Defining Research

Prepared by Ms. Mary Grace L. Sagun

Research follows a step-by-step process of investigation that
uses a standardized approach in answering questions or
solving problems (Polit & Beck, 2004).
Research plays an important role in tertiary education. Though
there are many problems confronted by higher education,
developments are realized through research. After all, its main
purpose is to answer a question or to solve an issue (Palispis,
2004).
Research is a continuous undertaking of making known the
unknown (Sanchez, 2002). It entails an investigation of new
facts leading to the discovery of new ideas, methods, or
improvements. It is an attempt to widen one’s outlook in life. It
always proceeds from the known to the unknown. Thus, the
end of research is to arrive at a new truth.
Research is an investigation following ordered steps
leading to a discovery of new information or concepts
(Sanchez, 1999).
Research is a very careful investigation of something
that purports the contribution of additional or new
knowledge and wisdom (Bassey, as cited by Coleman
& Briggs, 2002).
Research is a tested approach of thinking and
employing validated instruments and steps in order to
obtain a more adequate solution to a problem that is
otherwise impossible to address under ordinary means
(Crawford, as cited by Alcantara & Espina, 1995).
CHARACTERISTICS OF
RESEARCH
1. The research should be systematic.
There is a system to follow in conducting research as
there is a system for formulating each of its parts. There is a
big system (macro) and under it are small systems (micro). In
research writing, what is referred to as the “system” is
composed of the chapters and their elements. The
macrosystem is composed of chapters that are organized in
a logical and scientific manner. On the other hand, the
microsystem consists of the detailed contents of each
chapter. The contents are further divided intoelements that
are organized following a systematic procedure.
2. The research should be objective.
Research involves the objective process of analyzing
phenomena of importance to any profession or to different
fields or disciplines (Nieswiadomy, 2005). A researcher should
objectively look at the basis on which the work is founded.
He or she must never produce results out of nowhere; the
results of the research should be validated. These results must
never be based from biases. It is very important for the
researcher to clarify indicators and boundaries within which
the research is confined because these factors could affect
objectivity.
3. The research should be feasible.
Any problem of extraordinary nature that directly
or indirectly affects any profession is a feasible problem to
study. In settings like in the community, school, or workplace,
unusual phenomena may happen and can turn into
potential problems.
4. The research should be empirical.
There should be supporting pieces of evidence and
accompanying details for every variable used in the study.
References and citations of facts and information that the
researcher has gathered in his or her paper must be
included.
Plagiarism constitutes claiming another person’s idea or
intellectual property as one’s own. Through proper
attribution, the researcher states that the knowledge being
shared through the study was taken from the study of other
experts.
5. The research should be clear.
The choice of variables used in the study should
be explained by the researcher. This can be done by
enriching the review of literature or by discussing the different
theories on which the selection of the variables is based.
Therefore, there must be sufficient indicators for each
variable. These variables can be gathered from different
published and unpublished materials.
Key Terms

Clear

Empirical

Feasible

Objective

Systematic