OF STUDENTS AND THEIR ACADEMIC

ACHIEVEMENT.

The cause variable, or the one that identifies forces or conditions that act
on something.
 Dependent Variable
2. Dependent Variable
Dependent Variable is response variable or effect that is observed or
measured to determine the effect of the independent variable. It changes
when the independent variable varies.
2.

Dependent Variable
Using the same Illustration 1 example of independent variables on the
study of survival rate and weight of catfish cultured in backyard fishpond
using shrimp meal and bread meal as supplemental feeds, the
dependent variables are survival rate and weight of catfish because they
are the response/outcome variables as effects of the independent
variable.

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Shrimp Meal Survival Rate

Bread Meal Weight (Shrimp Meal)
Weight (Breas Meal)
 Dependent Variable
2.
Using the same Illustration 2 example of independent variables on the
study of the Socio economic status of students and their academic
achievement the dependent variable is the academic achievement of the
students because it is the effect or result or outcome of the cause.

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Socio economic status Mean average score

Educational bsckground
Financial background
 Moderator Variable
3. Moderator Variable
Moderator Variable is a special kind of independent variable chosen by
the researcher to determine if it changes or modifies the relationship
between the independent and the dependent.

For instance, if a researcher wishes to determine the effects of IV A on the

DV B, but suspects that a third factor C changes or modifies the
relationship between A and B, factor C is considered as moderator
variable
 Control Variable
4. Control Variable
Control Variable is a variable that is managed by the researcher in
which the effects can be neutralized by eliminating or removing the
variable.

For example, the researcher wishes to determine the effects of

IV A on DV B. He may control X (control variable) because he cannot do
many variables simultaneously. Control variable will guarantee that it
will not have a moderating effect on the relationship between A and B.
 Control Variable
4. Extraneous Variable
An almost infinite number of Extraneous Variable (EV) exist that might
conceivably affect a given relationship. Some can be treated as
independent or moderating variables, but most must either be assumed
or excluded from the study. Such variables have to be identified by the
research. In order to identify the true relationship between the
independent and dependent variable, the effect of the extraneous
variables may have to be controlled.
 Intervening Variable
5. Intervening Variable
Intervening variable hinders the independent and dependent variables,
but the effects can either strengthen or weaken the independent and
dependent variable.

For instance, the researcher wishes to determine how A (IV) will affect
the B (DV). It is possible that E (Intervening variable) might have an effect
on B.
 Intervening Variable
5.
Suppose the researcher wishes to conduct a study on the survival rate of
culturing koi in glass aquarium using fish meal and bread meal as
supplemental feeds. The independent variables are koi, fish, meal, and
bread meal, and the dependent variables are survival rate and weight of
koi using fish meal and survival rate and weight of koi using bread meal.
But, it is possible that water, oxygen, electricity, and temperature might
affect the survival rate of koi. As such, they become intervening variables.
5.

Intervening Variable
Schematic Diagram of Independent, Intervening, and Dependent variables of
Koi Cultured in Aquarium Using Fish Meal and Bread Meal as Supplemental
Feeds.

Independent Variables Dependent Variables

Intervening Variables
Koi Survival Rate and
Water Weight Increment
Fish Meal
Oxygen (Fish Meal) Survival
Bread Meal
Electricity Rate and Weight
Temperature Increment (Bread Meal
 Basic Process of
Research
Research is, to say the least, a process. It proceeds
from one to the next in a progression until its
completion. At some point in in the process, the
researcher needs to go back to rethink, re-evaluate
or repeat.

In general, all research follows these main

steps:
 Research
Basic Process of
01 Selection of Research
Problem

02
Extensive Literature Survey

03
Making Hypothesis

04
Preparing the Research Design

05
Sampling
 Research
Basic Process of
06 Data Collection

07 Data Analysis

08 Hypothesis Testing

09 Generalization and Interpretation

10
Preparation of Report
 Problem
Selection of Research
The selection of topic for research is difficult job. When we select a title or
research statement, then other activities would be easy to perform. The
research topic or problem should be practical, relatively important,
feasible ethically and politically acceptable.

Curiosity, interest, hunches, and enthusiasm are important ingredients in

science. Once the researcher has identified an area of interest, it is useful
to dive right in by reading articles and books and talking with people who
work in the area.
 Survey
Extensive Literature
Literature Review or
After the selection of research problem, the second step is that of
literature mostly connected with the topics. The availability of the
literature may bring ease in the research. For this Purpose academic
journals, conference and govt. reports and library must be studied.
 Making Hypothesis
The development of hypothesis is a technical work depends on the
researcher experience. The hypothesis is to draw the positive & negative
cause and effect aspects of a problem. Hypothesis narrows down the
area of research and keep a researcher on the right path.
 Design
Preparing the Research
After the formulation of the problem the creating hypothesis for it,
research Design is to prepare by the researcher. It may draw the
conceptual structure of the problem. Any type of research design may be
made, depend on the nature and purpose of the study. During the
formation of the design, the sources, skills, time and finance are taken
into consideration.
 Sampling
The researcher must design a sample. It is a plan for taking its
respondents from a specific area. The sample may be two types:

Probability Sampling
Non-Probability Sampling
 Data Collection
Data collection is the most important work as a researcher. The
collection of information must be containing on facts which is from the
following two types of researcher.
Primary Data Collection: Primary data may be from the following:
Experimental
Questionnaire
Observation
Interview
Secondary data collection: it has the following categories:
Review of literature
Official and non-official reports
Library approach
 Data Analysis
When data is collected, it is forwarded for analysis which is the most
technical job. Data analysis may be divided into two main categories.
Data Processing: it is sub-divided into the following.
Data editing, Data coding, Data Classification, Data tabulation, Data
presentation, data measurement

Data Exposition: Data Exposition has the following sub-categories.

Description, Explanation, Narration, Conclusion/Findings,
Recommendations/Suggestions
 Hypothesis Testing
Research data is then forwarded to test hypothesis. Do the hypothesis
relate to the facts or not? To find the answer the process of testing
hypothesis is undertaken which may result in accepting or rejecting the
hypothesis.
 Interpretation
Generalization and
The acceptable hypothesis is possible for researcher to arrive at the
process of generalization or to make a theory. Some types of research
has no hypothesis for which researcher depends upon on theory which is
known as interpretation.
 Research Study
The Phases of a
Idea-Generating Phase Procedures-Design Phase
Identify a topic of interest to Decide on the specific procedures
study. to be used in the gathering and
statistical analysis of the data.
Problem-Definition Phase
Refine the vague and general Observation Phase
idea (s) generated in the Use the procedures devised in the
gathering and statistical previous step to collect your
analysis of the data. observation
 Research Study
The Phases of a
Data Analysis Phase Communication Phase
Analyze the data collected Prepare a written or oral report of
using appropriate statistical your study for publication or
procedures. presentation to colleagues. Your
Interpretation Phase report should include a description of
Compare your results with all the proceeding steps.
the results predicted based on
your theory. Do your results
support the teory?
 Research
Problem

A Research Problem is a statement

about an area of concern, a condition to
be improved, a difficulty to be eliminated,
or troubling question that exists in
scholarly literature, in theory, or practice
that points to the need for meaningful
understanding and deliberate
investigation.
Engineering is a profession of applied science. Engineers must

Research Problem
creatively find new ways to solve problems, and are always
real-world problems. As a result, they are usually more complex
than most problems studied in school, since many of the
assumptions that are made to illustrate a concept are no longer
valid. Yet, engineers still must come up with some solution. With
so many new factors to consider when forming a solution, the
entire process may seem daunting. In this way, one of the most
critical steps in the problem solving process is solid problem
identification. By effectively identifying the exact problem, and
engineer may limit his or her focus to only the factors required to
solve that problem (Shaw, 2001).
The best students may look at generalized problem solving

Research Problem
methods that have been studied and improved upon for decades,
and find a way to apply it to their project.

A research problem is a statement that addresses a gap in

knowledge, a challenge or a contradiction in a particular field.
Scientists use research problems to identify and define the aim of
their study and analysis. You may decide to conduct research
based on a problem if you're interested in contributing to social or
scientific change or supplying additional knowledge to an existing
topic. A research problem may also help identify key concepts and
terms, overarching questions and variables associated with a study.
 Research Problem
What is research problem statement?

A problem statement is the description of an issue currently

existing which needs to be addressed. It provides the context
for research aims to answer. The statement of the problem
is focal point of any research.

How do you identify the problem?

 Seven Steps for An Effective
Problem Solving Process.

1. Identify the issues. Be clear about

what the problem is.
2. Understand everyone’s interests.
3. List possible solutions (options)
4. Evaluate the options
5. Select an option or options
6. Document the agreements (s)
7. Agree on contingencies, monitoring,
and evaluation.
 Research Problem
Necessity of Defining a Research Problem:

The problem to be researched needs to be described

unambiguously as that will help you to discriminate useful data
from the unrelated ones. A proper formulation of research
problem will allow the investigator to be on the track in contrast
to an ill-defined problem may possibly create difficulties.
 Research Problem
Necessity of Defining a Research Problem:

Questions like: What data to be gathered? What attributes

of data are appropriate and need to be analyzed? What
relations should be investigated. What methods should be
employed for the purpose? As well as other questions turn up
in the head of the investigator who can well plan his strategy
and find solutions to these kinds of questions only when the
research problem has been well defined. Therefore, defining
the problem accurately is a necessity for any research and is a
step of the highest value.
 Research Problem
Necessity of Defining a Research Problem:

In fact, formulation of a problem is often vital than its

solution. It is only on thoroughly describing the problem that
we can work out the research design and can efficiently
proceed all the consequential steps needed while doing
research.
1. Identify a general area of interest

Research Problem
How to Define
As you determine an area of study, consider areas that haven't been
explored thoroughly or present challenges within a particular field. Assess
how you might address the area of concern and whether you can develop
a research problem related to this issue. If your research is action-based or
applied, consider contacting those who work in a relevant field to attain
feedback about problems to address. You can also follow up on research
that others have already conducted. Consider these various aspects when
choosing an area of interest:

Contradictions between two or more theoretical perspectives

Situations or natural relationships that haven't been investigated
thoroughly
Processes in an institution or organization that you and your research
team could improve
Areas of concern raised by individuals who work or are experts in a
particular industry
2. Learn more about the problem

Research Problem
How to Define
The next step is to learn more about the area of
interest. Ask yourself what you need to know about a
particular topic before you begin your study. Assess
who or what it might affect and how your research
could address those relationships. Consider whether
other research groups have already tried to solve the
problem you're interested in analyzing and how your
approach might differ.
3. Review the context of the information

Research Problem
How to Define
Reviewing the context of your research involves
defining and testing the environmental variables in
your project, which may help you create a clear and
focused research problem. It may also help you note
which variables are present in the research and how
to account for the impact that they may have on it. By
reviewing the context, you may easily estimate the
amount of data your research is likely to require.
4. Determine relationships between variables

Research Problem
How to Define
After identifying the variables involved in your
research, you can learn how they're related to one
another and how these relationships may contribute
to your research problem. Consider generating as
many potential perspectives and variable interactions
as possible. Identifying the relationships between
variables may be useful when deciding the degree to
which you can control them in your study and how
they might affect potential solutions to the problem
you're addressing.
5. Select and include important variables

Research Problem
How to Define
A clear and manageable research problem typically
includes the variables that are most relevant to the
study. A research team summarizes how they plan to
consider and use these variables and how they might
influence the results of the study. Selecting the most
important variables can help the study's audience
better understand the trajectory of your research and
the potential impact of the solution.
6. Receive feedback and revise

Research Problem
How to Define
Consider contacting mentors, teachers or industry experts for
feedback on your research problem. They may present you with
new information to consider or suggest you edit a particular
aspect of your research design. Revising your research problem
can be a valuable step in creating impactful and precise
research, as well as developing beneficial research skills.
However, before asking for feedback, try asking yourself these
guiding questions:
Does my research problem allow for several solutions and
outcomes?
Am I creating a study that has a testable hypothesis or
theory?
Am I defining all the terms correctly?
Is my research objective comprehensive?
Are all parts of my project understandable?
If you answer affirmatively to most or all of these
questions, it's likely that you have an effective research
 Defining the Research Problem
Important Points to Keep in Mind While
The correct question needs to be addressed if research is to

01 help decision makers. A right answer to the wrong

question leads either to bad advice or to no advice.

Usually in problem we have an inclination to rationalize

02 and defend our actions once we have started upon a

specific research plan. The perfect time to examine and
think about alternative techniques is in the planning stage.
If it is completed unnecessary expense of false start and
redoing work may be prevented.

03
An excellent beginning in problem definition is to ask what
the decision maker want to know if the requested
information can be gathered without error and without
expense.

04 Another excellent rule to follow is “never settle on specific

strategy” without developing and taking into consideration
at least one alternate option.
 The problem definition stage of research is the

Defining the Research Problem

Important Points to Keep in Mind While
05
determination and structuring of the decision maker’s
question. It should be the decision maker’s question and
not the researcher’s question.

06
What decision do you face? Unless you have decision to
make, there isn’t any research problem.

What are the alternatives? In case there are no options to

07 choose, once again there is absolutely no research

problem.

08
What are the factors for selecting the best alternative?
Unless you have criteria for evaluation, again there’s no
problem

09
The researcher should stay away from the acceptance of
the superficial and the obvious.